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Monday 30 October 2017

October 30, 2017

Manchester United vs Benfica: Team news

 The Red Devils have the knockout stage in their sights as they welcome the Lisbon outfit to Old Trafford for the second round of group games.



Manchester United can take a step closer to the Champions League knockout stage with a positive result against Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Jose Mourinho's side are currently top of Group A having taken maximum points from their opening three games and a win over the Portuguese giants could be enough to ensure their place in the last 16 heading into the final two games.

Defeat for Benfica, on the other hand, will probably spell the end of their Champions League adventure as they come into the match with zero points.

SQUADS & TEAM NEWS 
Man u news
Eric Bailly is back in action having featured as part of a three-man defence against Tottenham, but Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini are all still injured.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo are nearing returns but the duo are unlikely to play a part on Tuesday.

Benfica news

Potential Man Utd starting XI: De Gea; Bailly, Jones, Smalling; Valencia, Herrera, Matic, Young; Mkhitaryan, Martial; Lukaku.

Benfica will be without the services of Luisao and Andre Almeida, who are suspended, while Jardel is ruled out of action due to injury.
Potential Benfica starting XI:  Svilar; Douglas, Dias, Eliseu, Grimaldo; Fejsa, Pizzi, Augusto, Goncalves, Salvio; Seferovic.

GAME PREVIEW

Manchester United managed to weather the storm following their shock defeat to Huddersfield Town last week by picking up convincing victories against Swansea City and Tottenham, so they will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe where they can effectively ensure their place among the elite with a win.

The Red Devils began the season at a blistering pace, but they have gradually slowed down, as results have shown, with injuries and loss of form having an impact on their performances.

One player in particular who has suffered from the team's blip is Romelu Lukaku, having failed to find the net in any of his previous five outings. The Belgium international has not scored for his club in the entire month of October, but he has a chance to amend that on Tuesday.

Indeed, with a crunch Premier League clash away to Chelsea coming swiftly after the game against Benfica, Mourinho will be hopeful that his chief goal threat can rediscover the kind of form that has seen him tally 11 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions this season so far.

A single goal separated Man United from Benfica when the sides met in Lisbon earlier in the month but, with the home advantage and some key players returning, the Red Devils will be confident that they can see themselves over the line without fuss on Tuesday. 
October 30, 2017

Roma vs Chelsea team news

 The Blues have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage when they make the trip to the Italian capital on Tuesday



visit Roma on Tuesday night as the Champions League group stage enters its second half.

These two clubs played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge in the last round of fixtures and currently occupy the top two spots in Group C.

In the unlikely scenario that win and Atletico Madrid fail to beat Qarabag, in fact, the Blues can qualify for the knockout stage this week.

N'Golo Kante joined his Chelsea teammates in training on Monday as the Blues underwent their final preparations ahead of their Champions League tie against Roma.

Kante has been missing from action since sustaining a hamstring injury while with France on international duty in early October, although Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admitted on Friday that the midfielder could return in time to feature against Roma.

And Kante certainly looked to be in no obvious discomfort as he trained normally alongside his Chelsea teammates at Cobham on Monday morning.

After warming up, the 26-year-old took part in a 'piggy-in-the-middle' training exercise where he tried to intercept the ball from his teammates before the squad went on to play a match.

Kante's involvement in the session will be a huge boost to Conte, with his Chelsea side having conceded eight goals in five games in all competitions in his absence.

​The team, meanwhile, looked to be in good spirits on a chilly morning at Cobham, with several players donning hats and snoods to keep warm in the colder temperatures.



The team will fly to Rome on Monday afternoon before Conte speaks to the media to preview Chelsea's Champions League Group C clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

SQUADS & TEAM NEWS

Roma news
Roma defender Kostas Manolas is a major doubt due to a thigh strain.

Bruno Peres and Rick Karsdorp are definitely out and Roma may also be without Gregoire Defrel, who came off in the win over Bologna at the weekend.

Potential starting XI: Alisson; Florenzi, Fazio, Jesus, Kolarov; Nainggolan, Gonalons, Strootman; Perotti, Dzeko, El Shaarawy.

Chelsea news
N'Golo Kante trained lightly on Monday before the squad flew out to Italy and could be involved after a hamstring injury.
If the Frenchman is ready to make his comeback, Victor Moses is the only player the Blues will be missing for this match.

Potential starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger; Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Alonso; Hazard, Morata.

Game Preview
After a run of three matches without a win, have got back on track with three victories in a row.

Back-to-back Premier League titles is already looking like a big ask for the Blues, though, with Manchester City nine points clear of them at the top of the table.

It is harder to see Antonio Conte's men stretching their current run into one of the like they went on last season, which propelled them into a position they never looked back from.

So while there is still plenty of football to be played in the English top flight, the Champions League will certainly get its fair share of attention this season.

's away win at Atletico Madrid proved they have what it takes to get results against some of the biggest clubs on the continent and contend for Europe's top honour.

This competition remains the biggest prize in Roman Abramovich's eyes and perhaps also Conte's.

The Italian was accused of coming up short in the Champions League when in charge of Juventus and the task of proving his remaining doubters wrong will surely still fuel him.

Friday 27 October 2017

October 27, 2017

Chelsea Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Bournemouth

Drink Water
The Blues are hoping to continue their recovery from a bad spell of form as they face the relegation threatened south coast side on Saturday

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to follow up wins against both Watford and Everton to make it three victories in eight days.

Antonio Conte’s side hadn’t won in three matches ahead of the game last weekend but they appear to have put their problems behind with a good run up to face Eddie Howe’s side.

However, Bournemouth also picked up a vital win away to Stoke City last week as they look to fight their way out of the relegation zone. They also got through in the cup with a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough so their form has followed a similar pattern to that of the champions in recent weeks.

CHELSEA INJURIES
Danny Drinkwater made a shock return to first-team football against Everton in an impressive display. He played 60 minutes but Conte urged patience and he will likely be on the bench for the trip to Bournemouth.

N’Golo Kante is nearing a return but he is not expected to be back to face Bournemouth, instead eyeing the Champions League fixture against Roma next week. Victor Moses is also expected to be out injured due to a hamstring complaint that he picked up against Crystal Palace around a fortnight ago. Conte spoke about Kante after the midweek win.

