Antonio Conte wants two new Chelsea signings with earnings from Oscar's transfer

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte wants to sign
a midfielder and a defender with the cash
coming in from Brazilian midfielder Oscar’s
impending transfer( which just got
confirmed) to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Conte aims
to re-invest the funds in strengthening his
Chelsea team to give them further advantage
in the English Premier League title race. The
report claims that Fenerbahce’s Simon Kjaer,
Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger, Burnley’s
Michael Keane and Monaco right-back Djibril
Sidibe are all on the Italian’s shortlist.
Apart from the above-mentioned names,
Hoffenheim’s Niklas Sule is also on the Blues
transfer shortlist, however, Sport Bild claims
that Bayern Munich have agreed a £21m deal
to sign the defender next summer.
Chelsea have been shrewd in their transfer
dealings in the summer, signing N’Golo Kante,
Marcos Alonso, re-signing cult hero David
Luiz and bringing back Victor Moses from his
various loan spells. All four players have been
integral in the London club’s rise to the
summit of the Premier League after an 11-
game winning streak.
Reports also claim that the Premier League
leaders have scouted Monaco’s defensive
midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, while Roma’s
Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who was
rumoured to join in the summer, is still on
Chelsea’s radar.
Also Read: Twitter goes wild as Chelsea sell
Oscar to Shanghai SIPG
With a host of other players also linked with
Chelsea like Paris Saint Germain’s Marco
Verrati and more recently Real Madrid’s
James Rodriguez and Arsenal’s Alexis
Sanchez, it remains to be seen what exactly
Antonio Conte does in the January transfer
window.
The Brazilian, Oscar, failed to break the
shackles of his ‘wonderkid’ tag and live up to
it after flattering to deceive a number of times
with flickers of brilliance during his time with
Chelsea. He failed to consistently make the
desired impact that many Chelsea fans had
expected of him and is now surprisingly
moving to China, possibly because of the
allure of the immense salary package on
offer.
The rumoured value of Oscar’s transfer is
believed to be in the region of £52 million with
it rising to 60 million after including incentives.
His reported salary is close to £400,000 a
week, more than four times that of his current
£90,000 a week contract at Chelsea.
The 25-year-old Brazilian’s statistics
dwindled over the seasons after a bright start
where he hit double figures for goals and
assists in his first two seasons. In his first full
season in 2012/13 at Stamford Bridge, Oscar
played 64 games, scoring 12 goals and
making 12 assists.
The attacking mid played 46 times in the
2013/2014 season, racking up 11 goals and
10 assists.
However, soon after in the 2014/15 season
when Chelsea eventually lifted the Premier
League title, he played 41 games but managed
only 7 goals and 9 assists. His performance
was overshadowed by that of Eden Hazard,
Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas.
Last season in 2015/16 he scored just 3 goals
in the Premier League and made only 3
assists. A shocking figure considering his
bright start. Perhaps, Chelsea are right in
shipping the Brazilian off with such a
ridiculous deal on offer.
It will remain another classic case of a highly
touted Brazilian player peaking early and then
fading out into anonymity.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone names Arsenal as the club who offer stability

Diego Simeone has named Arsenal has
one of the only teams who can offer
managers stability.
The 46-year-old is among the managers
who have been tipped to replace Arsene
Wenger, who is in his 21st year with the
Gunners and sees his contract expire at
the end of the season.
Simeone has spent five years at Atletico
Madrid and has guided the Spanish club
to victory in La Liga and the Europa
League, and was narrowly beaten in two
Champions League finals.
‘It is difficult to stay for many years at a
club. It has happened to everyone
[changing clubs regularly], except at
Arsenal,’ Simeone told Marca.
‘There is little chance of continually
reinventing and staying current.

‘I think the best way to get there is to not
think about what we’ve left behind and
find challenges along the way.
‘Last season, we had seven points more
than today in the league, but we didn’t
have a consistent team.
‘Fernando [Torres] appeared in January
and February to give an important hand
in that position that was uncertain after
the departure of Jackson [Martinez].

POCHETTINO TAKES DIG AT CHELSEA MIDFIELDER OVER TRANSFER

Mauricio Pochettino has had a dig at Chelsea
midfielder Oscar after it was confirmed that the
Brazilian has reached an agreement to join Chinese
outfit Shanghai SIPG.
Oscar’s move to China is the latest in a number of
big-money transfers to the league but Tottenham
manager Pochettino claims he can’t understand
the decision.
The Spurs boss claimed “football is not only
money” and doesn’t agree with Oscar’s decision to
join the Chinese outfit in a reported £60million
move.
The transfer was confirmed by Chelsea on their
Twitter page on Friday morning and in a story on
their official website.
Chelsea Football Club and Shanghai SIPG
have agreed terms for the permanent
transfer of Oscar… https://t.co/7izeugHu1J
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 23,
2016
Asked whether Oscar’s move is a sign for concern
in the Premier League, Pochettino said “I don’t
believe it is a danger for us,” as quoted by

“It’s sometimes difficult to understand this type of
decision. Football for me is not only money, it’s to
be competitive and for me the Premier League is
the most important league in the world.”
The Chelsea midfielder’s transfer is expected to be
in the region of £60million and he will follow in the
footsteps of former teammate Didier Drogba and
Hulk.
According to BBC Sport , he will become the
seventh highest transfer of all-time and will be
earning a huge £400,000 a week which is four
times as much as Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Oscar has enjoyed some success with Chelsea
and was a big player under Jose Mourinho when
the Blues won the Premier League. He has also
won the Europa League and the League cup during
his London career.
In 203 appearances for Chelsea he scored 38
goals and provided 37 assists.
Aj just 25, he’s still at the peak as a footballer and
his move to China will definitely put a lot of other
big clubs on alert over the possibility of head-
turning offers coming in.

Courtois takes toInstagram after RealMadrid links

Chelsea player Thibaut Courtois has been linked
with a move to Real Madrid once again in recent
days, after it emerged in the Spanish press that the
La Liga leaders had placed him at the top of their
wishlist.
When previous links have arisen between the player
and the club, Courtois hasn’t exactly moved to
dampen speculation that he might fancy a move to a
sunnier climate and to a huge side – but this time it
seems things are different.
The Antonio Conte effect has spread throughout the
side, and Courtois looks as happy and settled as he
has in a long time at the club.
That’s why following the links, he took to social
media and uploaded a photo of himself playing for
the Blues, just to make it clear that’s where his
heart really lies – for now at least.
That will of course come as a welcome relief to
Chelsea fans, with their keeper in excellent form
when called upon, and a big part of their rise to the
top of the table this season.

Diego Simeone reveals the ‘problem’ Chelsea gave Atletico Madrid in Diego Costa transfer talks

Diego Simeone has confirmed that
Atletico Madrid wanted to re-sign Diego
Costa from Chelsea but admits the
Premier League leaders held the upper
hand in negotiations.
The 28-year-old joined Stamford Bridge
in a £32 million deal in 2014 and won the
Premier League in his first season under
Jose Mourinho.
The Spain international struggled in his
second campaign and was wanted by
Atletico in the summer as a replacement
for Jackson Martinez, who was sold
to Guangzhou Evergrande for £31m in
February.
‘I was crystal clear with Diego about what
we were trying to do and how long we’d
wait for an answer and that’s why we’ve
still got a great relationship today,’
Simeone told Marca.
‘The problem we came up against was
that there tend not to be buyout clauses
in England and so Chelsea could say to
us: ‘we want £180m’ or ‘we don’t want to
sell’.
‘From my point of view both I and the
club did everything we possibly could to
get him back to Atletico but what
happened was we set a date after which
we had to take action and we signed
Kevin Gameiro instead.’

Chelsea winger: I want to be at this club in January… and it's not the Blues

The 20-year-old has been at Gresty Road since the
start of the season and he's loving life at the club.
Crewe boss Steve Davis has been in touch with the
Blues about extending his stay at the League 2 club.
And Kiwomya says it's up
to the Alex whether they
decided to keep him or
send him back to Chelsea.
Kiwomya told the Crewe
Chronicle : "I'm loving it here, the lads are amazing.
"Really it's down to Crewe now, I know that Steve
(Davis) has spoken to Chelsea and they've said a
couple of things, so the ball is in Crewe's court now
- it's the club's choice.
"It's a tough one because I don’t want to go
somewhere else and be on the bench or not
involved, I've done that before and I don't want to
do it again.

Oscar Poses In Shanghai Shirt After Completing £60m Move From Chelsea

Managers are now making moves to try and
strengthen their squads during the January transfer
window or next summer so we’ll bring you all the
latest gossip from around the globe. Today, Oscar
completes his move to China….
Oscar has been snapped wearing his new Shanghai
SIPG shirt after completing a staggering £60m
move from Chelsea to the Chinese Super League
club.
The Brazilian attacker has fallen out-of-favour at
Stamford Bridge this season and has failed to start
a single game since Antonio Conte switched to his
new 3-4-3 system at the start of October.
Oscar admitted earlier this month that he was
almost certain to leave Chelsea during the January
transfer window and a shock move to China has
been strongly touted in the media in recent weeks.
The west Londoners have now confirmed on
Chelseafc.com that they’ve agreed terms with
Shangai SIPG over the transfer of Oscar with the
deal set to go through when the transfer window
opens next month.
The club hasn’t officially disclosed the fee but the
BBC claim that Shangai will pay a whopping £60m
for the 25-year-old with the player also expected to
sign a lucrative contract with the Chinese outfit.
Oscar has now been snapped wearing his new shirt
as he gets ready to start a new life in the Far East,
bringing to an end a four-and-a-half year stay in
the Premier League.
The attacker joined Chelsea from Internacional in
2012 and has helped the club win the Premier
League title, League Cup and Europa League during
his 203 appearances.
This transfer once again highlights the financial
power the Chinese clubs have and I’m sure Oscar
won’t be the last top class player to pick up an early
pension payday by heading to the Super League.

Antonio Conte wants two new Chelsea signings with £60m Oscar cash

Antonio Conte wants to sign a defender
and a midfielder with the £60 million
Chelsea receive for Oscar, according to
reports.
The Brazilian is on the verge of
completing a surprise move to Shanghai
SIPG.
And The Daily Telegraph claims that the
Italian wants the club to reinvest the
money in order to give his side another
advantage in the title race.
Conte is keen on signing a new defender
with Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger,
Fenerbahce’s Simon Kjaer,
Burnley’s Michael Keane and Monaco
right-back Djibril Sidibe all on the
shortlist.

AFC Bournemouth: Simon Francis expects the unexpected from Chelsea with Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante absent

SIMON Francis is adamant the absence of
suspended duo Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante will
not hit Chelsea hard and insists Cherries must be
wary of the "unexpected" qualities of their potential
replacements on Boxing Day.
Spain striker Costa is the top flight's leading scorer
with 13 goals having started every league game this
term, while ex-Leicester City lynchpin Kante is
ranked in the Premier League's top five players for
tackles and interceptions.
Neither player is available for the clash with
Cherries at Stamford Bridge having both picked up
their fifth bookings of the season against Crystal
Palace on Saturday.
Blues boss Antonio Conte could turn to sparsely-
used £33million summer signing Michy Batshuayi to
replace Costa, while ex-Arsenal playmaker Cesc
Fabregas could take over from Kante in the anchor
role.
Reflecting on the absences of the Chelsea duo,
skipper Francis told the Daily Echo: "Costa has
been huge for them this season given the goals he
has chipped in with and I'd say he's the best striker
in the Premier League.
"Kante has been the buy of the season. Whoever
got him in the summer was going to see a big
difference in their team and he's certainly provided
that since Chelsea have hit form.
"He's been excellent and that's two key players
they are missing. Having said that, they have a
brilliant squad. They have strength in depth and
whoever they bring in is going to be a top player.
"We're certainly not thinking that because Costa and
Kante are out that we've got a much better chance,
because it's just not like that in the Premier League.
"If anything, we've got to be more aware because
we've seen Costa and Kante play week in, week out
so we know what they are about.
"When they bring in someone like Batshuayi who
hasn't had too much game time, you have got to be
more aware because it's the unexpected and it's
the same with Fabregas.
"He hasn't played as many games as he would
have liked but he has so much quality on the ball.
It's something we'll have to address and try and
stop him playing."
Conte's preferred 3-4-3 formation has been a
revelation this season with Victor Moses among
those to benefit, the former Wigan and Crystal
Palace man receiving rave reviews for his
performances down the right.
Defender Francis continued: "A lot of Italian teams
have played three at the back over the years and
Conte certainly did that when he was a manager in
Italy.
"Although he didn't start with that in the Premier
League, as soon as he changed to a three, it was
almost as if something clicked and Chelsea have
not looked back.
"It's interesting because it's brought out the best in
some players who you haven't seen for years.
Victor Moses has come out of nowhere and been
excellent for them, so he is another player we will
have to be aware of."

