LOVFSPORTS: 2016-01-10

Saturday, 16 January 2016

Gerard Pique facing possible sanction over social media use

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique could be punished for his recent social media use after La Liga’s “anti-violence committee” has reviewed his actions and sent a case to its discipline committee.

Al Ain insist Emmanuel Emenike, 28, did not do enough to prove his worth to them, hence they decided to send the former Super Eagles striker packing on Wednesday. Emenike will now return to Fenerbahce, Turkey, where he was loaned from, less than a year ago.

Norwich have agreed an £8.5m fee for Swiss int'l defender Timm Klose. Klose, 27, has grabbed his chance to play in the EPL after dropping down the pecking order at Wolfsburg.

Manchester United are lining up a record-breaking bid for Real Madrid's James Rodriguez.

FT Chelsea 3-3 Everton. The points are shared after injury-time goals from Funes Mori and Terry in a thriller at the Bridge,

Shots: 14-10
Pass acc.: 87%-82%
Chances created: 10-8
Possession: 53%-47%

Stoke City v Arsenal Preview

The Gunners take on Stoke City at Britannia Stadium on Sunday in their Barclays Premier League fixture.

Full name: Stoke City Football Club
Manager: Mark Hughes
Club colours: Red and white striped shirts, white shorts, red and white socks
Nickname: The Potters

Three facts about Stoke City:

11 of the 14 goals Stoke have scored against Arsenal in Premier League history have been netted in the first half.
Stoke scored with three of their four shots on target against Arsenal in this fixture last season and all of them came in the first half.
Olivier Giroud has the best minutes per goal ratio of any Premier League player this season to score more than five times, netting every 117 minutes on average.

Star man: Xherdan Shaqiri
The silky winger was signed from Inter Milan in one of the most surprising deals of the summer. A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, the highly rated trickster is the man to watch.

Arsène Wenger has revealed the latest team news ahead of Sunday's Premier League match at Stoke City:

on the team news...From Liverpool we have no injuries, so that’s good news.

on whether Elneny will play... Elneny is available for selection, I haven’t decided yet [whether I will play him]. I have to see how everyone has recovered. Elneny is a possibility to be in the squad for Sunday.

on Alexis... Alexis I would say has a 60:40 chance to be available and be back in the squad. He has two decisive days - Friday and Saturday. He is fit, he has worked very hard and the decision we have to take is whether to take a gamble or not on his injury.

on Rosicky... Tomas needs first to have a game somewhere. We hope for maybe an under-21 game or at least a bit more training with the first team.

Arsène Wenger says his side have identified “little details we have to work on” ahead of their trip to Stoke City.

This weekend’s match at the Britannia Stadium follows four days after Wednesday’s entertaining 3-3 draw at Liverpool - a game in which the Gunners looked set for victory before Joe Allen’s last-minute equaliser.

What is most important is that we looked like a real team who is up for the fight

Arsenal have conceded seven goals in their last two matches on the road but the boss is backing his team to respond on Sunday.

“There are periods in the season… overall 90 per cent of the time we are very solid defensively, but on these two occasions [Southampton and Liverpool] we certainly looked vulnerable defensively,” the manager said.

“There does not look to be a special reason. At Southampton we looked a bit jaded after the Man City game, at Liverpool maybe we lacked a little bit of calmness and when we played against Benteke we should have moved out of the box because it is difficult to win a header on a long ball against him. Little details we have to work on and improve.

“My regret [from the Liverpool game] comes from the fact that at 3-2 we had two or three good opportunities to kill them off that we didn’t take.”

Wenger was happy with the overall performance against Liverpool.

“Overall for me personally it is a positive team performance. What is most important is that we looked like a real team who is up for the fight,” he said.

“Above the result, what is more important is that we have shown that we are a real team and we are ready in every single game to fight for a positive result.”

Aaron Ramsey celebrates scoring against Liverpool

Chelsea v Everton: Hiddink prizes home wins

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has told his players ahead of the visit of Everton they cannot afford to drop more points at home if they are to have any chance of finishing in the Premier League's top four.

The champions are unbeaten in the league since Jose Mourinho's sacking last month, but only two of those five matches have been wins, with the other three draws, including Wednesday's feisty contest at home to West Brom, which ended 2-2.

Barcelona will meet Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of this season's Copa del Rey.

Last year's finalists will face off at San Mames on January 20 before the return leg a week later at Camp Nou.

