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Perhaps because there isn’t much time left until England’s friendly with Switzerland on Tuesday night, the Three Lions have announced they won’t be calling up a replacement for Dele Alli following news the Tottenham midfielder has withdrawn from Gareth Southgate’s squad due to injury.

But we at Football FanCast reckon that represents a valuable opportunity wasted for England – Switzerland are strong opposition that will give the Three Lions a good game and there are certainly a number of English talents who deserve their chance to impress within the international setup.

With that in mind, we’ve given our writers one simple question – who should England have called up to replace the Spurs midfielder, who Transfermarkt value at £90million? Read their verdicts below…

Greg Potts – James Maddison

“Southgate should have used Alli’s injury as a chance to introduce Leicester’s new signing James Maddison into the senior England setup for the first time. Maddison’s storming season for Norwich last term got him the big-money move to the Foxes and he has already proved that he has the talent to produce in the Premier League. The 21-year-old is a classy, attack-minded midfielder with quick feet in a similar mould to Alli and has earned his right for a call up.”

James Beavis – Callum Wilson

“With Ruben Loftus-Cheek ready to step in for Alli against Switzerland, Southgate should have taken advantage of yet another withdrawal to introduce another striker into his squad. Harry Kane seems unlikely to play the duration at the King Power Stadium, and with Marcus Rashford having picked up a knock against Spain, the only other option is Danny Welbeck. Wilson arguably deserved a call-up originally following his bright start to the Premier League season with Bournemouth, and he should have been given the opportunity to pick up his first cap and make an impression in a friendly game in Alli’s absence.”

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Josh Challies – Lewis Cook

“The 21-year-old Bournemouth man certainly stood out as the leading candidate to replace Alli and should have got the edge over Manchester City starlet Phil Foden due to his experience, which includes being named amongst England’s back-ups for the World Cup. While he is yet to start for the Cherries this season, Cook remains an important part of Eddie Howe’s side and he should have certainly been promoted from the U21 ranks alongside Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray.”

Danielle Joynson – Will Hughes

“Given that Tuesday’s game against Switzerland is a friendly, Southgate can afford to give fringe players a chance to prove their ability. Instead of opting against calling up a replacement for Dele Alli, he should have turned to Watford midfielder Will Hughes. The 23-year-old may not be the obvious choice, but he could provide an extra creative spark to the Three Lions. Currently, the former Derby man is in good form having started all four of Watford’s Premier League fixtures, and he found the back of the net against Burnley in their 3-1 triumph.”

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Christy Malyan – Jack Wilshere

“This isn’t a reflection of his West Ham form which has been unspectacular at best but England desperately need a creative passer in their midfield and Jack Wilshere is still probably the best option the Three Lions have. Switzerland would have been the perfect opponents to test that theory against and Wilshere’s at least fit at the moment, even if he’s hardly uprooted trees at the London Stadium. Fabian Delph or Ruben Loftus-Cheek will fill Alli’s void instead, but neither offer Wilshere’s instinctive guile in possession.”Â

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Which player do you think should have been called up to replace Alli, England fans? Let us know by voting below…

Manchester United and Liverpool face each other for the 52nd time in the Premier League this weekend and there is once again big stakes on the line in the Northwest derby.

While the title may be beyond both sides this season, the battle for a runner-up finish is well and truly on with the second-place Red Devils and the third-placed Reds separated by just two points in the table.

But which manager faces the biggest injury problems, how could the referee influence proceedings at Old Trafford, who enters the game in better form and can history tell us anything about the likeliest outcome? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s 12.30pm kickoff…

What History Tells Us

Throughout the Premier League era, Manchester United have claimed a huge 42 points more than Liverpool in this fixture, accordingly boasting better returns for goals scored and clean sheets – however, they have received two more red cards.

Perhaps that shouldn’t be a surprise considering the few occasions in which Liverpool have actually finished above United in a Premier League season, but the Red Devils’ dominance has been mostly felt in recent years, winning seven of the last twelve and losing just two.

