Klaas Jan Huntelaar: Arsenal & Liverpool target signs Schalke deal - BBC Sport

Netherlands striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar has signed a two-year contract extension with Schalke, ending rumours about a switch to the Premier League.

Huntelaar, 29, was out of contract in the summer, but has now signed with the Bundesliga side until 2015.

The former Heerenveen, Ajax and Real Madrid player had been linked with a January move to Liverpool  or Arsenal. 

Huntelaar has scored 49 goals in 107 games for Schalke since joining from Italian giants AC Milan in 2010.

The forward, who has also netted 34 times in 59 appearances for his country, said:  "I have thought long and hard about this decision and I am very grateful to my managers at Schalke 04, who have have given me this time.

"But now I have made ??the decision, in which I have the best feeling. I've always felt comfortable at Schalke, the club and its fans."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere admits England call-up is 'a bit too soon ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger would rather his player - who is suspended for Saturday's Premier League game with Fulham following his red card at Manchester United - had not been involved at all in the Stockholm friendly.

However, the Frenchman accepted there was little he could do to prevent the call-up, although it is understood a compromise has been reached to only give Wilshere a maximum of 45 minutes of action.

Wilshere has experienced niggling injuries which stem back to an ankle problem initially suffered when winning his fifth cap against Switzerland at Wembley in June 2011, but is now relishing the challenges ahead as England look to secure a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"It is a new chapter for me in my football career, the last time I played for England was 17 months ago. now everyone can see there is a different style of play," he added.

"For my confidence it is nice to be picked and know I am in the new manager's plans.

"There are a lot of young players in there now, which is great for me.

"I played with the likes of Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling in the under-21s and to see them breaking into the first team now is good for the future."

Newcastle United create prayer room for Muslim players to worship before games - Mirror.co.uk

Football stars looking for divine intervention in a bid for victory now have a prayer room at their stadium.

Newcastle United provided the area for Muslim players to worship before matches.

An insider said: "We believe we now have more Muslims in our first team squad than any other team in the Premier League, so it is ­important to look after them.

"They have been using various rooms at the ground to worship before games. Now they will get a proper prayer room."

Seven first team stars – Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Moussa Sissoko and Mehdi Abeid – are devout followers of Islam.

And former striker Demba Ba, now with Chelsea, would often lead team-mates in prayer before games.

The insider added: "Prayer has become an ­important part of the build up to big games.

"Demba was the most devout of all the players. He would regularly pray before big games, and be joined by team-mates. It helped build a bond between them."

The prayer room can be used by players of all faiths, the club said.

No doubt fans will be praying for a win tonight when Toon take on Benfica in the Europa League quarter final, their biggest game so far.

Rafael Benítez will stay at Chelsea until end of season – chief executive - The Guardian

Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay has emphasised that the club intends Rafael Benítez to be in place as interim manager until the end of the season.

Gourlay, who was speaking in Kuala Lumpur while promoting Chelsea's forthcoming tour, said the status quo remains for now, with Benítez on course to fulfil his brief.

"Achieving one of the Champions League qualification slots is very important to this football club," Gourlay said.

"Our whole philosophy is based on success on the football field and we have been doing everything in our power to ensure one of these slots. We want to be pitting ourselves against the top clubs in Europe next season.

"We said from day one that Rafa was coming in as interim manager to the end of the season.

"It is important that we remain focused on the job in hand which is qualifying for the Champions League and then at the end of the season we will sit down, have a look at the situation and we will determine how we go forward."

Newcastle's Danny Simpson fine after alleged fight in Manchester - The Guardian

The Newcastle United defender, Danny Simpson, tweeted he was "okay" after footage was posted online showing him apparently unconscious and bleeding in the street.

The 26-year-old was on a night out in Manchester when he was allegedly caught up in a fight. Footage showed the former Manchester United player bleeding from the mouth and lying in the street outside a takeaway.

Some people nearby stopped to help and put him in the recovery position. One is heard saying: "Call the police," while a woman says: "There's blood coming out of his mouth."

At least two people were filming the scene on mobile phones. Another witness can be heard on the film saying: "Someone has just absolutely battered him."

According to reports, he had been punched to the ground, and was later taken to hospital. The player seemed to back up the story when he tweeted: "For the record im okay, 2 on 1 well done!"

He also sent his bodybuilder father, Peter Samms, a message on Twitter saying: "where was you lol... For the record im okay."

Police were not thought to be investigating the incident, which occurred at 4am. Newcastle United did not want to comment.

Premier League: Liverpool's Borini out for three months - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

The injury forced the forward's early return from international duty with Italy Under-21s last week, as he aggravated a problem first suffered in the recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Borini was replaced by young Spaniard Suso at half-time during that game but still joined up with his national team, only to damage the bone further in training ahead of the European Championship qualifier against Sweden. Italy won the tie 4-2 on aggregate.

A statement on Liverpool's official website read: "Borini was assessed by the club's medical team upon his return to Melwood (training ground) and a decision was made for the 21-year-old to have surgery.

"Typically, an injury of this nature requires a three-month rehabilitation period."

Borini has yet to score in five Premier League games since his summer move from Roma, with his only goal coming in Europa League qualifying against Belarussian side Gomel.

However, his absence means Liverpool have just the one recognised striker - Uruguayan Luis Suarez - until the January transfer window.

The Anfield club, who let England striker Andy Carroll go out on loan to West Ham United, have endured one of their worst starts to a top flight season, winning just one of their opening seven league matches.

FA Cup - Match facts: Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

This is the seventh time that Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers have been drawn together in the FA Cup. Arsenal have progressed on four occasions; although Blackburn were victorious in their last meeting (2007 Fifth Round) winning the replay 1-0 (after the initial match ended 0-0).

Arsenal are unbeaten in 34 games against lower ranked sides in the FA Cup (W27 D7).

The Gunners are also unbeaten in 34 FA Cup ties at home (W25 D9).

This will be Arsenal's sixth appearance in the fifth round since winning the trophy in 2005. They have failed to progress on three of the previous five occasions.

Olivier Giroud bagged a brace in the Fourth Round for Arsenal and has scored five in his last five appearances for the London club.

Jordan Rhodes has bagged nine goals in his last 10 appearances for Blackburn in all competitions.

Rovers have won six and lost just one of their last 10 in all competitions.

Arsenal have won five of their last seven in all competitions at the Emirates (D1 L1).

Blackburn have lost three of their last four visits to the Emirates by at least four goals on each occasion (D1; all competitions).

The two games between Arsenal and Blackburn in the Premier League last season produced 15 goals.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: I don't even know Liverpool's ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"If we weren't in the Champions League it would be a disaster and that probably applies to other big clubs," he said.

But Ferguson still regards today's game against Liverpool as the most important 'derby' for United. "I know City represent a different outlook in the last five years but Liverpool were always the one and nothing will change. It's not about the position in the league."

Sunday's match also marks Luis Suárez's return to Old Trafford after refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand in last season's corresponding fixture following the race row involving the pair. There will be a handshake on Sunday although there will also be further scrutiny surrounding Suárez after he was accused of being a "cheat" for his handball goal during last weekend's FA Cup tie at Mansfield Town.

Mike Phelan, Ferguson's assistant at United, was at Burnley on Saturday to run the rule over Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha as speculation mounts that United are about to sign him. It is thought United would loan him back to the Championship club for the rest of the season.

Premier League - Match facts: Reading v Arsenal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Reading and Arsenal have met 10 times in all competitions, with the Gunners winning them all.

The two sides have already met once this season, in the Capital One Cup, with Reading taking a 4-0 lead, only to be pegged back to 4-4 and losing 5-7 in extra time.

In that match, Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick with all three goals being netted in added time at the end of the first half (45), second half (90) and extra time (120).

Reading have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games at the Madejski Stadium (W1 D5 L4).

Arsenal have won none of their last six away games in all competitions (W0 D4 L2).

The Royals have only managed one clean sheet in the league all season, the lowest tally of all Premier League sides.

Reading have thrown away more points from winning positions than any other Premier League sides this term (17).

Arsenal have conceded the lowest number of second-half goals in the top-flight this season (six) while Reading have shipped the joint-most (20).

The Gunners have made the most passes in the Premier League this season (9221) while the Royals have made the fewest (4823).

Per Mertesacker has made more last man tackles than any other Premier League player this season (seven).

