The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 22 November 2011

Mancini relieves pressure on City

Roberto Mancini has tried to relieve the pressure before Manchester City's game against Napoli tonight. "We grew too quickly probably and we need to [pause and reflect]. At this moment we are closer to Napoli than Real [Madrid] or Barcelona." MORE

Vidic looking for final redemption

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is looking beyond tonight's game with Benfica after admitting the Premier League winners have become "obsessed" with exorcising demons and beating Barcelona, as he sees them as their main rivals again. MORE

Nadal ready for in-form Federer

Rafael Nadal takes on Roger Federer tonight in the ATP World Tour Finals in London, having won all three matches between the pair this year "He's playing fantastic," Nadal said. Federer last defeated him in the final of this event 12 months ago. MORE

Injured Murray could quit Finals

Andy Murray will today review his involvement at the ATP World Tour Finals after aggravating a groin injury in yesterday's defeat to David Ferrer. "I had a problem with my groin," the World No 3 said. "I have to see how it goes." MORE

Haye can solve heavyweight crisis

In boxing, whenever somebody involved with a fighter tells you that "there are no talks" it is the equivalent of a player kissing the badge. Both the Klitschko brothers are running out of fighters that they can do a deal with. MORE

Drugs dispute may harm 2012 Games

Andy Parkinson, chief executive of UK Anti-Doping, has warned the British Olympic Association to settle its drugs ban dispute with the World Anti-Doping Authority before it becomes an embarrassing issue for the Olympic host nation. MORE

Cummins majestic in Australia win

The debutant Pat Cummins hit the winning runs in a frantic finish as Australia remarkably beat South Africa by two wickets in the second and final Test in Johannesburg yesterday to tie the series 1-1. The 18-year-old also took six wickets in the Test. MORE

Cipriani desperate for England return

Fly-half Danny Cipriani says he is ready to return to the international stage as he prepares to play for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. "I want to play at the World Cup in 2015 and I don't want anything to get in my way." MORE

Tomkins to line up for Barbarians

Wigan have allowed Sam Tomkins to make a temporary switch to rugby union and play for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. "It's a great opportunity," Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

If Andre Villas-Boas (left) cannot any time soon stiffen his defence, it is hard to imagine a new Roman Abramovich prepared to play the longer game required in the building of any lasting football success. MORE