Liverpool's Enrique is out for 10 weeks

Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique will be out of action for around 10 weeks after undergoing knee surgery, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who signed from Newcastle United in August 2011, has not started a game for his club since their 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace on October 5.

"Liverpool Football Club can confirm that Jose Enrique has successfully undergone arthroscopic surgery to resolve an issue with his right knee," read a statement on the Liverpool website.

"Enrique is expected to return to full training at Melwood in around 10 weeks' time."

Jon Flanagan deputised for Enrique in Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday, while manager Brendan Rodgers can also call upon Frenchman Aly Cissokho at left-back.

Wenger backs Ozil ahead of Marseille clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed record signing Mesut Ozil to rediscover his best form after some subdued performances in recent weeks.

Ozil hit the ground running after his £42.4 million ($66 million, 50 million euros) transfer from Real Madrid in September, but he has failed to hit the heights in his last few outings.

The 25-year-old playmaker put in a disappointing performance in Arsenal's 1-0 loss at Manchester United prior to the international break and then sat out Germany's friendly against England after contracting a virus.

However, with Arsenal on the verge of a place in the Champions League last 16 ahead of Tuesday's home game with Marseille, Wenger has backed the former Werder Bremen man to improve.

"First of all, Ozil is a hugely talented player," Wenger said at his pre-match press conference on Monday.

"He has just arrived here three months ago and overall did not have the best of preparations for the league. Ozil is a young player, 25 years old, so of course there is a lot of room for improvement for him."

Wenger also dismissed suggestions that Arsenal were over-reliant on Ozil's creative talents.

"We have plenty of players who can take the ball and play, but because he plays in the central part of the pitch, the ball goes through him," the Frenchman said.

"However, we don't put any special responsibility on him. Maybe he feels a bit more pressure to do that.

"But we just want the game to be played like we see it and do not put any special responsibility on him because everybody in our team can deliver great balls."

Former Marseille midfielder Mathieu Flamini is available to play against his former club after serving a domestic suspension, while Theo Walcott could feature, after making his return during Saturday's 2-0 home win over Southampton, following a stomach problem.

However, Yaya Sanogo (back) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (knee) remain unavailable, and Lukas Podolski is not yet ready to return despite resuming training following a hamstring injury.

Arsenal will qualify if they beat Marseille -- who can no longer qualify -- and the other Group F game between Borussia Dortmund and Napoli ends in a draw, while a Napoli win will also send Arsenal through if they avoid defeat.

Wenger, though, says his side cannot afford to worry about the different permutations.

"We know that tomorrow is a very big game in that final stage of the qualifiers. We have an opportunity to do it at home," he said.

"You say 12 points may not be enough, it is true, but it might as well be enough and maybe already (to qualify) tomorrow, so let's get the 12 points."

thw/gnf


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Manchester City trash Tottenham 6-0

Manchester City delivered a devastating attacking display to humble Tottenham 6-0 on Sunday, sending a warning to its title rivals by condemning Spurs to their joint heaviest Premier League defeat in 17 years.

Jesus Navas bookended yet another huge home win for City by scoring after 14 seconds and again in second-half stoppage time, with Sergio Aguero also netting in each half to add to an own goal by Sandro and a brilliant strike by Alvaro Negredo.

''We have to be ashamed of a result like this,'' Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas said. ''To lose 6-0 is extremely embarrassing.''

City, which stayed six points behind leader Arsenal after 12 games, was 5-0 ahead after 56 minutes and has now scored 18 goals in its last three home games in all competitions.

If Manuel Pellegrini's side can sort out its dreadful away form, it will surely be favorite to land a second league title in three years.

''It is impossible to play better than we did today,'' Pellegrini said.

Tottenham is languishing in ninth place despite spending more than 100 million pounds (now $160 million) on mostly attacking talent in the summer. And with Manchester United up next weekend, they could yet find themselves even further out of the title picture in a season that had initially promised so much.

With just nine goals in 12 league games, scoring has become a serious problem since the summer departure to Real Madrid of Gareth Bale, who saved them so often last season. Not since a 7-1 loss to Newcastle in December 1996 have they been beaten by a six-goal margin - and it could have been a lot worse.

City, meanwhile, remains the enigma of the season. Flawless in six matches at the Etihad, they have picked up just four points so far from a possible 18 on their travels.

As so often at home, City exploded out of the traps - Spurs midfielder Sandro was sick on the pitch, such was the intensity of the opening minutes - and had the game sewn up at halftime. And the hosts were given a helping hand by Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Spurs' approach is to play the ball out from the back through the France goalkeeper but the tactic backfired here before many fans had settled in their seats.

