Liverpool agree £75m fee for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Southampton over the signing of defender, Virgil van Dijk both clubs have announced. The fee is thought to be £75m, which would trump the previous amount ever paid for a central defender.

The 26 year old was at the centre of a disagreement between both clubs in the summer which resulted in Liverpool being reported to the Premier League by Southampton for an illegal approach.

The transfer which is expected to be sealed on January 1st, continues a trend that have seen several players from Southampton move to Liverpool over the years.

Virgil van Dijk would be a quality addition to a Liverpool defence that is known more for their inability to defend than for their attacking talents which continues to deliver the goods.

With a part of the jigsaw now complete, those of Liverpool persuasion would be looking forward to an improvement on the club's other grey area which the goalkeeping position. Where the Merseyside's two major players between the stick have repeatedly failed to impress.

Arsenal v Liverpool Teams: Maitaland-Niles in for Kolasinac, Salah, Mane, Firmino & Coutinho starts

Arsenal are unchanged for the visit of Liverpool as they bid to go
over the Reds in the race for a top four finish. Arsene Wenger sticks
with the same team that defeated Newcastle United with Maitland-Niles
retaining his place at left back over Sead Kolasinac.

Liverpool have the attacking quartet of Coutinho, Salah, Firmino and
Mane in their line-up.

Full Teams

Arsenal:

Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Monreal, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Wilshere,
Iwobi, Ozil, Alexis, Lacazette

Subs: Ospina, Mustafi, Coquelin, Elneny, Kolasinac, Welbeck, Walcott

Liverpool:

Mignolet, Gomez, Klavan, Lovren, Robertson, Henderson, Can, Coutinho,
Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Subs: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain,
Wijnaldum, Milner, Solanke.

Chelsea v Southampton Teams: Morata on the bench, Moses starts

Alvaro Morata returns for Chelsea, but the Spain international starts
on the bench after his return from injury.

Chelsea

Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko,
Alonso; Willian, Hazard, Pedro

Subs: Wilfredo Caballero, Antonio Ruediger, Cesc Fabregas, Danny
Drinkwater, Alvaro Morata, Davide Zappacosta, Michy Batshuayi

Southampton:

Forster, Cédric, Hoedt, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand, Romeu,
Ward-Prowse, Højbjerg, Redmond, Gabbiadini

Subs: Steven Davis, Charlie Austin, Dusan Tadic, Alex McCarthy, Virgil
van Dijk, Mario Lemina, Sofiane Boufal

Arsenal v Newcastle Utd Teams: Wilshere, Niles and Lacazette starts

Arsene Wenger makes just one change from the team that played out an
insipid draw with West Ham United on Wednesday. Alexandre Lacazette
starts in place of Oliver Giroud.

Full Teams

Arsenal:

Cech; Bellerín, Koscielny, Monreal, Maitland-Niles; Iwobi, Xhaka,
Wilshere; Özil, Alexis; Lacazette

Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Kolasinac, Coquelin, Elneny, Welbeck, Giroud

Newcastle Utd:

Joselu, Ayoze Perez, JacobMurphy,
Mikel Merino, Isaac Hayden, Christian Atsu, Javier Manquillo, Florian
Lejeune, Jamaal Lascelles, DeAndre Yedlin, Robert Elliot

Chelsea stood the best chance to challenge Manchester City but for a botched summer

The wheels of Chelsea's title defence started wobbling with the opening day defeat to Burnley. That defeat was a symptom of a bad summer which has become the hallmark of the club in recent times.

But with Antonio Conte at the helm, it's rare for Chelsea to follow up a disappointing result with another. Setbacks are always quickly addressed in the following fixture since the Italian took over. So it's little wonder that, that opening day defeat was followed by an efficient 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium.

As Manchester City continue to run away with the title with 16 wins from its opening 17 league matches, the chasing pack have struggled to stay in touch with the Etihad outfit. The Premier League Champions are 14 points behind the league leaders going into Week 18 of the Premier League.
While Chelsea have suffered further defeats to West Ham, Crystal Palace and the aforementioned Manchester City, Pep Guardiola's side are still undefeated.

Chelsea's summer business didn't summarily weaken the team in the real sense of the word. Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger were direct replacements for Diego Costa, Matic and John Terry.

Whether the new arrivals were improvements on the departures is a subjective matter especially as it relate to the former two. Where the club missed it was the number of players brought in. The depth of the squad was a question last season, but it wasn't obvious because of the lack of European football. But the foray into the Champions League this season has exposed the serious lack of depth at Antonio Conte's disposal.

The squad struggles to essentially put together two committed displays in a one week as reflected by the pattern of their league defeats this season.
The defeat to Manchester City came after the solid win over Atletico Madrid in Spain. While the defeat to West Ham came after the draw against Atletico at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have what could best be described as the next best thing after Manchester City's Pep Guardiola in Antonio Conte, but the way both clubs supported their managers in the last transfer window is a reflection of the priorities of the club.

While, Manchester City have a clear plan to rub shoulders with the top echelons of clubs in European football, the same cannot confidently be said of Chelsea. Whose reluctance to back their manager in the transfer market masks a trail that has continued to unfold after each title win. Little wonder that Chelsea's title defence like the last under Jose Mourinho has ended ingloriously.

It remains to be seen how Chelsea juggle the run in between now and the round of 16 meeting with Barcelona in February 2018 in the Champions League. But, one thing is clear, Chelsea are unlikely to suffer further set backs in the league with European football now on break until next year.

Chelsea's title challenge hasn't gone smoothly due to a poor summer. In time past, this could have been addressed in the January transfer window with enough room to make up the deficit. But Manchester City's steamroller has likely put paid to that in terms of it having an effect on a title challenge.

Ramsey and Mustafi out of West Ham tie

Aaron Ramsey and Mustafi have been ruled out of the West Ham tie slated for Wednesday. The former picked up a hamstring injury in the game against Southampton while the latter injured his tight in the defeat against Manchester United at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger confirmed that Ramsey's injury is a small one. While Mustafi has started running, but he is not fully fit yet.

The Frenchuman would now have to decide between Jack Wilshere, and MO Elneny as possible replacement for Aaron Ramsey.

Arsenal lie fifth in the table with 29 points as they look to get back to winning ways against a resurgent West Ham United.

Everton v Arsenal Teams: Ozil, Alexis and Lacazette start together for the first time

Arsenal are at Goodison Park in the first match of the Premier League
programme this Sunday.

The Gunners are searching for their first away win of the season
against a misfiring Everton side that has endured a difficult start to
the season which has left their manager Ronald Koeman under pressure
after huge spending in the summer.

Arsene Wenger reverts back to his traditional line up for the league
after wholesome changes in the Europa League win on Thursday.

Full Teams

Everton:

Pickford, Kenny, Baines, Williams, Jagielka (c), Keane, Gana, Vlasic,
Sigurdsson, Rooney, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Joel, Mirallas, Martina, Niasse, Klaassen, Davies, Lookman

Arsenal:

Čech; Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Bellerín, Ramsey, Xhaka,
Kolasinac; Özil, Alexis, Lacazette.

Subs: Macey, Holding, Coquelin, Wilshere, Iwobi, Walcott, Giroud

Nigeria to play Messi's Argentina in November friendly

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Argentina in a friendly match in
November, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced.

It would be the Eagles last match in 2017 after the concluding World
Cup qualifiers against Algeria in November.

The match will hold at Krasnodar Stadium on Tuesday 14, November, four
days after the tie against Algeria.

Confirming the date for the match, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said:

"We have had long and fruitful talks, and we can say that we have an agreement.

"We await the approval by FIFA and also, we have to agree on the
flight arrangements that would be comfortable for the players and
crew.

"The match will come up on 14th November, four days after the Super
Eagles' final 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying match away to Algeria.

"We had offers from teams like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Morocco but we
have opted for the Argentines"

Nigeria have faced Argentina four times in its previous five World Cup
appearances.
The first of these meetings was in USA 94, where the Argentines prevailed 2-1.

In Japan/South Korea 2002, Nigeria lost again one nil to the South Americans.

In South Africa 2010, A Messi inspired side saw the Super Eagles
succumb to another one nil defeat.

The last meeting was in Brazil 2014, as the Eagles lost out 3-2 to Argentina.

Red Star Belgrade vs Arsenal: Eight changes for Arsenal, as Debuchy returns

Arsenal continues their quest in the Europa League as they are
Belgrade to take on a Red Star side who are top of the the Serbian
first division.

