ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES ON NEW YEAR DAY

Barclays Premier League
1:45 PM - Swansea City vs Manchester City
4:00 PM - Arsenal vs Cardiff City
4:00 PM - Crystal Palace vs Norwich City
4:00 PM - Fulham vs West Ham United
4:00 PM - Liverpool vs Hull City
4:00 PM - Southampton vs Chelsea
4:00 PM - Stoke City vs Everton
4:00 PM - Sunderland vs Aston Villa
4:00 PM - West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United
6:30 PM - Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

IBRAHIMOVIC:SANTA CLAUS SHOULD WIN THE BALLON D'OR

Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared his unique thoughts on the prestigious  Ballon d'or award ahead of his side’s friendly with Real Madrid in Doha on Thursday

Paris Saint Germain 's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he hopes Santa Claus wins the Ballon d'Or rather than the three high-profile contenders for the prize.

The Sweden international was touted as a potential winner of the prize himself before Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery were named on a three-man shortlist for the award, which will be presented to the winner on January 13.

Speaking to the press in Doha, Ibrahimovic joked: “The Ballon d’Or? For me, the three deserve to win it, but the one who must have it is Santa Claus.”

Ibrahimovic will come up against Ronaldo on Thursday as Paris Saint-Germain play Real Madrid in a exhibition match in Qatar and the 32-year-old spoke about his plans for the future with les Parisiens.

He said: “Yes, it’s an option for me to finish in Paris and we’ll see what happens in the future.

“I’m never fully satisfied. The team progresses, the club has made a leap in a short time, but we must continue to work. We have great qualities and I am optimistic for the future,” he added.

Thursday’s friendly will see Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti face his former club, but the Swede said he was looking forward to seeing his old coach.

“We’ll see Carlo Ancelotti, who was at the initiative of the new Parisian project and he left his mark. He pulled the group and the club up. He is a great coach, and I was happy to work with him at Paris and I wish him the best in Madrid.”

XAVI: RONALDO AND RIBERY HAVE DONE, BUT MESSI IS THE BEST

Xavi and Ribéry shared their experience and advice with those attending the Globe Soccer conference being held in Dubai. Archrivals on the pitch, but the best of mates off it, Xavi and Ribéry both agreed that a "passion for football" was a key factor in their success. Going into more detail, Xavi explained that "the factors for success at Barça are many – to have a good team, to bring talent together, a winning mentality, team spirit, and a little luck..."Naturally, the subject of the Ballon d'Or came up. Xavi had no doubts: "Ribéry and Ronaldo have done great things to win the Ballon d'Or, but for me the best player in the world, and in history, is Messi. I am quite sure of it, but don't have a vote."The Barça player also talked about the last Champions League clash against Bayern, whose bitter tasting memory is still in the mouths of the Culés. "I hope that if we meet again, we can be more competitive than we were last year. It's evident that Bayern is the favourite to win this competition."On the Barcelona youth academy, he said, "I am a student of that academy. They teach you to compete and also teach you about values. You are taught more than just football. Respect and the transferring of those values is more important than winning."The interviewer, journalist Mustaf Al Agha, remarked that this spirit was present in many teams, but that Barcelona had however become a worldwide phenomenon, to which Xavi replied: "We have managed to make history, but with the passing of time we will see even more clearly that we have achieved something extraordinary. It's not about being leaders. I don't believe in leaders, I believe in the group."The player was then also asked if he took over the role of coach last season when Tito Vilanova's illness relapsed: "No way, not at all. His illness was a big handicap and we all had to pull together. The work of the assistant managers was great, as was that of the team captains and the other players, who in that moment decided to come together as a group despite considerable adversity, and we played an extraordinary season."Both Xavi and Ribéry felt themselves "privileged" for being able to succeed in something they love doing. "For many people, especially for the children, we are an example. We have to be humble, we are but human and if you ever make a mistake, it's no big deal if you apologise."Both were hopeful regarding the World Cup. The Spain player was clear: "We're excited about going. We know it'll be hard, that the hosts are a superb team, as we saw in the Confederations Cup. But we're up for it and want to keep our title."Xavi and Ribéry will attend the Globe Soccer's closing ceremony, in which Cristiano Ronaldo was recognised as the best player of the year, voted for by football fans from all over the world.

RONALDO TIRED OF BEING MALIGNED

Cristiano Ronaldo joked during an interview with A Bola TV, saying "I´d give myself the Ballon d'Or every year", he never thought that anybody would take his words seriously.The Portuguese, tired of constantly answering questions about the FIFA award, first gave the politically correct answer: "I would like to win it, but it doesn't depend on me", and then he joked saying that he would award it to himself every year if he could.Obviously, the sentence, when taken intentionally out of context and made into a headline, gives the player an image that does not correspond to what he meant. For this reason, both the player and all those close to him are extremely annoyed by the treatment that certain media has given to his words.Cristiano is convinced that the twisting of his words is no isolated incident, and that it is part of a campaign that certain media has been carrying out for some time to dirty his image. The player is wanting the FIFA award saga to come to an end, as he is much more interested in the Ballon d'Leather than the Ballon d'Or.

LEWANDOWSKI TO ANNOUNCE MOVE TO BAYERN ON JANUARY 2

Polish TV host, Mateusz Borek took to Twitter to reveal that Robert Lewandowski will announce his move to Bayern Munich on the 2nd January. The fact that Borek sent the tweet just after the Polish striker had appeared on his show, 'Football Café' makes it all the more likely.Lewandowski's contract with Borussia Dortmund ends next summer, so from 1st January he is free to sign for any club. The rumour mill had been indicating that he would sign for Bayern for some time now, but the striker has never wanted to confirm. Next Thursday could be the day.Other clubs interested in signing Lewandowski included Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, but for now it seems he is set to continue in the Bundesliga.

MESSI HOPING FOR AN INJURY-FREE YEAR 2014

Four time Ballon d'or winner, Lionel Messi has completed his recovery programme in his hometown of Rosario despite the intense heat of the Argentinian summer, and will travel to Barcelona to rejoin the squad on Wednesday."There are lots of important things on a personal level, but when it comes to sport, I'm wishing for an injury-free 2014. The aim now is to get myself back to full fitness and the plan is to have a couple of practice games with my teammates before playing again," said Messi before the New Year, in remarks for the television programme 'Mundo Leo'.The Messi camp continues to underscore the player's positive state of mind and how responsibly he has spent his time back in his home country to recover from the torn left hamstring which he suffered on 10th November."After celebrating the New Year with my family, I will fly back to Barcelona on Wednesday 1st. Once I'm back, we'll see when I'm ready to play again," he remarked.

TERRY BELIEVES THE OLD GUARDS IN CHELSEA ARE STILL RELEVANT

Chelsea captain John Terry has insisted the ‘old guard’ that have served the club so well over the course of the last decade still have plenty to offer alongside a new generation of stars at Stamford Bridge.
Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech have remained as key figures in the Chelsea lineup during Jose Mourinho’s second stint as Blues boss, with the skipper -- who made his 600th appearance at the weekend -- convinced his enduring teammates are still capable of mixing it with the best.“The older boys in the squad have still got a lot to give, we see that every week,” Terry told the Chelsea website. “There is new talent coming through the squad and one day it will come to an end, we all realise that, but it certainly won’t be for the want of trying from us; trying to keep our place in the team.“The manager has been asking for togetherness from everyone. Whether you play or you are on the bench, everyone’s got a part to play. When the guys are not playing it’s important they maintain their fitness and their sharpness and I think we have seen that in the last few games.”Terry believes Chelsea's 2-1 win on Sunday against Liverpool was their most complete yet this season, as he played down the disgruntled comments from the opposition suggesting they could have been awarded two penalties in the Stamford Bridge clash.“I think the first half was the best we’ve played all season actually,” he stated. “The pressing was spot on, as were the tactics from the manager. We know how important it was. Man United and Man City have gone on good runs and it’s important over this period that we do the same.“The tempo was excellent and it’s good to do that in front of our home ans as well. Hopefully we can continue that as it’s been coming. We’ve been playing okay, but feeling like we’ve got a little bit more to give and I thought we did that in this game."As for the penalty decisions, we could have had one at the other end as well. Throughout the season you’re going to get some and you’re not going to get some in the big games, but I thought the ref was good for both sides. In big games it’s important to let both teams play.”Chelsea’s win against Liverpool ensured they have enjoyed a bumper harvest of points this Christmas and another victory against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday would complete their perfect festive displays.“It’s going to be tough because they’re very good at home and it proved a difficult game here when they scored pretty early,” said Terry ahead of the game on the south coast. “They [Southampton] are a good footballing side, very much like Liverpool, who try and play out from the back so we’re expecting a tough game.”

MOURINHO CRITICIZES SUAREZ'S AGITATION

Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho turned down suggestions that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez should have had a penalty in Chelsea's 2-1 win on Sunday by insisting the Uruguayan should have been booked instead.
Mourinho's men came from behind to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table with Samuel Eto'o in the spotlight.Although Eto'o scored the winner, he was perhaps lucky to escape punishment for an early challenge on Jordan Henderson -- it was from the resulting free kick that Liverpool scored -- and then late on the striker felled Luis Suarez in the penalty area. However, Mourinho sought to take the blame, saying he had told Eto'o to take a more physical approach."I didn't see it, I don't know which situation you are referring to,'' he said when asked about the challenge on Henderson. He then added: "For some weeks I have been criticising him a lot internally for his failure to adapt to what the Premier League is in terms of physicality so if he had a tackle deserving of a card it was my fault because I'm asking him to adapt to this.''He was more forthright about the penalty, claiming Suarez should have been booked while his own side deserved a spot-kick when Eden Hazard tumbled in the area. "I think there is another big case for a penalty on Hazard,'' he said. "Something is happening, week after week, I don't know why referees don't see it. He's a fair boy and I don't know why this is happening..."On the other situation with Suarez I would resolve this differently with a yellow card for Luis Suarez. I keep saying I hate players trying to provoke situations. Luis is an amazing player and I have lots of respect for his quality and his attitude of trying to win every game but sometimes he tries too much... Eto'o just put his body in front of him. It looks like somebody shot him.''Mourinho also paid tribute to the efforts of Premier League players around the country for their performances throughout the busy festive period with their third game in seven days."Premier League players in this country deserve fantastic respect because what they do is amazing,'' he said. "To play in this period is beautiful. I love it. I keep saying I love it. The players are monsters in a good sense of the word... It is fantastic propaganda for what football is.''Meanwhile, David Luiz hailed Hazard for his matchwinning performance."Of course it is not very good to [concede] a goal in the first minutes but there was a really strong mentality in the team, we gave everything on the pitch and it was magic tonight,'' Luiz said on Sky Sports 1. "Eden had a great game tonight and I'm happy we have players like Eden in the team because then I see amazing football.''The win keeps Chelsea in third, just two points from leaders Arsenal. "We will keep fighting for the title,'' Luiz added.