Real Madrid will return to action after their FIFA-imposed transfer ban when they take on struggling Sporting Gijon in Zinedine Zidane's second match in charge.

The build-up to Sunday's game has been overshadowed by Madrid and city rivals Atletico being handed a suspension for the next two windows - which both clubs will appeal - as a consequence of alleged breaches "relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18".

Mohamed Elneny will add to Arsene Wenger's midfield options at Arsenal

Arsenal have made their first signing of the January transfer window with the capture of midfielder Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel.

The 23-year-old Egyptian, who has moved to Emirates Stadium for an undisclosed fee, could be available for Arsenal’s next Barclays Premier League contest, which is at Stoke City this Sunday.

Nigerian sensational wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye arrived Lagos on Saturday {January 9) amidst loud cheers and warm reception from friends and family members.

Sunderland AFC have completed the loan signing of Senegal striker Dame N’Doye from Turkish side Trabzonspor.

It's been a season to remember so far for Watford as they continue to sit in the top half of the Premier League table and now Odion Ighalo and Quique Sanchez Flores have been named as Player and Manager of the Month for December.

Some of the players that helped to achieve this averagely young team were Moses Simon, Onyinye Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho amongst others and the average age could have been lower if someone like Obafemi Martins [31] had not played.

Mario Gotze's long-term future at Bayern Munich is in doubt after the Bundesliga champions admitted they have yet to discuss a new deal with the forward whose contract runs out next year.

Manchester City are planning to overhaul their squad in the summer to help Pep Guardiola implement his style. John Stones is their main target while Wilfried Bony and Eliaquim Mangala will be sold.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2015-16 season, following the Foxes unexpected title challenge.

Real Madrid C. F. has today received the decision from the FIFA disciplinary committee, dated 23th July 2015, sanctioning the club with a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any players for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods as well as fining the club 360,000 Swiss francs.

Atlético Madrid have issued a statement on their website in which they have expressed their disagreement with their FIFA transfer ban.

The Calderón club said it does not agree "with the football world governing body's ruling and is studying the documentation received in order to prepare an appeal".

Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will not be able to register any new players during the next two transfer windows and this throws up several questions:

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Spanish clubs Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

Rafa Benitez returns to Anfield to watch Liverpool draw with Arsenal after being sacked as Real Madrid manager

Rafa Benitez was back at Anfield on Wednesday to watch former club Liverpool draw 3-3 against Arsenal in a gripping Premier League encounter.

Benitez was dismissed as Real Madrid manager last week, with Zinedine Zidane taking over at least until the end of the season.

Louis van Gaal has been involved in another angry bust-up after snapping and calling a journalist a ‘fat man’ following a question about Wayne Rooney.

The Dutchman refused to talk about his Manchester United captain who had scored twice in Tuesday’s 3-3 draw at Newcastle, then walked out of his post-match press conference.

Pep Guardiola has apologised from Qatar to anyone that may have been affected by his announcement that he wants to coach in the Premier League, stating that it showed a lack of respect to those currently working in the English top flight.

Lionel Messi's name and his shirt number (10) were painted in red on the statue of the Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal, the capital of the Real Madrid star's native Madeira.

Spanish footballing legend Luis Suárez, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1960, spent several hours both before and after Lionel Messi picked up his fifth Ballon d'Or. He took some time out to chat with MARCA about some of what happened during the coronation of 'King Leo V'.

Barcelona are through to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey following their 2-0 victory over Espanyol in the last 16 second leg on Wednesday night at Cornellà-El Prat.

Munir scored a goal in each half to give Barcelona a 6-1 victory on aggregate in the third match between these two teams in the last 11 days.

Liverpool 3 - 3 Arsenal [Premier League] Highlights

Liverpool 3-3 Arsenal. Allen scores late to rescue a point after 2 goals each for Firmino & Giroud

Wayne Rooney Breaks Van Nistelrooy’s Manchester United Record

The England captain passed the Dutchman’s total in the Premier League after opening the scoring from the spot in Tuesday’s clash with Newcastle United

Eddie Jones will on Wednesday confirm a cull of leading players from the England rugby squad which failed to qualify for the knockout stages of last year’s home World Cup.

The Australian, who succeeded Stuart Lancaster as national coach, has opted for a shake-up just weeks after taking charge.

The wisdom is that a point is no good for a team in Newcastle’s position. Not this one. This was an absolute gold dust point, a great point, a superlative point, a point well made, in fact.

And maybe a turning point, too. Newcastle were 2-0 down, then drew level; went 3-2 behind, and equalised. Paul Dummett’s mighty strike, in the 90th minute, could yet transform their season.