Arsene Wenger has made wholesale changes, with only Petr Cech and Mo
Elneny the only survivals from the defeat to Watford at the weekend.

The Egyptian however is part of a back three, while Coquelin returns
to take his place in midfield.

Full Teams:

Arsenal:

Cech, Debuchy, Wilshere, Giroud, Walcott, Holding, Maitland-Niles,
Coquelin, Elneny, Nelson Willock

Subs: Macey, Osei-Tutu, Akpom, Dasilva, McGuane, Nketiah, Sheaf

Globacom gives way as Aiteo emerges new CAF awards sponsor

The Prestigious CAF Awards now have a new sponsor in Oil giants Aiteo.

The company replaces Telecommunication giants, Globacom to emerge as
the new sponsor.

They enjoyed wide spread publicity through their sponsorship of the
Nigerian FA Cup which was rebranded as the Aiteo Cup this year.

Speaking about the new partnership, Aiteo's representative Benedict
Peters, its executive vice president said

"Buoyed by the success of our corporate social commitment in Nigeria
that has resulted in our emergence as the first African nation to
qualify for the world cup, we are encouraged to advance our investment
in the game to a continental level.

"Our aim is to bolster the profile of African players globally, and
encourage budding talents to put in their best.

"CAF Awards shares our values in relation to creating opportunities,
healthy competition and recognition for hard work.

"We plan on using this partnership to truly enrich the fan experience
for millions of Africans.
"

On his part, the CAF president Ahmad Ahmad, welcomed the new partnership

"very glad to welcome Aiteo on board this partnership.

"Aiteo is distinguished for its commitment to excellence and this
sponsorship is a demonstration of its confidence in CAF's renowned
value proposition as a veritable platform for brand extension across
Africa.

"We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership."

This new partnership brings to an end globacom's over five year
association with the CAF awards.

Chelsea vs Roma: Morata returns, Christensen starts

Chelsea have Alvaro Morata back as they host Seria A side Roma in
match day three of the Champions League.

Full Teams:

Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill, David Luiz,
Zappacosta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard, Morata.

Subs: Wilfred Caballero,
Antonio Ruediger, Pedro Rodriguez, Kenedy, Willian, Michy Batshuayi, Kyle Scott

Roma: Alisson, Peres, Fazio, Jesus, Kolarov, Nainggolan, Gonalons,
Strootman, Gerson, Dzeko, Perotti.

Subs: Lorenzo Pellegrini,
Hector Moreno, Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Florenzi, Lukasz
Skorupski, Stephan El Shaarawy, Cengiz Under

Benfica vs Man United Teams: Rashford starts

Manchester United are in Lisbon for matchday three of the Champions
League where they would play Benfica.

Full Teams:

Benfica: Svilar, Douglas, Ruben Dias, Luisao, Grimaldo, Fejsa, Filipe
Augusto, Pizzi, Salvio, Diogo Gonçalves, Raul

Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Blind, Herrera, Matic,
Mata, Mkhitaryan, Rashford, Lukaku

Subs: Romero, Damian, Jones, Lingard, Young, Martial, McTominay

Real Madrid vs Tottenham teams: starts for Achraf Hakimi and Llorente

European champions, Real Madrid entertain English Premier League side
Tottenham in matchday three of the Champions League. Both teams have
two wins from two games coming into the match.

Full teams:

Real Madrid:

Navas, Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Varane, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Casemiro,
Ronaldo, Isco, Benzema

Subs: Theo Hernández, Casillas, Nacho, Lucas Vázquez, Marco Asensio,
Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente

Tottenham:

Lloris (C), Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Sanchez, Aurier, Sissoko, Dier,
Winks, Eriksen, Kane, Llorente

Subs: Juan Foyth, Danny Rose, Vorm, Trippier, Heung-Min Son, Kyle
Walker-Peters, Anthony Georgiou

Maribor vs Liverpool teams: Arnold and Karius starts

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are away in Slovenia as they continue their quest to register their first win in the Champions League group stage at the third time of asking.

Most of the team that played out a goalless draw with Manchester
United are retained for the tie. With Gomez and Mignolet giving way
for Arnold and Karius.

Full teams:

Maribor:

Handanovic, Milec, Rajcevic, Suler, Viler, Kabha, Vrhovec, Kramaric, Ahmedi, Bohar, Tavares.

Subs: Jean-Claude Billong, Aleks Pihler, Dino Hotic, Dare Vrsic, Jasmin Mesanovic, Matej Palcic, Marko Obradovic

Liverpool:

Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Milner, Wijnaldum,
Can; Salah, Firmino, Coutinho

Subs: Mignolet, Gomez, Klavan, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Solanke, Sturridge.

Morocco emerge as new host of CHAN

The Confederation of African Football, CAF have granted the hosting
right of the 2018 African Nations Championship to Morocco.

The decision to grant the North Africans the right was taken at the
football body's executive council meeting held this weekend in Lagos.

The tournament which is set to hold between 12 January to 4 February
2018 was initially scheduled to take place in Kenya. But the East
Africans were stripped of the hosting rights having they failed to
meet the deadline for upgrade of facilities.

Besides Morocco, Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea had put in bids to
host the tournament.

The tournament would serve as an opportunity for Morocco to host a
senior tier CAF event for players based in their home leagues, after
they withdrew from hosting the 2015 African Cup of Nations following
fears over the Ebola virus.

With Morocco now the new host, Egypt serves as the new entrant into
the competition as they take up the place of the host having
previously lost to them in the qualifiers for the tournament.

Watford vs Arsenal Teams: Alexis and Ramsey missing, Ozil on the bench

Arsenal make the short trip to Watford for week eight of the Premier League.

There are some surprises to Arsenal's line-up, with Alexis Sanchez and
Aaron Ramsey not part of the matchday squad, and Mesut Ozil is on the
bench after his return from injury. Welbeck and Elneny come into the
side.

Full Teams:

Watford:

Gomes (C); Kabasele, Mariappa, Britos; Femenía, Doucouré, Cleverley,
Holebas; Pereyra, Gray, Richarlison.

Subs: Karnezis, Wagué, Janmaat, Watson, Capoue, Carrillo, Deeney.

Arsenal:

Cech, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Bellerin, Xhaka, Elneny,
Kolasinac, Welbeck, Iwobi, Lacazette

Subs: Ospina, Holding, Coquelin, Wilshere, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Teams: Batshuayi and Hazard starts

Chelsea would be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier
League as they visit Selhurst Park to face a Crystal Palace, who are
pointless and without a goal this season.

Antonio Conte makes some enforced changes as Batshuayi come in for
Alvaro Morata. While Zaha returns for Crystal Palace.

Full Teams:

Crystal Palace:

Speroni, Ward, Sakho, Schlupp, van Aanholt, Cabaye, Milivojevic, Dann,
Zaha, Townsend, McArthur

Subs:

Tomkins, Fosu-Mensah, Kaikai, Sako, Puncheon, Riedewald, Henry


Chelsea:

Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Fabregas,
Bakayoko, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Hazard

Subs:

Caballero, Christensen, Rudiger, Zappacosta, Scott, Musonda, Pedro

Liverpool vs Man United Teams: Coutinho starts, Rashford on the bench

Premier League joint leaders Manchester United are at Anfield in this
weekend's early kick off.
Both managers have made enforced changes to their teams, because of injuries.

Full Teams:

Mignolet, Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum,
Salah, Coutinho, Firmino

Subs: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Klavan, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain,
Sturridge, Solanke.

Man United:

de Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Darmian, Ander Herrera, Matic,
Young, Mkhitaryan, Martial, Lukaku.

Subs: Lindelof, Mata, Lingard, Blind, Rashford, Romero, Tuanzebe.

Jose Mourinho: Liverpool 'just another match'

Manchester United are at Merseyside this weekend as they trade tackles
with Liverpool at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side are arguably the toughest match Manchester United
have faced this season, after six wins and a draw from their opening
seven league matches.

However, the Portuguese has described the tie at Anfield as just
another match that isn't different from the others his side has played
this season.

"I understand the tradition, the emotions around with supporters, but
I look at it in a professional way, to tell my players from the start
of the season that every match is important. Every point is important,
there's no easy match, there is no matches that you prepare more
carefully than others. I am not going to be here now and say this
match is more important than others."

That was his take at his press conference on Friday.

In spite of Jose Mourinho's best attempt to play down the importance
of the match in his public parley with the press. Privately he would
have impressed on his players, the importance the match carries
despite it just being not more three points.

