‘SCHWEINSTEIGER STAYING AT UNITED’

SCHWEINSTEIGER

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Bastian Schweinsteiger will stay at Manchester United and will be added to their Europa League squad.

The 32-year-old made his first start under Mourinho in United’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Wigan, scoring the final goal of the 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford.

"Yes, he is staying,” Mourinho confirmed. “He is going to in the Europa League list because we opened spaces with (Memphis) Depay and (Morgan) Schneiderlin (leaving).

"We don't have many players, and we don't have many options in midfield. Ninety minutes was probably too far for Bastian, from minutes 65-70 it was hard for him but now I think he is happy.

"He was a good professional when he was not playing, and after having some minutes he will be the same. With so many competitions and games he will be an option."

Jose Mourinho: It will be difficult to bring glory days back to Man Utd

JOSE MOURINHO

Jose Mourinho admits he faces a "difficult job" to bring the glory days back to Manchester United.

Mourinho feels he took over a United team "in trouble" when he took over from Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford in the summer.

United last won the title in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson and have struggled to repeat their former glories since his departure.

Their highest finish since Ferguson's exit was fourth place, under Van Gaal in 2015, and the Dutchman also won the FA Cup shortly before he was sacked last May.

"There are no miracles in football," Mourinho said. "When a team is in trouble for two, three, four years, it's for some reason.

"When a team win titles, and in recent years (don't) win titles, it's for some reason."

United are 14 points behind leaders Chelsea this season and sit in sixth place with 16 games remaining on the Premier League fixture list.

Mourinho added: "Some people get more difficult jobs than others, I got the biggest job in the country, one of the biggest jobs in the world

"(It is) a job I can imagine everyone would like to have, but I got a difficult one."

Crystal Palace sign Patrick van Aanholt from Sunderland for £14 million

VAN AaNHOLT

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Patrick van Aanholt from Sunderland on a four-and-a-half year contract.

The defender has moved for a fee believed to be £14 million and could make his debut in Tuesday's game with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

He had handed in a transfer request at the Stadium of Light with Palace having a bid accepted last week, according to Sky sources.

The Dutch international will be Sam Allardyce's second signing since he replaced Alan Pardew as Eagles boss last month following the move for Jeffrey Schlupp from Leicester City.

Van Aanholt moved to the Black Cats from Chelsea in 2014 for £1.5 million but will now be reunited with Allardyce, who was in charge of Sunderland last season.

Palace, who were dumped out of the FA Cup on Saturday after losing 3-0 to Manchester City, lie 18th in the Premier League table.

The south London club have recorded just one victory in the eight games since Allardyce took charge.

Relentless Antonio Conte is out for revenge as Chelsea prepare for trip to face Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool

CONTE

If this rout of Championship side Brentford was the easiest assignment of Antonio Conte's Chelsea tenure so far, the Italian knows the hardest may be just around the corner.

The Blues will be on a revenge mission when they travel to fourth-placed Liverpool for a crucial Premier League encounter on Tuesday night.

Liverpool's victory at Stamford Bridge in September saw many writing off Chelsea's title ambitions. But that defeat sparked this remarkable current run.

Chelsea's humbling of their West London neighbours on Saturday made it a perfect 10 wins from 10 on home soil since that sobering reverse to Jurgen Klopp's side.

Asked if his team were transformed since then, Conte replied: 'For sure it's true.

'After that game I said that Liverpool is already a team and Chelsea is not a team.

'After four months a lot of things are changed in my team. We are growing a lot, improving a lot and we have good confidence.

'It will be more difficult for Liverpool if you compare the game here with this game at Anfield.'

If Chelsea were licking their wounds then, Liverpool are doing the same now after three home defeats in a week. Conte knows to be wary of a reaction.

'We know this type of situation,' he said. 'Liverpool now is very tough for us because they had bad defeats and for this reason their focus will be very high.

'We must pay great attention because when you arrive after three defeats you are very dangerous and very angry. It won't be easy on Tuesday.

'I'm sure that Liverpool is one of the teams that can fight to the end to win the title.'

But a Chelsea victory would put them 13 points clear of their fierce rivals with 15 games to go.

Conte has not been to Anfield as a player or a manager before and is looking forward to his first experience.

'To play a game there is exciting,' he said with a smile. 'I repeat we must pay great attention because of the great atmosphere and Liverpool is a really good team. They have a good coach and really good players.

'The crowd pushes them a lot and we must pay attention to this atmosphere because it will help them but we have to play our football.

'We'll try to play with good intensity, with good attention and then we'll see what happens.'

Brentford provided the gentlest of warm-ups. Conte made nine changes to his team but Chelsea still swatted the Bees aside without breaking sweat.

Nearly 6,000 made the six-mile journey to cheer on Dean Smith's men, but their hopes of a shock were extinguished after only 21 minutes.

Willian curled in a superb free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, and the tie was over as a contest when Pedro converted Michy Batshuayi's incisive pass to double the lead.

Branislav Ivanovic – the subject of interest from West Brom whose manager Tony Pulis was watching from the stands – came on with a quarter of the game to go and added gloss to the scoreline and, so too perhaps, his nine-year Chelsea career.

The Serbian made it three with a powerful drive after being played in by the brilliant Pedro, before Ivanovic was tripped inside the penalty area by Yoann Barbet nine minutes from time.

Diego Costa had come on to stretch his legs by then but decided to hand the responsibility to Batshuayi who completed the scoring from the spot. The real work for Costa and Conte will come at Anfield. 

Stoke City forward Bojan Krkic thanks fans for 'making me feel so special' as he joins Mainz on loan after Middlesbrough are priced out

BOJAN

Stoke City playmaker Bojan Krkic has joined Bundesliga side Mainz on loan for the rest of the season.

The Barcelona academy product was denied a move to Middlesbrough after Stoke demanded a transfer fee in excess of £12million and refused to loan him out to an English club. Watford also registered an interest while Spanish clubs Celta Vigo and Las Palmas were priced out, and Celtic also chased a loan deal.

Mainz confirmed the news with a picture of Bojan signing his contract shared on the club's Twitter account this morning.

CAREER: BOJAN KRKIC 

Age: 26

Clubs: Barcelona, Roma, AC Milan (loan), Ajax (loan), Stoke City, Mainz 05 (loan)
Stoke games: 60; Goals: 15

International caps for Spain: 1

Bojan himself then took to social media to post a long an heartfelt message saying thank you to the Stoke fans - even though he is due to return to the club in a few months.

The six month loan deal does not include a clause for a permanent transfer.

He said 'a very special chapter in my life has come to a close as another really exciting one opens', and said he was not saying goodbye to the Potteries, merely a 'see you soon'.

Bojan wrote on his personal Twitter page: 'I came to England looking to once again enjoy my football, and the passion surrounding the game, to the full. Being out on the pitch is what makes me happy and it's now time for me to carry on along my journey as I continue to enjoy this great sport.

