..::Football III::..

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Carrick: Shrewsbury could shock Man Utd

Michael Carrick says Manchester United cannot afford a repeat of their Europa League performance if they are to see off Shrewsbury Town in Monday's FA Cup encounter.

United were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by FC Midtjylland in Denmark as their disappointing season continued in the first leg of the Europa League last 32.

Carrick is desperate to avoid another upset next week as the club targets a quarter-final berth in the FA Cup and warned his team-mates they must improve.

"Monday is a different game but we do need to be so much better than in Denmark. We know what to expect, it's going to be tough," Carrick was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"The game in Denmark has shown if you are not anywhere near your best you can slip up and we need to be ready for that. Football’s a funny old game and it throws up different things.

"It's good that it's coming round quickly. We have to pick ourselves up and go again, there is no other way. "Hopefully, we can get back to rewarding the fans, starting on Monday. Next week will be another day, another game, and we need to be better.

"We can't perform like that and expect to win games. We've got to be better irrespective of the opposition, so we will be better and looking to go through."

 

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Aubameyang: My dream is to play for Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has sparked more speculation regarding his future after revealing his dream is to play for Real Madrid .

The Gabon international, 26, has enjoyed the best season of his career to date and has already scored 20 Bundesliga goals this term.

His prolific form has seen him linked with a host of Europe's biggest clubs, but he says the Santiago Bernabeu would be his preferred destination.

He told L'Equipe: "My childhood dream? To play at Real Madrid.

"In 2014, before he died, I promised my grandfather who was from Avila, 110 kilometers from Madrid, that I would play there. It will be complicated, but it sits in a corner of my head.

"When I was a kid, I watched Hugo Sanchez videos. The backflip I sometimes do when I score is actually an homage to him.

"Real Madrid, or another great spanish club, would also be a great gift to my mother."

 

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Manchester United recall on-loan goalkeeper from after De Gea injury

Manchester United have recalled 18-year-old goalkeeper Dean Henderson from a loan spell at Stockport County as beleaguered manager Louis van Gaal attempts to plug the gaps in his injury-hit squad.

Van Gaal's first-choice David de Gea hurt his knee in the warm-up prior to the 2-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday, prompting Sergio Romero to start in the Spaniard's absence.

Romero will keep his place for Monday's FA Cup fifth-round clash at Shrewsbury Town with England youth international Henderson likely to be on the bench as the club's other goalkeepers either injured or unavailable.

Sam Johnstone is not fit, Joel Castro Pereira is cup-tied having played for Rochdale earlier in the competition, while former Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes is on loan at Standard Liege.

Van Gaal goes into the game under pressure after defeats to Sunderland and Midtjylland with United fans having voicd their displeasure at the midweek setback in Denmark.

But he will be without a host of key men at Greenhous Meadow with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj all set to miss out.

 

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Arsenal 0-0 Hull City: Gunners frustrated by Championship side

Arsenal will face an FA Cup fifth-round replay against Hull City after being held to a 0-0 draw by the Championship side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger and Steve Bruce fielded weakened sides for their third FA Cup meeting in three seasons and though the Gunners controlled proceedings, they were met with continued resistance from goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.

Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott were both denied in the first half before Joel Campbell saw a free-kick turned onto the post and Alex Iwobi was stopped from distance as Arsenal, largely camped in the Hull half, battled to break the deadlock.

Wenger introduced Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez from the bench but Arsenal were unable to find a breakthrough, meaning they will meet again at the KC Stadium.

Wenger gave Mohamed Elneny the chance to impress from the start and the Egypt international threatened with just six minutes on the clock when his shot struck Alex Bruce on the arm, with referee Mike Dean waving away Arsenal’s appeals for a penalty.

Welbeck headed straight at Jakupovic after good work from Walcott and the former Manchester United striker - making his first Arsenal start in 10 months - was denied again by the goalkeeper with a low shot from 10 yards out as the Gunners began to crank up the pressure.

