SPORTS 4 DEC 2014 Nations Cup 2015: Algeria handed tough Nations Cup draw Algeria, the highest-ranked side on the continent, face a tough draw for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Desert Foxes, who reached the second round of this years World Cup, will face Senegal, Ghana and South Africa in Group C. Hosts Equatorial Guinea will play neighbours Gabon, Congo and Burkina Faso in Group A. Group B features Zambia, DR Congo, Cape Verde and Tunisia, while in D it is Ivory Coast, Guinea, Cameroon and Mali. Im curious to see where I will end up - Khedira The Germany international says there have been no talks with any clubs as yet and claims he could sign a new contract to stay with Real Madrid Matthaus: Im concerned Ronaldo goals will win Ballon dOr The former World Cup-winning captain believes Lionel Messi had a disappointing year by his own standards and has hailed Manuel Neuer as a goalkeeping pioneer Transfer Talk: Man United target Reus & Cavani Louis van Gaal is keen to bring the forward duo to Old Trafford in January and is prepared to spend up to £70 million on the pair, according to reports Liverpool confirm work to begin on Anfield redevelopment After planning permission was granted in September, the Reds are now officially ready to start construction on improvements as they expand the ground to close to 54,000 seats Ancelotti up for global award The Italian is the leading candidate to win the prestigious prize in Dubai at the end of the month Bundesliga approves goal-line technology A majority of 15 clubs in the German top flight voted in favour of the use of hawk-eye from the start of the 2015-16 season Simeone laughs off Manchester Uniteds proposed Godin bid Louis van Gaals side are believed to have taken an interest in the Uruguay international, but the Argentine insists the centre-back will be going nowhere in January Santos defender Braz claims he is open to potential bribes The 27-year-old has claimed he would listen to offers from clubs threatened with relegation ahead of the final round of Brasileirao matches Guardiola is the worlds best tactician - Robben The Dutch winger has praised his coach for being a perfectionist - but has urged him not to rest him from upcoming matches Muntari and Boateng must earn Ghana recall - Grant The new Black Stars coach has opened the door for the duo to return following their indiscretions during the World Cup and says Asamoah Gyan will remain captain Ibrahimovic facing season-long injury problem, warns PSG doctor The Swede has endured a troubled 2014-15 with a heel concern and is likely to continue to miss games until at least next summer Fulham-Watford Betting: Bryan Ruiz and Co. to have a field day against a Hornets side low in confidence The Cottagers are looking to continue their rise up the Championship under new management, with our tipster backing goals for Kit Symons men Southampton hope to secure Clyne deal as Manchester United & Liverpool circle The highly rated 23-year-old, who made his England debut in November, has less than two years left on his current contract and the Saints are concerned he could leave on the cheap Newcastle United-Chelsea Betting: Miserly Magpies to frustrate Mourinhos men at St James Park Alan Pardews men have come out on top in their last two home games against the Blues, but Al Hain-Cole thinks they will merely hope to contain the league leaders this time out Eradicate ultras or face point deductions, LFP warn clubs The head of La Liga, Javier Thebes, has warned participating teams that hooligan groups must be banned from grounds in the aftermath of Sundays violence in Madrid Juve focus is on Fiorentina, not Atletico - Allegri The former AC Milan boss will wait until Saturday before turning his attention to the vital European clash with the Spanish champions Pochettino remains upbeat after Chelsea thrashing The Argentine saw his side spurn a host of early chances before capitulating at Stamford Bridge but refused to criticise his players in the aftermath of the defeat Henderson: Gerrard would be a huge loss to Liverpool The England midfielder insists the Reds skipper is a role model to his team-mates and has urged the 34-year-old to put pen to paper on a new contract at Anfield Dortmund wont go down, says Heldt Jurgen Klopps men finished second in Germanys top flight last season but are rooted to the bottom of the table after 13 games this term Transfer Talk: Inter chase Podolski The Serie A outfit are desperate to strengthen their squad come January and are ready to make a move for the Arsenal man - get all the latest rumours here! Give Henry final France send-off - Wenger The strikers former coach would love to see him pull on the jersey of the national side again before hanging up his boots Thiago Silva: PSG worse than last year The Brazilian has acknowledged the clubs performances have not been as good as they were in 2013-14 and accepted Wednesdays draw was a fair result Pellegrini warns rivals: Aguero is still improving The Argentina international has hit 19 goals in all competitions in 2014-15 and hit a double against Sunderland, with the Chilean insisting he can only get better Guardiola shouldve been Argentina boss, says Menotti The former Barca and Argentina boss declared the Spaniard as the best coach of the past 30 years, while claiming Lionel Messi is not the best player ever Murders, fascism, pro-Hitler graffiti - why Spain must eradicate the Ultras