Lloris' weak clearance went straight to Aguero and although Lloris saved the Argentine's curling shot, the ball fell to Navas, who curled a clever shot over the keeper into the top corner for City's fastest ever goal in 21 seasons of the Premier League and the second quickest this campaign.

''It was a difficult start for us,'' Villas-Boas said. ''After that, everything you had in mind goes down the drain.''

Spurs enjoyed some early possession, with Erik Lamela having a shot cleared off the line by Martin Demichelis, but they always looked vulnerable at the back and Lloris was at his best to deny Aguero chipping in for the second after seven minutes.

Lloris was his own worst enemy for the second goal too, making another tame kick to spark a City attack that saw Samir Nasri feed the ball to Aguero, whose effort was parried away to Negredo. The Spain striker's volley from eight yards deflected off Younes Kaboul onto the leg of Sandro and into the back of net.

Aguero wrapped up a perfect first half for the hosts by steering in a textbook cross from Navas and Spurs were on their knees. It was to get much, much worse.

Yaya Toure had cantered through the first 45 minutes but he burst into life in the 50th by exchanging passes with Negredo and storming into the box, where he crossed unselfishly for Aguero to sidefoot home for his 15th goal in 13 games.

''For me, Kun (Aguero) is just after (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo as one of the best three players in the world,'' Pellegrini said.

Nasri toe-poked against the bar before Negredo span his marker from Fernandinho's through-ball and fired a brilliant finish into the top corner. 5-0 and still more than half an hour left.

Mercifully for Tottenham, Aguero and Nasri were taken off soon after the hour mark but the introduction of forgotten man Emmanuel Adebayor for his first appearance of the season failed to spark Spurs.

And after starting the rout, Navas finished it after more dreadful defending by Spurs. A raking pass by James Milner failed to be cut out by Jan Vertonghen and Navas ran through to slip a finish past Lloris.




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United drop points again as they draw 2-2 with Cardiff city

Kim Bo-kyung headed in a stoppage-time equalizer to give Cardiff a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday and deny David Moyes' team a chance to move into the top four.

Kim met a free kick at the near post to rescue a point for the Welsh club and Wayne Rooney then wasted a great chance to net a winner moments later.

Rooney had put United ahead in the 15th minute with a shot from inside the area that deflected off a defender and into the net. The striker had been lucky to remain on the pitch earlier when he kicked out at Jordon Mutch but escaped with just a booking.

Former United player Fraizer Campbell equalized for Cardiff in the 33rd, but Patrice Evra restored the visitors lead when he headed in a corner just before halftime.

Campbell hit the crossbar with a delightful chip over David de Gea as the hosts searched for the equalizer, while Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall dived quickly to push out a goalbound header by Marouane Fellaini to keep them in the game.

After a shaky start to the season, United is unbeaten in 10 games, but Kim's late header slowed its revival and left the team sixth in the standings.

Cardiff, which beat Manchester City at home earlier this season, is in 15th with 13 points from 12 games.

Rooney had a chance to steal the win for United just after Kim's equalizer when he suddenly found himself alone with Marshall, but opted not to shoot and tried to pull the ball back for Danny Welbeck instead. However, the pass was much too weak and Marshall dove down to scoop it up.




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Arsenal beat Southampton 2-0 to move 4 points clear at the top of EPL

Olivier Giroud took advantage of a huge goalkeeping blunder to score a brace as Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Southampton.

The Gunners bounced back from their defeat against Manchester United and took advantage of second-place Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Everton to increase their lead.

Arsene Wenger's team had a cautious start but gradually stamped its authority on the match and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc gifted a bizarre goal, losing the ball to Giroud in his box.

The former Montpellier striker then doubled the hosts' lead from the penalty spot, sending Boruc the wrong way after Per Mertesacker had his jersey pulled in the box.

The match was delayed by 15 minutes following problems on the London metro to allow supporters sufficient time to gather at the Emirates stadium gates.

England midfielder Jack Wilshere started alongside Germany defender Mertesacker, who scored the winning goal against England in a friendly at Wembley midweek.

The Gunners came to life after 15 minutes to camp in their opponent's half. Wilshere almost broke the deadlock with a chipped ball over Boruc that came off the post before Aaron Ramsey hit the same post with a backheeled flick.

But Boruc's lucky day was soon to end as the Saints goalkeeper lost the ball after trying to clumsily dribble past France striker Giroud in his box. Giroud pressured him and easily won the ball before scoring from close range.

''We were a bit lucky on the first goal, but I think that really helped us for the rest of the game,'' Giroud said. ''I didn't give up on my duel with the keeper. Usually I used to go too quickly ... but this time I stand on my legs and was a bit lucky, took ball and scored. It's nice for the team.''

