Chelsea vs hull city team news,managers opinions,match facts and betting guide

TEAM NEWS

Diego Costa has returned to training with the rest of the first team and Antonio Conte has confirmed he is available for selection this weekend.
Markus Henriksen is ruled out for 2-3 months with a dislocated shoulder, but Hull's injury crisis does now appear to be easing after Marco Silva was able to welcome back a number of players for their 3-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend.

Silva may reward a number of the players that started in that victory with another chance to impress at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, although new signings Oumar Niasse and Evandro may be pushing for a start.

Robert Snodgrass hasn't managed to train in the build up to this match due to a slight muscle injury, but David Meyler and Shaun Maloney should be fine to feature on Sunday.

Dieumerci Mbonkani and Ahmed Elmohamady are absent for the next month due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations this month.

MANAGERS OPINION

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte: "If you think this type of game is easy you make a great mistake, and you can pay for it at the end of the season.

"Hull are a good team. They have changed the coach and usually you have a great reaction from the players."

Hull head coach Marco Silva: "It will be a difficult game at Chelsea. They are the best team in the Premier League right now because they are in first position.

"The only difference this week is that we have had more time to prepare ahead of the game. That is important for me and my players.

"They have had more time to work with my ideas and hopefully we will see the benefits on Sunday."
Head-to-head

MATCH FACTS

Chelsea are unbeaten against Hull in the Premier League (W7, D2).
The Blues are looking for a sixth consecutive league win over the Tigers.
Chelsea

Chelsea have won 14 of their last 15 Premier League games.
They are looking for an eighth consecutive home win in the league.
The Blues have kept 12 Premier League clean sheets this season, more than any other side. No team in Europe's top five leagues has kept more.
Diego Costa has scored in all three of his previous Premier League appearances against Hull, and also has two assists.
Eden Hazard has scored three goals and set up another in his last four league games against Hull.
Hull City

Hull earned their first league victory in 10 games at the expense of Bournemouth last weekend.
They have lost their last eight Premier League away games. A ninth straight defeat would represent their worst such run since a club record streak of 11 from December 1997 to April 1998 when in the fourth tier.
Hull have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 19 Premier League matches.
They have conceded 10 penalties this season - only Blackburn, who conceded 11 in 2006-07, have conceded more in a Premier League campaign.
Hull have conceded 20 goals from set-pieces, the most in the top five European leagues.

BETTING GUIDE

Chelsea have won 14 of their last 15 matches (Premier League).

Hull have lost their last 8 away matches (Premier League).

Chelsea have won their last 5 matches against Hull in all competitions.

Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 matches against Hull in all competitions.

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Arsenal VS Burnley Team news,managers opinions,match facts and betting guide

TEAM NEWS

Mohamed Elneny is unavailable due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Kieran Gibbs, Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin are all back in training, though only the latter should start here.
Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo, Theo Walcott and Per Mertesacker are all ruled out for Arsenal, while Olivier Giroud will be assessed closer to kick off.
Dean Marney, Scott Arfield and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are all doubts for Sean Dyche's side and could all miss the trip to the Emirates.
Joey Barton may make his first start following his return to Burnley after coming off the bench to net the winner against Southampton last week.
Ashley Barnes and Sam Vokes are battling to start alongside Andre Gray in attack.

MANAGERS OPINION

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "With the number of games we have it's important that we have all our experienced players back and that everybody is focused to do well.

"We're going through a moment of truth now - January until May is five months to go. You want ideally all your players with big experience back in your squad."

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Arsenal are unbeaten against Burnley in the Premier League (W4, D1) and are looking for a fifth consecutive league win over the Clarets.

Burnley have not scored in any of their last three league meetings with Arsenal.

Arsenal

Arsenal are looking for a fifth consecutive home win in the Premier League.

The Gunners have scored in their last 12 league games, the best current run in the top flight.

All three of their league defeats this season have come after they scored the opening goal.

Arsenal have a point more than they did at this stage last season, but then they were top - now they are fourth and eight points behind leaders Chelsea prior to the weekend.

