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SPORT : Transfer, Diego Costa’s contract with Atletico Madrid terminated

2020-12-29T12:16:00.002-08:00

Diego Costa’s contract with Atletico Madrid has been terminated by mutual consent ahead of the January transfer window.

Atletico Madrid confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

“Atlético de Madrid and Diego Costa have reached an agreement for the termination of the striker’s contract, which was to end on June 30, 2021,” Atletico Madrid’s statement read.

“The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract.

“The club thanks Diego Costa for his dedication during these years and wishes him well in the next stage of his professional career.”

Costa, 32, had asked Atletico Madrid to terminate his contract early due to personal reasons.

The former Chelsea striker whose deal with the La Liga giants was due to expire in June 2021, will be able to join a new team as a free agent in January.

SPORT : EPL, Second lockdown looms after record-high number of COVID-19 cases

2020-12-29T12:12:00.002-08:00

The Premier League has recorded its highest number of positive Coronavirus results of the season, with 18 new cases.

These new cases are from the 1,479 players and club staff tested between December 21 and 27.

Some of those cases are at Manchester City and the outbreak saw their game at Everton called off on Monday.

Before Tuesday, the highest number of cases this season was 16, during the week of November 9 to 15.

“The Premier League can today confirm that between Monday 21 December and Sunday 27 December, 1,479 players and Club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, there were 18 new positive tests.

“Players or club staff who have tested positive will self-isolate for a period of 10 days.

“The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing,” a Premier League statement read.

SPORT : EPL, Michael Owen predicts Man United vs Wolves, Brighton vs Arsenal

2020-12-29T12:09:00.002-08:00

Michael Owen, a former Liverpool forward, has predicted Manchester United to beat Wolves 1-0 when both teams clash in the Premier League on Tuesday night at Old Trafford.

Owen also predicted that Brighton and Arsenal would play a draw at the Amex Stadium tonight.

Providing his predictions, Owen told BetVictor, “Manchester United are brimming with confidence.

“Their patchy home form was given a massive boost in their demolition of Leeds just over a week ago. They take on a Wolves side who despite looking good going forward, are struggling in front of goal.

“I think Wolves could sit in and play for a point, but if they do, Man United may just have enough to break them down. Man United 1, Wolves 0.”

Speaking on the Brighton vs Arsenal match, Owen said, “Both these sides could do with a win.

“We all know about Arsenal’s troubles, but Brighton is not doing much better. The Seagulls have slid down the league table and despite looking good at times, there have been too many slip-ups.

“Despite both teams being out of form, I think both managers will fancy winning this. That said, it is hard to make a case for either side, and I would not be surprised at all if it ended all square. Brighton 1, Arsenal 1.”

The kick-off time for Man United vs Wolves is 9 pm, while that of Brighton vs Arsenal is 7 pm.

SPORT : Interesting features, match statistics as Chelsea fails to win at home against Aston Villa

2020-12-29T12:05:00.002-08:00

Chelsea faltered at Stamford bridge after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Monday night football.

It was a game the Blues needed to win to move into the Premier League top four but they let in a goal later on to share the spoils in the London Derby contest.

Lampard was unhappy with his sides’ draw with Aston Villa and they would be looking forward to the next games on Match Day 17.

Following the 1-1 draw on Monday Night Football, DAILY POST evaluates the interesting features and match statistics as Chelsea fails to record the win.

Shots on target

5 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 3

The encounter between two London side ensured that the match lived up to the billing in the final third.

Chelsea had the upper hand in the game unlike the visiting Aston Villa had in the game.

They recorded 5 shots on target compared to the 3 shots on target that Aston Villa had in the game.

Shots Off Target

8 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 6

The Blues may have had the upper hand in the tie over the visiting Villa side but it was clear here that Chelsea missed a lot of chances in the game.

It led to their misery as they endured another 1-1 draw at home. They had 8 shots off target while Aston Villa had 6 shots off target.

POSSESSION

6 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 36

Chelsea dominated the game as they faced up with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. They had 64% of the ball compared to Aston Villa’s 36% of the possession in the 90-minute affair.

However, Chelsea could not make it count as they allowed Aston Villa back in the game.

