White Rat TV Football News

PREM: Manchester City 3-0 Wolves

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:35:00 GMT

Willy Boly was sent off for this tackle on Bernardo Silva in the first half

Manchester City moved to within four points of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over 10-man Wolves.

Gabriel Jesus set the champions on their way with a close-range finish at the end of a trademark City counter inside 10 minutes.

It was backs against the wall for Wolves when Willy Boly was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Bernardo Silva on 19 minutes.

Jesus hammered home City's numerical advantage with his second from the penalty spot six minutes before half-time, before a Conor Coady own-goal 12 minutes from time compounded Wolves' misery.

City's fifth consecutive victory in all competitions sees them remain on the coattails of leaders Liverpool, while Wolves stay 11th, a point off the top half.

It took just 10 minutes for City to break the deadlock. A brilliant deep pass from Aymeric Laporte freed Leroy Sane down the left, and he put the opener on a plate for Jesus, who scored for the third game running.

Rui Patricio tipped a deflected David Silva shot over on 16 minutes, but Wolves' hopes of getting back into the game suffered a blow three minutes later when Boly received a straight red card for a challenge on Bernardo Silva.

The centre-back made contact with the ball before catching the Portuguese's ankle, but referee Craig Pawson showed no hesitation brandishing the red.

The 10 men of Wolves came within inches of finding an unlikely equaliser on 36 minutes when Raul Jimenez released Jonny down the left, but the full-back's cross-come-shot evaded Diogo Jota.

A penalty three minutes later, awarded after Ryan Bennett's challenge on Raheem Sterling, handed Jesus the chance to double his and City's tally, and the Brazilian made no mistake, sending Patricio the wrong way from 12 yards.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo brought Adama Traore on at half-time. Pep Guardiola responded by introducing Kevin de Bruyne, and the Belgium international nearly added a third for City was a rasping drive on 67 minutes.

Two minutes later, Sane slipped Sterling through on goal, but Patricio raced off his line to smother the England international. The Wolves goalkeeper was then on hand to tip De Bruyne's fierce near-post drive behind 13 minutes from time.

But from the resulting corner, Patricio was beaten for a third time as De Bruyne's teasing cross cannoned in off Coady to confirm a victory that keeps City breathing down Liverpool's necks.

David Wagner leaves Huddersfield

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:27:00 GMT

David Wagner has left Huddersfield following a nine-game winless run

David Wagner has left Huddersfield by mutual consent with the club bottom of the Premier League.

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The German arrived at Huddersfield in November 2015 with the West Yorkshire club struggling in the Sky Bet Championship, before stabilising their position and securing promotion to the Premier League the following season and then defying the odds to secure top-flight survival.

However, a run of nine Premier League games without a win leaves Huddersfield with just 11 points from 22 games.

"I had no intention of sacking David this season," Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle said. "Subsequently David - being the great man he is - came to us and made it clear that he needs a break from the rigours of football management.

"We discussed making that change immediately, but he also made it clear that he would give his all for the rest of this season before departing in the summer if we preferred.

"After a long discussion we all felt that David staying at the club until the end of the season was best, but we've kept discussions open and we all now feel that the time is right to part ways."

Former Huddersfield captain Mark Hudson, who served as U23s coach under Wagner, will take charge of Huddersfield for their next game, against Premier League champions Manchester City.

"It's a very sad day, but now we have to look to the future," Hoyle continued. "That's what football and our immediate situation demands."

"I've asked Mark Hudson to take this weekend's Premier League game against Manchester City.

"He knows how to play our game at its best and he knows the squad, so he's perfectly placed to do so. Along with the technical staff, we'll give him all the support we can ahead of the game."

PREM: Tottenham 0-1 Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 21:14:00 GMT

Marcus Rashford scored the winner

David de Gea produced a string of superb saves as Manchester United held on to beat Tottenham 1-0 and secure a sixth win in a row for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Marcus Rashford scored the winner late in the first half but Solskjaer was indebted to De Gea, who made no more than 11 saves to withstand a second-half Spurs barrage to seal the historic victory for the United interim manager.

The sixth straight win victory sees Solskjaer confirm the best start of any manager in Manchester United's history, and sees him equal Sir Matt Busby's five wins in his first five league games.

United move level with fifth-placed Arsenal as a result, and to within six points of the top four. Spurs remain third, nine points off Liverpool after suffering a huge dent in their title aspirations.

It was billed as Solskjaer's toughest assignment to date but there was no change in philosophy from the United interim boss in a first half full of attacking flare. Spurs registered the first attempt on goal inside nine minutes when Harry Winks dragged a shot wide after good hold-up play from Heung-Min Son, but that was where the script ended as United asserted themselves.

Ander Herrera brilliantly controlled a Pogba diagonal pass, whipped a peach of a cross into the area which was flicked onto Jesse Lingard at the back post, but the England international blazed over. A minute later a rapid counter involving Pogba and Anthony Martial presented Rashford which a sight of goal but, having opted not to square for Lingard, he could not generate enough power on his left foot to beat Hugo Lloris.

Pogba continued to pull the strings in midfield as he won back possession on halfway on 18 minutes and released Martial, who weaved his way into the area before drawing Lloris into action at his near post.

Harry Kane led the Spurs response, bringing a corner under control on 25 minutes, only for his shot to be blocked by Phil Jones, before the Spurs skipper had his close-range tap-in ruled out for offside on the half-hour.

Spurs lost Moussa Sissoko to injury just before half-time and United applied further salt to the wound as a raking Pogba pass played Rashford in behind, and he superbly rifled the opener into the far corner in the final minute of the half.

Spurs laid siege to the United goal after the interval but came across an inspired De Gea. Kane fired a low drive at the feet of the United goalkeeper within minutes of the restart, before Alli saw a header clawed off the line by the Spaniard at full stretch.

