Sarri:Ross Barkley has all it takes to become a ‘great player’

Mercy Lank

Ross Barkley was one of the best players on the pitch on Sunday afternoon as Chelsea beat Southampton 3-0.

After the game Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri was full of praise for the England midfielder. ‘He has quality, very important qualities in the physical and [technical] point of view’ Speaking after Chelsea’s win over Southampton, Sarri stated: “[Barkley] played very well. I am really happy with him. “From the beginning he has improved day by day, week by week and match by match, so I am very happy with him and for him, for the goal, for the national team. Click here to Join the whatsapp group for all CHELSEA NEWS “I think he had a very serious injury in the previous season, but I think he is improving. … I said to him from the first day that he has great quality — physical and technical quality. But you have to improve from the tactical point of view, but now he has improved [tactically]. “I don’t know, but potentially, he is a great player. “He has quality, very important qualities in the physical and [technical] point of view. Now he is improving in the tactical point of view. He will become a very important player in England and for the national team.”

However, Barkley struggled for both fitness and form while Antonio Conte was in charge. Since Sarri took over at Chelsea though, Barkley has been improving steadily. But Barkley’s best game under Sarri was definitely vs Southampton on Sunday. Barkley would set up Eden Hazard in the 30th minute to give Chelsea the lead. Barkley would then get on the scoresheet himself in the 57th minute grabbing Chelsea’s second.

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Unai Emery:Arsenal Can only get better

Mercy Lank

After the break the Gunners were rampant with Lacazette adding another, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting two goals and Aaron Ramsey also scoring. And while it was impressive, new boss Emery reckons they’re only just picking up form. “I don’t think it was the best [performance]. We can get better from this performance,” he said. “It depends, each match, how it is happening on the pitch in the 90 minutes.
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“When we have scored the first goal, it’s the moment and we can play with more confidence on the pitch. “We worked hard in the second half to impose this result and this position and moment on the pitch. “We are happy but also calm because we know each moment, each match, is difficult. We will continue with this victory.”

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Iwobi: Arsenal is fearless,we are fully ready for Title challenge

Mercy Lank

Arsenal Star player, Alex Iwobi, has declared that Arsenal are not afraid of any team after the Gunners stretched their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions following Sunday’s 5-1 away win against Fulham at the Craven Cottage, Completesportsnigeria.com reports. Iwobi made his fifth English Premier League appearance of the season for the rejigged Gunners who who are flying high again after losing their opening two games of the campaign against Manchester City and Chelsea.
“We’re not afraid to play anyone. We’re playing without fear, we want to be consistent and keep it going,”Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website. Click here to Join the whatsapp group for all ARSENAL NEWS“The team spirit is better. The confidence is definitely better. We analyse the games a bit more and we’re proving to the fans as well as ourselves that we’re able to compete for the title.” Iwobi also believes Arsenal can challenge for the league title alongside Manchester City and Liverpool.

“Well of course! But there’s a long way to go. It’s a marathon, so we just have to carry on being consistent,” Iwobi added. The 22-year-old Nigeria international is also determined to continue doing his best for the North London club after impressing for the club in recent outings. “The manager has given me a lot of confidence, telling me that when I get the ball to just be positive,” he stated. “Whenever I am called upon to play, I always try to give my best and make sure that I can impose myself on the game.”

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Liverpool Vs Man City:Strongest 4-3-3 Manchester City XI to face liverpool-Aguero and Aguero to start

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Team News

Benjamin Mendy has recovered from his ankle injury and might be in contention to start on Sunday but Guardiola will be without the services of Ilkay Gundogan, who limped off the field in the last game after suffering a hamstring injury. Kevin De Bruyne, Claudio Bravo and Fabian Delph continue to be on the treatment table to nurse their respective injuries.

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Ederson Moraes (GK)

The Brazilian wasn’t called into action on too many occasions in the Champions League tie but he continues to be a reliable presence for the Cityzens.

Kyle Walker (RB)

The English international has looked pretty solid at the back and has asked questions of the opposition while going forward.

Nicolas Otamendi (CB)

He has dominated the opposition with his physicality and aerial ability and will be key for City on Sunday.

Aymeric Laporte (CB)

He did a decent job as a left-back in the Champions League but should return to his usual centre-back role on Sunday.

Benjamin Mendy (LB)

City have enjoyed the fruits of a flying left-back in their ranks and they must rely heavily on him once again on Sunday.

Bernardo Silva (LAM)

He has looked lively down the left and linked the play effectively with Leroy Sane. He has been in great form this season and will once again play an important role against Liverpool.