'Firstly, thank you to Stoke City for giving me the chance to play in and enjoy the Premier League. I would particularly like to thank the board for standing by me during the tough times, such as when I was allowed to recover from my cruciate ligament injury back in Barcelona.

'Of course, thank you also to the Stoke City fans for their unwavering loyalty and for making me feel so special. The unique feeling on hearing the 'Ole, Ole, Ole... Bojan, Bojan' chant is one that will remain with me forever.

'Ole back to you!'

He has seen his opportunities reduced at Stoke this season and he was substituted at half time of the 2-0 FA Cup third round defeat by Wolves.

The Spanish forward signed a new contract last spring that ties him to Stoke until the summer of 2020 but has started only five Premier League games this season.

At the start of January, he made it clear he wanted to play more regularly or be allowed to move to ensure more first-team football, and now the deal is signed and ratified at Mainz.

Stoke's decision to sign Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion earlier this month pushed Bojan further down the pecking order, with the likes of Marko Arnautovic also ahead of him.

Bojan, whose other former clubs include Roma, AC Milan and Ajax, can now add a stint in Germany to his multi-national CV.

Mainz 05 are 11th in the Bundesliga with 21 points from 17 games.

The club wrote in its confirmation tweet 'Bojan is 05!' and '#WelcomeBojan'.

Manchester United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney 'a huge influence' on Marcus Rashford who says he 'can only imagine' his success feels like

ROONEY

Marcus Rashford has praised Manchester United's all-time highest goalscorer Wayne Rooney for influencing his game, and said it was 'amazing' to see the club record broken.

Rooney scored his 250th goal for United with an excellent free-kick against Stoke City earlier this month, breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing record.

Rashford, who in the last 12 months has broken into both the United and England squads of which Rooney is captain, said he could not imagine what it must be like to manage such an 'unbelievable' feat.

ROONEY FOR MANCHESTER UTD 
Games: 547

Goals: 250

Trophies: 2007/08 Champions League, 5x Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013), 2016 FA Cup, 3x League Cup (2006, 2009, 2010), 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, 5x Community Shield (2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017)

Rashford told United's official matchday programme for their FA Cup fourth round clash against Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford: 'To watch Wayne play, all the way through, ever since I was a young boy, I've seen him score loads of goals at Old Trafford and it's amazing for us to witness it happening.

'So I can only imagine how it feels for him to do it himself.

'It is an unbelievable achievement and it is going to take some doing to break it.

'He is definitely a huge influence on me. I think I've been around him and watched him grow as a player as well.

'Honestly, it takes the way you watch his game to another level.

Rashford said he could not imagine what it must be like to manage such an 'unbelievable' feat
'I think for the younger ones looking on, we've just got to take note as much as we can from what Wayne does.'

Rooney has the opportunity to score his 251st goal on Sunday afternoon as he leads the line against Championship Wigan.

Rashford meanwhile is on the bench, while Bastian Schweinsteiger starts for his club for the first time in 385 days.

Jurgen Klopp cannot afford to turn down trophies as Liverpool flop to FA Cup fourth round exit and show no signs of improving

KLOPP

The record books will show that Liverpool lost at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers of the Championship in the fourth round of the FA Cup in 2017. But those who were there will know that's not what really happened.

If reserve teams as we once knew them still existed, then Jurgen Klopp fielded one at Anfield on Saturday. This was the team that lost to Wolves. It was not a weakened team or an under-strength team or a team with regulars absent.

It was a team of prospects and fringe players and the decision to field it is the one that Klopp must accept and deal with as he attempts to put the broken pieces of Liverpool's season back together against Chelsea in the Premier League tomorrow night.

So we are back to an old topic, that being the way that some managers in the top division view the FA Cup. However, Klopp's decision on Saturday is more pertinent to the health of Liverpool than it is to a competition that will doubtless survive without the seven-time winners between now and this year's final in May.

We know what Klopp's logic was in choosing this team. The meeting with Chelsea has a 'must win' feel to it and the Liverpool manager obviously wants to throw a fully rested and restored first team at Antonio Conte's league leaders.

However, there was a clear flaw in his approach. The team he picked on Saturday had already shown itself to be promising and absolutely no more this season.

A similar group of players had already struggled against Leeds in the EFL Cup (Leeds lost, but were the better team that night), Plymouth in the FA Cup and, of course, over two legs of an EFL Cup semi-final they lost to Southampton more comprehensively than a 2-0 aggregate scoreline suggests.

So why would anybody expect them to do any better against Paul Lambert's perfectly competent Wolves team on Saturday? There should have been no surprise to see Liverpool lose. Again.

Klopp should not worry too much about accusations of abusing the image of the FA Cup. His first responsibility is to his club. However, the German has seriously under-estimated what an FA Cup triumph would have done for his club and indeed his own standing at Anfield. Liverpool are a club that needs a trophy. Any trophy.

Only once in the last 10 and a half years have Liverpool won one. They have had some close moments such as last season's Europe League, but they haven't won anything. For a club of their size, that must change.

Comparisons to Manchester United never go down well at the westerly end of the East Lancs Road but this one is valid. Liverpool's great rivals have endured some fallow years of their own since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Even as we stand today, a betting man would probably wager that Liverpool will win the league before United do.

However, during this time United have won an FA Cup and are favourites to lift the EFL Cup next month. If they do so, their return from three-and-half difficult years will be two trophies. Not bad, considering.

It is this that sustains clubs like United and Liverpool as they rebuild. It is this, no doubt, that persuaded Pep Guardiola to field a Manchester City team that included players like David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Yaya Toure in their cup game at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

So by putting his club's place in the FA Cup at risk at the weekend, Klopp has denied his club — and indeed himself — an opportunity.

In Klopp's eyes, victory tomorrow may justify the method. But would it? It would still leave Liverpool seven points behind Chelsea. They would be on the outer fringes of the battle for Premier League success, but no closer than that. 

Meanwhile, they are very much out of the FA Cup.

Fire crews called to extinguish blaze at Manchester United's Old Trafford home after incident in lift motor room

OLD TRAFFORD

A fire broke out at Old Trafford on Monday morning.

Crews were called to Manchester United's home ground following reports of smoke coming from the direction of the south stand shortly before 7am.

While they remain at the stadium, it is thought the situation is under control.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: 'At 6.58am three crews from Salford and Stretford were called to reports of a building fire on Sir Matt Busby Way.

'On arrival, crews found a fire in a lift motor room. They isolated the electrics then extinguished the fire using two breathing apparatus, one jet and one CO2 fire extinguisher.

'Crews are still on the scene.'

The south stand is the oldest at Old Trafford, with some sections dating back 100 years.

A United spokesman said: 'A small electrical fire was identified quickly in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand around 7am today.

'The fire brigade attended and the isolated incident was dealt with quickly and effectively. There was minimal damage and there were no injuries.'

It is thought that Wednesday night's Premier League clash with Hull City has not been impacted by the fire.