Corners

11 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 4

Chelsea’s intensity in the final third ensured they had 11 corner-kicks in the match. Though Aston Villa managed to produced about 4 corner-kicks of their own in the game.

Offsides

1(Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 1

The Blues and their Aston Villa counterpart were guilty of one offside call apiece in the entire duration of the game.

Chelsea was drawn out of position especially when their second goal was ruled out for offside. While Dean Smith’s men lost their cool when they went in search of an equalizer.

Fouls

16(Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 3

The physical challenges that took place in this match showed that Chelsea committed a large number of fouls in the match.

The match culminated into 16 + 3 – 19 fouls in the entire match. But it was the home side that recorded 16 fouls as regards to Aston Villa 3 fouls in the match.

Yellow Card

3 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 1

The match produced a total of 4 Yellow cards in the match but Chelsea had 3 bookings. Aston Villa Anwar EL-Ghazi was given a yellow card in the 71st minute.

While Chelsea’s trio of Cesar Azpilicueta, Olivier Giroud and N’Golo Kante was booked in the 45th, 71st and 74th minute of the game respectively.

Goalkeeping Saves

2 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 4

Despite the brilliance of Edouard Mendy in goal, Aston Villa found their way back in the game.

The Senegalese International was able to make only 2 goalkeeping saves while he conceded 10 minutes before the hour mark. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez made 4 goalkeeping saves.

Goal-Kick

6 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 10

The game produced about 16 goal-kicks in the entire match.

Chelsea could produce 10 goal-kicks in the opposing area due to their increased quest for goal in the game.

Aston Villa managed to produce 6 goal-kicks against Frank Lampard’s side in the contest.

Treatments

3 (Chelsea) (Aston Villa) 3

Chelsea and Aston Villa produced a total of about 3 + 3 – 6 treatments in the entire match.

Chelsea’s quest and the physical surge in the tie ensured they created 3 treatments while the visiting Aston Villa side also had the same number of treatments with 3 treatments as well.

SPORT : Simeone reacts as Atletico Madrid terminate Diego Costa’s contract

2020-12-29T12:02:00.003-08:00

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has paid tribute to striker, Diego Costa, after the Spaniard’s contract was terminated by the club on Tuesday.

recalls that Atletico Madrid on Tuesday announced they had terminated Costa’s contract following mutual consent ahead of the January transfer window.

“Atlético de Madrid and Diego Costa have reached an agreement for the termination of the striker’s contract, which was to end on June 30, 2021.

“The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract,” Atletico Madrid’s statement read.

Reacting, Simeone said he was grateful to Costa for giving Atletico Madrid his heart during his time at the La Liga giants.

“I am grateful to him [Diego Costa], like all the people who gave us their hearts,” Simeone said as quoted by Marca.

“Diego was one of them, as much from a sporting point of view as from a human point of view.

“We have not seen each other for a few days because Diego did not come to train while he was negotiating.

“Most importantly, we can hug each other when we see each other, celebrating our memories,” he said.

SPORT : EPL, John Terry criticises Chelsea star after 1-1 with Aston Villa

2020-12-29T11:58:00.002-08:00

Aston Villa’s assistant manager, John Terry, has criticised Chelsea defender, Andreas Christensen following his side’s 1-1 draw with the Blues in the Premier League on Monday night.

Goals from Olivier Giroud and Anwar El Ghazi gave both Chelsea and Aston Villa a point each at Stamford Bridge.

After the game, a fan told Terry on Instagram that he should be “raging” with Aston Villa’s equaliser following their refusal to put the ball out of play while Christensen appeared to be injured on the floor.

But Terry, who spent thirteen years as Chelsea’s captain during his time at the West London club, said Christensen should have got back in position to defend Aston Villa’s attack.

He [Christensen] should have got up,” Terry said.

He added, “Great to be back at the Bridge tonight. Another great performance in the space of 48 hours from the boys @avfcofficial. Rest and recover now for the next game.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has since insisted that Chelsea should not have been awarded a foul for Jack Grealish’s collision with Christensen.

Lampard said, “In terms of the Grealish incident, I haven’t seen it again, but I didn’t feel there was much in it at the time, I am not sure whether it was a foul or not.