Lloris then denied compatriot Pogba from doubling United's lead with a towering header before tipping his lofted shot onto the roof of the net before the hour mark.

Kane headed a corner straight at De Gea while under pressure from Jones on 59 minutes, before the Spurs striker and Erik Lamela transpired to waste another opportunity, after Kieran Trippier's cross from the right.

But the best was yet to come from De Gea. Alli was denied at the end of a counter before Toby Alderweireld's deft near-post flick from a corner was superbly kept out. Alli and Kane continued to pepper the United goal to no avail as the impenetrable De Gea sealed the victory.

PREM: Everton 2-0 Bournemouth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 21:09:00 GMT

Kurt Zouma's first goal for Everton

Kurt Zouma's first goal for Everton helped secure a much-needed 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday.

In the week that Everton owner Farhad Moshiri described the club's Premier League position as "just not good enough", Zouma's 61st-minute header lifted the mood at Goodison Park before Dominic Calvert-Lewin made sure of victory in injury-time.

Bournemouth had started the game brightly and hit the post in the 13th minute through David Brooks.

However, the Cherries' threat diminished as the game wore on and they have now lost nine of their last 12 Premier League matches.

Everton move up to 10th in the table after recovering from a poor opening 30 minutes to win only their second league game since the start of December.

Bournemouth were bright in the early stages as Joshua King was denied at close range and then Brooks rolled a shot against the post after being played through by Junior Stanislas.

Everton struggled to get into the game, with every misplaced pass and defensive lapse adding to the growing frustration among the home fans.

Jordan Pickford pushed away a free-kick from Stanislas in the 26th minute, before Everton finally showed some signs of improvement.

Bernard headed over from Ademola Lookman's cross and Michael Keane flicked a header against the bar late in the half.

Everton were more threatening after the break as Richarlison saw a shot blocked right on the line by Nathan Ake.

Zouma then broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when he headed in from Lucas Digne's cross.

Richarlison twice missed the target during a feisty finish to the match, while King spurned Bournemouth's best chance when he fired wide from just inside the box.

Substitute Calvert-Lewin made sure of victory with a neat low finish in injury-time.

PREM: Brighton 0-1 Liverpool

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:54:00 GMT

Salah puts Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot

Mohamed Salah's penalty earned Liverpool a gritty 1-0 win at Brighton that moved them seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Having lost their previous two matches in 2019, the Reds were frustrated in a tight first half at the Amex Stadium.

However, Salah scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 50th minute after he was clumsily fouled by Pascal Gross.

Brighton did not manage a shot on target and Liverpool will now wait and see if title-rivals Tottenham and Manchester City can close the gap when they play on Sunday and Monday respectively.

Jurgen Klopp had said before the match that Liverpool's situation remained "very positive" even though they had suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

And even though it took them a while to break down Brighton, a third straight defeat never looked on the cards.

The Premier League leaders soon asserted control of the game as Roberto Firmino slid and poked wide from Andy Robertson's low cross in the ninth minute before Xherdan Shaqiri flicked a header wide after a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who played despite suffering a slight injury in the warm-ups.

Fabinho, playing at centre-back, was hardly tested, aside from a header that Glenn Murray nodded over the bar.

It was a similar story in the second half, albeit Brighton were chasing the game after Gross clumsily fouled Salah in the box and the Premier League's joint-top scorer fired the penalty past David Button.

Brighton occasionally threatened on the break but Fabinho blocked a shot from Gross in the box and Alisson tipped away a shot from Jurgen Locadia.

Otherwise Liverpool remained in control until the final whistle, even though Salah spurned a fantastic chance to make it 2-0 when he shot wide from eight yards out in the 88th minute.

PREM: Burnley 2-1 Fulham

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:49:00 GMT

Burnley's Hendrick (centre) crossed in for his side's equaliser

Two quick-fire own goals saw Burnley narrowly beat Fulham 2-1 as Sean Dyche's side registered their third Premier League win in a row.

Andre Schurrle broke the deadlock after two minutes with a brilliant half-volley, but Burnley levelled through a Joe Bryan own goal which deflected off his left leg (20).

Two minutes later and Fulham fired into their own net again as Denis Odoi headed past his team-mate Sergio Rico with what proved to be the decisive goal, despite Fulham's efforts to rally back in the second half of a game where Burnley failed to register a shot on target.

Burnley's third successive Premier League win means they move further away from the relegation zone into 15th. Fulham, meanwhile, are five points off safety in 19th as the pressure continues to mount on Claudio Ranieri.

Fulham got off to a fast start with Schurrle putting the visitors in front after two minutes with a goal of the season contender. He took down Odoi's pinpoint long ball in the penalty box before smashing his brilliant dipping half-volley past Tom Heaton in off the crossbar.

Chris Wood threatened an equaliser when his header came off the bar in the 18th minute, and Sean Dyche's side did go on to level moments later. A driven cross from Jeff Hendrick ricocheted off Ryan Sessegnon before deflecting off the unfortunate Bryan into the net.

And it got even worse for Fulham when Odoi nodded in another Hendrick cross in the 23rd minute. Ranieri's men almost instantly responded with two good chances as Calum Chambers directed a bullet header off the woodwork before Sessegnon nodded his free effort narrowly over.

Luciano Vietto was introduced for Sessegnon at half-time and he so nearly had Fulham level. His low shot got the better of Heaton but it was spectacularly cleared off the line by James Tarkowski.

In a less eventful second half at a wet and windy Turf Moor, Fulham came closest to equalising with twenty minutes left. A dangerous ball into the box from Vietto took a wicked deflection off Charlie Taylor, who nearly turned the ball in, but it drifted narrowly wide of Rico's right post.

Fulham continued to put the pressure on with Vietto driving a vicious strike on goal in the 75th minute, but the shot was well parried by Heaton as the hosts held on for a valuable victory.