Premier League - Mikel signs five-year Chelsea deal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Mikel, 25, joined the Blues in 2006 and has made 261 appearances, scoring two goals, as a defensive midfielder.

"Chelsea seems like my home now because I have been here for over six years and I enjoy my time here. I come into the training ground every day to work and I value my time there. I am happy and want to keep going and win trophies for this club," the Nigeria international said.

"I have basically won everything with Chelsea and those years have been really special for me, winning trophies with big names like Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard who have had very long Chelsea careers.

"Last season to win the Champions League was even more special... and I hope these next five years will bring even more success and I can win trophies with the new players we have here.

"Being 25 I think I am now hitting my peak but as a player you want to improve every day and there is still room for that. I want to learn from the players and the manager and I just want to keep going."

Mikel has won four FA Cup medals, one Premier League title, a Carling Cup and last season's Champions League at the West London club.

Premier League - Match facts: Arsenal v Swansea City - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Arsenal and Swansea have met six times in the league, with both sides winning three times each.

Arsenal have won just three of their last nine Premier League home games (W3 D4 L2) and two of those have been when the opposition have been reduced to 10 men.

Swansea have won just two of their last 10 Premier League away games (W2 D2 L6).

Arsenal have conceded a league-high proportion of 71% of their goals in the first half of games this season.

The Gunners are the only team yet to concede a goal in the final 15 minutes of a Premier League game this season.

Theo Walcott has scored nine goals in his last 11 matches in all competitions for Arsenal.

Michu has scored a league high four headed goals from just six headers on target this season.

Only Gerhard Tremmel (85%) has a better saves to shots ratio this season than Wojciech Szczesny (81%) in the Premier League.

This is Arsenal's worst start to a Premier League season under Arsene Wenger (21 points after 14 matches) and only in 1994-95 (19 points) have they had fewer points in the Premier League era.

Arsenal haven't won of the seven Premier League games this season where they have had fewer than five shots on target.

I am worried about Arsenal's mentality - Yahoo! Eurosport UK (blog)

Of course, you are not feeling great if you can't win, but we can stay solid or crack under the pressure.

If you want to know, I am still solid but I can't tell you that I feel great right now because my job is about winning games and when you lose you will not find a single coach in this world who feels good.

I am not worried about us potentially coming back against Bayern, I am more worried about consequences that could manifest in the heads of our players.

You will never know how they can absorb those blows and how the team responds to disappointment. This is the most worrying aspect for me.

But from the experience of how to handle the end of the season, we know how to deal with that. We have had lots of experience.

We are in a situation right now where our objective is just to qualify for the Champions League - so we can't drop points any more.

Contrary to our two cup defeats we are on a good run in the Premier League actually - with the two big blows in just three days in the cups.

We need to recover, and that will define the rest of our season.

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry hopes his side can win away at Arsenal ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"We have to go to the Emirates, play as well as we know we are capable of and see if we can put an end to our poor run of league results on their ground."

Tony Book was in charge when City secured a 3-2 triumph at Highbury in 1975. They did win a League Cup quarter-final at the Emirates last season, but they have not actually scored a league goal at Arsenal since DaMarcus Beasley's effort in the 3-1 defeat in 2007.

Indeed, Arsenal have often impressed at the Etihad Stadium as well, including this term when they were unfortunate to find themselves held to a 1-1 draw.

"They surprised me just how good they were that day," said Barry.

"They will be disappointed they've not played as well as that more often this season.

"We know there is a need for us to keep winning games because seven points (to leaders Manchester United) is not a small gap and we can't allow that to increase.

"But sometimes the pressure can actually flip around to the team in front and the one chasing can go into games more relaxed.

"We're not going to let it overly worry us at this point."

Joe Hart says Manchester City are finding defence of their Premier League ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"No one else needs to know what gets said [in the dressing room], it's down to us. To be leading is difficult, but chasing is even harder. Hopefully we can do what we did last year."

City are struggling to replicate the form they showed when beating United to the title on the final day of last season and with half the season gone, United are threatening to burst clear in the title race.

More worryingly still, City's defeat at Sunderland might have been even more emphatic.

"They did what they had to do to win and get the points," added Hart. "We knew all along it was going to be difficult there, it always is.

"We started really well and dominated the early stages, but that's the way football is, you have to score when you're on top and we didn't this time. If we had scored in that period it could have been a different story.

"It's how football goes sometimes. It's not that we didn't try, didn't give 100 per cent, or haven't shown qualities. It just wasn't there and we need to turn that round quickly. We weren't lacking in effort. We gave it everything, but couldn't break through a Sunderland wall."

Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

West Brom ended a run of 13 consecutive defeats (11 of them in the Premier League) in all competitions at the hands of Chelsea when they beat the Blues 1-0 in March 2012.

West Brom have only netted five goals in 12 Premier League games against Chelsea.

West Brom manager Steve Clarke made 421 appearances for Chelsea as a player and was an assistant manager at Stamford Bridge during Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant's reigns.

Frank Lampard has scored six goals in his last nine Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion.

West Brom are the only Premier League team yet to concede a goal in the opening 30 minutes of games this term.

Chelsea have used fewer players than any other Premier League side so far this season (19).

Since 2010, Chelsea have won just three of the 10 Premier League games that they have played in the month of November (D3 L4).

West Brom have averaged fewer crosses per game from open play than any other side in the Premier League this season (13 per game).

Three of the top six scoring defenders in the Premier League since August 2009 currently play for Chelsea – Gary Cahill (13 goals), John Terry (12) and Branislav Ivanovic (11).

Seven of Chelsea's goals this season have come from defenders; a league-high tally.

Premier League - Match facts: Aston Villa v Arsenal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Aston Villa have won none of their last 13 Premier League home games against Arsenal (D6 L7).

There has been a goal scored in the 87th minute or later in seven of the last nine Premier League games between Arsenal and Villa.

Darren Bent has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League games against Arsenal and in his only FA Cup appearance against them last season for Villa.

Abou Diaby has scored four goals in six Premier League games against Villa; more than against any other opponent in the competition.

The Villans have won only two of their last 18 home games in the Premier League (W2 D7 L9).

The Gunners had lost just one of their previous 12 Premier League away games (W7 D4 L1) before losing their last two on the road against Norwich and Man Utd.

The only top-flight season in which Villa have had fewer points after 12 games than this season is 1964-65 (adjusted for three points for a win).

Arsenal's last two Premier League games have produced a total of 13 goals.

Both teams have scored in seven of Arsenal's last nine Premier League games.

Only Barcelona's Xavi (1152) has made more passes than Mikel Arteta (1104) in Europe's big five leagues this season.

Chelsea captain Terry asked to wear anti-racism armband by Uefa - Goal.com

Chelsea captain John Terry has been asked by Uefa to wear an anti-racism armband during his side's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

The move comes as part of a week of action by European anti-racism body Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE).

A Uefa spokesman told reporters: "The captains will be asked to wear a 'Unite Against Racism' branded armband."

Terry accepted in October a four-match ban and £220,000 fine from the FA for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand last year.

However, the former England skipper is still eligible to play for his club in European matches as the ban only applies domestically.

The FARE campaign will be promoted at 40 matches across the Champions League and Europa League between October 16 and 31.

Uefa will be hoping for a more united response than was seen from the domestic Kick it Out campaign across England on Saturday and Sunday, as 32 players – including Rio Ferdinand and Jason Roberts – refused to wear a T-shirt supporting the initiative.

Serg forward: Chelsea line up £30m move for Barcelona star Busquets - Mirror.co.uk

Chelsea are still keen on a swoop for Barcelona star Sergio Busquets – but they will have to wait until next season to prise him away, writes the Sunday People.

In a surprise trip to the Nou Camp last week, top Blues scout Scott McLachlan watched the midfield general in action.

Click here to read more Sunday People stories

Busquets, 24, may leave Spain at the end of the campaign and Chelsea are desperate for him – as People Sport first revealed.

Barca will not do business in January, but could allow him to go when the season is over for a fee believed to be around £30million – if he indicates that he wants to quit the Catalan giants.

Read the top three football stories from the Sunday People:

Toon in: Newcastle ready to hijack West Ham move for Andy Carroll

Money matters: City tell Mancini he must SELL before he can buy in January

Arab spring: Beckham considers finishing his career in the Middle East

tacts Sir Alex Ferguson over his questioning of assistant referee - The Guardian

The Football Association has contacted the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, asking him to explain the comments he made about an assistant referee, Simon Beck.