Bragging rights are at stake and an opportunity to set a mark for the
reminder of the season by giving a psychological blow to a rival.

Both teams would be missing key players. Liverpool would be without
Sadio Mane, who would not be available for six weeks,

Manchester United on the other hand, are without the services of Paul
Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick.

Last season, Jose Mourinho adopted a conservative approach at Anfield,
and got a point from a goalless draw.

With his side's form going into the match, it remains to be seen
whether he would ditch his trademark cautious approach in big matches,
or allow his players to go all guns blazing.

Chelsea's Kante out for three weeks, Morata nears return

Chelsea would be without the services of N'golo Kante for upward of
three weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury during the
international break.

The 26 year old limped of against Belarus in a World Cup qualifier
France won one nil.

Speaking to the press on Friday ahead of Chelsea's Premier League
visit to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, manager
Antonio Conte was quick to reiterate the importance of the 26 year old
France international who was a mainstay in the team that comfortably
won the league last season.

"He is a big loss for us because we know very well the importance of
Kante to our team,"

"We don't have another player with his characteristics.

"We may have to adapt some defenders into midfielders."

Mean while, in spite of the setback on Kante, there is positive news
on the striker front for Chelsea. As Alvaro Morata is expected to be
available for the Champions League match against Roma next week.

The Spain international sat out the international break as a result of
a hamstring injury he picked up against Manchester City.

On the other hand, Danny Drinkwater who would have been an option in
the absence of Kante is still not available, but he is making progress
according to the Italian manager.

The former Leicester City midfielder is yet to feature for his new
club, because of a calf injury.

With seven games in the next 21 days for Chelsea, Antonio Conte would
have to use the full complement of his squad including calling upon
some youth players, something he alluded to at his press conference on
Friday.

Arsenal Injury update: Ozil and Welbeck returns, Mustafi out for six weeks

Arsene Wenger gave an update of his squad on Thursday ahead of
Saturday's Premier League match against Watford.

The good news for the Gunners is that Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck
returns to the squad after knee and groin injuries respectively.
However, a casualty from the international break is Mustafi, whose
hamstring injury would keep him out of action for six weeks.

Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny whose Achilles injury kept him out of the
last round of international matches is expected to be assessed before
the trip to Watford.

While Sead Kolasinac would also be checked having returned from the
international break with a hip complaint.

Alexis Sanchez is not expected to return from South America until Friday.

"I haven't seen everybody. Sanchez comes back tomorrow. Kolasinac
(hip) will be assessed. Mustafi out four-six weeks." Wenger giving an
update of his squad

Wenger: Ozil and Sanchez could leave in January

Arsene Wenger spoke to the media ahead of Arsenal's short trip to face
Watford on Saturday in the Premier League.

The Frenchman was asked about the contract situation of two of the
club's most important players that runs out next summer.

There have been reports in the press linking both Alexis Sanchez and
Mesut Ozil with a move away in January.

However, the German's agent claimed on Wednesday that contract talks
with Arsenal were going well, a claim Arsene Wenger confirmed. But
before adding that no possible outcome is ruled in terms of a
departure in January.

"The player looks happy. At the present time there is no deal close
for me to announce." Wenger said

"Talks are going well.

"That is my understanding (that Ozil wants to stay). The fact that we
didn't find agreement last year doesn't mean he wants to leave.

Until something concrete is announced, the speculaton would continue.
It remains to be seen whether an agreement can be found in the coming
weeks and months.

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers signs two year contract extension

Arsenal have announced that defender, Calum Chambers has signed a two
year contract extension.

The 22 year old joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2014 as a 19 year
old for a fee of £16m and he featured regularly in his first season at
the club, and he has gone on to make 60 appearances for the club.

However, he spent last season at Middleborough where he had a fruitful
loan spell despite their relegation from the Premier League.

With his return to the club at the beginning of new the season, he was
the subject of interest from several clubs. With a £20m bid from
Crystal Palace which was rejected by the club, with the club reported
to have held on for a fee close to £25m.

But it was Gabriel that was sold during the transfer window, and
Arsene Wenger opted instead to keep the England U21 international at
the club.

He has made just a single appearance for the club this season in the
League Cup win over Doncaster which was cut short with injury. He has
been out with a hip injury since that match in September.

With uncertainty over how long Mustafi would be out with the injury he
sustained during the international break, he could be in line for more
first team appearances in the absence of the German.

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi injured as Germany win again

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi was an injury casualty in Germany's
5-1 win of Azerbarjan on Saturday in a their last World Cup qualifier.

He was helped off the field in the first half when he pulled off with
what looked like a thigh injury which left him in some discomfort.

The match was his fifth in a little over two weeks for both Arsenal and Germany.

He is now a strong doubt for Arsenal's trip to neighbours Watford this weekend.

Arsene Wenger has the option of calling upon Per Mertesacker. Laurent
Koscielny is still nursing an Achilles injury, but he should be back
after the international break.

Rob Holding is another option as well as the injuried Calum Chambers.

Shkodran Mustafi has always been deployed in the middle of Arsenal's
back three because of his nous for picking a pass from the back.
Wenger would have to consider who to play in the middle of his back
three in the German's absence.

Chelsea's Kante suffers injury in France win

Chelsea are bracing themselves to be without the services of N'golo
Kante for period of time after he got injured in France hard fought
victory over Belarus on Saturday.

According to report, he suffered a hamstring injury and had to be
replaced after 34 minutes in the World Cup qualifier.

It is yet another setback for Antonio Conte who is already without the
services of striker Alvaro Morata. It means he would now have to
negotiate the next few weeks without two of his most important players
something he wasn't hard pressed to do last season, because of the
limited number of matches Chelsea played last season.

With Danny Drinkwater still out, his first team option in the middle
could vary between Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas in the coming
weeks.

Blow for Manchester United as Marouane Fellaini suffers knee injury

Manchester United midfielder, Marouane Fellaini is expected to be out
for weeks after he picked up a knee injury on Saturday.

The 29 year old suffered the injury during the World Cup qualifier
between Belgium and Bosnia Herzegovina. He left the field in the first
half, and after initial fears from the Belgian press that he might
have picked up a ligament injury, scans carried out by the Belgian FA
reveals he has a knee injury that would keep him out for a number of
weeks.

The injury is another setback for Jose Mourinho's side. Who is already
without the services of Paul Pogba. He has missed a month with a
hamstring. In his absence, Marouane Fellaini has been a more than
capable replacement with three goals, including the brace he scored
against Crystal Palace before the international break.

A performance that drew praises from Jose Mourinho, which prompted the
Portuguese to refer to him as an important player.

In the mean time, he is now expected to miss the North-West derby
against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

WCQ Teams: Nigeria unchanged against Zambia

Nigeria coach Gerhot Rohr has named an unchanged side for the crucial
World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Uyo.

The German sticks to the starting eleven that produced a complete
performance in the double header against Cameroon in September.

It means the returning duo of midfielder, Alex Iwobi and goalkeeper
Daniel Akpeyi on are on the bench.

A win for Nigeria would see her clinch a sixth appearance at the World
Cup and a third straight appearance at football's show piece event.

Teams:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa (GK), Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, William
Troost-Ekong, Elderson Echijele, Wilfred Ndidi, Ogeyi Onazi, Mikel Obi
(C), Moses Simon, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo

WCQ: Nigeria vs Zambia preview: Sixth World Cup appearance beckons

Match: Nigeria vs Zambia
Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Date: Saturday, 7th October, 2017
Time: 5pm

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are a win away from a sixth appearance at
FIFA's show piece event in Russia next year.

Its the penultinate match of the World Cup qualifiers as Zambia are
the visitors.

The Super Eagles took a huge step towards qualification when they
earned four points from the double header against Cameroon in
September, with the first of those matches being a blistering 4-0 win
in Uyo.

Meanwhile Zambia revived their hopes with two wins over hapless
Algeria to move to within three points of Nigeria in their meeting
last month.

Going into Saturday's match in Uyo, the Zambians are three points
behind Nigeria on seven points with Nigeria on ten.

The first match of the opening weekend of qualifers was between these
two sides a year ago in Ndola, as goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and
Alex Iwobi sealed a 2-1 win for Nigeria.

Team news:

Nigeria have a clean bill of health going into the match. It is now
left to Gerhat Rohr to chose from the full squad at his disposal.

However, the Chipolopolo of Zambia on the other hand, have some injury
worries as coach Wedson Nyirenda, would have to contend with the
absence of some of his players.