PREM: Cardiff 0-0 Huddersfield

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:45:00 GMT

Referee Lee Mason overturns his initial decision to award Huddersfield a second-half penalty

Huddersfield ended an eight-game Premier League losing streak but were denied a second-half penalty in a dour 0-0 draw with Cardiff City.

Referee Lee Mason initially awarded the Terriers a spot-kick in the second half when Cardiff defender Joe Bennett was adjudged to have brought down Florent Hadergjonaj inside the penalty box, but the decision was overturned after Mason consulted his assistant.

Laurent Depoitre was then denied by a fine Neil Etheridge save in stoppage-time but neither side produced enough quality to win a tense contest at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Neil Warnock was made to wait for his 50th win in charge of the Bluebirds with his side dropping to 17th in the division, while the point means bottom-side Huddersfield remain eight points adrift of safety.

The reverse fixture finished 0-0 at the John Smith's Stadium in August and both sides again showed their lack of cutting edge in a poor opening 45 minutes. Mason was far busier than either goalkeeper as his decision to yellow card Christopher Schindler for a cynical foul on Nathaniel Mendez-Laing left Warnock calling for a red.

Cardiff remain the only Premier League side yet to lead at half-time in a match this season, and Huddersfield created the better first-half chances as Bennett was forced into a desperate block to deny Erik Durm before Etheridge tipped Steve Mounie's hooked volley over the bar.

Cardiff in turn had as many players booked as they managed shots in this match (three). Junior Hoilett was unable to convert Mendez-Laing's inviting cross, while Aron Gunnarsson just failed to reach Hoilett's deep corner.

David Wagner's side dominated the second period but could not find a way past a resolute Cardiff defence well marshalled by Sol Bamba, with the veteran defender blocking shots from Jason Puncheon and Alex Pritchard.

But the game's main talking point arrived in the 76th minute when Bennett was initially penalised for bringing down Hadergjonaj inside the box. Mason went across to speak with his assistant Stuart Burt and, after a brief discussion, overturned the decision.

Huddersfield were denied in the dying seconds once more as Etheridge did well to keep out Depoitre's looping header from Pritchard's cross as the points were shared.

PREM: Crystal Palace 1-2 Watford

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:40:00 GMT

Craig Cathcart celebrates his goal with team-mate Troy Deeney

Watford produced a second-half comeback to take all three points against Crystal Palace, winning 2-1 at Selhurst Park.

A huge scramble in the Watford area saw the ball turned home by Craig Cathcart's thigh (38) to put Crystal Palace ahead, with goal-line technology confirming it had gone over the line.

But the defender redeemed himself in the 67th minute as he nodded home the Watford equaliser before a wonderful volley from Tom Cleverley (74) completed the comeback and handed the visitors the victory.

Watford have moved into seventh on 32 points while Crystal Palace stay in 14th, six points clear of the relegation places.

Watford could have taken the lead inside five minutes but were twice denied by the post. Gerard Deulofeu burst past the Crystal Palace defence before trying to hit home on the angle, but his effort smacked against the far post before an unmarked Roberto Pereyra did the same with the rebound.

Neither side really created much else until the 36th minute, when Watford went close again. Pereyra slipped the ball in for Jose Holebas down the left flank before he crossed into the area. Troy Deeney rose above Mamadou Sakho to head towards goal, but it just went past the post.

Two minutes later, Crystal Palace took the lead, but in the scrappiest of circumstances. Luka Milivojevic delivered a corner which pinged around the area before Cathcart turned the ball over the line with his thigh from an attempted Abdoulaye Doucoure clearance. Ben Foster palmed it back out again as the scramble continued but referee Paul Tierney soon signalled that the goal would stand after goal-line technology confirmed it had crossed the line.

Milivojevic nearly scored a wonder-goal in the 63rd minute as he controlled a Watford clearance, before hitting a sumptuous volley from around 45 yards out. As it dipped towards Foster, the goalkeeper made a superb leaping save to see it away.

Watford got themselves level four minutes later and Cathcart was on the scoresheet again - for the right side this time. He got his head onto the end of a Holebas corner, nodding home over the top of substitute goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a tight angle.

Both sides had a chance to score the next goal. James McArthur was inches away from turning home a fizzing cross from Zaha - ending up in the net himself - before Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced a goal-line clearance to keep out a deflected Deeney effort.

But Watford did take their next opportunity in the 74th minute. It was a wonderful finish from Cleverley too as a James Tomkins clearance from his initial effort landed back into his path and he volleyed home inside a packed area to seal the win for the visitors.

PREM: Leicester 1-2 Southampton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:35:00 GMT

Ralph Hasenhuttl celebrates with goalscorer James Ward-Prowse

Southampton poured more pressure on Claude Puel as they beat Leicester 2-1 despite playing for 45 minutes with 10 men.

Southampton were at full throttle from the first whistle at the King Power Stadium and took a deserved lead when James Ward-Prowse converted from the penalty spot (11).

Leicester looked to have a way back into the game when 19-year-old Saints full-back Yan Valery showed his inexperience by picking up a second yellow card (45). However, Shane Long netted just 90 seconds later (45+1) to give the visitors a two-goal cushion heading into the break, it was Long's first goal of the season and just his second goal in his last 62 appearances.

Wilfred Ndidi pulled one back (58) but Puel's men were too predictable in their play and the excellently-organised Saints held on to give new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl a third win in his seven Premier League games in charge and move the club out of the relegation places.

It ends a dismal seven days for Puel, who saw his team knocked out of the FA Cup to Sky Bet League Two side Newport County and the Foxes have now suffered back-to-back home Premier League defeats after losing against Cardiff over the festive period.

Following their FA Cup exit, Puel promised the home fans a response but it did not materialise as Southampton were fast out of the traps.

