..::Football III::..

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Casillas reveals condition for Real Madrid exit

Iker Casillas has dropped the biggest hint yet that his future lies away from Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper, who is currently understudy to Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu, has spoken of his desire to be first choice again at club level.

Casillas has been linked with a string of top European sides ahead of next summer's World Cup when he faces a battle to keep his position as Spain's No.1.

The 32-year-old was expected to attend a training camp in Doha - backed by the Iker Casillas Foundation - for around 20 specially selected, young goalkeepers from around the world.

But, due to the possibility of his wife, Sara Carbonero, giving birth to the couple's first child this week, he opted out after medical advice.

Casillas instead spoke to the keepers on a conference call on Friday, dispensing advice from his own experiences and passing on tips for career progression.

At the end of the discussion, he took questions from the group and was asked directly if he was interested in joining Manchester City, the Premier League club managed by his former Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini.

"I'm not going anywhere I'm going to be No.2," said Casillas, who is under contract with Madrid until 2017.

Casillas has been linked with City after Pellegrini recently dropped Joe Hart, but the England goalkeeper has since won his place back and started in the 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Thursday.

But, intriguingly, the Spanish icon - who has a record 152 caps for his country - has left the door open for any club where he would be guaranteed to be first choice.

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.12.28 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.12.28 Fixtures

West Ham United Vs WBA

Aston Villa Vs Swansea

Hull City Vs Fulham

Manchester City Vs Crystal Palace

Norwich City Vs Manchester United

Cardiff City Vs Sunderland

​

 

[Banks PLK]

KOHOMADA CITY FORM EKA ME DAWAS WALA PATTA NE?

STILL UNBEATEN AT HOME

A WIN TODAY AGAINST PALACE AND NEWCASTLE WIN AGAINST ARSENAL
WILL KEEP US TOP OF THE TABLE FOR THE END OF 2013

 

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Cardiff City 2-2 Sunderland: Colback seals stunning Black Cats comeback

Cardiff City seemed to have put their turbulent week behind them but fellow Premier League strugglers Sunderland struck in injury time to complete a two-goal comeback.

Jordan Mutch gave the home side the lead in the first half. The Cardiff midfielder picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and surged unstoppably towards the Sunderland defence before unleashing a strike which beat Vito Mannone thanks to a deflection.

Just as Sunderland were slowly starting to get increasingly involved, Mutch was on hand once again to create a moment of magic, setting up Frazier Campbell for a two-yard tap-in.

Steven Fletcher pulled one back with ten minutes to go after fine work from Emmanuele Giaccherini on the flank and looked to be too little, too late, only for Jack Colback to stun the Cardiff City stadium with a last-gasp leveller.

 

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Hull City 6-0 Fulham: Hosts hit Meulensteen's men for six

Hull City recorded their biggest-ever Premier League win as they trounced Fulham 6-0 at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Fulham went into the match looking to secure back-to-back away wins in the Premier League for only the second time since May 2011, but instead fell to their heaviest defeat in the top flight.

After a goalless first half, Hull ran riot after the break, Ahmed Elmohamady breaking the deadlock three minutes into the second period.

Robert Koren fired in the second on the hour mark, before George Boyd added the third just three minutes later as Fulham wilted.

Tom Huddlestone rounded off an impressive display by netting his first Premier League goal since April 2011 and second-half substitute Matty Fryatt added number five with 16 minutes left.

Koren knocked a rebound in the closing stages after David Stockdale - who helped Hull to promotion on loan last season - spilled a Danny Graham effort in the six-yard box.

Hull manager Steve Bruce made three changes from the team which lost to Manchester United on Boxing Day, but their biggest boost was goalkeeper Allan McGregor’s inclusion, despite being forced off against the champions through injury.

The visitors had won at Norwich City two days previously but Rene Meulensteen named six alterations to that side, with Hugo Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz slotting back into the attack.

Hull steadily grew into the game and Fulham were saved only by the frame of the goal in the 19th minute as Huddlestone's curling free-kick from the right almost snuck into the bottom corner, with Stockdale keeping Boyd’s close-range effort out soon after.