Possible line up for Nigeria:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa (GK), Shehu Abdulahi, William Troost-Ekong,
Leon Balogun, Elderson Echijele, Wilfred Ndidi, Ogeyi Onazi, Mikel
Obi, Victor Moses, Moses Simon (Alex Iwobi) Odion Igaho

What the coaches said ahead of the match

Nigeria Coach, Gerhat Rohr:

"The situation we are in today is a good situation because we have 10
points and Zambia 7 points. We have to win and we must win. We want to
win."


Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda:

"The atmosphere is so great here and there is so much positive energy
in the team that I can see us beating Nigeria. The captain is here as
well as Chisamba and they have been training extremely well with the
rest of the team,"

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata facing more than a month out with injury

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is facing more than a month out with a
grade two hamstring injury.

He picked up in the Premier League defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

The 24 year old had hit the ground running since being signed from
Real Madrid for a club record £60m in the summer. Scoring seven goals
in as many games.

His injury is a setback for Chelsea as there is no direct replacement
that commands the same quality he posseses. Bashuayi is now expected
to get some run of games in that position in the absence of the Spain
international.

He would miss Spain's concluding World Cup qualifiers against Isreal
and Albania this week.

While he would not play a part in Chelsea's visit to Selhurst Park to
play Crystal Palace in the Premier League next week Saturday.

Arsenal vs Brighton teams: Koscielny and Ozil out, Alexis and Iwobi starts

Arsenal host Brighton in the first Premier League match of the month
of October.

Arsene Wenger makes nine changes to the team that played in the Europa
League on Thursday.

Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil sit out the match with injury. Alex
Iwobi and Rob Holding come into the team

Full Teams:

Arsenal:

Cech, Holding, Mustafi, Monreal, Bellerin, Ramsey, Xhaka, Kolasinac,
Iwobi, Sanchez, Lacazette.

Subs: Mertesacker, Wilshere, Giroud, Ospina, Walcott, Maitland-Niles, Elneny.

Brighton:

Ryan, Saltor, Duffy, Dunk, Bong, March, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo,
Gross, Brown.

Subs: Krul, Knockaert, Murray, Goldson, Schelotto, Suttner, Molumby

Antonio Conte: Man City defeat is a disappointment

Chelsea suffered their second home defeat in the league when they fell
0-1 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in the last kick off on
Saturday.

The defeat came on the heels of the excellent Champions League win
over Atletico Madrid in midweek.

However, the Blues cause was not helped by the injury picked up by
Alvaro Morata in the first half. As the Premier League champions ended
up being second best throughout.

Speaking after the match, Antonio Conte bemoaned Morata's injury and
asserted that it was a disappointing day for Chelsea

"For sure there is a disappointment for the result but I think when
two great teams play these games anything can happen. I must be
pleased with the commitment of my players, because we gave
everything."

Asked about Alvaro Morata's injury, he said

"When you lose this type of player it is not simple. When you play
three massive games in only seven games you must consider this, it can
happen a muscular problem, but I do not think it is serious. Alvaro
stopped before it became a serious injury."

The decision to replace Morata with Willian came as a surprise to
many, as the Brazilian did not exactly set the match alight. However,
Conte said it was a technical decision.

"It was a technical decision, also to try and exploit the space. It
was a simple tactical decision. Manchester City, we know very well
they are a good team. They were a good team last season."

Jose Mourinho: I have always trusted Marouane Fellaini

Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on two goal hero Marouane Felliani.

The 29 year old Belgian international got a brace as Manchester United
got a comfortable 4-0 win over a hapless Crystal Palace side at Old
Trafford.

The Belgian has been maligned by sections of Manchester United fans
since he was signed by David Moyes four years ago. But with three
Premier League goals this season, he is gradually gaining the
confidence of Manchester United faithful. But Mourinho has now
confirmed that his confidence in the Belgian has never waivered.

He was effusive in his praise for Fellaini when he spoke to the BBC
after the match.

"I always trusted Marouane since day one and try to give him
confidence and show him how useful he is for the team," He began

Then he continued

"Sometimes we like players others don't like. Some players perform
better with some of us [managers] than with others and I have examples
of players that didn't perform well for me and then performed well for
other managers.

"I think Marouane has important qualities and I try to use them
depending on the situation and what they team needs. He plays with me
as a defensive midfielder, as a second striker, as one of two
midfielders. He is a team player. A great character. We have a good
relationship and things are going really well between us.

"I think only a strong character could resist the difficulties here
because he had some difficult times when people didn't recognise his
qualities, when other managers didn't like so much the qualities he
has. He had to be a strong character. He is a fighter, a guy with lots
of pride and I am really pleased I helped him reach this level and
change the perception the fans have now. I am really happy for him."

Chelsea vs Man City Teams: Moses dropped, Christensen, Hazard and Rudiger starts

Premier League Champions Chelsea host Manchester City in the biggest
match of the weekend.

Antonio Conte hands a first Premier League start to Eden Hazard,
Victor Moses drop out, David Luiz continues his suspension with
Rudiger and Christensen coming in.

Full Teams

Chelsea:

Courtois, Rudiger, Christensen, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Kante, Bakayoko,
Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard, Morata.

Subs: Caballero, Pedro, Moses, Kenedy, Zappacosta, Willian, Batshuayi.

Man City:

Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph, De Bruyne, Fernandinho,
Silva, Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Sterling.

Subs: Bravo, Danilo, Gundogan, Mangala, Bernardo Silva, Alexander
Zinchenko, Toure.

Man United vs Crystal Palace Teams: Rashford and Fellaini starts

Manchester United look to end the month of September on a high as they
host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. A win would see them go top.

Jose Mourinho has named a strong side with Fellaini passed fit about
being a doubt for the game. While Rashford also start.

Full Teams

Manchester United:

De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Young, Matic, Fellaini, Mata,
Mkhitaryan, Rashford, Lukaku

Subs: Bailly, Martial, Lingard, Blind, Romero, Herrera, Darmian

Crystal Palace:

Hennessey, Ward, Sakho, Delaney, Van Aanholt, Townsend, Milivojevic,
Cabaye, Schlupp, Puncheon, Sako

Subs: Speroni, Lee Chung-yong, McArthur, Ladapo, Mutch, Kelly, Riedewald

Arsenal injury update: Ozil ruled out of Brighton game, Koscielny a doubt

Arsene Wenger spoke to the club's website to give an update of his
squad ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Brighton.

Mesut Ozil will miss the game against Brighton on Sunday with an
unspecified injury, while Laurent Koscielny is a doubt for the match
with an Achilles problem. But should be fit enough to feature.

Alex Iwobi might be available again after missing the last two games
with a thigh injury.

These were Wenger's words to Arsenal.com

"Mesut Ozil will not be available for Sunday. Very short-term. He is
not far, but he is not enough for Sunday.

"Alex Iwobi might be available for Sunday, of course Coquelin and
Welbeck are not available. We have a doubt about Laurent Koscielny
unfortunately and he will have a test tomorrow. It's an achilles
problem, it's ongoing. I think everybody else should be available.
Sead Kolasinac had some problems, but he is available. That's
basically it."

The Brighton game on Sunday would complete a run of three matches in
six days for Arsenal following Monday's and Thurday's matches against
West Brom and BATE Borisov.

Man City left back Benjamin Mendy out until April 2018 with ACL injury

Manchester City left back Benjamin Mendy has been ruled out until
April 2018 following an anterior cruciate injury.

Pep Guardiola confirmed this during his press conference on Friday.

"Benjamin Mendy will be operated on this afternoon in Barcelona and
will be out until the time of the semi-final of UCL. [ Uefa Champions
League]

The France international was a £52m signing from Monaco in the summer,
an outlay that made him the world's most expensive defender.

On the possibility of finding a short term replacement for him,
Guardiola had this to say.

"In the way Benjamin Mendy plays, his energy towards goal, we cannot
replace him.

"We have to play a different way. You cannot replace him around the world."

Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero is expected to be out for a considerable
amount of time after he suffered a broken rib following a car accident
while he was driving in the Netherlands on Thursday.

The Catalan confirmed this earlier today.

"Aguero has had an accident in Amsterdam and he will be back after
that. I am not a doctor. He will come back and recover as soon as
possible.

"I have not yet spoken with Aguero. I have been preparing training. I
will speak to him today. First impression is he has broken his rib.

"Day off is to be happy. I am a trainer who doesn't want to train
every day because they need to rest, mentally and physically.

Both players would be absent for the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Man City Benjamin Mendy out until April 2018 with ACL injury

Manchester City left back Benjamin Mendy has been ruled out until
April 2018 following an anterior cruciate injury.