United’s win-rate at Old Trafford is far superior to Liverpool’s as well, but the big concern for the neutrals is whether this game will be reduced to yet another uneventful draw. The last three top flight meetings have all ended with a point apiece, with neither side scoring in both of the visits to Anfield Jose Mourinho has presided over.

Referee Influence – Craig Pawson

The appointment of Craig Pawson doesn’t spell particularly good news for either side based on their recent encounters with the 38-year-old; Pawson infamously awarded an incredibly soft penalty to hand Everton a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby at Anfield earlier this season, while the last United fixture he officiated was the shock 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

More troubling for United though is the maudlin approach Pawson has shown in the Premier League this season, ranking in the top nine for fouls per tackle, fouls per game, yellow cards per game and penalties per game. While the home side are fourth in the Premier League’s foul charts, Liverpool are a lowly 17th.

But in a derby that will implore full-blooded challenges and drama, Pawson’s returns this season are a warning for both sides not to cross the line. A few too many bookings or a sending off will make a huge difference in a clash between two teams of such similar quality.

Form Guide

It’s Liverpool who enter this fixture in better form – they’ve lost just once in the Premier League since October – but there isn’t a great deal to choose between them and United from the last six games. Both have won four of those, with Liverpool picking up one draw compared to the Red Devils’ two defeats.

The Reds have also scored more goals and kept more clean sheets, although United have faced Chelsea in that time as well as Tottenham, whereas the rest of Liverpool’s opposition have all been members of the relegation battle – the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Huddersfield.

In terms of firepower though, Mohamed Salah is finding the net more frequently than Romelu Lukaku at the minute, and much of Jose Mourinho’s focus on Saturday will be on stopping the Egyptian attacker marauding through his defence before slotting past David De Gea.

Team News

It’s certainly Mourinho who has to contend with the bigger injury issues this weekend. Despite Scott McTominay’s impressive form, Ander Herrera and Maurouane Fellaini would both likely be starting ahead of him on Saturday if they were fully fit – the former is not expected to be part of the squad, but the latter could return to the bench.

There is a boost in defence, however, with Eric Bailly now back to full health after a lengthy layoff. It seems unlikely that Mourinho would rush the young centre-back into the starting XI for such an important game, though.

Accordingly then, we’re expecting Manchester United to stick with the same starting XI that pulled off the 3-2 comeback against Crystal Palace on Monday night. However, don’t be too surprised to see England duo Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford replace Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard respectively although we believe they’ll be overlook.

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They’re probably the key positions for United this weekend; whoever starts at left-back will need to contain Mohamed Salah, and whoever starts on the right wing will need to provide an outlet on the break.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, faces a few late injury concerns heading into Saturday’s game, with Andrew Robertson and captain Jordan Henderson both doubts – the former was left out in midweek against FC Porto, while the latter lasted the full ninety minutes but suffered a dead leg.

But we’re expecting those players to play through the pain in order to take part in arguably the biggest game of Liverpool’s season, while the usual suspects from Liverpool’s regular Premier League starting XI look set to return to the fold.

In total, we’re anticipating five changes from the side that couldn’t score against Porto at Anfield on Tuesday night.

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According to reports in The Sun, Everton have lined up a shock move for former Watford boss Walter Mazzarri to be their new manager should Ronald Koeman leave the post.

What’s the word, then?

Well, despite their big summer of spending the Toffees have lost four of their opening seven Premier League matches – including the 1-0 defeat by Burnley at Goodison Park on Sunday – and taken just one point from six available in their Europa Leaguue group.

Koeman is under huge pressure from the supporters because of the poor performances on the pitch and despite receiving a vote of confidence from owner Farhad Moshiri on Sunday night, The Sun says that the Merseyside outfit are already looking at potential replacements for the Dutchman.

The Sun says that one of those is said to be Mazzarri, who has been without a job since being sacked by Watford towards the end of last season.

The report adds that the Italian is keen to manage in the Premier League again, and he was contacted following the loss against the Clarets to see if he would be interested in taking over.