Neville: Chelsea too consistent for other Premier League contenders

Gary Neville believes Chelsea are now the team to
beat in the Premier League title race heading into
the New Year.
The Blues sit six point clear at the summit of the
table, after a 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace
marked their 11th straight domestic victory.
Antonio Conte’s side have not lost a Premier
League game, and have only conceded two goals
since the end of September.
Eight time top flight champion Gary Neville claims
Chelsea are too solid across the pitch for their
fellow title contenders.
“What I would say is that Chelsea have the
consistency. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester
City are playing a very mobile brand of football,”
Neville said on Sky Sports.
“Power, pace and strength have always been
important assets of winning titles if you go back to
all the teams that have won it.
“If you look at the Chelsea team and the spine of it,
you see Kante, Matic, Costa, Azpilicueta, Luiz and
Cahill, you’ve got experience, reliability, strength
and power.
“They can play in a nasty game, they can play in a
good game, they can play in a passing game, they
can play in a cold night, they can do everything
you’d want to do to win the league.
“The other three teams aren’t robust enough to
cope when the punches come. The punches always
come in a 38-game season.”
Chelsea close out 2016 with a home clash against
Bournemouth on December 27.

Chelsea snub £60m star, paving the way for Man Utd to complete deal on Mourinho’s say-so

The Blues had been keen on a move for the
Colombian in January after Antonio Conte failed in
his attempts to sign him last summer.
But according to The Sun, Chelsea have been put off
by his £60m price tag and fear he won’t fit into
Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
The news will come as a blow to Rodriguez who is
keen to leave the Bernabeu after falling out of favour
under Zinedine Zidane.
Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of the race for
James Rodriquez
Recent reports suggested Rodriguez preferred a
move to Stamford Bridge over Manchester United ,
but with Chelsea backing down a move to Old
Trafford is now more likely.
The Sun suggest Jose Mourinho is prioritising his
pursuit of Antoine Griezmann and the club have
already started talks.
But Griezmann won’t be available until the summer
and in order to bolster his midfield options for the
second half of the campaign, Mourinho has not
ruled out trying to land Rodriguez when the transfer
window opens next month.

Okocha reveals reason for early retirement

The former midfield maestro stated that not
getting enough minutes on the pitch hastened his
decision to quit the round leather game
Austin Jay Jay Okocha has attributed his decision
to retire active football early to lack of enough
playing time.
The ex-Nigeria international who dazzled the
footballing world with his sizzling skills and
breathtaking performances made the shock
decision to leave the game in 2008. According to
the Olympic Gold medallist, reduced minutes on
the pitch of play triggered his exile from the round
leather game, at the age of 34.
“I must confess that [not getting a lot of playing
time] was one of the main reasons why I retired
from playing at a very young age,” Okocha told
media men at a press conference organised by
Star Times.
“I believe that it is not worth it to train from
Monday to Friday just to have 20 minutes on the
pitch or sit on the bench on Saturday. I am very
competitive.”
The midfielder who last represented Nigeria in
2006, appeared for the Super Eagles 75 times with
14 goals to his name.

Chelsea stars Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante deliberately got themselves suspended, suggests Jamie Carragher

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher
believes Chelsea‘s Diego Costa and
N’Golo Kante may have deliberately got
themselves booked against Crystal
Palace.
Costa and Kante were the only Chelsea
starters who were shown yellow cards by
referee Jonathan Moss in the side’s 1-0
victory away at Selhurst Park.
It means the duo cannot face
Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on
Boxing Day after picking up their fifth
bookings of the campaign.
And Carragher has claimed he would not
be surprised if Costa and Kante got
themselves suspended on purpose ahead
of their clash with Tottenham at White
Hart Lane.
‘I think Chelsea will be fine without Costa
and Kante and I wouldn’t be surprised if
the deliberately got booked to miss that
game,’ Carragher told Sky Sports’ Soccer
AM.
‘I know it’s controversial but it’s been
done before.’

Mikel Seeks Drogba Advice Over Marseille Move

Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has reportedly
sought advice from former Chelsea striker
Didier Drogba over a possible move to French
club Olympique Marseille.
Mikel who is out of contract at Chelsea at the
end of this season is rumoured to be heading to
the former European champions when the
transfer window reopens in January.
The midfielder has not featured for the Blues
this season and seems not to be in the plans of
coach Antonio Conte.
According to a report in the Evening Standard,
Mikel has been quizzing Chelsea legend
Drogba about the French club.
The former Lyn Oslo of Norway star is said to
respect the former Ivory Coast captain opinion
and is ready to make the switch.
Drogba joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2004,
while Mikel joined in 2006.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte started work on 'Plan B' long before Diego Costa's suspension, says Pat Nevin

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will have been
working on a 'Plan B' long before Diego Costa's
suspension, according to Pat Nevin.
Costa has been key to Chelsea's rise this term,
scoring 13 goals in 17 top-flight appearances
to help the Blues climb to the top of the table.
But the Spaniard is set to miss the Boxing Day
clash against Bournemouth, having incurred a
one-game ban for accumulating five bookings .
The 28-year-old's absence is set to be keenly
felt as Conte has rarely strayed from his
preferred starting line up since switching to a
3-4-3 system.
Nevin believes Michy Batshuayi is the "clear
favourite" to be given an opportunity to lead the
line against the Cherries, having struggled for
game time during the first half of the season.
But the former Blues winger is adamant Conte
will have plenty of options at his disposal with
his players likely to have already been drilled
on how to replace Costa.
"The manager would have worked hard on the
training ground long before the suspension
knowing it was always likely to happen
eventually," Nevin told the club's official
website.
"There will certainly be a plan B and maybe a
C, D, E and F.
"There is of course young Dominic Solanke but
remember the likes of Pedro and Eden Hazard
are capable of playing through the middle and
terrorising big defenders.
"Both have done it before and both would
absolutely relish the opportunity.
"Maybe Conte will have found out that Victor
Moses has the ability to do that central role as
well," he added.
Chelsea are guaranteed to be six points clear
on Christmas Day after Liverpool beat Everton
in last night's Merseyside derby.
And the Blues are set to have a fitness
advantage over their title rivals during the
festive period courtesy of more rest days
between now and New Year.

Azpilicueta and Ivanovic touted as possible Costa cover by Chelsea legend Nevin

The former Blues winger acknowledges that
Michy Batshuayi is likely to step in for the
suspended Spain international, but believes
Antonio Conte has options
Diego Costa will be missing for Chelsea on Boxing
Day, and Blues legend Pat Nevin says Antonio
Conte has more cover options than immediately
meets the eye.
With the Premier league’s top scorer due to serve
a suspension against Bournemouth after collecting
five bookings this season, changes will need to be
made by the in-form capital outfit.
Who has the most time off over Xmas?
Michy Batshuayi is expected to step in, with the
Belgium international a proven striker in his own
right and a big-money summer acquisition by
Conte.
Chelsea, though, boast a number of versatile
performers within their ranks that could fill the
attacking void if required.
Nevin cannot see Cesc Fabregas being asked to
fill the ‘false nine’ role he has taken on with Spain
in the past, but has talked up the claims of
defensive stalwarts Cesar Azpilicueta and
Branislav Ivanovic – in what would be a rather
left-field move by a side on an 11-match winning
run.
He told the club’s official website: “Maybe Conte
will have found out that Victor Moses has the
ability to do that central role as well.
Conte hints at Chelsea transfers
“It would not surprise me in the slightest and
obviously Cesar Azpilicueta could play as a
centre-forward because he clearly can play
absolutely anywhere with no discernible impact on
the quality of his output!
“I will leave Branislav Ivanovic out of this
discussion as I have yet to find many who agree
with me that he could be a perfectly good striker.
His movement in the box from crosses is
fantastic, his finishing is extremely good too and I
suspect he might just be able to hold the ball up
quite well also.
“When I say this to people they usually give me a
funny look but although he is a 100/1 outsider, I
would love to see it, though it might just crush
Michy’s confidence if he was overlooked for
Brana.
“I am not even to go down the road of Cesc
playing the false number nine, something he has
done before but suffice to say there are a few
options available to Antonio
Costa netted his 13th goal of the season on
Saturday as Chelsea edged out London rivals
Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park.
He will, however, have to wait until a New Year’s
Eve home date with Stoke City before looking to
add to that tally, with N’Golo Kante also set to be
sidelined against Bournemouth after picking up a
fifth booking of the 2016-17 campaign.

Genk sporting director vows to frustrate Wilfred Ndidi's move to Leicester City

The Belgian side's boss says he will do everything
to stop the Super Eagles midfielder from joining
the Premier League champions in January
Genk director of sport, Dimitri De Conde has
insisted that he will frustrate Wilfred Ndidi’s move
to Leicester City in the January transfer window.
The Premier League champions have already
agreed to sign the Nigerian international in a deal
worth £15million after completing medical with the
club.
De Conde also stated that the club is already
planning to replace the player next summer if he
eventually joins the Foxes next month, adding that
Leicester are not the only club interested in the
20-year-old midfielder.
"Seeing Ndidi and Leon Bailey leave in January?
It's possible, but I'm going to do everything in my
power to stop it from happening,” De Conde told
L'Avenir newspaper.
"Our plan was to replace them next season only.
And yes, for Ndidi, we're talking with Leicester,
but they aren't the only club interested."
Ndidi, who can play in the midfield or anywhere
across the backline is expected to replace N’golo
Kante, who joined Chelsea after helping the King
Power Stadium outfit clinch their very first English
topflight title.