Starting the match in 3rd place, Southampton showed a more attacking side to its play after the interval but Adam Lallana saw his powerful attempt at goal stopped by Wojciech Szczesny just before the England midfielder was replaced by Dani Osvaldo.

The Saints enjoyed good spells of possession as Arsenal struggled to win the ball before Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla spread confusion in Southampton's box as the match opened up.

Arsenal finally sealed its win four minutes from time after Jose Fonte pulled Mertesacker's shirt.


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Tottenham Hotspur-Manchester City Preview

Manchester City will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Premier League this season when they play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

City (6-1-4) have won all five league matches played at the Etihad Stadium this term, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two in that spell.

However, their dismal away form - just one win and a total of four points from six matches - has left Manuel Pellegrini's side down in eighth position with 19 points and struggling to keep up with the Premier League's leaders Arsenal.

City thumped Norwich 7-0 in their last home league match on Nov. 2 but then lost 1-0 at lowly Sunderland before the international break.

Pellegrini is likely to keep Joe Hart on the City substitutes' bench against Tottenham. The England goalkeeper was dropped by City three weeks ago after a series of high-profile errors and replaced by Romania international Costel Pantilimon.

Despite the fact that Hart played in England's 1-0 defeat by Germany at Wembley on Tuesday, Pellegrini has hinted Pantilimon will start again on Sunday.

"I think at this moment that maybe Joe needs a rest but we still have a lot of trust in Joe and he's still a very important player in our squad," said Pellegrini. "I am absolutely sure that this will be an important thing for him to come back to his performances of the last two years."

Tottenham (6-2-3) are one place and one point above City in the standings but have lacked consistency since starting the 2013/2014 campaign with five wins in their first six league matches. Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Newcastle before the international break and although they have the second best defensive record (just six goals conceded) the north Londoners have found it difficult to score goals themselves, managing just nine in 11 league outings.

Spurs midfielder Lewis Holtby is expecting a closely-fought contest on Sunday.

"We need a result after the disappointment against Newcastle and it's important to win this game," said the 23-year-old German international. "It's going to be a tough game. It's a match between two opponents that like to play attacking football and I think it's going to be a great game to watch.

"It's going to be the details that decide the game. We need a result after the disappointment against Newcastle and it's important to win this game. Everyone will be trying their best to win a top game like this."

City skipper Vincent Kompany remains sidelined with a thigh problem, while striker Stevan Jovetic (foot) and midfielder David Silva (calf) also miss out.

Spurs playmaker Christian Eriksen injured his ankle on international duty for Denmark, although the damage is not as bad as first thought. Defender Danny Rose is nearing a return from an ankle complaint, while midfielders Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue are available again after injury lay-offs.

Both sides claimed victories at home last season. Man City won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in November with Edin Dzeko scoring the winner two minutes from time. Steven Caulker had put Spurs ahead after 21 minutes, before his goal was cancelled out by Sergio Aguero midway through the second half.

Spurs won 3-1 at White Hart Lane in April with three goals in a seven-minute span in the second half. Samir Nasri put City ahead five minutes into the game and they would hold that lead until the 75th minute when Gareth Bale equalised. Jermain Defoe put Spurs ahead four minutes later and Bale locked up the points with a goal eight minutes from time.


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Mourinho questions referee chief's apology

 Jose Mourinho has criticised the decision of referees' chief Mike Riley to apologise to Steve Clarke for the decision that denied West Bromwich Albion victory at Stamford Bridge.

West Brom manager Clarke and his players were left incensed when referee Andre Marriner awarded an added-time penalty for Mourinho's Chelsea side when the Blues were trailing 2-1 in their recent Premier League clash.

Controversy surrounded the decision with Chelsea midfielder Ramires accused of going to ground under an innocuous challenge from West Brom's Steven Reid although Mourinho maintains Marriner got it right.

Clarke confirmed this week he had received a call from Riley to apologise for the decision, prompting Mourinho to question whether the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited had now set a precedent.

"I'm very curious to know if it was just an isolated phone call," Chelsea manager Mourinho said Friday.

"I'm curious to know if people see that as a normal situation.

"I'm interested to know if that was the start and, from now on, it'll be the same for everybody. I'm very curious to know, and to know the consequences of it."

The Portuguese added: "At least the referees now know one thing: if in a controversial decision -- I'm not saying a mistake -- that hypothetically, hypothetically, favours Chelsea, they know they will be publicly exposed by their boss.

"They can make hypothetical mistakes favouring other teams and nothing happens.

"If, hypothetically, they make a mistake they are publicly exposed by their own boss."

