Monday, October 17, 2016

LATEST SPORTS GIST AND TRANSFERS






Conte's new system outfoxes Leicester

Tactics Board
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 By Tony Evans

Bradley impresses in his first game with Swansea but real work starts now

Bob Bradley's debut as Swansea manager is put under the microscope as the FC crew evaluate his loss to Arsenal.
Arsenal survived a spirited second-half performance from Bob Bradley's Swansea to take all three points.
Following his debut loss at Arsenal, Bob Bradley says confidence started to build for Swansea City through the match.
Bob Bradley never looked like a rabbit in the headlights, even when his Swansea City side did appear dazzled. The 58-year-old's debut as a Premier League manager ended in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal and was an afternoon of extremes yet, throughout a see-sawing 90 minutes and its thrilling finale, the American was calm and focused. Afterward, Bradley spoke with an eloquent clarity.
No one expected Swansea to win at the Emirates but they could easily have walked away with the three points. The Welsh side...
 By ESPN staff

Leicester's Papy Mendy set for another 'four or five weeks' on sidelines

Leicester City have completed preparations for their crucial Uefa Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
The guys respond to your tweets about Atletico's La Liga title hopes and the fall of Premier League champions Leicester.
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has demanded more concentration from his side following their defeat to Chelsea.
Claudio Ranieri explains his squad selection and his hopes for Leicester's midweek Champions League match.
Papy Mendy is unlikely to return to action for Leicester City for "four or five weeks" because of an ankle injury, Claudio Ranieri has confirmed.
Mendy, 24, has not featured for the Foxes since going off injured during the goalless draw against Arsenal on Aug. 20 and has now undergone surgery.
"Mendy was unlucky," Claudio Ranieri said. "In the last training session he had a little fracture of the bone. I think today he is in surgery just to clean this little fragment of bone out.
"It depends how...
 By Nick Miller

Dele Alli needs to continue filling goalscoring role in Tottenham's attack

The ESPN FC crew break down their Premier League Team of the Weekend after the most recent slate of matches.
Dele Alli has scored some crucial goals for Spurs this season from an attacking midfield role. He needs to keep it up.
It must be a thankless task being a football pundit, sometimes. On Saturday Alan Shearer, speaking after Dele Alli had scored a late equaliser for Tottenham against West Brom, suggested that the young midfielder might "be spoken about in the same breath" as Frank Lampard. When he ventured onto Twitter later, he found a large amount of very cross people, as one does on the internet, outraged and seemingly under the impression Shearer had committed some great sin.
Whether Alli is or will ever be...

 

 

McCarthy: Packers offense isn't 'broken'

Dropped passes, bad timing and fumbles plagued the Packers in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys

Top Stories from FoxSports

NFL reportedly investigating Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict for controversial hit vs. Patriots

Rob Gronkowski took exception to Burfict's low hit on Martellus Bennett.

Ezekiel Elliott did a pantsless interview after the Cowboys' win over the Packers

Who needs pants when you rush for 157 yards in Green Bay?
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) reacts after suffering an injury during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Bennett rips Falcons lineman for cut block: 'You're a little [expletive]'

The Seahawks defensive lineman was forced to exit with a knee injury.
during game two of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 16, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois.

Kenley Jansen finds relief in role as Dodgers' closer

The big righty has matured and become a late-inning force
Oct 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) reacts after hitting a pop fly during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

MLB Playoffs: The Cubs' biggest problem has been exposed

The Cubs' 3-4-5 hitters are 6-for-60 in the postseason.
continue to FOX Sports

Ryan Lochte gets back in the pool

Disgraced Olympian swims in charity race

Russian loses 2008 Olympic high jump bronze in doping case

Russian high jumper Anna Chicherova has been stripped of her bronze medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics after her doping samples were retested and came back positive for steroids.

Rome's city council votes down 2024 Olympic bid

As far as city leaders are concerned, Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympics is finished.

Michigan State fires former USA gymnastics doctor amid more abuse allegations

A doctor accused of sexual abuse by two gymnasts has been fired by Michigan State University. The school says its police have received additional allegations of abuse since last week.

Jim Gray on 'despicable' hack of Olympians' medical records

Veteran sportscaster and Fox News contributor says 'retaliation' by notorious Russian hacking group is 'beyond the pale'

Top Olympic athletes' medical records disclosed by notorious Russian group

The medical files of several top U.S. Olympic athletes were posted online Tuesday by a notorious Russian hacking group that was attempting to show other nation’s “tainted victories” ...