ANELKA DEFENDS HIS ACTION ON TWITTER

West Bromwich striker Nicolas Anelka claims there was no anti-Semitic intent behind his controversial gesture in the 3-3 draw with West Ham on Saturday.After Anelka made the "quenelle" gesture -- interpreted by some as an inverted Nazi salute -- by putting his arm across his body. The FA is looking into the incident which could see the former France international facing a possible five-match ban should he be found guilty of a racial abuse under tough new rules brought in last May.However, on Sunday, Anelka again insisted the gesture was merely a tribute to his friend, French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala.Signification de quenelle: anti-système. Je ne sais pas ce que le mot religion vient faire dans cette histoire !— nicolas anelka (@anelkaofficiel) December 29, 2013"(The) meaning of quenelle: anti-system," he wrote. "I do not know what the word ‘religion’ has to do with this story! This is a dedication to Dieudonné. With regard to the ministers who give their own interpretations of my quenelle, they are the ones that create confusion and controversy without knowing what it really means, this gesture."I ask people not to be duped by the media. And of course, I am neither racist nor anti-Semitic and I fully assume (stand by) my gesture.”West Brom head coach Keith Downing had said after the game that the allegations against Anelka were “absolute rubbish”.“I'm aware of it but it has got nothing to do with what is being said,” Downing said when asked about the gesture. “It is dedicated to a French comedian he knows very, very well. He uses it in his act and I think speculation can be stopped now -- it is absolute rubbish really.“He is totally unaware of what the problems were or the speculation that has been thrown around. He is totally surprised by it.”

WENGER DELIGHTED OVER ARSENAL'S WIN OVER NEWCASTLE

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger was delighted and admitted he was a relieved man after Arsenal went back to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Newcastle. Olivier Giroud's 11th goal of the season ensured the Gunners would start 2014 at the summit but it was in reality a scrappy win.
The Magpies pushed hard at the end and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny blasted a clearance straight at Loic Remy which saw the ball run just wide of the post with time running down.Wenger told Sky Sports News: "We were quite in control. After that we subconsciously only wanted to defend.''The Frenchman though underlined the more physical qualities Giroud brings to north London, saying: "That is what you need in a team. He has these qualities, that of course is very important. We are small and technical... so to have a player up front to counterbalance that is important.''Wenger also ruled out a renewed bid for midfielder Yohan Cabaye during the January transfer window.Cabaye, 27, was subject to a 10 million pound bid from the Gunners in the summer that was instantly rejected by the Magpies and described as 'derisory'. Once again linked with a potential departure from Tyneside in January, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew recently spoke of his desire to keep Cabaye and Wenger won't be returning for him anyway."No, we don't look for midfielders [in January]," Wenger said. "Today we did not have [Mesut] Ozil, we did not have [Aaron] Ramsey who stayed at home, but we still had three good midfielders and I still had Arteta on the bench. There is no real need in there [for Cabaye]."

CHELSEA DEFEATS LIVERPOOL AS ARSENAL GOES TOP

Chelsea came from behind to beat Liverpool and boost their title hopes, but Arsenal will go into the New Year as Premier League leaders.
Elsewhere, Tottenham hammered Stoke 3-0 and Everton kept up their push for Europe with a 2-1 win over Southampton.
Olivier Giroud's second-half goal handed Arsenal a 1-0 winagainst Newcastle at St James' Park.Giroud glanced in Theo Walcott's free kick on 65 minutes to end a personal drought of 499 minutes without a Premier League goal, a run dating back to Nov. 23.Arsenal nearly doubled their lead in a matter of minutes, but Walcott's attempted lob was headed onto the bar by a backtracking Mathieu Debuchy, with Giroud then putting the rebound wide.Newcastle almost equalised in fortunate fashion with nine minutes to go when Wojciech Szczesny cannoned a clearance straight into Loic Remy's face, but the ball rolled wide of the goalmouth.Arsene Wenger then withdrew Walcott for Carl Jenkinson to shore up his defence as Newcastle pushed late on, but the hosts could not find the breakthrough.The victory saw the Gunners move a point clear of Manchester City at the top, but Chelsea are just two points behind the league leaders after they came from behind to see off Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.Liverpool were ahead after just four minutes when Martin Skrtel tapped home from close range after Luis Suarez had helped Philippe Coutinho's free kick into his path.However, Chelsea were soon back on level terms with Eden Hazard arrowing the ball into the top corner from 20 yards when Oscar's shot deflected off Mamadou Sakho into his path.Samuel Eto'o then put the hosts in front just past the half-hour mark when his scuffed six-yard shot from Oscar's cutback somehow squirmed under Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and into the net.Liverpool felt aggrieved when Luis Suarez was denied what looked to be a clear penalty in the second half when he was kicked off the ball by Eto'o, with referee Howard Webb waving away the striker's appeals.Everton beat Southampton 2-1 at Goodison Park as they overtook Liverpool to end the year in fourth.Coleman struck in the ninth minute after cutting inside James Ward-Prowse and firing his shot into the top corner.Gaston Ramirez equalised for Southampton in the 71st minute with a fine strike, but the Saints were not level for long as three minutes later Lukaku pounced onto James McCarthy's pass to put Everton back in front.Tottenham, meanwhile, are just three points behind the Champions League places as they beat Stoke 3-0.Tim Sherwood, who was appointed on an 18-month deal after guiding Spurs to a victory at Southampton last weekend, followed Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw against West Brom with a dominant win.The deadlock was broken when Emmanuel Adebayor's acrobatic effort was handled in the box by Ryan Shawcross, and Roberto Soldado stepped up to convert the penalty in the 37th minute, sending goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen in the wrong direction.Spurs doubled their lead 20 minutes into the second half, with Mousa Dembele firing a low shot beyond the hapless Sorensen. Aaron Lennon then grabbed a third just four minutes later, after Adebayor miscontrolled Soldado's pass and Lennon finished off with a volley.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS FOR TODAY

Barclays Premier League
Everton 2-1 Southampton
Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal
Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Stoke City

MOYES ALLAYS FEARS OF ROONEY'S INJURY

Manchester United manager David Moyes has moved to reassure fans that Wayne Rooney is not set for a spell on the sidelines after a groin injury ruled him out of Saturday’s 1-0win at Norwich.
Rooney was a surprise omission from the United line-up for the game at Carrow Road, with his absence a blow to a team already trying to fill the void left by an injured Robin van Persie, yet Moyes seems confident his No. 10 will not be out for long.“He was missing because he has a bit of an adductor injury in his groin, but it’s not serious,” Moyes said when asked about Rooney’s absence. “He missed the Stoke game in the [Capital One] cup with it a couple of weeks ago and unfortunately he missed this one as well today.“If we hadn’t got so many games and we could give him a couple of weeks off just to recover, but I think he would be fine. I’d expect him to be okay for the next game against Tottenham.”Moyes went on to praise his team as they secured another away win, just two days after their 3-2 win at Hull and moved to within two points of the top four in the Premier League.“To win back-to-back games within three days away from home in the Premier League is really difficult,” he added. “The squad has coped really well and I was delighted to get the result. We had to dig deep to get the victory.“I thought Norwich got right behind their manager and the crowd got right behind their team. They responded from their defeat against Fulham [on Boxing Day], but Danny Welbeck made the difference for us when he came on. He ran, made good opportunities and scored a great goal.“The players have got the bit between their teeth. We have to keep believing we’re going to catch the teams above us and we are finding ways to win games now. Manchester United did that last team and we are finding ways to win again.“We have a big squad at Manchester United and we need that at the moment because we have quite a few injuries. We have to just keep going, play are games and keep trying to improve.”

SUNDERLAND'S PLAYER COLLAPSE DURING EPL MATCH

Sunderland striker Fabio Borini was taken to hospital as a precaution after collapsing at half-time in the 2-2 draw at Cardiff City.Borini, who is on loan at Sunderland from Liverpool for the season, had started the game and twice came close to bringing the Black Cats back on level terms against Cardiff.But he was surprisingly replaced by Steven Fletcher at the break, and news soon filtered through that he had been taken to the University Hospital of Wales in an ambulance.After the match, Sunderland boss Gus Poyet revealed the player had complained of illness before the game and had been sick, before being unable to continue when the players came in for half-time."He's at hospital now," Poyet told Sky Sports 1. "Fabio was feeling very bad before the game, just before the game he was sick. "We decided together to play but then at half-time it was impossible for him. Now to make sure everything is all right we've taken him to hospital."Let's hope it is nothing and he can go back on the plane now."
Although he was taken to hospital for checks, Poyet said in his post-match press conference that Borini had since been released.