"Kante is progressing well and I’m very happy because I saw him in a good physical condition and for sure in this moment, we have to find the strength to keep calm and to find the right moment to put him in the team," Conte said. 

"Now it will be very easy to tell him to play. But we must pay attention. We have to find the best solution for him, but he’s ready."

Chelsea have no real other injury complaints as they were able to rest players in the Carabao Cup and still win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Baba Rahman remains at Stamford Bridge but isn't part of the club's Premier League or European squad due to a knee injury. He is expected to return by late November. Conte address the situation around injuries at his press conference on Friday afternoon.

CHELSEA SUSPENSIONS

Chelsea have no suspensions for the match against Watford. David Luiz returned from a three-match ban against Crystal Palace after getting sent off against Arsenal over a month ago.

He also suffered a fractured wrist during that match against the Gunners but he is playing through the minor injury.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

Chelsea gave a full rest to Eden Hazard, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko for the mid-week Carabao Cup match and they will likely return for the Blues against Bournemouth.

Conte hadn’t rotated many of his players until the match against Everton but he will have a fresher side to travel to the south coast with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Charly Musonda and Kenedy starting in the cup.
Chelsea will likely continue in the 3-4-3 formation but they will have half an eye on the Roma away match on Tuesday in the Champions League. The match against Bournemouth may be prioritised for
Conte, if anything with seven points already on the board in Group C in Europe.


Hazard, Pedro and Alvaro Morata started their first game together against Watford last weekend and they will likely continue for Chelsea on Saturday.

BOURNEMOUTH TEAM NEWS


Joshua King and Jermain Defoe are both facing a race to return to face Chelsea as they missed last weekend's action with illness and a hamstring injury respectively. Benik Afobe and Callum Wilson have been used in their absence by Howe as striking options.

Tyrone Mings is out with a back injury until December but Bournemouth have no other notable injury concerns ahead of the visit of the champions.

Nathan Ake and Asmir Begovic will face their former club after moving for £20 million and £10m respectively in the summer transfer window.

BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS
  •    Chelsea lost their last Premier League away game; 1-2 at Crystal Palace. They haven’t lost successive Premier League away games since November 2015 under Jose Mourinho.
  •  This is Bournemouth’s lowest points total (7) after nine games of a Premier League season. Last season they’d collected 12 points and in 2015-16 they had eight.
  • 53 of Chelsea’s league goals since the start of 2016-17 have come from Spanish players – this is more than 22 of the 23 sides to play in La Liga since then, with only Athletic Club (61) scoring more through Spaniards in this period.
  • Jermain Defoe is the only player to score in the Premier League against Chelsea for four different clubs (Tottenham, West Ham, Sunderland and Portsmouth) and could extend that to five clubs in this game. There have been seven previous occasions of a player scoring against an opponent for five different teams in Premier League history.
  •  Defoe’s next goal will be his 200th in league competition. He’s currently scored 91 for Spurs, 34 for Sunderland, 29 for West Ham, 19 for Bournemouth, 15 for Portsmouth and 11 for Toronto.

TV CHANNEL & KICK OFF TIME

The match is being televised on BT Sport at 17:30 BST on Saturday evening.

Tuesday 24 October 2017

October 24, 2017

Everton sack Ronald Koeman: Following Arsenal loss

The former Southampton manager arrived to much fanfare at Goodison Park but leaves 16 months later after bringing an air of negativity to Merseyside.


Ronald Koeman became the third Premier League managerial casualty of the season on Monday when he was sacked by Everton.

The 54-year-old Dutchman — who guided Everton to seventh in his first season in charge last term — paid the price for a desperate start to the season despite having spent £140million in the close season.
Ronald Koeman never really ‘got’ Everton Football Club. A fine footballing appointment during the summer of 2016, the stoic Dutchman rarely gave much away during his time at Goodison Park, instead seemingly happy to use the club as a stepping stone on the path towards his dream job at Barcelona.

Only Jordan Pickford has truly lived up to the fanfare with which each new Everton signing was unveiled during the summer, and from ‘winning the transfer window’ in June it has quickly become clear quite how much of a mess both Koeman and Walsh made of improving a squad that was already brimming with potential.

Walsh arrived with a reputation of unearthing previously untapped talents and working with a manager to find a system where they could truly flourish. Quite why he and Koeman chose a different approach and instead opted for pricey, proven commodities only they know. Factor in that Gylfi Sigurdsson, Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaassen all basically play the same position, and in hindsight their strategy was downright baffling.

The elephant in the room is the failure to sign a striker to adequately replace the goals scored by Romelu Lukaku. The Belgium international netted 25 goals for the Toffees during Koeman’s reign; no other player managed more than five, and therein lay the issue that Koeman will no doubt lean on when it comes to explaining his failure once the dust has settled.
What next for Everton? Sean Dyche is being reported as their primary target, though having succeeded with a system that relies on an outlet up front to relieve the pressure at Burnley, it would be remiss not to ask whether he would just encounter the same issues as Koeman. Everton’s squad is hugely unbalanced, and there is unlikely to be a quick fix for whomever steps into the hot seat next.

As for Koeman, that dream of Barcelona now seems set to remain just that. Whether the decisions of others ultimately cost him the exact squad he wanted, approaching football with a defeatist attitude was only going to end one way. Everton were beaten before they even kicked off in recent weeks, and for that Koeman must carry the can. 


Monday 23 October 2017

October 23, 2017

'Chelsea will fight for Conte' – Courtois eager to avoid repeat of Mourinho debacle


Thibaut Courtois insists that Chelsea are ready to fight for under-fire coach Antonio Conte, with the Belgian eager to avoid a repeat of the situation which resulted in Jose Mourinho's sacking in 2015.

Mourinho paid the price for Chelsea's poor start to their Premier League title defence in 2015-16, with the Portuguese coach dismissed after the side lost nine of their first 16 league games.
The Italian coach has come under pressure at Stamford Bridge this season, but the goalkeeper insists the players will fight to keep him in a job
Conte was then brought in as head coach at the end of the season and went on to lead Chelsea to the Premier League title last term.