West Ham wantaway star Dimitri Payet completes £25m Marseille move

PAYET

Dimitri Payet has completed his £25million return to former club Marseille after forcing his way out of West Ham.

The Frenchman was pictured taking his medical in Marseille on Sunday as West Ham finally agreed to end the transfer saga by allowing Payet to sign a four-and-a-half year deal, with the option of a further year, at Stade Velodrome.

In a statement released after Payet's exit was confirmed, Irons joint-chairman David Sullivan expressed his disappointment at his former stars' conduct.

He said: 'The club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-and-half-year deal only last year.

'I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. To be frank, my Board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club.

'I am confident that with the quality of the players we have brought in during January already, the squad will be stronger at the end of this transfer window than it was at the start.

Philippe Coutinho signs new Liverpool contract worth over £200,000 per week until 2022 to make him highest-paid player in the club's history

COUTINHO AND KLOPP

Philippe Coutinho has committed his long-term future to Liverpool by signing the biggest contract in the club's history.

The Brazil international, who has blossomed into the key figure in Jurgen Klopp's team, has put pen to paper on a deal worth more than £200,000 per week that will keep him at the club until 2022.

Coutinho arrived at Anfield four years ago from Inter Milan and his performances have alerted top clubs across Europe to his ability but he is settled on Merseyside with his young family and has a strong relationship with Klopp.

PHILIPPE COUTINHO THIS SEASON 

Appearances: 13 (2 as substitute)

Goals: 5

Assists: 5

Premier League games only

Barcelona were persistently linked with him at the beginning of the campaign, while Brazil legend Ronaldo stated his wish for Real Madrid to sign Coutinho but, notably, there is no release clause in this new contract.

Coutinho said: 'I am very happy to sign a new contract here. It is a club that I am very grateful to and this shows my happiness here. I will work much harder to repay the belief shown in me.

'I signed this new contract to stay here for a few more years because it's a great honour for me.

'It gives me great happiness because I was welcomed here with open arms by everyone at the club and the supporters right from my first day. I am very thankful to this football club for everything.

'It's not just me — since me and my family arrived here we have been welcomed with open arms by everyone.

'We feel at home in this city, we feel a part of this city. It is a very important day for me, my wife and my daughter. I am happy — and everyone is happy at home.'

Manager Klopp said of Coutinho: 'I think everyone knows what a great footballer Phil is, that is not in question — but not everyone sees what an incredibly positive character he is and what a big influence he is on the dressing room.

'I knew of Phil before I came to Liverpool and I was well aware of what a talent he was, but since arriving here I have not only witnessed his ability up close, but also his ever-continuing development.

'He is truly world-class — in that very top bracket.

'The fact he wants to stay here and be part of what we are looking to build and develop shows his personal commitment is to make himself better and be an integral part of something that is very special.

'We have total belief in our project, but when a player of Phil's calibre and status commits for this length of time it shows that our faith is shared throughout the game. He knows he can fulfil his dreams and ambitions here at Liverpool.

'This is a big statement.'

The new deal is a significant moment for Liverpool as they are aware of how coveted Coutinho is and they are not currently playing in the Champions League, the stage he wants to be on.

There has been a trend during the last decade of top performers such as Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and, most recently, Raheem Sterling all leaving to further their careers.

Coutinho was only too happy, however, to sign new terms and talks between his advisers and Liverpool went smoothly throughout.

It is a fillip on a day that Liverpool hope will end with them having secured a trip to Wembley. They face Southampton at Anfield in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Liverpool are unlikely to bring any new faces in during the current transfer window but agreeing a deal with Coutinho is regarded as a hugely important step.

He will be the stand-out contract extension but new deals are also in the pipeline for Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren, both of whom will have two years remaining on their current terms at the end of this campaign.

HIS CAREER SO FAR

1998-2008 - Vasco da Gama

2008-13 - Inter Milan

2009-10 - Vasco da Gama (loan)

2012 - Espanyol (loan)

2013-present - Liverpool

Coutinho has been the outstanding figure in Klopp's impressive outfit this season as one of the key contributors to their place in the Premier League's top four.

The 24-year-old has five goals and five assists in the league so far, despite missing over six weeks over Christmas and the new year with an ankle injury.

He has also scored once in the EFL Cup on Liverpool's route to the semi-finals.

Coutinho made his comeback in the first leg against Southampton earlier this month and is making progress towards full fitness following his injury.

After signing his new deal, Coutinho added: 'I am the kind of person that works very hard in trying to get better every day. I am always trying to learn, so this will be no different from what it was before my injury.

'When you come back, of course it is too difficult to be at the same level, but I have been working very hard each day in order to carry on producing good performances on the pitch to help the team achieve victories.'

Brazil manager Tite is another boss to have recognised Coutinho's stunning form, making him a central figure in his team as part of a revamped front three with Barcelona forward Neymar and Manchester City's new signing Gabriel Jesus.

Southampton hero Shane Long shows off tattoo of prayer his father used to tell him as a child after win at Anfield

LONG

Some might say Southampton, with their backs against the wall at Anfield, needed a little divine inspiration to edge past Liverpool and into the EFL Cup final.

For Shane Long, their goalscorer, that would be pretty much spot on.

The Irish frontman proved to be the hero at Anfield on Wednesday as his stoppage-time strike confirmed the Saints' progress into their first major final for more than a decade.

After a second half spent almost permanently pinned inside their own half, with Daniel Sturridge missing two golden chances and Fraser Forster producing a superb, scrambled save from Emre Can, the footballing gods appeared to be smiling on the south coast visitors.

And that notion was only further reinforced by Long's 93rd-minute strike, which sent the travelling Saints fans delirious and frantically planning their trips to Wembley on February 26.

THE WORDS TO 'PRAYER TO THE INFANT JESUS'

Infant Jesus meek and mild

Look on me a little child

Pity mine and pity me

Suffer me to come to Thee

Heart of Jesus I adore Thee

Heart of Mary I implore thee,

Heart of Joseph pure and just

In these three hearts

I place my trust

Amen

Moments later, at the full-time whistle, Long removed his shirt to reveal a striking tattoo - the first two verses of the 'Prayer to the Infant Jesus'.

On the left-hand side of his chest, above his heart, the former West Brom forward has nine lines of a prayer his father read to him when he was a child inked into his skin.

The words mean that much to Long that he knows the entire piece off by heart.

Saints fans will be hoping that their striker's divine inspiration continues when they meet either Manchester United or Hull in the Wembley final on February 26.

United have the upper hand in the tie, leading 2-0 from the first leg, ahead of the return fixture at the KCOM Stadium on Thursday.

Chelsea almost hired me, says Jorge Sampaoli... but Sevilla boss has no regrets on not landing the job

SAMPAOLI

Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli has revealed he was in talks with Chelsea over the summer about becoming the new man in the hot seat at Stamford Bridge, only for the Blues to opt for Antonio Conte.