Fulham's attacking threat was virtually non-existent and Hull had the best of the chances, Elmohamady striking down Stockdale’s throat and Yannick Sagbo bending an effort wide.

The hosts began the second period in determined fashion and after Huddlestone, Sagbo and Koren all went close, Elmohamady gave them a 49th-minute lead as he prodded a half-volley into the roof of the net after Fulham failed to clear a corner.

Hull doubled their advantage 11 minutes later. Sagbo produced a perfectly-timed delivery into the area from deep and Koren arrived to knock past Stockdale.

Things got even worse for Meulensteen’s strugglers in the 63rd minute as Boyd hit a 20-yard left-footed shot into the bottom corner for his first top-flight strike and Huddlestone netted an almost-identical strike just a few moments later to celebrate his 27th birthday in fine style.

The magnificent Huddlestone was also instrumental in Hull’s fifth. His 35-yard free-kick was tipped on to the crossbar by Stockdale, but substitute Matty Fryatt was on hand to grab his first Premier League goal.

Bruce's men were still not done. With just over five minutes remaining, Stockdale made a mess of a Graham shot and Koren pounced on the rebound to complete a resounding scoreline that leaves Fulham 18th in the Premier League with the division's worst goal difference.

 

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Norwich City 0-1 Manchester United: Welbeck winner maintains champions' streak

Substitute Danny Welbeck came to Manchester United's rescue as his fourth goal in as many league games secured a 1-0 win over Norwich City.

Having replaced Ryan Giggs at half-time, the 23-year-old England striker made an almost immediate impact, netting his fifth goal of the campaign in the Premier League to move United into sixth place in the table.

Norwich had dominated the opening half but wasted a host of chances to take the lead, and their profligacy eventually came back to haunt them as United clicked into gear after the break.

Welbeck had a bit of luck in the build-up to the goal, as the ball bounced off Javier Hernandez into his path, but he showed great composure to open the scoring from there.

The introduction of Ricky van Wolfswinkel failed to have a similar effect for the hosts, who slipped to a fourth home league defeat of the season.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton made three changes to the side beaten by Fulham with Russell Martin, Ryan Bennett and Wes Hoolahan coming in for Steven Whittaker, Johan Elmander and the suspended Michael Turner.

With Wayne Rooney ruled out with a groin strain - he is expected to be back to face Tottenham on New Year's Day - United boss David Moyes recalled Shinji Kagawa, with the Japan international returning as one of five changes made by the Scot as they went in search of a fourth consecutive win in the league.

After a cagey start, the first chance of the game came in the 17th minute as Martin was released by Robert Snodgrass inside the penalty area and his shot was palmed into the path of Hoolahan by David De Gea, but the Republic of Ireland international failed to take advantage of an open goal.

Five minutes later, De Gea was called into action again as the Martin-Snodgrass combination again worked well to release the winger behind the defence. He rolled the ball back to Gary Hooper, whose shot on the turn was parried away.

Norwich continued to apply the pressure with Sebastien Bassong and Hoolahan both missing further chances, while only Hernandez could force a save from John Ruddy for the visitors.

Ashley Young and Nathan Redmond both went close in the opening stages of the second half, but it was Welbeck who finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute.

The striker charged down a Bennett clearance, the ball ricocheted off Hernandez back to the substitute and he rounded Ruddy before sliding the ball into the back of the net.

Hughton's attempt to lift his side late on with the introduction of Van Wolfswinkel and Elmander failed to have the desired effect, allowing United to secure a sixth away win in the league this season.

 

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Congratulations Manchester United​

 

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Manchester City 1-0 Crystal Palace: Dzeko winner saves below-par hosts

Manchester City scraped to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace to preserve their perfect home record in the Premier League.

Edin Dzeko converted Jesus Navas' cross midway through the second half on Saturday to end Palace's stubborn resistance and make it 10 wins out of 10 at Etihad Stadium in the league for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Victory puts City two points clear at the top of the table, with title rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all in action on Sunday.