Chelsea's title defence has not got off to the best of starts this year, with Conte's men losing three of their nine games so far, but they showed character in Saturday's 4-2 win over Watford, emerging victorious thanks to two late goals despite falling 2-1 behind just after the break.

And Courtois, who made his 100th Premier League appearance against Watford, is adamant that the players are up for a scrap in order to keep the Italian in the job.
"I remember what happened two years ago under Jose Mourinho and things started to be said, there were stories about the dressing room without knowing what was happening.

"We are happy to show that we are ready to fight. We all know what would have happened [extra speculation about Conte's future] if we had lost against Watford.

"There was a moment when we were 2-1 down, we were having difficulties and Watford could have made it 4-1. It was very important to come back to win.

"In 2015 [under Mourinho] we wanted to fight as well but the game didn't turn out well for us, there was too much bad luck. Sometimes different things happened.
"But we are showing we want to fight again now, firstly as a group of players. We want to win games.  We don't want to lose and say we don't care anymore. We want to fight for ourselves, too. It is important for us.

"Some of us remember what happened two years ago and we don't want the same thing to happen."
Speculation has suggested that some Chelsea players have grown frustrated with Conte's training methods this term, but Courtois dismissed those rumours as nonsense.

He added: "Every manager has his own routine. With Antonio we do a lot of tactical sessions and drills. We are fine with it.

"Last season we were champions with his way and we trained much more than this season, so I don't know why somebody would complain. It's not as if we don't like to train."

Friday 20 October 2017

October 20, 2017

Manchester City vs Burnley: Premier League prediction, team news, line-ups, start time, live, TV, head to head, odds

Manchester City are looking to keep hold of top spot in the Premier League table as they host Burnley on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side sit two points clear of rivals Manchester United after eight games, and have won 10 games in a row across all competitions - including wins over Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli.

City have thrashed Liverpool (5-0), Stoke (7-2), Watford (6-0) and Crystal Palace (5-0) in their last four League games, but Burnley can offer Guardiola's men a real test.

The Clarets had an awful away record last season with just one win on the road, but have already beaten Chelsea and collected valuable draws at Tottenham and Liverpool to mark themselves out as tough visitors for any title contenders this term.

Scroll down for Standard Sport's comprehensive preview...

Start time

Man City host Burnley at Etihad Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, October 21.

TV and live online coverage

The match will not be televised live in the UK.

Follow the action from 2pm with Standard Sport’s scoreboard blog.

Guardiola will likely make changes from the side that beat Napoli 2-1 in midweek, but City's only injury concerns are Vincent Kompany (calf) and long-term absentee Benjamin Mendy (knee).

Burnley boss Dyche is expected to choose from an unchanged squad against City.
Guardiola's 'Harry Kane team' comment is 'sad' and 'disrespectful'
Dyche has no new injury or suspension worries following last week's home draw against West Ham and could name the same starting line-up.

Strikers Jonathan Walters (knee) and Nahki Wells (foot), plus midfielder Dean Marney (knee) are all edging closer to full fitness, but remain sidelined.

Predicted line-ups

Man City starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Silva, Sterling, Jesus, Aguero

Burnley starting XI: Pepe, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward, Brady, Cork, Defour, Arfield, Hendrick, Wood
October 20, 2017

Chelsea legend advises Mesut Ozil to leave Arsenal for Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho would ensure that Mesut Ozil would be a success at Manchester United, according to former Chelsea star Claude Makelele.

 Despite a positive update from his agent a week ago, Ozil appears destined to leave Arsenal, be it in January or at the end of the season when his current deal expires.
Manchester United and Jose Mourinho, his former manager at Real Madrid, have been credited with a strong interest in the Germany international with reports on Thursday claiming he has already told his teammates he is destined for a move to Old Trafford.

After failing to fully justify his £42.5million price tag since his move from the Spanish giants four years ago, Makelele is confident Mourinho is capable of helping Ozil restore is reputation as one of the world’s best playmakers. ‘When you talk about the top players you want them to be in a good team and always putting in a performance the way you want,’ Makelele told beIN Sports.


‘It would be good for him I think if he were to move. He has been for a long time. ‘I think maybe Jose Mourinho would use him better and would make him a success at Manchester United for sure.’

October 20, 2017

Chelsea staff fear ‘dead man walking’ Antonio Conte will be sacked

Chelsea staff fear Antonio Conte is a ‘dead man walking’ at Stamford Bridge and expect the Italian to be sacked before he’s able to complete a second season at the club.

 The former Juventus boss won the Premier League and got Chelsea to the FA Cup final in his first season at the club but he’s been on collision course with his board this season over their failure to meet his expectations in the transfer market.

Conte was unhappy that the board didn’t sign a number of his targets, including Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Llorente and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Chelsea already trail Premier League leaders Manchester City by nine points and are without a win in three matches following their 3-3 draw with Roma in the Champions League.

Chelsea staff fear ‘dead man walking’ Antonio Conte will be sacked

Conte’s mood around the training ground has been noted by the club’s heirachy and there’s a sense that tensions are beginning to boil over over the club’s mixed start to the season. Chelsea have had 13 different managers during Roman Abramovich’s 14 years at the club and the club’s staff believe it’s only a matter of time before Conte goes, according to Duncan Castles.
October 20, 2017

City v Burnley: Injury latest


Vincent Kompany isn’t ready to return to the Manchester City side for this weekend’s game against Burnley.

However, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that other than long-term injury victim Benjamin Mendy, the rest of his squad are fit to face the Clarets as City look to equal the Club record of 11 wins in succession.

The City captain suffered a calf injury playing for Belgium against Gibraltar in August and hasn’t played at Club level since the win at Bournemouth.

Guardiola has refused to put a timescale on his return - but Sergio Aguero, who has been on the bench for the last two games after breaking a rib in a road accident, is fully fit and ready to start.

“[Kompany is] Not ready. Not yet. Everybody else is okay, everybody is fit.

“The game against Stoke, he [Aguero] had done just one training session. The game against Napoli he was ready and, of course, he’s ready for tomorrow.”

City face a Burnley side in inspired form away from home.
They have taken eight points on the road this season – more than they managed in the whole of the 2016/17 campaign – and remain unbeaten after visits to Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton.

