The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 18 February 2014

Pellegrini: We can stop Barcelona

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is confident as his team prepare to host Barcelona, winners of two of the last five Champions Leagues, in the last-16 first-leg tonight. “It’s a different team,” he said. “It is very difficult to continue in the same level.” MORE

Januzaj wanted by Kosovo for friendly

Kosovo are hoping to persuade the Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj to play for them in their inaugural friendly with Haiti next month. The 19-year-old, who could still be eligible to represent England if he accepts, has been called to take part in the “historic moment”. MORE

Curbishley and Wilkins sacked

Experienced duo Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins were dismissed last night as Fulham make more changes after the arrival of Felix Magath. Wilkins had been assistant head coach for seven weeks, while Curbishley was technical director at the club for almost eight. MORE

Sagbo keeps Hull’s Cup hopes alive

Yannick Sagbo netted a late equaliser as Hull City forced a replay against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fifth round. Leonardo Ulloa had opened the scoring at the Amex Stadium, but the sides must meet again to decide who plays Sunderland in the last eight. MORE

Muirhead mistake costs GB’s curlers

Great Britain’s women threw away a favourable semi-final tie after an erratic final end against Denmark. Eve Muirhead’s team had already beaten Russia to seal their last four place when she made her error, and will play favourites Canada next. MORE

Cheshire able to leave hospital

Teen skier Rowan Cheshire has been released from hospital a day after being knocked unconscious on the slopes. The 18-year-old is recovering from her fall in practice for the half-pipe, but has little chance of competing on Thursday. MORE

Wilson is rushed back to cover Cole

David Wilson will be asked to anchor England’s scrum against Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday, despite playing just 47 minutes since injuring his calf before Christmas. He will cover Dan Cole, who has nerve damage in his neck. MORE

Burgess may not make World Cup

Stuart Lancaster has denied an easy run to the England first team for the union code’s latest capture from rugby league, Sam Burgess. “I believe Sam’s skill set is transferrable across codes but I’m not saying he’ll be fast-tracked,” the coach said. MORE

Gebrselassie to set pace for Farah

Haile Gebrselassie, the 40-year-old two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion, has put his own ambitions on hold to be the lead pacemaker for the likes of Mo Farah at the London Marathon. MORE

Ian Herbert

There was hardly a flinch on Saturday when Elise Christie revealed that she had to remove her Twitter account, such was abuse she received after her 500m speed skating final disqualification. MORE