Chelsea entertained the idea of bringing in Sampaoli as permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, but cancelled plans after learning of the availability of Italy legend Antonio Conte following the conclusion of Euro 2016.

But Sampaoli, who guided Chile to silverware in the 2015 Copa America, admits he has no regrets over not being given the role in London after now flourishing and making a big impression in La Liga.

'There were a lot of teams interested but the call came from (Sevilla's director of football) Monchi and for us it was very interesting and exciting, we were also in negotiations with Chelsea,' Sampaoli told Radio Onda Cero.

Since taking over at the Spanish club Sampaoli has been something of a revelation, keeping Sevilla right in contention at the top of the table and breathing down the neck of leaders Real Madrid.

Their recent 2-1 victory over Madrid, a score line which ended the Galacticos' 40-game unbeaten record in all competitions, sees Sevilla now sit just three points adrift of the top spot.

And Sampaoli himself hints him and his men may be over-achieving with their heroics so far this term, after initially setting out their stall with much lower expectations.

SAMPAOLI'S C.V.

Age: 56

Clubs managed: Juan Aurich, Sport Boys, Coronel Bolognesi, Sporting Cristal, O'Higgins, Emelec, Universidad de Chile, Chile, Sevilla

Major honours: Torneo Apertura (x2), Torneo Clausura, Copa Sudamericana

CONTE'S C.V.

Age: 47

Clubs managed: Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta, Siena, Juventus, Italy, Chelsea

Major honours: Serie B, Serie A (x3), Supercoppa Italian (x2)

'I wanted originally to reach beyond fifth or sixth place and I wanted a level of… fight to appear in the players to get higher positions,' Sampaoli said.

'We will fight for the league title with what we have,' he added.

Sampaoli and Sevilla will soon get a taste of English football when they come up against Leicester City in the Champions League.

Claudio Ranieri's men are set to face the Spanish side in the knock-out phase of the competition.

The sides will meet for the first leg of the contest on Wednesday, February 22.

PSG confirm signing of Manchester United target and 'next Cristiano Ronaldo' Goncalo Guedes for £21m

GUEDES

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the £21million signing of Manchester United target Goncalo Guedes.

Guedes has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the French giants, while Benfica could benefit to the tune of another £6m if the winger leaves the Parc des Princes.

It represents the second major piece of business by PSG during the January window after they snapped up Julian Draxler from Wolfsburg.

GONCALO GUEDES 2016-17 STATS 

Appearances - 16 | Goals - 2

Chances created - 22 

Shot accuracy - 40 per cent

Average pass accuracy - 85 per cent 

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed that the deal for Guedes had been pushed through despite interest from 'numerous European clubs'.

And the Portugal international, who has regularly been compared to compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, was delighted to put pen to paper on a deal with PSG.

'I'm very happy to join such a big club as Paris Saint-Germain,' Guedes said.

'Playing here with players of a very high standard will enable me to improve. Paris always play to win trophies, so my aim is to win as many trophies as possible, and that Paris keep on winning. 

'I know my compatriot Pauleta was well loved by Paris Saint-Germain fans. I hope to do as well as he did, and one day be just as much loved as him.'

Guedes arrives in Paris having played 68 times for Benfica, scoring 11 goals and providing 16 assists. 

Champions PSG are third in the Ligue 1 table after a difficult start to the season under manager Unai Emery. 

Everton bring in Wolfsburg starlet Anton Donkor on loan to play for U23s

DONKOR

Everton have brought in Germany Under-20 international Anton Donkor on loan from Wolfsburg to play for their Under-23 side.

Donkor has agreed a switch until the end of the season and will now link up with David Unsworth's academy stars.

The 19-year-old, a left-footed forward who can play in a number of attacking positions, has come through the ranks at the Volkswagen Arena. 

Donkor expressed his excitement at the opportunity of working with the Blues' young talent and experiencing the challenge of English football.

'I'm very happy and grateful to be here,' he said. 'I know this is a great club and I like the way they play. I'm looking forward to challenging myself in English football.

'Finch Farm is an impressive place. The facilities are great and I'm looking forward to getting started here.

'I think I can learn from the good young players that are already here and hopefully we can be successful together.'

Yet to make a senior appearance for Wolsburg, Donkor's international experience extends to three caps for Germany's Under 20s.

It was reported that Championship side Aston Villa were also interested. 

Juventus 2-1 Milan: Early strikes by Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic send Juve into semi-finals of Coppa Italia

JUVENTUS

Holders Juventus struck twice in the first half hour but nearly let the game slip against 10 men in the second half as they hung on for a 2-1 win over AC Milan in their Coppa Italia quarter-final on Wednesday.

Juve, who had failed to beat Milan in two previous meetings this season, raced to a two-goal lead as Paulo Dybala volleyed home after 10 minutes from an unmarked position, then Miralem Pjanic curled in a free kick in the 21st minute.

Sami Khedira had another effort disallowed as Juventus threatened to overwhelm their opponents. 

But Milan came back strongly after halftime and Carlos Bacca reduced the arrears with a brilliant volleyed effort eight minutes after the re-start.

Despite having Manuel Locatelli sent off for a second bookable offence one minute later, Milan continued to throw themselves forward and Juventus goalkeeper Norberto Neto had to make a difficult save from Juraj Kucka's free kick.

Substitute Gerard Deulofeu also tested Neto as Juventus held out to earn a semi-final tie against Napoli. 

Pep Guardiola needs players to adapt to him, says Carlo Ancelotti: 'It's much more of an issue than him having to adapt to the Premier League'

PEP

It isn't a question of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola adapting to the Premier League but rather an issue of his players adapting to him, that is according to his Bayern Munich successor Carlo Ancelotti.

The legendary boss has had his say on the current mixed fortunes of Guardiola, and believes the onus should not just be on the Spaniard to change himself to suit the English game.

Ancelotti inherited Guardiola's Bayern team, after taking over at the helm of the Bavarian giants in the summer, and recognises the difficulty of working with a fresh set of superstars in a new league.

'He (Guardiola) has different players now and people sometimes underestimates what this means,' Ancelotti said in an interview with ESPN FC.

'Whatever problems he may have I think stem from the adjustment of working with guys he has never worked with before, getting them to come around to his way of thinking and getting to the point where they really get the full benefit of his approach. That takes time.

'I think that's much more of an issue than him having to adapt to the Premier League.

'To get the benefit of Guardiola players have to adapt to him. It's the same for me here at Bayern. The players have to get used to me and it has cost us at times. When I think back to some of the goals we've given up on the break... why, it's enough to drive you insane,' Ancelotti added.

PEP'S HONOURS...

La Liga champion (x3)

Copa Del Rey champion (x2)

Supercopa champion (x3)

Champions League winner (x2)

UEFA Super Cup winner (x3)

FIFA Club World Cup winner (x3)

Bundesliga champion (x3)

DFB-Pokal winner (x2)

The 57-year-old is widely considered, along with Guardiola himself, one of the world's elite football managers with the silverware to back up the claim.

