MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL MATCH PREVIEW EXPERT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL MATCH PREVIEW EXPERT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is likely to be out for several months after suffering knee ligament damage against Watford.

Ilkay Gündogan suffered knee ligament damage in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Watford in midweek and is expected to be sidelined for a few months. With Fernandinho also suspended, it leaves Pep Guardiola short of genuine central midfielders, with Fernando and Yaya Toure expected to fill in.

Sergio Aguero still has two matches left on his own four-match suspension. Nolito was played as the central striker against Watford, with Kelechi Iheanacho on the bench, so it remains to be seen how City will line up on Sunday.

John Stones was rested in the win over Watford but should return to the side here.

Chuba Akpom, Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo and Shkodran Mustafi are still long-term absentees for Arsenal. Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck are back in training but this match should come too soon in their recovery from long-term injuries, while Aaron Ramsey is still a doubt.

No serious changes are expected in the wake of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Everton on Tuesday, although Alex Iwobi and Olivier Giroud are pushing for a start here.

MANGERS OPINION

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the injury to Ilkay Gundogan: "He will be out for a long time.

"It's so so difficult for him, it's sad for him, we're going to miss him a lot, it's unlucky, but that's football.

"Now we need him to feel we are there and wait and come back safe. He's going to be operated (upon) and be back as soon as possible."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:

 "[Guardiola] brings his philosophy through. You expect him to put his print into his team.

"What you want of a top-level game is that it reaches the expectation quality-wise. I think that will happen because I am a positive man."

Head-to-head

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six games with Manchester City in all competitions (W3, D3).

City's last victory in this fixture was 6-3 at home in December 2013.

The last six Premier League meetings have produced 24 goals - an average of four per game.

Manchester City

Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Watford on Wednesday was their first win in five league games at home (D3, L1).

It was also the first time they had scored more than one goal during that run.

City have not been lower than third in the table on Christmas Day since 2009-10, when they were sixth.

They could keep consecutive Premier League clean sheets for the first time since March 2016,

Kevin De Bruyne has provided a league-high eight assists this season. However, he has failed to score in his last 10 league appearances, his longest goal drought in the Premier League.

Arsenal

Arsenal's defeat by Everton on Tuesday was their first in the league since the opening day of the season.

They haven't lost consecutive Premier League away games since April 2014: 0-6 v Chelsea and 0-3 v Everton.

The Gunners are the only Premier League side not to be losing at half-time in the Premier League this season.

Petr Cech has failed to keep a clean sheet in his last seven Premier League appearances; he has never gone eight successive games without a clean sheet in the competition.

Alexis Sanchez has been directly involved in 17 league goals this campaign (12 goals, 5 assists), already equalling his total from last season (13 goals, 4 assists).

WHAT WE THINK

Manchester City recorded their first win in four matches with a comfortable 2-0 win against Watford in midweek. They now have the chance to close some ground on a title rival when they welcome Arsenal to the Etihad on Sunday. They are only one point behind second place Arsenal ahead of the last round of matches before Christmas.

Arsenal slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat away to Everton on Tuesday, but they haven't lost consecutive away matches in the Premier League since April 2014. They are also unbeaten in their last six matches against City, which should give Arsene Wenger's side a huge amount of confidence.

PREDICTION - BOTH TEAM TO SCORE.

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WEST BROM VS MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH PREVIEW EXPERT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION

WEST BROM VS MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH PREVIEW EXPERT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS

TEAM NEWS

West Brom's former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans faces a fitness test after missing the midweek win over Swansea because of a calf injury.

Craig Dawson is available after serving a one-match suspension for collating five bookings.

Tony Pulis is again without Boaz Myhill and Saido Berahino due to injury and a lack of match fitness, respectively.

They are joined on the sidelines by Luke Shaw, although Chris Smalling is back and available, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench unless Jose Mourinho wants to use his height to help deal with Salomon Rondon.

Anthony Martial didn't travel with the squad in midweek but the reason behind his absence wasn't specified. He should return to the fold here unless he has picked up an injury.

Henrik Mkhitaryan will miss out for United after being stretchered off with an ankle injury in the win over Spurs.

Antonio Valencia and Chris Smalling return to the squad but Eric Bailly is a out with a fresh knee problem.

MANAGERS OPINIONS

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis said: "Manchester United are going to be a massive challenge for us tomorrow. They've drawn four or five games where they could've won this year.

"United are on an unbeaten run and they deserve respect. I think they'll finish in the top four. It'll be tough for us. Jose (Mourinho) is a top manager and he will get it right. They've got threats from everywhere, whichever team he picks.

