The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 9 May 2012

James Lawton

The American NFL has ownership regulations and vigorously enforced rules against the stockpiling of debt. There is disbelief that a league with the global reach of the Premier League should operate with such light financial restrictions. In the stringent world of major league American sport, the scandal of Blackburn – relegated this week – could not have happened. MORE

Hodgson weighing up Terry dilemma

England manager Roy Hodgson increasingly believes he can only choose one from John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in the squad for Euro 2012 he will name one week today. He is thought to be considering leaving out the former captain Terry. MORE

Holloway ready to hit Blues on break

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway hopes that his semi-final first-leg 1-0 lead will give his forwards an advantage at Birmingham tonight: "That lead is good, because as it stands they now have to come out and that might leave some spaces for our attackers." MORE

Venky's warned over Kean last year

A leaked letter, from Blackburn Rovers' deputy chief executive, Paul Hunt, warned owner Anuradha Desai in December the club risked relegation and administration unless there was "significant investment", and suggested that Steve Kean should go. MORE

Stockdale: Injury showed me the way

Showjumper Tim Stockdale says his neck injury helped renew his love for the sport. "It's charged the batteries, kicked me up the old a**e," he tells i ahead of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. "It's given me an incentive." MORE

Shahzad loaned out to Lancashire

The England bowler Ajmal Shahzad is to spend the summer at Lancashire after joining on loan from Yorkshire. The 26-year-old could be pitched straight into the match at Sussex, with the champions struggling for form. MORE

Haye and Chisora to fight in July

David Haye and Dereck Chisora will fight at Upton Park on 14 July, but under the rules of the Luxembourg Boxing Federation, not the British board. "The board said that Dereck was able to apply for a licence in another jurisdiction," said Frank Warren. MORE

McIlroy relishing Fowler challenge

The Players Championship begins at Sawgrass tomorrow, with the two talented 23-year-olds Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler among the favourites. "With Tiger not playing his best it has spread the spotlight and helps Rickie and I to stand out," McIlroy said. MORE

Bath unveil stellar coaching team

Bath confirmed yesterday that the former Springboks and Newcastle coach Gary Gold would lead them in the 2012-13 season, with former England defence coach Mike Ford and ex-London Irish pair Toby Booth and Neal Hatley working alongside him. MORE

Rampaging Reds gain revenge for Cup final defeat

Liverpool gained a measure of revenge for losing the FA Cup to Chelsea last Saturday, thrashing the London side 4-1 at Anfield last night. Kenny Dalglish's side made a strong start against a weakened Chelsea, scoring three times in nine minutes midway through the first half. Luis Suarez's fine dribble from the byline ended with Michael Essien deflecting into his own net after 18 minutes, before Jordan Henderson, above, swept home following a slip from Chelsea centre-back John Terry. Daniel Agger then headed a third and Stewart Downing hit the post with a penalty. Ramires and Jonjo Shel-vey traded goals after the interval as Liverpool completed the league double over Chelsea for a third time in four seasons. MORE