By Akyereko Frimpong-Manson

ENGLAND

Chelsea are without a win in four games after splitting the points with Birmingham City in a one-all draw in the FA Cup.

Midfielder Michael Essien was dropped to the bench by the under-pressure Andre Villas-Boas.

Ghanaian youngster Akwasi Asante was on the Birmingham City bench.

Leicester City knocked out Norwich City from the FA Cup after managing a 2-1 away victory on Saturday.

Black Stars right-back John Pantsil continued his spell out of the Leicester City first team action. German-born Jeffrey Schulpp is out with an injury.

In the Npower Championship, Bristol City are just three points above the drop zone after picking just a point from their past five games.

Albert Adomah lasted the entire duration when they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat by Peterborough United.

Prince Buaben watched Watford’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace from the bench.

Lloyd Sam was excluded from the Leeds United side that managed a 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers at the Elland Road Park.

In the League One, on loan Liverpool youngster David Amoo scored a 29th minute consolation goal for Bury which lost 3-2 to Exeter City.

SPAIN

Mubarak Wakaso was left out of the Villarreal side that disgracefully lost 4-0 at Mallorca on Sunday in the Spanish Primera Division.

In the reserves league, left-back Alexis Tawiah played the entire second half for Espanyol which lost 3-2 to Barcelona on Sunday morning.

HOLLAND

Youngster Edwin Gyasi appeared on the bench for De Graafschap who recorded a 1-4 home loss to VVV Venlo.

Kwame Quansah, serving suspension, did not feature for Heracles Almelo who booked a 2-1 win over Roda JC.

Winger Nana Akwasi Asare set up the opener for FC Utrecht who thrashed AZ Alkmaar 3-0.

There was no Anthony Annan in action for Vitesse Arnhem as they lost 4-1 to FC Twente on home soil.

Stanley Aborah Junior sat on the bench for Vitesse.

Jeffery Sarpong played 74 minutes for NAC Breda which recorded a 1-0 loss at Heerenveen.

GERMANY

Defender Isaac Vorsah was handed a rest by Hoffenheim who shared the spoils with Mainz 05 in a 1-1 draw game.

Left-back Hans Adu Sarpei remained with the Schalke 04 second string side over the weekend as they brushed aside Wolfsburg 4-0.

ITALY

Sulley Muntari scored on his debut for AC Milan as they won 3-1 over Cesena on Sunday. The 27-year-old scored on the 29th minute.

He was booked in the 21st minute.

Retired Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was left out of the AC Milan team due to a fresh thigh injury.

Kwadwo Asamoah failed to break into the Udinese 18-man squad as they drew 0-0 with Cagliari at the Stadio Friuli.

Black Stars bound Afriyie Acquah watched from the bench as his Palermo side destroyed Lazio 5-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

FRANCE

Black Stars enterprising defender John Boye came off the bench in the 30th minute to replace Kana Biyik who sustained an injury.

Olympique Marseille were held to a one-all draw by Valenciennes at the Stade Velodrome. Andre played full throttle and Jordan was replaced after

Bernard Yao Kumordzi last 85 minutes for Dijon which thumped OG Nice 3-0.

Rabiu Mohammed lasted the entire match for Evian Thonon Gaillard who held Caen to a 2-2 draw away.

Jerry Vandam played at right-back for Caen while Jonathan Mensah sat on the bench.

SWITZERLAND

Ishmael Yartey scored the leveller for Servette who defeated Grasshoppers 3-1.