And, while many believed Ancelotti to be taking on the perfect job when inheriting Guardiola's success-laden Bayern side, the Italian insists the reality is quite the opposite.

'I think it's actually more difficult to come to a club where everything is going great and everyone is happy,' Ancelotti said.

'When you take over from a guy who has been sacked because things weren't going well, it's more straight-forward. 

'Everyone, from the players to the club officials expects change. And it's vital for you to go and make sweeping changes. Plus, people will be patient, because rebuilding takes time,' he added.

Guardiola and his Manchester City side return to action this weekend, bidding to get back to winning ways when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Eagles reached the final of the competition last season, following an impressive run which saw them cruise through to Wembley, but they suffered heartbreak when City's arch rivals United sealed a victory in extra-time.

Manchester United's state-of-the-art 'miracle room' at Carrington training ground that manager Jose Mourinho uses to plot transfer deals - REVEALED

MANCHESTER UNITED

This is the technology Jose Mourinho uses in his 'miracle room' as he seeks to restore the glory days to Manchester United.

The Portuguese revealed in a recent interview that he plots transfer raids with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, who is often based in London, from a high-tech bunker within United's Carrington training complex.

And Sportsmail can reveal that he does so with the aid of Silicon Valley science that allows him to feel like he is in the same room as whoever he is speaking to – whether they are in Manchester or Milan.

The room features San Jose-based Cisco's Tandberg system – a bank of giant screens that allow Mourinho to communicate with agents, players and managers across the globe at the touch of a button.

With Woodward often working out of United's Mayfair Office, the miracle room is often in use as the pair discuss transfer targets.

'Technology makes miracles,' Mourinho told the United We Stand fanzine earlier this month when asked about his relationship with Woodward.

'If needed, we have a room here at Carrington which is a miracle, with screens in it. 'So we speak a lot.'

Alison Vincent, Chief Technology Officer from Cisco UKI, believes that the ability to see counterparts in the flesh rather than over the phone can give Mourinho the edge, especially when negotiating with a potential target.

'Since most communication is non-verbal, video conferencing allows for better communication compared to audio-only calls,' she explained. 

'This not only decreases a clubs environmental impact, but improves their decision making and reduces communications delay, which can be vitally important when battling to sign a player of significant value.'

Vincent added that the device allows the United manager to conduct business as though he was sharing a boardroom with those on the other end of the line.

'The implementation of video collaboration technology means coaches in Manchester can have a normal conversation with counterparts in Madrid and Mumbai, without having to leave their office,' she said.

'Such is the development of today's technology; you soon forget that the conservation is taking place over video and not face to face.'

Patrice Evra joins Marseille from Juventus as former Manchester United defender agrees 18-month deal

EVRA

Patrice Evra's time in Italy is over after the Juventus man agreed a deal to return to France with Marseille.

The former Manchester United defender agreed terms to join the Ligue 1 side until the end of the 2017-18 season and has joined the club after completing a medical.

The 35-year-old defender joined Juve in 2014 and has two Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles and a Suppercoppa Italia in 2015.

Marseille are managed by former Roma manager Rudi Garcia.

Before moving to Italy, Evra spent eight trophy-laden seasons at United.

The 35-year-old left United three years ago during Louis van Gaal's first few weeks in charge having made 379 appearances.

Evra won the Premier League five times, the League Cup three times, the Community Shield five times, the Champions League once and the FIFA Club World Cup once.

Evra also has 81 caps for France and featured regularly at Euro 2016 last summer as the hosts were beaten by Portugal in the final.

The defender has not played in his homeland since 2006 with Monaco, who he left to join United.

During his time at Monaco, he was part of the team who lost the 2004 Champions League final, with Jose Mourinho's Porto securing a famous 3-0 victory.

Should he complete his move to Marseille, he will link up with Bafetimbi Gomis, on loan from Swansea, and former Premier League midfielders Lassana Diarra and Abou Diaby.

Arsene Wenger faces lengthy ban for shoving fourth official Anthony Taylor after being sent off in Arsenal win against Burnley: 'I regret everything'

WENGER SENT OFF

Arsene Wenger could face a lengthy ban from the Football Association, despite apologising for arguing and pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor during Arsenal's dramatic 2-1 win against Burnley on Sunday.

Arsenal's manager was livid when Burnley were awarded a stoppage-time penalty to equalise at the Emirates Stadium and it saw the 67-year-old sent off by referee Jon Moss.

Wenger then stood in the tunnel to watch the closing moments of the match but was told he had to leave by Taylor. The Frenchman shoved the fourth official twice as stewards stood between them.

The Gunners, who also had Granit Xhaka sent off for a two-footed foul, won it in the eighth minute of stoppage time through a 'Panenka' penalty by Alexis Sanchez. But the last-gasp award was also controversial as Laurent Koscielny was offside when he challenged for a Sanchez cross and was caught by Ben Mee's high kick.

The FA will wait to see the referee's report regarding Wenger's dismissal before deciding on any action.

Wenger said: 'I thought I could watch it from the corridor [of the tunnel]. I regret everything. I should have shut up, gone in and gone home. I apologise for that.

'Look, it was nothing bad. I said something that you hear every day in football. Overall nine times out of ten you are not sent to the stands for that.

'If I am, I am, and I should have shut up completely. I was quite calm the whole game, more than usual. But just in the last two or three minutes… what I am particularly upset about, it is better I do not talk about that.'

Wenger said in his post-match press conference that he had not yet spoken to Taylor to say sorry in person.

Sky pundit Graeme Souness, meanwhile, thinks Arsenal's manager will be in trouble with the FA.

'You just can't do this,' said Souness. 'He has obviously not gone far enough into the tunnel and [the fourth official] has asked him to go further back.

'He raises his arms and pushes him. My understanding of that is he will be in trouble. The security man has done him a big favour there. He got in between them.'

Burnley boss Sean Dyche was more concerned at the final penalty awarded against his side.

'It is a tough day for us,' he said. 'To lose a game in that fashion, with an offside not given, is tough. We never take anything for granted. We know how tough this division is but you need officials to make the right decisions and that is the shame today.

'They have to be brave officials at places like this, I understand that, but you've got to think it has to be given [offside].'

Shkodran Mustafi's header gave Arsenal the lead in the 59th minute before Xhaka was sent off for a scissors tackle on Steven Defour in the 65th.

Burnley equalised in the 93rd through Andre Gray after Francis Coquelin's foul on Ashley Barnes.

Sanchez was not Arsenal's first-choice penalty taker but, with Olivier Giroud having been replaced by Danny Welbeck, the responsibility fell to the Chilean.

He cheekily chipped the ball to make it 2-1 and Wenger said: '[It was] too cool. Sanchez missed penalties for us. But as long as you score, you just say well done.'

Chelsea attacker Pedro labels Diego Costa the 'perfect striker' after scoring on his first-team return against Hull

DIEGO COSTA

Chelsea star Pedro says the Premier League leaders have the ‘perfect striker’ with Diego Costa’s focus now back on their title charge.