Palace had chances of their own in the second half, with Joe Hart tested on three occasions, while Joel Ward missed a golden chance to equalise a minute after Dzeko's strike, heading off target when left all alone at a corner.

Pellegrini made six changes to the side that beat Liverpool on Boxing Day, with Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo among those to drop to the bench, while Palace were unchanged from their win at Aston Villa.

The hosts dominated the early stages as Dzeko, David Silva and James Milner all fired half chances off target in the opening 25 minutes.

The action came to a halt on the half hour as Hart and Cameron Jerome both received treatment following a collision. Jerome left the field to be replaced by Marouane Chamakh, while Hart remained in goal, despite a nasty cut below his left eye.

City continued to press after the stoppage in play, Silva blazing an effort high and wide of the target after a deft touch on the byline before Fernandinho thumped a volley over the bar a minute before the break.

The Brazilian went even closer in first-half stoppage time, heading Milner's cross goalwards only to see Julian Speroni leap to tip the ball behind.

Hart was stretched for the first time in the 50th minute, diving low to his left to keep out Jason Puncheon's arrowing 25-yard drive before Chamakh headed the resulting corner over from six yards.

The England international goalkeeper had to be alert again 14 minutes later when he tipped Mile Jedinak's rasping drive over the bar.

That save proved crucial as two minutes later the deadlock was finally broken, Dzeko sweeping home Navas' cutback from 12 yards as City made it 60 consecutive home league games in which they have found the net.

Palace almost responded immediately following Dzeko's fourth league goal of the campaign, Hart diving full length to his left and just getting enough on the ball to tip Ward's volley around the post before the same player wasted a glorious chance from the resulting corner, heading wide when left unmarked six yards out.

It was a costly miss as City held on for the win to extend Tony Pulis' miserable record at the Etihad - the Welshman has now lost all six Premier League visits to the ground without scoring.

Edin Dzeko scored the winner as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to maintain their perfect home Premier League record this season.

 

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Aston Villa 1-1 Swansea: Lamah strike denies Villans

Aston Villa halted their four-game losing streak in the Premier League by grinding out a 1-1 draw with Swansea City on Saturday.
Gabriel Agbonlahor broke the deadlock amid some questionable Swansea defending in the seventh minute at Villa Park.

But the visitors totally dominated possession for the remainder of the half, with Roland Lamah heading home a deserved 36th-minute leveller.

Despite maintaining that pressure in the second period, Swansea were unable to net a winner as the spoils were shared in a fitting bookend to 2013, with the sides having drawn 2-2 at the Liberty Stadium on January 1.

Villa and Swansea have now both gone five top-flight games without a victory.

Paul Lambert made three changes to the Villa side that lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, with Ashley Westwood, Leandro Bacuna and Aleksandar Tonev coming in for Karim El Ahmadi, Marc Albrighton and Libor Kozak.

Swansea, meanwhile, made seven alterations to the XI that suffered a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, with Lamah, Wilfried Bony and Pablo Hernandez among those included in the starting line-up.

Following an open start to the game, Agbonlahor grabbed his second Premier League goal of the season as Villa easily carved through the Swansea defence.

Andreas Weimann knocked the ball beyond Chico Flores to send Agbonlahor clean through on goal, and the striker made no mistake in tucking away a neat finish past Gerhard Tremmel.

Hernandez had the visitors’ first clear-cut goalscoring opportunity 11 minutes later, poking the ball between the legs of Matthew Lowton before seeing a low drive from the edge of the penalty area stopped by Brad Guzan.

And Swansea should have been level soon after, when Ben Davies nodded down from a corner but saw his effort bounce narrowly over the crossbar.

Michael Laudrup's men dominated possession as the half progressed, with Jonathan de Guzman sending a left-footed half-volley just wide of the left-hand post 10 minutes before the interval.

But Swansea did equalise just a minute later when Lamah headed home at the back post from Davies' superb cross from the left - the on-loan Belgian's first Premier League goal.