Guardiola says Sean Dyche’s side, who sit seventh, two points off a Champions League spot, are not to be underestimated.

“They deserve a lot of credit,” Guardiola said. “They were in the Championship and then Premier League. A lot of respect for what they have done.
“They had a lot of problems last season to win away, but this season they have taken points at Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton.

“They are masters at attacking the channel. They always defend a lot of people in the box. They are physically strong. We have to play quick, take advantage.

“Their results away have been fantastic.

"Last season we dropped a lot points in Premier League and that is why we could not fight until the end with Chelsea and Tottenham.

"Hopefully tomorrow our fans come back again and support us, especially in the bad moments. The way we play Napoli is totally different to Burnley. We have to adapt."
October 20, 2017

Chelsea vs Watford: Premier League prediction, team news, line-ups, start time, live, TV, head to head, odds

Antonio Conte

Chelsea will be desperate to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats severely derailed their Premier League title defence.

Manchester City and Crystal Palace bettered the champions in recent weeks and they now face a fourth-placed Watford team fresh from beating Arsenal.

It may only be October but another defeat - matching three on the which led to Jose Mourinho's sacking two years ago - could see the Blues already 12 points adrift of pace-setters Manchester City.


Chelsea will be without N'Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater and Victor Moses once again, while David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko are doubtful due to muscle issues.
Alvaro Morata returned against Roma in midweek, though whether Antonio Conte will want to start him twice in four days after injury remains to be seen.

Potential starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Zappacosta, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Alonso; Pedro, Morata, Hazard.Start time.

Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul are yet to return to training after injuries so two of Adrian Mariappa, Christian Kabasele and Miguel Britos will continue at centre-back - or all three if Marco Silva uses a three-man defence once again.

Isaac Success will miss a couple of months after knee surgery and Nathaniel Chalobah, Craig Cathcart and Tommie Hoban are also long-term absentees.


Potential starting XI: Gomes; Femenia, Mariappa, Kabasele, Holebas; Capoue, Doucoure; Carrillo, Cleverley, Richarlison; Deeney.

Start time
Chelsea host Watford at Stamford Bridge with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm on Saturday, October 21.

TV and live online coverage

The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting from 11.30am. Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match online via SkyGo and the SkyGo app.

Alternatively, you can follow all the build-up and action from 11.30am with Standard Sport’s London Football live blog.
October 20, 2017

Jose Mourinho: Manchester United criticism is my fault... but I simply don't care


But after a week when Manchester United have come under fire for their lack of attacking sparkle in the away games with Liverpool and Benfica, Mourinho insists he will not change the pragmatic methods that have established him as the most successful manager employed in the game.


Jose Mourinho: Manchester United criticism is my fault... but I simply don't care


Asked about the flak from former players and sections of the media, Mourinho made it clear he is in the business of getting results and winning rather trophies rather than pandering to the purists with an easy-on-the-eye style.

He said: “I think it’s my fault [the criticism] because people are used to my teams getting good results and winning titles.

“Other people have more time than I have. Other people have different standards than I have and that’s not a problem for me at all.

“We are going to lose matches, that’s obvious, and I can imagine we are going to have even more criticism than we have now. But honestly, it is no problem. I simply don’t care.

“It doesn’t change my mind or my stability. We work hard, we try to do the best we can and get the best possible results. In relation to the last match in Benfica, I would like to know when United last won two consecutive away Champions League matches? And I would also like to know the last time United won nine points from three matches in the Champions League? We are doing OK.”

United have kept nine clean sheets in 13 competitive matches this season, conceding only six goals, and despite criticism of their negativity in some games, manager Mourinho made it clear he will continue to adopt a cautious approach in certain fixtures.
“If a team defends badly, concedes five goals but attacks phenomenally well and scores six, then that’s absolutely beautiful and amazing,” he said.

“But I know my team cannot score four, five or six in every match. I know that, especially with a certain profile of matches, it is difficult for us to score a lot of goals. We have to try to find balances and I’m really happy with what the team is doing. Critics? No problem.”

United make their first visit to Huddersfield for 46 years today, the ‘Holy Trinity’ of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton scoring the goals in a 3-0 win in the 1971-72 season – the last time the Terriers were in the top flight.

Mourinho insists it will not be so easy this time around.

“We are silly if we don’t know what to expect,” he said.

“Everybody knows what it means to play against newly-promoted teams. The Huddersfield players will be buzzing and the supporters will be happy to have a big club playing in their stadium.”

And their head coach David Wagner has warned Huddersfield’s supporters to avoid becoming too demanding as the Premier League honeymoon effect wears off.
Wagner believes that his team will have no chance of survival if the fans start barracking the players when results go against them.

Reality is starting to bite for Huddersfield in the top division, with no wins and only one goal to show from their last six league matches as United prepare to visit.

Jose Mourinho: Manchester United criticism is my fault... but I simply don't care

As a result, Wagner’s team have dropped down the table, having briefly enjoyed top spot after winning their opening two matches.

“There is one mistake we should not make, and I know our supporters are so smart that they will not make that one mistake,” said Wagner.

“We must not take the extraordinary as ordinary, and we must not take the unusual as usual.

“What we have done so far, both this season and last season, is extraordinary. This is nothing we can take for granted.

“We are working on the extraordinary, and we want to deliver the extraordinary, day in, day out, but we have to accept that it is extraordinary, it is not ordinary.

“Are we struggling at the minute for goals? Yes. Is it usual? Of course it is, we are Huddersfield and we are in the Premier League.

“Do we try to change it? Yes. As hard as we can. Will we change it? Yes, of course we will.”
October 20, 2017

Chelsea news: Drinkwater and Luiz snapped in training as Blues prepare for Watford clash

Drinkwater

Drinkwater has yet to make an appearance in a Chelsea shirt since joining the Premier League champions from Leicester.

The midfielder picked up a calf injury in September and has kept him on the sidelines adding to Antonio Conte’s frustrations.

But Drinkwater’s return to training will be a boost to Conte as Chelsea look to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace last week.

However, injuries are still a concern for the Blues boss with Victor Moses and N’Golo Kante still in the treatment room.