“I was just concerned as soon as Andreas stayed down that the ball was going to go into our box and we would be a man down, which turned out to be the case.”

SPORT : Man Utd vs Wolves, Solskjaer gives injury updates ahead of EPL clash

2020-12-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is optimistic Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be available for selection when they host Wolves on Tuesday night.

However, the Norwegian will have to make a late call on Victor Lindelof.

Lindelof deputised for Wan Bissaka against Leicester City on Boxing Day, as he missed out with a knock he sustained in a 6-2 win against Leeds a week earlier.

However, the Swede lasted just over an hour at King Power and was replaced by Axel Tuanzebe, who also filled in at right-back for the Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Everton before Christmas.

United take on Wolves at Old Trafford looking to improve their home form and Solskjaer says he is hopeful both players will be available.

“Victor didn’t train this morning [Monday] so we’ll give him 24 hours. He’s still getting treatment,” Solskjaer said.

“Aaron trained with the boys. We didn’t do a lot because there was snow and it was just about preparation training anyway. If there’s no reaction he should be available.”

SPORT : Three clubs Diego Costa cannot join from Atletico Madrid revealed

2020-12-29T11:44:00.001-08:00

Atletico Madrid striker, Diego Costa, will have to pay £23m if he wishes to cut short his contract with Atletico Madrid early and make a move to their LaLiga rivals Real Madrid or Barcelona, Cadena Cope reports.

The 32-year-old rejoined Atletico from Chelsea in 2017 and has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances in all competitions.

However, this season, he has been a peripheral figure, making just two starts in the league after falling down the pecking order behind Luis Suarez and Joao Felix.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, Costa was widely expected to leave in the summer anyway, but it is now believed he is keen to depart in January.

The Spain striker missed training on Monday in order to try to find a resolution with the club.

But Costa has a clause in his contract whereby he would be forced to pay a staggering £23m if he were to join any of the three elite teams in Spain outside Atletico: Barca, Madrid or Sevilla.

SPORT : EPL, How Lampard clashed with Chelsea players during 3-1 defeat to Arsenal

2020-12-29T11:40:00.002-08:00

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, ‘lost it’ in the dressing room when speaking to his players at half time during the 3-1 loss to Arsenal, The Athletic reports.

After a fine start to the season, the Blues have hit a blip recently, winning just one of their last five Premier League matches.

They could now slip nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool if the reigning champions win their game in hand.

Undoubtedly, the nadir of their recent run of bad results came on Boxing Day against Arsenal.

Prior to that win, Mikel Arteta’s side had not won in seven league games and were closer to the relegation zone than the top four. But they went two goals up at half-time against the Blues.

During the break, Lampard raged at the players in the dressing room, criticizing their poor display.

His words did not seem to have any effect as Bukayo Saka made it 3-0 early in the second half. Tammy Abraham eventually netted a late consolation, while Jorginho missed a penalty.

SPORT : EPL, Brendan Rodgers reacts as Iheanacho misses penalty in Leicester’s 1-1 draw with Palace

2020-12-29T11:36:00.002-08:00

Leicester City boss, Brendan Rodgers, has reacted to the penalty miss by Nigerian international, Kenechi Iheanacho, during the Foxes 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday.

Leicester failed to pick up all the three points against Palace as Iheanacho fired a first half spot kick into the hands of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

The Super Eagles star, who has not scored for Leicester since July 2020, wasted the chance to put the Foxes 1-0 ahead in the 18th minute.

Ivorian Wilfried Zaha scored for the home side in the 58th minute through a counter attack before Harvey Barnes restored parity seven minutes from time.

Rodgers, however, defended the Nigerian forward, insisting that Iheanacho had done very well during training before the trip to the game.

“I said at half time, it was one you have to let go of,” Rodgers told Amazon Prime

“He practised yesterday and hit five out of five, so he was confident, but it is just one of those things.”

SPORT : Why I fight with my son – Cristiano Ronaldo

2020-12-29T11:15:00.003-08:00

Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he always fights with his 10-year-old son over what he, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. eats

Ronaldo said he would allow his son do whatever he decides to do in future and will never force him to pursue a career as a footballer.