Jakupovic reacted superbly to divert Walcott's effort from a tight angle away from the bottom corner but Arsenal were given a scare when Harry Maguire went down under slight contact from Campbell inside the area, with Dean opting to book the Hull defender for simulation.

Jakupovic denied Walcott again from close range just after the break before Iwobi's effort was deflected past the far post as Hull continued to invite pressure from the home side.

The goalkeeper then tipped Campbell's free-kick onto the base of the post and palmed away a curling Iwobi effort as Arsenal became increasingly desperate.

Giroud saw a shot saved comfortably a few moments after coming on but Hull spurned a rare chance of their own on the counter-attack when David Meyler fired into the side-netting after being played through by Nick Powell.

Arsenal continued to push late on, with Sanchez seeing a free-kick punched away and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's header caught on the line in the dying seconds.

But Hull held on to force a replay which neither the title-chasing Gunners - who face Barcelona in the Champions League next week - nor the Championship promotion hopefuls will consider an ideal scenario.

 

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Bayern 3-1 Darmstadt: Muller hits double in comeback win

A sublime overhead kick from Thomas Muller helped Bayern Munich come from behind to beat Darmstadt 3-1 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

Former Bayern youngster Sandro Wagner stunned the Bundesliga champions by nodding Darmstadt into a half-time lead, but it took Muller just four minutes of the second half to draw Bayern level with a smart finish.

The Germany forward then produced a moment of magic to put Bayern ahead in the 71st minute, before Robert Lewandowski wrapped up a deserved three points by converting the returning Franck Ribery's cross from close range with six minutes remaining.

The win puts Pep Guardiola's side 11 points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table, with Thomas Tuchel's men facing a tough trip to third-placed Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.

Guardiola opted to rest Philipp Lahm ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Juventus, while Ribery was introduced from the bench early in the second half after his 10-week lay-off.

Bayern could have gone ahead after just three minutes when Arjen Robben volleyed over with his right foot from Arturo Vidal's corner.

Vidal went close when his 20-yard strike deflected off Gyorgy Garics and hit the crossbar, and Lewandowski and Robben were then denied in quick succession by goalkeeper Christian Mathenia as Bayern continued to dominate.

But the hosts were made to pay for their profligacy in the 26th minute when the Munich-born Wagner struck against his boyhood club.

Sandro Sirigu sent in an excellent cross from the right and the powerful striker beat his marker to glance his eighth Bundesliga goal of the season beyond Manuel Neuer at the near post.

Garics then deflected a Douglas Costa shot onto the bar, before some unconvincing goalkeeping from Mathenia nearly allowed Robben to level the scoring in the final seconds of the first half, but the Darmstadt shot-stopper was fortunate to see the ball go over the bar.

Muller did beat Mathenia shortly after the interval, though, when he chested down Rafinha's clever ball into the box before volleying home from close range.

Lewandowski seemed to have made it 2-1 halfway through the second half when he tapped home a cross from the left, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

But that mattered little, as Muller put Bayern ahead in some style. Vidal sent another dangerous ball into the box and Muller controlled the ball with his chest before beating Mathenia with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

And Lewandowski did eventually get himself on the scoresheet as he tapped home Ribery's cross to ensure Bayern travel to Juve in good spirits.

 

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'Mourinho is happy... he's on his way to Man Utd'

Jose Mourinho is on his way to Manchester United, according to the sister of honorary Inter president Massimo Moratti.

The Portuguese coach is in Milan to commemorate the club's 2010 triumph in the Champions League, which was masterminded by the former Chelsea boss.

And after leaving a lunch with Mourinho and her brother, Bedy Moratti was asked by journalists whether Mourinho would be returning to Inter.

“No, he’s happy now, he’s going to Manchester United," she said.

Nevertheless, her brother Massimo was more cautious in hs predictions, and stated that the former Nerazzurri boss has not even revealed his next destination to him privately.

"Is he going to Manchester United? I am not sure, he doesn’t want to tell anyone," he stated.

Mourinho has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with Louis van Gaal coming under increasing pressure due to the nature of United's performances.