"We will look forward to the game. We've got momentum, we're scoring lots of goals at home. Hopefully that can continue."

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said: "We didn't (yet) arrive at half of the race. That is the 31st of December. I'd say first half of (the) race would be almost impossible to be in the top four, but one thing is to be 15 points from the top four, another thing is to be five points from the top four.

"What we have to try and do in these three remaining matches is to try to be in a position that gives us a chance in the second half of the season.

"We are playing really well. If we can transform performances into results we'll have a chance."

WHAT WE THINK

• West Brom's 3-1 win over Swansea on Wednesday has lifted them up to seventh in the league and just four points behind Saturday's opponents Manchester United. They are flying at the moment and have scored 10 goals in their last three home games. In fact, since the start of November only Chelsea (18) have won more points than the Baggies (13).
• Manchester United secured back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since August with a dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and they must now turn their attentions to recording their win in three away to West Brom.
• Jose Mourinho's side are better equipped to deal with the festive period and the quick run of games could work in their favour ahead of this very tough match.
• PREDICTION- BOTH TEAM TO SCORE

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CRYSTALPALACE VS CHELSEA MATCH PREVIEW EXPERT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION

CRYSTAL PALACE VS CHELSEA MATCH PREVIEW EXPERT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION

TEAM NEWS

Jason Puncheon returns for Crystal Palace after a ban but Mathieu Flamini is out with a groin injury.

James Tomkins, Connor Wickham, Bakary Sako, Loic Remy, Pape Souare and Steve Mandanda remain sidelined.

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, who missed the win at Sunderland because of a knock, is fit but could be rested as part of squad rotation.

Willian could deputise again in place of Hazard, while Cesc Fabregas will hope to start ahead of Nemanja Matic.

Oscar may have played his last game for Chelsea as a move to China edges closer

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew on Chelsea's success under Antonio Conte: "The manager's done a great job but the world-class players are at the top of their game. And the best thing he's done is not the system: he's man-managed those people to perform better.

"He's got to grips with the toughness of the Premier League, and the physicality of it. He inherited players that were used to it, and he's been helped by that.

"[But] he's still done a fabulous job, the system suits them, and at the moment they look unbeatable.

"The best we can do is to make sure we give them a game which makes it as difficult as possible and hopefully get ourselves a result. It is possible."

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte on the likely departure of Oscar to China: "The Chinese market is a danger for all teams in the world. Not only for Chelsea but all teams in the world.

"But I think that we must be concentrated on our work. I think that this league is fantastic and to play in this league is a great opportunity, a great honour.

"You must be very proud to play in this league. Because I think now it's the best league in the world. For this season, I don't worry about this."

WHAT WE THINK

• Crystal Palace have now lost four of their last five home league matches and it doesn't get any easier as they welcome Chelsea on Saturday. The Eagles are only three points above the bottom three and have lost three of their last four at home to Chelsea.
• Chelsea have won 10 league games in a row and have already secured more victories this season than they managed in the whole of last season. They are the team to beat in the Premier League and it's hard to see where they will next drop points. They have only managed 1-0 wins in each of their last two matches, which may be a concern for Antonio Conte, but the run shouldn't stop here.
• PREDICTION- CHELSEA TO WIN BUT THEY ARE ALSO VERY LIKELY TO CONCEDE .

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SHE WON SILVER AND BRONZE MEDAL AT THE OLYMPICS IN BRAZIL NOW SHE HAS SIGNED THE PAPERS TO GET HER KILLED.

Her name is Marieke Vervoort.

Go to a restaurant in this pretty Belgian town, and all the diners know her. They come over to congratulate her on winning two medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics; she raises a glass to a family celebrating a birthday.

For a few hours, she's the life and soul of the party.

But, at 37, the Belgian wheelchair racer suffers such pain she wakes her neighbours by screaming in the night. As she watches her precious, fiercely defended independence dwindling, she has planned her own death.

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium, and eight years ago Vervoort signed the papers which will, eventually, allow a doctor to end her life. It's not that she wants to die. She wants to live. But she wants to live on her terms

She was just 14 when the diagnosis was made and gradually her life became "a constant battle".

In spite of it, she achieved a distinguished career in wheelchair racing, winning 100m gold and 200m silver in the 2012 London Olympics, and now a silver medal in Rio.

But the punishing training schedule is proving too hard. This was her last Paralympics, she confirmed, making her Rio achievement bitter-sweet.

"It's a feeling of 'Yes, I won a silver medal'", she told the BBC. "But there is also another side to the medal, the side of suffering and of saying goodbye to the sport. Because I love the sport, sport is my life."