PELLEGRINI CRITCIZES CRYSTAL PALACE

Manchester City Manager, Manuel Pellegrini criticized Crystal Palace of trying not to play football and attempting to “stay in their own goal” during the 1-0 win that took Manchester City top of the Premier League.
Edin Dzeko scored the only goal for a previously prolific City side, but manager Pellegrini was left frustrated about what he deemed ultra-defensive tactics from his Palace counterpart Tony Pulis.
City had 77 percent of possession and 23 attempts on goal as the Eagles became the first team to limit Pellegrini’s men to one goal at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League this season.And the Chilean, who was unhappy City had to play just 44 hours after the final whistle in Thursday’s win over Liverpool, said: “Just one team wanted to play and the other wanted to stay in their own goal. Our team was not fresh enough to make all the movements you have to do when you have 10 players inside their own box.”But Pulis, referring to a series of saves the City goalkeeper made, said: “Did they give Joe Hart man of the match? There you go.”The Palace manager also highlighted the disparity in resources between the two clubs, adding: “Was that the [City] team that cost 350 million pounds? I thought our lads were brilliant today and I don’t talk about other teams.”
Hart finished the game with a black eye after being left bloodied by a collision with Palace striker Cameron Jerome in the first half.Pellegrini, who said there was no chance the goalkeeper needed to come off at half-time, allayed fears that the England international was badly hurt, adding: “The doctors said he doesn’t have a serious problem. There isn’t a problem with his sight.”City, however, later confirmed that Hart received five stitches following the injury, despite Pellegrini believing he had none.Jerome was also injured in the clash, suffering an ankle problem which Palace will assess in the next few days.
Pellegrini was pleased with the way his side have responded in recent weeks to move top of the league.He said: “Eight games ago, nobody believed we could [make up] six points to Arsenal. We did it.
We won the last seven games and we drew one. We must continue this way.”

MAN CITY WINS TO GO TOP AS MAN UNITED SNATCH AWAY WIN

Manuel Pellegrini's tutored Manchester City put the pressure on Arsenal as they moved top of the Premier League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad stadium.
The Gunners travel to Newcastle on Sunday looking to return to the summit, but City’s success on Saturday afternoon has put Manuel Pellegrini’s men two points clear ahead of that match.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, saw off Norwich City, Hull City thrashed struggling Fulham and Aston Villa drew with Swansea.Manchester City went top as Edin Dzeko scored in a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.Dzeko's second-half goal was enough to claim all three points for Manuel Pellegrini's side, but Palace provided an excellent account of themselves and were unlucky not to take a share of the spoils back to London.Despite suffering a nasty cut to his eye in a first-half collision with Cameron Jerome, Joe Hart produced a fine performance in the City goal to keep the away side at bay, and when Dzeko fired into the roof of the net from 12 yards out just past the hour mark, Palace could not rally to find a response.With Wayne Rooney absent from the Manchester United side to face Norwich due to a groin strain, Danny Welbeck assumed the role of hero with the only goal in a 1-0 win at Carrow Road.Welbeck came on as a substitute at half-time with the game goalless but took just 12 minutes to make the breakthrough, although he required an element of fortune as Javier Hernandez charged down Ryan Bennett's attempted clearance to set him up. From there, he kept his composure to round John Ruddy and tuck the ball home.The result means that United are just two points adrift of the top four, although David Moyes' men have played an extra game.Hull recorded their biggest ever win in the Premier League with a 6-0 demolition of Fulham at the KC Stadium.Hull had never scored more than three goals in a match in their two-and-a-half seasons in the Premier League, but doubled that tally against Rene Meulensteen’s side despite the match being goalless at half-time.Parity lasted only four minutes of the second half as Ahmed Elmohamady fired home from a half-cleared corner. Robert Koren converted a low cross on the hour mark, before the Fulham implosion began in earnest.George Boyd struck on 63 minutes before birthday boy Tom Huddlestone scored his first goal in two years -- and immediately made good on his promise to have his hair cut when he next scored by taking scissors to his mop on the sidelines. Matt Fryatt reacted quickest to a rebound to make it 5-0, and Koren scored his second of the game to complete the humiliation.Meanwhile, Aston Villa failed to hold on to their early advantage through Gabby Agbonlahor’s seventh-minute strike against Swansea City, with Roland Lamah’s equaliser on 36 minutes enough to secure a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.In the day's early game, Nicolas Anelka's double was not enough to give West Brom a much-needed win over fellow strugglers West Ham at Upton Park as the sides had to settle for a 3-3 draw.Joe Cole gave the Hammers the early lead, but his former Chelsea teammate Anelka -- who became the ninth man to score for six different Premier League clubs -- netted twice in quick succession to put the visitors ahead going into the break.The hosts then threatened to take all three points when two goals in two minutes from Modibo Maiga and Kevin Nolan had Sam Allardyce’s men 3-2 up, but Saido Berahino provided a swift reply in the 69th minute to complete a remarkable scoring spell and ensure the spoils were shared.The day's final game saw Jack Colback strike in injury time to earn Sunderland a point and a 2-2 draw to stun managerless Cardiff.Playing just over 24 hours after Malky Mackay was sacked, Cardiff dominated the opening hour with Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell putting them two goals ahead.But Sunderland, who were dreadful for the first 45 minutes, rallied late through a Steven Fletcher toe-poke, before substitute Colback's deflected effort beat David Marshall in the fourth of five added minutes to make it 2-2 at the final whistle.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS FOR TODAY

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-3 West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa 1-1 Swansea City
Hull City 6-0 Fulham
Manchester City 1-0 Crystal Palace
Norwich City 0-1 Manchester United
Cardiff City 2-2 Sunderland

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Barclays Premier League (Saturday, 28 December 2013)
1:45 PM - West Ham United vs West Bromwich Albion
4:00 PM - Aston Villa vs Swansea City
4:00 PM - Hull City vs Fulham
4:00 PM - Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
4:00 PM - Norwich City vs Manchester United
6:30 PM - Cardiff City vs Sunderland

Barclays Premier League (Sunday, 29 December 2013)
2:30 PM - Everton vs Southampton
2:30 PM - Newcastle United vs Arsenal
5:00 PM - Chelsea vs Liverpool
5:00 PM - Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City

VILLAS-BOAS: BALE PLAYS BETTER WITHOUT RONALDO

Former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas feels Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has performed far better this season without Cristiano Ronaldo in the side.

The 24-year-old delivered some exceptional displays for los Blancos after initially struggling for fitness following his €100 million summer move, notching nine goals and six assists in 15 games in all competitions prior to the winter break.

However, Villas-Boas believes his one-time Tottenham talisman has only been able to showcase his true potential when Ronaldo has not been vying for the spotlight alongside the Welshman.

"Bale performs better without Ronaldo, he has a far greater role in Madrid's play when Cristiano isn't playing," he told O Jogo. "When there are two reference points like those two in the team, the options end up being divided.

"At Tottenham Bale got used to playing a style of football that offered him the chance of being the main man, that made him the team's reference point. That's a natural consequence of a team recognising that a player is in outstanding form. They receive the ball more and have more chance of having an impact in the play. It also increases their responsibility."

Villas-Boas went on to suggest Bale could be a future Ballon d'Or winner, but only if he is able to hit the heights of his final season with Tottenham whilst playing alongside 2013's standout performer Ronaldo.

"He's already one of football's biggest players. The question is whether he'll repeat his performances at Tottenham while he's playing alongside the best player in the world in 2013," the former Chelsea and Porto boss added.

MOURINHO COMMENDS BRENDAN ROGERS

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool's lack of European competition gives them an advantage in the Premier League title race
The Blues currently sit third following a 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Thursday, one point clear of Liverpool who lost 2-1 at Manchester City.
However, as Mourinho prepares his charges to face Liverpool on Sunday, he feels the time afforded to Brendan Rodgers by a European absence could play a part in deciding the destination of the Premier League trophy.

"Everybody knows that, in this moment, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are the top four," he told reporters. "So when there is a match between two of them, there is a lot of points you can get.
"[Rodgers] is doing fantastic, but he is training every week in a calm way, every day, maybe twice a day, which is a big, big, big advantage.

"He needs to work well, because you can work a lot and work bad. The credit is, he works well, but he has a big advantage compared to other teams.

"Not being in European competition gives them an advantage, not in terms of resting but in terms of working. They can work.

"These players here [at Chelsea] are going to play 60 matches, Liverpool players are going to play 40 matches. It is a big difference."

Mourinho was quick to play down the rivalry between the sides that ignited during his previous spell in charge of the London club, with long-time rival Rafael Benitez in the opposite dugout.

With a colleague from his initial Chelsea reign in the shape of Rodgers now his adversary, Mourinho expects a friendly atmosphere.

"The manager is one of my best friends in the game so there is no rivalry," he added. "And I have full respect for a team with a history like Liverpool."

SUNDAY MBA MAY JOIN BASTIA

Sunday Mba may not be available for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), according to national team coach Stephen Keshi.
Keshi has disclosed that Mba is on his way to France to join Bastia, the French side that first indicated interest in the player after the Nations Cup triumph.
It is said that the player could leave camp as early as Friday, as he was not one of the players listed for the friendly game in Port Harcourt on Saturday against a Rivers selected side.
“We have resigned ourselves to fate and are working hard to discover those who can fill Mba’s shoes, as he seems to have nicked a deal with Bastia and may not be part of the CHAN tourney. We just have to brace up and wish him the best because it’s a career thing,” he said.
Also on Thursday, the weeding process of the CHAN Eagles continued with three players exiting camp. Keshi who addressed the players once again told them that they have all it takes to play for the national team but there was not time enough to fit into the system and he would continue to monitor them for future call ups.
“Take heart because as I always say, many are called but few are chosen, we would soon be back knocking on your doors.”
Those who left camp on Thursday were Sunshine Stars’ Kingsley Onome Eduwo, Bendel Insurance’s Bello John Ikeleji and Eric Kwame of Plateau United. More players are expected to exit the camp of the national team after the training game in Port Harcourt and Monday’s other practice match against Nigeria league champions, Kano Pillars.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles medical team has assured the technical crew that Kano Pillars striker Gambo Mohammed will be ready in time for the CHAN tourney.
Gambo has been out with a hamstring problem, recovered last week but there was a relapse in the course of the week which forced him out of Thursday’s training. “He should be back and better,” assistant coach Daniel Amokachi said.