Ferguson branded Beck's performance "shocking" after he failed to flag for what the Scot claimed was a "clear penalty" when Wayne Rooney went down in the box after a challenge by Steven Caulker in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham.

The United manager said that his club had "history" with Beck following his failure to rule out an offside Didier Drogba goal in 2010 and also claimed on Sunday: "There was no way we were going to get a decision from [Beck]."

The FA confirmed on Monday evening that it has contacted Ferguson asking him to clarify his comments. He has until 6pm on Thursday to respond.

Should the FA rule that Ferguson's comments amount to a questioning of Beck's integrity, they will charge the United boss with misconduct and he could be hit with a touchline ban and or fine.

Newcastle winger Obertan wants regular starting berth - Goal.com

Newcastle winger Gabriel Obertan has expressed his desire to become a first-team regular at St James' Park.

The Frenchman scored the only goal of the game on Thursday as his side overcame Club Brugge 1-0 in the Europa League.

And with Alan Pardew warning his preferred XI that he was impressed with the youthful squad that played in the European encounter, Obertan has stated his eagerness to break into the starting line-up.

"We don't get to play much in the Premier League," the 23-year-old told reporters.

"So we wanted to show the gaffer that we could have a starting position in the Premier League.

"I feel I've done pretty well in the Europa League and I'll wait for that position to come. I'm not going to give up. I trust myself."

Obertan also spoke of his joy at scoring his first goal at home for the Magpies, earning three vital points as they hope to progress to the next stage of the competition.

He added: "It was good - it was my first goal at St James' Park. It feels good for the confidence. For an offensive player like myself, it's just great."

Manchester City's Roberto Mancini says he is 'best manager in England' - The Guardian

Roberto Mancini has claimed that he is currently "the best manager in England" despite Manchester City trailing Manchester United by 12 points as they attempt to retain the championship.

Since the start of the 2010-11 season, the Italian's first full season in charge of the club, he has won the FA Cup and the Premier League title, though the timescale Mancini cited only covers half of last season.

He told the BBC: "In the last 15 months I am the best manager in England. Someone says for six months that Manchester City would change manager, [Pep] Guardiola would come in, and after Guardiola went to Bayern Munich, now another manager.

"I won one Premier League, one FA Cup, one Charity Shield [Community Shield, last August], there is not another manager that's won like me in the last 15 months. I can do nothing but it is the reality."

City's faltering title defence and a dire Champions League challenge that ended with them bottom of their group and failing to reach the knockout stages for a second consecutive year has caused heightened speculation regarding his position at the Etihad Stadium.

FA Cup - Allardyce fined after Old Trafford referee comments - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Allardyce was angry after West Ham were denied what he considered a penalty and United were awarded a spot kick, a decision he put down to Alex Ferguson's side enjoying home advantage in the third-round replay.

"Allardyce was £8,000 and warned as to his future conduct," the FA, which had earlier charged the manager with improper conduct over comments made to the media, said on its website.

West Ham were not given a penalty in the all-Premier League tie when the ball struck United defender Rafael's arm but the hosts got one when Jordan Spence handled late. Wayne Rooney missed the spot-kick.

"You see it time and time again at Old Trafford," Allardyce said after the game.

"There's no doubt about the difference between Rafael's handball and Jordan Spence's. Spence plays for West Ham and the away team, while Rafael plays for the home side at Old Trafford.

"He (Dowd) couldn't find the courage to give it unfortunately, and there was a very similar incident with Jordan Spence and it was given. You have to have the courage to referee here. But why are you a professional referee or player? To come to these places to do your job and do it to the best of your ability."

Allardyce had denied the misconduct charge and requested a personal hearing.

Manchester City are there to be shot at, says Zabaleta - Goal.com

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has acknowledged that the club are "there to be shot at" as they defend their Premier League, and has explained that it is just one of the difficulties they must overcome during the season.

Roberto Mancini's side defeated Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, with another late goal courtesy of Edin Dzeko rescuing all three points for the club, which keeps them two points adrift of league leaders and fierce rivals Manchester United.

The 27-year-old believes the club will have to work even harder this season as a bigger scalp for the rest of the league, but acknowledges that it is part of the territory.

Zabaleta told reporters: "We have come a long way in the last four years and the expectations have changed.

"It's normal that when you win the title, people will knock you at the first opportunity.

"You are up there to be shot at and we take it all on the chin.

"It happens at other clubs. It's just the way things are."

Norwich v CHELSEA: Terry still missing with Bertrand a doubt for Benitez - Daily Mail

PUBLISHED: 10:35 EST, 24 December 2012 | UPDATED: 10:35 EST, 24 December 2012

Rafael Benitez looks set to be without Chelsea captain John Terry again for the Blues' Boxing Day clash with Norwich.

Terry is still suffering inflammation on his knee following surgery and is unlikely to be fit for the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road.

Ryan Bertrand also remains a doubt after he was forced off in Wednesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final at Leeds and was not included in Sunday's line-up for the 8-0 demolition of Aston Villa.

Provisional squad: Cech, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Bertrand, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Moses, Marin, Piazon, Torres, Turnbull.

Man in the stands: John Terry is likely to continue his absence on the sidelines through injury

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Manchester City defender Rekik on verge of Blackburn loan move - Goal.com

The 18-year-old Dutchman has made one Premier League appearance this term but will join the Championship club on a deal that runs until the end of the season

Manchester City defender Karim Rekik is on the verge of joining Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old's representative met with officials from the Championship club on Thursday morning in order to finalise the temporary move.

Rekik, a Netherlands Under-19 international, was loaned out to Portsmouth last season and has make just one Premier League appearance this term - City's 1-0 victory over Reading on December 22.

"Happy to say that I'm going on loan to Blackburn Rovers and be part of the team," Rekik posted on Twitter.

"Hope to win many games and learn for my future at Man City."

Premier League - Sunderland v Aston Villa - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

There have been five red cards in the last seven Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill was manager of Aston Villa for four seasons, winning 61 of 152 Premier League matches, a win percentage of 40%. His current win % for Sunderland is 31% which is the second best by any Black Cats' boss in the Premier League era after Peter Reid.

Sunderland have won just one of their last six home Premier League games against Aston Villa (W1 D2 L3).

The Black Cats have lost just one of their last nine Premier League home games (W3 D5 L1), but have scored just five goals in their last seven league matches at the Stadium of Light.

Aston Villa have won none of their last 13 Premier League away matches (W0 D5 L8).

Seven of Aston Villa's nine league games this season have gone under 2.5 goals.

Six of Sunderland's games have gone under 2.5 goals this season.

Sunderland have won only 26 corners in eight games this season; fewer than any other side in the Premier League.

Conversely, the Black Cats have conceded the most corners in the Premier League this term (59).

Sunderland's Craig Gardner is the only player to hit 10 or more shots (inc. blocked) this season and see none of them hit the target.

Premier League: Chelsea refuse to confirm or deny Terry captaincy - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Terry was suspended and fined £220,000 by the Football Association after it refused to accept his explanation for an offensive outburst at QPR's Anton Ferdinand, which made reference to his skin colour.

Chelsea said they had additionally punished the former England skipper, who retired from international football after the FA summoned him for a hearing, with most press outlets believing he had been fined and warned as to his future conduct.

But, in an unusual press conference, head coach Roberto Di Matteo responded tersely to questions about Terry's captaincy, insisting all punishments remain "confidential" and that we would have to "wait and see" if he wears the armband against Shakhtar Donetsk in Wednesday's Champions League clash, which is not covered by the FA suspension.

"We do not discuss publicly the disciplinary matters we take against our players," Di Matteo said at the club's training ground ahead of their Premier League derby at Tottenham on Saturday.

"They are internal matters, the action we take against our players, and we are not going to discuss it."

A Chelsea official acknowledged that "everyone is entitled to their opinion" on the matter but added the club was following a standard HR policy of keeping disciplinary matters "in house", a practice common in corporations.

Two fans arrested for alleged racism offences at Chelsea v West Ham - The Guardian

The Metropolitan police has arrested two men due to alleged racially aggravated public order offences as part of its investigation into the crowd disturbances during Chelsea's 2-0 home win over West Ham United on Sunday.