Fernandinho (CM)

The Brazilian must add solidity to the midfield in the absence of Gundogan.

David Silva (RAM)

The diminutive Spaniard has been tidy with his passing in the final third and scored the winner against Hoffenheim. He should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Raheem Sterling (RW)

His lightning pace and silky dribbling skills are always an asset to City and Guardiola will require him to come good on Sunday.

Leroy Sane (LW)

He has impressed a great deal in the last few games and played some amazing football down the left in the Champions League. Guardiola should hand him another start.

Sergio Aguero (ST)

All eyes will be on City’s prolific No.9 as he tries to break his duck at Anfield. Nevertheless, he has the capacity to win the game single-handedly.
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Guardiola:Mo'Salah still have 8-9 years to reach Aguero Standard,comparison is disrespectful

Mercy Lank

Manchester City boss has dismissed inferences which put Mohamed Salah on the same level as Aguero.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola is not having any of the talks which suggest that Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is par with Sergio Aguero in terms of pedigree. The 43-year-old former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach expressed his thoughts ahead of the epic showdown between the two Premier League clubs on Sunday. The pair, who remain unbeaten, currently sits atop on the league log with 19 points apiece. Both Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero will possibly be involved in the goals with sole proprietorship of first place being up for grabs. Nonetheless, it is the former who will be dreaming of a better performance having started on the ongoing campaign on the wrong foot following his remarkable debut last season. The Egyptian forward netted a record 32 Premier League goals and 44 goals in all competitions, scooping the Premier League Golden boot ahead of Aguero who finished the campaign with 21 goals. Still, Pep Guardiola believes it will be too early to draw a comparison between the two. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game, he asserted that comparisons are premature at the moment as Mohamed Salah will need to replicate last season’s form consistently for a few more seasons. "He [Salah] is younger and it was his first year back in England since his time at Chelsea, so we will see in the future," said Guardiola ahead of Sunday's fixture at Anfield.

"But a guy who has the quality to score 50 goals in a season always has that quality. But football is all about ups and downs. "Salah remains an excellent player and will score goals in the future. When you are in there scenting goals sometimes this happens. "Sergio has scored a lot of goals but there were periods when he didn't score goals. "How many years has Sergio scored all those goals, eight or nine years? For Salah it was the first one so we will see in seven or eight years."
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Mourinho reveals the message Manchester United board sent him before the Newcastle match

Mercy Lank

Jose Mourinho reveals the message Manchester United board sent him before the Newcastle game Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho claims he received a text message from his board telling him to ignore speculation over his future just before his side’s game against Newcastle. The night before the game at Old Trafford a stunning report from the Daily Mirror claimed Mourinho would be sacked this weekend regardless of the result against Newcastle. In the end, the Red Devils claimed a thrilling victory from two goals down to eventually run out 3-2 winners – ending a run of four games without a win in all competitions. It was also United’s first win at Old Trafford since the opening day of the season against Leicester City.

Still, Mourinho admitted he had to be reassured over his future by his board as he spoke afterwards about a text he received from an unnamed member of the board. ‘The ones that read the papers, that are connected with social media, they thought maybe I had gone. If I hadn’t had an SMS from my board not to read [the papers] I would have been convinced too,’ he was quoted in the Times. Rather than any threat over his position, it seems the Portuguese still retains the full trust of those above him, despite the club’s slow start to the season.
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PDP Primary: Dankwambo beats Atiku, Saraki, Kwankwaso

Mercy Lank

The former Governor of Gombe State Dankwambo garnered 68 per cent of all votes cast. A total 17,925 Twitter users participated in the poll which lasted about seven hours. The poll, which was conducted by DailyTrust, a national newspaper also featured Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who had received most votes in various previously conducted polls. The poll asked, “Who is the best candidate for @OfficialPDPNig [PDP]?” Atiku and Saraki, coming second place, had a total of 11 per cent, while Kwankwaso staggered behind with a slightly lower percentage of 10 per cent.

Dankwambo, 56 years-old and an accountant, is a two-term governor of Gombe State. In August, he declared an intention to contest in the 2019 presidential election under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This, he said, is to enable him “consolidate on the gains of democracy and save the country from hunger and st

arvation”. Other presidential contenders in the PDP at the convention now underway in Port Harcourt include Aminu Tambuwwal, Sule Lamido, Kabiru Turaki, Attahiru Bafarawa, Datti Baba-Ahmed, Ahmed Makarfi, Jonah Jang and David Mark.

