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