The former Barcelona forward has played with some of the greatest goalscorers of a generation, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o among them, but he wouldn’ t swap Costa for any of them — never mind the big money offers from China.

Chelsea’s firebrand frontman hit his 15th goal of the season against Hull City on Sunday to polish off a turbulent 10 days at Stamford Bridge with a 2-0 win.

Costa, 28, had a fall-out with manager Antonio Conte over his fitness, fielded interest from the Chinese Super League and then missed the trip to Leicester City.

But now he’s back fit and firing Pedro couldn’t think of anyone better to push home Chelsea’s eight-point advantage at the top of the league.

‘He is a very good striker. I have played with important people, important players like Ibrahimovic,’ the Spanish wideman says.

‘Costa is a very good striker too, a very good runner, strong physically and he scores more goals for the team. He is perfect for this team.’ 

Quizzed on who he would pick out of Costa and former Barcelona team-mates Ibrahimovic and Eto’o, Pedro says: ’It is difficult, it's difficult. I’ve played with a lot of players of high quality but Costa is a very good player. Diego is probably the best for this team.’ 

Having played alongside the enigmatic Costa for club and country for the last two years, few are better placed to judge the centre forward’s current state than Pedro.

After Sunday’s goal, Costa mimicked a pair of chattering mouths with his hands in celebration to hint that the talk surrounding him was having little effect.

Any hint of a move away was shut down by Conte afterwards and Costa now appears set to stick around until the end of the season at least.

‘With the team, he (Costa) has been training very well, with his team-mates,’ Pedro adds. ‘He is very happy to be here in the club, this is the most important thing.

 ‘His focus is on the team, the game, this season, to fight for this title. It’s good for the team. This ambition Diego shows is good for the team.

‘This title is very difficult to win. The Premier League is probably the best, strongest, most competitive (league) and for me it would be a dream to win this title.

‘It's difficult and different (to La Liga) but this is a good moment for us.’

No wonder Arsene Wenger is growing angry... Granit Xhaka was Arsenal's big midfield summer signing but he is becoming an expensive liability

XHAKA

October: 'It is one red card. It is what it is and he has to learn from it.'

November: 'He has to work and keep control of his reactions in the game.'

This weekend: 'He has to control his game and not punish the team.'

You can almost sense Arsene Wenger's growing anger with the man who is quickly turning into a £35million liability.

Several times this season Arsenal's manager has had to answer questions about Granit Xhaka and his disciplinary record. Nine sending offs since 2014 will do that.

At this week's press conference, Wenger will be asked about the talented 24-year-old's temperament again.

Xhaka almost cost his club three points in the title race on Sunday by being sent off against Burnley for a two-footed foul on Steven Defour.

There's no doubting he is gifted. His showings for Switzerland at the summer's European Championship in France had Arsenal fans anticipating his arrival, with a relentless work rate and tidy distribution.

His ratings, via Sportsmail's match reports from France, were consistent. He got 8 out of 10 vs Albania, 7 vs Romania, 7 vs France and 7 vs Poland. There was a penalty sent wide in Saint-Etienne but that can happen to anyone in football.

XHAKA'S RED MIST

Gladbach (2012-16): 108 games, 236 fouls, 29 yellows, 5 reds

Arsenal (2016 - present): 19 games, 24 fouls, 2 yellows, 2 reds

Switzerland:  48 caps, 1 red card

Xhaka's ability to stay cool, however, is another story.

After he signed for Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach and had trained with his team-mates at London Colney, Xhaka was asked in an interview with Swiss newspaper Apenzeller Zeitung about Wenger.

'He's told me he's very impressed by how I train and how I'm a disciplined character,' Xhaka said.

Apples and oranges. It's no good keeping cool in training, only to then lose it in a game, as he did against Swansea and Burnley.

It is not only dismissals, either. Giving away an unnecessary penalty at Bournemouth gave Arsenal a mountain to climb and turned into another case of two points dropped.

PLAYERS WITH MOST RED CARDS IN EUROPE'S BIG LEAGUES 

 Past two seasons:

5- Granit Xhaka

4 - Gabriel Paletta

4 - Kelvin Malcuit

4- Yannick Cahuzac

3 - Younousse Sankhare

3 - Felipe Melo

3 - Aythami Artiles

3 - Victor Wanyama

 This season:

 3 - Granit Xhaka

2 - Kelvin Malcuit

2 - Sergi Gomez

2 - Fernandinho

2 - Gabriel Paletta

2 - Cedric Varrault

2 - Chieck Doukoure

2 - Yannick Cahuzac

Xhaka didn't arrive squeaky clean, though. He came with a ready-made reputation from Germany.

When Wenger vetted him – to see if he would meet his Arsenal model – he will have known that he was needlessly sent off several times for Monchengladbach.

There was the one against Freiburg in April 2014, when the score was 1-1 but Xhaka's sending off saw his side suffer a 4-2 loss.

There was another against Sevilla in the Europa League in February 2015, a tie which saw Monchengladbach dumped out of the tournament after a 3-2 defeat.

Xhaka's opinion of the Premier League in the summer, then, is starting to seem misguided.

'In Germany you can play aggressively but the referee will always blow his whistle,' he said in May. 'In England that's not the case.'

He says he cannot play well if he does not do so aggressively. Is it a risk worth taking? Was it a risk worth spending such a chunk of change on?

Wenger thought so because he knows what Xhaka can bring to this team.

Before kick-off against Burnley, Xhaka was the Arsenal player with the most Premier League passes this season on 1,175. That was despite him having only started 14 of their 21 games.

He was likened to Emmanuel Petit in pre-season, too. Trouble is, they need him on the pitch, not off it.

Arsenal didn't appeal his red card against Swansea in October, showing they knew it was worthy of a three-game suspension.

And they will not appeal this one against Burnley, because they know it was worthy of a sending off as well as Jon Moss did. This time it's four games.

Wenger was the so-called soft touch who had no midfield warriors. With Xhaka, that's no longer the case.

Arsenal's manager has spoken to his summer signing several times this season, though his words appear to have went in one ear then out the other.

'Intelligence means you don't make the same mistake twice,' Wenger said three months ago. 'I hope he learns from that.'

Lightning has struck twice for Arsenal this season but, worryingly, also nine times in the last three years.

Hull star Ryan Mason is stable and talking in hospital after horror skull fracture as it's revealed Chelsea stars Gary Cahill and John Terry went to visit him

RYAN MASON ON THE STRETCHER

Stricken Hull star Ryan Mason has been speaking to colleagues about the horrific collision that led to his fractured skull in the Premier League game against Chelsea.

Mason underwent surgery at London's St Mary's Hospital and was later visited by Chelsea duo Gary Cahill and John Terry who spent time with the player's family after the former was involved in the sickening clash of heads.

Mason is in a stable condition and will remain in hospital for the coming days.