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Liverpool Vs Man City:Liverpool’s strongest 4-2-3-1 XI vs Man City,klopp to make key Change-Shaqiri starts

Mercy Lank

Liverpool Vs Man City:Liverpool’s strongest possible 4-2-3-1 XI vs Man City,klopp to make key Change-Shaqiri starts After winning seven games in all competitions, Liverpool have failed to win in their last three fixtures and Klopp will surely look to bounce back when the Reds collide against champions Man City tomorrow. The Sky Blues are currently on top of the Premier League table due to a superior goal difference but it must be remembered that they have lost their last three encounters vs Liverpool.
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Jurgen Klopp has got to change things after losing against Napoli in the midweek. The Merseysiders were dominated by the Italians in the Champions League and Liverpool’s midfield looked really tired. The German manager needs to attack Man City and should utilize a 4-2-3-1 formation with which the team won their last contest against Southampton. Shaqiri should return to play in the No.10 role behind the center forward, who should be Mohamed Salah and not Firmino.

The Brazilian star should start on the left flank and Mane should start in his natural right wing position. Henderson and Wijnaldum should start in the center of the park. I’d prefer Keita in the midfield but he should not be risked after the injury he suffered against Napoli. There should be no changes in the back line in front of Brazilian shot stopper Alisson

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Neville attacks Man United and Describe them as 'an absolute disgrace' after reported Mourinho sacking

Mercy Lank

A report emerged on Friday saying Jose Mourinho's days at Manchester United are numbered, prompting a furious response from Gary Neville. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has blasted a reported decision to sack Jose Mourinho as "an absolute disgrace". The Daily Mirror reported late on Friday that Mourinho will be replaced as manager regardless of United's result in their Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Mourinho gave a short and terse news conference earlier in the day, after which Neville said the 55-year-old "looked fed up" following heavy criticism of his side's poor run of form, having won just three of their last nine games in all competitions. Neville was enraged about the suggestion Mourinho will be forced to lead out his team at Old Trafford knowing his days in the job are numbered, accusing the United hierarchy of "playing Football Manager with the biggest club in the world".
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"I think I'm furious," he said on Sky Sports after a lengthy pause. "I'm furious going back three, four years ago, when [David] Moyes was sacked and it broke the day before. Louis van Gaal was sacked the evening before a cup final [in 2016], finding out through other people. "If this is true and Mourinho is going to walk out at Old Trafford [on Saturday] as a dead man walking, those fans will turn towards the board room like never before. "Jose Mourinho will get the biggest support of his life tomorrow and I'll be there to give it to him. It's an absolute disgrace. Where are the values at Manchester United? This has been going on for five or six years.

"Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world. I think any manager would struggle at Manchester United, with the way in which the recruitment is handled, the way in which it operates. "Enough is enough for me. I love that football club. I absolutely love it to death. It's been my life, it's given me everything and I'm not turning on my football club, but I have to say, something has to change, and it isn't the manager. It's above that. "I hope it's not true but, if it is true, it's an absolute disgrace. The dressing room is leading what's happening. The tail is wagging the dog. "I'm reacting maybe a little bit emotionally, but I don't really care, to be honest with you. It's difficult running a football club, managing a football club, playing in a football team. But there is something rotten to the core. "They're playing Football Manager with the biggest club in the world. Stop it."

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Jose Mourinho: Don't even blame me for Manchester United's poor Season

Mercy Lank

Under-fire Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insisted he is not entirely to blame for the club's poor season. Jose Mourinho refused to accept sole blame for Manchester United's struggles this season as rumours over his future at Old Trafford gather pace. Mourinho has cut a frustrated and glum figure amid United's poor start to the campaign after just four wins from 10 matches in all competitions, leaving the Red Devils nine points off the pace in the Premier League.
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The 55-year-old Portuguese boss gave a short news conference on Friday before the Daily Mirror later reported Mourinho will be sacked regardless of Saturday's result against Premier League strugglers Newcastle United. Under-fire manager Mourinho – who is winless in his past four home matches for the first time in his managerial career – insisted he is not entirely to blame. "Sometimes things are not just in the manager's hands," Mourinho said. United finished runners-up to record-breaking Premier League champions Manchester City last season, while Mourinho's men also reached the FA Cup final before losing to Chelsea. "We are better than this and, because we are better than this, our situation will improve. I have no doubts about that."