He is a local lad, Dummett, which makes his intervention all the sweeter. Newcastle should be a team of local lads, really, rather than this rag-bag of imported proteges, the north east of England a mere stopover halfway to the next destination. Through history, the calibre of players from this region has been remarkable, yet Dummett is a rarity. Maybe that will change, in time. Priority is to survive in the Premier League, and on Tuesday night made that a more realistic prospect.

Arsenal are ready to pay £13.4m to Celta Vigo for 29yr-old Spain forward Nolito.

The Blues interim boss revealed that both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Branislav Ivanovic are in talks over new deals.

onjo Shelvey has signed for Newcastle for a fee believed to be around £12m Newcastle United have announced the signing of England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from Swansea City.

FIFA on Guardiola's absence from Ballon d'Or

FIFA expressed their regret over Guardiola's absence from Ballon d'Or awards where he lost to Luis Enrique who won - Coach of the year award.

Benik Afobe has finally found a path to the Premier League, five years after knocking on the door at Arsenal. As an 18-year-old he showed enough promise in the Emirates Cup to suggest Arsene Wenger had a top-flight striker in the making, but injuries slowed his progress.

Dele Alli has signed a new five-year deal worth £25,000-per week with Tottenham keeping him at the club until 2021.

Real Madrid have netted 52 times in the first half of the La Liga season.

The Santiago Bernabéu once again enjoyed their team record a handsome victory. By the half-way stage of the season, Real Madrid have netted 52 goals (averaging 2.7 goals per game), making the Whites the highest scoring team across all of Europe's major leagues. Behind Real Madrid lie French side, PSG, who having played one game more, have netted 50 goals.

Holders Arsenal have been handed a favourable home draw against Championship opposition Burnley in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Gunners, who are looking to win the famous competition for the third year in a row, beat Sunderland 3-1 on Saturday to earn their place in Monday's draw.

Neymar not ruling out future move to City

Will Neymar join Manchester City? The Barcelona star isn’t ruling it out. When asked about the Citizens’ interest, Neymar confirmed he is aware of it and left the door open for a move in the future. Manchester United tried to sign the Brazilian in the summer, although it never got very far, and now City are watching him. Barcelona are hoping to tie Neymar down with a new contract, because his current one expires in 2018, but the Brazilian is unhappy with some situations off the pitch in Spain. If he hasn’t signed a new deal by the end of the season, City could make a run at him.

Atletico eyeing Ighalo
Odion Ighalo is drawing interest from Atletico Madrid. The Mirror claim that Atletico have watched Ighalo play at least five times this season and are weighing up a £12 million bid for the Watford striker. Atletico are on the hunt for a striker because Jackson Martinez has been terrible since signing for £25m in the summer and have zeroed in on Ighalo. The Watford frontman has notched 14 goals this season and Atleti believe they won’t have an issue getting a deal done in the summer, but the Hornets will do everything they can do retain their star.

Villa want to get Remy on loan
Aston Villa are working on how to take Loic Remy on loan until the summer and Remi Garde is trying to convince the forward to make the move, according to The Mirror. Remy hasn’t gotten much playing time since joining Chelsea and Garde is hoping to sell the forward on the available playing time at Villa Park as he looking to overhaul the team’s strike force. Garde will need to offload some players to free up the space for the several additions he wants and is already at work on that.

Januzaj could return back to United

Adnan Januzaj was sighted in the Red Devils’ box for their Monday clash agains Chelsea may rejoin Manchester United and help save Louis van Gaal’s team. The Sun say it is possible that he returns to Old Trafford. Januzaj was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund in the summer after van Gaal deemed him surplus to requirements, but he’s played only six matches for the Bundesliga side. With Man United in need of some more threat in the Attack

Exclusive interview: Luis Enrique, no limits

Luis Enrique Martinez coached FC Barcelona to their second treble in Club history. He is in just his second season with the first team and has already won almost everything. Now, just before Barça are set to play in the 2015 Club World Cup, Luis Enrique sits down with Barça TV and fcbarcelona.comto talk about some of the unknown sides of his personal life, such as his fondness for extreme sports and how he combines family life with football.

"My wife would say that Barça is our first house and our own house is our second," he says.

Luis Enrique goes on to discuss his first head coaching experience, when he led Barça B, as well as what it’s like to see the Messi–Neymar–Suárez phenomenon up close.