Would he be a good appointment for Everton?

It’s difficult to say.

Mazzarri certainly made a good impression during the first half of his season in charge of the Hornets, but seven defeats in the club’s final eight Premier League matches last season saw him get the boot, with Watford ending the campaign in 17th position.

While the 56-year-old has managed Sampdoria, Inter Milan and Napoli in the past, his record at Vicarage Road certainly places some doubt over his credentials, while he also struggled to learn English.

However, The Sun says that is something he is willing to improve as he is keen to return to the Premier League.

What happens next?

Well, Koeman seems as though he has been given the opportunity to turn things around despite the international break being the ideal time to appoint a new manager, but if Everton lose their next match away at newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion it would surely see the Dutchman get the boot.

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While Mazzarri would likely be on the Merseyside outfit’s list to replace him, it would certainly be a shock to many if he did end up getting the job.

Manchester United look set for a big summer transfer window, as Jose Mourinho looks to put the finishing touches on a squad that has consistently improved at a steady rate throughout the course of his debut season at Old Trafford.

But could the club’s immediate future lay in its not so distant past? The Red Devils coughed up a world-record fee to bring Paul Pogba back to the club last summer and considering the sheer number of talented players who’ve passed through the doors at Carrington, it’s likely stars of similar ability have also fallen through the net in recent years.

With that in mind, we asked United fans earlier this week to vote for which former stars they’d like Mourinho to re-sign in the coming window. The results of our exclusive poll are now in, so here’s a rundown of the top three.

3. Memphis Depay

The Memphis Depay who showed world-class potential as he fired PSV to the Eredivisie title simply didn’t turn up at Old Trafford – and Jose Mourinho’s arrival was unsurprisingly the nail in the coffin for the workshy winger. But the Netherlands international has been nothing short of phenomenal since moving to Lyon in January, bagging two assists and five goals in just nine Ligue 1 appearances – including the above effort from the halfway line that’s sure to get a nomination for this year’s Puskas Award. Third in our poll, it seems a significant chunk of Red Devils fans think a failure to realise his full ability with United was as much down to the club as the 23-year-old.

2. Javier Hernandez

Well-liked during his time at Old Trafford, it’s no surprise to see Manchester United’s former super-sub Javier Hernandez ranking second in our poll. Despite predominantly featuring from the bench, he reached double figures in three consecutive Premier League campaigns before a loan stint at Real Madrid and a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen; which has given the Mexico international the platform to prove the kind of hauls he’s capable of when given a place in the starting XI. Indeed, since moving to the BayArena in summer 2015, Hernandez has netted 38 times in 71 appearances across all competitions – and earned himself a spot in last term’s Bundesliga Team of the Season.

1. Angel Di Maria

Always the one that got away, United fans still clearly respect Angel Di Maria’s ability even if he did leave the club on rather frosty terms, struggling to settle in Manchester and departing just twelve months after his club-record arrival. Nonetheless, the Argentine was mesmerising during his first half-season at Old Trafford and has continued to excel since signing for PSG in summer 2015, notching up ten goals in Ligue 1 last term and really producing the goods in the Champions League this year with four goals in seven outings – including a brace in a 4-0 battering of Barcelona last month (above). Signed by Jose Mourinho in 2010 during his first transfer window as Real Madrid boss, the Portuguese would surely love to work with the attacking midfielder once again.