The Red Devils have looked a shadow of that side this term amid Mourinho's strained relationship with star midfielder Paul Pogba. Mourinho and Pogba were involved in a training-ground confrontation last week after the French World Cup winner was stripped of vice-captaincy duties. There have been reports of dressing-room unrest – captain Antonio Valencia apologising for liking a post on Instagram that called for United to sack Mourinho. When pushed on who is at fault for United's woes, a coy Mourinho replied: "The same people that were to blame with the fantastic season of last season." The boss is intent on bringing "the happiness of a win" back to Old Trafford on Saturday. United invested heavily in Brazil international midfielder Fred, while Portuguese youngster Diogo Dalot also arrived from Porto, however it was a frustrating transfer window for Mourinho – whose request for two more signings was not fulfilled by the hierarchy.

"Success has a direct relation with your own potential and a direct relation with the potential of your opponents," added Mourinho. "The last season was phenomenal exactly because of these two factors - our potential and the potential of our opponents. "I think opponents with much more potential than us finished behind us. That is the reason why it was a phenomenal season."

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BREAKING: IGP invites Saraki, Dino Melaye, Ben Bruce for questioning over PDP protest

Mercy Lank

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has invited the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Senators Dino Melaye and Ben Bruce over their alleged involvement in the disturbance of public peace and safety in the FCT. Bruce had alleged that police attacked leaders and members of PDP, who were protesting against the outcome of the Osun State Governorship election at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. Reacting, the Force Spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the politicians were invited to report themselves to the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters on Monday, 8th October, 2018 for investigation. The statement reads: “Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Ben Bruce who were captured on camera to have been involved in the disturbance of public peace and public safety, unlawful blockade of Shehu Shagari way for several hours preventing motorists, road users and other members of the public from having access and passage on the highway thereby disturbing public peace and public safety and causing innocent people to scamper for safety and violent attack on Policemen posted to ensure security of the Force Headquarters, pushing and hitting the Policemen to forcefully enter the Force Headquarters to cause damage to Police equipment and Government properties are hereby invited to report themselves to the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters on Monday, 8th October, 2018 for investigation. “Today at about 1330Hrs, unruly and violent protesters who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in their hundreds with thugs and miscreants inside several trucks and vehicles blocked the Shehu Shagari way in front of the Nigeria Police Force, Headquarters creating a gridlock of traffic on the highway and preventing motorists, road users and other members of the public from having access and passage on Shehu Shagari way thereby disturbing public peace and public safety and causing innocent people to scamper for safety, suddenly the unruly/violent protesters surge and rushed violently on the Policemen posted to ensure safety of the Force Headquarters premises, pushing and hitting the Policemen to forcefully enter the Force Headquarters to cause damage to Police equipment and Government properties.

“The Police team headed by a very Senior Police Officer despite the provocation, after issuing words of proclamation, warning this unruly PDP protesters who were chanting war songs of ”we no go gree o, we no go gree, we no go gree”, charged the Police personnel who used minimum force and dispersed them. “Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce and others yet to be identified were recorded on Camera pushing Policemen to forcefully enter the Force Headquarters to damage and destroy Police equipment and Government properties while Senator Bukola Saraki was at the scene of the attack in his car also captured on camera along with hundreds of miscreants and thugs in the acts of disturbance of public peace and public safety, unlawful blockade of Shehu Shagari way for several hours preventing motorists, road users and other members of the public from having access and passage on the highway thereby disturbing public peace and public safety and causing innocent people to scamper for safety. “The Inspector General of Police has directed immediate investigation into this unprovoked and unwarranted attack on the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Force Headquarters premises which is against the law and condemnable. The Force will do everything within the law to bring all perpetrators of this crime to justice, no matter how highly placed. “Consequently, Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Ben Bruce who were captured on camera to have been involved in the disturbance of public peace and public safety, unlawful blockade of Shehu Shagari way for several hours preventing motorists, road users and other members of the public from having access and passage on the highway thereby disturbing public peace and public safety and causing innocent people to scamper for safety and violent attack on Policemen posted to ensure security of the Force Headquarters, pushing and hitting the Policemen to forcefully enter the Force Headquarters to cause damage to Police equipment and Government properties are hereby invited to report themselves to the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters on Monday, 8th October, 2018 for investigation.

“Members of the public in the FCT are implored to remain calm as the situation is under control. Further development will be communicated to the public soon.”

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Chelsea Super Star Eden Hazard nominated for Premier League Player of the Month award

Mercy Lank

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Chelsea Play maker Eden Hazard might be in the best form of his club career at this moment, and it’s only the beginning of his first season under Maurizio Sarri. One can can only imagine how far he can get if he retains this kind of form for an entire year. Obviously, we hope he will lead us to trophies, and himself to a new contract. However, these will only come in the second half of the season.