And Tiemoue Bakayoko and David Luiz both picked up knocks during Chelsea’s midweek Champions League game with Roma.

David Luiz

Bakayoko was absent from training on Friday but Luiz did feature.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

October 18, 2017

CONTE CONFIRMS MORATA FIT FOR CHELSEA'S ROMA CLASH


The Spanish striker has returned to the fray after pulling up with a hamstring injury in the Blues' clash with Man City.
Antonio Conte has confirmed that Alvaro Morata is in contention to start against AS Roma in Wednesday's Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have sorely missed the Spanish striker, highlighted by Conte's side's recent 2-1 loss to Premier League whipping boys Crystal Palace.
Morata 11/4 first scorer v Roma
Morata, who made a stellar start to life in London before picking up an injury, is now available for selection, however, meaning the Italian will not have to turn to untrusted Michy Batshuayi once again.
"Alvaro is in contention for tomorrow's game," Conte told the press. "He has been training with us and in contention.
"We have players that are not used to playing three in a row. Kante and Moses... [it's their] first time to play three games in a row, Morata the first time regularly, Alonso is the same.
"Sometimes you have to take a risk, like [against] Manchester City [when] Morata got injured, but if I didn't start him you'd tell me I'm crazy. Sometimes the players need to rest."
Marcos Alonso was also in attendance at the pre-match presser, with the Spaniard happy to have his countryman back and ready to lead the line.
"Alvaro is ready," Alonso said. "He's been training very well. I don't know if he'll be in the starting XI, but he's been working very well.
"He's been a very important player for us. If he plays tomorrow, I'm sure he will be as good as at the start of the season."

Tuesday 17 October 2017

October 17, 2017

Predicted Chelsea lineup against AS Roma: 3-5-2-the-rescue

The first of three home games in a row will see Chelsea take on AS Roma on Wednesday as we look to straighten the ship afternoon receiving bone-shaking broadsides from Manchester City and Crystal Palace. With N’Golo Kante and Victor Moses having fallen overboard, plus Danny Drinkwater busy being lost below decks, we will have to do so with a reduced, tired, possibly crestfallen group of players.
Hopefully we are made of sterner stuff than that of course, both physically and mentally as this game will need everyone to be at their best and most motivated. Getting Alvaro Morata back should be a big help and it should unlock the viability of the 3-5-2 once again. Chelsea have largely stuck with the 3-4-3 for home games, including over the weekend, but given Roma’s strength in midfield, weakness in defense, and danger in attack, solidifying our middle with a third midfielder seems like the proper way to go, especially in Kante’s enforced absence.
Ideally, the third (or most defensive) midfielder would be Bakayoko or Kante (as against Atletico Madrid), but in the latter’s absence, the only man for that job is David Luiz. If Drinkwater were to make a sudden appearance, he could possibly slot in next to Fabregas and push Bakayoko back, but as it stands, David Luiz is basically our only viable option. Andreas Christensen has proven more than capable of taking David’s place in defence, while next to him, two of Cahill, Azpilicueta, and Rudiger have to be picked. As much as it pains me to say, Azpilicueta has been the one least in fpreferencest trio, so perhaps he could do with rotation to the bench.
Since Morata’s injury, no one has really impressed in attack, so we might as well go with the two best we have.
3-5-2:
Courtois | Cahill, Christensen, Rudiger | Alonso, Fabregas, David Luiz, Bakayoko, Zappacosta | Hazard, Morata
The WAGNH community’s preference lies along similar lines, but with Azpi retaining his spot and with the preferred formation more along the lines of a 3-4-3 (57%) than a 3-5-2 (36%). In practice, there may not be much difference between those two.
3-4-3 (57%):
Courtois (98%) | Rudiger (86%), Christensen (78%), Azpilicueta (91%) | Alonso (92%), David Luiz (78%), Bakayoko (98%), Zappacosta (90%) | Hazard (96%), Morata (79%), Fabregas (81%).

Monday 16 October 2017

October 16, 2017

Fake Ronaldo invades pitch as Real beat Getafe

As if Real Madrid’s squad wasn’t overstocked with world-class talent to begin with, they actually found themselves with two Cristiano Ronaldos on the pitch at one point during Saturday’s La Liga clash with Getafe.
Indeed, a pitch invader came running onto the pitch at the Alfonso Perez and made a beeline for Ronaldo before eventually being rounded up by security and escorted back from when he came.
It turns out the opportunistic fan simply wanted to have a quick chat with his idol, while dressed exactly like him.
Madrid escaped with the three points with Karim Benzema opening scoring in the 39th minute. Jorge Molina equalised at the break; but Ronaldo scored the winner in the 85 minute.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane had rested five players who are likely to start on Tuesday against Tottenham in the Champions League, but with Isco and Luka Modric on the bench and Raphael Varane, Keylor Navas and Casemiro all sidelined they dominated their local neighbours in the first half. Gareth Bale also missed this one as Madrid looked to close the gap on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

October 16, 2017

Chelsea vs Roma: Conte gives update on Moses, Kante, Morata

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte has provided update on Victor Moses’ injury ahead of the Blues Champions game against Roma on Wednesday.
Conte hopes the injury blow is not serious as he is a key member of Chelsea’s squad.
He told Daily Star, “For sure Moses is out because of his injury. I don’t know if it’s serious, I hope not.
“(Danny) Drinkwater is still out. I hope to have Morata back for the game.”
Moses limped off after 40 minutes and Conte is eager for some good news regarding his wing-back.
He added, “I hope this injury is not serious. You know very well the importance of this player in our system.
“For us it ’s a very difficult moment because we started the game without Morata and Kante, which isn’t simple.
“During the game another important player, Moses, had an injury, and I hope to have him back very soon.
“This moment is very difficult for us, to lose three or four players is a big problem, but despite this, we have to find the will to fight.
“This season will be very difficult so we have to give 150 per cent, not just 100 per cent, like last season, because that’s not enough.
“We want to try to be competitive in all competitions, but it won’t be easy.
“My job is to be focused on my work with my players and try to do our best. Now, for sure, it’s not an easy moment for us, but I think it’s important to find a solution and not look for excuses.”