LIONEL MESSI SET TO PLAY IN JANUARY

Current FIFA Ballon d'or winner, Lionel messi has set himself the goal of arriving fully fit in Barcelona, having left his recent thigh injury firmly in the past, and without the need to work on building up his muscle tone following the injury that has seen him sidelined for more than six weeks.
Barcelona released a statement on 20th December announcing that the Argentine had been declared fit by doctors and only needed to get match fit. That is why Barça's fitness coach, Elvio Paolorrosso is out in Rosario (Argentina) with him, where the forward will work on fine-tuning his fitness.
Barcelona has devised a recovery plan with the club's fitness coaches and medical staff: a kind of pre-season halfway through the season aimed at ensuring the Argentine international touches down in Barcelona on 2nd January completely match fit.
Despite this, Messi will not face Elche on 5th January. The managers want him to rest following his transatlantic flight back to Spain, hoping he will be in tip-top condition for the game scheduled for a week later: against Atlético de Madrid at the Vicente Calderón.
The Atlético game is being touted as one of the Catalans' most important of the season given Simeone's team's impeccable league campaign to date.
However, Barça hasn't ruled out the Argentine making his first-team comeback three days earlier in the club's home Spanish Cup tie against Getafe

XABI ALONSO MAY LEAVE REAL MADRID

While Ancelotti and co. try to convince Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid for a few more seasons, the higher-ups at the Bernabéu see the 'Los Blancos' player's future with the club somewhat black.
The general feeling in the Real offices is that there's "a 90 per cent chance" that the ex-Liverpool player will not renew and think that his time at the club will come to an end in June.
Although Real should by now be in the final stretch of negotiations with the player regarding his renewal, the club insists that as yet Xabi's agent, Iñaki Ibañez, has not even sat down with the club to put forward an offer.
"We have neither spoken about money, nor seasons, nor anything, as there have been no negotiations", they insist at the club. It is the precisely the player's shyness to sit down and listen to an offer that has convinced them that the Basque has no desire whatsoever to stay.
Real Madrid is prepared to offer Xabi Alonso an improved contract for two seasons with an optional third - a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the team. However, for the player it isn't about money, but something more personal.
At the Bernabeu, all are certain that Alonso has made up his mind to leave the nest, but are also certain that the player will be wanting to walk in an upright and dignified manner and through the front door, with his head held high.

MOURINHO TARGETS HIGUAIN FOR JANUARY TRANSFER

The January transfer window opens on 2nd January and possible transfer rumours are starting to surface in the press. 'The Sun' reports that Mourinho wants Higuaín and has asked Abramovich to do whatever he can to sign the Argentine forward.
According to the English tabloid, Chelsea would be willing to offer as much as €60m for the striker, who played under Mourinho at Real Madrid. Both left the Spanish giants last summer.
Mourinho already has Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba to choose from, but signing Higuaín would increase competition for places.

GARCIA AND MASCHERANO ON NAPOLI'S RADAR

Napoli is being linked with two big names during the upcoming transfer window. Barça’s Argentine international Javier Mascherano and Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Javi García are Rafa Benítez’s preferred choices, with the latter looking more likely.
The Mascherano option has more or less been ruled out due to Barcelona’s lack of fit centre-backs. Selling a versatile player like the Argentine during the January transfer window is unfeasible.
Signing Javi García looks a more likely option. The Spaniard isn’t getting much playing time at City and his versatility as both centre-back and central midfielder make him the perfect signing for Benítez.

MARADONA SPENDS CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY

Maradona returned home to Argentina to spend Christmas with his daughter Gianinna and grandson Benjamin Agüero. Gianinna, Kun Agüero's ex-wife, thanked her father on Twitter: "Thanks for coming ... Thanks for always being with me and my son. You're my weak spot today and always !!". Maradona and his family spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Nordelta

BARCELONA WANTS COURTOIS

Atletico Madrid has been informed that its on-loan Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois is in talks with Barcelona. Barça and the Courtois agreed to sit down to talks because both parties are keen to strike a deal.
Courtois is one of football’s most-promising goalkeepers. He has been solid in goal for Atlético over the past couple of seasons and is set to attract a lot of attention from Europe’s big club during next summer’s transfer window.
Chelsea stands in the way of these negotiations. Courtois is under contract at the London club which does not want to sell him to a direct rival for the Champions League like Barcelona.
However, Chelsea would be willing to negotiate a deal with Atlético. The Londoners want €20m for Courtois, quite a hefty fee for a keeper, although his talent and youth warrant such an outlay

BAYERN MUNICH AND MAN UNITED INTERESTED IN KOKE

Atletico Madrid midfielder, Koke has aroused the interest of clubs such as Bayern and Manchester United.
According to the German daily paper AZ, Bayern has a keen interest in acquiring Koke's services, and this interest is manifest in Pep Guardiola, who is delighted with the way Koke is playing, and is prepared to do everything he can to reel him in.
If he succeeds, then Koke would be the third Spaniard at the Munich club - Thiago Alcántara and the manager being the other two. Koke has already played alongside Thiago in the Under-21s, winning the Euro Cup last summer. If the transfer goes ahead, it might involve a player part-exchange of 22-year old Swiss player Shaqiri, who has been on Atlético de Madrid's shopping list for some time.
In Britain, the Daily Mirror reports that David Moyes is interested in signing Koke for Manchester United in the January transfer window. The player would be a priority for United's manager to strengthen a midfield which is failing this season.

MACKAY PART WAYS WITH CARDIFF CITY

The Board of Directors at Cardiff City have relieved Malky Mackay of his duties. A new first team manager will be appointed in due course.
Mackay's position at Cardiff has been the subject of increasing uncertainty following a public falling out with owner Vincent Tan after the Scot was reportedly asked to resign or face the sack.The ultimatum appeared to be lifted prior to Christmas only for a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Southampton to intensify the pressure on Mackay.

Mackay, 41, was appointed manager of Cardiff in June 2011 and last season he led the club to promotion to the Premier League as they finished top of the Championship.The Welsh club are currently 16th in the Premier League table, a point above the relegation zone after five wins from their opening 18 matches.

MOYES BELIEVES MAN UNITED IS A TITLE CONTENDER

Manchester United manager David Moyes is confident his side can challenge for the Premier League title after the Red Devils fought back from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 on Boxing Day.

The reigning champions found themselves 2-0 down within 15 minutes at the KC Stadium, with James Chester volleying home against his former club before David Meyler's strike found the net via a deflection from Jonny Evans.

United refused to wilt, however, and soon restored parity thanks to Chris Smalling's header and a superb volley from Wayne Rooney - his 150th goal in the Premier League for United - before Chester headed the decisive goal into his own net from Ashley Young's cross.

"To be two down and come back to win is a great result," Moyes told BBC Sport. "I thought it would be a long road back but these players have done this in the past and we did well to get back in the game.

"For us to get in at half-time 2-2 was great but when we were at 3-2 Hull gave us a few scary moments. However, I'd take that after being 2-0 down after 10 minutes.

"We're going to try to get the gap as narrow as we can. There's a long way to go in the league and we have to keep picking up points.

"There's a lot to do but we'll keep at it. I believe we can be in the mix and challenge whoever is near the top."

The victory was United's third win in a row in the Premier League, and they now have 17 Premier League wins from their last 18 Boxing Day fixtures.

MAN CITY BEATS LIVERPOOL TO BE SECOND

Manchester City moved up to second in the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over title rivals Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.City signalled their intent inside five minutes when Jesus Navas hit the post with a header after a tremendous, whipped cross from Aleksandar Kolarov.But it was Liverpool who took the lead on 24 minutes when Jordan Henderson found Luis Suarez, whose neat flick dropped kindly for Raheem Sterling. The 19-year-old rounded Joe Hart, but his touch was heavy and it was left for Philippe Coutinho to slot home from a tight angle.The lead lasted just six minutes, as Vincent Kompany beat Martin Skrtel to David Silva's corner and the Belgian defender's header crept past Simon Mignolet and Joe Allen on the line.Kompany's goal was his second in two games having found the net against Fulham in City's 4-2 win on Saturday -- a game in which he also scored an own goal.The game looked set to be level at the break when Hart made an outstanding reaction stop from Coutinho's close-range effort after slick build-up play involving Suarez and Sterling, while Skrtel's last-ditch tackle denied Alvaro Negredo at the end.But Negredo beat Mignolet with the last kick of the first half when his effort from 20 yards was flapped at by the Liverpool goalkeeper, who will not want to see that goal again.Liverpool should have equalised midway through the second half, but Sterling blazed over from point-blank range with the goal at his mercy after excellent work from Suarez down the left-hand side.

UPDATED ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Barclays Premier League
Hull City 2-3 Manchester United
Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace
Cardiff City 0-3 Southampton
Chelsea 1-0 Swansea City
Everton 0-1 Sunderland
Newcastle United 5-1 Stoke City
Norwich City 1-2 Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United 1-3 Arsenal
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool

RIO FERDINAND MAY QUIT AT THE END OF THE SEASON

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could retire at the end of the season when his contract at Old Trafford expires, according to The Times.
Ferdinand, 35, will enter the final six months of his current deal in the New Year, and it remains to be seen if he will be offered a new deal by United boss David Moyes.The former England centre-back has been used less regularly by Moyes having started seven of the Scotsman's first eight matches in charge. Since then, Ferdinand has seen less action, and has been left out of the matchday squad for five of United's last eight games as the club has enjoyed an upturn in results.The Times reports that -- with a Champions League triumph, six Premier League winners' medals and a burgeoning career in punditry and publishing -- Ferdinand is "giving serious consideration" to ending almost two decades as a professional.Moyes said that he is eager to continue the tradition of trusting young players to thrive for United which brought his predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, so much success at Old Trafford. "We’ve got a team that has a lot of energy at the moment," he told The Sun. "This club has been renowned for promoting young players and putting them in."You have to develop them and protect them, of course. But there’s also part of you that has to say to them ‘stand up and show us what you can do, you’ve been given the opportunity’."I like to have a good energy about my team, a team that passes the ball well. But I want them to be able to run and be exciting and you have to have all of those qualities."We’re slowly starting to get them all a little bit better, game by game."