For now, we will have to settle for individual awards. One of which is the Premier League Player of the Month, the September edition of which he was nominated for today. As the division’s leading goalscorer and consensus best player, it’s an obvious and well deserving choice.

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Liverpool Vs Manchester City:Pep Guardiola Confirms two injury boost ahead of City Super Sunday Encounter with liverpool

Mercy Lank

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Manchester City will be looking to cement their position at the top of the table with a positive result when they take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media at a pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given a team news and injury update ahead of the game including the latest on Kevin De Bruyne, Fabian Delph, Benjamin Mendy and Ilkay Gundogan. De Bruyne hasn’t featured for City since the opening weekend win over Arsenal at the Emirates due to a torn knee ligament but the midfielder has made a swift recovery and resumed full training with the rest of the squad today. Obviously the Belgian international is lacking match practice so it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will consider him from the start at Anfield but it would still be a huge boost for City to have him on the bench.

In a double boost, the City boss also confirmed that Mendy is available for selection against Liverpool after the full-back returned to training following a foot injury that’s hampered him in recent games. However, Delph remains on the sidelines with a knock that’s kept him out of the last two matches while Gundogan is also a major doubt to face Liverpool after being forced off with a hamstring injury during City’s Champions League victory over Hoffenheim in midweek.

Guardiola told ManCity.com:

“Everybody is okay, Delph is not available… Gundogan has a little bit of a problem and he didn’t train today – we will see tomorrow. KDB was training today. Mendy is back in training and can play.” City head to Anfield sitting top of the league on goal difference from Liverpool so Guardiola will be keen to at least maintain that advantage with a positive result and their chances of getting something from the game have been boosted by the potential return of De Bruyne.

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In-from Arsenal expected to win Fulham:4-2-3-1 Emery to make 8 Changes |Ramsey out

Mercy Lank

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Arsenal will be hoping to extend their winning run to nine games in all competitions when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Here is the side Gooner Mac thinks Unai Emery will select for the game:

Goalkeeper:

Petr Cech missed the win over Qarabag last night as he’s been ruled out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. Bernd Leno put in another encouraging performance in the Europa League so he’s expected to keep his place on Sunday with Emi Martinez acting as back-up.

Defence:

Emery surprisingly started with a back three against Qarabag on Thursday night but switched to a four at half-time and the boss should stick with that system at Fulham this weekend. Hector Bellerin is certain to get a recall at right-back with Stephan Lichtsteiner making way while Nacho Monreal should move out to left-back after playing in the back three against Qarabag. Sead Kolasinac is therefore likely to drop to the bench.

Shkodran Mustafi was rested last night and although I think Rob Holding has performed well in recent games, the youngster is expected to make way with Mustafi coming in to partner Sokratis in the middle of defence.

Midfield:

We’re certain to see changes in midfield as Granit Xhaka will come in for Mohamed Elneny as the Egyptian international failed to take his chance last night. Matteo Guendouzi did play well in the Europa League win and scored a fine third goal but I still think we’ll see Lucas Torreira recalled to start in the holding role.

Attack:

Aaron Ramsey asked to miss the trip to Azerbaijan to be with his pregnant wife – who’s expecting twins any day now – so the midfielder could be a major doubt to face Fulham. If his wife goes in to labour soon then Rambo is likely to miss the game. That would be a blow but it would allow Emery to play Mesut Ozil in his favoured central role and pave the way for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to return to the side on the right wing after missing the Qarabag game due to security fears.

Our attack would look a lot more balanced with Ozil in the middle and Mkhitaryan on the right but it would mean youngster Emile Smith Rowe dropping out despite putting-in a superb goal-scoring display against Qarabag. Alex Iwobi will be hoping to keep his place on the left after another excellent performance last night but I think Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be recalled if he recovers from the sickness that kept him out of the trip to Azerbaijan. Aubameyang is likely to play on the left wing with Alexandre Lacazette recalled up front meaning Danny Welbeck dropping to the bench after a disappointing display against Qarabag.

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Mercy Lank

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Unai Emery has been nominated for the Premier League’s Manager of the Month award for September. Our head coach joins Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Nuno Espirito Santo on the shortlist, after achieving four wins from four Premier League fixtures.

We picked up victories against Cardiff, Newcastle, Everton and Watford, scoring nine goals and keeping two clean sheets along the way.