The force is also looking into the incidents of coin-throwing by West Ham supporters, in which the Chelsea captain John Terry was struck as he warmed up as a substitute on the touchline during the first half. Further objects were thrown at Frank Lampard, the former West Ham midfielder, as he celebrated his 19th-minute goal with Terry in front of the visitors' enclosure.

The police confirmed that the two men arrested were from the West Ham section at Stamford Bridge. They have been bailed with return dates set for late March.

The Football Association says that it will liaise with the Met, speak to both clubs and consider the relevant match reports before it decides whether to bring any charges against West Ham.

The east London club have promised to work with Chelsea to identify the supporters involved in throwing the objects, with a view to banning them from attending matches.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and his footballers voice public ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Captain Vincent Kompany also gets into the spirit of his new role.

"This is your captain speaking," he says, before informing those on board that they are on the Bury service and that the next stop will be Piccadilly.

According to the Manchester Evening News Joe Hart will voice the New Islington stop and James Milner will cover the Holt Town stop.

The new east Manchester line provides a direct link between the Etihad stadium with Manchester's city centre.

Steve Sayer, Director of Operations for Manchester City, said that the new service would improve access to the Etihad Stadium for supporters on match days.

He said: "It's a nice touch for the fans that some of our star players and manager will announce on the way to our home stadium to get everyone in the mood for the match."

Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester's Metrolink Director, added: "We are grateful to Roberto, Joe, Vincent and James for taking time out of their busy schedules to record these messages.

"We know that the Etihad Campus stop is going to be a very popular destination – especially on match days – and we thought this will be an interesting addition to people's journeys before and after the game.

Newcastle expecting £7m defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa for medical - The Guardian

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was scheduled to undergo a medical at Newcastle United on Monday before a £7m move from Montpellier. Yanga-Mbiwa could be joined at St James' Park by the Nancy left-back Massadio Haïdara.

Although late interest in Yanga-Mbiwa, a central defender, from Arsenal has made Newcastle officials nervous, they hope to complete the deal on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who has been capped three times by France, was born in the Central African Republic but brought up near Marseille. Alan Pardew also hopes to recruit Yoan Gouffran from Bordeaux. The 26-year-old forward who has scored 10 goals in 22 Ligue 1 games this season, is out of contract in the summer.

Newcastle had a £680,000 bid for him rejected by Bordeaux but are expected to return with an improved offer, nearer the £850,000 asking price. Pacy and two-footed, Gouffran's ability to play wide as well as filling an orthodox striker role appeals to Pardew.

A source at Nancy told Reuters that the 20-year-old Haïdara, a France Under-21 full-back, would have a medical on Tuesday and was expected to sign for around £3m.

Newcastle are considering signing the young England goalkeeper Jack Butland from Birmingham for £4m and immediately loaning him back to Lee Clark's team until the end of the season.

Manchester City will go our own way, says Roberto Mancini - The Guardian

Roberto Mancini claimed he had no interest in Manchester United's meeting with Liverpool on Sunday as he prepared his Manchester City side for a testing trip to Arsenal later in the day.

Mancini's champions trail United by seven points at the top of the Premier League, a gap that could be 10 by the time City kick off at the Emirates. With several key players missing, Mancini wants to focus only on his team and not the title race.

He said: "We should go our way. We can't think about United or other teams. We don't see the table in this moment but at the end of February. It is difficult because we are missing important players but we want to do a good job on Sunday."

The Touré brothers, midfielder Yaya and defender Kolo, are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast, Sergio Agüero has a hamstring injury and Samir Nasri is suspended. Aleksandar Kolarov is back in contention but Maicon, Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell are still sidelined.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech wants closure on case against referee Mark ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"I believe that if you come with something like that, you need to have a really good case to say it because if not it would waste time of everybody and again it wouldn't be good for football.

"If there was a case it is not because Chelsea want to do something, it is just because there is a case and again, I hope that this story will be finished as soon as possible."

Whatever the outcome of this particular case, Cech wants to see better communication between players, referees and fans in the future to reduce the number of disputes.

"I think there should be better communication from the side of the referee towards the public as well," he added.

"I think it would help. You have so many projects of respects for the referees and I think that would help as well.

"They are more open because like I said, the players come and say fair enough I made mistake, it was completely wrong, I shouldn't have dived, I shouldn't have done this, and you get the credit for that.

"And I think you'll get respect from the people and I think this is what can sometimes happen with the referees.

"Their job is very hard anyway and we all know that but I think the communication could be better."

Soccer-Late Arteta goal gives Arsenal win over QPR - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

LONDON, Oct 27 (Reuters) - A late Mikel Arteta goal ended ended some determined resistance from Queens Park Rangers as Arsenal beat the Premier League's bottom club 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arteta struck from close range after 84 minutes soon after Rangers' Stephane Mbia had been sent off.

The win halted Arsenal's run of two successive defeats to Norwich City in the Premier League and Schalke 04 in the Champions League over the last seven days.

Arsenal moved into fourth place while QPR are still without a win in their opening nine league games.

Reading and Fulham shared the points in a six-goal thriller at the Madejski Stadium which left the home side still looking for their first win of the season.

Dimitar Berbatov looked to have scored Fulham's winner two minutes from time before Hal Robson-Kanu earned Reading a point.

Wigan Athletic beat West Ham United 2-1 with Ivan Ramis and James McArthur scoring for the home side before James Tomkins scored a late consolation for the Hammers.

Aston Villa drew 1-1 with Norwich City at Villa Park where Villa were reduced to 10 men when Joe Bennett was sent off early in the second half. Stoke City and Sunderland dew 0-0.

Champions Manchester City were playing Swansea City at the Etihad at 1630GMT. (Reporting by Mike Collett)

Mamadou Sakho transfer: Newcastle target could leave PSG - The Sun

NEWCASTLE target Mamadou Sakho could leave Paris St Germain in the summer to get more playing time.

The France star, 22, has found his opportunities limited this season under manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has favoured Alex and Thiago Silva in central defence.

Toon have held a long-term interest in Sakho and could move to add him to their legion of Gallic stars at the end of the season.

Sakho said: "I will do everything to play at the 2014 World Cup but I need to be playing week in, week out.

"I cannot accept playing just a few minutes this season and next because this is a decisive moment in my career.

"At the end of the season I will sit down with my agent and club officials and clear up the situation.

"If I have to leave PSG to keep my place in the France national team, then I have no choice but to leave."

Newcastle are not the only Premier League team tracking Sakho with Liverpool and Arsenal also interested.

And those clubs will have been boosted by Sakho's complimentary words towards English football.

Sakho said: "I adore the English Premier League."

Newcastle added FIVE French players last month, bringing in Yoan Gouffran, Moussa Sissoko, Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Mathieu Debuchy.

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez: Fernando Torres is defending well and ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"It's harder for him (than when he played for Liverpool) because now teams drop off and he has less space," added Benitez. "But still we must create better chances for him.

"Torres is an important player but we need goals from other players too."

Didier Drogba's departure in the summer has left Torres as Chelsea's first-choice striker this season, while the injury to Daniel Strurridge has also heaped more pressure on his slumped shoulders.

Torres has failed to score in the Premier League for almost two months, a drought that has co-incided almost exactly with Chelsea's seven-match winless run, their worst for 15 years. But the striker remains upbeat, in front of the press at least.

''We still have to improve other things as a team but I think we have the players. We just need more time.

''We have been very good defensively this season. But, in the middle, we have huge quality and those players have to be the key.''

The Club World Cup kicks off this week, with Chelsea travelling on Japan for the tournament on Saturday night.

Torres said: ''We will hopefully arrive there with enough time to adapt and be focused to win this tournament and take it seriously, as we should.

''I think it's one of the main targets we should have this season.''

Newcastle United make £12million bid for Vitesse Arnhem and Ivory Coast ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Bony's agent has claimed interest in his player from Liverpool and Chelsea but it is Newcastle who have made the move. West Ham United are also interested but want to wait until the summer in order to lower the price tag.

In addition to signing Coutinho, Liverpool are one of a number of clubs who may bid for Birmingham City's England goalkeeper Jack Butland this week.

Birmingham's financial problems are likely to force them to sell Butland for a smaller fee than they would otherwise expect.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie is facing a fine of two weeks' wages after posting a bizarre series of messages on Twitter expressing his frustration at being at his current club, apparently in an attempt to force through a move to Queens Park Rangers .

The final week of the January buying window is expected to see the usual flood of late loan deals but Premier League clubs are not expecting any individual signings more valuable than Bony or Coutinho.