Sunday 15 October 2017

October 15, 2017

Guardiola responds to Pochettino’s criticism over Harry Kane comment


Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has insisted he did not disrespect Tottenham Hotspur, saying Maurico Pochettino made a “mistake” when criticising him .

Pochettino was furious after Guardiola referred to Chelsea, Manchester United and the “Harry Kane team”, when he was talking about City’s Premier League title rivals before the international break.

Guardiola told a news conference ahead of the game against Stoke City on Saturday, that he had consistently praised the quality of Pochettino’s team.

“Maybe my memory is not so well, but I was never disrespectful to my colleague,” he said.

“I was never disrespectful in a press conference. Never.

“When I talked about Harry Kane’s team, it was because Harry Kane was scoring a lot of goals, and I know perfectly that Tottenham are not Harry Kane alone.

“I think that last season, the person who spoke most about appreciating the way Tottenham play was me.

“I said Tottenham are one of the best teams playing. So I’m really disappointed if he said that. I don’t know what he said, but I was never disrespectful about my colleagues.

“I respect a lot what Tottenham have done in the last two or three years. There is a lot of credit in the way they play, in the way they are always attacking.

“I’ve said it many times — just review what I said. I gave a lot of credit to Tottenham, because last season they finished better than us and that means a lot.”

Guardiola added that “maybe I should have said Pochettino’s team when I said Harry Kane’s team.”

But he said: “I said it because Kane scored two goals more against Huddersfield and a goal for the national team and then another goal for the national team.
October 15, 2017

Neymar wants UEFA to kick Barcelona out of Champions League

Neymar wants UEFA to kick Barcelona out of Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain forward, Neymar, has urged UEFA to kick Barcelona out of the Champions League over withheld bonus.

Neymar left Barca to join the Ligue 1 champions last summer for a world-record £200m fee.

According to Spanish outlet, AS, the Brazilian believes his father should have received a loyalty payment, after he put off his transfer until after July 31 – the move was eventually completed on August 3.

Barca refused to pay the £23m fee to Neymar Snr., claiming that an agreement to extend Neymar’s contract at the Nou Camp had been reneged.

As a result, Neymar instructed his lawyers to take strong action against Barca, including getting them ejected from the Champions League.

The European football governing body, however, quickly rejected Neymar’s request.
October 15, 2017

Wenger ready to replace Alexis Sanchez with Martial

Wenger ready to replace Alexis Sanchez with Martial

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, is plotting a move for Manchester United’s Anthony Martial next summer, as he considers potential replacements for Alexis Sanchez.

Sanchez is in the final year of his Arsenal contract and is all but certain to leave the Emirates at the end of the season, if not in January.

Wenger is looking for a replacement, who can operate through the middle and out wide and fellow Frenchman Martial fits the bill.

Martial has been largely limited to appearances from the substitutes’ bench under Jose Mourinho and rarely gets a chance to play through the middle.

That has given Wenger a belief that Martial might be open to a switch to the Emirates.

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, last week claimed Martial is better than he was at 21
October 15, 2017

Premier League: Why Liverpool will never win title under Klopp – Carragher


Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, has admitted he cannot see the club winning the Premier League while Jurgen Klopp is manager.

The Reds have struggled recently, winning just one of their last seven games.

This weekend, Klopp’s side welcome bitter rivals Manchester United, who are joint-top with Manchester City.

Since taking charge at Anfield, Klopp has delivered a win percentage ratio of 49.5, lower than predecessor Brendan Rodgers’s 54.1 per cent.

“Liverpool will not win the title this season. I am not convinced Jürgen Klopp will ever be able to bring it back to Anfield.

“I am not sure when my old club will win it again. I certainly do not see it happening in the near future.

“No team have won the league conceding the number of goals of Klopp’s side,” Jamie Carragher told the Telegraph.
October 15, 2017

Premier League: Thierry Henry reveals why Lukaku flopped against Liverpool


Former Arsenal striker, Thierry Henry, has sought to explain why Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku, was ineffective in their 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Saturday.

The Belgium international has been in impressive form this season and is currently the Premier League’s top scorer with seven goals.

However, he was unable to score against the Reds at Anfield, recording only one shot on target in 90 minutes.

“I think he was too eager to score that goal that everyone would be talking about against a big team,” Henry said on Sky Sports.

“This is the first time he has had to do it with a Manchester United shirt on.

“And I think he was too eager in the first half and he wasn’t in the right frame of mind to finish that one vs one he had with [Simon] Mignolet and sometimes that does play on your mind.

“But like I said he will have other opportunities to rectify that.”
October 15, 2017

Premier League: What Arsenal’s defeat to Watford means – Wenger


Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has admitted that, “it will be difficult” to get back in the Premier League title race, following their 2-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday.

The loss leaves the Gunners nine points behind leaders, Manchester City.

Wenger’s gave up a 1-0 lead as Troy Deeney netted from the penalty spot in the second half and Tom Cleverley scored an injury-time winner from a rebound at Vicarage Road.

It was Arsenal’s third loss in four league away games this season, leaving them in sixth place with 13 points from eight games.

“It will be difficult [to catch the leaders], of course. But I think at the moment we are not too much looking at Man City, we are looking at ourselves.

“We have to bounce back from our disappointment today because we look like we can make results when we play the game like we did in the first half. But we need to be at the level for 90 minutes like that,” Wenger told a news conference.
October 15, 2017

Mourinho reveals he won’t retire at Manchester United


Jose Mourinho has revealed he will not end his managerial career with Manchester United.

Mourinho is in his second season at United after signing a three-year deal in 2016.

The Red Devils have made a fine start to the campaign and are currently second after eight fixtures.

With United starting the season so well, there have been suggestions in the media that Mourinho is set to be offered a contract extension.

Mourinho said in September that he is eager to stay for “many years”, but United fans hopeful of him potentially settling in like Alex Ferguson – who managed the club for 26 years – are likely to be disappointed.

“The only thing I can say is that I am still a coach with worries, ambitions, desires to do new things.

“I’m sure I will not finish my career here [in Manchester],” he told Telefoot.
October 15, 2017

Chelsea: Conte speaks on why Blues lost


Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has described their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, as a “difficult” game.