Ryan Lochte hit with ban through June 2017

Suspension will render the disgraced U.S. Olympic swimmer ineligible for world championships
continue to Olympics Stories

McCarthy: Packers offense isn't 'broken'

Dropped passes, bad timing and fumbles plagued the Packers in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys

NFL reportedly investigating Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict for controversial hit vs. Patriots

Rob Gronkowski took exception to Burfict's low hit on Martellus Bennett.

Ezekiel Elliott did a pantsless interview after the Cowboys' win over the Packers

Who needs pants when you rush for 157 yards in Green Bay?

Michael Bennett rips Falcons lineman for cut block: 'You're a little [expletive]'

The Seahawks defensive lineman was forced to exit with a knee injury.

NFL Today, Week 6

Eds: Updates STARS and STREAKS & STATS with Colts-Texans game. Corrects Cardinals record to 2-3 in SCOREBOARD

Brock Osweiler rallies Texans to 26-23 OT victory over Colts

HOUSTON (AP) Nick Novak made a 33-yard field goal in overtime to give the Houston Texans to a 26-23 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.
continue to NFL Stories

Kenley Jansen finds relief in role as Dodgers' closer

The big righty has matured and become a late-inning force

MLB Playoffs: The Cubs' biggest problem has been exposed

The Cubs' 3-4-5 hitters are 6-for-60 in the postseason.

Kershaw dominates Cubs in Dodgers' 1-0 win; NLCS tied

So much for October closer. With his Dodgers desperate for a win, Clayton Kershaw delivered the most dominant start of his checkered playoff career.

Kershaw, Hendricks duel as Dodgers face Cubs in Game 2

CHICAGO -- For the fourth time in their seven games this postseason, Clayton Kershaw takes the ball for the Dodgers, while Chicago Cubs' right-hander Kyle Hendricks is merely glad to be back on ...

Montero's pinch-hit grand slam lifts Cubs past Dodgers in NLCS opener

Miguel Montero snapped an eighth-inning tie with the third pinch-hit grand slam in postseason history, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-4 in their NL Championship Series opener ...

Bullpen helps Indians edge Blue Jays, take 2-0 ALCS lead

They don't have a true superstar, an embarrassment of All-Stars or a celebrity following.

LEADING OFF: Kershaw faces Hendricks in Game 2 of NLCS

A look at what's happening all around the majors Sunday:
continue to MLB Stories

Curry, Warriors top Nuggets in OT while working on cohesion

Stephen Curry maintained it's going to take some time for Golden State to develop cohesion. Through the preseason, for sure, and maybe even into the regular season.

Ibaka leads Magic over Pacers as Vogel faces former team

Serge Ibaka had 19 points and 17 rebounds to lead Orlando to a 114-106 preseason victory over Indiana on Friday night in Magic coach Frank Vogel's first appearance against his former team.

Serge Ibaka dominates as Magic best Frank Vogels former Pacers squad

Serge Ibaka had 19 points and 17 rebounds to lead Orlando to a 114-106 preseason victory over Indiana on Friday night in Magic coach Frank Vogel's first appearance against his former team.

Report: J.R. Smith, Cavs agree on 4-year deal

According to reports J.R Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers ink a long-term deal

AP Source: J.R. Smith, Cavaliers agree to terms on contract

CLEVELAND (AP) A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations says free agent guard J.R. Smith has agreed to a contract offer to return to the defending NBA champion Cavaliers.

Mike Brown joins Warriors after surviving May kitchen fire

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) A foot-long dark burn scar going from Mike Brown's right quadriceps down his lower leg reminds him each day of his good fortune.
continue to NBA Stories

Dennis Byrd, ex-NFL player who recovered from broken neck, killed in car crash

Dennis Byrd was an inspiration for far more than anything he ever accomplished on a football field.

San Jose State beats Nevada 14-10

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Malik Roberson ran 35 times for 139 yards and Kenny Potter scored with 50 seconds left to lift San Jose State over Nevada 14-10 on Saturday night.

Former Auburn, NFL player Quentin Groves dies at 32

Former Auburn football star Quentin Groves, who played defensive end for the Tigers from 2004-07 and shares the program record for sacks, has died.

Pumphrey makes NCAA top 10 rushing in San Diego State win

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) Donnel Pumphrey rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 yards for the season and moving into the NCAA Top 10 for his career, leading San Diego State to ...