Real Madrid's transfer ban reduced, but Spaniards claim CAS 'lack courage'

The La Liga giants were initially stung with a two-
window suspension from bringing in fresh faces,
but have seen that sanction cut to one on appeal
Real Madrid have had their two-window transfer
ban reduced to one by the Court of Arbitration for
Sport, the club have announced.
Madrid, along with city rivals Atletico, were hit
with bans in January 2016 after FIFA's
Disciplinary Committee found them to be in breach
of regulations "relating to the international transfer
and registration of players under the age of 18".
Spanish champions Barcelona were hit with a
similar sanction in 2014.
An appeal to FIFA failed in September, prompting
Madrid to take their claim to CAS.
The two-window ban had been suspended while
the investigation continued but Madrid were facing
up to the prospect of not being able to register
new players for the entirety of 2017.
That punishment has now been halved with the
European champions able to strengthen their
squad when the window opens at the end of the
current season, although they will be inactive in
January.
Despite CAS ruling partially in their favour, Madrid
released a statement in which they outlined their
displeasure at the verdict and that initially
delivered by FIFA.
The statement read: "The Court of Arbitration for
Sport (CAS) has today informed Real Madrid CF of
their decision by which they have partially upheld
the appeal lodged by the club against the FIFA
resolution which imposed a sanction forbidding the
signing of players for two transfer windows,
reducing said sanction to just one period,
corresponding to the January 2017 transfer
window.
"The decision highlights the injustice of the original
ban imposed by FIFA, although the club regrets
that the CAS lacked the courage to revoke the
ruling entirely."
In explaining their decision, a CAS statement read:
"The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has
issued its decision in the arbitration between Real
Madrid and FIFA.
"The Spanish club's appeal was partially
accepted. Therefore, the decision of the FIFA
Appeals Board (FIFA) is cancelled and replaced by
this CAS decision in which the following elements
have been modified: Real Madrid are prohibited
from registering new players, both nationally and
internationally, during a full transfer period (initially
two periods); Real Madrid must pay a fine of
CHF240,000 (initially CHF 360,000) (£225,000,
initially £337,000)."
The CAS statement added: "In summary, the sole
arbitrator determined that certain offences alleged
by FIFA could be confirmed, but not all.
"Given that the violations committed by Real
Madrid were less serious and fewer than the FIFA
judicial authorities had affirmed, the sole arbitrator
found that the sanctions imposed on Real Madrid
had to be reduced."
FIFA's investigation concerned players aged
under 18 who played in competitions
for Atletico between 2007 and 2014, and Madrid
from 2005-2014.
Atletico have yet to announce the CAS verdict on
their case.
Ronaldo revels in 'dream year'
Madrid's ruling could have wide-ranging
implications for a number of their players and
those at other clubs.
James Rodriguez has already stated he may look
to leave the club due to a lack of playing time and,
while Madrid may be unwilling to lose the
Colombia forward in January, they may now
sanction his exit in June 2017.
In terms of acquisitions, Madrid are likely to ramp
up their interest in Borussia Dortmund
striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has
often spoken of his desire to play for the European
champions.

From wanderer to mainstay! - Garth Crooks hails Conte’s transformation of Victor Moses

The former Spurs attacker has good words for the
Italian gaffer while highlighting the Nigerian’s rise
to prominence
Garth Crooks has hailed Chelsea manager Antonio
Conte’s transformation of Victor Moses as ‘unique’
following his awe-inspiring performances in their
record-breaking winning run.
The Blues are undefeated in 11 English Premier
League games and the 26-year-old has been a
revelation in the current setup at the Stamford
Bridge, turning heads with his showings each
matchday, in a right wing-back role.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star has credited
Conte for his guts to transform the serial loanee
into a main cog in his team.
"He [Conte] has done something that is quite
unique," Crooks told BBC Sport.
"No other English coach, outside of possibly Terry
Venables, would have found a position in a team
like Chelsea for Victor Moses.
“He has transformed their entire back five.
They've become almost impregnable. Who would
have thought it? This is a player who has been
wandering from club to club for the last three
years.
"Conte has seen him and turned an exciting
winger into a credible player who can defend and
attack in equal measure."
The Nigeria international has played 16 times and
scored thrice for the Blues this season and will be
hoping to help stretch the Blues winning run when
they face Bournemouth in a Boxing Day league
encounter.

Antonio Conte has now set a club record with eleven consecutive victories. In that time, Chelsea have outscored the opposition 25 – 2. This outstanding run goes back to Chelsea’s low-point: the match against Arsenal.

Chelsea played a 4-1-4-1 formation against
Arsenal as they had in their previous games.
Chelsea had lost to Liverpool the week
before, but that was nothing compared to
what Arsenal did. Arsenal torched Chelsea’s
back line in the first 45 minutes, and after
that rode the wave.
Antonio Conte took advantage of Arsenal
coasting to try out a new plan. He switched
players and formation to set up a 3-4-3 for
the remainder of the match. Though it did not
propel Chelsea to a historic comeback, it did
prevent Arsenal from embarrassing Chelsea
any further.
It was hard to tell at the time, but the change
would prove to be one of the masterstrokes
of the season. Conte went from a manager
rumored (foolishly, of course) to be facing the
sack to being the best manager in the league.
Conte truly tailored Chelsea as he said a good
manager must, creafting the formation that
brought the best out of his players.
Now, after 11 games and just over two
months, Conte is evolving the formation to
the one he favored most at Juventus: the
3-5-2. The players are staying the same as
Chelsea gradually drop a forward into
midfield for a 3-5-2.
The 3-4-3 formation that started against Hull
peaked against Everton. The Blues so
completely crushed the Toffees that day. The
formation had to have been perfect. An
international break followed the Everton
match. With the extra training time, the shape
began to change upon the Premier League’s
return.
Real life positioning as symmetrical &
accurate as magnets on a white
board.
The first signs of the switch were against
Middlesbrough. This strange game saw
Victor Moses with plenty of room to run
forward. Pedro – nominally the winger in
front of Moses – dropped deep to receive the
ball and facilitate Moses’ runs. This could be
more of an unusual circumstance that Boro
allowed, but signs of it continued in the
following games.
Against both Spurs and Manchester City,
Chelsea had opponents that favored
aggressive presses. This cut off the supply
to the front three from midfield. In response,
Pedro dropped deep and central. This put him
on the ball more often, creating the
opportunity to get it forward to Eden Hazard
and Diego Costa.

The pattern of Pedro dropping deep and
central continued against West Brom and
Sunderland. Pedro’s average position has
become more and more like that of a center-
midfielder or an attacking midfielder. So is
this just a Pedro peculiarity, or the next
Chelsea suit from Il Sarto ?
The Crystal Palace game is the greatest
example of it being Conte’s masterplan and
not Pedro flitting about. Namely, because
Pedro did not play Willian got the start over
the Spaniard, and did the exact same thing.
He dropped deep and central while Hazard
stayed forward. Two players with very
different skillsets and tendencies have now
both done the same thing. This reveals the
hand of Antonio Conte.
Formations are fluid, by nature. A 4-1-4-1
easily becomes a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1. But
formations are also a great way to explain
player instructions. If a player is instructed to
be in the middle and receive the ball, they
cannot be called a winger. Conte has slowly
been moving Chelsea into this direction.
3-5-2 is the most “balanced” formation
Chelsea play. 3-4-3 is set up to attack, and
5-4-1 is set up to defend. The 3-5-2 is the
middle ground. It makes Chelsea a squad
capable of handling virtually any situation. It
also gives Chelsea some unpredictability. The
third center-midfielder can take a variety of
forms. It could be a playmaker such as Cesc
Fabregas, a highly mobile and technical
player such as Pedro or a defensively sound
option such as Chalobah.
NEXT: Chelsea should do
everything in their power to land
James Rodriguez
Antonio Conte is showing that even on the
back of 11 consecutive wins, he is still
tailoring the formation to get the best out of
the squad. Such changes have taken Chelsea
to the top on Christmas, something that
seemed like a long shot months ago. If such
changes continue to propel Chelsea, it will
see Conte taking the Blues to very lofty
heights in the coming months.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the only thing that can stop Chelsea is injuries to key players

Chelsea’s biggest challenge this season
will be how they cope with inevitable
injuries across the campaign, according
to Gary Neville.
Antonio Conte’s side have won 11
straight league games and go into the
festive period at least seven points clear of
their nearest rivals.
Neville insists the Blues have all the
ingredients of a title-winning side, and
says the only thing that could stop the
club’s charge is damaging injuries to key
players.
The Manchester United legend said on the
Gary Neville podcast: ‘Everything looks
right. The goalkeeper is solid and
composed, he doesn’t look rushed.
‘They’ve got the special players who can
turn games like [Eden] Hazard and [Diego]
Costa.
‘And to add to that an experienced
manager who has won titles in different
countries.
‘They’ve put themselves in such a strong
position. The only thing I think can stop
Chelsea at this moment in time would be
a significant loss of form, but I think
injuries is the main challenge for them.’
Neville, 41, added: ‘They look so well
drilled and confident. The test is injuries
to potentially those star players but at the
moment they are setting the standard.’
Chelsea host Bournemouth on Boxing
Day and welcome Stoke City to Stamford
Bridge on New Year’s Eve.

Chelsea Star Mikel Reaches Agreement In Principle To Join Inter Milan - Report

Inter Milan are on the brink of announcing the
signing of Nigeria international John Obi Mikel,
according to several reports in the Italian media.
Tuttomercatoweb.com has claimed that the Chelsea
midfielder will join the Nerazzurri on a free loan,
including a non-mandatory buy-back clause, after
which he might have become a free agent.
It has also been suggested that Mikel has given
Inter Milan chiefs his word that he will join the club
next month.
That said, the Serie A side face competition for the
signature of the 29-year-old, with Marseille,
Valencia and teams in China monitoring his
situation.
The defensive midfielder has played nonstop at
Chelsea for more than ten years.

Why Chelsea Are Willing To Let Mikel Leave For Free In January Despite Having Six Months Left On His Contract

According to reports English table toppers Chelsea
are willing to allow midfielder John Obi Mikel leave
Stamford Bridge for free in January, despite
having six months left on his deal.
The decision to allow the 29 year old leave for free
was reportedly conveyed to him few months ago,
when it became apparent that he has no spot in
coach Antonio Conte’s squad.
Owngoalnigeria.com gathered that Chelsea owner
Roman Abramovich gave the directive to allow the
current second longest serving Chelsea player
leave for free as reward for his long, dedicated
service to the team.
Throughout his stay at the club, he has not broken
any club rule and has been very faithful and loyal
to the various coaches, especially the way he has
handled his current situation at the club.
However he is not the first player to have been
allowed to leave for free by Chelsea in recent time
with Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres also
benefiting from same treatment in the past.

Abysmal Arsenal end hopes of a title race

Remember when this looked like being the
tightest title race in Premier League history?
Well, yeah, we might have been a bit silly about
that one. It could still be a corker, that’s for sure,
but indifferent form of the chasing pack and
Chelsea’s downright refusal to drop any points
whatsoever is making this increasingly like
another year of Blue joy. It’s now 11 matches
since Antonio Conte’s side last dropped a point,
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are
trailing in their wake.
Its not over by
a long stretch,
but only two
teams in the
Premier League
have failed to
win the title
having led the
league by six
points at this
stage. Current
point-per-
game rates
have Chelsea
winning the
league by a
distance, with their rivals gazing upwards from
the financial luxury of the Champions League
places. At the moment, the Blues are not just
keeping clean sheets, they are not even giving
their opponents chances. At the other end of the
pitch, Diego Costa’s finishing will regress to
somewhere close to his career average, but the
title could be all but decided by then. Without the
perils of European football, Chelsea’s greatest
challenge is fitness from here on in.
Manchester City have returned to some form of
late, however. Victory over Arsenal has sent the
Gunners into a negative winter spiral once again.
Arsene Wenger’s side suffered late defeat to
Everton in midweek and the limp, lethargic
performances make it hard not to reminisce
about previous Gunners failings around this time
of year.
Although it is only a minor two points separating
the Gunners and their Sunday conquerors, their
credentials took a battering in the pre-Christmas
fixtures. For all the improvement they had shown
this season in producing results when not
performing at their fluent best, the body language
and nature of their two defeats suggested it was
all a mirage. Unable to take advantage of
lacklustre periods for Manchester City and
Everton, Arsenal’s defence and midfield were
parted with ease. The loss of Shkodran Mustafi
was always going to be hurtful, but a single
injury cannot be blamed for the return to such a
common trend.
Pep Guardiola can enjoy some respite from the
press briefly after the victory and he shrewdly
managed to readjust the expectation boundaries
for Manchester City in his post-match
comments. A New Year’s Eve clash with
Liverpool at Anfield hovers over the title race’s
festivities, mind, with Manchester City needing at
least a point if they are to realistically push
Chelsea in the second half of the campaign.
Each of the top six sides has the quality to go on
a run as dominant as Chelsea’s of late, which
always leaves a change at the top possible. The
concern for Tottenham, Manchester United,
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal is that
even then they need Chelsea to drop off
considerably from their current standards. No
other team has come close to the balance that
the Blues have found, which is perhaps the most
significant issue.
Chelsea were the real winners this weekend.
Guardiola needed a positive result and
performance, but defeat for Arsenal only
decreased the chances of anyone pushing them
away from the Premier League summit. Conte’s
Chelsea are still a tier above the chasing pack
and have a clear, stress-free calendar for the
rest of the season. Sunday’s result was almost
perfect for the Blues.
An Arsenal victory would have seen a return to
form for the Gunners – which is always
dangerous for a team so reliant on momentum –
it may have sparked a challenge from a team
who had taken heart that this season would be
different from all the other seasons. But two
defeats in a row means Arsene Wenger should
now be more concerned about Spurs below than
Chelsea above.
There will be twists and turns for the next few
months, we can at least rely on that.
Unfortunately, though, the tight-fought title race
we expected just a month or so ago now