And referring to other managers who have been on the receiving end of debatable decisions this season, he added: "I'm curious to know if Steve Bruce (Sunderland) got a phonecall. I'm interested to know if Chris Hughton (Norwich) got a phonecall. I'm interested to know if (Swansea's Michael) Laudrup got a phonecall.

"Nobody called me to apologise about the fact that it was not a free-kick against West Bromwich ahead of their second goal, or the penalty at Everton that would have been 1-1 for us.

"I don't know if (Aston Villa manager) Paul Lambert got a phonecall. I don't know."

Mourinho also condemned comments from West Brom centre-back Jonas Olsson, who claimed the manager called him a "Mickey Mouse player" in the tunnel after the game.

"I think giant players, giant coaches and giant clubs don't speak about what happens in the tunnel. The game is the game. The game finished.

"In the tunnel, sometimes, a couple of things happen. A couple of words. Not aggressions. Nothing. But giant clubs, giant players and giant managers close their mouth. The next day is another day."

Mourinho revealed left-back Ashley Cole is in contention for the visit to West Ham United after a rib injury but striker Fernando Torres will miss the trip across London.

"Fernando is not ready. Not yet. Almost, but not yet. And Ashley Cole is selected. He still feels it a little bit, but we know it's a situation that he'll have pain for quite a long time. But he's selected."

Mourinho admitted to concerns about his side's away form following the recent defeat at Newcastle United.

"We have to do better, I agree. We had very difficult matches away. Our fixtures, until now, were not the easiest, especially when we speak about matches away.

"We played already against two title contenders. We played against Everton and Newcastle, always difficult stadiums. Not teams who fight for the table, but fight for the second block of teams," said Mourinho, whose team are four points behind leaders Arsenal.

"But we want to do better and we need to get more points from the next five matches away than we did in the first five matches."

str/jdg/as




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Liverpool-Everton Preview

It may be the first Merseyside derby for Everton manager Roberto Martinez, but plenty more is on the line in the 221st edition at Goodison Park on Saturday, where the Toffees will try to keep a top-four spot in their sights at the expense of arch-rivals Liverpool.

Martinez has quickly moulded Everton into a more flowing team, and the results have backed his side's improved play. The Toffees (5-5-1) are sixth with 20 points, trailing Manchester United on goal difference but leading Spurs by the same tiebreaker. Additionally, Everton are only five points behind front-running Arsenal and one of two teams with only one league loss along with surprise package Southampton.

They enter on a four-match unbeaten run with two wins and two draws, but goals were scarce heading into the international break as the Toffees were held to scoreless draws by both Tottenham and Crystal Palace. Martinez, though, thinks his team is on the verge of finding the proper balance of offence and defence that could make Everton a title contender.

"To be able to keep clean sheets is always a very important part of play," he said. "I think we're developing into a team that is now able to get into the final third really often with a very good threat.

"The next step is to use that to our advantage and make sure we get good goals. That's just a natural process."

Any kind of goal versus their Merseyside neighbours would be welcome. Everton have just one win in their last 13 matches versus Liverpool, getting blanked on eight occasions and failing to score in three of the last five clashes at Goodison Park. Romelu Lukaku could be the most likely candidate to find the target after scoring against Liverpool in both matches last season while playing for West Bromwich Albion.

The Toffees have taken points in their last 14 matches at Goodison Park and in 27 of the last 28, outscoring their opponents 52-21 in the latter span. They have conceded only three goals in their last ten home league matches.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers failed to win either of his derby matches last season, but also didn't lose either as the Merseyside neighbours played out a 2-2 draw at Goodison and a scoreless tie at Anfield. However, the Reds (7-2-2) are in the thick of the title chase as they enter this match two points behind Arsenal and in sole possession of second place.

They entered the international break on a positive note, hammering Fulham 4-0 on Nov. 9 thanks to a brace from Luis Suarez and two assists from Steven Gerrard. Suarez's availability may be a concern as the striker wrapped up international duty by helping Uruguay become the final team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, but Rodgers will have Daniel Sturridge at his disposal and defender Mamadou Sakho coming off the high of his two-goal effort that stamped France's ticket to Brazil as Les Bleus rallied to beat Ukraine in a two-legged playoff.

"I don't see myself as a hero; the team was the hero in this one," Sakho said. "A lot of people didn't believe in us but there were plenty who did."

Sturridge and Suarez have combined for 16 of Liverpool's 21 goals, and they are the only Reds to find the back of the net in the second half of league matches. Suarez has been a menace to Everton, totaling three goals and two assists in his four matches versus the Toffees.

Liverpool have won 88 head-to-head matches compared to Everton's 66, and the teams have shared the points on 66 other occasions. The Reds have claimed points in the last six matches (3-3-0) since a 2-0 defeat at Goodison on Oct. 17, 2010.