The Portuguese star, however, said that it irks him when his son drinks Coca-Cola!

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates with his family at the Globe Soccer Awards.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was awarded the ‘Player of the Century’ at the event for his outstanding performance in the last 20 years.

“I’m hard with him sometimes because he drinks Coca-Cola and Fanta sometimes and I’m pissed with him,” Ronaldo said in an interview after picking up the award in Dubai.

“I fight with him when he eats chips and fries and everything, he knows I don’t like it. I tell him every time, it takes a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work.

“I’m not gonna push nothing for him to be a football player….”

SPORT : Man Utd vs Man City, Why Guardiola’s men will not be thrown out of Carabao Cup

2020-12-29T06:56:00.002-08:00

Manchester City will not be thrown out of the Carabao Cup if their COVID-19 crisis prevents them from playing Manchester United on Wednesday.

City’s Premier League clash with Everton on Monday was postponed four hours before kick-off, after they recorded three new positive cases.

The former champions are wary the virus has infiltrated their squad bubble, with Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker among five already isolating.

But Manchester United will not be handed a bye into the Wembley final, despite Leyton Orient leaving the competition at the third-round under the same circumstances.

Orient had 17 positive tests back in September when they were scheduled to face Spurs, who have reached their own semi-final against Brentford, after being ushered through to the fourth-round.

City will not receive the same treatment, with the EFL’s rules for the semi-final stating their committee will use its “reasonable endeavours” to rearrange the match as early as possible.

Responding to a tweet suggesting City should forfeit the fixture, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville commented: “Not sure they will but I think Leyton Orient will be watching closely.”

There is a small chance the fixture could still be abandoned though, only if the EFL committee decides it cannot be rearranged.

SPORT : EPL, Lampard reveals why Chelsea lost to Arsenal, drew with Aston Villa

2020-12-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has admitted his team has been missing the creativity of Hakim Ziyech.

Ziyech who is currently injured, might make his return in the Blues’ next scheduled game against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Moroccan went off with a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s win over Leeds United on December 5.

Ever since, Lampard’s men have won only one of their five league fixtures since then, losing three and drawing 1-1 on Monday with Aston Villa.

“I think with Hakim, the way he was playing, he was being very effective for us in terms of assists, goal creation, chance creation and some goals,” Lampard said.

“We were very fluid at the time. You’re going to miss players at that level when they drop out and we want him back.”

Lampard said he is optimistic Ziyech might feature on Sunday if the game goes ahead – Manchester City’s game against Everton on Monday was called off due to new COVID-19 cases reported at City.

SPORT : Chelsea vs Aston Villa, What Lampard said about John Terry after EPL 1-1 draw

2020-12-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard, has lauded Aston Villa’s assistant manager, John Terry, as one of the greatest centre-backs to have played in the Premier League.

Lampard said this following Chelsea’s Premier League 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Monday,

According to him, Terry had an influence in Aston Villa’s draw against Chelsea as goals from Olivier Giroud and Anwar El Ghazi gave both teams a point each.

The Blues’ boss and Terry were former teammates during their time at Chelsea and also with the England national team.

“I am sure John has an influence because he is, in my opinion, one of the greatest centre-backs to have played in the Premier League and for England, and in the world for a long period of time,” Lampard said as quoted by Chelsea’s official website after the game.

“He has an absolute wealth of knowledge of the game, so his input will be invaluable to Dean Smith and all the staff.

“Their team is working hard, and you have seen a real big uplift in them, and I am sure there is a lot of work behind the scenes through John and all the staff there.”

SPORT : EPL, Tim Sherwood reveals player who cost Chelsea three points against Aston Villa

2020-12-29T06:34:00.000-08:00

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Tim Sherwood, has identified defender, Andreas Christensen, as the player who cost Chelsea three points against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Monday.

Sherwood blamed Christensen for Aston Villa’s equalizer against Chelsea, stating that the centre-back laid down on the floor like a baby instead of getting back in position to defend against the host.

Goals from Olivier Giroud and Anwar El Ghazi ensured both Chelsea and Aston Villa played a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

“When you look at Villa, when I see their team sheet come out I can pretty much guess apart from one or two players, it’s a settled team,” Sherwood told Premier League Productions.