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Just In: PDP To ask some of Presidential Aspirants To Step Down today

Just In: PDP To ask some of Presidential Aspirants To Step Down today

4/ 5 stars - "Just In: PDP To ask some of Presidential Aspirants To Step Down today " Mercy Lank The party is worried by the large number of aspirants and how to manage the possible recrimination arsing from the outcome of the conventio...

Mercy Lank

The party is worried by the large number of aspirants and how to manage the possible recrimination arsing from the outcome of the convention. The leadership and key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will today persuade some of the 12 presidential aspirants to voluntarily withdraw from the race ahed of the convention which starts tomorrow in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The party is worried by the large number of aspirants and how to manage the possible recrimination arsing from the outcome of the convention. A meeting has been slated with the aspirants in Abuja on this as well as to make them to sign an undertaking to accept the outcome of the convention in good faith. They are also to make a written commitment to work with the party in projecting the eventual winner as the presidential candidate throughout the electioneering campaign. Speaking with reporters at the party’s Abuja secretariat yesterday, party spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan declined to state the agenda of the meeting. No fewer than 3619 delegates, including the aspirants, are to vote at the convention. Delegates to the convention, which is to be presided over by the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, include members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). Others include former Presidents and former Vice Presidents who are still members of the PDP and members of the National Assembly, who are still members of the party Others are past and serving governors, past and deputy governors who are still members of the PDP.

Similarly, all governorship candidates of the party are delegates, as well as members of the Houses of Assembly, who are members of the party. Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), members of the Zonal Working Committee, state party chairmen and secretaries, including those of the Federal Capital Territory, are also delegates. State Women and Youth leaders, including those of the Federal Capital Territory are listed. Also, one national delegate from each of the 774 local government areas and all elected local government chairmen will also vote as delegates. All former members of the National Working Committee (NWC) who are still members of the party, are also eligible to vote as delegates. Former Presidents of the Senate, former Deputy Presidents of the Senate, former Speakers of the House of Representatives, and former Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives are also delegates, provided they are still members of the party. Also yesterday, the PDP alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt the convention. Ologbondiyan said the move is meant to ensure that the PDP does not produce a presidential candidate. Ologbondiyan said: “We invite Nigerians to take note of this and we invite the international communities to take serious note of the plots by the ruling government to thwart the efforts of the opposition to elect a candidate that will go into the February general elections against President Muhammadu Buhari. “We invite all Nigerians to take cautious note of this development. However, on our own part, we wish to inform Nigerians, particularly members of the PDP, that the national convention where our presidential candidate will be elected that has been scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, will go on as planned. “No plot, no plan by the ruling government can stop our national convention. It’s machinations of all kinds; it can be through the court, by funding court decision. It could be any form of machinations.

“We are aware of plots which include effort to use the court to stop our national convention, and we are alerting Nigerians and the international community.”

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Sarri: If Morata wants to cry when he scores goal,he is free to cry 'I want him to score goals for the team'

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Maurizio Sarri wants to see tears from Alvaro Morata after the striker’s winner in Chelsea’s 1-0 Europa League victory over Hungarian champions Vidi on Thursday night. Morata missed a host of chances in the opening Group L win at PAOK in Greece two weeks ago and spurned a glorious opportunity in the first half at Stamford Bridge. Sarri praised an improved all-round display from the 25-year-old, recalled into the Spain squad earlier on Thursday, which was capped by the winner 20 minutes from time and an emotional celebration. “If after a goal he wants to cry, I hope to see him cry very often,” the Chelsea head coach said. “It’s very important for him to score. I think it’s very important for him to play a very good match. He played a very good match. “It’s very important for him to play for the team, like this evening. I think Alvaro can restart from this performance.” It was just Morata’s second goal of the season – his first was in August’s Premier League defeat of Arsenal – and Sarri reiterated the striker’s importance to the team.

“At the moment we have Alvaro and (Olivier) Giroud, but we have to play every three days for a long time, I think, I hope,” Sarri added. “And so he’s a very important player for us, for our season.” Chelsea were wasteful in front of goal for a second successive Europa League game, but Sarri was more concerned by the chances presented to Vidi. He added: “We have created a lot of goal opportunities but we have conceded two, three opportunities to the opponents. “I am not worried if we don’t score for 45 minutes. I was not happy, but I think it can happen. I was worried about the fact that we have conceded three goal opportunities to the opponent, for our mistakes.”

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Chelsea vs Vidi: Confirmed Line-Up Loftus-Cheek Starts

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Kepa, Zappacosta, Cahill (c), Christensen, Emerson, Fabregas, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Pedro, Morata, Willian

Subs:

Caballero, Alonso, Kante, Barkley, Hazard, Moses, Ampadu.