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Southampton-Arsenal Preview

Premier League leaders Arsenal will welcome high-flying Southampton to the Emirates on Saturday, with the league's top spot at stake.

Southampton (6-4-1) have stunned many with their performances since the start of the campaign, losing just once and restricting their opponents to just five goals over their 11 matches - a league low - and could go above the Gunners with a win.

The Saints have also had a strong record against the division's top teams under manager Mauricio Pochettino, picking up a win against Liverpool and a point at Manchester United already this season, and the Argentinian coach is confident of putting in another good performance on Saturday.

"As with every game in the Premier League, it's going to be very exciting, so we're going to do our best to try and get a positive result," said Pochettino. "We always have to believe that we can get something positive out of every single game that we play. We believe that we can play a very good game and we can get a very positive result in this game - we always believe in that.

"So far I think in the league Arsenal are showing the best football and they have been the best side. They're very dynamic and very quick and fast on the counter-attack. They have extraordinary players at their disposal."

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal (8-1-2) have started the season in spectacular form, although a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United before the international break halted their dominance at the top of the table, and a defeat to Southampton on Saturday could knock them down to second after eight weeks at the summit. A boost for the Gunners will be the likely return of Theo Walcott, who resumed full training last week after an abdominal injury, and Wenger believes that the England man will add a different element to the Arsenal attack.

"He is one of the players who goes behind the defence without the ball," said Wenger. "Of course you miss a player like Theo Walcott. Theo had a good start to the season, he scored goals, he provided chances and had assists. He can always give you a different option in the game and that is of course vital.

"You always want to have a perfect balance in attack. If you look at our results our balance was not too bad. But Theo has different qualities to other players and I am very pleased that he's back."

Arsenal have injury doubts over Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), while Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Yannick Sanogo (back), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) and Abou Diaby (knee) remain out. Southampton are without Jack Cork (ankle) and Guly do Prado (knee).

The Gunners have won four straight home games by a combined score of 10-2. The opening day defeat to Aston Villa is the only time the Gunners have dropped points at the Emirates since the start of the campaign.

Southampton are unbeaten in eight and have lost just once all season, keeping a hugely impressive six clean sheets and never conceding more than once in any of their matches.

This fixture last season saw Southampton thrashed 6-1, but the Saints took a point off Arsenal at St Mary's thanks to a 1-1 draw.


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Manchester United-Cardiff City Preview

Manchester United will try to extend their unbeaten run to ten matches when they meet Cardiff City for the first time in over 38 years on Sunday.

The Red Devils are already aiming for the top of the Premier League, but despite their tremendous turnaround, there's still plenty of work ahead.

United (6-2-3) may be the reigning Premier League champions, but they've struggled to live up to that status in their first season under David Moyes.

Beginning the league season with two wins from their opening six matches left Manchester United wallowing toward the bottom of the table, with Moyes taking the brunt of the criticism.

It didn't take long for that to change dramatically.

United have won six and drawn three of their past nine matches in all competitions, and have gone five games unbeaten in the league to put themselves back among the title contenders. They legitimised that title claim with a 1-0 victory over table topping Arsenal just before the international break, and that has only fueled their determination to return to the top of the table in time for the start of 2014.

"That's our aim - to still be up there and maybe top or in or around there come the New Year. Then, hopefully, we can kick on," Wayne Rooney told the team's official website.

Rooney will likely be a major factor in United making a run at the top. The superstar forward has five goals in his last eight games - scoring two while assisting two others in his past three matches - and the England international's corner in the 27th minute against the Gunners found an unmarked Robin van Persie, who scored against his former club to give him one goal in each of the past four matches.

Van Persie - among the league top-scorers with seven goals - got the final strike for Arsenal in a 4-0 win over Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Feb. 16, 2009. United, though, haven't met the Welsh club since winning both meetings in the second division in 1974-75.

Cardiff City (3-3-5) are near the drop zone, but they're looking to record shock wins over both Manchester clubs at home this season. They stunned Manchester City 3-2 on Aug. 25, but they have managed just one win and two goals in their four home matches since that result.

The Bluebirds struggled again in the final third during their most recent fixture on Nov. 9, losing 2-0 on the road to Aston Villa while managing only two shots on target.

Cardiff have been restricted to just three goals during their last five games, and no member of the squad has mustered more than two efforts on target since the start of the season. That's not likely to change against United, who have allowed a meagre one goal in four games.

The Welsh side's talisman, Craig Bellamy, is still seeking his first goal of the season, and the omens aren't good - he's been kept off the score sheet in his past five meetings with United.