“It’s a complete contrast to Chelsea, you don’t know who’s going to play.

“He tried to mix it up at the back no Silva, no Zouma today and it cost him. “Because Christiansen, that is not good enough.

“I would be saying to Christiansen after the game, why were you lying on the floor? Why did you not get up and prevent that goal from being scored? You weren’t hurt, what are you laying down there for trying to feign injury to come off, you have cost us the game today.

“You have cost us three points’. ‘Yes, Villa pushed on, and they deservedly got their point. ‘But that is crucial, that’s not good enough, you are a big, strong centre-back, don’t lay down on the floor like a baby, get up and get on with it for your team. Not good enough,” he added.

SPORT : Transfer, Arteta takes final decision on signing Aouar for Arsenal

2020-12-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Arsenal will not renew their interest in Lyon midfielder, Houssem Aouar, in the January window.

The Athletic reports that the Gunners will instead pursue other targets.

Mikel Arteta’s side is short of creativity after Mesut Ozil was frozen out, with a new playmaker now top priority when the window reopens.

They had been expected to make another move for Aouar, having held extensive negotiations with Lyon over the summer.

But the Frenchman has fallen down their wishlist since then.

It is understood Arsenal will not rekindle their interest in the 22-year-old and are “prioritising other targets”.

In addition to the fee Lyon would demand, Arsenal also have some “reservations” about Aouar, while the player himself has publicly committed to remaining with the club until the end of the season at least.

The Premier League have been linked with the likes of Norwich’s Emiliano Buendia, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt and Barcelona’s Riqui Puig as alternatives.

SPORT : Brighton vs Arsenal, Arteta to be without four key players for EPL clash

2020-12-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, will be without at least four first-team players for their trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday.

A statement on the Gunners’ official website revealed that Gabriel Magalhaes, Thomas Partey, David Luiz and Willian will be unavailable for the game.

Magalhaes, who missed the 3-1 win over Chelsea, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Luiz and Willian are recovering from symptoms and will resume training later in the week.

Partey is also on the road to recovery.

“Gabriel – Has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating according to UK Government and Premier League protocols. We will continue to monitor and support Gabriel, and we are hoping he will be available again after our next two matches.

“Thomas Partey – Left thigh. Thomas has progressed well since the injury on 6 December. He has started to train outside and will continue with his daily assessments and monitoring.

“David Luiz – Since feeling unwell, David has returned to outside training and is due to re-join the full squad on Thursday (31 December).

“Willian – Since feeling unwell, Willian has returned to outside training and is due to re-join the full squad on Thursday (31 December),” the statement read.

SPORT : EPL, Abramovich to sack Lampard as Chelsea manager on one condition

2020-12-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, will sack manager, Frank Lampard if he doesn’t deliver a Premier League top-four finish this season.

This claim was made by former Chelsea star, Craig Burley.

Lampard’s men are currently in the 6th position on the Premier League table with 26 points from 16 matches after losing 3-1 against Arsenal on Boxing Day.

“[Lampard’s] got players out of form, he’s got players that aren’t fully fit, and that is a problem,” Burley told ESPN.

“They’ve gone from looking one of the paciest, quickest sides in the Premier League, to one of the most pedestrian.

“That is a huge issue for him because you may have noticed with this owner Roman Abramovich, he does not suffer inconsistency, bad results, no matter who it is.

“So let me be clear, Lampard is back on the chopping board currently as we speak.”

Burley added: “It’s turn-up time for Lampard and these players. This cut and thrust period can make and break you.

“I’m not suggesting Abramovich is going to sack him [Lampard] in the next couple of weeks, but there is one thing they need to remember – top four. If they don’t get in the top four, he’s probably done.

“It’s a big season for him. It looked as if it was going swimmingly and now it looks like they’re sinking a little bit. They seem to have a weight around their feet. He’s going to have to find the reason to put it right.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea played a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Monday evening at Stamford Bridge, thanks to Olivier Giroud’s strike.

SPORT : EPL, Saha names five teams that can win title

2020-12-29T06:16:00.002-08:00

Former Manchester United striker, Louis Saha, has said at least five teams can win the Premier League title this season.