ARSENAL, CHELSEA AND MAN UNITED WINS ON BOXING DAY

Theo Walcott's double helped see Arsenal return to winning ways as they came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 in the Premier League at Upton Park.Arsenal spurned several good chances in the first half with Walcott volleying wide when put through one-on-one with Adrian by Aaron Ramsey.Carlton Cole then punished Arsenal's profligacy a minute after the break, pouncing to slot home from six yards after Wojciech Szczesny parried Kevin Nolan's shot straight into his path.Adrian made a fantastic double save on the hour to keep West Ham in front, stopping Santi Cazorla's long-range effort and then blocking Mesut Ozil's follow-up with his feet.Things were going from bad to worse for Arsenal with Ramsey limping off the pitch having damaged a thigh muscle. Lukas Podolski came on to replace him, making his first appearance in four months.However, Adrian then undid his earlier good work by allowing Walcott's tame effort from the edge of the box to squirm through his hands and into the net on 68 minutes.Three minutes later Walcott put Arsenal in front, grabbing his first headed league goal from Podolski's cross after it had been deflected into his path by James Tomkins.Podolski's cameo role continued as he smashed home Arsenal's third from just outside the box 11 minutes from time after good hold-up play by Olivier Giroud.Manchester United came back from two goals down to defeat a spirited Hull 3-2 at the KC Stadium, with former Red Devil James Chester deciding things with a second-half own-goal.Chester, a one-time United trainee, had opened the scoring with a close-range finish in the fourth minute and, after heading in at the wrong end, had a glorious chance to finish it in injury time only for David De Gea to make the save.David Meyler doubled Hull's advantage thanks to a heavy Jonny Evans deflection but United rallied swiftly from their calamitous start and were level by the 25th minute as Chris Smalling's header and Wayne Rooney's stunning volley found the target.Hull enjoyed the best of the play at 2-2 but, after Alex Bruce's header hit the woodwork, Chester turned Ashley Young's cross into his own net.Danny Graham spurned a fine chance to equalise in the 87th minute, with Chester also going close at the death after Antonio Valencia picked up a late red card.Eden Hazard was the match-winner as Chelsea edged Swansea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea took the lead on 28 minutes when Ashley Cole, making his first Premier League start since Nov. 2 when the Blues lost 2-0 at Newcastle, played a neat through ball for the Belgian, who cut inside from the left and fired past Gerhard Tremmel.It was a nervy affair that Chelsea will feel they should have won by more, having had 19 shots at goal.Tim Sherwood had to settle for a draw on his first game as permanent manager of Tottenham as they were held at home by managerless West Brom.Christian Eriksen put Tottenham ahead on 36 minutes with a blistering free kick that bounced off the bar, off the line then off the bar again before crossing the line. However, the lead lasted just two minutes as Spurs failed to deal with a free kick, Emmanuel Adebayor swinging over the cross and Jonas Olsson prodding the ball over the dive of Hugo Lloris inside the six-yard box.The closest Tottenham came to regaining the lead in the second half was a Kyle Walker hit from an indirect free kick that Ben Foster pushed away.An implosion from Stoke City at St James' Park enabled Newcastle to come from behind in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 victory.The day had started badly for Newcastle as Liverpool loanee Oussama Assaidi had put Stoke ahead in the north-east, before a bizarre sequence of events destroyed their hopes. First Glenn Whelan was sent off for chopping down Yohan Cabaye, his second bookable offence.Manager Mark Hughes exploded on the sidelines and was sent to the stand, and his mood would only get darker as Marc Wilson was next to get sent off as he brought down Loic Remy in the area. The Frenchman then saw his weak penalty saved by Thomas Sorensen, however Stoke's lead lasted only a few moments more, and it was Remy who finally converted when set up by Hatem Ben Arfa, albeit with the aid of a deflection.It took just three minutes of the second half for Newcastle to take the lead. Ben Arfa provided the cross, Sorensen managed to get a fist to it but only as far as Yoann Gouffran who drove the ball home. Remy then claimed his second of the match on 56 minutes as Newcastle began to overwhelm their short-handed opponents, and Cabaye made it 4-1 with a beautifully placed shot from 20 yards.The torment was not over for the visitors, however, as Ben Arfa was tripped in the box by Erik Pieters for another penalty on 79 minutes, with Papiss Cisse making no mistake from the spot.Everton suffered a setback as they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Sunderland at Goodison Park, although they remain ahead of Newcastle in fifth spot in the Premier League.The match turned on a 25th minute moment to forget for Everton. Leon Osman was short with a backpass, and Ki Sung-Yeung beat Howard to the ball before being tripped by the goalkeeper. A red card was produced, and Ki then converted the penalty past substitute keeper Joel Robles. That was enough for Sunderland to earn just their third league win of the season.A first-half blitz from Southampton ensured they took all three points from their trip to Cardiff . The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes, when Adam Lallana sprung the offside trap and his low cross picked out Rodriguez to score. Rodriguez had his second six minutes later when he volleyed in Rickie Lambert's pass, and the match was effectively over when Lambert made it 3-0 on 27 minutes. However, they remain ninth in the table.Rene Meulensteen enjoyed just his second win as manager of Fulham as they came from behind to defeat Norwich 2-1at Carrow Road. Gary Hooper put the hosts ahead on 13 minutes thanks to a heavy deflection off Aaron Hughes to extend his home scoring streak to four consecutive matches.Scott Parker had ball in the net shortly after following a charge down of a clearance but was penalised for handball, but within minutes Pajtim Kasami had levelled the scores. It looked set to end 1-1 all the way up to the 87th minute, when Parker drilled home from 25 yards to snatch all three points for the visitors.It looked all but certain that there would be no goals in the match at Villa Park between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, until Dwight Gayle struck in the 90th minute with a great strike from the edge of the area. It means Palace move out of the bottom three, with West Ham falling to second bottom after their defeat at home to Arsenal.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Barclays Premier League  Results
Hull City 2-3 Manchester United
Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace
Cardiff City 0-3 Southampton
Chelsea 1-0 Swansea City
Everton 0-1 Sunderland
Newcastle United 5-1 Stoke City
Norwich City 1-2 Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United 1-3 Arsenal

GUARDIAN NAMES MESSI AS THE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The Guardian has revealed the top ten spots in its ranking of the best 100 players in the world in 2013, as selected by a panel of judges. Messi leads the list ahead of Cristiano and Ibrahimovic, with Ribéry, Iniesta, Neymar, Bale, Xavi, Luis Suárez and Agüero completing the honour roll.Barcelona is the 'La Liga' team with the most representatives in the list, namely 11 (Messi, Iniesta, Neymar, Xavi, Busquets, Cesc, Piqué, Alves, Mascherano, Valdés and Alexis).There are nine Real players in the top 100 (Cristiano, Bale, Xabi Alonso, Ramos, Benzema, Marcelo, Modric, Di María and Isco) and five Atlético players (Diego Costa, Courtois, Arda Turan, Alderweireld and Koke).
Nigeria's prolific striker, Emmanuel Emenike is the only Nigerian on the ranking of the best 100 players in the world for year 2013. He is on the 97th position of the world ranking released by The Guardian.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES ON BOXING DAY

Barclays Premier League
1:45 PM - Hull City vs Manchester United
4:00 PM - Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
4:00 PM - Cardiff City vs Southampton
4:00 PM - Chelsea vs Swansea City
4:00 PM - Everton vs Sunderland
4:00 PM - Newcastle United vs Stoke City
4:00 PM - Norwich City vs Fulham
4:00 PM - Tottenham Hotspur vs West Bromwich Albion
4:00 PM - West Ham United vs Arsenal
6:30 PM - Manchester City vs Liverpool

HARRY REDKNAPP BACKS SHERWOOD TO SUCCEED AT SPURS

Harry Redknapp has backed new Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood to be a success at White Hart Lane.

The ex-player and technical co-director was appointed on a deal until the end of the 2014-15 season on Monday after taking charge of two games on an interim basis following Andre Villas-Boas' sacking.

And Redknapp - who managed Spurs between 2008 and 2012 - feels the man he brought to the club in a backroom role has the talent needed to manage such an established side.

"He's got this season and next season so it's great for him and it's a big opportunity for Tim," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"He knows the game, he's a good coach, he's his own man, he'll do it his way and I'm sure he will do well there.

"He won't bring players in he doesn't want and he'll pick the players he does want to play. No-one will influence him, he's a strong character.

"I'm pleased that Tim has got that opportunity to go and do it at Tottenham -a young English manager getting an opportunity to manage at the top level is fantastic.

"Let's hope he makes a great success of it and that more will follow in the future.

"He's my surprise package of the year. I brought him back into football when he was out of the game, bringing him in to work with young players.

"He's been excellent. He played with me at Portsmouth and he's got a real good knowledge of the game - I wish him well."

TOTTENHAM ANNOUNCES SHERWOOD AS NEW COACH

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Tim Sherwood as head coach until the end of next season.Sherwood had been in charge of the team in a caretaker capacity, overseeing a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in the Capital One Cup and a 3-2 victory over Southampton in the Premier League.He had expressed a desire to take the job full-time and the news of his appointment was confirmed on the club’s Twitter account on Monday evening.The Club can announce that Tim Sherwood has been appointed Head Coach with a contract to the end of the 2014/15 season. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy told the club’s official website: "We were extremely reluctant to make a change mid-season, but felt we had to do so in the club's best interests."We have a great squad and we owe them a head coach who will bring out the best in them and allow them to flourish and enjoy a strong, exciting finish to the season."We are in the fortunate position of having within our club a talented coach in Tim Sherwood. We believe Tim has both the knowledge and the drive to take the squad forward."Sherwood, who played for Spurs from 1999 to 2003 and has been part of the backroom team at White Hart Lane since 2008, takes over from Andre Villas-Boas, who was dismissed after a 5-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.The 44-year-old’s appointment had earlier been backed by former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who told The Sun: "Tim should get the job permanently and work alongside Les Ferdinand. Together, they are old-school Spurs and would do a tremendous job."I brought them both back to the club when I was there because they understand the place. They are great coaches and don’t forget Tim was captain of Blackburn when they won the Premier League in 1995."