Jamie Redknapp’s response when asked if Chelsea can be caught in title race

Jamie Redknapp has warned Chelsea that they will
suffer setbacks in the Premier League title race.
The Blues eased to a 1-0 win against Crystal
Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon
thanks to Diego Costa’s first-half header.
The Spain international netted his 13th Premier
League goal of the campaign after the striker
latched onto Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross.
Chelsea have won their last 11 Premier League
games to leave Antonio Conte’s side top of the
table on Christmas Day.
The west London outfit have beaten title rivals
Manchester United, Manchester City and
Tottenham Hotspur during their impressive run.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Chelsea’s 1-0 win
against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park,
Redknapp explained why he doesn’t believe it will
be a one-horse title race this term.
“There are going to be a few twists and turns
and players getting injured and suspended,”
Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“They’ve got Costa and Kante suspended for
Bournemouth. You only need to miss one player
and it can change the dynamics. At the moment,
Chelsea are the team to beat. They’re in fantastic
form. The manager is different class. I love the
way they play.”
Chelsea haven’t lost a Premier League game
since a 3-0 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates
Stadium in September.
The Blues will host Bournemouth at Stamford
Bridge in their next top-flight fixture on Boxing
Day next weekend.
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Jamie Redknapp’s response when
asked if Chelsea can be caught in
title race
The former Liverpool and Tottenham captain
doesn't believe it's a one-horse title race despite
Chelsea's dominance
By The Sport Review staff
Monday 19 December

TEAM NEWS: No Matip, but Sturridge and Can on the bench for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has named an unchanged line-up
for the blockbuster clash at Goodison Park, but
will be lifted by greater options off the bench
Joel Matip will not feature in the 227th
Merseyside derby, but Liverpool are boosted by
the return of Daniel Sturridge and Emre Can to the
squad at Everton.
Liverpool perfect for 'brilliant' Origi - Henderson
Matip's ankle issue needs to be managed
carefully, so he is not risked for the showdown
with Ragnar Klavan continuing in the heart of
defence.
England international Sturridge, meanwhile, is
involved in the matchday 18 for the first time
since the goalless draw with Southampton on
November 19.
A calf complaint has kept Sturridge out of five
successive games and while Jurgen Klopp
admitted the striker “wouldn’t be 100 per cent,” he
acknowledged having him “for 20 minutes would
be fantastic,” given he has scored four goals in
his last five league appearances against Everton.
PLAY
/
Can adds further strength to Liverpool’s bench
after shaking off the knee injury which kept him
sidelined against West Ham and Middlesbrough.
It will be the first sample of the local rivalry for
Klavan, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane - the
latter lining up against his former
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman.
Loris Karius and young duo Trent Alexander-
Arnold and Ben Woodburn also enjoy their
introduction to the derby in the top flight, albeit as
substitutes.
Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren,
Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Lallana, Wijnaldum,
Mane, Firmino, Origi.
Liverpool subs: Karius, Moreno, Lucas,
Alexander-Arnold, Can, Woodburn, Sturridg

Klopp: Celebrate goals like crazy, but don’t be surprised by Liverpool’s qualit

Jurgen Klopp has spoken exclusively on
Liverpool's responsibility to ensure they get
results, but give supporters moments to savour in
the process
EXCLUSIVE
127 days after the curtain opened on 2016-17, the
Premier League’s global audience will be
transfixed on the 227th Merseyside derby.
VIDEO: Douglas Costa scores the goal of the
weekend
Jurgen Klopp’s first visit to Goodison Park
coincides with Ronald Koeman’s introduction to
the local rivalry, with Monday night’s encounter
the final fixture before Christmas.
Liverpool and Everton head into the showdown off
the back of uplifting wins; the Reds spellbinding in
a 3-0 scorching of Middlesbrough, while the Blues
bullied Arsenal into a 2-1 submission at home.
The season so far has been quite contrasting for
both clubs though, with Klopp’s men suffering just
two defeats in 20 across all competitions, perched
11 points over their neighbours in the league
standings.
And the Liverpool boss expects his side to
continue the enterprising, aggressive approach
that has underpinned their encouraging start to the
campaign to reward supporters.
“It’s about us doing something that fans can really
enjoy,” Klopp told Goal . “Life is difficult enough for
all of us, but for our supporters too, so we need to
give them 90 minutes minimum a week where
they can think in the most positive way about
Liverpool Football Club, and about what could
happen with this club in the future.
“I know football is not the most important thing in
life, but in this 90 minutes, it is. And we have to
respect that. I think the only reason this game is
so popular is because people are so interested [in
it], that’s the only reason, that’s the truth.
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/
“And if this is the case, we have to entertain them,
to give them something more than just 90
minutes.”
One of the tenets of Liverpool’s imposing start to
the season has been a collective pull to properly
implement the manager’s vision.
“Creating an atmosphere where the players really
think yeah, we can do it together, that’s a
challenge because all the other teams want to do
it too,” Klopp admitted.
“But it’s still an open race so you can have the
best atmosphere in the team, nobody can avoid
this, you can have it if you want it.”
All fans should cherish Messi & Iniesta
And the 49-year-old wants that common belief to
spread through to the terraces. He’d like
supporters to toast to Liverpool’s successes and
relish their fixtures, but not be startled by stellar
performances or results as it should be the norm.
Klopp explained: “Not being surprised anymore
about our quality, because that’s what we expect.
Great, celebrate each goal like crazy, do whatever
you want.
“Supporters go out to the pub or wherever you
want. Have a good sleep on Sunday if we played
on Saturday, go to work Monday and wait for the
next game - great. Count the seconds until the
next game - great.
“But don’t be surprised. And if it’s not easy in one
game, don’t be surprised either and appreciate
that we tried to solve these problems, specific
problems in this game.
“That makes it all a common experience. And
making experiences together, that’s what I really
like and that’s what makes life so valuable.
“When you can say, ‘yeah, we had a really good
time together’.
“When you have a really good time together it’s
never only perfect or only bad, it’s like life there
are ups and downs, at the end the sun is shining."

Conte hints at Chelsea transfers

The Premier League leaders are considering a
foray into the market in January, with the ex-
Juventus boss keen to strengthen his squad
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted the
Premier League leaders could add to their ranks
in the January transfer window.
N'Golo Kante, Michy Batshuayi, Marcos Alonso
and David Luiz all joined ahead of the 2016-17
campaign, but with Oscar seemingly on his way to
China, Conte is ready to re-enter the market to
boost Chelsea's title hopes.
"We must be very pleased for the achievement we
have reached now, but it is logical that I look with
my club for a solution to arrive in a good position
at the end of the season," Conte said.
Conte sets new PL record for wins
"I do not know what will happen in January but in
this situation it is important to talk with my club.
We have a fantastic relationship.
"I have my idea, but I prefer to discuss this with
the club."
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Chelsea have been in stunning form in recent
weeks, winning 11 Premier League games in
succession, but Conte feels there is still plenty of
room for improvement, particularly in front of goal.
"I think we could have scored more goals against
Crystal Palace on Saturday, but we only got one,
and it was the same at Sunderland," the former
Italy and Juventus coach added.
Super Chelsea are Christmas No.1
"We can improve and be more clinical because
when you have this type of game you are at risk
until the end."
Chelsea play host to Bournemouth in the league

Today matches

Premier League
14:30
AFC Bournemouth
Southampton
17:00
Manchester City
Arsenal
17:00
Tottenham Hotspur
Burnley

Primera División
16:15
Leganés
Eibar
POS
Valencia
Real Madrid
18:30
Deportivo La Coruña
Osasuna
20:45
Barcelona
Espanyol

Bundesliga
15:30
Darmstadt 98
Bayern München
17:30
Bayer Leverkusen
Ingolstadt

Serie A
12:30
Sassuolo
Internazionale
15:00
Chievo
Sampdoria
15:00
Napoli
Torino
15:00
Pescara
Bologna
15:00
Udinese
Crotone
20:45
Genoa
Palermo
20:45
Lazio
Fiorentina

Ligue 1
14:30
Caen
Metz
15:00
Nice
Dijon
17:00
Olympique Marseille
Lille
20:45
Monaco
Olympique Lyonnais

Championship
13:00
Queens Park Rangers
Aston Villa

Eredivisie
12:30
Excelsior
NEC
14:30
ADO Den Haag
Sparta Rotterdam
14:30
Groningen
Go Ahead Eagles
14:30
Heracles
PEC Zwolle
16:45
Ajax
PSV

2. Bundesliga
13:30
Arminia Bielefeld
Dynamo Dresden
13:30
Hannover 96
Sandhausen
13:30
Würzburger Kickers
Stuttgart

Serie B
17:30
Benevento
Ascoli

Segunda División
16:00
UCAM Murcia
Levante
18:00
Mirandés
Almería
18:00
Numancia
Mallorca
18:00
Rayo Vallecano
Real Zaragoza
20:00
Cádiz
Sevilla II

Man City Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Arsenal

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier
League clash at Etihad Stadium on Sunday
Manchester City face off against Arsenal in a
crucial match which will tell us much about the
evolution of Pep Guardiola's latest project.
City returned to winning ways against Watford in
midweek with what appeared to be a more basic
approach; Guardiola selected a back four and did
not change it throughout the 90 minutes.
Benzema blow in sex tape scandal
It will be interesting to see if the Catalan does
similarly against Arsenal, although he must also
work out how to cover for the injured Ilkay
Gundogan and suspended duo Sergio Aguero and
Fernandinho.
MAN CITY INJURIES
Gundogan is the headline injury, given the
Germany midfielder is likely to miss the rest of the
season with a suspected cruciate ligament injury.
It is a huge blow for Gundogan and City, as he is
capable of playing in a deep-lying or advanced
midfield role.
Neymar: Who I'd sign from Madrid
Elsewhere, Vincent Kompany remains on the
sidelines, with Guardiola insisting the Belgian will
have to be in the right frame of mind to return,
even when he has recovered from his knee
ligament injury.
Fabian Delph has been recovering from a groin
injury but will not be fit enough to return.
MAN CITY SUSPENSIONS
Fernandinho serves the final match of his
suspension after being sent off against Chelsea,
and Aguero is also still out, although he will miss
the Boxing Day game at Hull City, too.
Aleksandar Kolarov is on four yellow cards and
will miss one match if he is booked in any of
City's next three games before the end of the
year.
MAN CITY POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP
Guardiola has a number of headaches, given he
has to replace Gundogan, Fernandinho and
Aguero, as well as decide if he is going to play to
the strengths of his defenders and use a back
four.
John Stones was kept on the bench against
Watford in midweek but he is likely to return to the
line-up, most likely alongside Nicolas Otamendi.
Guardiola is most likely to use a back four in
order to offer more protection to his defenders
and Claudio Bravo, who have struggled in recent
weeks.
Guardiola used two pacy wingers in Leroy Sane
and Jesus Navas against Chelsea to combat their
wide threat, and also their three-man defence.
While Arsenal will use a four-man back-line, the
City boss could go with Raheem Sterling, who is fit
again after a knee injury, and Navas, who is seen
as a more reliable option than Sane in big
matches, to help push back Theo Walcott and Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Payet: My kids banned from Ronaldo talk
However, Kevin De Bruyne took up that left-hand
side role againt Leicester City, which would also
mean that David Silva can play and Nolito can
continue up front.
With that set-up it could be Fernando and Yaya
Toure in the centre.
However, Guardiola may elect to play Navas on
the left, De Bruyne up front and Silva as No.10,
with Nolito on the bench. As ever, it will be
especially difficult to predict the Catalan's
gameplan.
ARSENAL DOSSIER
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from the
defeat at Everton in midweek which brought their
fine 14-game winning streak to a halt.
Arsene Wenger's side had not lost since the 4-3
thriller against Liverpool on the opening weekend
until they were undone at Goodison Park on
Tuesday.
Jones is Man Utd's new rock
Shkodran Mustafi is a huge loss for the Gunners
at centre-back. Aaron Ramsey also seems
unlikely to be back after making slow progress
from a hamstring injury.
But Mesut Ozil will be hoping to take advantage of
a make-shift City midfield, while Alexis Sanchez is
in fine form and will be backed up by Walcott
and Oxlade-Chamberlain, two pacy wide options.
BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS
The last six Premier League meetings
between these two sides have produced 24
goals - four per game, on average.
Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in 27 goals in
his last 27 Premier League appearances for
Arsenal (19 goals, 8 assists).
Sanchez has scored 41 goals in 81 Premier
League appearances for Arsenal. The only
players to reach 41 goals quicker for the club
in the competition were Thierry Henry (74
apps) and Ian Wright (77 apps).
Petr Cech has failed to keep a clean sheet in
his last seven Premier League appearances;
he has never gone eight successive games
without a clean sheet in the competition.
Manchester City have been given eight red
cards in the Premier League against Arsenal;
more than they have against any other
opponent.
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TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME
The game kicks off at 16:00 UK time on Sunday
December 18, and will be shown on Sky Sports 1.