Champions Liverpool are currently top, but have already drawn five matches and lost once.

A number of teams are within touching distance of the Reds and Saha believes Man City, Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea will rival Klopp’s charge for the title.

Saha told Ladbrokes: “I’d probably say there are four or five teams in with a genuine chance of winning the title.

“I’d definitely put Man United in there, Tottenham in there for sure as well. Chelsea have a good chance too, as well as the obvious two.

“I’m actually loving the competitiveness of the Premier League this season. Football needs it.

“When you look at leagues like Spain and France where it is always the same one or two teams – it’s great to see such a wide-open league in England.”

SPORT : EPL Iheanacho misses penalty as Leicester City fail to beat Crystal Palace

2020-12-29T06:13:00.000-08:00

Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, on Monday missed a penalty in his side’s Premier League 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

Iheanacho missed a glorious opportunity to add to his tally this season at Selhurst Park as second-half goals from Wilfried Zaha, and Harvey Barnes ensured both Leicester and Palace got a point each.

The Nigerian international was handed his second league start of the campaign against Roy Hodgson’s side but missed an opportunity to give the Foxes the lead.

Leicester were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute during the match after James Tomkins brought down Luke Thomas in the box.

Iheanacho was given the opportunity to take the spot-kick, but the former Manchester City star missed the glorious chance, failing to fire his effort past goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita.

The 24-year-old played for 72 minutes before he was replaced by Demarai Gray.

Iheanacho’s compatriot, Wilfred Ndidi, was did not play the match.

The result means Leicester still maintain the second position on the Premier League table with 29 points from 16 matches.

SPORT : Mesut Ozil in shock move to join Ronaldo at Juventus

2020-12-29T06:08:00.002-08:00

Arsenal are set to offload playmaker, Mesut Ozil, out in a shock move to Juventus on a six-month loan, according to Italian newspaper, Tuttosport.

The Premier League club are willing to subsidise Ozil’s mammoth £350,000-a-week salary to help seal the deal with Juventus in the January transfer window.

Ozil’s agent has also been in contact with the Serie A champions over a potential free transfer in 2021.

The move would reunite Ozil with his former Real Madrid team-mate, Cristiano Ronaldo, at Allianz.

Ozil has not played for Arsenal under manager, Mikel Arteta, since football resumed after the COVID-19 lockdown.

The 32-year-old was also dropped from Arsenal’s 25-man Europa League squad.

The ex-Germany international joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 under the regime of former Gunners manager, Arsene Wenger.

SPORT : Everton vs Man City game called off

2020-12-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

Monday night football between Manchester City and Everton has been postponed, because of a COVID-19 outbreak among the City squad.

It is the second Premier League fixture to be called off this season due to Coronavirus outbreak, after Aston Villa vs Newcastle earlier this month.

On Christmas Day, Manchester City announced Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker had tested positive for coronavirus, along with two members of club staff.

The club has now closed their first-team training ground.

A Manchester City statement read: “After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.

“With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.

“Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.”

SPORT : Everton’s, predicted line up against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Side

2020-12-29T06:01:00.001-08:00

Everton have been relatively impressed under Carlo Ancelotti and they are placed second in the table after beating Sheffield United last time out.

They are just three points adrift of Merseyside rivals Liverpool and their run of wins in a row has defined their surge up to the EPL log.

The Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Manchester City duel. Though he will make do without six of his key players.

The major players to be missing out here include Allan, James Rodriguez, Lucas Digne and Richarlison while Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph are relatively sidelined for this match.

The unavailability of the four important players could see the Toffees approach the game with a defensive platform.

With Lucas Digne not available, Ben Godfrey should take up the left-back role, though Seamus Coleman could return to the starting eleven to feature at the right back.

Yerry Mina and Michael Keane should continue as Everton defensive pair in the central defence while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford should keep his place in goal.

In the midfield, Tom Davies should partner Abduolaye Duocoure in, pivot with the two sitting behind to stifle what Kevin De Bruyne may be trying to make out for his side in transition.

Gylfi Sigurdsson will continue on the number 10 role looking to pull the string for his side in the attacking third.