It is believed that Tottenham Hotspur will not make a bid for midfielder Mohamed Diame.

Reports last week suggested Spurs would activate the £3.5m release clause in Diame's West Ham contract but this is no longer believed to be the case, leaving Arsenal as the Senegalese's most likely bidder before the transfer window closes.

Football Weekly: Manchester United show their championship mettle - The Guardian

And here we are again. On today's festive Football Weekly Extra, AC Jimbo has Jacob Steinberg and debutant/débutante Daniel Harris in the pod - as well as a cameo appearance from a late, soaking wet and bedraggled Barry Glendenning - to look back on all the action from Boxing Day, including Manchester United's dramatic 4-3 win over Newcastle and Gareth Bale's barnstorming display as Tottenham tonked Villa.

Plus, we discuss Stoke's surprisingly stylish victory over Liverpool, wonder who'll be taking over at Nottingham Forest after Sean O'Driscoll was sacked, and ask which Premier League is the tastiest in a fight.

We're back on New Year's Eve for yet more spectacular football chit and indeed chat. See you then. Hopefully. Please.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in race to replace injured Kieron Gibbs as ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"Sunday was more my fault than theirs," he said. "I'm a great believer in young players, I look at the depth of our squad and put a lot of trust in them. I never had a any ­second thoughts that I would get a reaction. We can go to Manchester City and win at the weekend."

Rodgers also admitted that it would now be "difficult" to conclude a deadline-day deal for Blackpool winger Tom Ince. "It looks a bit complicated at this stage and it's about affordability as well as we've only got a certain amount of money," the Liverpool manager said. "If Tom stays at Blackpool, it doesn't mean he'll never come to Liverpool."

Dennis Bergkamp, meanwhile, will be among the candidates to replace Liam Brady as Arsenal's academy director and head of youth development when the 56-year-old leaves his current job at the end of next season.

Brady has held the position since 1996, the same year Wenger became manager, but has told the club of his intention to stand down in May 2014. Having managed Ajax's celebrated under-19 team, Bergkamp has risen to the role of assistant to manager Frank de Boer. Brady's forthcoming departure follows the loss of Pat Rice, Wenger's assistant, last year. Both had been at Arsenal throughout Wenger's tenure, with the Frenchman's contract due to expire in 2014.

Newcastle want to make their mark on Europa League, says Ameobi - Goal.com

Shola Ameobi says Newcastle want to make their mark on the Europa League after qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament.

Alan Pardew's side finished second in Group D behind winners Bordeaux, who beat them 2-0 in the final group game, and Ameobi says the defeat was largely down to European inexperience.

"There are no excuses, we were not up to speed. It was very disappointing. Our inexperience perhaps told in the end with the boys chucked in at the deep end," he told The Sun.

"At times that has worked out well for us in Europe but this was a step too far."

But the Magpies' forward believes that result was only a blip, saying that a full-strength Newcastle squad can look forward to some special nights at St James' Park and can go far in the tournament.

"But we are through and we are delighted. We want to stamp our mark on Europe," he added.

"Hopefully we can look forward to February with a fully-fit squad and really attack with all guns blazing.

"We know how good those Europe nights are."

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says club's coach is winning points ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"Training is really good. It's a very pleasant environment to work in." Speaking to the Dutch television station NOS, Van Persie claims that he has become a better player since leaving the Emirates for Old Trafford.

"Every day I work on new things," Van Persie said. "I become alert to small details that make me better. I go into work every day whistling. From the first day, they have made me feel welcome, the boys made me feel right at home.

"I feel better and fitter. In the last week, I played Wednesday and Saturday. In those games I played with ease." Van Persie, due to play for Holland against Italy in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, has described next week's Champions League clash against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu as the 'icing of the cake' of his season so far at United.

Real could be boosted by the return of Portuguese defender Pepe for the last 16 first-leg tie, with the centre-half returning to training last Friday following ankle surgery last month.

Pepe has been told he must prove his fitness in time for this weekend's clash with Sevilla in order to be considered for the United game.

Premier League - Match facts: Fulham v Manchester United - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Manchester United have won five and lost none of their last six Premier League matches against Fulham.

Wayne Rooney has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Fulham.

Manchester United have won five and lost none (D2) of their last seven Premier League games away in London.

Dimitar Berbatov has scored in three of the four previous occasions he has played in this fixture, while a Manchester United player.

The Bulgarian scored 48 goals in 108 Premier League games for Manchester United before moving south to Fulham in the summer and was on the scoresheet for the Red Devils the last time Man Utd played at Craven Cottage.

Manchester United have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League away games (W8 D2 L1), but have kept just two clean sheets in that run.

Six of Dimitar Berbatov's eight Premier League goals for Fulham have come before half-time.

Damien Duff has seven assists this season, only three players in the Premier League have more.

United's total of 27 comeback points this season has only been bettered by one team in PL history (Newcastle with 34 in 2001-02)

Fulham have gone 10 games without keeping a clean sheet, while Man Utd have scored in each of their last 12 games, both the longest current runs of their kind in the Premier League.

Premier League - Match facts: Liverpool v West Brom - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Liverpool have scored the joint-most goals from outside the penalty area of any team in the top division (9), while West Brom had conceded the joint-most from long range going into the weekend (9, along with Norwich)..

Daniel Sturridge has scored in three of his four Premier League appearances for Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard has now equalled his highest ever assist total in a single Premier League season (9).

Liverpool haven't beaten any of the other teams in the top half of the Premier League this season going into this weekend (P13 W0 D7 L6).

After losing the first nine Premier League games against Liverpool without scoring a single goal, West Brom have won three of the last four (W3 L1).

Liverpool have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games where the opposition has scored (W1 D5 L4).

The Baggies have lost five and won none of their last six Premier League matches.

Luis Suarez has averaged a shot every 21 minutes, a more prolific rate than any other player in the top flight.

Brendan Rodgers' side have kept five clean sheets in their last six Premier League matches at Anfield including the last three in a row.

West Brom have kept just one clean sheet in their last 29 Premier League away games but that was in their 1-0 win at Anfield in April 2012.

Football Weekly: Aston Villa stuffed by Chelsea - The Guardian

On today's pre-Christmas edition of Football Weekly, James Richardson is joined by his little helpers Rafa Honigstein and Jacob Steinberg to look back on all the weekend's action, not least Chelsea's savage 8-0 assault on Aston Villa and Ashley Williams' even more (potentially) lethal thwacking of Robin Van Persie in Swansea's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Elsewhere we hear from Sid Lowe about José Mourinho's decision to drop Iker Casillas and go to war with Real Madrid, and celebrate the magnificent form of Stewart Downing – star of Liverpool's 4-0 win over Fulham, and a man who only narrowly missed on making it into the Guardian's 100 top footballers in the world.

Barry Glendenning will be with us on Thursday. Until then, we wish you all a Karim Benzema

Premier League - Reading v Everton - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

The last three meetings between Everton and Reading have all been won by a 1-0 scoreline.

The Toffees have won four and lost just one of the six league matches against the Royals.

Everton have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League away matches (W3 D7 L1).

Everton have conceded first in each of their last six Premier League games but haven't lost any of them; a record for any team in the competition.

Reading are without a win in 10 Premier League games this season and haven't won any of their last eight top-flight home games (D5 L3).

Everton are the only Premier League side with two players to have scored at least five goals already this season – Fellaini (6) and Jelavic (5).

Marouane Fellaini has scored as many goals this season in the league as in his last three campaigns combined (six).

The Toffees have hit the woodwork 11 times in the Premier League this season; more than any other team. They only hit the frame of the goal 12 times in the whole of 2011-12.

Reading have put in an average of 23.3 crosses per game in open play this season in the Premier League; more than any other side.

Leighton Baines has created 10 more goalscoring chances than any other player in the top five European Leagues this season so far (47).

Premier League - Liverpool v Newcastle United - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Liverpool have won 15 and lost none of the last 17 Premier League games at Anfield against Newcastle.

The only goal that Newcastle have scored at Anfield in their last six Premier League visits was an own goal by Daniel Agger netted in this fixture last season.

The last five Premier League games between Newcastle and Liverpool have all ended as home wins.

Liverpool have only won three of their last 14 Premier League matches at Anfield (W3 D5 L6).

Newcastle have won none of their last five Premier League away games, but have drawn the last three in a row.