The club fell to a shocking 2-1 defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday, marking the nadir of an increasingly desperate 2015-16 campaign.

United are currently six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the Premier League and have scored a mere 33 goals in 26 games thus far this season.
Mourinho left Chelsea in December and has long flirted with United regarding a potential appointment, with fans growing increasingly hopeful of his appointment.

United last won on February 2, beating Stoke City 3-0, and have since drawn with Chelsea and lost to Sunderland prior to their chastening European defeat.

 

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Neymar: I'd love Ronaldo at Barcelona

Barcelona forward Neymar says he would relish the chance to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Camp Nou.

Ronaldo recently admitted he could leave Real Madrid when his contract expires in 2018. The 31-year-old has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and a move to MLS, but Neymar admitted he would welcome him at Barca.

"I'm a fan of Cristiano; he's a legend, one of a kind. It would be very good if he played for Barcelona," he told A Bola.

Neymar has formed arguably the world's best forward line alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez but he says the rest of his team-mates deserve credit and hopes the club can retain the Champions League.

"I think the team is not only this trident, we can be considered one of the best in history," he said. "I love playing with my team-mates and I feel very proud to be part of this team.

"It's difficult [to defend the Champions League], there are great teams, as good as Barcelona. I can only guarantee that we won't lack the determination to try."

 

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Las Palmas 1-2 Barcelona: Suarez & Neymar see leaders past tough hosts

Liga leaders Barcelona were made to sweat in the Canary Islands, but finally prevailed over determined Las Palmas thanks to goals from Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Suarez, who now boasts a phenomenal tally of 41 goals in 37 games for the Spanish, European and world champions, saw his early opener cancelled out by Willian Jose in the 10th minute.

Third-bottom Las Palmas played with a freedom and confidence not usually associated with a team that has one win in eight league games since the turn of the year.

Barcelona rested Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Arsenal and lacked their usual assurance either side of Neymar restoring their advantage in the 39th minute, despite Suarez appearing to be offside during the build-up.

Nevertheless, Luis Enrique can reflect on a job well done for his treble-chasing side, and a nine-point advantage at the Liga summit ahead of Atletico Madrid's Sunday encounter with Villarreal.

Las Palmas, perhaps encouraged by Pique's absence from the Barcelona defence, started with plenty of ambition as Jonathan Viera flashed a 30-yard free-kick wide and Willian Jose had a shot deflected behind.

But Barca only needed six minutes to showcase their ruthless attacking prowess – Andres Iniesta picking Las Palmas apart with a delightful throughball and Suarez matched Jordi Alba's first-time cross with an impeccable finish.

Alba undid a considerable measure of his good work four minutes later by playing Willian Jose onside to slot home, after a deft backheel by Viera that any of Barca's feted front three would have been proud to produce.

Momo blazed over on the counter-attack for Quique Setien's men, who were indebted to Javi Varas when the goalkeeper sprung to his left to keep out Iniesta's drive from Arda Turan's cutback.

A boisterous home crowd held their breath when an unattended Suarez headed wide on the end of Lionel Messi's 28th-minute free-kick, and sympathy was in order for Varas when Barca led six minutes before the break.

Neymar slotted into an unguarded net on the rebound from a phenomenal reaction save off Messi, while Suarez should arguably have been pulled up before skipping around a prone Pedro Bigas to create the chance.Still, Las Palmas were not discouraged and Roque Mesa flashed wide from the edge of the area following a surging run to conclude a thrilling half.

In response to his team lacking their customary control of central areas, Luis Enrique sent on Ivan Rakitic for Turan.

Varas impressed once more, thwarting Suarez from close quarters – the Uruguay star showing clear frustration by forcefully kicking the post.That let-off inspired Las Palmas to another promising period of play, during which time they pushed Barcelona back and Willian Jose fired into the side-netting after Claudio Bravo parried Viera's low 60th-minute effort.

Thomas Vermaelen's introduction in place of midfielder Sergi Roberto showed Barcelona's need to take the sting out of an unexpectedly tricky assignment, and lively Las Palmas substitute Sergio Araujo twice came close to snatching a point.