Henderson TDs lead Memphis past Tulane 24-14.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Darrell Henderson had two long touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving, to lead Memphis to a 24-14 victory over Tulane on Friday night.

Fresno State's Brandon Hughes declared ineligible

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) Fresno State linebacker Brandon Hughes has been declared ineligible for the rest of the season because of a NCAA policy violation.

No. 14 Florida State, QB Francois set to host Wake Forest

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois continues to impress with this play despite taken plenty of hard hits.
continue to NCAA FB Stories

Canucks erase 3-goal deficit vs 'Canes, Sutter scores in OT

Brandon Sutter scored 32 seconds into overtime and the Vancouver Canucks erased a three-goal deficit to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Sunday night.

Bailey's OT goal lifts Islanders past Ducks 3-2

Islanders coach Jack Capuano thought Josh Bailey could give New York a spark, and Bailey delivered for the team's first win of the season.

O'Reilly's 4 points lift Sabres over Oilers 6-2

Ryan O'Reilly had two goals and two assists and the Buffalo Sabres pounded the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 on Sunday night for their first victory of the season.

Sutter's shootout goal lifts Canucks past Flames, 2-1

Brandon Sutter scored the only goal of the shootout to give the Vancouver Canucks a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.

Colborne scores 3 goals as Avs hang on to beat Stars, 6-5

Joe Colborne had three goals for his first NHL hat trick, Colorado withstood a 6-on-4 opportunity over final 46 seconds and the Avalanche held off the Dallas Stars 6-5 on Saturday night.

Coyotes beat Flyers 4-3 in OT on Ekman-Larsson's shot

Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored at 1:48 of overtime and the Arizona Coyotes kicked off their 20th season in the desert with a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night.

Marner, Brown score to help Leafs beat Bruins 4-1

The last time Mitch Marner remembers attending a Maple Leafs game as a fan, Mats Sundin returned to Air Canada Centre as a Vancouver Canuck.
continue to NHL Stories

Clint Bowyer's year in NASCAR purgatory coming to a close

With 2016 almost done, Clint Bowyer looks ahead to next year with SHR.

Sprint Cup qualifying results from Kansas Speedway

Check out the qualifying results from the Hollywood Casino 400.

Kenseth leads JGR power in Sprint Cup qualifying at Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) Matt Kenseth joined Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards in a Joe Gibbs Racing sweep of the top three spots in qualifying Friday for the Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway.

Johnson heads to Kansas with weight off his shoulders

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) Jimmie Johnson could feel the pressure mounting all season as he continued to turn into the garage area rather than Victory Lane after failing to win Sprint Cup races.

Hendrick GM says team did get data from Stewart-Haas Racing

Hendrick Motorsports elaborated on Jimmie Johnson's statement on SHR partnership

Fans weigh in: Harvick most likely to bounce back at Kansas

NASCAR fans voted that Kevin Harvick will make the biggest rebound at Kansas.

NASCAR announces 2017 Premier Series rules package

Check out the details for the 2017 NASCAR Premier Series rules package.
continue to Nascar Stories

Conor McGregor tells Nevada 'good luck' trying to collect massive fine

Conor McGregor tells the Nevada 'good luck' trying to get $150K from him

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown honors Kimbo Slice with custom cleats

Antonio Brown pays tribute to Miami legend Kimbo Slice

Amanda Nunes sends a message to Ronda Rousey ahead of UFC 207

Amanda Nunes is ready to hand Ronda Rousey her second straight loss

Ronda Rousey to face Bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes in December

The long wait for Ronda Rousey to return is finally over.

Paige VanZant vs. Michelle 'The Karate Hottie' Waterson set for UFC Sacramento main event

Paige VanZant will headline her first UFC event in December

Dana White: Conor McGregor no longer wants to fight in Nevada after 'insane' fine

Conor McGregor says he's done fighting in Las Vegas.

Jose Aldo meeting with the UFC soon but has 'no desire to fight again'

Jose Aldo will once again as the UFC for his release
continue to UFC Stories

7 goals in 6 games for Southampton's bargain striker Austin

As the goals have dried up for Jamie Vardy at Leicester, another former non-league striker has embarked on a hot scoring streak for a Premier League club.

Schalke striker Breel Embolo out for 'at least 4-6 months'

Schalke says its club-record signing, striker Breel Embolo, has been ruled out for "at least four to six months" after undergoing surgery on his broken ankle.