Hull City said in a statement: 'Ryan has been speaking of the incident yesterday and will continue to be monitored at the hospital over the coming days where the Club will remain in close contact with Ryan, his family and the staff at St Mary's.

'Ryan and his family have also been extremely touched by the overwhelming support they have received and would very much like to thank all of those who have posted such positive comments both on social media and in the press over the last 24 hours.'

On Monday, Hull captain Michael Dawson, the club's doctor and his dad were among the visitors to pay a visit to Mason, who 'was delighted' to see them.

Leaving the London hospital after a 45-minute visit, the cub doctor said: 'He's good.

'He was delighted to see us. Marco Silva the manager went back to Hull last night but all the medical staff stayed down.

'The team captain Michael Dawson, the club secretary, the physio and his dad were here today.'

The 25-year-old midfielder was carried off and received oxygen after a clash of heads with Cahill during the first half of Hull's 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.

Brain injury charity Headway praised the actions of medical teams from both sides.

Headway chief executive Peter McCabe said: 'I was actually at the match and, while it was upsetting to witness the incident, it was encouraging to see the exemplary reaction of the medical teams.

'Headway has been critical of the way in which head injuries have been treated in many high-profile football incidents in recent years, but it is positive to see that lessons appear to have been learned.'

Mason received treatment for around nine minutes on the field and later received messages of support from many of his fellow professionals.

Chelsea defender Cahill also came out of the collision feeling groggy and was given a concussion test on the pitch in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

Cahill was also tested again during the half-time interval, with Chelsea taking precaution with the situation after learning Mason had been taken straight to hospital.

The tests carried out included measures of physical assessment, a query of headache and nausea symptoms, a test of the player's balance and additionally a basic mental test - of which Cahill passed each.

Hull issued a statement on Sunday evening, describing Mason's condition as 'stable'.

The club expect the former Tottenham midfielder to be in hospital 'for the next few days'.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte expressed hope that Mason would make a quick recovery immediately after the match, prior to news of his operation.

Conte also revealed Cahill's half-time condition 'wasn't really good'.

Cahill completed the match, scoring Chelsea's second goal 10 minutes from time.

The England defender had been assessed for some time during the break in play as Mason was attended to.

Headway did not reference Cahill in its statement and it is not possible to make head injury assessments from afar.

The charity last September questioned whether concussion protocols were being observed in football, calling for an independent review after an incident involving Manchester United's Anthony Martial.

Headway's concerns surrounded whether rules introduced in August 2014 were being applied, not specifically the treatment of Martial.

The regulations include the employment of a third 'tunnel doctor' to help team medics identify concussions and whether a player is fit to continue.

Headway favour an approach where, if there is any doubt over a player's fitness to continue, they are withdrawn from the action.

Borussia Dortmund swoop for Swedish sensation Alexander Isak as teenager snubs La Liga giants Real Madrid

ISAK

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Swedish teenage sensation Alexander Isak. 

According to the German club, the 17-year-old has signed a long-term contract at Signal Iduna Park, after the Bundesliga side staved off competition from Real Madrid to land the youngster for a reported £8.6million.

It was thought the Spaniards were favourite to land the sought-after forward, with a deal close to completion, but the Swedish star has snubbed the Champions League holders in favour of joining Thomas Tuchel's side.

ISAK'S ALLSVENSKAN FORM FOR AIK IN 2016

Games - 24

Goals - 10

Assists -  1

Shots - 50

Shooting accuracy - 61 per cent

Shot conversion rate -  24 per cent

Source: Opta 

Isak posed with Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc and club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke as the deal was confirmed.

Zorc acknowledged that there had been plenty of competition for the player's signature, but that they were sure - as was the player - that the right move had been made.

'Alexander Isak is a high-calibre wonderkid, who was wanted by numerous top clubs in Europe,' said the sporting director.

'We are very glad that he has chosen Borussia Dortmund. BVB is just as convinced as the player that this transfer is one with great potential.'

Isak has been handed the No 14 in the Dortmund squad, and will become the club's first Swedish representative in the Bundesliga when he does make his league bow for Tuchel's side.

The Germans have confirmed the deal for Isak, who has scored 13 times in 29 appearances for AIK, is subject to ratification from FIFA due to his age but this is thought to be a formality.

Widely regarded as the most promising player to come out of Sweden since Manchester United talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reports in Spain suggested that Isak was set to join Madrid this winter.

Madrid daily Marca said the 17-year-old was set to join for around £8.6m as the most expensive player to ever leave a Swedish club since Ibrahimovic joined Ajax from Malmo for around £7.5m in 2001.

After making his debut at the age of 16 for AIK, he won his first senior Sweden cap as a substitute against Ivory Coast earlier this month, and netted on his full debut against Slovakia four days later at the age of 17 years and 113 days, beating Erik Dahlstrom's 104-year-old national record.

Chelsea lead the Premier League by eight points - can Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United catch them?

CHELSEA PLAYERS CELEBRATES

Chelsea strengthened their position at the summit of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Hull on Sunday.

With Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United all dropping points, Antonio Conte's side seem to have an unassailable eight-point lead already.

So, can any of the chasing pack overturn Chelsea's dominance? Sportsmail assesses their credentials.

ARSENAL

What’s their form been like?

Apart from the thumping victory at Swansea, Arsenal have squeezed past West Brom and Burnley at home, while going three down away at Bournemouth.

The two defeats in a week last month might have derailed them but the Gunners are grinding out results.

ARSENAL'S NEXT SIX 

(H) Watford - Jan 31

(A) Chelsea - Feb 4

(H) Hull - Feb 11

(A) Southampton - Feb 25

(A) Liverpool - March 4

(H) Leicester - March 11

What is the main problem?

Granit Xhaka’s brainless red card on Sunday suggested the midfield remains a problem area for Arsene Wenger, and that was definitely the case against Everton and Bournemouth, where they failed to control matches played at high intensities.

Reasons to be hopeful?

The late goals. Including an 89th-minute winner at Preston in the FA Cup, that’s four in the space of a few weeks now and shows the sort of fortitude which has been lacking in previous seasons.

Have they got any chance of catching Chelsea?

Writing them off now would be writing off the season, so yes, they can but Arsenal desperately need three points at Stamford Bridge on February 4.

TOTTENHAM

What’s their form been like?

The Premier League’s form team at the moment, even if they scraped a draw at Manchester City on Saturday evening. Six wins from their last seven (and beating Chelsea during that run too), Spurs will continue attacking this season.

TOTTENHAM'S NEXT SIX 

(A) Sunderland - Jan 31

(H) Middlesbrough - Feb 4

(A) Liverpool - Feb 11

(H) Stoke - Feb 26

(H) Everton  - March 4

(A) Crystal Palace - March 11

What is the main problem?

Have only won twice against those in the top six so far this campaign, losing at Manchester United and Chelsea plus draws against City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Nine points from seven games.

Reasons to be hopeful?