The former Barcelona B player pulled agonisingly wide and then failed to slide in Roque's chipped pass as the champions unconvincingly hung on.

 

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PSG 4-1 Reims: Ibrahimovic turns on the style in rout

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as PSG ran out comfortable 4-1 winners over Reims in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

The Sweden international turned on the style at Parc des Princes, also providing assists for Gregory van der Wiel's opening goal and Edinson Cavani's strike on the stroke of half-time.

Van der Wiel latched onto Ibrahimovic's inch-perfect throughball to put PSG ahead, but Reims fought back and equalised through Prince Oniangue's header – which owed a lot to Kevin Trapp abandoning his duties in the home goal.

Reims kept a nervy Trapp busy, but Ibrahimovic grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, first bundling home his side's second before releasing Cavani to further his side's advantage.

Ibrahimovic powerfully extended the lead midway through the second half, proving he remains the on-field boss in Paris and providing food for thought for any potential English suitors.

After the departing Ezequiel Lavezzi was handed a warm on-pitch farewell ahead of kick-off prior to relocating to China, a routine home success had looked on the cards when Van der Wiel raced clear to put PSG ahead in the 12th minute.

However, Trapp showed no sign of repeating a solid show against Chelsea as he wildly punched at an Antoine Conte shot heading straight down his throat.

And the German was at fault again shortly after, bursting off his line to clear a Nicolas de Preville free-kick, only to see Oniangue rise ahead of him to equalise.

Trapp again looked shaky as De Preville tested him from distance and PSG's woes deepened when Angel Di Maria was forced off with an apparent injury.

But Ibrahimovic forced a turn in the tide, blustering his way into the area to finish at the second time of asking and then cutely dabbing Layvin Kurzawa's pass into Cavani, whose first-time finish had Laurent Blanc's men enjoying a comfortable cushion at the break.

Blaise Matuidi's half-time introduction helped stem Reims' ventures in midfield and, once PSG awoke from something of a second-half slumber, Ibrahimovic volleyed Van der Wiel's cross past Johann Carrasso – although the offside flag ought to have been raised.

Ibrahimovic was almost involved in a fifth goal as he again manoeuvred Cavani into space, but Carrasso pulled off a stunning reflex save from the Uruguayan.

It was not enough to prevent a home victory and a 36th Ligue 1 game unbeaten, that leaves PSG needing just 10 points from their remaining 11 games to seal a title that is almost certain to arrive in record-breaking time.

 

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Bournemouth 0-2 Everton: Barkley and Lukaku strikes down hosts

Everton marched into the FA Cup quarter-finals following their hard-fought 2-0 win at Bournemouth thanks to second-half goals from Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.

Bournemouth constantly threatened and had the chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty for a handball in the area before the break, but Joel Robles produced a big save on Charlie Daniels to deny the Vitality Stadium outfit their best chance.

The hosts kept Roberto Martinez's side on the ropes despite their lowly position in the Premier League and it was only Barkley's deflected effort that broke the deadlock.

Even then, Eddie Howe's men refused to ease their pressure and it was only Lukaku's strike from Gareth Barry's flick on a corner that finally broke Bournemouth's resistance with 14 minutes to go.

Barkley began the match by scuffing a shot straight at Federici after a strong burst into the box, but openings were scarce in a scrappy first half.

Juan Iturbe looked the liveliest of Bournemouth's forwards early on and he dragged a shot narrowly wide after a fine run from halfway right through the heart of Everton's midfield.

Lukaku was denied by Federici's leg after he cut into the box from the right before Bournemouth were gifted the chance to take the lead when James McCarthy blatantly used his arm to control a cross inside the box, but Daniels' penalty was well saved to his left by Joel.

And Everton duly punished Bournemouth's missed opportunity by snatching the lead just after the break – albeit in fortuitous circumstances.Barkley collected Tom Cleverley's pass just to the left of the area and his curling effort came off Gosling's foot and over the despairing Federici.