Only one of Luis Suarez's last nine Premier League goals has come at Anfield.

Suarez has been involved in 80% of Liverpool's Premier League goals this season (excluding own goals).

Newcastle's match against West Brom last weekend was only the second time that Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse have scored in the same Premier League match.

Hatem Ben Arfa (84) has embarked on more dribbles than two entire Premier League clubs this season (Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion – both 82).

Liverpool's total of only three home wins in the league this year is their joint-lowest along with 1939, a year when the league was curtailed by war. Their lowest total of home wins in a full year of games is six in 1897.

Ashley Cole signs one-year contract extension with Chelsea - The Guardian

The England left-back Ashley Cole has signed a one-year contract extension at Chelsea.

Cole's previous deal was set to expire at the end of the season and at one stage he was expected to leave Stamford Bridge.

However the 32-year-old, linked with Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain recently, has agreed fresh terms at the club he joined from Arsenal in 2006.

"I am pleased I will be starting my eighth season at Chelsea," Cole said. "I have great memories here and I enjoy coming to training every day. The staff are amazing and I enjoy training with the lads.

"I have been able to fulfil nearly all my ambitions at Chelsea. I have won the Champions League, the League, I have won FA Cups here but of course you don't want to stop winning trophies and being at a big club, you are always fighting to win a trophy.

"Being here for seven years and being at Arsenal before that playing for trophies, you never lose that hunger. I wanted to stay at Chelsea because we are always fighting and challenging for trophies. That desire and the will to want to win things have not gone."

Premier League - Match facts: Manchester United v Sunderland - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Sunderland have failed to score in nine of their last 11 Premier League games against Manchester United including the last five in a row.

Robin van Persie has scored seven goals in nine appearances against Sunderland in all competitions and five times in seven games in the Premier League. Six of his goals have come in three braces.

In the last six Premier League meetings between these two sides, Man Utd have only scored seven goals and three have been own goals by Sunderland players – courtesy of Anton Ferdinand (2) and Wes Brown.

The Red Devils have won 15 and lost none of the last 20 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats.

Manchester United have won 14 and lost just one of their last 16 Premier League games at Old Trafford.

Only Arsene Wenger and Gerard Houllier have orchestrated more Premier League wins at Old Trafford in the Premier League than Martin O'Neill (2). O'Neill is also the only manager ever to win there with two different teams.

Sunderland have won just one of their last 15 Premier League away games (W1 D7 L7).

Manchester United are yet to win 10 corners in a single Premier League home game this season.

Robin van Persie has scored 59 goals in his 71 Premier League appearances since the start of 2011.

Wayne Rooney has six goals and seven assists in 12 Premier League appearances this season.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Dave Sexton passes away - Goal.com

Former Chelsea and Manchester United coach Dave Sexton has passed away on Sunday, aged 82.

Sexton played for Luton Town, West Ham, Leyton Orient, Brighton and Crystal Palace before taking over at Stamford Bridge following a short spell in charge of Leyton Orient.

During his spell as Chelsea boss he won the FA Cup in 1970 and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season.

Sexton would then go on to manage QPR before taking over at Manchester United in 1977. He also took over as coach of the England Under-21 side and won the European Under-21 Championship twice in 1982 and 1984.

Sir Trevor Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, regards Sexton as one of the finest coaches the country has produced in recent times.

"It is a sad day," he told the Football Association's official website. "Anyone who was ever coached by Dave would be able to tell you what a good man he was, but not only that, what a great coach in particular he was.

"In the last 30-40 years Dave's name was up there with any of the top coaches we have produced in England - the likes of Terry Venables, Don Howe and Ron Greenwood. His coaching was revered."

Chelsea and Real Madrid poised to go head-to-head in battle for Atlético ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Torres' form has not improved consistently this season, despite Chelsea's strong start, and he has continued to cut a disconsolate figure at times — not least when Falcao was scoring a hat-trick for Atlético against Chelsea in the European Super Cup in August.

Falcao was only signed by Atlético from the Portuguese champions Porto in the summer of 2011, for around £35m, and there is confusion as to whether there is a third-party ownership involved in the player which is affecting his transfer value.

Andre Villas-Boas had wanted to take Falcao with him to Stamford Bridge from Porto and lobbied hard for Roman Abramovich to sanction the deal but it was vetoed by the Russian billionaire who insisted that Torres would be given the chance to be first-choice. In the end, the Spaniard lost out to Dider Drogba who has since left Chelsea.

Atlético have already admitted that selling Falcao would alleviate their financial problems — but insist that the striker will not be allowed to leave in January. A move then, to either Chelsea or Real, would appear unlikely but that resolve will possibly be tested.

Big-spending Russian clubs including Zenit St Petersburg — who bought Falcao's former Porto team-mate Hulk last summer after failing in a bid for Falcao — and Anzhi Makhachkala also remain interested and would pay more money but the player would prefer to stay in Spain or move to England.

Chelsea's under-fire manager Rafael Benítez hopes to get John Terry and Frank ... - Telegraph.co.uk

But Lampard will be available at Sunderland on Saturday and it is clear Benítez sees him as crucial to his future plans.

"At least one important player is back because we need character, experience and numbers," he said. "Frank is not scared when we are in possession so he can find players between the lines, can get into the box and score goals. He is a different midfielder to the others. Some of them can work, some can pass, some can do a little bit of everything. Frank, when he is in form, can make a difference.

"I think he has the ability and he can be important at set pieces as he has good delivery. He will not be a box-to-box like 10 years ago but he will be more important when we are in possession as he understands the game and what we have to do."

Daniel Sturridge, who has been out with a hamstring injury, is not fit enough to face Sunderland on Saturday but may still travel to Japan. However Benítez admits he may need an extra striker when the January transfer window opens.

"It is not just the strikers it is every position. In a top side you have to keep an eye on every position and all good players. We will see what we can do. At the moment with Sturridge injured it is more difficult to find different solutions."

Picture this: See 50 classic images from Manchester United vs Liverpool ... - Mirror.co.uk

Manchester United v Liverpool – it's the fixture with more talking points than a Lance Armstrong interview with Oprah.

This isn't the sort of game where you can relax and tune in five minutes after kick-off - these days you can't even afford to miss the pre-match handshakes.

While Manchester United will be missing Wayne "Once a blue" Rooney with a knee injury, we can still lean forward in anticipation for Evra's first tackle on Suarez, and hope for the ball to fall enticingly halfway between Jonjo Shelvey and Jonny Evans.

New Liverpool publicist Daniel Sturridge should get a warm welcome from the Old Trafford crowd after his comments about the relative size the Premiership clubs.

And with Howard Webb taking charge of this fixture for the first time since sending off Steven Gerrard in an FA Cup tie two years ago – and that tweet from Ryan Babel of the ref in a Manchester United shirt – don't expect the away support to take any decisions that go against Liverpool quietly.

Just in case you're not already salivating with excitement and crossing off the days until Sunday, we've put together an appetite-whetting selection of the very best 50 photos from this fixture over the last 45 years. Enjoy.

Arsenal defender Andre Santos apologises for Robin van Persie shirt swap and ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Wenger, though, did also defend Santos's general attitude on Monday. "He is a player who cares," he said. "He gives an image of himself which is not him. He is serious, he wants to do well, it's about the result, about the team. The Santos story doesn't explain our bad performance at Manchester United."

The wider concern, though, relates to Santos's form. With Vermaelen also struggling and Lukas Podolski offering little help further forward on the left, Santos was exposed against the wing play of Antonio Valencia on Saturday. He was similarly unconvincing in the 2-0 Champions League defeat against Schalke when they met at the Emirates Stadium last month.

Asked if he might play Santos further forward and move Vermaelen to left back, with Laurent Koscielny returning in central defence, Wenger said: "We think deeply about everything before we make those sort of decisions. We will have to sort that problem out anyway."

Wenger was also subjected to the usual personal abuse from Manchester United fans during Saturday's match but he said it no longer bothered him. "You want respect for people," he said. "I know who I am and the only thing that matters is when I face my mirror I can look in it."

André Santos joins Grêmio on loan from Arsenal until end of season - The Guardian

André Santos has joined Grêmio on loan until the end of the season, Arsenal have announced.

The Brazilian left-back moved to north London from Fenerbahce in August 2011, but failed to hold down a regular place as he struggled to adapt to the Premier League. He made only six starts for Arsenal this season and has now been given a chance to play regular football back in his homeland.