Chelsea outcast Mikel may follow Oscar to China

The Blues midfielder, who doesn't seem to be in
Antonio Conte's plans, has offers from clubs in
Asia and could be set to make a move out east in
January
EXCLUSIVE
John Obi Mikel has offers from at least two
Chinese clubs, as well as clubs in Europe, as he is
yet to enter talks with Chelsea over a new deal,
Goal understands.
The Nigeria captain's contract is due to expire on
June 30, 2017 and he is free to talk with clubs in
January, as is normal for players with only six
months remaining on their contracts.
Mou: Why Man Utd are miles behind
The 29-year-old could follow Oscar, who is set to
break the transfer fee record for a player leaving
Chelsea, after Shanghai SIPG offered around £52
million to secure the play-maker from west
London ahead of the January window.
Marseille and two clubs in China are among those
who have made contact with Mikel, who's yet to
make a single appearance in the matchday squad
for Chelsea since Antonio Conte took charge at
Stamford Bridge.
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Fenerbahce have also added him to their shortlist,
while Manchester United have been linked with
Mikel, who hasn't played for Chelsea since he
travelled to Anfield to face Liverpool under Guus
Hiddink last season.
Mikel is thought to want to make the move that
best suits his family and had previously spoken
about an interest in playing football in the United
States.
Conte insists that Mikel is available and could yet
play for Chelsea, while Mikel remains open to
renewing his contract if he gets certain
assurances.

Conte has given Moses confidence, says Mikel

The Chelsea midfielder believes the Italian
deserves some credit for Victor Moses' excellent
performance this season
John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea manager Antonio
Conte should be credited for VIctor Moses '
transformation and goal scoring form this
season,.
The 29-year-old who is yet to make an
appearance for the Blues this season said
Conte's confidence in Moses has given him the
boost to express himself and make the difference
in the team this season.
Moses since returning from West Ham on
loan has been a key player in maintaining
Chelsea's 10-games unbeaten run in the league,
scoring four times in his new right wing back
position.
"Victor is fitter and sharper than he has ever been
before, but I think a key thing is playing for a
manager that has belief in him at Chelsea for the
first time," Mikel told Standard Sport.
"That in turn has given Victor more confidence to
express himself on the pitch and look to make the
difference."
Mikel whose contract ends at the end of the
season at the Stamford Bridge claimed that the
departure of Colombian winger, Juan Cuadrado to
Juventus on loan paved way for Moses' services
in Chelsea after spending three seasons on loan at
Liverpool, Stoke and West ham.
"There was a chance Cuadrado would have had
the right wing-back role instead, but he wanted to
leave Chelsea," Mikel continued.
"The situation with Cuadrado made it easier for
Victor, but he had already impressed in pre-
season."

Wenger's forgotten how to win, Pep's still learning

Recent displays have shown similarities in the
pair's ideological approaches, but the difference is
the Arsenal boss used to possess the wit to win
league titles
When Arsenal sealed the double at home against
Everton in 1998 - less than two years after Arsene
Wenger took over as manager – veteran centre-
back Steve Bould chipped a through-ball over the
defence for partner Tony Adams to score the
fourth goal of the day.
Buffon keeps 200th clean sheet for Juventus
“That sums it all up,” said Sky Sports
commentator Martin Tyler.
He was bang on with that description. It’s what
Wenger was all about in those days; optimising
the talent on his books who had the one thing he
didn’t – experience in the league.
Wenger demonstrated his knowledge and respect
for English football by leaving his back four and
goalkeeper untouched on day one. There would be
Wenger football – sure – but he would teach
George Graham’s players how to do it.
He lined up the signing of Patrick Vieira before he
had even arrived at Highbury. The midfield
became even more robust with the addition of
Emmanuel Petit a year later.
Those two could play but they were not above
leaving their foot in. That aggression – combined
with a traditionally-drilled English backline - gave
Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Marc Overmars,
Thierry Henry and Robert Pires their space to
work magic.
He decided to let go of Henry, Vieira and Pires
more or less at their peak in order to recoup some
transfer value. The experience and ability to read
English matches in the Arsenal team was lost
when that core was broken up.
Wenger’s team these days is lacking those very
same characteristics. He shouldn’t have been
taken by surprise midweek when Everton
smashed his players all over Goodison Park and
shook them down for two headed goals. It was a
bear-pit; English football at its finest.
He complained after about the physicality of the
match and said his players couldn’t cope. He’s
been here 20 years.
To his detriment, he’s chased ideological
perfection since that Invincible season in 2003-04.
There have been glaring, repeating weaknesses in
Arsenal’s squad and their transfer policy for the
best part of a decade. Nonetheless, Wenger has
carried on with a zealousness that betrays the
pragmatism that bought him time and success
early in his Arsenal reign.
Pep Guardiola is now under the microscope after a
couple of months’ worth of results that are not in
any way outstanding. Manchester City it could be
argued have only played well for 90 minutes on
three occasions this season; against
Bournemouth at home, Manchester United away
and against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Other times they’ve been exposed. Guardiola does
not chase clean sheets with the same kind of
determination that – say - Tony Pulis does and
that is to his disadvantage.
Every team in England has more or less figured
out how to beat Leicester City for example but
Guardiola let his guard down and permitted the
champions to play exactly how they would have
liked. It was a set-up of Wengerian defiance.
There is no dispute that Guardiola’s football
works; he’s proved it at Barcelona and Bayern
Munich. He has described himself as “arrogant”
and perhaps that is the right adjective to describe
his unshakeable belief that winning football
crosses borders. Guardiola needs to deliver
change and success but he wants to do both at
the same time.
Pep’s signed a three-year deal with City and is
widely expected to make the same kind of impact
in that time frame. There will be no empire building
– three quick seasons and he’ll likely be gone.
Due to his haste, Guardiola is not giving himself
the best chance.
From removing Joe Hart to exiling Yaya Toure,
from remaining unconvinced by Vincent Kompany
- even when fit - to shifting Samir Nasri, Pep
denied himself the opportunity to buy breathing
space through the instincts of players who knew
the league better than he did.
Guardiola: I didn't help Alexis too much at Barca
Moreover, he’s disoriented the players he
inherited by playing them in a kaleidoscopic array
of formations which has seen left backs at centre
back and right backs in midfield. That shakeup
has taken Guardiola a matter of months.
The apparent mistrust of Guardiola - and the
methods he brought with him - from across the
spectrum of British football is nothing new. Fellow
out-of-towner Wenger was faced with the very
same kind of suspicion from the locals when he
first landed in 1996. Then - as now – the new
foreign manager provoked hostility with his very
presence.
Wenger confounded his critics. The wheels of his
revolution turned slowly and wasn’t complete until
eight years after he started. After assembling a
winning unit custom built for winning in English
football over the course of 8-10 years, Wenger
spent the next 10 taking it apart.
Pep’s pulled it all down and tried to start again in a
matter of weeks– less a long revolution than a
coup – and as a result is coming up against
plenty of criticism from the systems he is
attempting to jolt.
Wenger and Guardiola have plenty in common.
The difference is Wenger has forgotten what it
takes to create success in English football
whereas Guardiola hasn’t learned it yet.