Lukaku thought he had added a second as he rolled the ball beneath the keeper from close range, but the assistant's flag came to Bournemouth's rescue, while Stanislas saw a free-kick bounce inches wide after striking the wall.

Gosling nodded a teasing Stanislas cross straight at Joel before substitute Matt Ritchie scooped an effort over the bar from close range as Howe's side continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.

Barkley came close to a fine second as he curled just wide following some fine build-up play, but Lukaku promptly secured Everton's passage to the sixth round, tapping home from inside the six-yard box after Barry's clever flick-on at the near post.

Martinez introduced Oumar Niasse for his Everton debut in the closing 10 minutes as the visitors eased into the last eight for the fourth time in five years.

 

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Moyes: Manchester United should not sack Van Gaal

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes believes the club should not sack Louis van Gaal, despite the club’s poor season.

The Dutch coach has overseen another disappointing campaign at Old Trafford and is under huge pressure following consecutive defeats to Sunderland and Midtjylland.

Jose Mourinho has been heavily linked with replacing the Dutch coach but Moyes, who was fired less than a year after taking over, believes the 64-year-old deserves more time.

"I don't think Manchester United should become a sacking club," he told BBC Sport.

"I was disappointed when I lost my job after 10 months. Manchester United have always stood for much greater things than sacking their managers regularly. I don't think they should."

Next up for Manchester United is a trip to Shrewsbury in the fifth round of the FA Cup before the second leg of their Europa League tie, and Moyes is confident on both fronts.

"They've got a second leg [against Midtjylland] to come. Everybody's talking about the midweek performance, they can win the second leg and go through," he added

"They've got Shrewsbury in the Cup and can go through. He's still in the competitions, they're not out of them.

"I would expect them to win the Europa League game and we'd all expect them to beat Shrewsbury."

 

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Neymar: I've been following Mourinho's path for some time

Barcelona star Neymar has revealed his admiration for Jose Mourinho and Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola.

Mourinho has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United following his departure from Chelsea, with Louis van Gaal under increasing pressure after defeats to Sunderland and Midtjylland.

Neymar has also reportedly been targeted by the Red Devils, with his current Barcelona deal due to expire in June 2018 and negotiations over an extension currently continuing.

Guardiola, meanwhile, will be in the Premier League next season after confirming his move from Bayern Munich to Manchester City this summer and Neymar says he takes great interest in both of their careers.

"I admire them both, I've been following both of their paths for some time," he told A Bola.

"But my coach is Luis Enrique and I defend Barcelona."

Mourinho has recently admitted he is not sure where his next club will be claiming he is not looking for a club but "clubs are looking for me".

 

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Inter 3-1 Sampdoria: Icardi caps convincing victory

Inter enjoyed a welcome return to winning ways as a 3-1 victory over Sampdoria lifted them back into the top four in Serie A.

Playing before former boss Jose Mourinho and ex-Brazil striker Ronaldo in the San Siro stands, Roberto Mancini's men claimed only their second league win in the past eight attempts.

Sampdoria, where Mancini was a crowd hero during his lengthy playing association with the club, matched Inter for long periods, but slack defending from corners in each half allowed home defenders Danilo D'Ambrosio and Miranda to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season.

Vincenzo Montella's strugglers wasted set-piece opportunities of their own and fell behind against the run of play before ex-Sampdoria striker Mauro Icardi was on hand to dish out further misery in the 73rd minute.

Experienced striker Fabio Quagliarella clipped home a fine first goal for Sampdoria, who will need more of the same from their transfer-window recruit as they languish three points above the bottom three.

Inter will drop back to fifth should Roma beat Palermo on Sunday, but they should at least head into next weekend's clash trip to leaders Juventus with a measure of their early season confidence restored.Despite the fanfare generated by the presence of two club icons, Inter made a lethargic start.

Ricky Alvarez drew a near-post save from Samir Handanovic on his San Siro return and Sampdoria defender Andrea Ranocchia – like Dodo a loanee playing against his parent club – powered a header over from the resulting corner.