De Guzman forced Guzan to tip over the crossbar from a 25-yard free-kick early in the second half as Michael Laudrup's team maintained their pressure from the opening 45 minutes.

However, for all of Swansea's possession, Guzan remained relatively untroubled for large parts of the half as the visitors struggled to deliver in the final third.

Agbonlahor fired a 70th-minute effort high and wide as Villa went in search on an unlikely winner, but chances remained few and far between for the hosts.

Laudrup threw on Alvaro Vazquez in place of Bony in the closing stages, but the Spaniard failed to make an impact as both teams ended the year with a draw.

 

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West Ham 3-3 West Brom: Upton Park stunner keeps hosts in drop zone

Nicolas Anelka scored a double as West Brom twice came from behind to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw at West Ham on Saturday.

Joe Cole opened the scoring inside the first four minutes for the hosts, only for Anelka to return to haunt former manager Sam Allardyce - who signed the Frenchman for Bolton Wanderers back in 2006 - with a brace that put West Brom in command.

Anelka's first goals for the Midlands club proved not to be enough to secure the points as the hosts launched a second-half fightback, substitute Modibo Maiga restoring parity as Ben Foster allowed the forward's tame effort to creep into the net and Kevin Nolan pouncing to net his first goal since the opening day of the campaign.

But West Brom refused to lie down and secured a share of the spoils after 69 minutes, Saido Berahino's fine individual effort ensuring West Ham remain in the relegation zone, although the visitors could not find a late winner and are now nine without a league triumph.

Jussi Jaaskelainen returned to West Ham's XI in place of Adrian, while Berahino and Anelka led the line for West Brom in six changes made by interim head coach Keith Downing.

The visitors went close early on when Chris Brunt volleyed into the side-netting from James Morrison's cross.

However, they fell behind moments later, Joe Cole slotting home with a cool finish following neat link-up play with Kevin Nolan.

James Tomkins was forced off with a groin injury, and replaced by Guy Demel, and the switch seemed to give West Brom the initiative in possession as they dominated play.

However, it was the hosts who continued to create the better opportunities, Carlton Cole heading well over from a Matt Jarvis corner before Demel shot wide from point-blank range.

Mark Noble spurned another chance for West Ham as he curled a free-kick off target, and Allardyce's men were made to pay for their profligacy just five minutes before the interval when Anelka converted from Brunt's throughball to net for his sixth different Premier League club.

And Anelka capitalised on poor defending from West Ham in first-half injury time to score his second after the hosts had failed to clear Brunt's corner.

Maiga was brought on for Carlton Cole at the break and made an instant impact, testing the reflexes of Foster before finding the net in the 65th minute with a curling shot that crept under the England goalkeeper's body.

The turnaround looked to have been completed two minutes later when Nolan bundled the ball home for a Maiga knock-down to score only his second goal of the campaign.

But there was to be yet another twist in the tale, which came courtesy of England Under-21 international Berahino, who teased the West Ham defence before firing in off the post.

West Brom finished the contest the stronger of the two sides, Berahino hit the woodwork with a free-kick, but the visitors could not find a dramatic late winner.

 

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Anelka faces 'race-hate' probe

Nicolas Anelka's goal celebration for West Bromwich Albion in Saturday's 3-3 draw at West Ham will be investigated by the English Football Association.

The 34-year-old striker was alleged to have performed a gesture recognised as la quenelle in France, regarded by some as a reverse Nazi salute and linked to anti-Semetism, after scoring the first of his two goals.

Despite Anelka clarifying on Twitter that the celebration "was just a special dedication to my comedian friend Dieudonne", an FA spokesperson confirmed the governing body will look into whether the striker has a case to answer.

Dieudonne - real name M'Bala M'Bala - is French comedian who has popularised usage of the gesture in his acts and on the internet. He is a highly controversial figure due to his extreme views, but he has insisted that his trademark salute is not performed to insult Jewish people.

The incident has provoked a furious reaction in France with minister for sport Valerie Fourneyron tweeting: "Anelka's gesture is a shocking provocation, disgusting. There's no place for antisemitism and incitement to hatred on the football field."