Bradley makes losing start to life in Premier League

Welcome to the Premier League, Bob Bradley.

For England, problems run deeper than Wayne Rooney

So, it turns out dropping Wayne Rooney isn't the simple cure to England's problems.

Green scores again, US settles for 1-1 draw vs New Zealand

Julian Green scored his second goal in two matches, before Monty Patterson's equalizer forced the United States to settle for a 1-1 draw in an exhibition against New Zealand on Tuesday night.

Column: Down but not out, Wayne Rooney can still surprise

There is no such thing as the beginning of an end.

Record 7-second goal, 6-0 routs in European WCup qualifying

The fastest goal in World Cup history capped a night of 6-0 routs and the Netherlands' further fall in European qualifying on Monday.
continue to Soccer Stories

NAU picked to finish near the bottom in Big Sky preseaon polls

Lumberjacks coach Jack Murphy enters his fifth season at NAU, which finished 5-25 last season and 3-15 in conference play.

Full autopsy: Oklahoma State player had an enlarged heart

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Oklahoma's medical examiner says the Oklahoma State University basketball player who died in July following an outdoor team workout suffered from an enlarged ...

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo wins Dean Smith Award

ST. LOUIS (AP) Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last month, has been selected to receive the Dean Smith Award, given ...

Villanova names renovated Pavilion after William Finneran

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) Villanova will name its Pavilion, the on-campus home for men's and women's basketball, after William B. Finneran, a 1963 graduate of the school.

Kentucky players look forward to making presence felt inside

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Physical post play was lacking at Kentucky last year, though establishing an inside presence shouldn't be an issue this season.

Beavers prepare with a dramatically different roster

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle is realistic.

Manchester United stars Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic warm up for
All of the footballing world will be focusing on the titanic clash at Anfield on Monday night, but Manchester United are seemingly unmoved by their clash with old foes Liverpool. The Red Devils prepared for their match against Liverpool with a stretching session close to the Titanic Hotel and sought peace of mind before the much-hyped bout with a stroll around the city centre. Wayne Rooney has been heavily scrutinised for his performances this season but looked happy to be back in Liverpool as he stretched with his United team-mates.

Liverpool FC players arrive at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp's side prepare for Manchester
Jurgen Klopp, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson were among those pictured in the car park outside their home ground ahead of kick-off at 8pm. The Liverpool squad arrived separately in their own vehicles and will depart for their team hotel before returning to the stadium for the crunch clash.

Liverpool and Manchester United are at loggerheads when they meet on the pitch but are also on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to distance covered per game.

There are major bragging rights at stake at Anfield on Monday night. Here, Sportsmail's team of reporters make their predictions ahead of the crunch clash on Merseyside...

Liverpool have a chance to open up a six-point lead over rivals Manchester United on Monday night but where will the game be won and lost? Sportsmail answers the key questions ahead of the Anfield clash.

Manchester United fan who worked on Anfield expansion leaves shirt in the roof!
A Manchester United fan who worked on the new stand at Anfield has taunted hated rivals - by leaving a host of Red Devils memorabilia in the roof. The diehard's prank means an old United shirt and two figurines - Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs - will overlook the pitch when the two teams clash in the Premier League on Monday. The cheeky supporter's stunt came after he was part of the team that carried out the £100m expansion work to add a third tier to Anfield's main stand, boosting crowd capacity by about 8,500.

The animosity follows the release of the 23-year-old's autobiography and Icardi's days at the San Siro would appear numbered. Here, we talk you through the story which is gripping Italy…

The eighth round of Premier League fixtures saw Chelsea tear apart champions Leicester while Manchester City were held at home by Everton.

Chelsea still hold faith in technical director Michael Emenalo despite Antonio Conte’s admiration of former Roma transfer guru Walter Sabatini. The Blues have been linked with Sabatini in recent weeks.

Maarten Stekelenburg was the hero for Everton when his two penalty saves on Saturday claimed a point away at Manchester City, but his heroics are from from unique in the Premier League era.

The 16-year-old is a first year scholar at United and tied to the club until 2018 but his high quality performances for United and England's youth sides have alerted Barcelona staff.

Javier Mascherano has extended his contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2019. The Argentine defender, 32, agreed the new deal back in July and completed the formalities on Monday lunchtime.

Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp gears up for Manchester United clash with grassroots
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once again showed his man-of-the-people credentials by spending Sunday morning watching a local girls team at Formby Junior Sports Club. The German tactician, whose Liverpool side face arch rivals Manchester United on Monday night, took time out of his preparations for the highly anticipated clash to watch 20 minutes of a youth team game. Klopp, who took over the reins at Anfield in October 2015, was even asked to referee when the scheduled official failed to show up on time for the grassroots fixture. 

Manchester United lack an identity under Jose Mourinho, because the new manager is yet to work out his best team and wasn't ruthless enough over the summer, according to Scholes.

When Jose Mourinho arrives at Anfield on Monday night it will be his first real taste of the intense rivalry between Manchester United and their fiercest rivals.

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne has admitted he is cautious of teenage striking sensation Marcus Rashford as the Reds prepare to face fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

So in the 90th minute, Ryan Giggs is standing over the ball and all I remember is him bending it into the box, Rio Ferdinand rising up and the ball hitting the back of the net.

Man of the moment Paul Pogba has stolen the headlines ahead of Manchester United's clash with bitter rivals Liverpool by teaming up with adidas to create an impressive advert. 

Wayne Rooney will write himself a new entry in the Premier League record books if he scores in Manchester United's visit to Liverpool on Monday night. He is chasing a record 88th away goal in the league.

FANS HEAD-TO-HEAD: We get the opinions of Liverpool blogger Dave Usher from The Liverpool Way and Manchester United fan Dale O'Donnell from Stretty News ahead of Monday's clash.

Liverpool star Sadio Mane insists it was his decision to stay at Southampton when Manchester United bid £25million for him in the summer of 2015. He joined Jurgen Klopp's squad for £30m in June.

Liverpool are in form but this is set up perfectly for a Manchester United win
IAN LADYMAN: All in all then, this is set up perfectly for a Manchester United victory, a Jose Mourinho victory. On the back foot with his team and his captain short of real form. Under pressure enough to make unjust comments about the referee and his opposite number Jurgen Klopp. Hearing the whispers that he may no longer be everyone's idea of the perfect modern Premier League coach.

Jose Mourinho has been guilty of performing the dark arts on touchlines but the Manchester United manager appeared to reject comparisons with the animated Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has hailed the influence of team-mate Zlatan Ibrahmovic, affectionately referring to the Swedish icon as his 'big brother.'

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to keep Wayne Rooney out of the firing line at Liverpool on Monday — insisting his captain needs to recover from the ‘hurt’ he has suffered.

When Liverpool looked to be closing in on their first championship since 1990 back in April 2014, Jose Mourinho set his Chelsea side out do disrupt Brendan Rodgers' in form team

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius heads into probably the biggest match of his career confident in his position as Jurgen Klopp's new first choice.

CHRIS WHEELER: Concerns have been raised over Taylor's appointment for United's visit to their bitter rivals because he lives only a few miles from Old Trafford.

'No days off': Chelsea veteran Terry posts video of his backyard training session as he fights for return to full fitness 

John Terry shared an Instagram video showing the Chelsea captain being put through his paces by a personal trainer. Terry is working towards a return to full-fitness after his ankle ligament injury. The central defender was on the bench for Chelsea's 3-0 victory against Leicester and could be in-line for a return in his team's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

Barcelona superstar Neymar reveals latest religious tattoo design
A superstar of European football has added to his ever growing collection of body art by having a religion themed tattoo inked across both of his legs. The star took to social media this week to share his new artistic creation with the online world. The player is no stranger when it comes to tattoos, having over ten emblazoned in different areas upon his body.

Trillion Trophy Asia have completed their takeover of Birmingham. The company controlled by Hong Kong businessman Paul Suen bought the club 16 months into their two-year exclusivity period.

LAURIE WHITWELL: The English champions face Copenhagen at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night with a victory taking them to the brink of qualifying for the knock-out stages.

‘It is a good system for Chelsea.’ If Eden Hazard is happy with it, Antonio Conte must be getting something right. The Italian has started playing 3-4-3 and the positive effect has been dramatic.

A disgruntled Didier Drogba refused to play for the Montreal Impact on Sunday after learning that he would not be in the starting lineup, coach Mauro Biello said.