Many had expected Arsène Wenger to keep Santos until the summer once Kieran Gibbs was ruled out for two months with a thigh injury, but the Arsenal manager has decided to let the £6.8m signing depart for the Porto Alegre-based club.

Nacho Monreal was signed as cover for Gibbs on the last day of the transfer window and although the Spaniard is cup-tied in the Champions League, Wenger is happy enough to deploy Thomas Vermaelen in that position in the competition.

Santos, who has had spells with Brazilian clubs Corinthians, Atlético Mineiro, Flamengo and Figueirense, played for Arsenal 36 times in total. He infuriated Wenger and the Arsenal supporters when he asked his former team-mate Robin van Persie to swap shirts at half-time during the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last November.

Premier League - Match facts: Manchester United v Everton - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Manchester United have recovered more points from losing positions than any other team in the top flight this season (27).

Manchester United have scored the most headed goals in the top flight this season (13) while Everton have conceded the most (12).

The Toffees have scored the highest proportion of first half goals of any team in the top division this season (58%).

Everton have also been susceptible to conceding early with a league-high 30% of goals conceded being shipped in the opening 15 minutes.

Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in his last seven Premier League appearances and has scored or assisted 17 goals in 17 Premier League apps overall this term.

Manchester United have earned more points this season than they have ever done in Premier League history after 25 games (62).

After a run of one win in 29 games against Manchester United in the Premier League (W1 D5 L23), recent meetings have seen a more even match-up with both sides having won two and drawn two of the last six encounters.

The Red Devils have won 15 and lost none of the last 19 Premier League games against Everton at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have scored with 21% of their shots this season, the best conversion rate in the top flight.

Everton have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games (W5 D7 L1), while Man Utd are 13 without defeat (W11 D2 L0).

Cech calls for change in Premier League schedule before European ties - Goal.com

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has urged the Premier League to consider fixture changes for clubs competing in the Champions League.

The European champions could only secure a third-placed finish in Group E and now face a campaign in the Europa League. Manchester City, meanwhile, were dumped out of Europe altogether after failing to win a single game in their group.

Cech believes the Premier League must examine the schedule from other countries and ensure English teams have the same advantage as clubs from other nations.

"They should look at the fixture list quite closely," Cech told the Sunday Mirror. "Shakhtar ­Donetsk, every game prior to the Champions League, play on Friday.

"Every German team [playing in Europe] play on Friday. They always get the advantage from their federation to have more time to recover.

"It is a great honour for ­English football if ­everybody gets good ­results and trophies."

After the Premier League refused Chelsea a fixture change, Rafa Benitez and his players boarded a flight to Japan for the Club World Cup just hours after their 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

Premier League clockwatch – live! - The Guardian (blog)

Welcome to tonight's clockwatch, which is up there with a trip to the cinema to watch Les Miserables, doing the ironing, checking your children's hair for nits and a quiet night in watching episode two of The Following in the top five ways of keeping yourself amused on this Tuesday night.

There are four Premier League matches for our regular updating pleasure this evening, featuring a raft of potential relegation candidates: Aston Villa v Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers v Manchester City, Stoke City v Wigan Athletic and Sunderland v Swansea.

Meanwhile in the Championship, there are two matches tonight. Deeply mired in the brown stuff, Barnsley will be hoping its a case of after the lord mayor's show as they take on Millwall, who travel to Oakwell still buzzing from their monotonously predictable "shock" FA Cup win over Villa last Friday night. In the other match, bottom-of-the-table Bristol City entertain Gianfranco Zola's Watford, who will go second in the table if they win tonight.

Time permitting, we'll also be monitoring events from League One, where there are four matches: Crawley v Preston North End, Leyton Orient v Swindon Town, Portsmouth v Notts County and Yeovil v MK Dons. In the SPL, Motherwell take on Dundee in a match many sports fans north of Hadrian's Wall are calling "the fitba".

I'll be here with all the team news and updates from approximately 7pm.

Premier League - Match facts: West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Arsenal have won each of their last three Barclays Premier League clashes against West Bromwich Albion.

The Gunners have won four and lost just one of their six Premier League trips to The Hawthorns; netting in each match there.

Steve Clarke's side have won back-to-back home games for the first time since November 2012 thanks to consecutive 2-1 wins over Sunderland and Swansea.

Four of Arsenal's six league away wins this season have come in their last seven trips away from the Emirates (D1 L2).

No team have scored more goals after the 76th minute of matches this season than Arsenal (15).

Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, is West Brom's top scorer this season (13). He scored five times in his last six league appearances at The Hawthorns.

The Gunners are yet to lose a Premier League game that they have taken the lead in this season (W15 D2).

Theo Walcott hasn't scored in five Premier League appearances. The last time he went longer without scoring in the competition was in between Nov 2011 – Jan 2012 (nine apps).

West Brom's pairing of Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley have made 32 blocks each this season. Only Ryan Shawcross (33) and Ashley Williams (42) have made more.

Mikel Arteta has scored three goals in his last three Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion; including two penalties in the last meeting between the clubs.

Kebe in Newcastle transfer prank - BBC Sport

Reading winger Jimmy Kebe claimed he was set to become Newcastle's latest signing before admitting he was joking.

The Magpies have recruited four players from France this month, including left-back Massadio Haidara on Thursday.

France-born Kebe, wrote on Twitter:  "On my way to Newcastle, having medical then sign a four-year contract."

But he then added:  "Oops I thought if you're French and play football you pop into Newcastle and sign a contract? Not a chance of leaving #LoveReadingFC#."

Kebe joined Reading from Lens in January 2008 and has scored 29 goals in 185 appearances for the Royals.

He signed a new contract 12 months ago that will keep him at the Berkshire club until 2014 and has played 14 games this season.

Newcastle have already brought in right-back Mathieu Debuchy, centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, forward Yoan Gouffran.

The Magpies can also name Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Romain Amalfitano, Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan among their French contingent.

Alan Pardew's side finished fifth in the Premier League last season but they are 16th this time round, two points above the relegation zone.

FA Cup fourth-round draw: Chelsea in lower league visit - The Sun

CHELSEA will continue their FA Cup defence with a fourth-round trip to Southend or Brentford.

The Blues won the competition last year under former manager Roberto Di Matteo and interim boss Rafa Benitez will hope to maintain his chances of repeating the feat as they head to either the Shrimpers or Bees.

Premier League champions Manchester City visit either Crystal Palace or Stoke, while rivals Manchester United host either Fulham or Blackpool should they beat West Ham in a replay.

The other pick of the draws involves Premier League Tottenham heading to either Birmingham or Leeds, while Liverpool will travel to Oldham if they beat Mansfield today.

The ties to be played on the weekend of January 26-27.

FULL DRAW:

Norwich v Luton

Oldham v Mansfield or Liverpool

Macclesfield v Wigan or Bournemouth

Derby v Blackburn

Hull or Leyton Orient v Barnsley

Middlesbrough v Aldershot

Millwall v Aston Villa

Leeds or Birmingham v Tottenham

Brighton v Swansea or Arsenal

Crystal Palace or Stoke v Manchester City

West Ham or Manchester United v Fulham or Blackpool

Southend or Brentford v Chelsea

Reading v Sheffield United

Huddersfield v Leicester

QPR or West Brom v Sheffield Wednesday or MK Dons

Bolton or Sunderland v Cheltenham or Everton

Premier League - Wenger begs fans not to hassle Van Persie - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

The Dutch striker spent eight years with the Gunners before shifting to Manchester United in the close season for a reported £24 million transfer fee.

Arsenal travel north to Old Trafford, where Van Persie is expected to return to the United starting line-up after being rested for their League Cup defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday.

"I don't know (what reception he'll get but) I hope it is a respectful one because he has played for us for eight years, he has done very well for us," Wenger said.

"You want him to be respected.

"We campaign against discrimination, it was still the case last week so why should it not be the case this week?"

Van Persie has made an immediate impact for his new side, scoring seven goals in nine Premier League appearances, but Wenger said he was not wasting time worrying about the major hole he has left in his attacking line-up.

Wenger also said the team would not dwell on last year's visit to Old Trafford, which finished 8-2 in favour of the hosts.

"I believe that of course there is an emotional aspect to a result like that," he said.

"But on a footballing front I don't think you give too much importance to a result like that."