Long was bundled over by Nampalys Mendy just inside the area and referee Michael Oliver - fresh from the VAR controversy at Wembley on Tuesday - awarded the spot-kick. Ward-Prowse, without a goal in almost a year, fired home into the top corner.

Leicester took until the half-hour to register a shot on goal with all the incisive play coming from the Saints as Jack Stephens was denied by a flying save from Kasper Schmeichel.

The game looked to have swung the Foxes way when Valery tugged back Marc Albrighton having already been booked for a clash with Ben Chilwell.

With the home fans still waving the full-back down the tunnel, their team switched off and Southampton took full advantage. Ricardo Pereira was caught napping by Long down the left and the striker stayed cool to fire home.

Leicester dominated territory in the second period, registering a whopping 85 per cent possession, but their creative players were too predictable in their play.

Pereira did charge down the right and set up Ndidi to bundle home, but the remaining 32 minutes were relatively comfortable for Southampton, who defended deep but with great composure.

PREM: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:26:00 GMT

Willian's goal

Chelsea strengthened their bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League after Willian's second-half strike handed the Blues a 2-1 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Following Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to West Ham earlier in the day, Maurizio Sarri's side had the opportunity to open a six-point gap over the Gunners in fifth and they made the perfect start through Pedro's early strike (9).

Newcastle responded before half-time thanks to Ciaran Clark's powerful header (40) but Willian's curling effort (57) secured Chelsea all three points.

The win sees Chelsea move to within a point of third-placed Tottenham, who face Manchester United, while defeat leaves Newcastle in the relegation zone.

Chelsea were without a goal in their previous two home games in the league, but they put that barren spell in front of goal behind them when Pedro latched onto David Luiz's inch-perfect through ball before lofting the ball over Martin Dubravka and into the back of the net.

It was the perfect start for Chelsea, who continued to dominate possession, but Sarri's side never really pushed on from taking an early lead.

It allowed Newcastle to grow into the game and Ayoze Perez should have done better after latching onto Salomon Rondon's flick-on, but the Spanish forward sliced his shot wide of the upright with only Kepa Arrizabalaga to beat.

Newcastle were finishing the stronger of the two sides and they eventually got their reward, Clark beating Luiz in the air to head Matt Ritchie's corner past Arrizabalaga and into the bottom corner.

Chelsea came close to restoring their advantage immediately from the restart, but with Newcastle's defence sleeping, Willian passed wide following Jorginho's through ball.

Pedro then passed up two chances early in the second half, before Hazard, who had been quiet, burst into life to create Chelsea's second.

The Belgium international drove at the heart of the Newcastle defence before laying the ball off to Willian, who checked inside from the left side of the area to curl the ball beyond the dive of Dubravka and inside the far post.

Willian then had an opportunity to wrap up all three points after latching onto another excellent through ball from Luiz. He lifted the ball over Dubravka but the ball looked to be heading wide before Jamaal Lascelles turned the ball behind.

Despite their slender advantage, Chelsea brought on Callum Hudson-Odoi for Pedro with 10 minutes remaining and soon after a chorus of "we want you to stay" was heard from the home fans, who were soon celebrating a 14th win of the season.

PREM: West Ham 1-0 Arsenal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 09:17:00 GMT

Declan Rice's first Hammers goal

Declan Rice scored the only goal as West Ham beat Arsenal, while Marko Arnautovic appeared to bid farewell to the London Stadium.

Rice picked a good time to grab his first West Ham goal, powering the ball beyond Bernd Leno from 12 yards three minutes after half-time in a game of few clear-cut chances.

The main talking point came when Arnautovic seemed to wave goodbye to the home fans when he was substituted with 71 minutes played, days after West Ham rejected a £35m bid for the Austrian from an unnamed Chinese club.

Arsenal managed just two shots on target across the whole 90 minutes as their wretched away form continued, leaving them with one win on their travels in their last seven Premier League games.

Unai Emery's side had shown the greater intent before half-time but lacked the invention to regularly find a way through the home defence, with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang onlookers for long spells of the first half.

Both sides exchanged cursory efforts early on but Arsenal did carve out the first real opportunity when Lacazette held off Pablo Zabaleta and powered into the box. Lukasz Fabianski saved his first effort from 12 yards, and he skied the rebound over.

But with the restored Arnautovic looking untroubled by the speculation around him at the tip of West Ham's attack, the hosts always had a focal point they could play off and he held the ball up for Samir Nasri, only for the Frenchman to strike the side netting from a tight angle.

Felipe Anderson also came close when Nasri waited for his run and laid the ball into his path 25 yards out, before Matteo Guendouzi rounded off an even, but uninspiring first half by going close from a similar distance.

The second half sprang into life within five minutes of the restart with Nasri, who had been busy before half-time, teeing up Rice after a poor Granit Xhaka header to blast the ball beyond a rooted Leno from 12 yards.

Aubameyang was put off his stride by Aaron Cresswell's sliding challenge in the box and Alex Iwobi just missed the far post when played in on the left as Arsenal pressed, but they still did not work Fabianski enough.

The arrival of Aaron Ramsey and Lucas Torreira and even the pace of Hector Bellerin off the bench failed to ignite the Gunners' usual second-half charge, which has seen them pick up eight points in the last 10 minutes of games alone, as the hosts saw out a first victory over Arsenal on home soil since 2006.

PREM: Tottenham v Manchester Utd preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 18:08:00 GMT

Tottenham v Manchester Utd preview

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces the biggest test of his Manchester United managerial stint so far with a trip to Wembley to play Tottenham.

Solskjaer could become the first United manager to win his first six games in charge in all competitions after he guided them to a 100 per cent record over the festive period.

The interim boss disagreed that this will be his toughest test, but wants to go to Wembley and play in the same attacking philosophy that has seen United score 16 goals in five games.