Olivier Giroud has scored in each of his last nine starts in all competitions, amassing 11 goals in total.

Alexis Sanchez has scored or set up 21 goals this season, more than any other Premier League player.

Burnley

Burnley have won three of their last four league games.

However, they have lost their last five away matches in the division and picked up just one point from a possible 27 away from home this season.

The Clarets have scored just three away goals in the top flight this season - every other club has scored at least twice that total.

Furthermore, no club in Europe's five biggest leagues has scored fewer on their travels.

Burnley have never won a Premier League match in London (D2, L12). Their last top-flight win in the capital came in January 1975, when they won 1-0 at QPR.

BETTING GUIDE

Arsenal have won their last 5 matches against Burnley in all competitions.

Burnley have lost 8 of their last 9 away matches (Premier League).

Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 home matches against Burnley in all competitions.

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FIFA gives Matip Liverpool Verdict

Joel Matip has been cleared to play for Liverpool by Fifa following confusion over the defender's availability during the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cameroon said he had refused a call-up, and Fifa rules state a player may be blocked from featuring for his club if he refuses to play for his country.

Matip, 25, was left out of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United as the Reds failed to get clearance on the issue.

But world football's governing body has dismissed the case.

Matip has not played for Cameroon since 2015 and was not included in their final 23-man squad for the tournament in Gabon.

The centre-back was one of seven Cameroon players to say they did not want to play, according to the country's football association (Fecafoot).

The defender cited a "bad experience" with previous coaching staff, Fecafoot said.

Speaking at the time, Cameroon coach Hugo Broos said: "These players have put personal interest above those of the national team and the federation reserves the right to take action in accordance with Fifa regulations."

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Liverpool transfer latest involving Bailey,Hart,Jese

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are considering to beat their Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for £20m-rated Genk forward Leon Bailey, as Jurgen Klopp is ready to make move for highly-rated stalwart after long-term scouting.

The 19-year-old Bailey, has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs so far this term but Genk intimated that they’d hold onto their prized asset until at least the end of the season.

However, the same sources claim that Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A giants AS Roma have both intimated that they’d pay the £20m needed to sign the youngster this month.

This could force the Premier League duo Liverpool and Chelsea to make definitive moves to sign the Belgian attacker, who has been on Jurgen Klopp’s radar since the last season.

It is believed that Leon Bailey would favour a move to the Premier League over Bundesliga or the Serie A, meaning it could be a straight battle between title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

The teenage sensation has been in impressive form this season, as he has already managed to score six goals in 24 appearances for Genk this term.

Liverpool have made approach for 29-year-old England star

According to the Italian media, Liverpool have made approach for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart over the possibility of signing the England international in the summer.

The 29-year-old star is currently on loan at Torino in Serie A, but the Italian outfit have given up hope that they could sign Joe Hart permanently.

Torino are resigned to losing the England international at the end of the campaign and have now set their sights on AS Roma shot-stopper Lukasz Skorupski.

Liverpool’s inquiries have not gone beyond the initial stages with Jurgen Klopp still hopeful Loris Karius can find his feet at Anfield.

The 23-year-old German youngster was dropped from the starting lineup this term after a disappointing performances.

The Belgium international Simon Mignolet has now been restored as first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield, but Jurgen Klopp does not see the Belgian as the long-term solution.

Loris Karius was meant to replace Mignolet, but after a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Liverpool head coach is now tentatively exploring other options, as per the Tuttosport.

Liverpool hand huge transfer blow as €25m top target eyes La Liga move

It has been revealed recently that Liverpool have handed a massive transfer blow in race for PSG star Jese Rodriguez, as the Spanish attacker has reportedly decided only a transfer to La Liga side Las Palmas would convince him to leave the League 1 giants.

The former Real Madrid attacker has found life difficult in France since arriving in the summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside outfit this January.

Liverpool are believed to be interested in taking the Spain international, on loan for the rest of the season, but Rodriguez only has eyes for Las Palmas.