They’ve only got Liverpool out of the top six to play until the end of April and if Chelsea are to be run close, Spurs know this run of form needs to continue for as long as possible.

Have they got any chance of catching Chelsea?

Possibly have the best opportunity of the lot given their recent run of form. Dele Alli continues to sparkle and Mauricio Pochettino won’t see Hugo Lloris have another game like he did at City.

LIVERPOOL

What’s their form been like?

Patchy at best, with only four Premier League wins in their last nine, stretching back to the beginning of December and that capitulation down on the south coast at Bournemouth.

A good run over the Christmas period - four wins on the spin - has been let down by a costly draw against Sunderland and defeat by Swansea.

LIVERPOOL'S NEXT SIX 

(H) Chelsea - Jan 31

(A) Hull - Feb 4

(H) Tottenham - Feb 11

(A) Leicester - Feb 27

(H) Arsenal - March 4

(H) Burnley - March 12

What is the main problem?

They are conceding way too many goals. Twenty-seven have flown into their net in 22 games - only Manchester City have a worse record in the top seven - and when Liverpool concede one, more usually follow.

Reasons to be hopeful?
Going the other way they have been electric all season. Goals are shared around nicely - nobody has more than Sadio Mane's nine in the league, despite Jurgen Klopp’s side scoring more than anyone else in the division.

Have they got any chance of catching Chelsea?

Chances are extremely slim at this stage, 10 points behind and with Chelsea seemingly unbreakable. They have to take the points when the Blues arrive at Anfield a week on Tuesday.

MANCHESTER CITY

What’s their form been like?

Not the best. Four defeats in their last nine games led Pep Guardiola to ruling them out of the title race after a chastening afternoon at Everton last week. He has rowed back slightly on that since, but City’s aim now must be to break into the top four.

CITY'S NEXT SIX

(A) West Ham - Feb 1

(H) Swansea - Feb 5

(A) Bournemouth - Feb 13

(H) Manchester United - Feb 26

(A) Sunderland - March 4

(H) Stoke - March 11

What is the main problem?

The No 1 problem is their No 1, Claudio Bravo’s save-to-shot ratio staggeringly low. Spurs scored with their only two shots on target on Saturday and the Chilean is not exuding confidence to anyone inside the Etihad Stadium.

Reasons to be hopeful?

Gabriel Jesus should give City the sort of pick me up required if his cameo was anything to go by. He has an electricity to his game which is infectious and really lifted the crowd.

An unknown quantity, he will offer a lift to some of the senior players.

Have they got any chance of catching Chelsea?

No. It’s 12 points now and City cannot find any sort of consistency. Big summer ahead for Guardiola.
MANCHESTER UNITED

What’s their form been like?

Undefeated in 13 games, albeit with a number of disappointing draws. Jose Mourinho has steadied the ship though and they look in a position whereby they can properly challenge for a top-four spot.
Stoke was a sticky performance, however, and United were bailed out by Wayne Rooney’s brilliance.

UNITED'S NEXT SIX 

(H) Hull - Feb 1

(A) Leicester - Feb 5

(H) Watford - Feb 11

(A) Manchester City - Feb 26

(H) Bournemouth - March 4

(A) Southampton - March 11

What is the No 1 main problem?

The third man out wide. Anthony Martial was dropped altogether from the weekend squad, Juan Mata struggled again from the start, while Jesse Lingard has not flown on the flank this season.

Marcus Rashford is preferred through the middle and Mourinho really needs another decent option to complement Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Reasons to be hopeful?

The defensive solidity. A poor goal to concede at the Bet365 Stadium, but United are now stronger back there than they ever have been since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Phil Jones continues to show why United persevered with him through all those injuries.

Have they got any chance of catching Chelsea?

Not a prayer. Fourteen points is way too much with only 16 games left. Too many draws put paid to a title challenge.

Diego Costa pictured training in isolation after bust-up with manager Antonio Conte

DIEGO COSTA

Chelsea stars expect Diego Costa to be reintegrated into the first team this week but Antonio Conte is yet to be convinced that his rebellious striker deserves an instant recall to his starting XI.

Costa was again forced to train alone at the club’s Cobham HQ on Monday, with his team-mates not resuming training until Tuesday morning.

The Spain international has been training away from the rest of the first-team squad following a row with manager Conte over his fitness.

DIEGO COSTA STATS 2016-17 

Appearances: 19

Goals: 14

Goals per match: 0.74

Assists: 5

Yellow cards: 5

Red cards: 0

Wins: 15

Defeats: 3

Premier League stats only
 
Costa has complained of a lower back problem, but figures at the club fear his head has been turned by an offer from a club in China.

Costa is expected to make a beeline to his manager on Tuesday in an effort to clear the air.
That will suit Conte, who is reluctant to make the first move.

Costa’s lower-back complaint will be assessed by the club medics on Tuesday morning and if he is deemed fit enough, Conte will make a call on whether he is introduced back into the first-team fold.

Regardless, Costa’s long-term future is under significant doubt. Chelsea will not sell him this month but are likely to change their stance in the summer when they can land a replacement, with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata under consideration.

Conte does not appear willing to start Michy Batshuayi in Costa’s absence, but Chelsea have turned down two loan requests from Paris Saint-Germain for the Belgian.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba can deal with '24-hour' pressure after below par display against Liverpool

POGBA

Paul Pogba can cope with the relentless pressure of playing for Manchester United, according to his team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Frenchman, who became the world's most expensive player when he returned to Old Trafford in an £89million deal last summer, gave away a penalty as United drew 1-1 with rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Pogba also missed a clear chance against Jurgen Klopp's men and struggled to influence the game despite being in good form heading into the fiery fixture.

POGBA THIS SEASON 

Appearances: 20

Goals: 4

Assists: 3

Chances created: 37

Pass accuracy: 85%

Shot accuracy: 33%

Premier League statistics only 

His lacklustre performance has come in for criticism, but Ibrahimovic believes the former Juventus star has what it takes to remain focused.

'Pressure is something I enjoy,' Ibrahimovic said. 'I don't know Paul personally to be able to answer that for him. But I think he likes it also because, without pressure, we would not be on our toes at the top level.

'If you want to play at the top, pressure is 24 hours and if you play well or better, the pressure becomes even greater.

'So it's something that we learn from and something we have to handle because we belong to the top. Paul belongs at the top absolutely and the pressure will be there.'

Ibrahimovic cancelled out James Milner's penalty on Sunday with his 14th Premier League goal of the season as United extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.

The Swede is level with Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa at the top of the scoring chart, but he insists that his only target is to help Jose Mourinho's side win games.

'I think the pressure I have all around me is nothing compared to the pressure I put on myself,' Ibrahimovic said.

'I really want to do not perfect, more than perfect, every game, even in training. I'm not happy if I don't win in training so imagine what it's like in the games.

'That is the pressure I put on myself and so your pressure becomes like a kindergarten for me.
'My pressure is really high. I'm not satisfied until I get what I want. What I want is to win.'