"You get tested every single game in the Premier League - no doubt about it - but of course this is against a top, top side," Solskjaer said.

"If we want to get closer to them and go past them we need a good performance and a good result.

"You always adapt to any opposition. We play one of the best teams in the league. Of course we have got to be aware of their strengths.

"But we need to attack teams. That is our strength, going forward as a team when you look at us now, with the way we have played."

Tottenham won the reverse fixture 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season and will be bidding to do the double over United for the first time in Premier League history.

Tottenham will assess Lucas Moura for the visit of United.

The Brazil forward missed the midweek Carabao Cup win over Chelsea with a knee injury and will face a fitness test ahead of Sunday's game.

Eric Dier (appendicitis) and Victor Wanyama (knee) miss out, while Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele are back in training but not match fit.

The Frenchman missed last weekend's FA Cup win over Reading because of a knock to the back of his right leg but United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the midfielder is ready to return at Wembley on Sunday.

Marcos Rojo has returned to his native Argentina as his injury is taking longer to heal than anticipated, while Chris Smalling (foot) is a doubt and Eric Bailly completes a three-match suspension.

PREM: Everton v Bournemouth preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 18:05:00 GMT

Everton v Bournemouth preview

Everton take on Bournemouth in a fixture that is renowned for producing entertainment and plenty of goals.

Goals are always seemingly guaranteed in this fixture. There have been 29 of them scored in seven Premier League meetings (Everton 16, Bournemouth 13), which works out at an average 4.14 goals per game. It's the highest average for a Premier League fixture played more than six times.

However, both teams are low on confidence after a dodgy festive period. Everton have lost four of their five league games, including the last two. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are currently on a club-record run of five consecutive away defeats in the Premier League.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe is well aware of the importance of breaking that run.

"It's another massive game for us," said Howe. "We're keen to show a response to the recent run that we've been on.

"It's two teams that want to attack and implement their attacking play on the other team.

"We did really well to come back from two goals down against them earlier this season."

Everton have no new injury worries, but Marco Silva may refresh his starting line-up.

Ademola Lookman scored in the FA Cup win over Lincoln and may replace Theo Walcott while Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Richarlison are all likely to feature after being rested last weekend.

Bournemouth trio Callum Wilson, Joshua King and Ryan Fraser will undergo late fitness tests ahead of Sunday's Premier League game at Everton.

Strikers Wilson (hamstring) and King (flu) missed the Cherries' FA Cup loss to Brighton last weekend, while winger Fraser (hamstring) reported injured following the tie.

Right-back Nathaniel Clyne could make his league debut for the club, but fellow new signing Dominic Solanke (hamstring) will not be involved, while Simon Francis, Adam Smith and Lewis Cook (all knee) remain sidelined.

PREM: Man City v Wolves preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 18:01:00 GMT

Man City v Wolves preview

Manchester City will aim to close the gap on Liverpool when Wolves visit on Monday Night.

After a sticky patch, City have recorded back-to-back Premier League wins and have won their last four games in all competitions, scoring 21 goals.

However, Wolves stifled City in the reverse fixture earlier this season when they drew 1-1. They have also taken points on all three visits to top-six clubs so far this season and beat Liverpool in the FA Cup third round last time.

As a result, City boss Pep Guardiola is wary of Wolves and has hailed their performances to date this season after earning promotion last term.

"We realised in the first game how complicated they would be," he said.

"They are strong physically, make good runs in counter-attack. They defend well and deep, they control many areas.

"That is why they are doing incredibly well in the Premier League."

Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany could be back in contention for Manchester City.

The pair missed the cup games against Rotherham and Burton, striker Aguero through illness and captain Kompany with a muscular problem, but are close to fitness, although Guardiola was unsure about their availability on Friday.

Midfielder Fernandinho is expected to return after being rested for both cup matches but left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo (Achilles) are still out.

Wolves have no fresh injury concerns.

Rui Patricio, Matt Doherty and Romain Saiss are expected to return after being rested for Monday's win over Liverpool.

Diogo Jota may lose his place to Ivan Cavaleiro after a below-par return against the Reds following almost a month out with a hamstring problem.

PREM: Brighton v Liverpool preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:56:00 GMT

Brighton v Liverpool preview

Liverpool can extend the gap to Manchester City to seven points - until Monday at least - when they take on Brighton on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp's table-topping Reds travel to the Amex Stadium with a four-point cushion on champions Manchester City, whose next game is on Monday Night Football against Wolves.

City ended Liverpool's unbeaten Premier League start in their 21st match at the Etihad Stadium before Klopp's men slipped to an FA Cup defeat at Wolves. The last time they lost three games on the spin was back in January 2017.

Liverpool may have score more than once to take maximum points as the Seagulls have netted in each of their last 13 Premier League home games.

Klopp is expecting a tricky encounter but believes his team are fully prepared to deal with Brighton's threat.

"As long as you can stay completely focused and completely with yourself the better it is," Klopp said.

"So far that is what we try to do and it has been pretty easy for us to stay focused.

"There is no game in the Premier League where you can count the three points beforehand. I like that. It is good."

Brighton boss Chris Hughton says Liverpool are favourites to claim the Premier League title.

"At this moment, I think they are favourites simply because of the points difference, and I think they've been outstanding," said Hughton.

"But you certainly can't write off a Manchester City team that have been the best team over the last few seasons and arguably played the best football. I think Liverpool are favourites but I couldn't tell you who will win it. And certainly I wouldn't put money on it."

Hughton has no new fresh injury concerns as Jose Izquierdo is not ready to return from a knee injury.

Mathew Ryan and Alireza Jahanbakhsh are on international duty at the Asian Cup.

Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson are back in training for Liverpool, while Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Joe Gomez miss out.

Klopp faces having to come up with another fix in central defence

Virgil van Dijk is the only fit centre-back with Lovren (hamstring) and Gomez (foot) unavailable and Matip only returning to training on Thursday from a broken collarbone.