Results

Spurs have been pipped to the post by a triumphant Leicester City, but little should be taken away from what Mauricio Pochettino has achieved at White Hart Lane since he started his tenure back in 2014.The Argentine walked through the gates at White Hart Lane with big expectations, despite his frank inability to even speak the English language fluently. Yet fast-forward 12 months after Spurs’ fifthÂplace Premier League finish last season and they were oh so close to going all the way.Whilst Leicester City have been an absolute phenomenon, they have been one of the biggest anomaliesÂin the division’s history. Had they not exceeded expectations to such a bewildering degree, Spurs would have gone on to win the title, which would have been a brilliant achievement considering their own budget and expectations.But in order to build on what they have put in placeÂthis season, Spurs will have to add to their squad. Yet, the majority of their summer should be spent ensuring they retain the players they already have.If they can keep hold of some of their biggest stars, theyÂwill be like new signings themselves. But who should they be looking to keep hold of?Some names are obvious, and Harry Kane has got to be at the top of the list. The one-time Leicester City loanee has been an absolute revelation for Tottenham again this season, and without him they wouldn’t be finishingÂin such a lofty position. His 25 goals in in the league this season have proven extremely useful, and there will be many a team vying for his signature come the end of the season.Dele Alli comes a close second. For someone that was playing League One football only a year ago, Alli has been as much of a revelation as Kane. The 20-year-old has a keen eye for goal and a level of aggression that has been likened to Stuart Pearce. He still has a lot to learn, but he really does have the potential to go on and be one of the world’s best.One name that many not spring to mind when it comes to Spurs’ fantastic season is Mousa Dembele. The Belgian has been at the club for a while now, but this season he has excelled alongside Alli. With both of them in the side, they’ve won 16 out of 20 and drawn the other four. He’s been a really underrated link and Pochettino should keep hold of him if he can.The Spurs faithful will want to see Pochettino try and build on the success he has achievedÂthis season, and by keeping hold of this cluster of players, he can go on to compete again next season. With the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool struggling, there really is a gapÂfor Spurs to step up and become one of the Premier League’s big boys.

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Home of the current European champions, the current Europa League champions and two of the greatest institutions throughout the history of football, there’s plenty of talent to be found in La Liga.

Furthermore, whilst we in the Premier League have developed a culture of splitting television revenues fairly evenly, over in Spain there’s a lot more disparity between Barcelona and Real Madrid and the rest of the pack, meaning the majority of La Liga stars and starlets can be sourced on the cheap.

With that in mind and Arsene Wenger’s adoration of developing young talent well known, here’s a list of FIVE La Liga starlets that should be giving the Arsenal boss food for thought.

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AYMERIC LAPORTE

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Already known to be on the Arsenal radar, Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte has been mooted by the tabloids as the ideal January signing to provide some much-needed depth to the Gunners defence:

The 20 year-old has enjoyed some fantastic form since his La Liga debut in December 2012, last term playing a major role in the Basque outfit’s Champions League qualification with 35 league appearances. This year, his performances have reached an even higher level, with the young Frenchman currently fifth in La Liga’s interceptions rankings:

Here’s a more eclectic look at Laporte’s stats over the last few campaigns:

The beauty of signing Laporte from Arsenal’s point of view that although he’s more than capable of challenging for a regular first team role, he won’t be too disappointed in playing second fiddle to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker for extended periods. He can also slot in at left-back – a position where the north Londoners have really struggled with injuries this season. Even so, the France U21 is rated at around £30million, whilst known long-term interest from several other top European sides could be another stumbling block for the Gunners:

Leo Baptistao

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Famed for his diminutive style, agile frame and netting prowess, Brazilian hotshot Leo Baptistao is often referred to as ‘the second-best Leo in La Liga’ – after Lionel Messi, obviously. Here’s the striker putting Angel Di Maria on his backside:

//www.youtube.com/embed/g3mO99ws51Q?rel=0

The 22 year-old rose to acclaim after bagging six goals and seven assists from 28 league appearances during his debut campaign with Rayo Vallecano, triggering a move to Atletico Madrid in summer 2013.