ARSENAL AND CHELSEA MATCH ENDS IN A GOAL-LESS DRAW

Arsenal could not get to the top of the English Premier League table as they played a goal-less draw against Chelsea. Frank Lampard struck the crossbar and Olivier Giroud spurned two big late chances as two of the Premier League's leading title contenders cancelled each other out

Liverpool will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day after Arsenal and Chelsea played out a goalless draw in driving rain at the Emirates Stadium.

Jose Mourinho's men wasted the two best chances of a cagey first half, with Frank Lampard striking the underside of the crossbar with a fierce volley and Willian forcing a low save from Wojciech Szczesny.

Clear chances remained at a premium after the break, but Olivier Giroud spurned two big opportunities for either side on the night and Cesar Azpilicueta cleared Bacary Sagna's header off the line late on.

Jose Mourinho made it 10 matches against Arsene Wenger as Blues manager without suffering defeat as the Gunners saw their winless Premier League run extended to three games.

Wenger made four changes from the side beaten 6-3 by Manchester City last time out, Thomas Vermaelen replacing the injured Laurent Koscielny in defence, while Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta came in for the suspended Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini in midfield.

Frank Lampard was restored to the Chelsea line-up as part of three alterations made by Mourinho, who also selected Gary Cahill and John Obi Mikel in his starting XI.

The game got off to a slow start and it was the visitors crafted the first opening as Ramires headed over from Willian's cross after 25 minutes.

Chelsea began to exert more influence as the half progressed, and Mourinho's charges were unlucky not to take the lead just after the half-hour mark when Lampard's half-volley crashed against the underside of the crossbar.

Fortune looked to favour Chelsea in the latter stages of the first half, first Mikel appeared to catch Arteta hight with a sliding tackle, only to escape punishment from referee Mike Dean, who then waved away claims for an Arsenal penalty following Willian's apparent foul on Theo Walcott.

Chelsea were again perhaps fortunate to keep 10 men on the field 18 minutes into the second half as Ramires was booked for a rash challenge on Arteta.

Tensions threatened to boil over in what was an ill-tempered affair, Mesut Ozil and Branislav Ivanovic coming together soon after the Chelsea defender had forced a save from Wojciech Szczesny with an effort from range.

Arsenal almost claimed the victory 11 minutes from time, but Giroud spurned a good opening as he fired into the side-netting from the near post.

And Bacary Sagna saw a late header cleared off the line as Arsenal finished strongly without finding a way past Petr Cech.

ARSENAL BATTLES CHELSEA TONIGHT IN A NORTH LONDON DERBY

There is a massive match in North London tonight, with the Gunners having the chance to regain top spot as they face Jose Mourinho's men. Arsenal face Chelsea in a Christmas cracker on Monday night, with both sides vying for an important three points. Wenger's side can jump back above Liverpool and Manchester City to top spot with a win, with Chelsea having the opportunity of joining Liverpool in joint top in they prevail. Chelsea have won their last three meetings against Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho brings his side into the match after a tough midweek fixture against Sunderland in the Capital One Cup. An extra time strike from the Black Cats saw them progress to the next round and knock the Blues out.

Arsenal have gone three games without a victory for the first time this season, with Manchester City demolishing them in the league 6-3 last time out. This followed a loss against Napoli away and a draw at home to Everton. Despite these results, Arsene Wenger's side are still sitting in a solid position in the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsey is one player that the gunners would be counting on to score goals in their match against Chelsea.
The Wales international has scored 15 goals this season, netting important goals against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

The Gunners have a frightening front line at the moment with the return of Theo Walcott, who managed to score two away at Manchester City last time out.

Chelsea has been struggling for clean sheets, conceding eight in their last three games.

TOP EUROPEAN LEAGUE RESULTS

Barclays Premier League
Southampton 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Swansea City 1-2 Everton

Spanish Primera División
Espanyol 4-2 Real Valladolid
Getafe 2-5 Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Celta Vigo 1-1 Osasuna
Valencia 2-3 Real Madrid

Italian Serie A
Bologna 1-0 Genoa
AS Roma 4-0 Catania
Atalanta 1-4 Juventus
Hellas Verona 4-1 Lazio
Sampdoria 1-1 Parma
Sassuolo 0-1 Fiorentina
Torino 4-1 Chievo Verona
Internazionale 1-0 AC Milan

German Bundesliga
Borussia Monchengladbach 2-2 VfL Wolfsburg

French Ligue 1
Marseille 2-2 Bordeaux
Lorient 2-2 Lyon
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Lille

MOURINHO TO BUILD A DYNASTY IN CHELSEA

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that he wants to build a dynasty and see his current side dominate the English game for the next decade, while there is no-one better to lead them than him.Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge this summer having led the Blues to their first championship in 50 years in 2005, defended the title a year later, while he also won the FA Cup and two League Cups during his time in London.

Having taken charge from June 2004 to September 2007, when he left for Real Madrid, the team he built formed the bulk of the side which won the long-coveted Champions League in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo.Now back at the helm, Mourinho is keen to stay put and end the chaotic managerial history under owner Roman Abramovich by bringing more success."In football nobody is untouchable, but I will not be looking over my shoulder, because I know for which reason I came, I know what kind of job I was asked to do," he said."And to prepare this Chelsea 'new' team -- that we expect is Chelsea's new team for about a decade; the same way the other team was a Chelsea team for almost a decade -- I don't think Chelsea can have a better manager than I am."I think I'm the right person to do the job and a bad result on Monday (at Arsenal) or a bad result on Friday, or Wednesday, doesn't change that perspective."Indeed, Mourinho believes in his second season in charge, Chelsea will be vastly improved."Next year Chelsea will have a phenomenal team," he added. "Between the work we are doing and evolution of the players and a couple of clinical signings -- two clinical players to complete the puzzle you are building -- I think Chelsea next season will have a very good team".

TOP FOOTBALL LEAGUES FIXTURES

Barclays Premier League
2:30 PM - Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur
5:00 PM - Swansea City vs Everton

Spanish Primera División
12:00 PM - Espanyol vs Real Valladolid
5:00 PM - Getafe vs Barcelona
7:00 PM - Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano
9:00 PM - Celta Vigo vs Osasuna
9:00 PM - Valencia vs Real Madrid

Italian Serie A
12:30 PM - Bologna vs Genoa
3:00 PM - AS Roma vs Catania
3:00 PM - Atalanta vs Juventus
3:00 PM - Hellas Verona vs Lazio
3:00 PM - Sampdoria vs Parma
3:00 PM - Sassuolo vs Fiorentina
3:00 PM - Torino vs Chievo Verona
8:45 PM - Internazionale vs AC Milan

German Bundesliga
3:30 PM - Borussia Monchengladbach vs VfL Wolfsburg

French Ligue 1
2:00 PM - Marseille vs Bordeaux
5:00 PM - Lorient vs Lyon
9:00 PM - Paris Saint-Germain vs Lille

BAYERN MUNICH CROWNED NEW CHAMPION OF FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

FC Bayern Munchen became the first German club to win the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the final at Marrakech Stadium, wrapping up a memorable year for the European champions. In the first meeting between the sides, Bayern asserted themselves from the start. In the 4th minute Bayern and Germany international Toni Kroos tested Raja goalkeeper Khalid Askri with a distance shot. Askri was able to make a comfortable save. One minute later Raja answered Bayern's early surge when the in-form Moussine Iajour shot wide inside the Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's penalty box. In the 7th minute Bayern defender Jerome Boateng headed a corner kick from Xherdan Shaqiri into the path of fellow defender Dante who shot past Askri from about six yards to give the European champions the 1-0 lead.Bayern used the momentum from Dante's goal to create more chances. In the tenth minute, Shaqiri set up captain Philipp Lahm on the right wing to then find Thomas Muller who shot straight into Askri's arms.Left-back David Alaba almost gave Bayern a two-goal advantage in the 19th minute after Muller's back heel pass played the Swiss international through, but his shot was saved by Askri.Iajour was able to test Neuer one minute later, but his shot was saved with ease.Bayern continued to control the flow of the match and in the 22nd minute went two goals ahead after Alaba cut inside from the left wing to find Spain international Thiago at the top of the 18-yard box who struck a 14-yard shot into Askri's far corner. Shaqiri had a shot saved by Askri in the 35th minute following a Dante headed chance from a Franck Ribery corner that sailed over the crossbar.Raja were almost let back in the match in the 38th minute when Neuer played a careless pass into the feet of Chemseddine Chtibi who missed the empty goal from distance. The last chance of the first half came after Lahm found Thiago, who shot his distance shot wide of Aksri's goal. Bayern began the second half conservatively in comparison to their first-half offensive dominance. In the 57th minute Raja threatened to make their way back in the match when Zakaria El Hachimi crossed from the right wing to find Iajour whose headed effort went straight into Neuer's arms.Bayern responded with a chance of their own four minutes later when Lahm passed to Shaqiri in front of goal. The Swiss winger hit the crossbar followed by a missed rebound chance by Thiago. Two minutes later, captain Mohsine Moutouali attempted a shot 17 metres out, but he could not keep it down as it sailed over Neuer's crossbar. Raja nearly made it 2-1 in the 84th minute after Vivien Madibe received a ball inside the box with only Neuer to beat, but he shot straight at the Germany international. The ball then fell at the feet of Moutouali who missed the empty net from seven metres.In the 90th minute Madibe flicked a ball into the path of Badr Kachani who found his way inside Bayern's penalty box, but Neuer was able to save. After three minutes of added time, Bayern had done enough to be crowned Club World Cup champions, bringing Europe back to supremacy in the tournament and capping off an unforgettable year in their club's history. 