Midfielder Fabinho played in that position in Monday's FA Cup game and, if Matip is not ready, may be asked to do it again.

PREM: Burnley vs Fulham preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:53:00 GMT

Burnley vs Fulham preview

Burnley and Fulham clash in a pivotal relegation fixture on Saturday as the battle for survival intensifies.

Fulham remain second from bottom but can move to within a point of 16th-place Burnley with an away win.

Turf Moor has been a bogey ground for the Cottagers as Burnley are unbeaten in the last 26 meetings since Apr 1951, although Fulham did win the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage 4-2 in August.

Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri insists he still believes in his players despite last weekend's shock FA Cup loss to Sky Bet League Two club Oldham.

Fulham bowed out of the FA Cup's third round following a limp 2-1 home defeat, but Ranieri is confident the squad have reset their focus this week.

"I'm positive because I believe in this team and this club," said Ranieri. "But also Burnley think, 'if we kill Fulham we go up'.

"And for this reason, I think it's a very, very crucial match. Believe me, at the moment I never look at the table. Because I know where we are, staying under water and I want to go up!"

Tom Heaton is likely to keep his place in goal for Burnley while Phil Bardsley and Matt Lowton both have chances to start after recovering from knocks. Robbie Brady is suspended.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is available for selection after recovering from an ankle problem that has seen him miss the last five games but Alfie Mawson remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Calum Chambers should return at centre-back after missing the Arsenal game due to terms of his loan contract from his permanent club.

PREM: Cardiff v Huddersfield preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:50:00 GMT

Cardiff v Huddersfield preview

Huddersfield travel to Cardiff City on Saturday for what could turn out to be a crucial Premier League fixture in the battle to avoid the drop.

The Terriers play relegation rivals Cardiff, who sit one place above the bottom three, eight points ahead of David Wagner's side.

A 10th successive Huddersfield defeat could see the points gap between them and safety extended to double figures and Wagner said he takes full responsibility for their plight at the foot of the Premier League.

Huddersfield have lost a club-record nine straight matches in all competitions and have won only two league games this season.

Wagner said injuries and suspensions have not helped his cause and that seven of those nine defeats have been by a solitary goal, but the Terriers boss insists the buck stops with him.

"I know this is part of the job and I know that it is my responsibility," said the German.

"This is the truth. Since I arrived I have had responsibility for this football club and this means not only the three years, but the last six weeks as well.

"They were not what we wanted or matched the ambitions I had and I'm responsible for it.

"As I said I'm responsible for everything that happened before these six weeks and also for what has happened during them.

"This is what I take on the chin. All together, individually, every player has to take it on the chin, step up and take responsibility for what is in front of us."

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock will give late fitness tests to key midfielders Victor Camarasa and Harry Arter, who picked up slight knocks over the festive period.

Kenneth Zohore (thigh), Jazz Richards (hamstring), Kadeem Harris (knee) and Danny Ward (facial injury) have all been ruled out.

Huddersfield forward Jason Puncheon is expected to make his Premier League debut for the club.

Puncheon, on loan from Crystal Palace, started in last week's FA Cup defeat at Bristol City after joining until the end of the season.

Defender Christopher Schindler returns to contention after serving a one-game ban and Wagner is expected to recall Jonas Lossl in place of Ben Hamer in goal. Aaron Mooy, Danny Williams (both knee), Abdelhamid Sabiri (collarbone) and Tommy Smith are all still out.

PREM: Crystal Palace v Watford preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:47:00 GMT

Crystal Palace v Watford preview

Crystal Palace will look to build on their resurgence in form but face a tricky test against Watford at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Palace are starting to climb the league after a fruitful spell over the festive period. They have taken 10 points from their last five games after picking up just six from their previous 11 encounters and sit 14th in the Premier League table.

The recent run has given manager Roy Hodgson hope that his team can finish in the top 10.

"We are always under pressure every match," he said.

"No more pressure than the game before, that is part and parcel of our lives as managers and players. We know what a good result can mean for us. We look above us as well, as we believe a top-10 finish is achievable for us. It is certainly a goal."

Watford are safe in mid-table, 13 points clear of relegation and nine points off Manchester United in sixth. They are four points better off than they were at the same stage last season as life under Javi Gracia remains very positive.

Christian Benteke is back and available for Crystal Palace selection for the first time since September.

The Belgian striker underwent knee surgery and has been participating in full training this week.

Palace are without defender Pape Souare, who will be missing for two months with a dislocated shoulder.

Andre Gray and Christian Kabasele have returned to training for the Hornets.

Gray has missed seven games following a leg injury, while Kabasele has been absent since he collided with a post in Watford's Boxing Day defeat to Chelsea.

Defender Sebastian Prodl (knee) is now the only absentee from Gracia's squad.

PREM: Leicester v Southampton preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:44:00 GMT

Leicester v Southampton preview

Leicester City will look to improve their inconsistent form at the King Power Stadium when Southampton visit on Saturday.

Wins over Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton over the festive period have lifted Leicester into seventh place in the Premier League, meaning they are four points better off than at this stage last season.

However, they suffered an embarrassing FA Cup defeat at Newport County last weekend and their form at the King Power Stadium is underwhelming the home support. In fact, they have won more points away (17) than at home (14) this season.

Boss Claude Puel wants a reaction from his players after the loss at Newport.

"We need a good reaction for the fans," said Puel. "We analyse our last game and we want a reaction.

"Our elimination against Newport doesn't change our ambition in the Premier League. We are seventh in this moment, but we know the difficulties we have now to maintain this ranking.

"We have to keep momentum to stay in the top half of the table and we'll see in which position we can finish. We have lots of teams ready to compete with us and with the same objective.