The Premier League champions went behind to a deflected Yohan Cabaye strike, before Tiemoue Bakayoko equalized for the Blues. However, Wilfried Zaha scored the winner for Palace, who before the fixture had never scored or won in the league.

“Today was a difficult game for us. Our start was poor. We had to start with more personality,” Conte stated at his post-match conference.

“Despite this we have to find the will to fight. This season we have to put 150% because it will be difficult.

“We conceded goals at bad times which made it very difficult for us. Palace grew in confidence.

“I don’t like to lose. Today my soul is bad. We must try to turn a negative situation into a positive situation.”

Conte also ruled out Victor Moses from their Champions League fixture in midweek against Roma. The Nigerian forward left the pitch with a suspected hamstring problem.

“Moses is definitely out of the Roma game. I’m not sure if it is a serious injury yet.

“It was hard to start without Morata and Kante today and then lose Moses to injury in the first half,” the Italian added.

Saturday 14 October 2017

October 14, 2017

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Premier League prediction, team line-ups and where to watch on TV and online

Life will not get any easier for Crystal Palace as they host Premier League champions Chelsea on Saturday.



Palace's 4-0 defeat at Manchester United ensured the Eagles ended September without a single League goal or point in their opening seven games of the season.

Roy Hodgson has his work cut out to keep Palace in the top flight, but Antonio Conte's champions are also heading into the Selhurst Park clash under pressure.

Chelsea were comprehensively outplayed in their 1-0 home defeat against Manchester City before the international break, and Conte knows the Blues can ill-afford further slip-ups if they are to mount a successful title defence.

Scroll down for Standard Sport's comprehensive preview...

Start time

Crystal Palace host Chelsea at Selhurst Park with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, October 14.

TV and live online coverage

The match will be not be televised or shown live online in the UK.

Alternatively, you can follow all the action and analysis live from Selhurst Park with Standard Sport's matchday blog.

Can't see the live blog? Click here for the desktop version.

Team news


Hodgson has confirmed that Wilfried Zaha is in contention to play after training for two weeks, though Wayne Hennessey will have a scan after the goalkeeper picked up a knock on international duty.

Christian Benteke remains sidelined, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek cannot play against his parent club.

Alvaro Morata is out after pulling out of Spain's squad for the international break with a hamstring injury, while N'Golo Kante will miss the rest of October with the same problem.

Conte may make a number of changes given that Chelsea play Roma in the Champions League four days after they face Palace, with the likes of Davide Zappacosta pushing for starts.

Predicted line-ups

Palace starting XI: Speroni, Ward, Sakho, Delaney, Van Aanholt, Cabaye, Milivokevic, Puncheon, Townsend, Zaha, Schlupp

Chelsea starting XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Zappacosta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso, Pedro, Batshuayi, Hazard

Friday 13 October 2017

October 13, 2017

REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS: INJURIES, SUSPENSIONS AND LINE-UP VS GETAFE

Real Madrid return to action after the recent international break in a Primera Division fixture away to Getafe as Zinedine Zidane takes charge of his 100th match as coach of Los Blancos.



Zidane, who has won seven trophies already since taking over from Rafa Benitez in January last year, will be eager to secure a win across town at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez to keep his side on track after an indifferent start to the season in La Liga.

Madrid are currently in fifth place, seven points behind leaders Barcelona, after four wins, two draws and one defeat in their first seven league matches so far in 2017-18.

Here, Goal takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of Los Blancos' trip to Getafe in the eighth round of La Liga on Saturday...

REAL MADRID INJURIES

Mateo Kovacic, Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal all miss the trip to Getafe through injury, while Keylor Navas also has a knock and will be rested by Zidane ahead of the Champions League clash against Tottenham on Tuesday.

Karim Benzema returns from injury, however, with Marcelo and Theo Hermandez also available again. Toni Kroos has also recovered from a rib problem which saw him miss Germany's game against Azerbaijan on Sunday.

REAL MADRID SUSPENSIONS

Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo have all served suspensions for Real Madrid in La Liga this season, but Zidane has no players banned for the trip to Getafe this weekend.


REAL MADRID POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

Kiko Casilla will start in goal for Real Madrid at Getafe as Keylor Navas is rested to recover from a knock in time for the Champions League clash at home to Tottenham on Tuesday.
Toni Kroos is available again after a rib injury, but may be kept in reserve to fully heal ahead of the game against Spurs.
In attack, Karim Benzema is set to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury.


GETAFE TEAM NEWS

Getafe have had a mixed bag of results since returning to La Liga in the summer and the Madrid-based side have eight points from their seven fixtures so far.
After narrow defeats at home against Sevilla and Barcelona, Getafe thrashed Villarreal 4-0 at the Coliseum last month, but lost their last fixture 2-1 at Deportivo La Coruna prior to the international break.
Jefferson Montero and Nicolas Gorosito are both still sidelined and will not feature against Madrid.

BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS


  • Getafe have lost 14 of their last 15 La Liga games against Real Madrid (winning one), including the last seven in a row.
  • Real Madrid have won their last 12 Primera Division games away from home and can become the first Liga side ever to win 13 consecutively on the road.
  • Only against Sevilla (23) has Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals than he has against Getafe (20).
  • Cristiano has scored in 10 of his last 12 Liga games against Getafe, including three hat-tricks.
  • Zinedine Zidane will reach 100 games for Real Madrid in all competitions (the Frenchman has won 74, drawn 17 and lost eight).

TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME

Getafe versus Real Madrid kicks off at 16:15 local time at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and due to broadcasting laws in the UK, it cannot be shown live. However, highlights of the game will be on later, from 22:15 UK time on Sky Sport.
October 13, 2017

BARCELONA TEAM NEWS: INJURIES, SUSPENSIONS AND LINE-UP VS ATLETICO


Everything you need to know ahead of the league leaders' visit to the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday...

Barcelona face the biggest threat yet to their 100 per cent record in the Primera Division this season so far as they travel to Atletico Madrid in the eighth round of the competition on Saturday.

Ernesto Valverde's side have won all seven of their fixtures in La Liga this term and sit six points clear of the Rojiblancos ahead of this weekend's meeting in the capital.