WBA boss Keith Downing insisted the significance of Anelka's actions was being blown far out of proportion.

"I'm aware of it but it has got nothing to do what is being said," he told reporters after the match. "It is dedicated to a French comedian he knows very, very well. He uses it in his act and I think speculation can be stopped now, it is absolute rubbish really.

"He [Anelka] is totally unaware of what the problems were or the speculation that has been thrown around, he is totally surprised by it."

 

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Messi does not need Ballon d'Or to be the best, says Alba

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba insists that Lionel Messi remains the best in the world, even if he does not win the 2013 Ballon d'Or.

The Blaugrana talisman and four-time winner of Fifa's prestigious individual prize is seen as third favourite by many to win the 2013 award, behind Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Alba, however, believes his team-mate should be considered the finest player in the modern game irrespective of who claims the prize in January.

"I don't know who will win the Ballon d'Or but I don't care, Lionel is still the best in the world," the 24-year-old told reporters.

Recent reports have surfaced suggesting the Argentine is unhappy at Camp Nou due to differences between the attacker and club director Javier Faus.

However, Alba dismissed speculation that Messi is considering a move away, stating: "He is calm and happy at Barcelona, and we hope to have him back [from injury] soon."

The Catalans have struggled at times during the year due to Messi's persistent absences through injury, with his latest hamstring problem requiring him to return to his native Argentina for treatment.

Alba, however, believes the team are still in the hunt for silverware under coach Gerardo Martino.

"Maybe we have not been at our best, but we are still first in the league, qualified top of our Champions League group and progressed to the next round of the Copa del Rey," he concluded.

 

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Koke targets World Cup spot with Spain

Koke hopes his form for Atletico Madrid will convince Spain to take him to the World Cup in 2014.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough 2013, winning the Copa del Rey over rivals Real Madrid as well as receiving his first senior caps with la Roja under Vicente del Bosque.

And despite acknowledging the competition within the European and world champions, Koke is hopeful his club performances will earn him the recognition of representing his country in Brazil next summer.

"Who wouldn't want to go to the World Cup? I am doing everything to get to Brazil," he told Atletico Madrid's website.

"I'm trying to please the coach and do well, help in any way I can and get into the side little by little, which isn't easy at all.

"I have to stay calm and take things one step at a time though. It's a long season and I'm focused on Atletico. It was magnificent to win the Copa and beat Real Madrid."

Koke's exemplary form for Atletico this season has seen him linked with European giants Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona in recent weeks.

Diego Simeone's men end the year joint top of La Liga with Barcelona, and will face AC Milan in the knockout stages of the Champions League next February.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koke MAnchester United ganna puluwan unoth nam pattaNiyama Talent 1kak

 

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Tardelli expects Ronaldinho to stay at Atletico Mineiro

Diego Tardelli believes Ronaldinho will sign a new contract with Atletico Mineiro despite their recent Club World Cup failure.

The Copa Libertadores champions suffered a surprise semi-final exit to hosts Raja Casablanca before going on to edge the third-place playoff 3-2 against Guangzhou Evergrande.

Despite admitting defeat was a blow, Tardelli feels the chance to defend their Libertadores crown will provide enough incentive for the club's stars - including Ronaldinho - to stay.

"I do not know [if Ronaldinho will sign a contract extension], so we talked and I believe that he will, yes," the 28-year-old told reporters.

"We have to play to erase the shame from the Club World Cup, which will take a while to forget, but we need to start with the right foot and play the Libertadores in the same way we did this year.

"Hopefully everybody that helped us win the Libertadores [in 2013] stays."

Ronaldinho scored and was sent off in the win over Marcello Lippi's side in Marrakesh.

 

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Poyet confirms ill Borini taken to hospital

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet confirmed that Fabio Borini was taken to hospital ill at half time in their 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.

The Premier League's bottom club produced a stirring fightback as a Steven Fletcher strike and a 95th-minute goal from Jack Colback earned a point for the visitors after Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell had seemingly put Cardiff in command.