"We have six top teams in front of us, with fantastic squads with great players, and they pay a lot of money.

"We have teams like West Ham and Everton who spend a lot of money, more than us. There are good players in other teams that want the same as us."

Leicester City will be without Jonny Evans for a month and a half after the defender broke a toe.

The Foxes could hand a start to the recalled Harvey Barnes, who has returned from his loan at West Bromwich Albion.

The midfielder impressed in the Sky Bet Championship, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances.

Southampton travel to Leicester without strikers Danny Ings, Charlie Austin and Michael Obafemi.

Ings and Obafemi both have hamstring problems, while Austin has been given a two-match suspension for making an abusive and/or insulting gesture during the defeat against Manchester City.

Defender Ryan Bertrand (back) also remains unavailable, but has returned to training, while Maya Yoshida is away on international duty with Japan at the Asia Cup.

Midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg continues his four-match suspension

PREM: Chelsea v Newcastle preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:41:00 GMT

Chelsea v Newcastle preview

Chelsea will look to end their barren spell in front of goal when Newcastle visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday

Maurizio Sarri's men failed to score at Wembley in their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham but, more worryingly, they are without a goal in two home games following the defeat to Leicester and goalless draw with Southampton. A failure to find the net against the Toon would be the first time since 1993 that the Blues have drawn a blank in three consecutive home games.

"We need to score, of course," Sarri said.

"We need to solve this problem because also in the last match we played I think very well with continuity and a very good offensive and defensive phase, with a great performance from the physical point of view the best of the season.

"But we didn't score so now we have this problem. We only have to work and try and solve it as soon as possible, I think."

Meanwhile, Newcastle have just won one of their last eight league games and have serious problems troubling the top six teams. They have lost nine games on the spin to the 'big six'.

Alvaro Morata is an injury doubt for Chelsea.

The Spanish striker missed Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Tottenham with a minor hamstring problem.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (back) is out and Cesc Fabregas will not be considered ahead of his likely move to Monaco.

Rafa Benitez is having to manage a growing injury list, with Federico Fernandez, Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey all doubts for the trip to Stamford Bridge

PREM: West Ham v Arsenal preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:36:00 GMT

West Ham v Arsenal preview

Arsenal welcome back a host of injured players as they make the trip across London to play West Ham in the Premier League.

Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny, Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal, Shkodran Mustafi and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all back in full training and under consideration for the weekend.

It will be welcome news for Unai Emery as they look for an away win, but the manager is aware of the tough task at hand.

"I think they [West Ham] are improving and they also have good individual players with quality, like Anderson, like Arnautovic - who are very good players," he said.

"They are playing at home with their supporters and that's difficult for us. Each away match is a very big challenge for us to find consistency and progression with our way. Saturday is a new challenge. We are very [convinced] to play and to give big work in finding our victory."

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has hinted that Samir Nasri could be in line to make his Premier League debut against his former club after the 31-year-old played 58 minutes of West Ham's 2-0 FA Cup third round win against Birmingham.

He said: "I think it was very useful for him to play 60 minutes in the FA Cup. He has been working hard for around 40 days and he has demonstrated he is able to be involved against Arsenal, at least in the squad list."

Nasri is set for his first Premier League appearance since August 2016, but West Ham's injury list remains long. Winston Reid (knee), Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks (both ankle), Fabian Balbuena, Manuel Lanzini, Carlos Sanchez (all knee) and Andriy Yarmolenko (Achilles) are all missing.

Marko Arnautovic - whose brother claims he wants to leave West Ham - should play, despite his early substitution in the FA Cup and current transfer speculation.

Emery has options in defence with Koscienly, Bellerin, Mustafi and Monreal available after injuries.

However, Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding remain on the sidelines.

FAC: Tranmere 0-7 Tottenham

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 5 Jan 2019 09:42:00 GMT

Fernando Llorente celebrates scoring Tottenham's second goal with team-mate Heung-Min Son

Fernando Llorente helped himself to a hat-trick as Tottenham cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 7-0 thrashing of Tranmere at Prenton Park.

Tranmere battled back into the first half after a difficult start, but were caught by a bolt out of the blue as Serge Aurier scored the opener from range in the 40th minute.

After the break, however, Spurs showed their class and ran riot in front of goal, with Llorente firing his second of the season to double Spurs' advantage in the 48th minute, before Aurier doubled his Tottenham career tally in the 55th minute.

Heung-Min Son got in on the act two minutes later, a quick-fire double from Llorente (71 & 72) completed his hat-trick, before a fine finish from substitute Harry Kane late on put the seal on the demolition.

A much-changed Tottenham side still had plenty of firepower on the pitch, and should have been at least a goal to the good in the early stages.

Firstly, Son raced clear only to be denied by the legs of Scott Davies in the home goal, before Lucas Moura missed an even clearer opening, firing straight at Davies from point-blank range.

The hosts did settle into the contest and had a few half chances, before Aurier dispossessed James Norwood after a corner had only been half cleared, before slicing an effort into the net from 25 yards, with the aid of a slight deflection.

Spurs stepped it up a gear after the break, and had made sure of the win with consummate ease before the hour mark.

Firstly, Son superbly pulled the ball back for Llorente to fire home, before Aurier collected a superb pass from Son and scored his fourth goal since signing for Spurs. Son then skipped past several defenders and fired into the bottom corner.

Llorente then slotted two fine finishes into the net - the goals less than a minute apart - to complete a second FA Cup hat-trick for Spurs.

With the score at 6-0, Mauricio Pochettino would have been forgiven for resting his stars, but instead, he decided to bring on the Premier League's joint top goalscorer in Kane, and his flicked finish put the seal on the thrashing.