All football score

87 Sol de America 0 - 3 Deportivo Capiata 0 - 3
PAR D1 22:00 86 Cerro Porteno 4 - 1 Sportivo Luqueno 3 - 0
ARG TB 22:00 80 Union Villa Krause 0 - 0 Gimnasia Mendoza 0 - 0
ARG D1 22:15 77 Union Santa Fe 1 - 0 Racing Club 1 - 0
CHI D1off 23:00 45 Union Espanola (N) 1 - 0 O.Higgins
ARG D1 23:30 14 Atletico Rafaela 0 - 0 Patronato Parana
ARG B M 23:40 8 Atletico Atlanta 0 - 0 Club Atletico Acassuso
12/18/2016 (Sunday)
ARG D1 00:00 Independiente Lineup Banfield
PAR D1 00:10 FC Nacional Asuncion - River Plate (PAR)
MEX D3 01:00 Tlaxcala FC - Irapuato
NZFC 02:00 Team Wellington - Canterbury United
NZFC 02:00 Eastern Suburbs Auckland - Auckland City
Result
ARG D1 01:15 FT Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba 0 - 3 Gimnasia La Plata 0 - 1
ARG D3FA 01:15 FT Club Cipolletti 1 - 0 Independiente Neuquen 0 - 0
NZFC 02:00 FT Waitakere United 2 - 2 Wellington Phoenix Reserve 1 - 0
NZFC 02:00 FT Southern United 3 - 1 Tasman United 0 - 0
ARG D3FA 02:00 FT Gimnasia yTiro 4 - 0 Concepcion FC 2 - 0
INT CF 03:00 FT Sunshine Georgies 0 - 1 Green Gully Cavaliers 0 - 0
JW Cup 03:00 FT NTV Beleza (w) (N) 1 - 0 JEF United Ichihara Chiba (w) 0 - 0
INT FRL 04:30 FT New Zealand (w) 2 - 0 Thailand (w) 0 - 0
INT CF 06:00 FT Pascoe Vale SC 3 - 2 South Hobart 1 - 2
JW Cup 06:00 FT Urawa Red Diamonds (w) (N) 0 - 0 INAC (w) 0 - 0
AUS YTH 07:00 FT Adelaide United FC (Youth) 2 - 1 Melbourne Heart (Youth) 1 - 0
HKFA CUP 07:30 FT Wofoo Tai Po (N) 1 - 5 South China AA 0 - 2
AUS D1 07:35 FT Wellington Phoenix (N) 2 - 2 Western Sydney 0 - 1
JW Cup 08:00 FT Albirex Niigata (w) (N) 2 - 0 Nagano Parceiro (W) 2 - 0
IDN D2 09:30 FT Perssu Super Madura(N) 0 - 0 Martapura FC 0 - 0
ISR U19 09:40 FT Hapoel Tel Aviv U19 3 - 0 Beitar Nes Tubruk U19 1 - 0
AUS D1 09:50 FT Melbourne City 1 - 2 Melbourne Victory 1 - 1
Turk U21
L1 10:00 FT S.Urfaspor U21 1 - 1 Boluspor U21 1 - 0
Turk U21
L1 10:00 FT Bandirmaspor U21 1 - 1 Sivasspor U21 1 - 0
ISR U19 10:00 FT Hapoel Nir Ramat
Hasharon U19 1 - 0 Hapoel Beer Sheva U19 1 - 0
ISR U19 10:00 FT Hapoel Raanana Roei U19 1 - 1 Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv U19 1 - 1
AUS WAL 10:00 FT Adelaide United (w) 1 - 4 Perth Glory (w) 0 - 1
ITA YTHLB 10:30 FT Pescara U20 0 - 3 Juventus U20 0 - 1
GRE U20 10:30 FT Iraklis Saloniki U20 (N) 1 - 1 Asteras Tripolis U20 1 - 0
TUR D2 11:00 FT S.Urfaspor 4 - 0 Boluspor 2 - 0
TUR D2 11:00 FT Bandirmaspor 0 - 1 Sivasspor 0 - 1
AZE D1 11:00 FT FK Gilan Gabala 2 - 1 FK Kapaz Ganca 1 - 0
GERJBC 11:00 FT Carl Zeiss Jena U19 2 - 1 Energie Cottbus U19 1 - 0
ITA YTHLB 11:00 FT Avellino U20 3 - 4 Benevento (Youth) 2 - 1
ITA YTHLB 11:00 FT Torino U20 2 - 2 Udinese U20 1 - 1
ITA YTHLC 11:00 FT Ternana u20 1 - 1 Novara U20 0 - 0
JW Cup 11:00 FT Vegalta Sendai (w) 2 - 0 Kanagawa University (w) 1 - 0
Turk U21
L1 11:00 FT Goztepe U21 0 - 0 Mersin Idman Yurdu U21 0 - 0
TUR U19 11:00 FT Trabzonspor U19 4 - 1 Giresunspor U19 0 - 1
ISR U19 11:00 FT Maccabi Haifa U19 3 - 0 Maccabi Netanya U19 0 - 0
ISR U19 11:00 FT Hapoel Rishon Lezion
Yehuda U19 1 - 1 Bnei Sakhnin U19 0 - 0
GRE U20 11:00 FT Kerkyra U20 1 - 3 PAOK Saloniki U20 0 - 1
RUS FDH 11:00 FT TTG-Ugra Yugorsk Futsal 9 - 2 MFK KPRF Futsal 6 - 1
GER U17S 11:00 FT Bayern Munchen U17 3 - 2 Hoffenheim U17 2 - 0
GER U17N 11:00 FT Dynamo DresdenU17 2 - 0 Niendorfer TSVU17 0 - 0
IND GoaPL 11:15 FT Churchill Brothers 0 - 0 Just Lang Ge Uthai Association 0 - 0
Turk U21
SL 11:30 FT Kasimpasa U21 2 - 0 Besiktas U21 2 - 0
Turk U21
L1 11:30 FT Elazigspor U21 1 - 2 Altinordu U21 0 - 0
ISR U19 11:30 FT Hapoel Kiryat Shmona U19 1 - 0 Hapoel Ashkelon U19 1 - 0
Indian U18 11:30 FT DSK Shivajians U18 1 - 1 Kenkre U18 0 - 1
Turk U21
L1 11:40 FT Yohm Niyeshibang U21 0 - 1 Gaziantep Buyuksehir Belediyesi
U21 0 - 0
AUS D1 12:00 FT Perth Glory 1 - 4 Sydney FC 1 - 1
ITA YTHLC 12:00 FT Crotone U20 4 - 0 Pisa U19 2 - 0
ITA YTHLC 12:00 FT Palermo U20 3 - 1 Cagliari U20 2 - 1
SPA LU18 12:00 FT Barcelona U18 2 - 1 UD Unificacion Bellvitge U18 0 - 1
POR D2 12:15 FT Portimonense 3 - 0 SC Freamunde 1 - 0
SPA D4 12:15 FT CD lruna 3 - 1 CD Oberena 0 - 1
GERJBC 12:30 FT MSV Duisburg U19 0 - 0 Eintracht Braunschweig U19 0 - 0
SPA D4 12:30 FT Santa Catalina Atletico 1 - 0 CF Ciudad Cieza 0 - 0
SPA D1 13:00 FT Sporting Gijon 1 - 3 Villarreal 0 - 2
GER D2 13:00 FT Karlsruher SC 0 - 0 Eintracht Braunschweig 0 - 0
GER D2 13:00 FT St. Pauli 1 - 1 VfL Bochum 0 - 1
AFF Cup 13:00 FT Thailand 2 - 0 Indonesia 1 - 0
ROM D1 13:00 FT CS Voluntari 2 - 1 CFR Cluj 0 - 1
AZE D1 13:00 FT FC Neftci Baku (N) 0 - 1 AZAL PFC Baku 0 - 0
AZE D1 13:00 FT Standard Sumqayit 1 - 0 Zira FK 1 - 0
ITA YTHLC 13:00 FT Bologna U20 0 - 2 Inter Milan U20 0 - 0
GER U17W 13:00 FT Bochum U17 3 - 0 Arminia Bielefeld U17 3 - 0
GER U17N 13:00 FT St. PauliU17 3 - 1 Holstein Kiel U17 0 - 0
GER U17N 13:00 FT RasenBallsport LeipzigU17 1 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg U17 0 - 0
GER U17N 13:00 FT Hertha BSC Berlin U17 1 - 1 Hansa Rostock U17 0 - 1
URU RL 13:00 FT IA Sud America Reserve 1 - 3 Penarol Reserve 0 - 1
ARG RL 13:00 FT Defensores de Belgrano
Reserves 3 - 0 Rosario Central Reserves 2 - 0
ARG RL 13:00 FT Lanus Reserves 0 - 0 San Lorenzo Reserves 0 - 0
SPA LU18 13:00 FT CD Laguna U18 4 - 0 Malino U18 1 - 0
ENG Conf 13:15 FT Macclesfield Town 1 - 2 Bromley 0 - 1
ENG PR 13:30 FT Crystal Palace 0 - 1 Chelsea 0 - 1
ENG L2 13:30 FT Doncaster Rovers 1 - 0 Grimsby Town 1 - 0
GER
RegNE 13:30 FT FSV luckenwalde 0 - 1 FC Oberlausitz 0 - 1
EGY D1 13:30 FT Tala Al Jaish 1 - 0 Smouha SC 0 - 0
CYP D2 13:30 FT PAEEK 1 - 1 Alki Oroklini 1 - 0
CYP D2 13:30 FT Asil Lysi 1 - 0 ENAD Polis 0 - 0
CYP D2 13:30 FT Omonia Aradippou 0 - 1 EN Parekklisias 0 - 1
CYP D2 13:30 FT Othellos Athienou 1 - 2 AEP Paphos 0 - 1
CYP D2 13:30 FT Olympiakos Nicosia FC 0 - 0 E.N.Paralimniou 0 - 0
GRE U20 13:30 FT Olympiakos Piraeus U20 2 - 0 Panadol Gauss U20 1 - 0
UAE LP 13:40 FT Dabba Al-Fujairah 1 - 2 Al Wehda(UAE) 0 - 0
UAE LP 13:40 FT Hatta 0 - 1 Al-Dhafra 0 - 1
UAE U21 13:45 FT Wasl Dubai U21 1 - 0 Shabab Dubai U21 0 - 0
GRE D1 14:00 FT Veria FC 0 - 4 SKODA Xanthi 0 - 1
GER D3 14:00 FT SC Paderborn 07 3 - 1 VfL Osnabruck 3 - 0
GER D3 14:00 FT Fortuna Koln 1 - 0 FSV Mainz 05 (Youth) 1 - 0
GER D3 14:00 FT Sportfreunde Lotte 1 - 3 Magdeburg 0 - 0
GER D3 14:00 FT Vfr Aalen 3 - 0 Werder Bremen (Youth) 2 - 0
GER D3 14:00 FT FSV Frankfurt 3 - 1 SV Wehen Wiesbaden 2 - 1
GER D3 14:00 FT Hallescher FC 0 - 0 Holstein Kiel 0 - 0
GER D3 14:00 FT Hansa Rostock 1 - 3 Chemnitzer 0 - 1
GER D3 14:00 FT Jahn Regensburg 3 - 1 Preuben Munster 1 - 0
TUR D1 14:00 FT Istanbul Buyuksehir
Belediyesi 1 - 0 Trabzonspor 0 - 0
TUR D2 14:00 FT Elazigspor 0 - 0 Altinordu 0 - 0
QAT D1 14:00 FT Umm Salal 3 - 1 Al-Wakra 1 - 1
QAT D1 14:00 FT Al-Khuraitiat 1 - 0 Muaidar SC 0 - 0
TUN D1 14:00 FT J.S. Kairouanaise 1 - 0 Sifakesi 0 - 0
MAL D1 14:00 FT Balzan FC (N) 2 - 1 Hibernians FC 1 - 1
AZE D1 14:00 FT Qarabag 0 - 0 FK Inter Baku 0 - 0
GER U17S 14:00 FT VfB Stuttgart U17 4 - 0 TSV 1860 Munchen U17 0 - 0
GER U17N 14:00 FT Tennis Borussia Berlin U17 0 - 0 Eintr. BraunschweigU17 0 - 0
GER RegW 14:30 FT Borussia Dortmund (Youth) 0 - 0 Schalke 04 (Youth) 0 - 0
ITA D1 15:00 FT Empoli 2 - 0 Cagliari 1 - 0
ITA D2 15:00 FT Bari 2 - 1 Avellino 0 - 1
ITA D2 15:00 FT Cittadella 1 - 0 Pisa 1 - 0
ITA D2 15:00 FT Latina 1 - 1 Brescia 0 - 0
ITA D2 15:00 FT Novara 3 - 1 Cesena 3 - 0
ITA D2 15:00 FT Pro Vercelli 3 - 1 Spal 0 - 0
ITA D2 15:00 FT Salernitana 1 - 2 Carpi 0 - 0
ITA D2 15:00 FT Spezia 2 - 1 Perugia 0 - 1
ITA D2 15:00 FT Ternana 1 - 2 Vicenza 0 - 1
FRA D2 15:00 FT Lens 2 - 1 Ajaccio Gfco 1 - 1
CYP D1 15:00 FT Omonia Nicosia FC 5 - 1 Anagennisi FC Deryneia 3 - 0
CYP D1 15:00 FT AEK Larnaca 1 - 0 Ethnikos Achnas FC 0 - 0
CRO D1 15:00 FT Hajduk Split 0 - 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0 - 0
ENG
U23LC 15:00 FT Sheffield Utd U23 3 - 3 Reading U23 2 - 0
ISR D1 15:10 FT Hapoel Kfar Saba 1 - 1 Maccabi Tel Aviv 1 - 1
GER D1 15:30 FT FSV Mainz 05 3 - 1 Hamburger SV 1 - 1
GER D1 15:30 FT Schalke 04 1 - 1 SC Freiburg 0 - 0
GER D1 15:30 FT Werder Bremen 1 - 1 FC Koln 1 - 1
GER D1 15:30 FT Augsburg 1 - 0 Borussia Monchengladbach 0 - 0
GER D1 15:30 FT RB Leipzig 2 - 0 Hertha Berlin 1 - 0
POL D1 15:30 FT Korona Kielce 2 - 0 Lechia Gdansk 0 - 0
TUR D2 15:30 FT Goztepe 2 - 0 Mersin Idman Yurdu 0 - 0
SPA D31 15:45 FT Celta vigo b 2 - 1 CD Guijuelo 1 - 0
ENG PR 16:00 FT Middlesbrough 3 - 0 Swansea City 2 - 0
ENG PR 16:00 FT Stoke City 2 - 2 Leicester City 2 - 0
ENG PR 16:00 FT Sunderland A.F.C 1 - 0 Watford 0 - 0
ENG PR 16:00 FT West Ham United 1 - 0 Hull City 0 - 0
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Blackburn Rovers 2 - 3 Reading 1 - 1