Things didn’t work out too well with the Mattress Makers and the young Brazilian is now back with Los Vallecanos on loan. Once again, his form in front of goal is attracting attention:

The majority of his finishes are simple but effective, such as this strike against Eibar:

Atletico spent a combined €63million on forwards Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic and Raul Jiminez last summer, so it remains to be seen if room can be made for Baptistao at Vincente Calderon when his loan spell comes to an end. Should the La Liga champions look to sell, Arsenal would be wise to pick up the pieces. There’s no doubting the 5 foot 11 front-man’s pedigree – he played for the same junior side as Barcelona star Neymar: //www.youtube.com/embed/IUUaTg-ijWA?rel=0

PACO ALCACER

Another young La Liga striker already known to have caught Arsenal’s attention is Valencia prodigy Paco Alcacer:

The 21 year-old has been more than reliable in the final third for Los Che since becoming a starting Xi regular last season, as detailed below:

In fact, that’s propelled him to the forefront of Vincente del Bosque’s plans for the Spanish national team, and Alcacer now has three goals and five caps for La Roja following his September debut. Here’s a clip of the 5 foot 9 forward in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/l5gCwc49wxA?rel=0

Fernando Torres-esque dare I say? Boasting no defining attribute but an impressive, effective all-round game.

Most appealingly, Alcacer currently has a £15million release clause in his contract, leading one publication to dub him ‘the Bargain of Europe’ earlier this season. A new deal has been reported as in the offing for some time, allegedly bumping up his buy-out to £40million:

But nothing’s materialised just yet and we’re now just a month from the January window, suggesting Alcacer could be prized away in the New Year.

Fede Cartabia

There must be something in the water at the Mestalla – fellow Valencia academy product Fede Cartabia has also emerged as one of La Liga’s hottest prospects this season. The young winger is currently on loan at Cordoba and has amassed a decent return of three goals and three assists in twelve La Liga outings. Here’s a clip of Cartabia in action: //www.youtube.com/embed/zmUCdkoym48?rel=0 Most impressively however, the 21 year-old is establishing himself as one of the Spanish top flight’s most proficient dribblers – despite immense competition – with his current average only matched by a certain Lionel Messi:

He turns out pretty decent on Football Manager 15 too:

Already looking a level above Los Califas, it’s likely Valencia will want Cartabia at the heart of their first team next season. Even so however, having demonstrated his enormous potential in the early part of the season, the Gunners would be wise to attempt a swoop for the flamboyant wideman next summer.

Grzegorz Krychowiak

The lack of physical presence in Arsenal’s midfield is well known and one tabloid-sourced solution comes in the form of Sevilla’s Grzegorz Krychowiak:

The 24 year-old only joined the Sevillistas from Reims this summer as a replacement for Barcelona-bound Ivan Rakitic, but he’s already cementing a reputation as one of La Liga’s top enforcers. Here’s a look at his vitals over the last few years:

It remains to be seen if the Poland international’s impressive form is sustainable, but that mixture of aerial dominance and industry represents exactly what the Gunners lack in the middle of the park.

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Having signed for Sevilla just a matter of months ago however, if Arsene Wenger wishes to sign Krychowiak in January, it could set him back as much as £20million according to some reports:

It could be worth the punt however – here’s a clip of the midfielder in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/oTHutzqkgaM?rel=0

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has criticised referee Anthony Taylor for sending off striker Carlton Cole and changing the game at Upton Park.

Cole had earlier put the Hammers in front with a superb low effort before Everton slowly worked their way back into the game and brought the game level just after half time.

The former England striker was then sent off for a ‘high foot’ with the score at 1-1 in a decision that seemed to change the game in the visitors’ favour and infuriate the West Ham bench, players and supporters.

Everton went on to win the game, but Allardyce piled the criticism on the official and claimed his consistency had ruined the game.

West Ham have confirmed that they will appeal the red card, but that is no conciliation for Allardyce who admitted he was bitterly disappointed with the lack of consistency shown by the referee.

“The sending off has changed the game dramatically,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.

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“After 32 minutes Victor Anichebe has done exactly the same thing on James Collins as Carlton has done on Leighton and one is shown nothing and the other is a straight red.

“That for me is the inconsistency we have had and that makes me bitterly disappointed with the decision of the referee to send Carlton off.”

Liverpool are reportedly targeting a summer swoop for Mexican midfielder Hector Herrera as they look to begin life without Damien Comolli, reports Goal.com.

Herrera currently plays for Mexican side Pachuca and was influential in his country’s qualification for the London 2012 Olympics.