Pep Guardiola confirmed this during his press conference on Friday.

"Benjamin Mendy will be operated on this afternoon in Barcelona and
will be out until the time of the semi-final of UCL. [ Uefa Champions
League]

The France international was a £52m signing from Monaco in the summer,
an outlay that made him the world's most expensive defender.

On the possibility of finding a short term replacement for him,
Guardiola had this to say.

"In the way Benjamin Mendy plays, his energy towards goal, we cannot
replace him.

"We have to play a different way. You cannot replace him around the world."

Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero is expected to be out for a considerable
amount of time after he suffered a broken rib following a car accident
while he was driving in the Netherlands on Thursday.

The Catalan confirmed this earlier today.

"Aguero has had an accident in Amsterdam and he will be back after
that. I am not a doctor. He will come back and recover as soon as
possible.

"I have not yet spoken with Aguero. I have been preparing training. I
will speak to him today. First impression is he has broken his rib.

"Day off is to be happy. I am a trainer who doesn't want to train
every day because they need to rest, mentally and physically.

Both players would be absent for the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Klopp on Liverpool's profligacy: 'I can't shoot from the bench'

Liverpool's profligacy in front of goal saw them come away with just a
draw against Spartak Moscow in their Champions League match on
Tuesday.

The same scenario played out in their opening match against Sevilla. A
situation that has seen them with just two points from two matches.

Jurgen Klopp was asked about his player's inability to be clinical in
front of goal. Having said that creating those chances was more
important, he then gave away a line that is typical of his way of
expressing his opinion on issues bordering on the club.

He bared his mind in his press conference on Friday.

"I can't make us more clinical. There isn't one word I can say. You
just have to keep going and do it again and again.

"It makes no sense to criticise finishing, it's about creating. I
can't shoot from the bench.

"I have no problem with criticism, I only have a problem if people
think we can't solve problems. We know where we have to do better.

"I'm not going to say 'Oh my God, these teams are so good and I must
get a season ticket for Man United."

Liverpool play Newcastle united at St. James Park this weekend.

Jose Mourinho says Paul Pogba's injury is 'long term'

Jose Mourinho has described the injury picked up by Paul Pogba early
this month as long term.

The France international suffered a hamstring against Basel in the
Champions League. At the time. It was reported that he could be out
for up to six weeks.

Now the Portuguese who has declined to put a time scale on Pogba's
absence, says the injury is long term.

He gave this assessment when he had his weekly press conference on
Friday, where he also gave an update of other players.

"Michael Carrick and Phil Jones are out, they were out and tomorrow
some will be out.

"From all the injuries we had I hope we can have some available tomorrow.

"Paul Pogba's injured he cannot play tomorrow and his injury I cannot
have hope like Jones or Valencia who I can see in training and hope
for positive answer.

"So don't speak about long term injury – Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul
Pogba, Marcus Rojo - I don't speak about them."

Antonio Conte: David Luiz a big loss for Man City game

Ahead of Chelsea's match with Manchester City on Saturday at Stamford
Bridge, Antonio Conte spoke to the media this Friday.

He gave an update of his squad ahead of what is the biggest match of
the weekend in the English Premier League. And inevitably, he spoke of
the importance of David Luiz who would miss the game as he serves the
second of his three match ban after the red card he picked up against
Arsenal.

"David Luiz is an important player and a big loss, but Andreas
Christensen is playing well and with good maturity,"

"David Luiz is not a player who gets many red cards and he normally
has discipline."

Andreas Christensen played in the middle of Chelsea's three man back
line against Stoke last weekend. Where he was impressive in the 4-0
win.

Antonio Conte would be pinning his hope on him to reproduce another
assured performance against the best attacking team in the league.

Unfair to use Arsene Wenger as a contrast when a big club sacks a manager

Bayern Munich parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti on Thursday following
the club's 3-0 loss to PSG in match day two of the Champions League on
Wednesday.

The match followed the Bavarians 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg on Saturday
which saw them throw away a two goal lead at the Allianz Arena.

The departure of the Italian followed what has been an indifferent
start to the season where there has been various reports of player
unrest.

The Italian's last line up as Bayern Munich manager saw him leave key
spine of the team in Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Mat Hummels and
Jerome Boeteng on the bench. This was a decision that inevitably set
the team for a result that didn't end well in their favour.

So fifteen months into what was a three year contract, Ancelotti was
sacked. The third time he would be losing his job in his second season
at a club after suffering the same fate at Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Following news of his sack, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger was used by
several persons as a contrasting example of a manager who has endured
bad spells for years, but he has kept his job as manager, and one who
had two unsavoury result has been shown the door just five months
after winning the league.

Piers Morgan

@ piersmorgan

Ancelotti fired by ruthless Bayern 5 months after winning League &
after beating Arsenal 10-2 in last season's CL. Wenger...continues.

6:36 AM - 28 Sep 2017

Bayern mania

@ Bayern_mania

Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern won 10-2 vs Arsenal, after 5 months Ancelotti
has sacked but Arsene Wenger is still Arsenal's coach! Wow

12:58 PM - 28 Sep 2017

In spite of the fact that such comparison was inevitable, it is unfair
on the Frenchman for such to come up anytime a big club wields the big
stick.

First, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are two different clubs that operate
in a different landscape. The history of both clubs have to be
considered before using them as a barometer with which to measure the
way both react to a bad spell.

The Bavarians see themselves as a club who should be competing at the
top echelon of the European game and the result under Ancelotti didn't
reflect that, and even their domestic invincibility had lost it luster
despite another league win last season.

This is a club whose history is steeped in winning the bungesliga
always and as well as rubbing shoulders with other top clubs in Europe
with five European Cup to show for that.

In essence, they know what they want as the structure is in place for
them to achieve their aims. And when the club's hierarchy feel
standards have fallen as in the case of Ancelotti, they acted
decisively.

However, for Arsenal, the question is does Arsenal match ambition with
reality? Arsene Wenger didn't employ himself. His longevity at the
club is tied to the club's majority shareholder in Stan Kroenke. You
have to ask by what standard he uses to measure his manager's success?

It is on him to take the bull by the horn by charting a new course for
the club. But, he has been beholding to the Frenchman despite repeated
failures. His contract extension in the summer held much to the
support of Stan Kroenke as much of the board were slipt in their
support of Wenger. But seeing that members of the board are there on
the goodwill of the majority shareholder, he is essentially the board
itself.

When a big club sacks a manager, fingers should go to Stan Kroenke
when comparing ambition and the drive to attain it. Every position a
person holds is at the behest of the person that puts him there. If
that same person is no longer satisfied with the job you are doing, he
can severe that relationship. But here is a club owner, whose own
scale of measuring how a manager is faring is different from what the
club's fans scale is.

He is satisfied with what the Frenchman is doing, and so long as he
keeps being satisfied, Arsene Wenger would remain on the job.

While the hunt continues for the next big manager to be sacked, he
would still be there until he chooses to say he has had enough of it.

Wenger praying Jack Wilshere stays fit

Arsene Wenger is hoping Jack Wilshere stays fit. While assessing his
performance in Arsenal's 4-2 win ove BATE Borisov.

The 25 year old was in his element as he reminded onlookers of his
quality which he has been prevented from showcasing frequently.
because of injuries.

He completed only his second 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt since
September, 2014. And Wenger is hoping he remains fit for his talent to
flourish.

"He had an outstanding first half and he did fight until the end," The
Frenchman said after the match.

. "I think he is on a good way back to his best. He has shown that tonight.

"He is at an age where a player normally gets to the best of his
career," he said. He is on the way up and he has only been stopped by
a series of injuries."

"Hopefully, I just pray that he is not hampered anymore by any
problems and then we will see him getting stronger and stronger.

"He has shown again tonight that he has not lost his football."

Bate Borisov vs Arsenal: Nelson, Willock and Maitland-Niles starts

Arsenal are in Belarus for Match day two of the Europa League where
they trade tackles with BATE Borisov. Arsene Wenger has named a side
with a mixture of experience and youth for the match.

Full Teams

BATE Borisov:

Scherbitski, Gaidichik, Volodko, Ivanic, Rios, Milunovic, Rodionov,
Dragun, Stasevich, Polyakov, Gordeichuk



Arsenal:

Ospina, Mustafi, Mertesacker, Holding, Nelson, Willock, Elneny,
Maitland-Niles, Wilshere, Walcott, Giroud

Subs: Macey, McGuane, Dragomir, Gilmour, Akpom, Nketiah, Dasilva

CSKA Moscow vs Man United Teams: Martial and Herrera starts

Jose Mourinho hands a start to Martial and Herrera with injuries to
key midfielders.

