Those who think the Premier League has lost it’s touch will completely change their minds after seeing this one.
Pre-kickoff, most expected an incredibly close, chess-match type affair with limited goalmouth action as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola refused to surrender all three points to each other.
But to our delight, Manchester United vs Manchester City was an absolute slobber-knocker from start to finish, with a whopping 32 efforts at goal.
City started the strongest and had accumulated a 2-0 lead after 36 minutes. But a howler from Claudio Bravo, dropping the ball to Zlatan Ibrahimovic inside the box, brought United back into the match and paved the way for an incredibly even second half.
The Red Devils pushed for a late equaliser but come the final 15 minutes, both sides were too exhausted to provide any more drama.
Just in case you missed the action or simply want to re-live it, we’ve got SIX fantastic photos that perfectly epitomise one of the best Manchester derbies ever!
GUARDIOLA AND MOURINHO LINE UP
Much of the pre-match build-up focused on Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho’s long-standing rivalry. But there was plenty of respect on the touchline this afternoon – both managers worked incredibly hard to get the best out of their sides and barley had time to even throw a scornful glance at each other.
TEMPERS FLARE
Feisty performances are an integral component of any derby and on that front, the Manchester clash also delivered. Tempers reached boiling point in the early stages when Pep Guardiola and Wayne Rooney wrestled over the ball. Overall, however, both sides were relatively well behaved and Mark Clattenburg kept a lid on things.
KDB CELEBRATES
Manchester City opened the scoring after just 16 minutes with a surprisingly un-Guardiola hoof up-field. Kevin De Bruyne latched onto Kelechi Iheanacho’s flick-on, poked the ball around a static Daley Blind and swiftly converted a one-on-one with Claudio Bravo. Here’s the Belgium international celebrating.
IHEANACHO NETS
Not long after, Iheanacho extended City’s lead – his goal proving to the decisive one of the afternoon. A De Bruyne shot cannoned off the post but the City youngster, stepping in for the suspended Sergio Aguero, reacted quickly to snatch the rebound.
ZLATAN GIVES UNITED HOPE
Claudio Bravo may be brilliant with his feet but he’s not so great in the air. Indeed, the City ‘keeper fumbled a relatively routine cross straight into the path of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who found the net to put United back into the match.
A LATE EMBRACE
After 90 ferocious and incredibly hard-fought minutes, neither manager held a grudge. Despite all the talk surrounding their rivalry, Guardiola and Mourinho shared a brief hug at the final whistle. Fantastic sportsmanship after such an outrageous game.
Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge was hyped up as “The Return” by Sky Sports last weekend, but it certainly wasn’t a happy one for the Portuguese.
His Manchester United side were comprehensively beaten by Antonio Conte’s Chelsea as the Red Devils continued their uninspiring form – losing 4-0.
The Special One received plaudits for preventing Liverpool’s attacking options any clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities six days previously, but Mourinho’s side deserved no credit for Sunday’s performance, producing a disgraceful defensive display.
But Mourinho can’t be the only manager to suffer such embarrassment at the hands of his former employers – in fact, we at Football FanCast reckon it’s more common than most people would think.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at four of the most embarrassing returns to old stomping grounds managers have endured in recent years, spanning the Premier League and yonder.
Can you think of a more humiliating example? Let us know in the comments section below!
Pep Guardiola’s return to Barcelona in 2015
In April 2015, Pep Guardiola returned to Barcelona for the first time in the opposition dug-out as his Bayern Munich side took on the club he’s most synonymous with in the Champions League semi-finals.
Much of the pre-match talk surrounded Guardiola’s imminent return to the Nou Camp, where he played and managed Barcelona for a total of 15 years.
But a devastating display from Lionel Messi and co resulted in a stunning 3-0 victory for the home side, which cast huge doubts over Pep’s reputation after being humiliated by Real Madrid the year previous.
David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park in May 2015
Some cartons of milk had a longer cell-by date than David Moyes’ tenure at Manchester United. The Scottish manager famously departed Everton in 2013 to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford dug-out.
Moyes spent 11 years at Goodison Park, where he greatly overachieved in terms of finance and resources before taking the reigns at the Premier League’s most historic club.
But ten months into his time at Manchester United and not even the most optimistic of supporters could have stood-by Moyes as he decimated a series of unwelcome records. In May 2014, he returned to Goodison Park for the first time and a suffered a defeat that would ultimately end United’s chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Everton dominated United in every area and eventually won 2-0. Moyes was sacked just days later.
Kevin Keegan’s return to Newcastle in 2002
Football – Newcastle United v PSV Eindhoven Pre Season Friendly – St James Park – 6/8/08Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan on the phone before the matchMandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee SmithLivepic
In 2002, Kevin Keegan returned to St. James’s Park for the first time as an opposition manager. He took his First Division Manchester City side to Newcastle for his teams’s F.A. Cup forth round clash against the Magpies.
Keegan had famously guided Newcastle to the cusp of a Premier League title in 1996 before ultimately cracking right before our eyes on the Sky Sports cameras.
The former Liverpool legend became an iconic figure in the North-East as Newcastle quickly established themselves as everyone’s second favourite side due to their impressive style of attacking football. Keegan walked out just months later due to the stress and pressure of the job.