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Bristol City 1 - 2 Preston North End 0 - 1
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Burton Albion 1 - 2 Newcastle United 1 - 2
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Cardiff City 3 - 4 Barnsley 1 - 3
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Fulham 2 - 2 Derby County 1 - 1
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Leeds United 1 - 0 Brentford 0 - 0
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Nottingham Forest 0 - 2 Wolves 0 - 1
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 0 Rotherham United 0 - 0
ENG LCH 16:00 FT Wigan Athletic 2 - 3 Ipswich Town 1 - 1
SPA D2 16:00 FT Getafe 3 - 1 Real Valladolid 0 - 0
SCO PR 16:00 FT Celtic FC 2 - 1 Dundee 1 - 0
SCO PR 16:00 FT Heart of Midlothian 1 - 1 Partick Thistle 1 - 0
SCO PR 16:00 FT Kilmarnock 1 - 1 Inverness 0 - 0
SCO PR 16:00 FT Ross County 2 - 1 Aberdeen 1 - 0
SCO PR 16:00 FT Saint Johnstone 1 - 1 Motherwell 0 - 1
AUT D1 16:00 FT SV Ried 0 - 3 Sturm Graz 0 - 0
ENG L1 16:00 FT AFC Wimbledon 4 - 0 Port Vale 0 - 0
ENG L1 16:00 FT Bury 2 - 3 Oxford United 2 - 2
ENG L1 16:00 FT Charlton Athletic 0 - 2 Peterborough United 0 - 1
ENG L1 16:00 FT Chesterfield 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers 1 - 0
ENG L1 16:00 FT Gillingham 1 - 0 Milton Keynes Dons 0 - 0
ENG L1 16:00 FT Northampton Town 2 - 3 Rochdale 1 - 1
ENG L1 16:00 FT Oldham Athletic 0 - 2 Southend United 0 - 1
ENG L1 16:00 FT Scunthorpe United 3 - 0 Millwall 2 - 0
ENG L1 16:00 FT Shrewsbury Town 2 - 0 Bristol Rovers 1 - 0
ENG L1 16:00 FT Swindon Town 1 - 1 Fleetwood Town 1 - 1
ENG L1 16:00 FT Walsall 1 - 1 Bradford City 0 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Accrington Stanley 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle 0 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Barnet 1 - 2 Stevenage Borough 0 - 1
ENG L2 16:00 FT Blackpool 0 - 2 Luton Town 0 - 1
ENG L2 16:00 FT Cambridge United 2 - 1 Crewe Alexandra 0 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Carlisle United 2 - 1 Yeovil Town 2 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Colchester United 2 - 1 Notts County 1 - 1
ENG L2 16:00 FT Crawley Town 3 - 1 Newport County 1 - 1
ENG L2 16:00 FT Exeter City 2 - 0 Mansfield Town 1 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Morecambe 1 - 2 Cheltenham Town 1 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Portsmouth 0 - 0 Hartlepool United 0 - 0
ENG L2 16:00 FT Wycombe Wanderers 1 - 0 Leyton Orient 0 - 0
ENG Conf 16:00 FT Dagenham Redbridge 4 - 4 Solihull Moors 2 - 3
ENG Conf 16:00 FT Lincoln City 2 - 1 Tranmere Rovers 1 - 1
POR D2 16:00 FT Cova Piedade 0 - 0 Vizela 0 - 0
SCO CH 16:00 FT Dumbarton 2 - 1 Falkirk 1 - 0
SCO CH 16:00 FT Queen of South 2 - 2 Dunfermline Athletic 1 - 0
SCO CH 16:00 FT Raith Rovers 0 - 0 Dundee United 0 - 0
SCO CH 16:00 FT Saint Mirren 1 - 1 Ayr United 0 - 0
CYP D1 16:00 FT AEL Limassol 1 - 0 Doxa Katokopias 0 - 0
EGY D1 16:00 FT hrbe 1 - 1 Enppi 0 - 1
QAT D1 16:10 FT Al-Arabi SC 0 - 3 Al Rayyan 0 - 2
SPA D1 16:15 FT Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Las Palmas 0 - 0
GRE D1 16:15 FT Platanias FC 3 - 0 PAE Atromitos 0 - 0
KSA PR 16:25 FT Al Ittihad(KSA) 3 - 2 Al-Fateh 1 - 2
ITA C1C 16:30 FT Catania 1 - 0 US Casertana 1908 0 - 0
ENG Conf 16:45 FT Forest Green Rovers 1 - 1 Dover Athletic 0 - 0
SPA D4 16:45 FT Panaderia Pulido 0 - 3 Lanzarote 0 - 2
FRA D1 16:59 FT Guingamp 2 - 1 Paris Saint Germain (PSG) 0 - 0
SPA D32 16:59 FT Leioa 2 - 2 Arenas Club de Getxo 0 - 1
SPA D32 16:59 FT SD Amorebieta 2 - 1 UD San Sebastian Reyes 1 - 0
POR D2 16:59 FT FC Famalicao 0 - 2 Varzim 0 - 0
BEL D2 16:59 FT Roeselare 3 - 1 Cercle Brugge 1 - 1
ISR D1 16:59 FT Ashdod MS 0 - 0 Hapoel Kiryat Shmona 0 - 0
CYP D1 16:59 FT Ermis Aradippou 1 - 1 APOEL Nicosia 1 - 0
TUR D1 16:59 FT Kasimpasa 2 - 1 Besiktas JK 0 - 1
UAE LP 16:59 FT Al Ain 3 - 0 Al-Sharjah 1 - 0
UAE LP 16:59 FT Al Nasr Dubai 2 - 0 Al-Jazira(UAE) 0 - 0
SAPL D1 16:59 FT Bloemfontein Celtic 0 - 3 Ajax Cape Town 0 - 1
ALG CUP 16:59 FT JS Saoura 1 - 0 CS Constantine 1 - 0
ISR D1 17:15 FT Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin FC 1 - 1 Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv 0 - 0
CRO D1 17:15 FT Rijeka 1 - 0 Istra 1961 Pula 1 - 0
SPA D33 17:30 FT L'Hospitalet 1 - 2 Valencia CF Mestalla 0 - 0
SPA D4 17:30 FT Arenas De Frajanas 0 - 2 CD Basconia 0 - 1
SPA D4 17:30 FT RSD Alcala Henares 2 - 4 CD San Fernando de Henares 2 - 1
KSA PR 17:45 FT Al-Taawon 2 - 3 Al Ahli Jeddah 1 - 1
ITA D1 18:00 FT AC Milan 0 - 0 Atalanta 0 - 0
SPA D2 18:00 FT CD Lugo 1 - 1 SD Huesca 0 - 1
SPA D2 18:00 FT Tenerife 2 - 0 AD Alcorcon 1 - 0
SPA D2 18:00 FT Real Oviedo 1 - 2 Cordoba 0 - 1
BEL D1 18:00 FT Oostende 1 - 1 Zulte-Waregem 1 - 1
SPA D33 18:00 FT RCD Espanyol B 3 - 0 Sabadell 2 - 0
SPA D31 18:00 FT Racing de Ferrol 2 - 0 Arandina 0 - 0
SPA D31 18:00 FT Palencia 1 - 4 UD Mutilve 0 - 2
SPA D32 18:00 FT SD Gernika 1 - 0 UD Logrones 0 - 0
FRA D4D 18:00 FT Colomiers 2 - 1 Hyeres 2 - 0
FRA D4D 18:00 FT OGC Nice B 0 - 0 OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE B 0 - 0
FRA D4B 18:00 FT Poissy As 3 - 2 Lille B 3 - 2
FRA D4B 18:00 FT Arras 2 - 1 Calais RUFC 1 - 1
POL D1 18:00 FT Jagiellonia Bialystok 1 - 2 Wisla Plock 0 - 0
FRA WD1 18:00 FT Rodez Aveyron (w) 1 - 0 ASPTT Albi(w) 0 - 0
SPA D4 18:00 FT Zalla 0 - 2 Portugalete 0 - 0
SPA D4 18:00 FT Rayo Cantabria 1 - 4 Gimnastica Torrelavega 1 - 2
SPA D4 18:00 FT Almansa 1 - 0 CD Madridejos 0 - 0
SCO CH 18:15 FT Greenock Morton 1 - 1 Hibernian 0 - 0
WAL PR 18:15 FT Connah's QN 0 - 3 The New Saints 0 - 1
SPA D4 18:15 FT Silva SD 0 - 0 Carceda 0 - 0
ENG PR 18:30 FT West Bromwich(WBA) 0 - 2 Manchester United 0 - 1
SPA D1 18:30 FT Granada CF 0 - 2 Real Sociedad 0 - 0
GER D1 18:30 FT VfL Wolfsburg 1 - 0 Eintracht Frankfurt 1 - 0
ENG LCH 18:30 FT Birmingham City 1 - 2 Brighton Hove Albion 0 - 0
HOL D1 18:30 FT Roda JC 0 - 0 FC Utrecht 0 - 0
AUT D1 18:30 FT Red Bull Salzburg 3 - 0 Wolfsberger AC 3 - 0
AUT D1 18:30 FT Austria Wien 2 - 0 Mattersburg 0 - 0
AUT D1 18:30 FT SKN St. Polten 2 - 2 Trenkwalder Admira Wacker 2 - 1
GRE D1 18:30 FT Kerkyra 0 - 5 PAOK Saloniki 0 - 3
ITA C1C 18:30 FT Foggia 3 - 1 Cosenza Calcio 1914 1 - 1
SPA D4 18:30 FT Telde 3 - 2 CD Buzanada 1 - 0
FRA WD1 18:45 FT Paris Saint Germain (w) 1 - 0 Lyon (w) 0 - 0
FRA D4D 19:00 FT Frejus St-Raphael 3 - 2 Le Pontet US 1 - 1
EGY D1 19:00 FT Ittihad Alexandria 0 - 2 Zamalek 0 - 0
MAR D1 19:00 FT Maghrib Association
Tetouan 0 - 1 Hassania Agadir 0 - 1
SPA D4 19:00 FT CD Rincon 2 - 1 UD San Pedro 1 - 0
POR D1 19:15 FT Moreirense 1 - 4 FC Arouca 0 - 2
SAPL D1 19:15 FT Bidvest Wits 3 - 1 Free State Stars 2 - 1
SPA D32 19:30 FT Real Madrid Castilla 3 - 1 Albacete 2 - 0
ISR D1 19:30 FT Beitar Jerusalem 1 - 1 Maccabi Petah Tikva FC 0 - 1
ROM D1 19:30 FT Steaua Bucuresti 1 - 0 ACS Poli Timisoara 1 - 0
ISR D3N 19:30 FT Hapoel Herzliya 2 - 0 Hapoel Beit She'any 2 - 0
SPA D4 19:30 FT EC Granollers 4 - 1 Figueres 3 - 0
HOL D1 19:45 FT Feyenoord 3 - 1 Vitesse Arnhem 2 - 1
FRA D1 20:00 FT Lorient 2 - 1 Saint Etienne 1 - 0
FRA D1 20:00 FT Montpellier 4 - 0 Bordeaux 2 - 0
FRA D1 20:00 FT Rennes 1 - 2 Bastia 0 - 0
FRA D1 20:00 FT Toulouse 1 - 1 Nancy 0 - 1
SPA D2 20:00 FT Girona 4 - 2 Gimnastic Tarragona 1 - 2
BEL D1 20:00 FT Charleroi 2 - 0 Mouscron Peruwelz 1 - 0
BEL D1 20:00 FT Mechelen 2 - 0 Red Star Waasland 1 - 0
BEL D1 20:00 FT Westerlo 1 - 3 Lokeren 1 - 0
BEL D2 20:00 FT Tubize 3 - 0 Saint Gilloise 2 - 0
SPA D33 20:15 FT Hercules 1 - 0 UE Cornella 0 - 0
SPA D4 20:15 FT Calahorra 8 - 0 Vianes 3 - 0
BEL D1 20:30 FT Sint-Truidense 3 - 1 KAA Gent 0 - 0
POL D1 20:30 FT Cracovia Krakow 1 - 1 Lech Poznan 1 - 0
SPA D1 20:45 FT Sevilla 4 - 1 Malaga 4 - 0
ITA D1 20:45 FT Juventus 1 - 0 AS Roma 1 - 0
HOL D1 20:45 FT FC Twente Enschede 1 - 2 AZ Alkmaar 0 - 0
ARG D1 21:00 FT Sarmiento Junin 0 - 2 Aldosivi Mar del Plata 0 - 1
ARG D1 21:00 FT Estudiantes La Plata 1 - 2 Defensa Y Justicia 0 - 0
POR D2 21:00 FT Porto B 1 - 3 Sporting Braga II 0 - 0
BOL D1(a) 21:00 FT San Jose 1 - 1 Universitario de Sucre 1 - 1
ACT M 21:00 FT Central Cordoba 1 - 1 Sacachispas 0 - 0
ACT M 21:00 FT Deportivo Laferrere 4 - 2 Defensores de Cambaceres 2 - 2
ACT M 21:00 FT Uhl Que Sa 3 - 0 Club Lujan 2 - 0
ACT M 21:00 FT Berazategui 3 - 0 Defensores Unidos 1 - 0
ACT M 21:00 FT Canuelas FC 1 - 0 San Martin Burzaco 0 - 0
ARG TB 21:00 FT San Jorge Tucuman 2 - 0 Juventud Antoniana 1 - 0
ARG RL 21:00 FT Boca Juniors Reserve 1 - 2 Colon Reserves 1 - 0
POR D1 21:30 FT Estoril 0 - 1 Benfica 0 - 0
ARG B M 21:40 FT CA Platense 1 - 0 UAI Urquiza 1 - 0