With the match coming too early for James Rodriguez (Colombia) and Richarlison (Brazil), Alex Iwobi and Bernard are expected to feature in their stead on both flanks.

In the attack, the in-form top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin should spearhead the charge for goals for his Everton side.

Everton probable eleven against Manchester City in a 4-2-3-1 Formation Scheme.

Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey; Abdoulaye Duocoure; Ben Davies; Alex Iwobi, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bernard; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

SPORT : Everton vs Manchester City, Key battles in Goodison Park showdown

2020-12-29T05:56:00.002-08:00

Carlo Ancelotti’s men would do battle against Manchester City as the game looms at Goodison Park.

It will be a scintillating round of football in the 90 minutes contest as the likes of Pep Guardiola and Italian Ancelotti’s test might be in the Coaching dugout.

While the two managers duel on the sidelines, players would also compete against each other on the pitch.

takes a look at the key battles ahead of the showdown at Goodison on Park.

Michael Keane vs. Sergio Aguero

The match would present a high profile contest between these two individuals personnel as the game draws closer by the minutes.

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero will test his might with the English defender Michael Keane though the striker is just returning to match fitness.

But Keane’s technical awareness in the heart of Everton’s defence should provide the right measure for him to compete against Sergio Aguero as the match looms in earnest.

Gylfi Sigurdsson vs. Fernandinho

The Brazilian will stage a comeback for this match as Sigurdsson’s creativity would be on the line when Fernandinho competes with him on the field of play.

Both managers would rely on the quality both players could present in the game as we envisage an intriguing duel between the two football brains.

Sigurdsson is in-form after scoring the winner against the Blades but it’s no guarantee he would come out on top in this one against the former Shakhtar Donetsk defensive midfielder.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs. John Stones

Everton’s top marksman Calvert-Lewin will be on the ascendancy as he faces his opposite number in the Everton/City clash on Monday.

He is one of the leading goal scorers in the EPL and his case may be too much for John Stones to handle, though the City defender has been in good stead in recent times.

It promises to be an interesting battle between these English players on the pitch much as their contributions could determine the pendulum of this match in earnest.

Let’s hope that both English stars will produce the required measure we anticipate in this tie as Calvert-Lewin looks to add to his tally at the expense of John Stones defensive strength on the occasion.

SPORT : EPL, Mark Lawrenson predicts score lines of Everton vs Man City, Chelsea vs Aston Villa

2020-12-29T05:52:00.003-08:00

Former Liverpool player, Mark Lawrenson, has predicted Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to secure a 2-0 win against Everton when both teams clash in the Premier League at Goodison Park on Monday night.

Lawrenson also backed Frank Lampard’s Chelsea to beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in today’s Premier League fixture.

“Everton had to scrap for their win over Sheffield United, but they’re quite happy to do that side of things – and they got the job done too,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

“From what I saw of Manchester City’s win over Newcastle, it was quite typical of their season so far. They were always the better team, but there were some big chances missed by Pep Guardiola’s side and they never fully got into their stride.

“It was another win for City though, and another clean sheet. I think they will be able to cope with what Everton throw at them, and find a way of getting the three points this time too. Everton 0, Man City 2.”

Commenting on the Chelsea vs Aston Villa match, Lawrenson said, “I’m not surprised Chelsea boss Frank Lampard criticised his side’s performance in their defeat by Arsenal, because they were well short.

“The Blues have now lost 3 of their last 4 league games, and this next test is also far from easy, against an Aston Villa side that is playing well and is full of confidence.

“Villa had to play with ten men for the whole second half of their win over Crystal Palace but still looked the more dangerous side going forward.

“I am still going with Chelsea here though because I think we’ll see a reaction from their players. They cannot be as bad as that again, surely?

“Whatever happens to Villa at Stamford Bridge, they’ve still given themselves an excellent platform for the rest of the season. It took them 24 games to reach 25 points last season, so they’ve done it in nine games fewer this time.

“Being realistic, I do not see them challenging for the top four, but they have already proved a lot of people wrong with their results so far. Chelsea 2, Aston Villa 0.”

The kick-off time for Everton vs Man City is 9 pm, while that of Chelsea vs Aston Villa is 6:30 pm.