The 21-year-old winger has only made 27 appearances for Pachuca so far in his professional career but the club’s executive director Andres Fassi confirmed that the Anfield club had been monitoring the player.

“At the moment, we know that Liverpool is interested. But that’s all it is at this point, an interest,” Fassi told ESPN.

Herrera was nominated for the Mexico League’s ‘Golden Ball’ in 2011, an award that celebrates the league’s best talent and Fassi believes that Herrera has the potential to flourish in English football.

“[Herrera] can surely be one of the Premier League’s best players in two or three seasons. He’s that good.”

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Mark Guidi has dropped an update on Celtic’s bid to secure a deal to bring Jota to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

Speaking recently to The Go Radio Football Show (via Vital Celtic), the Daily Record journalist stated his belief that Celtic are comfortable concerning the situation of Jota, as Ange Postecoglou’s side have an option to purchase the 22-year-old written into the winger’s loan contract at Parkhead.

Guidi went on to state that the Portugal under-21 international also appears to be enjoying his time in Glasgow, something that the journalist believes will make it easier for the Bhoys to agree personal terms with the Benfica loanee.

Concerning Celtic’s potential signing of Jota, Guidi said: “I think Celtic will be comfortable with the Jota scenario because what we’re led to believe [is] they do have [a] first option. It’s there in black and white.

“That was part of the loan agreement – that Celtic have the first option at an agreed fee. The fee is already agreed so there’s probably no negotiation [to be had with Benfica]. The negotiation is really with the player, in terms of his individual package.

“So, in terms of financial outlay, if Celtic fancied doing A, B and C just now, and [then] leave [signing] Jota [until] the summer [they could], because they know Jota is theirs if they want him – provided they can agree personal terms.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Jota has been since his arrival in Glasgow on a season-long loan deal last summer, Guidi’s reassuring words regarding the 22-year-old’s permanent switch to Parkhead are sure to have left the Hoops’ fanbase buzzing.

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It is easy to see why fans would be excited for the Bhoys to secure the winger’s signing. Over his 12 Premiership outings in the current campaign, the £4.95m-rated trickster has been in astonishing form for the Hoops.

Indeed, the Portuguese forward has already scored five league goals, registered four assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.8 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

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These returns have seen the £7.1k-per-week forward average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking him as the joint seventh-best player in the Scottish top flight.

As such, should Postecoglou indeed manage to get a deal over the line for Jota this season, particularly for the reported fee of £6.5m, it would undoubtedly be a major coup for the club. Not only is the winger likely to be a continuous source of goals and creativity during spell at Parkhead, he could also become a hugely valuable asset for the Bhoys further down the line in terms of making an enormous sell-on profit.

In other news: Celtic dealt huge blow as fresh twist emerges on 24 y/o, Postecoglou will be fuming

Arsene Wenger has joined Sir Alex Ferguson in telling Stuart Pearce that he has little to no chance of getting his hands on any of his players for the London Olympics. The Frenchman blasted it as not a proper tournament that shouldn’t be taken seriously at all. Harry Redknapp on the other hand suggested that Gareth Bale is free to play if selected saying it will be a big honour for the Welshman.

Elsewhere in the papers Fergie attacks agents for Mancini saga; Andre Villas-Boas warns his players, while Demba Ba reveals the secret to his success.

Fifa and Blatter agree to look again at ISL financial scandal – Guardian

We are closing in on Utd, says Mancini – Guardian

Wenger against Arsenal players at 2012 – Guardian

Ferguson attacks agents for Mancini’s Tevez saga – Independent

Liverpool and Arsenal on alert after Wigan halt Rodallega’s contract talks – Daily Mail

Wenger: RVP is now the Premier League’s best striker – Mirror

Tottenham tracking Barcelona defensive duo Bartra and Montoya – Daily Mail

Andre in net hint to Chelsea stars – Sun

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We won’t scrap relegation! Liverpool chief Henry denies foreign owner ‘plan’ – Daily Mail

Demba Ba hits the bullseye – Sun

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