football news AND PREMIER LEAGUE INJURIES 3 JAN 2015 Steven Gerrard admitted leaving Liverpool was the toughest decision of his life. The midfielder wants to sample a different way of life. Brendan Rodgers has insisted labeling Steven Gerrard a legend does not do him justice after the club captain decided to end his 26-year association with Liverpool Alan Pardew has been named as Crystal Palace boss after being released from his contract at Newcastle United. The former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager will take charge of the FA Cup tie with Dover Athletic on Sunday after signing a three-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park. Palace confirmed the appointment of Pardew, a former midfielder at the south London club, on Saturday morning, for a compensation package believed to be £3.5million. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticised the club for not doing enough to keep captain Steven Gerrard. : Referees have sunk to their worst performance level that I can remember. The majority of them cause controversy and ill-feeling Lukas Podolski was mobbed by fans as he arrived in Milan to tie up a loan move to Inter. The 29-year-old wore a scarf with the clubs famous black and blue colours as he signed autographs and posed for pictures at Milans Linate Airport. Podolski is expected to sign on loan for Roberto Mancinis side until the end of the season in a deal which will cost the Italians £1.5million. David Moyes has told Steven Gerrard he would be welcome at Real Sociedad next season if he decides he fancies a La Liga swansong. Arsene Wenger is set to hand David Ospina the chance to stake his claim for Arsenals No 1 jersey this weekend following Wojciech Szczesnys double blunder against Southampton. Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel, 41, is a leading contender to take over from Alan Pardew at Newcastle. Midfielder Frank Lampard, 36, is in talks to extend his stay at Manchester City until 2016. Chelsea skipper John Terry, 34, says former team-mate Lampards form with Manchester City is no surprise, but says it is a shame that he is scoring goals in a City shirt. Liverpool are already considering re-signing captain Steven Gerrard, 34, on loan next January after the end of the Major League Soccer season. Gerrard will command a £20m salary from Los Angeles Galaxy to end his career in the MLS. Former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes has told Gerrard he would be welcome at Real Sociedad next season if he decides to play in Spain rather than the United States. West Brom are looking to sell striker Saido Berahino for £20m, with Tottenham and Liverpool both interested in the 21-year-old. Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Toronto striker Jermain Defoe, 32, to boost their forward options. Swansea winger Wayne Routledge has successfully appealed against the red card he was shown against QPR on New Years Day and will face no further punishment. Tottenham are set to offload midfielder Paulinho, 26, with Brazilian club Cruzeiro a likely destination, while 27-year-old winger Aaron Lennon could also leave if any club meets his asking price of £7m. New Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is poised to make immediate signings, with a loan deal for Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo, 21, his top priority. Arsene Wenger would not have walked out on Arsenal if they had lost the FA Cup final last season, and is determined to do all he can to deliver another open-top bus parade. Chelsea and Manchester Uniteds pursuit of winger Gareth Bale, 25, has come to an end, with the Welshman set to sign a new and improved deal at Real Madrid. Arsenal are set to pip Manchester United to Ipswichs £10m-rated 18-year-old midfielder Teddy Bishop. Leicester City are on the verge of signing 42-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. Borussia Dortmund are ready to listen to offers for Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool also interested in the 24-year-old midfielder. Hull captain Curtis Davies, 29, says he is still haunted by the memory of his sides defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup final ahead of Sundays meeting between the teams. Why Karim Benzema is great value to score against Los Che The Frenchman delivered us a 10/11 winner by scoring on Tuesday night and Phil Kitromilides is backing him to find the back of the net once more at even better odds on Sunday • Crystal Palace have appointed Newcastle boss Alan Pardew as their new manager. Pardew was given permission by the Magpies to speak to the London side after the two clubs agreed compensation on Monday. : Champions buoyed by Torres return The former Rojiblancos captain is back at the Vicente Calderon after a short and unsuccessful spell at AC Milan but he will not complete his loan move until January 5 Real Sociedad - Barcelona Betting: Back David Moyes team to score and concede against the Blaugrana Our man in Spain, Phil Kitromilides, is backing both teams to score at Anoeta, a selection which has paid out regularly whenever these sides have met over the last few years Suarez pays tribute to Gerrard: I am proud to have played with a legend like you The Uruguayan played alongside the ex-England man for three-and-a-half years at Anfield, a spell the Barcelona forward describes as the best of his career Yeovil Town v Manchester United Preview: Van Gaal could name strong side for FA Cup clash The Dutchman could field a talented team, having already seen his team humbled by lower league