destroying its game COMMENT: Events in the Spanish capital last weekend have sent shockwaves down the countrys most popular sport and serious action is now needed to eliminate the problem Rayo Vallecano-Valencia Betting: Why the team from Mestalla have a great chance of winning Our man in the Spanish capital, Phil Kitromilides, explains why the healthy looking price of 13/10 for a Valencia victory tonight offers punters exceptional value Rijkaard finishes 1990 on a high as AC Milan are crowned world’s best - again The brilliant Dutchman was caught up in controversy at the 1990 World Cup but redeemed himself by inspiring his club to a second Toyota Cup victory in a row Neuer deserves Ballon dOr but wont win - Dino Zoff The legendary former shot-stopper has backed Bayerns No.1 but - like when he lost out to Johan Cruyff in the 1970s - thinks one of his outfield competitors will win Smalling eyes Manchester United title tilt after four-game winning run The England international defender insists he and his team-mates will only get better after showing signs of cohesion under Louis van Gaal, and is hopeful of a surge up the table Mourinho expects big things from Zouma The French defender turned in another promising display after replacing Gary Cahill, but the England internationals head injury has been played down by the Portuguese boss Real Oviedo-Real Sociedad Betting: Why David Moyes side could suffer an upset Our Spanish expert, Phil Kitromilides, believes the weakened squad picked by Moyes coupled with Oviedos great home form means La Real will fail to win on Thursday night Lahm rules out Germany comeback The 31-year-old has no intention of returning to the international fray in the future and claims the whole of Bayern miss imprisoned former president Uli Hoeness No one will say Neuers better than Ronaldo & Messi in 30 years, mocks Courbis The Germany goalkeeper has won the backing of several high-profile names in the race for the Ballon dOr, but his bid has been ridiculed by the Montpellier boss Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini claims Louis van Gaals side can still win the Premier League title after winning four games in a row. Real Madrid have rewarded their players for winning last seasons Champions League and Copa del Rey competitions by giving them each a watch worth around £24,000. Leicester City are investigating an altercation between manager Nigel Pearson and a section of fans after Tuesdays 3-1 defeat at home by Liverpool. West Brom centre-back Joleon Lescott, 32, has said he wants to help under-pressure head coach Alan Irvine keep his job . Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 29, expects to be fit for Mondays Premier League trip to Southampton after a scan on a knee injury gave him the all-clear. Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse, 29, says he is still not fully over the dislocated kneecap he suffered last season, despite scoring in Tuesdays 1-1 draw at Burnley. Liverpool say they will hold a meeting next week with fans disgruntled by the rising cost of tickets at Anfield. Former Stoke winger Matthew Etherington has announced his retirement at the age of 33 because of a back injury . Former Inverness and Hibernian boss Terry Butcher, 55, is in line to return to Motherwell for a second spell as a Andres Iniesta says he is thrilled with his successful Barcelona comeback in the Copa del Rey victory over Huesca on Wednesday. Adam Lallana is not surprised by the telling impact that striker Rickie Lambert has made in his last four Liverpool starts.With Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli ahead of him in the Anfield pecking order, Lambert has been forced to wait patiently for chances to impress since joining his boyhood club from Southampton in June. Everton and U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard says in his new autobiography that compatriot and fellow No. 1 Brad Friedel actively tried to block his 2003 move from Major League Soccer to Manchester United, a claim Friedel said was not true on Wednesday. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger poured yet more praise on match winner Alexis Sanchez after the Chilean snatched a dramatic late winner in a crucial 1-0 success against Southampton at Emirates Stadium. Chelsea maintained their perfect Premier League record at Stamford Bridge this season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert have both appealed to captain Steven Gerrard to sign a new contract and stay at Liverpool.Vice-captain Henderson says Gerrard leaving Anfield is unimaginable, while striker Lambert called him Mr Liverpool. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes his side have rediscovered their title-winning form after Sergio Aguero inspired a 4-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Roy Keane says he would be happy to resolve his differences with Alex Ferguson should the former Manchester United manager be willing to apologise to him. TRANSFER GOSSIP Sevilla are monitoring Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata with a view to a January move for the 26-year-old. Liverpools players have joined forces to plead with captain Steven Gerrard, 34, not to leave at the end of this season. AC Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini, 30, is being offered to Premier League clubs - with Queens Park Rangers, Sunderland and Aston Villa all interested. Tottenham are set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Portos Colombian striker Jackson Martinez, 28, by offering Spanish forward Roberto Soldado, 29, in part-exchange. Liverpool are considering a move for Stromsgodsets 15-year-old Norway international midfielder Martin Odegaard, who was shown round the clubs training ground on Wednesday. AC Milans French forward MBaye Niang, 19, has revealed how a dream move to Arsenal fell apart in 2012. QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, 33, could join his brother Bradley in Americas Major League Soccer when his contract ends. Borussia Dortmund-Hoffenheim Preview: High noon for Klopp against inconsistent visitors BVB could welcome back Mats Hummels and Jakub Blaszczykowski as they seek a win to lift them off the bottom of the Bundesliga Transfer Talk: Liverpool enter race for Dybala The 21-year-old, also a reported target for Arsenal, is now rumoured to be attracting attention from Anfield following his performances this season Roy Keane: Ill move on if Ferguson apologises The former midfielder claims he would be willing to make peace with the Scot and insists he enjoyed the greatest days of his life at Manchester United I knew Lambert would come good for Liverpool - Lallana The England international pair both moved to Anfield from Southampton this summer and the midfielder is delighted to see his friend starting to find his feet with the Reds Wenger hails fabulous Alexis impact after Arsenal win The Chilean bagged his 14th goal of an impressive season in the dying minutes to give the Gunners a valuable victory over high-flying Southampton at the Emirates Stadium Amazing Alexis is vital to Wengers three-year title plan If the Arsenal boss has any hope of fulfilling his claim that he can win another Premier League by 2016-17 he will have to harness everything the brilliant Chilean has to offer Samper is ready to star for the Barcelona first team - Luis Enrique The Blaugrana boss has challenged the clubs other young players to cement their places in his plans after fielding a number of fringe talents in the win over Huesca Luis Enriques men take a resounding lead into their Copa del Rey last-32 second leg, with Ivan Rakitic & Co. ultimately proving too much for their Segunda B2 opposition Vintage Drogba can still match Diego Costa The 36-year-old legend came in for Diego Costa and provided a goal and assist in Wednesday nights 3-0 victory over rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge We didnt want to win - Blanc The former defender was unhappy with his side after they dropped points and failed to take advantage of Marseilles draw with Lorient on Tuesday arcelona to appeal Messi yellow card The forward was booked against Valencia for perceived time-wasting after a fan threw a bottle of water at him following Sergio Busquets late goal LHospitalet 0-3 Atletico Madrid: Griezmann and Gabi grind out the win Three second-half goals - including a stunning strike from Cristian Rodriguez - were enough for Diego Simeones side to win their Copa del Rey encounter Parlour: Henry will be Arsenal manager The former Gunners midfielder has backed his the 37-year-old to return to north London and eventually become a successor to Arsene Wenger Lahm could be out until March The defender admits his spell on the sidelines could be longer than expected as he recovers from injury Ivanovic: Mourinho is The Perfect One The Serbia international has played his part in the Stamford Bridge outfits unbeaten start to the campaign and would be happy with any silverware this season Barcelona set for hoops instead of stripes on controversial new shirt The Catalan clubs proposed kit for 2015-16 has been leaked in the local press and is proving unpopular with fans of the Blaugrana on social media I dont need a vote of confidence, says Klopp The charismatic Dortmund boss is hoping the team emerge stronger from their struggles at the foot of the Bundesliga Ibrahimovic said Inter would win nothing without him - Moratti The striker predicted the club would struggle following his departure, only for the Nerazzurri to win the treble the following season Castan brain surgery a success The 28-year-old centre-half will have an operation to resolve a neurological condition that has sidelined him since the September 13 meeting with Empoli TEAM position POINTS 1. Chelsea 36 2. Manchester City 30 3. Southampton 26 4. Manchester United 25 5. West Ham 24 6. Arsenal 23 7. Swansea 22 8. Liverpool 20 9. Newcastle Utd 20 10. Tottenham 20 11. Everton 18 12. Aston Villa 16 13. Stoke City 15 14. Sunderland 14 15. Crystal Palace 13 16. West Brom 13 17. Hull City 12 18. Burnley 12 19. QPR 11 20. Leicester 10 1. TOP SCORERS Agüero S. Manchester City 14 2. Costa D. Chelsea 11 3. Sanchez A. Arsenal 9 4. Austin C. QPR 7 4. Berahino S. West Brom 7 6. Bony W. Swansea 6 6. Chadli N. Tottenham 6 6. Lukaku R. Everton 6 6. Pellè G. Southampton 6 6. Sakho D. West Ham 6 11. Cisse P. Newcastle Utd 5 11. Eriksen C. Tottenham 5 11. Hazard E. Chelsea 5 11. Jedinak M. Crystal Palace 5 11. Rooney W. Manchester United 5 11. Ulloa L. Leicester 5 17. Diame M. Hull City (West Ham) 4 17. Fletcher S. Sunderland 4 17. Ings D. Burnley 4 17. Jelavic N. Hull City 4 17. Jovetic S. Manchester City 4 17. Mata J. Manchester United 4 17. Naismith S. Everton 4 17. van Persie R. Manchester United 4 25. Agbonlahor G. Aston Villa
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:45:26 +0000