"They are unique players. We have many players who are the best at their positions. It is a perfect scenario."

Luis Enrique also talks about the pressure and responsibility of his job as well as his philosophy regarding self-discipline. “Being constantly praised weakens you,” he says.

The head coach also opens up on subjects like his personal character, the atmosphere in the dressing room, and even his tastes regarding music and fashion.

We don't want to give away all of the interesting things he had to say. Enjoy the interview, which leaves no stone unturned, so you don’t miss this unique perspective from the man himself.

‘It’s always ferocious at Liverpool' Wenger

Arsène Wenger is expecting a “ferocious battle” at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Arsenal travel to Merseyside having lost just once on their last seven trips to Liverpool.

Last season’s corresponding fixture finished 2-2 after Martin Skrtel equalised in the seventh minute of stoppage time - and Wenger expects another committed fixture this week.

They had a very strong manager before, they have a very strong one now and Klopp has the personality to do well there

“Every time we go to Anfield, we face a team who is up for it,” he said. “It’s always a ferocious battle, no matter who the manager is.

“They had a very strong manager before, they have a very strong one now and Klopp has the personality to do well there.

“[We need to] play our game at a good pace. We are used to pressing. It is not just Liverpool who do that, everybody in the modern game [does it].

"Pressing has been created in England basically because there is a history of teams who have done that very well so it is part of the modern game to make quick decisions, be very short with your first touch and play your game.”

Arsenal travel to Anfield in good form, with only one defeat in their last 10 matches.

“The momentum creates confidence and confidence is vital at that level,” Wenger said. “In December and now in January we have been consistent and we go into a very important part of the season because we play many games.

“That consistency is a good basis to go into the next game with

Olivier Giroud scored on Arsenal's last visit to Liverpool

Arsène Wenger and Jurgen Klopp — Olivier Giroud scored on Arsenal's last visit to Liverpool

TOP LEAGUE TABLES, FIXTURES AND RESULTS

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

# Team MP W D L F A D P Last 5 matches H2H
1 Leicester City 38 23 12 3 68 36 +32 81 D W D W D
2 Arsenal 38 20 11 7 65 36 +29 71 W D W D W
3 Tottenham Hotspur 38 19 13 6 69 35 +34 70 L L D D W
4 Manchester City 38 19 9 10 71 41 +30 66 D D L W D
5 Manchester United 38 19 9 10 49 35 +14 66 W L W D W
6 Southampton 38 18 9 11 59 41 +18 63 W W W W D
7 West Ham United 38 16 14 8 65 51 +14 62 L W L W W
8 Liverpool 38 16 12 10 63 50 +13 60 D D W L D
9 Stoke City 38 14 9 15 41 55 -14 51 W L D L L
10 Chelsea 38 12 14 12 59 53 +6 50 D D L D W
11 Everton 38 11 14 13 59 55 +4 47 W L L W L
12 Swansea City 38 12 11 15 42 52 -10 47 D W W L L
13 Watford 38 12 9 17 40 50 -10 45 D L L W L
14 West Bromwich … 38 10 13 15 34 48 -14 43 D D L D L
15 Crystal Palace 38 11 9 18 39 51 -12 42 L W L L D
16 AFC Bournemouth 38 11 9 18 45 67 -22 42 L D L L L
17 Sunderland 38 9 12 17 48 62 -14 39 D W W D D
18 Newcastle United 38 9 10 19 44 65 -21 37 W D W D D
19 Norwich City 38 9 7 22 39 67 -28 34 L W L L L
20 Aston Villa 38 3 8 27 27 76 -49 17

Luis Suárez (Barcelona)	40	31	5	4	0
	Cristiano Ronaldo (R. Madrid)	35	22	6	6	1
	Messi (Barcelona)	26	18	1	3	4
	Neymar (Barcelona)	24	18	0	5	1
	Benzema (R. Madrid)	24	19	4	0	0
	Griezmann (Atlético)	22	17	2	1	2
	Aduriz (Athletic)	20	12	5	3	0
	Rubén Castro (Betis)	19	10	5	3	1
	Bale (R. Madrid)	19	10	9	0	0
	Borja Bastón (Eibar)	18	13	2	3	0
	Lucas Pérez (Deportivo)	17	15	0	1	1
	El-Arabi (Granada)	16	7	2	7	0
	Gameiro (Sevilla)	16	10	2	4	0

Saturday, 16 January 2016

Friday, 15 January 2016

Thursday, 14 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

WENGER - KLOPP IS A GREAT MANAGER