LIVERPOOL GOES ON TOP OF THE EPL

Liverpool defeated Cardiff 3-1 to move to the top of the Premier League table as we await the outcome of Arsenal versus Chelsea game on Monday night. Meanwhile, Manchester City survived a scare to win a 4-2 thriller against Fulham and Manchester United stopped the rot at home with a 3-1 win over West Ham.Striker Luis Suarez continued his incredible run of form with two more goals to fire Liverpool to a 3-1 win which saw them move one point clear at the top and make under-pressure Cardiff manager Malky Mackay's position even more difficult -- if that was at all possible.The Uruguay international, who caught everyone by surprise by signing a new long-term contract on Friday, made it 19 for the season -- including a record 10 goals in December -- as Cardiff were despatched with ease.Raheem Sterling was also on the scoresheet in between Suarez's two brilliant strikes and although Jordon Mutch's reply just before the hour breathed new life into Cardiff, the home side's grip on the three points was not to be loosened.Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 3-1 home victory over West Ham to move within five points of the Champions League places.Danny Welbeck opened the scoring after 25 minutes, slotting past Adrian from a tight angle after being played in by Wayne Rooney, who was back from injury.Adnan Januzaj grabbed his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford before half time, and it was one to savour. The teenager feigned to shoot to beat a defender and calmly slotted home with his right foot.Substitute Ashley Young then grabbed his second goal in as many games, slamming home with practically his first touch after Rooney teed him up.Carlton Cole scored a late consolation for the visitors, but the result moves Manchester United up to seventh in the table, while West Ham continue to hover around the relegation zone.Fulham were left rueing their luck as Jesus Navas helped continue Manchester City's recent resurgence on the road with the crucial goal in a 4-2 victory at Craven Cottage.Joe Hart was reinstated for his first Premier League match since October 27 and quickly justified Manuel Pellegrini's decision with a smart save to deny Adel Taarabt.However, City soon took the lead from a trademark Yaya Toure free-kick before Kompany stabbed home from close range to double their lead shortly before the break.Kieran Richardson pulled one back for the hosts when firing past Hart from 12 yards, and the scores were level with 20 minutes remaining when Kompany bizarrely sliced the ball over his own goalkeeper and into the net.However, Navas latched on to David Silva's through ball and fired under Maarten Stekelenburg before James Milner added a late fourth to send City second in the Premier League table.Elsewhere, Newcastle remained sixth in the Premier League with a commanding 3-0 win at Crystal Palace.Yohan Cabaye gave Newcastle the lead on 25 minutes after being set up by Moussa Sissoko’s pull-back, with his shot finding the net via a deflection. It was 2-0 on 39 minutes when Danny Gabbidon put through his own goal with a wild shank at a Mathieu Debuchy cross under no pressure.It looked as though that would be the end of the scoring right up until the 86th minute, when Hatem Ben Arfa converted a penalty after Shola Ameobi had been brought down in the box.Stoke move up to tenth following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.After a goalless first half, Charlie Adam made the breakthrough five minutes into the second period as he latched on to Peter Crouch’s knockdown to score from a tight angle.However, Stoke gifted Villa a path back into the game when Erik Pieters’ header back towards Asmir Begovic was too short and Libor Kozak pounced to equalise.That parity lasted just four minutes before Crouch pounced on a loose ball from close range to restore Stoke’s advantage. Crouch almost added another but his effort cannoned back off the woodwork.Managerless West Brom grabbed a vital point as they drew 1-1 with Hull at the Hawthorns.Jake Livermore capped off a swift counter-attack on 26 minutes with a crisp finish from a tight angle and it looked for a long while as though it would be enough for all three points. However, Matej Vydra struck with just four minutes to go to rescue a point.Sunderland extended their unbeaten run to three matches with a goalless draw at home to Norwich.The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock was when a sliced clearance of a corner allowed Wes Brown to beat Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy to the ball, but his header hit the post. Brown was then sent off in the final stages of the match, which will see him suspended for their trip to Everton on Boxing Day.

TOP FOOTBALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Barclays Premier League
Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City
Crystal Palace 0-3 Newcastle United
Fulham 2-4 Manchester City
Manchester United 3-1 West Ham United
Stoke City 2-1 Aston Villa
Sunderland 0-0 Norwich City
West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Hull City

Spanish Primera División
Villarreal 1-2 Sevilla FC

German Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Hertha Berlin
Hamburg SV 2-3 Mainz
SC Freiburg 2-1 Hannover 96
TSV Eintracht Braunschweig 1-0 TSG Hoffenheim
Werder Bremen 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen

BALE: I AM NOT UNDER PRESSURE AT MADRID

Gareth Bale has revealed that he feels under less pressure at Real Madrid than he did at Tottenham.Bale was very much the talisman at Spurs before leaving this summer in a world record 100 million euro deal to become just one of many stars at Madrid. Indeed it is playing among his stellar teammates at the Bernabeu that has made the transition to Madrid easier for the Welshman.“They lead by example,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “If you ever want to talk to them they’re always there to listen. It’s great to play alongside them because they’re world-class players too.“At Tottenham I was always trying to get onto the ball and make everything tick, whereas here everybody’s doing that, there are world-class players all around the pitch and you’re able to concentrate just on your game rather than bringing the whole team forward, and I’m enjoying that.”After taking a while to get going, Bale has scored nine goals in all competitions and he puts his early rusty form down to having been injured in July and August."It was difficult not having a pre-season, you miss a lot of ball sessions and running and everything," he said. "Once I felt I was able to do that physically and mentally, I felt I was able to show what I was able to do."As one of only a handful of British players to have moved to play their football abroad, Bale also believes that it will make him a better player in the future.“I enjoyed my time in England but I also like other styles of football and coming to Spain,” he added. “I’ll learn other types of football, different ways to play and it will make me better as an all-round player, and hopefully it will make me better for my country. If other players did that I’m sure it’d help their games as well.”

IBRAHIMOVIC WARNS ENYEAMA

Paris Saint-Germain prolific striker,Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has warned Vincent Enyeama that he is yet to face a striker of his or Edinson Cavani 's calibre so far this season.

Table-topping Paris Saint-Germain meet third-placed Lille in a crunch Ligue 1 clash on Sunday and the Sweden striker admits he has been impressed by the Nigeria goalkeeper, who went 11 consecutive top-flight matches without conceding prior to the 1-0 defeat to Girondins de Bordeaux on December 8.

However, despite praising the visitors -who shutout Radamel Falcao and Monaco in November - for a defensive record of just six goals conceded in 18 matches, Ibrahimovic says Enyeama and his defence will face a true test of their mettle at Parc des Princes.

"I think it is a very important game," the 32-year-old told reporters.

"Lille have been very good so far. Their goalkeeper Enyeama has produced some amazing games so far as well, but at the same time I have to say he has not played against Zlatan and Cavani.

"It will be a big test for him and we will see what happens. Cavani and me have scored a lot of goals so far and I am pretty sure we will still score goals.

"We are playing at home but we know Lille have done a fantastic job and that the goalkeeper kept a clean sheet for 10 or 11 games in a row. A statistic like that just makes it more exciting to play against Lille. It will be a good game for the supporters.

"We have had a good season so far - in the league we have only lost the one game against Evian. Hopefully we will keep our focus and continue the strong results."

PSG were drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 of the Champions League and Ibrahimovic expects the tournament to get harder now that his side have moved through the group stage.

He continued: "The Champions League is not an easy tournament to play in and the further you go in it, the more difficult it becomes.

"It is one of our main objectives but not the only one – it is easy to get distracted by that competition and we want to try and be successful in all the trophies we are playing for and then, at the end, we will see who has won them."

Monaco's defeat to Valenciennes on Friday night means PSG have the opportunity to move five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 going into the winter break if they are victorious against Lille.

GUARDIOLA EARNS MORE THAN MOURINHO

Pep Guardiola is, according to a study by Brazilian consultancy Pluri, the highest paid coach in the world. According to the agency's information, the Bayern Munich coach earns €17 million a year before tax, followed by José Mourinho, who Chelsea pays €10.03m per season.The highest earning top 3 is completed by Italian Marcello Lippi, who banks €10 million a season from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande.Based on these figures, Guardiola receives the same as the wages of 18 out of the 20 coaches in Spain's BBVA La Liga put together. Excluding Carlo Ancelotti (whose income at Real Madrid is estimated to be €7.5 million per year) and Tata Martino (on €5.4m at Barça), the salaries of the remaining coaches when added together still fall short of Pep Guardiola's €17 million.Besides the previously mentioned Ancelotti and Martino, who are among the 10 highest earning coaches, only 'El Cholo' Simeone, in 26th place with €2.5 million, and Del Bosque at the no 30 spot with €2.35 million, figure in the world's top 30.Fabio Capello (Russia) is the highest paid national team coach, receiving €7.8 million every year. Roy Hodgson (England) ranks second, with €3.5 million, followed by Cesare Prandelli (Italy), banking €3 million a year.

MARTINO MAY STEP DOWN AS COACH OF BARCELONA

Rumours have resurfaced from Argentina in the last few hours that Tata Martino could step down at Barcelona next June, despite having another year left on his contract with the Catalan giants.The truth is that Martino isn't thinking about his future right now. He plans to see out his contract, but knows that nothing is ever guaranteed in the world of football, especially when we have yet to reach the midway point in the season.Results and his relationship with the squad will decide whether or not he stays and the possibilities are endless. There is one tie that could prove crucial, not only to the coach's future, but also to the team's as a whole.That is the game against Manchester City. If Barcelona knocks the English side out, it would be a huge slap on the back for the manager. Getting knocked out on the other hand could cause Barcelona's first real crisis. Barça isn't used to falling at the first hurdle and to do so against City would have the added sting of losing out to two former Barça employees, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano.Despite holding the top spot in both La Liga and its Champions League group, Tata has had a tough time of it whenever the team's playing style is criticised.