The possibility of euthanasia gave her the courage to keep going as long as she has, she says, adding that euthanasia must not be characterised as "murder."

"It gives a feeling of rest to people," she says. "I know when it's enough for me, I have those papers."

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Southamphton Slapped £40million Price Tag on 25-year-old Chelsea transfer Target

Southamphton Slapped £40million Price Tag on 25-year-old Chelsea transfer Target

Premier League outfits Southampton have reportedly slapped a £40million price tag on Chelsea and Man United transfer target Virgil van Dijk.

Claude Puel’s side have dismissed rumors that former Celtic star has a £25m release clause in his current deal and they are believed to demanding at least £40m to allow their star performer to leave during the January transfer window.

Premier League giants Chelsea and Man United both are desperate to strengthen defensive options in the middle of the season to compete for the top place in the English top-tier.

Chelsea have identified 25-year-old centre-back as a long-term replacement for the aging of the clubs talisman John Terry, who is in the final year of his contract.

Man United meanwhile, have been highly unconvincing at the back since the start of the current campaign and Dutch centre-back believes to be a solution got Jose Mourinho’s defensive issues.

Southampton are not under pressure to sell their star on the cheap and slapped £40million is what they’ll be demanding for him if clubs step up their interest this winter, according to the Daily Mirror reports.

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CONTE TO LOOK TO SERIA A TO COMPLETED 22-YEAR-OLD STAR DEAL

The Italian has had a stunning impact in west London despite a slight wobble a few months back and the notion of having him at the helm for a while is a reassuring one for the Stamford Bridge faithful.

So, the drinkers propping up the bar have been happy to read reports from Calcio Mercato suggesting the 47-year-old could be about to further stamp his authority on the squad.

According to their report, Conte is keen on Fiorentina forward Federico Bernardeschi as he looks to bolster his frontline in SW6.

The 22-year-old has been hugely impressive for La Viola in recent months and was even called up to the Italian national side while the current Chelsea coach was in charge.

Despite proving hugely impressive in Serie A, the Tuscan outfit are understood to be willing to cash in on him, with the Blues reportedly lining up a €45m bid.

That figure roughly equates to around £38m and while Conte is said to have wanted him in January, the report states a move next summer is now more likely.

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MANCHESTER CITY TO BREAK WORLD TRANSFER WITH THIS LALIGA PLAYER?

MANCHESTER CITY TO BREAK WORLD TRANSFER WITH THIS LALIGA PLAYER?

Life under Pep Guardiola has been a mixed bag for the Sky Blues propping up the bar, who saw influential midfielder Ilkay Gundogan suffer a long-term injury blow aganist Watford.

The German international has had a huge impact at the Etihad since he arrived from Borussia Dortmund, though picked up what appears to be a ligament injury against Watford.

While that is obviously a major concern for City, reports from Marca have at least cheered them up somewhat.

They claim Guardiola is keen on classy compatriot Koke of Atletico Madrid as he ramps up stamping his authority in Manchester.

The Spaniard is understood to have a whopping €150m release clause in his deal at the Vicente Calderon and Los Rojiblancos are not thought to be open to the idea of a sale.

Still, the report suggests Guardiola is ready to embark on a difficult negotiation with those in the Spanish capital to land the 24-year-old.

How much would Koke suit Guardiola’s setup? Let us know below…

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HE WOULDN'T LEAVE FOR ANYTHING LESS SAYS PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER

After a shockingly poor start to the campaign, the Stoke City fans are utterly delighted Mark Hughes has been able to turn things around. 

Sparky is a popular figure amongst the Potters propping up the bar and the players who so deserted him during the first few games of the season seem to have returned.

It’s been amazing to watch those from the Potteries grow from a previously unfashionable outfit into the sort of team that can attract stylish European talent.

Still, as stylish as they may sound, they don’t always work out.

Which is why our punters parked up at the bar are surprised to read reports from Spanish outlet La Voz De Galici.

They claim the club are standing strong over flop striker Joselu and will not sell the Spaniard for anything less than £8m.

Signed from Hannover last summer, the 26-year-old failed to convince in the Premier League and was promptly loaned out to Deportivo La Coruna.

For their part, the La Liga side are said to be keen on making his stay a permanent one, though Stoke are understood to be standing strong over their valuation.

Is Joselu worth £8M? Let us know below

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MAN UNITED CLOSING IN ON £24M JANUARY DEAL

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United reign received another welcome boost last night as our United supporting punters watched their side beat Crystal Palace. 

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ has failed to wholly convince since being handed the reigns at Old Trafford, despite a huge summer of change.

With so much deadwood picked up during the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, reports from the Daily Telegraph have excited our drinkers.