Roma striker Edin Dzeko is enjoying a goal-rich spell in the Italian capital this season. Dzeko now has seven goals in eight games... but manager Luciano Spalletti still isn't happy with the striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid in fighting mood as they prepare for Champions League
Fresh from a 6-1 rout of Real Betis at the weekend, Real Madrid were in buoyant mood as they took to the training pitch on Monday. Zinedine Zidane's squad return to action on Tuesday with a Champions League group stage tie at the Bernabeu. Legia Warsaw are the visitors to the Spanish capital in Real's third match in Group F.

Tottenham stars in high spirits as they fly out to Germany for Champions League clash with
Erik Lamela, Eric Dier, Christian Eriksen and Ben Davies were all smiles as they jetted off to Germany for Tottenham's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. The club posted the photo of the smiling quartet on their official Instagram account with the caption: 'All aboard! @ericdier15, @chriseriksen8, @eriklamela and @bendavies33 heading to Germany. It's #ChampionsLeague time! #THFC #COYS' Spurs will hope their travelling contingent will return with smiles on their faces as well as three points, but face a tough task against an out of sorts but wounded animal in Bayer.

Claudio Bravo believes the pressure is all on Barcelona ahead of his reunion with his old club this week. The goalkeeper will return to his old club with Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Committee acting chair Damian Collins focused on the level of due diligence applied by Clarke's predecessors at the FA when it came to settling on Allardyce as Roy Hodgson's successor.

Nolito might have arrived on the international scene too late to lift trophies with Spain but his timing with City could be perfect. In terms of quality of team-mates he has never had it so good.

Leicester all smiles despite Chelsea defeat as they seek Champions League relief
Leicester City may have stumbled to a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday, but Claudio Ranieri's men weren't allowing that to affect their mood as they prepare to take on Copenhagen in the Champions League. The Foxes are flying in Europe and currently top Group G ahead of their Danish opponents and Porto.

Huddersfield Town 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Fernando Forestieri clicks to get Wednesday
RICHARD GIBSON AT JOHN SMITH'S STADIUM: Not only did Sheffield Wednesday bring to an end Huddersfield's 100 per cent record at home this season - it also seems as though some of their players were intent on finding out David Wagner's trade secrets too. Fernando Forestieri's 68th minute penalty had given the Owls a 1-0 lead at the John Smith's Stadium and Wagner's hopes of six consecutive wins were looking slim. He decided to bring on Michael Hefele for Chris Lowe in the 84th minute. It was an attacking substitution, an attempt to save the game.

Nathaniel Chalobah believes his six spells away from Chelsea on loan have ultimately improved him. The midfielder starred with an outrageous back-heeled assist against Leicester.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is about to become a father for the third time, after announcing to the world this week that he has a baby boy on the way with partner Daniella Semaan.

Claude Puel has revealed Charlie Austin overcame illness to lead Southampton to victory over Burnley, but the striker is still not certain to keep his place as the manager looks to rotate.

The 47-year-old reached the final torturous leg of his 1,500-mile traverse of the country, visiting all 44 Premier League and Championship grounds in his bid to raise £1million for Cancer Research.

Gary Neville: For England, reality is we had the right players, the right style, the right
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - ROB DRAPER: Gary Neville raised no more than an eyebrow when his name was briefly caught up in the Sam Allardyce fiasco last month.  Neville was criticised in the secret recording that cost Allardyce his job, the former England boss disdainful of the fact that a coach could be arguing with manager Roy Hodgson for the introduction of Marcus Rashford in that fateful defeat by Iceland. Neville does not really deem it worthy of comment, only to point out that Hodgson wanted strong assistants and told Neville, Ray Lewington and goalkeeping coach Dave Watson to voice their opinions when they thought it was necessary.

Pep Guardiola insists Sergio Aguero can continue to take Manchester City's penalty kicks
CHRIS WHEELER AT THE ETIHAD: The sight of Sergio Aguero failing from the spot is becoming all too familiar, but Pep Guardiola believes his striker has the strength of character to step forward again if Manchester City win a penalty in Barcelona on Wednesday night. Aguero has now missed four attempts for club and country this season after his second-half effort was kept out by Everton’s Maarten Stekelenburg at the Etihad.

Gylfi Sigurdsson has praised Bob Bradley's start to life as Swansea boss and believes a second league win of the season is now around the corner.

West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian admitted a change of system, and a change of mindset, was responsible for their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Although Jesper Blomqvist admits his compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a temper in the early stages of his career, Blomqvist claims that the striker now knows how to deal with big atmospheres.