Full Teams


CSKA:

Akinfeev, Vasin, V Berezutski, Ignashevich, Wernbloom, Fernandez,
Dzagoev, Golovin, Schennikov, Chalov, Vitinho.

Man Utd:

De Gea, Young, Lindelof, Bailly, Smalling, Blind, Matic, Herrera,
Mkhitaryan, Mata, Martial, Lukaku.

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea teams: Hazard starts

Chelsea are in Madrid to face Atletico Madrid in match day two of the
Champions League. Antonio Conte recalls Gary Cahill and David Luiz to
the defence. While Eden Hazard starts for the first time this season.

Full Teams.

Atletico Madrid:

Oblak, Juanfran, Lucas, Godin, Luis, Koke, Thomas, Saul, Carrasco,
Correa, Griezmann

Subs:Moya, torres, Gabi, Savic, Vietto, Gaitan, Gimenez

Chelsea:

Courtois, Apzilicueta, Cahill, Luiz; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso;
Hazard, Fabregas; Morata

Subs: Caballero, Rudiger, Pedro, Zappacosta, Willian, Batshuayi, Christensen

WCQ: Nigeria's Super Eagles squad for Zambia showdown

The 23 man list for the all important World Cup qualifier against
Zambia has been released by Nigeria's coach Gernot Rohr.

The list contains the name of the principal players that executed the
double header against Cameroon. With Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Alex
Iwobi who was injured last time out and Odion Ighalo all back for the
game.

The match to be played in Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on 2nd,
October, will see Nigeria qualify for a sixth World Cup with a win.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers:

Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC
IfeanyiUbah); Ayodele Ajiboye (Plateau United FC)

Defenders:

William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis
Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Elderson
Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium);
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City,
England)

Midfielders:

Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC,
Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD
Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu
(Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

Forwards:

Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester
City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal
FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Victor Moses
(Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel)


STANDBY:

Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag,
The Netherlands); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Afeez Aremu
(Akwa United); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United)

Arsenal vs West Brom teams: Starts for Alexis and Lacazette, Ozil on the bench

Arsenal play the first of three matches in seven days as they host
Tony Pulis' West Brom side.

Arsene Wenger starts Alexis Sanchez alongside Alexandre Lacazette for
the first time, while Mesut Ozil is on the bench after recovering from
injury.

Full Teams:

Arsenal:

Cech, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Bellerin, Xhaka, Elneny, Kolasinac,
Ramsey, Alexis, Lacazette

Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Ozil, Wilshere, Maitland-Niles, Walcott, Giroud

West Brom:

Foster, Nyom, Gibbs, Evans, Dawson, Robson-Kanu, Livermore, Barry,
Rodriguez, Krychowiak, Hegazi

Subs: Myhill, Morrisson, Rondon, Yacob, Phillips, Brunt, McClean

Kenya stripped as host of CHAN 2018, Cameroon remain host of Afcon 2019

The Confederation of African Football CAF, has stripped Kenya of the
hosting right for the CHAN tournament for players that ply their trade
on the continent.

The decision was taken by the CAF executive committee meeting in Ghana
holding on the sideways of the WAFU Cup competition.

The East African nation were
already behind schedule in their preparation for a tournament that was
due to hold in January, 2018. With the four venues Kasarani, Nyayo,
Kinoru, Kipchoge Keino initially designated for the competition all
behind schedule.

A new bidding process will now open on Sunday. With inspection due in
10 days, while the new host for the competition will be announced in
15 days.

Meanwhile, at the same meeting CAF president Ahmad reiterated that
Cameroon will remain as host of the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

The Central African nation are currently behind schedule in the
upgrade of facilities, but there is still time for them to put things
in order as the tournament will now hold in June and July of 2019,
instead of the traditional January and February.

Stoke vs Chelsea teams: Bakayoko and Christensen starts

Both manager reverts to their familiar eleven after making wholesale
changes in midweek for the League Cup.

There is one enforced change for Chelsea as Christensen comes in for
David Luiz who starts the first of a three match ban.

Full Teams:

Stoke City:Butland, Pieters, Allen, Johnson, Choupo-Moting, Jese,
Indi, Diouf, Shaqiri, Fletcher, Sobhi

Chelsea:Courtois, Rudiger, Alonso, Kante, Morata, Pedro, Bakayoko,
Moses, Willian, Christensen, Azpilicueta

Southampton vs Man United teams: Fellaini and Mata starts

Manchester United are at St Marys' stadium to play Southampton. Jose
Mourinho reverts back to his first eleven after the wholesale changes
for the League Cup win over Burton in midweek.

Full Teams

Southampton: Forster, Bertrand, Hoedt, Lemina, Yoshida, Soares, Davis,
Romeu, Romeu, Redmond, Long.

Subs: McCarthy, Austin, Ward-Prowse, Van Dijk, Johberg, Gabbiadini, Pied.

Manchester United: De Gea, Young, Bailly, Jones, Valencia, Matic,
Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Rashford, Lukaku.

Subs: Romero, Martial, Smalling, Lingard, Carrick, Herrera, Blind.

Wenger: With goals and assists, Alex Iwobi will be a top class player

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on midfielder Alex Iwobi.
The 21 year old was a surprise inclusion in the match against Chelsea
in Arsenal's last league match. A decision that raised eyebrow from
some sections of the club's fanbase.

However, the Nigeria international put in a solid performance, going
on to create more chances (3) than any other Arsenal player on the
day.

Now, his manager expects more from him especially with goals and assist.

"I like the fact that he can play in tight areas, that he turns the
game forwards, that he's very mobile.

"We expect him to be more efficient in the final third offensively
because you feel there are goals there & assists too."

"They [goals & assists] have to come out. Add that to he allows the
team to play very well - he'll be a top-class player."

Iwobi broke into the Arsenal first team in the second half of the
2015/2016 season. Having some solid performances along the way.

He continued with that rich vein of form the following season, but his
form dipped in the second half of last season, and he rarely made the
team afterwards.

A product of the Arsenal academy, he started the season with an
accomplished display against Chelsea in the Community Shield in
August. And with faith shown in him by Arsene Wenger especially in a
crucial away tie at Chelsea, he could be primed for more starts as the
season progresses.

No idea when Pogba will return says Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was asked during his weekly
press conference on Friday when Paul Pogba would return from injury.
"No idea" was his blunt reply.

The 24 year old suffered a hamstring injury against Basel in the
club's opening Champions League tie early this month. It was reported
he could be out for over a month.

However, the Portuguese wouldn't be drawn on when the club's record
signing would return, choosing instead to focus on the players that
are available and the fixtures ahead.

"No idea. But again, it's a great opportunity for other players to
play and I trust them all so I am not going to cry and count the days
for Paul to be back." he told the press

On the club's upcoming away fixtures in the Champions League, Mourinho
had this to say.

"It is very difficult but it means it will be easier later. If we play
now CSKA in Moscow and Benfica in Lisbon then later we will play at
Old Trafford. If we have consecutive matches away, it means later we
will play them at Old Trafford so I am never too worried.

"The number of matches in the league is going to be the same. If we
cannot win we try to get points and then try to compensate with good
form at home."

Manchester United are at Southampton where they will attempt to
continue their strong start to the season.

Antonio Conte: Tough season ahead with European football

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte had his weekly press conference on
Friday ahead of the club's league match against Stoke City on
Saturday.

It is first of three key fixtures for the Premier League champions,
which takes in a Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid in Spain,
and Manchester City's visit to Stamford Bridge.

The Italian is of the view that these are tough matches forms part of
what would shape up to be a challenging season that would test his
squad.

"This season it will be a big challenge for us, to face each
competition with our squad and play every three days." He said

"We have Stoke and two important games with Atletico and City. This
type of situation will be very important for us to face in the right
way. It won't be easy to have these games very close."

"The most important thing is to go game by game. Tomorrow it will be a
really tough game and we have to be prepared for the physical and
tactical aspect and be disciplined. I am pleased for the commitment of
my players."

Nigeria qualifies for Wafu Cup final after beating Benin Rep.

Nigeria's Super Eagles B have qualified for the finals of the Wafu Cup
currently going on in Ghana after beating neigbhours Benin Republic
1-0.

Kano Pillar's Rabiu Ali scored the all important goal in the 10th
minute for the Eagles.