Quagliarella sent a clever lofted finish beyond Handanovic's far post and Ranocchia passed up another set-piece opportunity before Inter showed their opponents how it was done in the 23rd minute.

Jeison Murillo rose highest to flick on a right-wing corner from Marcelo Brozovic at the near post and D'Ambrosio was on the move to volley home left footed.

Sampdoria continued to pose plenty of questions despite that setback, with Joaquin Correa frustrated in the 38th minute when his goalbound shot struck D'Ambrosio's arm inside the Inter penalty area.After half-time, Ranocchia was close to touching home Dodo's header from Fernando's free-kick on the left-hand edge of the area.

Despite their vulnerabilities from a defensive point-of-view, Inter were far more comfortable attacking dead balls – as evidenced when Miranda doubled their lead in the 57th minute.

Felipe Melo had the beating of the Sampdoria defence on this occasion and the officials correctly ruled goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano shovelled Miranda's header away from behind his line.

Sampdoria could not respond with any conviction this time around and their malaise was summed up by substitute Luis Muriel woefully attempting a backheel on halfway, leaving Icardi to power through on the end of Brozovic's pass and complete the scoring.

Montella's men are now without a win in eight Serie A matches since January's derby against Genoa, losing six during this slump, and Quagliarella emphatically latching on to Muriel's throughball was scant consolation in the 92nd minute.
Mancini will hope his own team's downturn is a thing of the past with Juventus on the horizon.

 

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Totti admits he is considering Roma exit

Francesco Totti is considering his Roma future after starting just two Serie A games this season and has stated: "I demand more respect for all I've done here."

Totti has made over 700 appearances for the Serie A side and is club captain, but has been restricted to the role of squad player, best illustrated by the fact he came off the bench for the last three minutes of his side's 2-0 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Coach Luciano Spalletti said in his pre-match news conference that Totti could be in the Roma team for the Serie A game against Palermo on Sunday, but the 39-year-old forward remains frustrated at his first-team prospects.

"I can't stay at Roma like this," Totti told TG1."I still feel like a player who is physically in good shape and I want to play."The [thigh] injury [that he sustained in September] is behind me now and if I don't play it is purely down to a tactical decision.

"It hurts to be on the bench. I understand at my age that I play less, but ending my career like this is bad for me as a man and what I've given to Roma. I demand more respect for all I've done here.

"What is my rapport like with Spalletti? We say 'good morning' and 'good evening'. That's it."He said such nice things in the papers, but not to my face. I respect him as a coach and think he has what it takes to remain at Roma."

Totti added: "My contract expires in June, I await news from [president James] Pallotta and will evaluate the situation."I expect the fairness of people telling me the reality of the situation and how things really are."

 

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Vermaelen: MSN are the three best players in the world

Thomas Vermaelen believes Barcelona's forward line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is the most formidable in the world.

The trio combined to fire the Catalans to five trophies - including their second-ever treble - in 2015, while their exploits have lifted Barcelona nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

And Vermaelen has stated how he has been astonished by their brilliance, leading him to proclaim them the best players on the planet."They are the three best in the world. Together they are incredible. The goals they score, the way they play," the centre-back told the Daily Mail.

"What they do on the pitch they do in training as well. For us it's amazing. If you play against the best, you will only get better. You have to improve. We're lucky we can see them every day in training; what they do is special."We're lucky we can see it. You have to wait until it's on the TV, but we can see it every day."

Vermaelen had already played alongside Suarez previously and was pleased to hook up with a former team-mate once more."We had history at Ajax and it's always nice to see players later in your career," he added.

Vermaelen arrived at Camp Nou alongside Suarez in the summer of 2014 but while the Uruguayan has gone on to establish himself as a key player, the former Arsenal captain has struggled to make an impact.Nevertheless, he insists he is pleased with his role at the club and fighting for his place in Luis Enrique's plans.