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Europa League:Emery to make 7 Changes,Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Qarabag

Mercy Lank

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After a tough start to the season, Unai Emery’s men have come out all guns blazing with five consecutive victories in the Premier League. The Gunners triumphed 2-0 over Watford at the weekend at moved into the top five in the standings. Unai Emery rotated his squad as the Gunners overcame the challenge of Vorskla in the Europa League on matchday one by a 4-2 margin. And they should be the outright favourites once again when they make the trip to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag FK on Thursday.

Team News

Laurent Koscielny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are out due to injuries while Petr Cech is expected to be out of action for a minimum of 3 weeks to nurse his thigh problem.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Unai Emery

Bernd Leno (GK)

The German should take his position between the sticks in the absence of Petr Cech, who is injured.

Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)

The veteran had a good outing in the Europa League against Vorskla and followed it up with another impressive performance in the Carabao Cup. Emery should hand him a start ahead of Hector Bellerin, who deserves a rest.

Rob Holding (CB)

He has looked solid in the heart of the defence and should replace Shkodran Mustafi, who has had plenty of howlers in the season so far.

Sokratis (CB)

The Greek international is back from injury and Emery should team him up with Holding in the backline.

Sead Kolasinac (LB)

He has been out with an injury since the pre-season games and Emery should rest Nacho Monreal to test him out in the Europa League.

Mohamed Elneny (CDM)

The Egyptian fared well in the last Europa League fixture and Emery should give Lucas Torreira a break.

Matteo Guendouzi (CDM)

The youngster has shown a lot of promise and should start ahead of Granit Xhaka.

Danny Welbeck (RW)

The English international scored in the Europa League and followed it up with a brace in the Carabao Cup. Emery must start him ahead of Mesut Ozil.

Alex Iwobi (LW)

The Nigerian has been given regular minutes on a consistent basis and has shown a lot of promise in the final third. Emery should hand him another start.’

Emile Smith Rowe (CAM)

The teenager made his debut on matchday one and started in the Carabao Cup. Emery should give him another start to allow him to grow in confidence.

Eddie Nketiah (ST)

The prolific finisher hasn’t gotten enough chances to perform this season and Emery should test him out against Qarabag to give Alexandre Lacazette a break.

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Tottenham 2-4 Barcelona: Messi, Rakitic ,Coutinho shines as Barcelona humbles Tottenham

Mercy Lank

Lionel Messi's Wembley masterclass and a sublime strike from Ivan Rakitic got Barcelona back in the groove as they clinched a pulsating 4-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. Ernesto Valverde's side arrived in London for the Champions League Group B tie amid a mini-crisis after failing to win their last three La Liga games. But the Spanish champions have fond memories of the English national stadium, where they won the European Cup in 1992 and 2011, and they were revitalised by the sight of the iconic venue.

Aided by a rush of blood from Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Barcelona went ahead after only 92 seconds as Philippe Coutinho scored their quickest Champions League goal since 2005. Rakitic stole the spotlight midway through the first half when the Croatia midfielder struck with a thunderous half-volley. In a dramatic second half, Tottenham's Harry Kane reduced the deficit before the majestic Messi added Barcelona's third. Erik Lamela's deflected strike kept Tottenham in the hunt, but Messi capped a mesmerising performance in the final moments to give Barca a second successive group-stage victory as they emerged from their recent struggles. Tottenham are in danger of crashing out at the group stage for the second time in three years. Mauricio Pochettino's side have lost both of their group matches after a 2-1 defeat at Inter Milan in their opener. They head to PSV Eindhoven for their next European fixture on October 24 knowing a win is essential as they already trail Barca and Inter by six points. It took Messi less than two minutes to show reports of Barca's demise were greatly exaggerated. Taking possession on the halfway line, Messi was pressured by Son Heung-Min, but his devastating response was simply sublime. Messi twisted away from Son as if swatting away an annoying fly, then unfurled a perfectly-weighted pass that picked out Jordi Alba's run behind Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier. Alba alertly picked out Coutinho on the edge on the penalty area and, with Lloris having needlessly rushed off his line, the former Liverpool forward was able to fire into the empty net. It was a bad mistake by Lloris in the French World Cup winner's first appearance since August after a torrid period marred by a thigh injury and his arrest for drink-driving.