Benin Republic's chances of getting an equaliser suffered a setback
when they were reduced to ten players in the 33rd minute after
Marcellin picked up a second yellow card.

Nigeria had chances to put more gloss on the scoreline, but they
spurned the chances that came their way. Gabriel Okechukwu had a late
chance cleared off the line in the 86th minute.

Nigeria now await the winners of the other semi finals, where host
Ghana would be favourite to advance.

Official: Diego Costa to rejoin Atletico Madrid

Chelsea have annouced that they have reached an agreement with
Atletico Madrid for the signing of Diego Costa subject to a medical
and personal terms being agreed.

Chelsea FC @

ChelseaFC

Chelsea Football Club has today agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for
the transfer of Diego Costa...

02:42 PM - 21 Sep 2017

The 28 year old rejoins the Spanish side after three years in England
with 64 goals in 135 games for a fee reported to be close to £50m

His departure brings to an end a protracted saga between player and
club that started in January.

In June, he was told by manager Antonio Conte via a text message
that he wasn't in his plans.

He subsequently refused to return to training in London despite being
mandated by the club to do so. But instead stayed over in Brazil where
he used several press releases and interviews to indicate that he
would only accept a transfer back to La Liga side Atletico Madrid, and
he has gotten his wish.

He leaves Chelsea after winning two Premier League titles, and a League Cup.

Klopp on Oxlade-Chamberlain: He didn't have the best game in his life

Following Liverpool's exit from the English League Cup at the hands of
Leicester City on Tuesday. England international and a £40m signing
from Arsenal on transfer deadline day, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was
criticised for his poor showing in the match.

The 24 year old struggled in his first start for the Merseysiders
since he departed the Emirates as they fell two nil at the King Power
Stadium.

Inevitably, in his press conference on Thursday, Jurgen Klopp was
asked about the criticism his performance attracted, and the former
Borussia Dortmund manager admitted that his new signing struggled on
the day.

"He had some really, really good situations and some unlucky
situations and he had little problem with his calf.

"It's was his first start and he didn't play the best game in his
life, so people probably asked where is the impact he can make but I'm
not in doubt about this."

Wenger: A new contract for Wishere defends on him staying fit

Arsene Wenger had his weekly press conference on Thursday ahead of
Monday's Premier League match against West Brom at the Emirates.

The Frenchman was asked whether there a long term future for Jack
Wishere at Arsenal.

This is after he completed 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt for over two
years following his solid display against Doncaster in Wednesday's
League Cup win.

His current Arsenal deal expires at the end of the season.

The Arsenal manager had this to say in response;

"That is down to whether he can remain fit or not."

"He is an Arsenal man, an Arsenal player - He certainly would want to
(have a long-term future)."

"But we haven't spoken about that because at the start of the season I
thought we had to see how it evolved and what kind of influence he can
have in the squad through the whole season."

It doesn't come as a surprise that Arsene Wenger and the club are
watching to see whether he retains his fitness before there is talk of
a new contract.

The 25 year old has not had a sustained period of fitness since his
breakthrough season at Arsenal seven years ago.

EFL Cup 4th round draw: Arsenal to play Norwich City, Chelsea to host Everton

The fourth round of the English League Cup has been conducted after
tonight's third round matches.

Arsenal are to host Norwich City at the Emirates after their 1-0 win
over Doncaster.

Following their 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Chelsea will host
Everton in an all Premier League tie.

While Manchester United's reward for beating Burton 4-0 is a date with
Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

The ties would be played between October 23-24

Full draws:

Leicester v Leeds
Bournemouth v Middlesbrough
Chelsea v Everton
Manchester City v Wolves
Swansea City v Manchester United
Arsenal v Norwich City
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
Bristol City v Crystal Palace

EFL Cup: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest teams: Hazard and Bakayoko starts

Antonio Conte has handed Eden Hazard his first start of the season.
The Belgian international joins a much changed eleven for the match at
Stamford Bridge.

Full Teams.

Chelsea

Caballero, Rudiger, Christensen, Cahill, Zappacosta, Bakayoko,
Fabregas, Kenedy, Musonda, Batshuayi, Hazard.

Nottingham Forest:

Henderson, Lichaj, Mancienne, Osborn, Fox, Dowell, Hobbs, Bouchalakis,
Walker, Cummings, Worrall

EFL Cup: Arsenal vs Doncaster teams: Starts for Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez

Arsene Wenger has named a much changed side for the league cup against
League One side Doncaster.

There are starts for Alexis Sanchez and young starlet Reiss Nelson

Full Teams:

Arsenal

Ospina; Chambers, Mertesacker, Holding; Nelson, Wilshere, Elneny,
Niles; Walcott, Alexis; Giroud

Subs: Macey, Monreal, Willock, Dasilva, Iwobi, Nketiah, Akpom

Doncaster Rovers: Lawlor, Mason, Wright, Butler, Blair, Houghton,
Whiteman, Rowe, Kongolo, Coppinger, May

Subs: Marosi, Alcock, Toffolo, Garratt, Mandeville, Marquis, Williams

Arsenal's Danny Welbeck ruled out for up to four weeks

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has been ruled out for four weeks
following the groin injury he picked up in the match against Chelsea
on Sunday.

The 26 year old was carried off the field after he sustained the injury late on.

Prior to this latest injury setback, he has started all Arsenal's
league matches this season.

His time at Arsenal has been plagued by injuries since he was signed
in 2014. He spent almost a year out prior to the beginning of last
season, and recovered late on well into the second half of the
2016/2017 season.

With a return of three league goals and a assist, his output in front
of goal and his running and work ethics off the ball have been
tactically important for Arsenal in the early weeks of the season.

In his stead, Alexis Sanchez is expected to now fully into the side
after being eased into the full setup in recent weeks as a result of
his fitness.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger would hand starts to Jack Wilshere and Calum
Chambers in Wednesday's League Cup tie against Doncaster at the
Emirates.

The Frenchman confirmed this when he spoke to the club's website.
Youngster Riess Nelson is also expected to play in what is expected to
be a much changed side.

Wafu Cup: Nigeria beat host Ghana 2-0 to qualify for semi final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria book their passage to the semi finals of
the Wafu Cup after beating host Ghana 2-0 at the Cape Coast stadium on
Monday.

Salisu Yusuf tutored side failed to find the net in their first two
group matches against Mali and Guinea with a goalless scoreline in
both games.

However needing a win against Ghana who had qualified coming into the
game, the Nigeria Professional Football League players distinguished
themselves with a dominant performance to advance to the next stage of
the competition.

They opened the scoring in the 54th minute of the second half through
Tony Okpotu and doubled the lead three minutes later through Peter
Eneji to add more gloss to the scoreline.

The Super Eagles have now scored four goals in four matches against
Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea and Ghana without conceding.

The semi finals would hold later this week.

Antonio Conte on Arsenal: It was a good point against a tough side

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte called the stalemate against Arsenal a
good point after both sides failed to find the net. It was the first
time, the Italian have seen his side fail to score in 27 matches.

He wasn't too down beat, calling the result instead a good point
against a tough opponent.

"It was a good, open game with both teams trying to win.

"Every game against Arsenal is always very tough, we knew very well
what type of game to face. Both teams are great teams, it's a good
draw.

"David Luiz, you know very well that I don't like to comment about the
referee. I don't do it in the past, or the present. You need to see
what happened before the tackle.

"We have great respect for officials, but it is strange to finish a
third game in a row against Arsenal with 10 men."

Wenger on Chelsea game: Arsenal could have won it

Chelsea and Arsenal played out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge on
Sunday. Both sides had chances to win the match during a pulsating
tie.

The result means Arsenal avoided defeat at Chelsea for the first time
in six years, and Arsene Wenger is of the opinion that his side could
have won it on the day.

Speaking after the match, he said

"It was about mentality and a response from our last away game. We
could have won it. It was an intense game.

"The battle was total. We are not in a transfer period and on the day
we played Liverpool that affected us. We are all human beings.

"If you play 55 games a season you can have a bad performance.

"But we were focused and determined. We tried to play when we had the
ball and we were close to winning the game. With a bit more freedom we
would have won the game.

"David Luiz, it looked excessive force to me, at what level did he
catch Kolasinac? I don't know."

Man United vs Everton teams: Fellaini in for Pogba

Paul Pogba is missing from Manchester United starting eleven with
Fellaini coming in in his stead. Wayne Rooney returns to Old Trafford.