They claim Morgan Schneiderlin’s unhappy stay at the Theatre of Dreams is set to come to an end as he closes in on a £24m move to Everton.

Despite being one of the most highly-rated defensive midfielders in the Premier League during his stint with Toffees chief Ronald Koeman at Southampton, the Frenchman has struggled since his move.

He’s yet to start a Premier League game under the Portuguese and the Merseyside outfit are understood to be willing to meet his £120k-per-week wage demands.

Our resident Everton fans are simply delighted about the 27-year-old’s seemingly imminent capture, despite his struggles of late.

The Les Blues ace is believed to be viewed as a long-term replacement for Gareth Barry at Goodison and represents quite a coup for Koeman.

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CHELSEA DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL TO SEAL THIS TOP CLASS TRANSFER BEFORE JANUARY

CHELSEA DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL TO SEAL THIS TOP CLASS TRANSFER BEFORE JANUARY

It’s been a long night of celebration for the Chelsea fans dancing on the pool tables in the Transfer Tavern, having watched their side record a 10th straight win. 

Sitting pretty atop the Premier League, the Blues have completely turned their season around ever since THAT loss to Arsenal at the Emirates in September.

Life under Antonio Conte has been pretty sweet of late and the west London locals have been further delighted by reports from the Daily Mail.

They claim the Stamford Bridge titans are ready to act on their interest in Hoffenheim defender Nicklas Sule in January, following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga.

Conte has plugged the leaky backline in SW6 with a solid 3-4-3 formation, though is said to be keen on the German despite his team’s good form.

Michael Emenalo has reportedly identified the 21-year-old as a man who can operate in the Italian’s three-man defence following his rise to fame in Germany.

Hoffenheim have been a revelation in the Bundesliga this term and are not thought to be under any pressure to sell their Olympic silver medalist, though Chelsea are said to be lining up a £30m move.

Would Sule improve the Blues? Let us know below…

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BET OF THE DAY

1.   Germany Regionalliga Nordost

TSG Neustrelitz VS BFC Viktoria Berlin

TIPS : 2X

RESULT : CLICK HERE
2. South Africa Premier League

    Mamelodi sundowns VS orlando pirates

    TIPS : HOME WIN

    RESULT : CLICH HERE

3. Cyprus First Division

  Aris limassol     VS   Apollon limassol

  TIPS : 2X

   RESULT : CLICK HERE 
4. Germany 2. Bundesliga

1. FC Union Berlin VS Spvgg Greuther Furth
TIPS : HOME WIN

RESULT: CLICH HERE
5. Netherlands Eerste Divisie

 VVV Velon     VS  FC. Eindhovin

TIPS: HOME WIN

RESULT : CLICK HERE
GOODLUCK

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TODAYS TRANSFER NEWS

TODAYS TRANSFER NEWS

Chelsea's Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 29, could follow Stamford Bridge team-mate Oscar to the Chinese Super League in the summer. (Daily Mail)

Brazil midfielder Oscar, 25, will earn £400,000 a week after tax when he moves to China to join Shanghai SIPG in January. (Times - subscription required)

Meanwhile, Premier League leaders Chelsea have stepped up attempts to sign Hoffenheim's 21-year-old Germany centre-back Niklas Sule for £30m. (Sun)

Everton face competition from Tottenham to sign Manchester United's Netherlands winger Memphis Depay, 22, in the January transfer window. (Liverpool Echo)

Arsenal have offered Alexis Sanchez £9.3m a year to sign a new contract at Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners are still significantly short of meeting the 27-year-old Chile forward's wage demands. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City would have signed Sanchez had it not been for Financial Fair Play regulations, according to former manager Manuel Pellegrini. (ADN, via Daily Mirror)

Former Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov, 35, is to return to train with his old club to prepare himself for any potential Premier League interest. (Sportal, via Manchester Evening News)

Manchester United's France midfielder Paul Pogba, who joined for a world record £89m fee in August, misses life at Juventus, according to the Italian side's Argentina striker Paulo Dybala. (Corriere dello Sport, via 101 Great Goals)

Everton will compete with West Ham for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, 24, in January. (Daily Mirror)

Southampton are lining up a January move for Valencia's £16.7m-rated Spanish midfielder Dani Parejo, 27. (Daily Star)

Stoke City want to make 33-year-old goalkeeper Lee Grant's loan from Derby County permanent - but the price tag could be a stumbling block. (Telegraph)

Former Liverpool midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira, 23, is set to join Brighton on loan after an indifferent start to the Portuguese's time at Porto. (Zero Zero, via Sport Witness)

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