Liverpool vs Manchester United, Premier League LIVE: Follow the Anfield superclash as it happens

It's the biggest game of the season so far and there is more than just three points at stake as Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield to conclude the weekend's fixtures. The clash on Merseyside between the two fierce rivals comes with both teams looking to launch an assault on the title this term and reestablish English dominance. Jurgen Klopp's side would go joint top if they secure three points but the Red Devils have won the last four league matches between the sides and Jose Mourinho will be keen to make it five as his side attempt to go level on points with the Reds.

Atletico Madrid take part in their final session on home soil before jetting off to Russia for Rostov clash 

Zinedine Zidane hits back at France president Francois Hollande's claims that Karim Benzema is not a good 'example of morality'

Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel reveals his side have held talks over their poor start to the season  

Kevin De Bruyne insists Manchester City 'do not fear' Barcelona ahead of crucial Champions League clash

Leigh Griffiths changes Twitter name to 'Shorty' after Gordon Strachan suggests striker was too small to play for Scotland 

Donald Trump may be running for President... but he was once involved in the Rumbelows Cup draw! 

Neymar to sign new five-year deal on Friday as Barcelona star follows Javier Mascherano in committing future

Tottenham stars in high spirits as they fly out to Germany for Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen

Claudio Ranieri defends Leicester's stuttering title defence insisting his players are 'humans not machines' ahead of Champions...

Roma striker Edin Dzeko has a prolific seven goals in eight games... but manager Luciano Spalletti still isn't happy with his star...

Javier Mascherano extends contract with Barcelona to 2019 as Neymar also prepares to sign new deal

Paul Pogba's incredible journey from talented kid to Manchester United superstar captured in brilliant new adidas advert

Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah believes six loan moves have helped him make breakthrough: ‘I’ve learned as much as I could'

Liverpool players arrive at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp's side prepare for Manchester United crunch clash

Manchester United stars Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic warm up for Liverpool clash with stretching session in car...

Manchester United fan who worked on Anfield expansion leaves shirt in the roof… while Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand have the...

FA chairman Greg Clarke admits Sam Allardyce 'let us down' as he is quizzed by MPs over ex-England manager's controversial...

Leicester all smiles despite Chelsea defeat as they seek Champions League relief against Copenhagen to banish Premier League blues

Liverpool star Adam Lallana shows off fresh hairstyle ahead of Anfield clash against rivals Manchester United

Charlie Austin scored twice despite being ill against Burnley, reveals Southampton boss Claude Puel 

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  • Monday 17 October

    20:00LiverpoolMan Utd

    Saturday 22 October

    12:30BournemouthTottenham
    15:00ArsenalMiddlesbrough
    15:00BurnleyEverton
    15:00HullStoke
    15:00LeicesterCrystal Palace
    15:00SwanseaWatford
    15:00West HamSunderland
    17:30LiverpoolWest Brom

    Sunday 23 October

    13:30Man CitySouthampton
    16:00ChelseaMan Utd

    Saturday 29 October

    12:30SunderlandArsenal
    15:00Man UtdBurnley
    15:00MiddlesbroughBournemouth
    15:00TottenhamLeicester
    15:00WatfordHull
    15:00West BromMan City
    17:30Crystal PalaceLiverpool

    Sunday 30 October

    13:30EvertonWest Ham
    16:00SouthamptonChelsea

    Monday 31 October

    20:00StokeSwansea
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If the football's on, it's on


  • TeamPGDPts
    1Manchester City81119
    2Arsenal81019
    3Tottenham Hotspur8918
    4Liverpool7816
    5Chelsea8616
    6Everton8615
    7Manchester United7513
    8Southampton8312
    9Crystal Palace8211
    10Watford8011
    11Bournemouth8011
    12West Bromwich Albion8110
    13Leicester City8-68
    14Burnley8-67
    15West Ham United8-87
    16Hull City8-127
    17Middlesbrough8-46
    18Stoke City8-96
    19Swansea City8-74
    20Sunderland8-92

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TOP SPORT STORIES

ROB DRAPER AT THE ETIHAD: Manchester City were held at home for the first time this season as Pep Guardiola's side missed two penalties and needed a Nolito header to rescue a point.

RIK SHARMA: 'I'm not a magician,' said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane before the game. But his team played like they had been touched by a magic wand in this comprehensive win.

NEWS AND GOSSIP

UPDATE ON AMERICAN SINGER ZAYN MALIK

The music star is to serve 360 days of probation and attend anger management classes. American singer Zayn Malik has pleaded no contest to  ...