opposition this season after they were dumped out of the League Cup by MK Dons European champions take record to fortress Mestalla The Blancos may have been beaten in a friendly by AC Milan during the winter break, but they can extend their incredible 22-game winning streak at Mestalla Gunners eye victory in FA Cup final repeat The Tigers went two goals up at Wembley in May only to see the Gunners roar back to end their nine-year trophy drought, but Curtis Davies is keen to avoid a similar result in 2015 • • Real Sociedad v Barcelona Preview: Bravo returns to face former club After a bright league and World Cup campaign, the goalkeeper earned a €12 million move to Camp Nou and will be hoping to keep out a side who have lost one of the last seven games Transfer Talk: Bale set to sign Real Madrid extension The Wales international has already been the subject of interest from Manchester United but the club are looking to tie him to a new deal which will keep him there until 2021 Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini reveals restrictions on the size of his clubs Champions League squad will likely prevent any signings this January. Real Madrid considered buying Torres - Mijatovic The former Bernabeu director of football says he considered signing the striker while he was playing for Atletico Madrid, but the rivalry between the sides made it difficult Lavezzi: I often think about giving up football The Argentine attacker says the worst thing about the game is that everyone is motivated by their own interests and will not remain in sport once he retires Bent joins Derby on loan from Aston Villa The striker scored two goals in five games during a brief spell with Brighton and Hove Albion in November and now links up with Steve McClarens side Swanseas Routledge has red card overturned The winger was handed his marching orders against former club QPR after a collision with Karl Henry, but the Football Association have decided he will not serve a ban Susic close to dream Inter switch Verratti: I will play in Serie A one day, but I was right to reject Juve The playmaker expects to return to Italy eventually but thinks electing to join and stay with Paris Saint-Germain has been the correct decision Swansea have completed the signing of Exeter midfielder Matt Grimes for £1.75million. The England Under-20 international, who had been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Liberty Stadium. Podolski very happy ahead of completing Inter loan deal The Arsenal and Germany star has arrived in Milan to a joyous welcome from the clubs supporters and will undergo a medical on Saturday Juventus want Shaqiri over Sneijder EXCLUSIVE: Intermediaries have offered the Galatasaray and Netherlands star to the Serie A champions, but they would rather bring the Bayern Munich player to Turin Tranmere Rovers - Swansea City Preview: Monk looks to continue fine form in FA Cup The Swans have enjoyed a strong first half of the season and the manager now hopes to go fa Akpom hungry for Arsenal chance Arsene Wenger turned to the young striker ahead of the likes of Joel Campbell when chasing the game against Southampton on New Years Day and he is determined to make an impression Podolski would be great for Inter, says Mancini The Germany forward has been heavily linked with a January move to Italy and the Nerazzurri boss believes he would be a shrewd signing • Transfer Talk: Hummels torn between Arsenal and Manchester United The Borussia Dortmund defender, valued at €50 million, is reportedly unsure which Premier League side to join Bielsa backs enthusiastic Marseille to see off Grenoble The Ligue 1 leaders resume their campaign with a Coupe de France meeting against the fourth-tier side on Sunday Southampton believe a top-four finish is possible, says Koeman The Saints did their chances of Champions League qualification no harm at all with a 2-0 win over Arsenal on New Years Day and the manager feels confidence returning to his side Perez out to emulate Argentina greats at Valencia The midfielder was unveiled to 8,000 fans at the Mestalla on Friday and is determined to follow in the footsteps of compatriots including Mario Kempes and Pablo Aimar Bravo: Sooner or later, Real Madrid will slip up The Barcelona goalkeeper says his side must keep putting pressure on the Liga leaders and says the quality brought to the team by Dani Alves is unquestionable Yoshida signs new Southampton contract The 26-year-old defender puts pen to paper on a deal until 2018 as he leaves to join up with the Japan squad for their Asia Cup campaign, having made eight league starts this term Dani Alves: Ive not been offered a new Barcelona contract The defender insists he is relaxed over his future as he enters the final six months of his current deal at Camp Nou Napoli dont need Balotelli and Lavezzi - De Laurentiis The Partenopei president has strongly refuted suggestions that the club will look to bring the Argentine back to the San Paolo along with the misfiring Liverpool striker • Houllier expects Gerrard to return to Liverpool as manager The Reds skipper announced on Friday that he will leave the club at the end of the season but his former boss believes he will be back on Merseyside eventually Torres is not Atleticos saviour - Simeone The Rojiblancos boss has played down expectations surrounding the former Chelsea strikers return to his boyhood club ‘We were haunted by ghosts again’ – Wenger bemoans Arsenal errors The Frenchman says the New Year’s Day loss to Southampton was “self-inflicted”, with Wojciech Szczesny particularly culpable • Chelsea defender Kalas set for Middlesbrough loan The centre-back will join Blues duo Jamal Blackman and Patrick Bamford, who has extended his stay at the Riverside, while Aitor Karanka also maintains an interest in Lewis Baker Juventus are stronger challengers than Bayern or Chelsea - Ancelotti The Real Madrid boss believes the Italian champions are more likely to stop his sides bid to retain their Champions League crown this season Van Gaal: Manchester United defenders are too short to deal with Stoke City A lack of height at the back led to an early concession from a corner at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday, with the Red Devils boss noting that it is a recurring problem Ozil: Its been difficult to watch Arsenal struggle The Germany international midfielder has been out of action with a knee injury since October and is desperate to get back on the pitch to turn things around for the Gunners • Transfer Zone - 14:55 Official: Bayern Munich to sign Germany rising star Kimmich The midfielder, who won the European Under-19 Championship last year, will join the Bundesliga champions at the end of the season Manchester United recall Powell from Leicester City loan The 20-year-old has played only 40 minutes for Nigel Pearsons struggling Foxes since agreeing a season-long switch there in the summer and could now seek another opportunity Ancelotti: Real Madrid have no limits The Italian coach has his sights firmly set on becoming the first team to retain the Champions League in 2015 - a trophy he says neither Chelsea nor Bayern can win Liverpool cannot let Gerrard farewell roadshow overshadow their season COMMENT: The midfielder deserves his acclaim on Merseyside but the size of the task facing Brendan Rodgers after an underwhelming campaign so far should not be underestimated • Zamorano backs Chile to break Copa duck The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker feels that Jorge Sampaolis side have all the attributes to claim their first trophy • Bayern must win big games - Dante The defender says it is important his side hold their nerve in the second half of the season and try to extend their 11-point league at the top of the Bundesliga • Terry demands Chelsea response The Blues were dealt a devastating 5-3 loss by Tottenham on Thursday evening and the club captain has laid down the gauntlet to his team-mates Sneijder would be a luxury for Juventus - Allegri The Bianconeri coach has likened the midfielder to an expensive villa he would like to acquire, but suspects he may have to pursue more affordable targets PREMIER LEAGUE INJURIES NB CHELSEA HAVE NO CONCERNS Club Player Condition Expected Return* ARSENAL L Podolski Groin/Pelvis Injury 11th Jan 15 M Flamini Knock no return date D Welbeck Hip/Thigh Injury 11th Jan 15 V Diaby Calf Muscle Strain no return date S Gnabry Knee Injury no return date Y Sanogo Calf/Shin Injury 11th Jan 15 A Ramsey Hamstring Injury 4th Jan 15 M Arteta Calf Muscle Strain 11th Jan 15 J Wilshere Ankle/Foot Injury 28th Feb 15 Manchester United 7 A Young Hamstring Injury no return date A Valencia Groin/Pelvis Injury no return date A Di Maria Hip/Thigh Injury 11th Jan 15 M Fellaini Fractured Rib 11th Jan 15 M Rojo Thigh Muscle Strain 11th Jan 15 T Thorpe Ankle/Foot Injury no return date D Blind MCL Knee Ligament Injury 10th Jan 15 LIVERPOOL A Lallana Hip/Thigh Injury no return date B Jones Hip/Thigh Injury no return date J Allen Knee Injury 10th Jan 15 G Johnson Groin Strain 17th Jan 15 D Sturridge Hip/Thigh Injury 31st Jan 15 J Flanagan Knee Injury no return date Manchester City V Kompany Calf Muscle Strain 10th Jan 15 E Dzeko Calf/Shin Injury 10th Jan 15 S Aguero MCL Knee Ligament Injury 18th Jan 15 M Nastasić Thigh Muscle Strain no return date Newcastle United 10 S Taylor Calf/Shin Injury no return date S Ameobi Knee Injury 31st Jan 15 R Elliott Hip/Thigh Injury 17th Jan 15 M Abeid Ankle/Foot Injury 10th Jan 15 T Krul Ankle/Foot Injury 10th Jan 15 R Taylor Knee Injury 3rd Jan 15 R Aarons Hamstring Injury 31st Jan 15 G Obertan Hip/Thigh Injury no return date S De Jong Thigh Muscle Strain 31st Jan 15 C Good Groin/Pelvis Injury no return date Everton K Mirallas Ankle/Foot Injury no return date S Pienaar Knee Injury 19th Jan 15 J McCarthy Hamstring Injury 10th Jan 15 J Stones Ankle/Foot Injury 10th Jan 15 T Howard Calf/Shin Injury 11th Feb 15 T Hibbert Muscular Injury 19th Jan 15 L Osman Calf/Shin Injury no return date D Gibson Knee Injury 10th Jan 15 Burnley 6 K Long Knee Injury no return date D Marney Illness 10th Jan 15 J Shackell Calf/Shin Injury no return date S Ward Ankle/Foot Injury no return date M Duff Calf/Shin Injury 10th Jan 15 M Taylor Calf/Shin Injury 10th Jan 15 Hull City 6 G Ramirez Groin/Pelvis Injury no return date L Rosenior Hamstring Injury no return date A Robertson Ankle/Foot Injury no return date M Dawson Hamstring Injury 18th Jan 15 M Diame Knee Injury 31st Jan 15 R Snodgrass Knee Injury May 15 Queens Park Rangers 4 S Yun Ankle/Foot Injury no return date S Ranieri Knee Injury 10th Jan 15 A Taarabt Groin/Pelvis Injury no return date A Faurlin ACL Knee Injury Jul 15 Crystal Palace 3 J McArthur Knock 4th Jan 15 Late Fit Test D Delaney Knock 4th Jan 15 Late Fit Test M Chamakh Hamstring Injury no return date Tottenham Hotspur 2 R Mason Hamstring Injury no return date E Lamela Calf/Shin Injury 10th Jan 15 Swansea City 1 J Montero Hamstring Injury 1st Feb 15 West Ham United 1 D Sakho Back Injury no return date
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 10:23:02 +0000
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