The club also announced it would travel to Indonesia during the 2013 summer break, playing a pre-season match in Jakarta.

Premier League - Match facts: Everton v Arsenal - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Arsenal have won eight and lost none of their last 10 Premier League meetings against Everton.

Arsenal have scored 81 goals in Premier League history against Everton; only Man Utd (82 v Everton) has seen one team score more against a single opponent in the competition.

Arsenal have inflicted Everton's two biggest defeats in the Premier League - 6-1 in August 2009 at Goodison Park and 7-0 at Highbury in May 2005.

In the last 21 games against Arsenal (in all comps), Everton have only managed more than one goal in a game on one occasion.

Michael Oliver will officiate Everton v Arsenal. He has only ever done four Arsenal games and they have won one and lost three.

Everton are unbeaten in five games with Oliver as the referee (W3 D2 L0), with red cards for opposition players in the last two Toffees' games he has handled.

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has scored in both games he has played at Goodison Park. He scored on his Premier League debut in the 6-1 win in August 2009 and also netted the only goal in a 1-0 win in the two sides' last meeting in March 2012.

No player in Eurpoe's big five leagues has created more chances than Leighton Baines (50).

In the Premier League, Santi Cazorla is second to Baines in terms of chances created (39).

Everton have taken the most shots (excl. blocked) in the Premier League this season, 183.

Premier League - Fulham v Sunderland - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

There have been just eight goals scored in the last eight Premier League meetings between Sunderland (2) and Fulham (6), with four of the games ending 0-0.

Fulham have won eight and lost just one of the eight Premier league meetings with Sunderland on home soil.

Louis Saha has scored six Premier League goals against Fulham; only against Chelsea (7) has he been more prolific. Saha has never been on the losing side against his former team, winning 10 of his 11 appearances.

In the last four meetings between Fulham and Sunderland there have only been four red cards (one for the Londoners and three for the Wearsiders).

Fulham have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team in the Premier League this season (14).

The Whites have been ahead at some point in 10 of their 11 Premier League games this season, more than any other team.

Dimitar Berbatov has been directly involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in just seven league appearances for Fulham since his move to Craven Cottage.

Sunderland are the only Premier League side yet to score a headed goal this season.

The Black Cats have averaged a shot on target every 60 minutes in the PL this term; the next worst sides (Stoke City and Aston Villa) have managed one every 28 minutes on average.

Fulham have won just once of their last 16 Premier League games in the month of November (D11 L4).

Chelsea v Manchester United: supporters warned in match programme ahead of ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu expects tonight's game will have an extra edge to it following Sunday's match.

"Manchester United is always a big match anyway, but after what happened at the weekend, losing with nine men, there will be a big atmosphere in the stadium, and we are very motivated to go out and do our job, and win the match," he said.

The 21 year-old, who has made just two appearances this season, is hoping to feature in Di Matteo's starting XI following his only other full appearance of the season in the competition when Chelsea thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-0.

"I know I have to wait until the chance comes and I am trying to be ready and get my body fit for when I can go onto the pitch and play," he told the Chelsea website.

"That's important for me, right now I feel ready and I am waiting for it to come. Wednesday night may be a good chance to show that I am ready to play for Chelsea.

"For me every minute I can play in every competition is important, it doesn't matter which one, you just want to play well and enjoy your football for the club. This is a competition that can give minutes to people who are not playing regularly, and it lets you show the manager that he can put you on the pitch."

Chelsea v Manchester United: supporters warned to behave in match ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu expects tonight's game will have an extra edge to it following Sunday's match.

"Manchester United is always a big match anyway, but after what happened at the weekend, losing with nine men, there will be a big atmosphere in the stadium, and we are very motivated to go out and do our job, and win the match," he said.

The 21 year-old, who has made just two appearances this season, is hoping to feature in Di Matteo's starting XI following his only other full appearance of the season in the competition when Chelsea thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-0.

"I know I have to wait until the chance comes and I am trying to be ready and get my body fit for when I can go onto the pitch and play," he told the Chelsea website.

"That's important for me, right now I feel ready and I am waiting for it to come. Wednesday night may be a good chance to show that I am ready to play for Chelsea.

"For me every minute I can play in every competition is important, it doesn't matter which one, you just want to play well and enjoy your football for the club. This is a competition that can give minutes to people who are not playing regularly, and it lets you show the manager that he can put you on the pitch."

Manchester City need more experience in Europe to win Champions League ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"The Champions League, it's not just (about) players - it's about a football club and how you grow up.

"It is new for us. We're learning and I believe we're going to get better. But it will take time."

Vieira played for Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan in the Champions League before ending his career in Manchester in 2011.

And City's football development executive believes Mancini's charges can take heart from the breathtaking manner in which they clinched the Premier League title in May as they attempt another feat of escapology.

Without a win in their first four attempts, the Blues must beat Real at home and do likewise in Dortmund while hoping other matches fall in their favour.

"I believe that when the door is still open, however small it is, there is always going to be a chance," Vieira added.

"Of course we didn't help ourselves, didn't make ourselves any favours but the door is not completely closed.

"So it is going to be difficult and of course not so many people will believe that we can go through.

"But the door is not closed. It is still open and we have to believe after what happened last year and the goals we've scored in the last minute of games, that gives us hope.

"And if not, you have to play for the third place and play for (qualification to) the Europa League."

Liverpool consider move for Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa - The Guardian

Brendan Rodgers will consider a move for Hatem Ben Arfa this summer as the Liverpool manager looks to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future at Newcastle United and the prospect of Andy Carroll returning to St James' Park.

Rodgers is a firm admirer of the France international, who has made no secret of his desire to play for Paris Saint-Germain. Ben Arfa did not push for a move in the January transfer window, as he recovers from a hamstring injury, but Newcastle's resolve to keep the player is likely to be tested at the end of the season. The 25-year-old has a contract at Newcastle to the summer of 2015 and would command a sizeable fee.

Ben Arfa is older than all the signings Liverpool have made since Rodgers became manager and Newcastle's asking price could prove an obstacle, but their interest in re-signing Carroll could work to the Anfield club's advantage and an exchange deal.

West Ham United have an option to buy Carroll at the end of his season-long loan but Liverpool dropped their demand for a guaranteed move to remove the £35m striker from their wage bill in August.

Dennis Bergkamp tipped to become head of Arsenal youth academy - The Guardian

Dennis Bergkamp is a leading candidate to succeed Liam Brady as the head of Arsenal's youth academy. The club have announced that Brady will step down from his current post before the end of May 2014 to take a different role within the organisation but he will assist in the search for his replacement and the hand-over process.

Bergkamp, who enjoyed 11 successful seasons at Arsenal as a player, is now working as the assistant to the Ajax manager, Frank de Boer, with a connection to the Dutch club's youth development programme. Arsenal will seek a household name to take over from Brady, whose reputation will help them to attract the top youth players, and Bergkamp will come under consideration. The sooner Arsenal make the appointment, the quicker Brady will step aside.

The 56-year-old Brady, an Arsenal playing legend, was appointed to oversee the club's academy in 1996 and he has helped to develop current first-team players such as Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.

"Liam has a deep understanding of what it takes to discover and develop a talented youngster into someone who can perform at the highest level," said the club's chief executive, Ivan Gazidis.

"He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal. It will be difficult to find a worthy successor but we will be looking for someone who can build on what Liam and his team have created."

Birmingham hope Chelsea interest will drive up Jack Butland's price - The Guardian

Jack Butland's future is expected to be decided on deadline day, with Birmingham City hopeful that late interest from a number of clubs, including Chelsea, will drive up the England international's asking price.

Birmingham turned down a £6m bid from Southampton seven months ago but the Championship club's precarious financial position means they need to sell the 19-year-old goalkeeper before the window closes, with their reduced bargaining power meaning the fee could be as low as £3m.

Although Chelsea are understood to have made an inquiry for Butland, it is far from certain that a deal will go through with the European champions.

Chelsea have high hopes for Thibaut Courtois, the 20-year-old Belgian currently on loan at Atlético Madrid, while Butland is believed to be concerned about the number of first-team opportunities he will get at Stamford Bridge.

Birmingham, meanwhile, have turned down a £500,000 offer from Nottingham Forest for the Scotland international Chris Burke. On what promises to be a busy final 24 hours of the transfer window at St Andrew's, there is also the prospect of Curtis Davies departing, with Reading and Norwich City showing interest in the central defender.