Full teams

Manchester United De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Bailly, Young; Matić,
Fellaini; Mata, Mkhitaryan, Rashford; Lukaku.

Subs: Martial, Smalling, Lingard, Carrick, Romero, Herrera, Darmian

Everton Pickford; Martina, Keane, Williams, Jagielka, Baines;
Schneiderlin, Gueye; Davies, Sigurdsson, Rooney.

Subs: Ramírez, Mirallas, Klaassen, Besic, Stekelenburg, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate

Chelsea vs Arsenal teams: Hazard and Alexis on the bench, Ozil missing

Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge for the first league
meeting between both teams this season.

Its the third league meeting between both managers and their fifth
meeting in all competitions.

Both managers have reverted to their traditional starting eleven after
making a host of changes for European games in midweek.

Full teams.

Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Alonso, Moses, Willian, Kane,
Pedro, Fabregas, Morata,

Subs: Caballero, Zappacosta, Rudiger, Bakayoko, Hazard, Batshuayi, Christensen

Arsenal

Cech, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac,
Iwobi, Welbeck, Lacazette.

Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Alexis, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Walcott, Giroud

Which Arsenal would turn up at Chelsea?

Chelsea host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

While the Premier League champions have decisively recovered from
their opening day defeat to Burnley to post four wins in a row in both
the league and Champions League.
Arsenal have not fully convinced this season. The gunners have won two
matches against Bournemouth and Cologne after the international break.
This followed the double reverse against Stoke City and Liverpool
where they conceded five goals without scoring. They dominated
possession and created chances against Stoke, but they failed to turn
up against Liverpool.

However, the real test of their two game recovery would come at
Stamford Bridge. A place that has not been a happy hunting ground in
recent season.

This is the second meeting between both sides after they played out a
1-1 draw in the Community Shield in August which Arsenal eventually
won on penalties.

The meetings between both sides last season saw Arsenal triumphed 3-0
at the Emirates and lost 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. While they won 2-1 in
the FA Cup in May.

While you know what to expect from Antonio Conte's Chelsea, that
cannot be said of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
Chelsea under Conte if the defeat to Burnley is taken out of the
picture have been solid ever since with wins against Tottenham,
Everton and Leicester City, where they scored seven goals and let in
two goals. But it was the way they defeated Tottenham that immediately
banished any memory of the opening day defeat to Burnley where they
were slack in defence. Since that match, they have been back to their
solid and organised best at the back.

The uncertainty about Arsenal is well documented. This is best summed
up by Antonio Conte's statement on Friday while he spoke to the media,
that "anything can happen when you play Arsenal."

This best describe the current Arsenal side. They could produce a
performance on the day that is reminiscent of the Wembley display
against Chelsea in May. Or they could as well opt for a lethargic
display like the non-performance against Liverpool at Anfield.

It is this unpredictability from Arsenal's current team that gives the
tie an extra edge.

Both teams rested a host of players in midweek European games. Chelsea
found their tie against Qarabag relatively easy with a 6-0. While
Arsenal overturned a poor first half display to beat Cologne 3-1 on
Thursday in the Europa League.

The Premier League champions starts the match as favourite going by
their recent display especially the way new signings Alvaro Morata and
Tiemoue Bakayoko have settled in. Antonio Rudiger have been solid in
Gary Cahill's absence while he served his three match suspension.

While Chelsea have a solid 3-4-3 formation which doesn't change in
game irrespective of the scoreline, Arsene Wenger have lurched between
his traditional 4-3-3 to 3-4-3. The Frenchman have been quick to
switch to a back four once his team are behind in a match. It has
worked in home matches this season. But whether he starts with a back
three or four at Chelsea remains to be seen.

Arsenal's record against the top six last season makes for grim
reading. LDLDLDDDLLLLL. And already this season, they started with a
big defeat to Liverpool. It would take a huge performance to get a
result at Stamford Bridge. A place they last won in 2011.

Jose Mourinho: Paul Pogba will be missed

Jose Mourinho gave an update of the state his squad when he spoke to
the media on Friday ahead of Manchester United's game against Everton
on Sunday.

France international midfielder Paul Pogba limped off against Basel in
the Champions League on Tuesday with what was a hamstring injury.

The 24 year old is expected to be out for up a month, and Mourinho has
been quick to say that his absence would be a miss to the club.

Asked about Pogba, he had this to say.

"I don't know. Out for the weekend match, only one I am thinking
about. He [Pogba] is not playing this weekend. I don't know if same
one or other leg (as last season)."

"We have players waiting for an opportunity. We have started the
season really well, with one match a week. No need for changes. But
there are good players more than ready.

"We miss Pogba, we need him. But Herrera, Fellaini and Carrick are
waiting for a real chance. They are ready. We lost players during
crucial moments of the season. We didn't cry about that. We have to
cope. We will be without Pogba for a few matches but we have other
players to play."

While Pogba is entering a period where he would be out for sometime.
There is goodnews on the injury front for Manchester United, with Luke
Shaw now fit, but lacking match fitness.

"Luke Shaw is not injured any more. It is a question of form and
options. Not injured. Marcos Rojo is still in the timings after such
an important injury, everything went well. But he is not training with
the group in a normal session. He still has a couple of months."

Antonio Conte: Anything can happen against Arsenal

Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday in week five of the English Premier
League. Ahead of the tie, Antonio Conte spoke to the media.

The Premier League champions have since overcome a opening day defeat
to Burnley to win four matches in a row, including Tuesday's 6-0 win
over Qarabag in the Champions League.

With Arsenal the visitors at the Bridge on Sunday, the Italian had the
time to assess the title credentials of a team they would be meeting
for the second time in a month after the Community Shield showdown
between both clubs in August.

Despite the gunners indifferent start to the season which has seen
them suffer consecutive away defeats to Stoke and Liverpool, Antonio
Conte still believes they remain strong contenders for the title, and
their unpredictable nature means anything can happen when playing
against them.

"I think that Arsenal is one of the six top teams in England and I
think that they have a really good squad and want to fight for
something important. For this reason, I think it is a massive game for
us. When you play against Arsenal it is the same as when you play
against City, Liverpool, United or Tottenham.

"Anything can happen. We are to fight. We have to play a game against a rival.

"Arsenal are a big rival for the title. I don't understand why they
can't fight for the title."

The Stamford Bridge haven't been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in
recent seasons. Having failed to secure a win there since a 5-3 win in
2011.

With Arsenal's poor record away from home, it should provide an
exciting spectacle on Sunday.

Wenger: There is no hierarchy in the Arsenal squad

Arsenal opened their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 win over German
side Cologne.

In a match that was delayed for one hour due to crowd safety issues as
a result of the number of Cologne fans that descended on the Emirates
Stadium, the Gunners came from behind with second half goals from Sead
Kolasinac, Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin making up for a poor
first half display.

Arsene Wenger made nine changes to his line up. With seven of the
players that featured against Bournemouth not part of the matchday
squad.

The Frenchman praised his squad for their second half display on the
night and asserted that there is no hierarchy in the squad as was
reflected by the number of changes he made for the match.

"We had a slow start and there was an accidental goal. After that it
was important not to concede and panic and put more pace into our
game. From then. we controlled the game and won convincingly in the
end. He told BT Sport.

"I think Sanchez is still running after his best form. He is a
fantastic football player but physically he has just come back. But he
has it in his locker to do something special, which he did.

"We want to do well in all the best competitions and I had an
experienced team today, even though I made nine changes. They are all
top class players, there is no hierarchy in the squad."

Arsenal are at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face Chelsea in what is
expected to be a tough examination of the club's new found form.

Arsenal in the Europa League: Alexis part of nine changes

Arsenal file out in Uefa's second tier club competition the Europa
League for the first time in its present format after missing out on
the familiar terrain of the Champions League for the first time in 20
years.

The Gunners' opponent for tonight's match at the Emirates is
Bundesliga side Cologne who are making their first European appearance
in 25 years.

Arsene Wenger has gone with a much changed line up to the one that
featured in the league win over Bournemouth last weekend. With Nine
changes made.

Full teams:

Arsenal

David Ospina, Per Mertesacker, Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal, Hector
Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Elneny, Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez,
Oliver Giroud

Subs: Macey, Wilshere, Mustafi, The Jeff, Kolasinac, Akpom, Nelson

Cologne:

Horn, Heintz, Hoger, Zoller, Hector, Cordoba, Bittencourt, Mere,
Klunter, Lehmann, Rausch

Subs: Kessler, Sorensen, Risse, Jojic, Osako, Guirassy, Horn