That will be the first for the Blaugrana at the Wanda Metropolitano after the stadium was inaugurated
last month, and an eighth win would leave the Catalans in a commanding position at the top of the table.

Here, Goal looks at everything you need to know ahead of the big match on Saturday night...

BARCELONA INJURIES



Ousmane Dembele underwent an operation on a thigh injury he picked up at Getafe last month and the France forward is now expected to be sidelined for up to four months, meaning he will almost certainly not feature again in 2017.
Rafinha and Arda Turan are also out and will play no part in the game against Atletico.

BARCELONA SUSPENSIONS

With no players sent off this season and only a handful booked (Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba three times each in La Liga), Barcelona have no suspended stars for the match against Atletico.


BARCELONA POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

With Ousmane Dembele still sidelined, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde must decide which player will start in attack alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on Saturday.

The two South American forwards should feature from the outset, despite turning out for their national teams in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification games over the past week.

Valverde could choose Sergi Roberto on the right, with Denis Suarez and Aleix Vidal also options. Gerard Deulofeu looks unlikely to be included, however, after falling out of favour in recent weeks.
Elsewhere, Andres Iniesta (who recently signed a new "lifetime" contract with the Catalan club), should start in midfield despite a knock.


ATLETICO TEAM NEWS

Atletico Madrid have made a strong start to La Liga and are in fourth place ahead of the game against league leaders Barcelona.

Diego Simeone's side have picked up four wins and three draws in the Primera Division so far and have won both of their home matches (against Malaga and Sevilla) at the recently inaugurated Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Diego Costa has returned to Atletico from Chelsea, but the Spain striker is uneligible until January due to the club's transfer ban. Meanwhile, right-back Sime Vrsaljko is a doubt for Saturday's game.

BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS


  • Atletico have not won in their last 14 Liga games against Barcelona (losing eight of those), their worst run without a win against them in the competition.
  • The Rojiblancos' last win over Barcelona in La Liga was in February 2010, a 2-1 success that was the only defeat for the Catalans in that Primera Division campaign.
  • Only against Sevilla (23) has Lionel Messi scored more goals in La Liga than against Atletico (22).
  • Antoine Griezmann has scored in all three of the competitive games which have been played at the Wanda Metropolitano: two in La Liga and one in the Champions League.
  • Diego Simeone has just won two of his 21 games as coach against Barcelona in all competitions (drawn seven, lost 12), none of them in La Liga.


TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME

Atletico versus Barcelona kicks off at 20:45 local time at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday and will be broadcast live from 19:40 UK time on Sky Sports Football.
October 13, 2017

ARSENAL TEAM NEWS: INJURIES, SUSPENSIONS AND LINE-UP VS WATFORD


Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at Vicarage Road on Saturday
Arsenal are undefeated in the Premier League since the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at the end of August and continue to build momentum across all competitions.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger welcomes back an array of attacking talent into his team following various injury problems and will be confident of securing a positive result against Marco Silva's Watford team.

"They are a strong side. They have strong results, they’re a balanced team who are dangerous and play good football. They’re tough opponents for everybody.
"He [Silva] has impressed, because I think Watford play good football. He was at Hull where he had a very good start as well and overall I think he has done very well."

Wenger talked up Jack Wilshere in his pre-match press conference and the Englishman could be named in the squad for the match at Vicarage Road as he steps up his return to regular first team football.

ARSENAL INJURIES

Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out for four to six weeks while Sead Kolasinac and Laurent Koscielny both face fitness tests before Saturday's game.
Alexis Sanchez resumes training from tomorrow while Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck return to the squad following their respective injury lay-offs.

Francis Coquelin and Calum Chambers are close to returning from injury but Santi Cazorla is unlikely to be involved in first-team matters until the turn of next year.


ARSENAL SUSPENSIONS

Arsenal have no players suspended for this game.

ARSENAL POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

Wenger has a selection dilemma on his hands in defence with Mustafi ruled out due to injury and Koscielny facing a late fitness test.

If Koscielny doesn't make it then Nacho Monreal will almost certainly start alongside Per Mertesacker and Rob Holding, while Sead Kolasinac and Hector Bellerin occupy the wing-back slots.

Ozil will be in the squad for the game but he might not be risked from the start while Sanchez faces a late test after being involved in Chile's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup last week.

Welbeck returns from injury and could start along with Alex Iwobi in support of Alexandre Lacazette upfront.

WATFORD TEAM NEWS

Marco Silva's side have had an indifferent start to the season after impressive results against the likes of Liverpool and Southampton.

The 6-0 defeat to Manchester City was the catalyst for bouncing back against the Saints but Saturday's opposition provides a tough task for Silva's men.

Nathaniel Chalobah is out of the game and requires surgery on his knee and it's likely that Tom Cleverley will start in midfield behind troublesome frontman Troy Deeney.
The Hornets currently sit in eighth place just one point behind fifth placed Arsenal.

BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS


  • In their last meeting, back in January at the Emirates, Watford earned their first league win against Arsenal since April 1988 and ended a run of seven straight league defeats against them.
  • Arsene Wenger has won eight of his 10 matches versus Watford in all competitions as Arsenal manager (L2).
  • Watford have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 10 matches against Arsenal in all competitions – they last kept a shutout vs the Gunners in April 1988 (1-0) when Tony Coton was in between the sticks for the Hornets.
  • Arsenal haven’t failed to score in their opening four away league games of a season since 1936-37 – the last time the Gunners failed to score in four consecutive away league games in the same season was in December 1992 under George Graham.
  • Since the start of the 2015-16 campaign, Arsenal have scored more headed goals in the Premier League than any other side (34), with Olivier Giroud netting 14 of them (41%).
  • Petr Cech has kept four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time since February 2015. The Czech glovesman last enjoyed a longer run of top-flight shut-outs between April and August 2010 (six in total).
  • Alexis Sanchez has scored three and assisted three in his four Premier League games against Watford. However, Sanchez has failed to score in his last five Premier League appearances; his longest goal-drought in the competition since a goalless run of 11 games between October 2015 and March 2016.


TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME

The match is being televised live on BT Sport 1 and kicks off at 17:30 BST.