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Chelsea-West Ham United Preview

West Ham United will be hoping that lightning strikes twice when they welcome Chelsea to Upton Park on Saturday.

Sam Allardyce's side produced one of the shock results of the last campaign when they beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground a year ago. However, the Hammers (2-4-5) have been inconsistent so far this season, winning just one of their last ten games - albeit an excellent 3-0 victory in another London derby at Tottenham.

Two goalless draws were followed by a hugely disappointing 3-1 defeat to Norwich City just before the international break, and Allardyce knows that his players are going to have to up their game if they are to get a result against their talented opponents this weekend.

"We have to be on top of our game on Saturday," said the Hammers boss. "All the players who play and take part will have to hit top form - anything less than that will make life difficult for us.

"If we can do that, we can cause Chelsea one or two problems and ultimately pressure is fine and playing good football is fine, but scoring goals, converting chances and winning football matches is what we're all paid to do. We're not finding the end product at the moment, but we have to do that against Chelsea on Saturday."

The return of Jose Mourinho meant that there was huge optimism at Chelsea going into this season, but the Blues (6-3-2) have blown hot and cold as they adapt to the Portuguese manager's style. Just one point from their two games ahead of the international break added to the sense of anti-climax around the west London club, but Mourinho believes that the fixture list has been kinder to the much-heralded league leaders Arsenal, who sit just four points above his side.

"Some teams have been helped by the fixtures, but some have had it more difficult than others," said Jose. "Manchester United had it the most difficult. Then us. Some other teams, not so much. I didn't speak about it and David (Moyes) did. He was complaining about United's fixtures. And he's right, he's right.

"Yes, I used to say you have to play 19 games at home and 19 away and it doesn't matter about the fixtures. But you go to compare Arsenal fixtures with our fixtures, with Man United fixtures - it's incomparable."

West Ham have injury doubts over James Collins (hamstring), Razvan Rat (hamstring), Joey O'Brien (hamstring), Martin Petric (calf), Winston Reid (ankle), Matthew Taylor (calf) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder), but Andy Carroll (ankle) and Alou Diarra (knee) remain out. Chelsea have concerns over the fitness of Ashley Cole (rib) and Fernando Torres (hip).

The points were shared between these clubs last season, with Chelsea winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge four months after the Hammers' shock win at Upton Park. That 3-1 victory for West Ham was their only win over the Blues in the last 14 meetings between the two clubs, dating back to 2003. Chelsea out-scored their London neighbours 30-8 in those 14 games.

Allardyce's side have taken just four points from five home games this season - the joint lowest in the Premier League. Chelsea have won once in five games on the road, picking up five points from a possible 15 away from home.


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Carrick extends contract with United

The Manchester United midfielder has decided to extend his stay at Old Trafford till the year 2015.

Carrick who's contract was suppose to expire at the end of the premiere league season told the Official Club website: "It is great to extend my contract at this great club. I am really enjoying my football.

"The club has gone through a few changes and working under David Moyes has been fantastic. I have won many trophies in my years playing here and I am looking forward to achieving more in the future."

Manager David Moses also added: "I am delighted Michael has extended his
contract. During my short time at the club it hasn’t been hard to notice that Michael is a great reader of the game and has excellent passing ability.
"He is an exceptional man and a true professional and it’s great that he has committed himself to the club."

Carrick has won five BPL titles and one Champions League trophy since coming to the club in 2006.

English Clubs in battle to sign Nigeria under 17 star Musa Mohammed

The just concluded Under-17 World cup that took place in the United Arab Emirates which was won by the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria showcased a lot of young talents.

As usual a lot of scouts were on the look out for future talents as the Under-17 world Cup has been known for showcasing the best of young talents and amongst them was the Nigerian under-17 right fullback Musa Mohammed.

The right fullback scored three goals including a well-taken free-kick against defending champions Mexico in the final.

"We have received quite a number of offers from representatives of clubs in the English Premier League for Muhammed. We would rather not disclose the identities of these clubs now," the player's agent Adam Mohammed told AFP.

"But we have some meetings planned for England this week and we will then take it from there," he added.

A number of English clubs are trying to get the young star to put pen to paper amongst the list are Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea and lately Manchester united.

Manchester United who recently joined the battle for the World Cup winning captain. are hoping to win the race to sign the Nigerian starlet ahead of Chelsea , Liverpool and Barcelona . Chelsea and Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the young starlet and were weighing up whether to make a January bid for FC Heart Academy star.

However United are now ready to trump their Premier League rivals by   attempting to secure Mohammed, who has also attracted the interest of Spanish giants Barcelona.