VALDES TO JOIN MONACO OR MAN CITY

Barcelona's first choice goalkeeper,Víctor Valdés, has received a formal offer from Monaco. However, a chance to join Manchester City could materialise in the coming weeks. The English club is still keeping an eye on Joe Hart's form. The England number 1 lost his place in City's starting XI some time ago and Pellegrini still isn't fully convinced by him.The problem the club faces is the fact that Joe Hart is English. The keeper is the only English player in the Manchester City squad who could be considered first-choice, or at least he was until a few weeks ago. He is also well-like and respected by the club's fans. He is first-choice for England and has a lot of pull with the fans.Selling Hart wouldn't be a popular move and City's board is fully aware of this. For that reason, it would think long and hard before taking such a risky step. However, if his form doesn't improve, Pellegrini will insist on bringing in a world-class keeper and Valdés tops his wishlist.Victor Valdés does not want to say what the future holds for him, or at least publicly. The keeper has said on several occasions that he hasn't yet made a decision and that he'll make an announcement when he feels the time is right for Barcelona and his new club.

TOP EUROPEAN LEAGUE FIXTURES FOR TODAY

FIFA Club World Cup
5:30 PM - Atlético MG vs Guangzhou Evergrande
8:30 PM - Raja Casablanca vs Bayern Munich

Barclays Premier League
1:45 PM - Liverpool vs Cardiff City
4:00 PM - Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United
4:00 PM - Fulham vs Manchester City
4:00 PM - Manchester United vs West Ham United
4:00 PM - Stoke City vs Aston Villa
4:00 PM - Sunderland vs Norwich City
4:00 PM - West Bromwich Albion vs Hull City

Spanish Primera División
4:00 PM - Villarreal vs Sevilla FC
6:00 PM - Real Betis vs Almeria
8:00 PM - Atletico Madrid vs Levante
10:00 PM - Granada vs Real Sociedad

Italian Serie A
6:00 PM - Livorno vs Udinese
8:45 PM - Cagliari vs Napoli

German Bundesliga
3:30 PM - Borussia Dortmund vs Hertha Berlin
3:30 PM - Hamburg SV vs Mainz
3:30 PM - SC Freiburg vs Hannover 96
3:30 PM - TSV Eintracht Braunschweig vs TSG Hoffenheim
3:30 PM - Werder Bremen vs Bayer Leverkusen
6:30 PM - Nurnberg vs Schalke 04

French Ligue 1
5:00 PM - St Etienne vs Nantes
8:00 PM - Bastia vs Montpellier
8:00 PM - Nice vs Evian Thonon Gaillard
8:00 PM - Sochaux vs Stade Rennes
8:00 PM - Stade de Reims vs AC Ajaccio
8:00 PM - Toulouse vs Guingamp

MONACO LOSES AT HOME IN FRENCH LIGUE 1

Claudio Ranieri's tutored team, Monaco missed the chance to move top of Ligue 1 after suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat to Valenciennes.An Eric Abidal own goal and David Ducourtioux's first strike of the season proved to be enough to hand Daniel Sanchez's men only their third win of the season.James Rodriguez pulled one back late on for the hosts after Radamel Falcao had missed a penalty, but it was too little too late.Claudio Ranieri's men remain second, but have played one more game than their title rivals Paris St Germain and Lille, who meet on Sunday.And they will go into the winter break with a sense of frustration following their first defeat at home this season.Monaco dominated the early exchanges with Mounir Obbadi going close twice inside the opening 25 minutes.First the former Troyes midfielder saw a shot blocked by Ducourtioux after Layvin Kurzawa picked him out before he stole possession on the edge of the Valenciennes area before forcing a save out of Nicolas Penneteau.However, the Stade Louis II was stunned into silence with half an hour played when the visitors took an unlikely lead in fortunate circumstances.Youngster Arthur Masuaku got beyond his man on the left before delivering a hopeful cross which cannoned in off Abidal's shin after goalkeeper Daniel Subasic had missed it.Monaco thought they had replied when Rodriguez superbly danced his way into the area and, after Anthony Martial saw his shot blocked, Kurzawa bundled the ball over the line, but the assistant raised his flag to deny Ranieri's men.Valenciennes continued to live dangerously and were thankful of a goal-line clearance from Ducourtioux when fellow defender Gary Kagelmacher directed a header goalwards following a Joao Moutinho corner.The hosts continued to press for an equaliser and could have had a penalty when Martial took a tumble inside the area, but referee Olivier Thual was unmoved.Moutinho then grazed a post with a superb free-kick as the visitors took an unexpected lead into the break.In the second half Moutinho went agonisingly close again with a curling 25-yard free-kick before Martial cut in from the right and tested Penneteau with a stinging left-footed effort.The hosts rode their luck when, having thrown bodies forward, Mathieu Dossevi went close on the counter-attack, his curling effort palmed away by a diving Daniel Subasic.Monaco chose to ignore that warning and it proved costly as, once again on the counter, Ducourtioux was sent clear and he kept his calm to roll the ball beyond Subasic to send the visitors into a 2-0 lead.With time running out the hosts won a penalty when Falcao went down in the area, but the Colombian stepped up and saw his weak effort saved by Penneteau.Rodriguez to found the net with his head from the resulting corner, though, to give Monaco a lifeline.However, despite Monaco having a late Rodriguez strike ruled out for offside, VA held out to claim a notable win.

TOP FOOTBALL RESULTS

Spanish Primera División
Elche 0-1 Malaga

German Bundesliga
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 FC Augsburg

French Ligue 1
AS Monaco 1-2 Valenciennes

SUAREZ SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH LIVERPOOL

Luis Suarez has ended speculation about his Liverpool future by signing a new contract until 2018.
Suarez, 26, has been in fine form this season, scoring 17 goals in 11 Premier League appearances since his return from suspension in September.His form, which has helped his club to second place in the division, led Liverpool to make an effort to extend a contract he signed in 2012, which ran until 2016. He will be 31 by the time it expires in June 2018.
It was revealed by a reliable source earlier in the week that a new contract was close to being agreed which would see the Uruguay international become the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
Liverpool confirmed the news on Friday, with Suarez telling the club’s official website: "I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term."We have some great players and the team is growing and improving all the time. I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool.  My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible."Without doubt the backing I have received from the Liverpool fans has influenced my decision. I am so proud to represent them and go out to do my best for them every time I pull on the shirt."We have a special relationship; they have love for me and in return I love them back. I will always do my best for them and hopefully we can achieve success together."Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed the signing as "crucial" to what the club are trying to achieve.He said: "This is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club; the team, the owners and most importantly the supporters."Luis is a world-class talent and securing his services is crucial for what we are trying to achieve here."What's most important and most exciting is that, at just 26 years old, his best years are still ahead of him and we now know we'll be seeing him reach that potential in a Liverpool shirt."Suarez looked set to leave Liverpool during the summer, having been handed a 10-match domestic ban in April for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match at Anfield.The striker stated publicly at the end of May that he wanted to leave Liverpool, which prompted Arsenal to make two unsuccessful bids to sign him.The second of those bids, an offer of 40,000,001 pounds, was made in the mistaken belief that it would trigger a release clause in the striker’s contract.In August, Liverpool’s principal owner John W Henry said it would be "ludicrous" to sell Suarez to the Gunners -- considered rivals for a Champions League spot.The club stood their ground by refusing to sell, and Suarez accepted that he would be staying at Anfield.Greeting the striker’s new deal on Friday, Henry said: "We are committed to working hard to keep our best players and this is an indication that we are moving in the right direction and moving at a pace that impresses one of the best players in world football."The club has made major strides forward in recent years and we are all committed to delivering the success our supporters want and deserve."

MESSI CRITICIZES BARCELONA'S VP

Lionel Messi has denied that he requested his contract be reviewed. The Barcelona player has been angered by club financial vice-president, Javier Faus' comments in which he said he had been against reviewing the football star's salary every six months."He's someone who doesn't know anything about football and wants to run Barcelona like a business, which it isn't'', the player retorted from Argentina.''Barcelona is the best team in the world and deserves to be represented by the best executives. And I would like to remind him that neither I nor any of my representatives have asked for a contract extension, as he well knows'', Messi continued, talking to Catalan radio station RAC 1.
The player dissociated himself from the controversy surrounding charity matches organised by his foundation and an alleged connection with money laundering: "I am deeply saddened by what is being said, not just about me but about people I love like my dad or players who are my friends. These games are 100% charitable".Messi has complete faith in his father's business operations: "I dedicate myself to playing football and he dedicates himself to looking after my interests off the field".Messi reiterated that all matters outside of football fall under his father's remit. "I have very close ties with my dad and my family, both personally and professionally. If it was up to me, he would remain chairman of the company and of the foundation", he said. 

THE EXTENSION OF BALLON D'OR VOTING PERIOD WAS DISGRACEFUL

Franck Ribéry fiercely criticised FIFA for extending the voting period for the Ballon d'Or at the very last minute: "It's the first time it’s happened. It's a disgrace and a disadvantage but I'm not scared. I'm calm," he told 'SportBild'.
The Bayern Munich star said that it makes no difference to him if Ronaldo goes to the ceremony or not: "I haven't spoken to Cristiano or with any other teammates about him. Why would I? I don't care if he comes or not. I'm honoured to be one of the three finalists, so of course I’m attending the gala."Ribéry did not hesitate to compare himself with Messi: "Pep has talked to me a lot about Messi and his game. He gives me free rein to do whatever I want. He lets me play through the middle, on the left, on the right. Pep tells me: 'It's important for you to have the ball'. I'm like Messi when I break down the wing. Pep probably would have wanted me to sign for Barça, but luckily for Bayern, that didn't happen."