'Man Utd will finish above Man City this season

Robbie Savage has been impressed by the
improvement shown by Jose Mourinho's team of
late, while Pep Guardiola has overseen two
defeats in his last three games
Manchester United will finish above Manchester
City in the Premier League table this season,
according to Robbie Savage.
The player-turned-pundit has been impressed by
the improvement shown by Jose Mourinho & Co.
in recently weeks, notably the win over Crystal
Palace in midweek.
Meanwhile, City have lost two of their last three
Premier League games and now find themselves
seven points off leaders Chelsea, and Savage, a
former youth team player at Old Trafford, now
expects United to claim the Manchester bragging
rights this season.
"On current form in the battle to rule Manchester,
Jose Mourinho looks like a man on the march
while Pep Guardiola is only shuffling," Savage
wrote in his column for the Mirror .
"I have been far more impressed with Manchester
United over the last six weeks than with Man City,
who have stalled after making such an impressive
start in the Premier League."
He added: "I tipped United to win the title back in
August. Sadly that is going to be beyond them,
because the 13-point gap to Chelsea at the top is
too much to make up.
What Gundogan injury means for Pep
"But as I also said in this column last week, I
think the worst is over for Mourinho at Old
Trafford now.
"Of all the top-four contenders, they look most
capable of stringing together a run of six or seven
wins. The table doesn’t lie, and United may not
win the title – but I still think they will finish above
City."

'Chelsea not unbeatable' - Conte admits his side are targets after 10 wins in a row

the Blues manager has warned his side are
destined to lose again at some point after winning
their last 10 Premier League games
Antonio Conte has stressed Chelsea are not
unbeatable irrespective of their good run of form
and believes a defeat at some stage is inevitable.
The Stamford Bridge side are on a 10-game
winning run in the Premier League heading into
this weekend's trip to Crystal Palace, but Conte is
not getting carried away and thinks his side face a
tough task to make it 11 on Saturday.
"There is no team in the world who is
unbeatable," said the Italian. "Now for us it is very
difficult, because when you play against another
team they have nothing to lose. And for this
reason they play with great intensity and
aggression to try to beat a team who has 10 wins
in a row.
"When you arrive with 10 wins at the minimum
there is great respect for you. But I repeat this
situation is a good situation for the opponent
because they have nothing to lose. It is more
difficult for us to continue this way than for our
opponent.
"We have great motivation to take three points,
this is the most important thing for us. Then if we
continue to win it is fantastic. We will try for sure
to win the game.
"We all know Saturday will be another derby, it will
be very tough against a good team that is not in a
good position in the table, but I think the squad is
very good.
"In this league every game is always open.
Anything can happen. You must go with great
concentration and focus because you can lose
against any team."

'The ball is in the air more than on the ground' - Pep admits struggle to adapt to Premier League

The ex-Barcelona coach has acknowledged he is
finding it hard to get his current charges playing
his way due to the direct approach of their
opponents
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits
the physical nature of the Premier League has
surprised him and he feels Chelsea are the only
other team trying to build play from the back.
Guardiola made a name for himself at Barcelona
and Bayern Munich with his possession-based
style, which brought him a host of trophies while
cementing his reputation as one of the world's
premier coaches.
Martial annoyed with Man United role
But the manager confessed that he has been
struggling to get City playing his way due to the
direct approach of many of their opponents.
"I try to play in one way all my career and here,
for example with high pressing, when they have
the ball we go to pick them up, it is not allowed,
because it is not allowed. Many times the ball is
more in the air than the grass, and I have to
adapt," Guardiola told Sky Sports.
"I was in Munich and spoke with Xabi Alonso, and
he said: 'You have to adapt, it's the second ball,
the second ball!' But really, you have to adapt to
the second ball, and the third ball, and the fourth!
"I never before was focused on that, because in
Barcelona or in Spain, more or less the players try
to play for the culture.
"That's why they won World Cups, and they won
the Euros, won the Champions Leagues, the
Europa Leagues, all the time, all of the years,
Spanish teams are in the latter stages, all of the
teams.
"In Germany it was more physical, but not like
here. Here it is all the teams, except maybe
Chelsea because Antonio [Conte] is playing really
well and having them build up, but the other teams
are taller, stronger, physical, and you have to
adapt and build from that."

Mourinho: I know why Man Utd are miles behind Chelsea

The Red Devils are now unbeaten in nine Premier
League games but the Portuguese blames their
early home form for their lowly position of sixth
Jose Mourinho has offered poor home form as a
reason why his Manchester United team are not
at the top of the Premier League table.
Mourinho plays down Rooney spat
The Red Devils have won just three league games
from their eight Old Trafford fixtures, last
weekend's 1-0 win over Tottenham ending a run
of four consecutive draws against Stoke, Burnley,
Arsenal and West Ham.
Mourinho's men have picked up four wins and two
draws away from home this season, the latest
a victory at Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening,
leaving the Portuguese ruing the opportunities his
team missed on home soil.
"We are doing enough for that [to be in the top
six]," said Mourinho after the 2-1 victory at
Selhurst Park. "If we had the points we lost at
home with draws in matches that we did more
than enough to win we would be close to the top of
the league.
"But we lost these points and in this moment we
are just closing the gap to the top four positions,
so let's try.
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"There are three more matches until the end of
the year and let's see how it ends on December
31 and we can feel then and smell what is
possible to do in the second part of the season."
United travel to in-form West Brom on Saturday
before ending the year with two home ties, first
against David Moyes' Sunderland and then
Middlesbrough.
Mourinho's former club Chelsea sit top of the
Premier League, 13 points above United, having
won their last 10 games, and end the season with
a trip to Crystal Palace, before two home fixtures
against Bournemouth and Stoke.
Messi? This is the era of Cristiano
Antonio Conte has deployed a 3-4-3 formation at
Stamford Bridge and built his team around Diego
Costa and Eden Hazard, the former of which tops
the Premier League goalscoring chart.
Hazard has also enjoyed an upturn in form, having
scored eight goals in his 15 appearances
following a disappointing 2015/16 campaign

Guardiola & Man City should go all out to sign Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean appears to be stalling on contract
talks at the Emirates Stadium and the Blues
should be on red alert about the chance of signing
him
COMMENT
Manchester City have already missed out on
Alexis Sanchez once, they will not want to again.
It was Manuel Pellegrini, City’s former manager,
who revealed this week that he tried to bring his
countryman to the Etihad Stadium in 2014, only to
be scuppered by FFP regulations.
Not that City couldn’t afford him. Uefa sanctions
meant the club’s Champions League squad had to
be reduced and, according to Pellegrini, there was
no room for Alexis.
Alexis: Contract depends on Arsenal
City can certainly afford him now, and they would
certainly make room. Sergio Aguero has
responded very well to the challenge of upping his
overall game but the impending arrival of Gabriel
Jesus is not the only threat to the Argentine’s
game time.
City are thought to be keeping tabs on a number of
big-name strikers, and Alexis will surely be one of
them.
His current contract impasse with Arsenal
suggests he is killing time, reluctant to commit
himself to a club which has shown little sign that
they are ready to finally win the title.
If he is to angle for a move this summer, City will
surely be at the front of the queue. Pellegrini, now
at Hebei China Fortune, may plot a £500,000-per-
week deal to lure Alexis to China but the player
still feels he has a lot to prove at the very top of
the game.
'Judge vulnerable City next season'
And with Arsenal said to be offering £180,000-
per-week, there is scope for City to improve his
weekly earnings without breaking the bank - they
will let six players go when their contracts expire,
including Yaya Toure and his earnings of more
than £200,000 a week.
There are also a relative lack of other options for
Alexis, given he is unlikely to return to Barcelona
or be pursued by Real Madrid. Bayern Munich
would appear to be the only serious rivals from
the continent, given Juventus spent their cash
reserves on Gonzalo Higuain.
Pep defends style: I want to win
The major determining factor in Alexis’ next move
is where he will get the biggest chance to win
trophies. It is believed he wants to be
remembered as Chile’s finest ever footballer, but
that quest is not being helped by the fact Arturo
Vidal has won one major club trophy every year
since 2012.
City are by no means the finished article but the
opportunity to work with Guardiola again would
appeal, and he would be perfect for the Catalan’s
high-intensity, technical, doggedly committed
approach.
There was an infamous touchline incident during
their time together at Camp Nou, where Alexis
picked up a muscle injury after playing 90 minutes
for his country just days beforehand. Guardiola
used a very specific South American insult,
designed to have particular resonance with the
Chilean, and one that cannot be published here.
The only printable part of the exchange shows
Guardiola furiously urging the stricken forward to
“use his head”.
That, though, is probably a little bit of hypocrisy on
Guardiola’s part. After all, he wants full
commitment from his players but seemingly not
when they play for their country. That can be
overlooked.
'£80m for Alexis is Arsenal's get out'
Guardiola, though, was very keen to point out that
he had not called Alexis personally after his hat-
trick at West Ham. It was claimed in Chile that he
tried to get the Arsenal man to move to the Etihad
not long after he had got home from helping the
Gunners win at the London Stadium.
“Guys, the journalist is a liar,” he went out of his
way to point out in English after initially asserting
the same thing in Catalan.
It is quite the claim to make and it is no wonder
Guardiola was keen to dismiss it.
But it is equally hard to believe City would not join
the race if Alexis does decide his needs would be
better served elsewhere.
Arsene Wenger was asked about City’s habit of
signing his best players in recent years on Friday
morning, and he quipped that the Blues “were a
good client”.
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It is the type of quip that is typical of the modern
Arsenal - ‘yeah but at least our bank accounts
look good’ - and surely one of the reasons Alexis
must be wondering if they can match his
ambitions.
If he eventually does want out, City will would be
mad not to make their move.
Wenger: Guardiola has it easy
He will be 29 on Monday, the day after Arsenal
take on City, and he could well celebrate with a
goal or too.
If he does score at the Etihad, there will be some
in the directors’ box hoping it will not be the final
time - as long as he’s wearing blue.
Alexis has one more big move left in him, and
Guardiola’s City could offer him all he cra