Ronaldo takes Portugal to the World Cup

Christiano Ronaldo proved how good and deserving he is in winning the award of the Ballon d'or, as he helped his team singlehandedly book a place in Brazil come 2014 as they beat sweden 3-2 at Solna and 4-2 on aggregate in a match which he scored all four goals.

"The excitement I can bring to the game and the goals I can score - nobody can rival me for that," Zlatan said before the first leg , stating that the World Cup
needs him more than Ronaldo. But Ronaldo proved otherwise on the pitch when he scored a hattrick in the thrilling second leg match against Sweden. Christiano Rolando became the highest goal scorer for his country as he took his goal tally to 50 surpassing former striker Pedro Pauleta by 3 goal.

The game was all cool in the first half untill the start of the second half when the Real Madrid star came through in the 50th minute to latch onto a through ball from Joao Moutinho and took a left foot shot pass the helpless Swedish goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic who was not quite impressive in the first leg and in the first
half of the second leg, started to show his brilliance .He scored a header off a corner kick in the 68th minute to make it 2-1 and blasted a free kick under the wall to make it 2-2 in the 72nd minute, but Portugal still led with the one away goal. Ronaldo then brought down any hope Sweden had of completing the comeback by scoring in the 77th and 79th minutes.

The stadium went cold, Sweden was silence and when the final whistle blew, Portugal booked their place in the World Cup. Ronaldo has scored 13 goals his last six matches for club and country. And has continued to show the world why everyone should appreciate what he can do too on the field Whether it results in
a trophy shouldn't be a required validation of his tremendous ability to change the game and score goals . As everyone in not jus inPortugal but the world will now agree, exceptional performances like this are
worth more than trophies.

Nigeria draw 2-2 with Italy in cracking friendly match

The just concluded friendly match in London between Nigeria and Italy turned out to be a mouth watering encounter as the two teams met for the second time in history, the first dating back to USA '94 world cup which Italy painfully worn, well it seemed the Nigerians didn't forget about that day as they came out brimming against the Italians.

Italy took the lead in the 12th minute. Mario Balotelli set up Guiseppe Rossi, to lift the ball over Austin Ejide.The African champions proved not just to be a walk in the park as they fought back to take the lead in the 35th minute, Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi found Bright Dike in the area and he headed in the equaliser. It was Ameobi who gave his side the lead, stabbing home a cross from the left. 

Two minutes after the break, the Azurris hauled themselves into game, as Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini found acres of space in the area to tuck the ball under Ejide.

Italy began to get a strangehold of the game, especially with the introduction of Andrea Pirlo and threatened to take the lead again. But Keshi’s men eventually overturned the tide and almost grabbed a late winner.

Nigeria qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

The  Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday became the first team from Africa to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after defeating the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia  in Calabar, Cross Rivers State to clinch a place in Brazil next year. The Super Eagles defeated Ethiopia by two goals to nil, the first goal was scored through a penalty by Victor Moses. and Victor Nsofor scored a second goal through a free kick to seal the victory of the Super Eagles fifth appearance at the World Cup.

Goalkeeper szczesny signs new deal with Arsenal

The polish goalkeeper wojciech szczesny has signed a new contract at the Emirates which has been described by Arsene Wenger as "long-term."

The 23-year-old Poland international has been able to establish himself as the no.1 goalkeeper for the gunners since making it into the first team since 2010-11 season.

Szczesny told the club's official website saying: “I am very pleased to have signed a new contract. Arsenal is like my family and I’m so happy to be committing my long-term future here.

"I’ve been at this club for over seven years now andI’d just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support towards me during my time here.

"Many people have given me amazing support since I arrived as a boy. I’m so proud to be an Arsenal player and am looking forward to helping our club towards success in the years to come.”

The exact length of the new deal has not been disclosed but the Arsenal manager had this to say: "We’re very pleased Wojciech has signed a new long-
term contract. I have always believed he is an extremely talented player.

"He has excellent reflexes and good mental strength. He continues to grow and improve all the time too, so he has the potential to be even better. He can be an important part of Arsenal Football Club for many years to come."

Ozil travels to Germany for friendly against Italy

Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil travelled to Milan on Thursday with the rest of Joachim Loew's squad ahead of Friday's friendly match against Italy.

The Arsenal midfielder had stayed in London to recover from illness before joining up with his teammates in Munich on Wednesday.

He is now expected to train at Milan's San Siro stadium on Thursday before a decision is made on whether he starts in what is a repeat of the Euro 2012 semi-final, won 2-1 by Italy.

Ozil's Arsenal colleague Per Mertesacker misses the Italy game but will join up with the Germany squad in London on Saturday ahead of the friendly against England at Wembley next Tuesday.