PREM: Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 23:29:00 GMT

Sergio Aguero scored his seventh goal in seven home appearances against Liverpool

Manchester City blew the title race wide open by inflicting Liverpool's first defeat of the season with an engrossing 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

Sergio Aguero proved the scourge of Liverpool again with a clinical near-post drive - his seventh goal in seven home appearances against the Reds - at the end of a frenetic first half, which saw Sadio Mane strike the post and John Stones hook his own deflected clearance off the line with millimetres to spare.

Roberto Firmino headed Liverpool level on 64 minutes but parity lasted just eight minutes as Leroy Sane cannoned the winning goal in off the post at the end of a trademark City counter.

City were simply not willing to relinquish their title without a fight, their victory reduces Liverpool's lead at the top of the table to four points and leaves the Premier League title race delicately poised.

The highly-anticipated clash between the champions and the challengers did not disappoint. City flew out of the traps early on, setting the tone for a pulsating half, but the better chances fell for Liverpool.

Firmino slipped Mane through on goal after 18 minutes and his low strike cannoned off the post. Stones then fired his clearance into Ederson, sending the ball looping back towards goal, where the England international miraculously recovered by hooking the ball off the goal-line.

Having weathered the early City storm, Liverpool pounced on the chance to go forward again as Virgil van Dijk's diagonal ball was brilliantly hooked back to the edge of the area by Andrew Robertson, and Mane lashed a volley straight at Ederson.

Vincent Kompany saw yellow and not red for a lunge on Mohamed Salah on the half hour, before appeals for a City penalty were waved away on 40 minutes after Aguero clashed with Van Dijk. But City sought their own retribution seconds later as the Argentine skipped away from Dejan Lovren and lashed a stunning drive past Alisson at his near post from a tight angle.

Liverpool hit back just after the hour as full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson combined on opposing flanks and the left-back's brilliant cross was nodded home by the unmarked Firmino at the back post.

The buoyant Reds threatened to add a quick-fire second but City responded in typical fashion as Raheem Sterling streaked clear, switched the play to Sane on the left and the Germany international fired the champions' second in off the woodwork.

City could have had a third when Aguero tried and failed to round Alisson on 83 minutes, and Bernardo Silva pounced on a poor Lovren clearance late on. The Liverpool goalkeeper prevailed on both occasions but it was City left rejoicing at the end of a thrilling victory.

PREM: Bournemouth 3-3 Watford

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 11:10:00 GMT

Bournemouth and Watford played out a 3-3 draw

Bournemouth and Watford played out a 3-3 draw as four goals were scored in six frantic first-half minutes at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday.

Troy Deeney's two goals gave Watford a commanding lead (14 & 27) before Bournemouth responded in quickfire fashion with goals from Nathan Ake (34) and Callum Wilson (37).

Seconds later, Ken Sema put Watford back in front again with a fine half-volley (38) before Ryan Fraser levelled the game with a composed finish (40) in an action-packed first half.

The result means Watford move up one place into eighth on 29 points. Bournemouth remain in 12th as their winless run stretches to three games.

Watford began the game confidently with Deeney scoring twice in the first half hour. The 30-year-old nodded in Sema's cross to put the visitors ahead before he curled in his fifth goal of the season 13 minutes later after Gerard Deulofeu capitalised on Dan Gosling's poor backpass looking for Ake.

Bournemouth then profited from two free-kicks. First, Ake turned in from close range after Gosling had seen his header from Fraser's set-piece saved at point-blank range by Foster.

Then, three minutes later and another free-kick, this time from the right, was finished by Wilson as he looped his header over Foster from a near-post position.

Both sides' defences descended into disarray when Sema put Watford back in front in stunning fashion. A long ball up from Foster was flicked forward by Deeney before Sema powered his half-volley past Asmir Begovic. Almost immediately from the restart, Fraser scored on the counter-attack and slotted his shot into the bottom corner.

The second half was a scrappy affair with Abdoulaye Doucoure substituted in the 54th minute having already received a yellow card for a dangerous first-half challenge on Fraser. And with Bournemouth on the front foot, Foster made a fine save to deny Wilson who powered a header on goal from close range.

As the hosts continued their pursuit for a fourth goal, Foster smothered a close-range shot from Josh King in the box after Craig Cathcart slipped over on the ball. The 35-year-old was called into action again two minutes later to deny Gosling, on his return to the starting XI, as Watford held on for a valuable point.

PREM: Chelsea 0-0 Southampton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 11:03:00 GMT

N'Golo Kante and James Ward-Prowse compete for the ball

Chelsea missed the chance to strengthen their top-four position as they produced an ineffective display in a 0-0 home draw with Southampton.

Eden Hazard spurned the best opening of the first half when he fired at Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who was making his Premier League debut.

Chelsea continued to labour after half-time, with Alvaro Morata having a goal ruled out in the 71st minute after a tight offside call and then seeing a shot saved by Gunn.

Southampton rarely threatened but will likely be satisfied with a hard-earned point, while there were some boos from Chelsea fans at the final whistle.

Having lost their final home game of 2018 to Leicester, this was another lacklustre display from Chelsea in front of their own supporters, who had been buoyed earlier in the day by the signing of Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea particularly struggled to get anything going in a forgettable first half.

Morata headed at Gunn while Willian had a shot blocked before he was taken off with injury in the 37th minute.

Chelsea's best chance fell to Hazard but he fired at Gunn after controlling Antonio Rudiger's pass over the top.

While Southampton didn't have a shot on target before the break, they were compact in defence and succeeded in frustrating Chelsea and keeping them at bay.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action early in the second half to tip a low shot wide from Stuart Armstrong.

But the game soon settled into the same pattern as the first half, with Chelsea controlling possession and failing to create any clear openings.

Hazard and Jorginho shot at Gunn while Morata thought he had broken the deadlock when he finished from inside the box, only for the flag to go up for a tight offside call.

Substitutes Cesc Fabregas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek then combined to tee up Morata but Gunn blocked his low shot.