"I see it as a challenge. I'm very happy to be here," Vermaelen continued. "There are five players for two positions. You have to fight for it. They're all good players here, there's no weak link in the team."You have to work for it. I'm very happy that I made the decision [to come].

"I think he's [Luis Enrique] very good in his contact with players. I like that. But at the end of the day he makes the decisions, so I feel like he doesn't have to explain all the decisions he makes. He's talking to everybody."He will tell you where you have to improve or not but he can't explain every decision. He's the boss."

 

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Benitez: Bale can be the best in two years

Ex-Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has backed Gareth Bale to develop into the world's best player in two years.

The Spaniard was dismissed after less than six months in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout, with reports that he had lost the support of the dressing room and key players.

Nevertheless, the coach was said to have developed a close working relationship with Bale, and the Welshman grew into a central figure in his attack during his short-lived reign.

And Benitez has confirmed his star had been one of the most professional players during his time in the Spanish capital, and expects great things to come if he maintains his progress.

"I never had a moment’s problem with Gareth. He was a very solid professional who listened," the 55-year-old told reporters. "He did his work on the pitch and in the gym too."But what I see in him most is improvement. There are areas of his game that he continues to work on. He can get better.

"Obviously, he’s a very good player now. But in a couple of years if he carries on, I don’t see any reason why he could not be regarded as the best."

 

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Pellegrini: Chelsea clash 'isn't a real game'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has maintained the FA Cup fifth round clash with Chelsea is "not a real game", blaming the English FA for the awkward scheduling of the fixture.

A group of seven Manchester City youngsters are set to be included in the squad for Sunday's tie at Stamford Bridge, with the club to rotate heavily ahead of a Champions League fixture at Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday.

Defenders Tosin Adarabayio and Cameron Humphreys, midfielders Brandon Barker, Manu Garcia and Aleix Garcia as well as strikers David Faupala and Bersant Celina were omitted from the club's under-21 side on Saturday in anticipation of being selected.

Aware of the possibility that his fledgling side could be badly outclassed, Pellegrini urged supporters to understand his reasoning, saying it would be different if circumstances had permitted.

"I think it's not a real game [against Chelsea], of course; not enough to pay the ticket," the Chilean told reporters. "I always give a lot of importance to the cups. They must think why [City are fielding reserves].

"We always try to play a strong team in the cups, and it would be very nice to finish with a game at Wembley, but there are some moments when you have to prioritise because you don't receive any help and you could damage your prospects.

"The fans want to see a good game but we told them one week ago that we are going to play a young team. If the people want to continue going to the stadium, that's for them."

Pellegrini has expressed his frustration with the scheduling of the fixture in such close proximity to the Champions League and next Sunday's Capital One Cup final, in which his men are due to play Liverpool, on many occasions. And the 62-year-old took to the chance to reiterate how he felt it was a pity that the FA Cup should be relegated in terms of importance, but stated his hands are tied on the matter.

"I have enough problems trying to manage a team, without managing the FA," he continued. "But the reality is that we must make some changes."Maybe [the tournament] without replays can be one solution. Someone said we must eliminate one cup, but I think the cups are good. All the stadiums are at full capacity, even if it is a League Two team.

"So I think fans like the football. I think we should continue with the FA Cup because it is very traditional, but we must make some [better] arrangements."

 

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FA Cup Fixtures 2016.02.21

FA Cup Fixtures 2016.02.21

Blackburn Vs West Ham

Tottenham Vs Crystal Palace

Chelsea Vs Manchester City​

 

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LA Liga Fixtures 2016.02.21

LA Liga Fixtures 2016.02.21

Rayo Vallecano Vs Sevilla

Malaga Vs Real Madrid

Athletic Bilbao Vs Real Sociedad

Granada Vs Valencia

Atletico Madrid Vs Villareal​

 

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Serie A Fixtures 2016.02.21

Serie A Fixtures 2016.02.21

Atalanta Vs Fiorentina

Genoa Vs Udinese

Sassuolo Vs Empoli

Torino Vs Carpi

Frosinone Vs Lazio

Roma Vs Palermo​