Veteran striker Miroslav Klose, of Lazio, will miss both games, meaning he will have to wait to beat Gerd Mueller's record of 68 international goals, a tally he equalled in September.

Manchester United loose Carrick for up to six weeks

 Manchester United received a blow on Wednesday with the news that key midfielder Michael Carrick will be unavailable for up to six weeks due to an Achilles injury.

The 32-year-old withdrew from the England squad on Tuesday for the friendly games against Chile and Germany and faces a battle to return to fitness in time for the busy Christmas fixture schedule.

"Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will be out for four to six weeks with an Achilles injury, the club has confirmed," read a statement on the United website.

"The 32-year-old playmaker, who played the full 90 minutes in United's 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, has appeared in 15 of the Reds' 18 matches so far this season but will be out of action until December."

Carrick stands to miss Premier League games against Cardiff City, his former club Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Newcastle United, as well as United's final two Champions League group games against Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk.

A six-week absence would also leave him unavailable for the league game at Aston Villa on December 15, as well as the League Cup quarter-final against Stoke City three days later.

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Courtesy: ScoreMobile (http://m.thescore.com/scoremobile)

Roy Hodgson foresees African success in Brazil

England manager Roy Hodgson believes that the Brazilian climate will make it easier for African teams to prosper at next year's World Cup than the traditional heavyweights from Europe.

Writing in the programme notes for the friendly game between Italy and Fulham that is due to take place at his former club Fulham next week, he said: "I think (African teams) may have a stronger chance than any of the European teams, to be perfectly honest, because of the climate."

No African team has ever made it to the semi-finals of a World Cup, but Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal have all reached the quarter-finals and Hodgson believes the continent's leading sides are equipped to make an impact at world football's showpiece event.

"There are many African players out there of excellent quality now," he added.

"They play in the top European leagues and that makes the African nations very strong. Nigeria have traditionally been one of the strongest, with some famous names in their team.

"Whoever is at the game on Monday night will see two very good teams and it will be an exciting outcome. Who knows, we may even see a little pointer for how things will go in Brazil."

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Courtesy: ScoreMobile (http://m.thescore.com/scoremobile)

Super Eagles John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses up for BBC African Footballer of the year Awards

Super Eagles player Mikel Obi and and fellow team mate Victor Moses have been nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the year Award.

The duo helped their national team win the African cup of nations and mikel was also influential in Chelsea's Europa Cup victory

Also joining the Chelsea and Liverpool stars among the five nominees announced on Monday for the 2013 edition were Ivory Coast five time nominee and current holder Yaya Toure, Burkina Faso's Jonathan Pitroipa and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang  of Gabon.

The five nominees haven't worn the award before except for Yaya, Pitroipa and Aubameyang are the first nominees from their respective countries.

The winner will be chosen by fans voting through website and texting. The shortlisted nominees were drawn from 44 journalist from across Africa.

The winner will be announced on the 2nd of December.

Messi ruled out till 2014

Barcelona said Monday that the four-time world player of
the year has another leg injury - his third of the season -
and this time needs six to eight weeks to recover. That
would rule Messi out until about Christmas, when the
Spanish league takes its annual winter break.

The Argentina forward tore his left hamstring Sunday in
Barcelona's 4-1 victory at Real Betis. He struggled with a
hamstring problem toward the end of last season, and
Barcelona scuffled without him.

This season, the 26-year-old forward hurt his left thigh
in August and then was sidelined for three weeks after
tearing a small muscle in his right thigh in late
September.

It's reason for concern for both Barcelona and Argentina,
whose hopes of winning next summer's World Cup largely
rest on having a healthy Messi.
''It's worrying when a player injures himself in the same
place,'' Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said after
dropping Messi from the South Americans' exhibitions
against Ecuador and Bosnia-Herzegovina. ''Being injured
so near the World Cup could be influential.''
Barcelona leads the Spanish league but will now be without
Messi for up to eight games, including its last two
Champions League group games against Ajax and Celtic,
four Spanish League matches and the two legs of the
Copa del Rey's round of 32.

Despite his many injury problems this season, Messi has
scored 14 goals in 16 games. But he endured a four-game
scoreless streak in the league - an eternity by his
standards - and he hasn't had his usual burst of speed
when playing less than fully healthy.

''Messi needs to stop and take care of himself,''
Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas said. ''I also went
through a very bad year-and-a-half at Arsenal because
of the same injury. I hope he recovers, and that he takes
all the time he needs to make sure he's well.''

Fabregas is dealing with injury, too. Barcelona said he
injured his right knee in Sunday's game and will miss
Spain's upcoming exhibitions against Equatorial Guinea
and South Africa. Barcelona teammate Marc Bartra was
called up to replace Fabregas for the games.

Courtesy yahoosports.