However, there is some concern over on-loan Liverpool striker Borini, who was replaced by Fletcher on Saturday after reportedly collapsing during the interval.

Borini had felt unwell in the build-up to the game and Poyet has since allayed fears over the 22-year-old by revealing he has now been released following his precautionary trip to hospital.

"He's in hospital now," Poyet told Sky Sports. "Fabio was feeling very bad before the game. Just before the game he was sick.

"We decided together, the players they want [me] to play him, then at half-time it was impossible for him, and now to make sure that everything is alright we took him to hospital so let's hope it's nothing and he can go back on the plane now up to the north."

 

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Ronaldo: My favourite player? Me!

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has jokingly claimed that he is his own favourite player.

The Portugal international was in Dubai at the weekend to pick up the Global Soccer award for 2013's player of the year.

Ronaldo was asked who his favourite player in the world was, to which he replied, smiling: "Me!"

The 28-year-old scored a total of 69 goals in all competitions for Madrid in 2013, but also led Portugal to the World Cup with a brilliant hat-trick in the second leg of their play-off tie with Sweden.

However, the former Manchester United man feels that he can achieve even more next season, explaining that he always wants to demand more and more from himself.

“You have to be proud and focus on everything you do. Sometimes I like living with pressure,” Ronaldo admitted.

“It will not be easy to fulfil my goals, I know it will be tough, but I’ll try. If you don’t try, you don’t reach your goals.”

Portugal have been handed a difficult World Cup group alongside Germany, USA and Ghana, but Ronaldo believes the Seleccao could be the surprise package in Brazil.

"Portugal is not considered a candidate to win and that's a positive point for us," he reasoned. "I think that we have good chance."

 

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Injured Rooney set to return against Tottenham

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to recover from a groin strain in time to face Tottenham on New Year's Day.

The England international missed Saturday's trip to Norwich City after suffering a recurrence of the groin problem that saw him sit out the League Cup quarter-final against Stoke City earlier this month.

However, the Premier League champions are confident that the 28-year-old forward will be in contention to make an immediate return when Tottenham head north to Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Rooney, on target in the 3-2 win at Hull City on Boxing Day, is United's top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions.

Red Devils boss David Moyes will be desperate to have the former Everton attacker at his disposal against Tottenham as he is already without the services of striker Robin van Persie, who is expected to return next month from a thigh problem.

 

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Newcastle style similar to Arsenal, says Coloccini

Newcastle United centre-back Fabricio Coloccini believes the club are trying to emulate Sunday's opponents Arsenal.

Alan Pardew's charges have been one of the surprise successes in the Premier League this season thus far, racking up 33 points from 18 matches, just six less than Arsene Wenger's table-toppers.

With victories over Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham already secured, Newcastle will be looking to add another scalp at St James' Park and Coloccini is anticipating an exciting encounter as he believes it represents a meeting of two sides with similar styles.

"We're looking forward to Arsenal, as we have a lot of confidence," he told The Shields Gazette.

"The spirit is very high and the team is working hard together. That's why we're going the right way.

"Arsenal are fighting to win the league. It's good, because we have played well against big teams.

"We try to play a similar way - we want to play football. I think it's going to be a nice game to watch."

 

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Real Madrid want Gundogan, claims father

Real Madrid have a "considerable" interest in signing Ilkay Gundogan, according to the Borussia Dortmund star's father and representative, Irfan.

With Xabi Alonso out of contract at the end of the season, Los Blancos are reportedly keen to strengthen in midfield, with Gundogan said to be one of their primary transfer targets.

The Germany international has seen his campaign blighted by a persistent back problem but Irfan is confident that talks over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu will begin as soon as Iklay is fully fit.“Madrid’s interest in my son is considerable and they want to negotiate for him," he told AS."But, at the moment, we can’t do anything until Ilkay has completely recovered from his back injury.

"When he is playing regular football we can begin talks.”

Gundogan suffered a recurrence of a back problem on international duty at the start of the season but is hopeful of making his return to action when the Bundesliga resumes in January.