The Spaniard is a native of Las Palmas and is determined for a return to La Liga in a bid to restart his career that has somewhat stalled at League 1 club.

PSG No.22 has scored only one goal in the league and two in all competitions after swapping the Los Blancos for the Parc des Princes in the summer.

It is believed that Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay the entirety of Jese Rodriguez’s wages while Las Palmas have come to an agreement to split the cost with Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the reports from Marca claim that Spanish star has told his club he will not move to any side other than Las Palmas this January, likely ending Liverpool’s chances of getting his signature.

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Manchester United transfer latest involving Bernardo Silva,Griezmann,Depay,Kasper Dolberg

Jose Mourinho ready to plot £70m bid to sign Portugal international

According to The Sun, Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho is plotting a sensational £70m bid for AS Monaco star Bernardo Silva, who he believes could make a perfect partnership with Antoine Griezmann when the Frenchman joins Old Trafford side.

The 53-year-old Special One is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old Portugal international, although he faces serious competition to get his signature.

The former club of Jose Mourinho Real Madrid are also planning a move for the attacking midfielder, who is widely considered to be one of the hottest prospects across the Europe.

Bernardo Silva has already scored four goals and provided four assists in 17 Ligue 1 matches this term and Jose Mourinho is a major fan of his compatriot.

The Red Devils manager believes young Portuguese could provide the perfect link between Man United’s midfield and their new frontman Griezmann, who is set to join Premier League giants for £85m transfer fee.

Silva is represented by Jose Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes, which should help his cause in getting a deal over the line.

Alongside Griezmann and Silva, Man United have also been linked with a move for Bayern Munich attacking superstar, Thomas Muller.

Deal Close: Man United set to agree £21.7m deal with League 1 giants

According to the latest transfer news, Manchester United have almost reached the agreement over the transfer move of Memphis Depay to Lyon, but they have inserted a buy-back clause into the deal.

The Old Trafford side have finally agreed to sell their 22-year-old winger to the French club after weeks of haggling over a move.

The transfer fee is believed to be around £16m, possibly rising to £21.7m after Lyon met Man United’s demands.

Lyon has been chasing for the Dutch international since the beginning of the January transfer window and have seen two bids turned down by the Red Devils.

Depay has found life in Manchester difficult since his big-money move from Eredivisie giants PSV back in 2015 when Louis van Gaal was still in charge at Old Trafford.

Man United head coach Jose Mourinho has not had much time for the 22-year-old winger since he took over with the Dutchman making only six appearances this term.

As per the Sky Sports, the Premier League club also have a sell-on clause in the deal should Lyon cash in on Depay in the future.

Man United ready to beat Borussia Dortmund in race for £17m Ajax goal machine

According to the German media sources, Manchester United have to beat Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in order to wrap up a deal for Ajax Amsterdam striker Kasper Dolberg before the end of January transfer window.

It is believed that German giants are considering Dolberg as the potential replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who could leave Signal Iduna Park for a big-money move.

Man United are believed to be one of Dolberg’s many suitors, but it’s yet to be confirmed if they are ready to make an official bid for the highly-regarded youngster until the summer transfer window.

But as per the Bild, Borussia Dortmund are without their main man in Aubameyang who is currently on duty at the African Cup of Nations and want reinforcements.

It is believed that Dortmund are also about to sell Adrian Ramos to Chongqing Lifan which would leave the Bundesliga side without a senior striker in their ranks.

The 19-year-old Kasper Dolberg is expected to command a fee of £17m after scoring 11 goals in 28 matches this term.

Ajax have the young forward tied to the club until 2021, but may be tempted to cash in on their asset in January with interest from Dortmund.

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Chelsea transfer round up involving Costa,Shaw,Morata,Lukaku,Ricardo Rodriguez and Benteke

Antonio Conte eyes shock move for Crystal Palace £32m signing

According to The Guardian, Chelsea are lining up a move for Crystal Palace centre-forward Christian Benteke, with Diego Costa is expected to leave the London-based club in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old star was involved in a training ground bust-up with the manager Antonio Conte last week and was left out of Chelsea squad for 3-0 Leicester City win at the King Power Stadium.