Special Messi

Tottenham were decimated by injuries to Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele and it took 25 minutes before they finally had a shot when Kane brought a routine save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. That was only a brief respite for Tottenham as Valverde's team doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Once again the creation and execution were breath-taking. Messi clipped a pass to Luis Suarez before Coutinho smartly hooked the ball back from the touchline to the edge of the area, where Rakitic launched himself into the air for an agile half-volley that flashed past Lloris.

Messi was toying with Tottenham and it seemed only a matter of how many Barcelona would win by when he glided away for a shot that struck a post early in the second half. Spellbound by Messi's magic, Tottenham backed off again moments later as the striker hit the woodwork for a second time. Yet Kane gave Tottenham a lifeline when the England forward netted against the run of play in the 52nd minute. Powering into the Barca area with intent, Kane side-stepped Nelson Semedo and planted a powerful low strike into the far corner for his 10th goal in 12 Champions League appearances. Messi had the perfect response in the 56th minute when he cantered onto Alba's pass and side-footed past Lloris. Tottenham refused to surrender and Lamela set up a tense finale when his 66th minute shot deflected off Clement Lenglet and flew past ter Stegen. But Messi had the last word when he slotted home from Alba's cross to ease Barca's nerves in the 90th minute.

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Champions League:Tottenham Vs Barcelona, Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham to face Barca

Mercy Lank

Champions League:Tottenham Vs Barcelona, Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham to face Barca With a Back to back wins in the Premier League have eased a bit of pressure off Tottenham Hotspur after three successive defeats in all competitions. The North Londoners will shift their focus to the Champions League this Wednesday when they take on Barcelona. Spurs should have won the game against Inter Milan but capitulated late on to return empty-handed from the San Siro. A clash against Barcelona usually doesn’t guarantee anything, but this is a good time to take on the Blaugrana as their form has been pretty patchy as well. Barca have gone three games without a win in the league but Tottenham will still need to be at their best to test the Catalans. Because of the quality Barcelona have, they can play badly for 85 minutes and still win the game, so Spurs can’t afford to be as callous as they were against Inter or even Brighton in the end.

Tottenham Team News

Mauricio Pochettino has a few injury worries to deal with and they have perhaps come up at the worst possible time. Dele Alli has been ruled out of the clash and the likes of Michel Vorm, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Serge Aurier are all doubtful for the game which gives the manager a major selection headache. The only positive is Hugo Lloris is back and should be available for the clash against the La Liga champions. Eriksen missed the game against Huddersfield and should return to the team as well.

Defence

As mentioned before, Lloris should take his place in goal. A back four of Danny Rose, Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Trippier is expected as Pochettino does not really have too many options up his sleeve. The duo of Trippier and Alderweireld were left behind against Inter but are expected to play a key role against Barcelona.

Midfield

It seems like Victor Wanyama could get a start as Dembele is injured. Against that Barcelona attack, Pochettino will perhaps need two holding midfielders in the double pivot in front of the defence, so Eric Dier could line up alongside Wanyama. Eriksen is fit to play and should start in the number 10 role. Barcelona will be without Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique’s poor form means Eriksen will get opportunities to pick a pass and cut open that out of shape backline.

Attack

Harry Kane has put to bed the notion that a little bit of tiredness was creeping into his game. He is expected to start up top. Heung-Min Son and Eric Lamela should complete the attack.

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Breaking:Chelsea set to offer David Luiz new contract deal

Mercy Lank

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The 31-year-old’s current deal, signed three years ago after rejoining from PSG, expires at the end of the season. As he’s over the age of 30 now, he’s unlikely to be offered anything more than the one-year extension, as per (unwritten?) club policy — Giroud got 18 months in January, which may or may not be considered an exception. Chelsea want to give David Luiz a new contract to ensure he stays beyond the end of this season. Luiz’s current deal expires at the end of the campaign, but Chelsea are planning to open talks over with him.

If Chelsea had wanted to cash in (or cut losses) on David Luiz, there was plenty of opportunity to do so this summer. But David was happy to stay (especially with Conte leaving), and now he’s playing for a head coach with whom he shares not only a philosophy of football but a philosophy for life as well. It’s easy to see that relationship continuing beyond just this season.

“In the first week I spoke with him (Sarri). I said to him that ‘I am going to work hard to show you I want to play in your team, with your philosophy. I had two offers from different clubs but I told Chelsea I wanted to stay. Would I have gone if Conte stayed? For sure. “But they changed for Sarri and I have tried to convince Sarri I want to stay at Chelsea. I am playing now and enjoying it. I didn’t play (for most of) the last six months (under Conte). Sarri is human, he wants us to take pleasure in playing football. He said every day we have to enjoy it.”

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