It is believed the row was over an eye-watering offer the Spain international had received from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian but the former Atletico Madrid striker was spotted back in training at Cobham in midweek.

However, with the Spaniard is still expected to leave the Stamford Bridge in the summer, the board are eyeing potential replacements and a surprise name is being considered.

The same sources claim Crystal Palace forward Benteke, 26, is on Chelsea’s shortlist in case Diego Costa moves on at the end of the 2016/17 season.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte remains keen on Christian Benteke despite the Belgian’s underwhelming campaign with Liverpool, where he only managed 10 goals in 42 matches.

Alongside Benteke, other top-class strikers are also under Antonio Conte’s radar, including Alvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku and Fernando Llorente.

Man United’s £30m signing on Chelsea radar

According to the latest transfer news, Antonio Conte is willing to sign Manchester United full-back Luke shaw, as Chelsea officials are reportedly keeping close tabs on Englishman’s situation at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old Shaw has made 41 apps for Man United since becoming the most expensive teenager in the world when he signed for a fee of £30m back in 2014.

The England international has only made seven Premier League apps for the Red Devils this season and it’s believed Jose Mourinho has grown tired of his lack of progress.

As per the Independent, Premier League duo Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are circling, with the future of young full-back at Old Trafford appearing in serious doubt.

Jose Mourinho was interested in signing the Englishman back in 2014, when he was in charge of Chelsea, but he’s not been impressed with the former Southampton man since taking over the reins at Man United in the summer

Antonio Conte’s side have been linked with a number of full-backs during the January transfer window as the Italian head coach scours the market for defensive reinforcements.

It is believed that West Ham United wide-man Michail Antonio and Koln’s Jonas Hector are also on Chelsea’s radar.

Diego Costa reveals the salary he wants to earn at Chelsea

According to the Metro, Chelsea rebel superstar Diego Costa has told the club officials to pay him £300,000-a-week if they want to keep him at the west London club.

The 28-year-old striker has returned to training after being left out of the squad for the Leicester City clash and is set to start against Hull City this weekend.

The Spain international fell out with Antonio Conte after receiving a mega offer from Chinese Super League but he has now come to a truce with his manager.

As per The Sun, Diego Costa only agreed to a return to the side on the condition that contract negotiations reopened.

After the contract talks will be resumed, the Spaniard will demand £300,000-a-week salary, double what he currently works, if he is to extend his stay.

The Blues are reluctant to offer the former Atletico Madrid star that much and are thought to be more likely to hand him a new five-year deal worth £225,000-a-week.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering a £21m move for Wolfsburg full-back Ricardo Rodriguez, who has been on radar of several European top clubs.

The 24-year-old Switzerland international has been closely monitored by Arsenal for some time with Arsene Wenger desperate to strengthen his left-back options.

However, the reports from The Sun claim that Antonio Conte’s side have put the wheels in motion to try and pip the Gunners to his signature.

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Manchester United star off to China to earn £5.25m a year

It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Manchester United wide-man Ashley Young has a £5.25m-a-year contract offer from Chinese Super League and is considering Old Trafford exit this January.
The former Asto Villa star has been approached by Chinese outfit Shandong Luneng who are ready to plot a £10 million transfer fee for the Englishman’s signature.

As per the same sources, Young is mulling over a three-year contract deal from the club currently managed by Felix Magath, but is under contract with the Red Devils until 2018. The Old Trafford club also have the option for a further year, putting the club in a comfortable position should they want to block winger’s move to far east.

Chinese club have already sealed big-money transfers of Premier League stars this month, including Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar, who sealed a sensational move to Shanghai SIPG where he earns a reported £20m-a-year.

The 31-year-old Ashley Young currently earns £120,00-a-week at Man United. The England international has managed just six starts this term under the Portuguese boss Jose Mourinho and has been frustrated watching his side play from the bench.

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