His City side matched then third-placed Premier League outfit before a mistake allowed Nolberto Solano to score the winner and end any chance of Keegan achieving a dramatic returning victory.
Alan Curbishley returns to Charlton in 2007
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After spending 15 years in charge at the Valley, Alan Curbishley famously left Charlton following the conclusion of the 2005/2006 season.
During that time, Curbishley guided Charlton to promotion from the First Division on two occasions and maintained their Premier League status for six years following the second promotion in 2000.
The former Charlton boss joined London rivals West Ham just months later with the team in desperate need of an injection of Premier League experience. Later that same season, a return to The Valley occurred and former West Ham manager Alan Pardew guided his new-look Charlton side to a 4-0 victory on Curbs’ return.
Despite Curbs’ humiliation, however, it would be West Ham that survived as Charlton suffered relegation to the Championship.
Manchester United had an afternoon to forget on Sunday as they were mauled by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
In a performance that made for uncomfortable viewing for Man United supporters, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea ruthlessly exposed their weaknesses and romped to an eventual 4-0 victory, laying down a huge marker of their own.
The tone was set when Pedro scored after just 33 seconds of play, and Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils never truly recovered. Indeed, the Manchester giants looked rocked by the first goal, which may have somewhat derailed their plans to set up as they did at Liverpool and play defensively for a 0-0 draw.
And following the defeat, there has been plenty of talk that the club could be in serious trouble going forward this campaign – they are now six points off joint leaders Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool and five off of Chelsea in fourth spot.
Defensive issues look here to stay
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United’s defensive incapabilities were clear for all to see on Sunday afternoon and it’s safe to say both Chris Smalling and Daley Blind won’t be looking back on this game with any affection whatsoever over the coming days.
The centre-back pairing were pulled all over the place by Chelsea’s forward line and with Eric Bailly now out long-term with suspected serious knee ligament damage, Mourinho may have no choice but to continue playing his underperforming defenders.
It’s a real worry for the United boss.
They have an inability to compete against the top teams
What must be extremely worrying for everyone at Manchester United right now is the fact they just can’t compete with their title rivals.
Manchester City have already beaten them in the league. They could only draw 0-0 with Liverpool in a game that was absolutely dire and now Chelsea have battered them. United could really head backwards if they don’t start competing with the teams around them.
Sure, they can beat the lesser teams to the moon and back, but if they want to be in with a shot of getting the title, they need to compete with the best, or they’ll be left behind.
United’s ‘stars’ fail to show up yet again
Perhaps what is most worrying of all for both Manchester United’s supporters and Mourinho is how their so-called ‘big names’ are going missing in vital fixtures.
Paul Pogba has copped plenty of criticism for his performances so far this season and whilst there have been glimmers of quality, they have been too infrequent.
The same can be said for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was again redundant in the loss against the Blues.
United can’t rely on teenagers to carry the team in games like these – the experienced players amongst the group need to step up and stand out.
This weekend was relatively successful for the Home Nations, with Scotland the only side to lose.
England managed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Gordon Strachan’s side on Friday night courtesy of goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill.
Northern Ireland comfortably saw off Group C surprise package Azerbaijan with a 4-0 win to move up to second while the Republic of Ireland claimed a valuable 1-0 win away at Austria to top Group D.
Wales – who are also in Group D – conceded a late equaliser to Serbia but kept in contact with the top thanks to Gareth Bale’s strike.
There were very positive performances from all three of the winners, while a couple of Welsh players also showed they aren’t resting on their laurels after an impressive Euro 2016 campaign in which they reached the semi-finals.
We take our pick of the top performers with the Great Britain and Ireland XI from the weekend’s matches.
GK – MICHAEL MCGOVERN
Michael McGovern looks to be carrying on his fine form from Euro 2016 as he racked up another clean sheet.
The Norwich City keeper made a few fine stops and has cemented himself as a goalkeeper the Northern Ireland defence can be confident of.
Michael O’Neill seems to be building a side based on being solid at the back, and McGovern is an invaluable part of that.
RB – CONOR MCLAUGHLIN
Another member of the Northern Ireland rearguard who excelled himself, Conor McLaughlin had a great game at both ends of the pitch.
The right-back – who plays in League One with Fleetwood Town – provided a number of threatening crosses and his bombing runs forward were rewarded with a goal.
Despite getting into the box, he didn’t neglect his defensive duties either, managing to be both disciplined and dangerous.
CB – CIARAN CLARK
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Keeping out an Austria side with the likes of David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic is no mean feat, particularly away from home.
The Republic of Ireland managed to do that and grab a valuable three points that could prove decisive in a tight group.
Ciaran Clark deserves much of the credit, putting in a resilient defensive performance and providing goal-saving blocks from the likes of Arnautovic and striker Marc Janko.
CB – JONNY EVANS
Football Soccer Britain – Northern Ireland v San Marino – 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone – Group C – Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland – 8/10/16Northern Ireland’s Jonny Evans in actionReuters / Clodagh KilcoyneLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
It’s very unusual to see defenders have a hand in so many goals, but that’s exactly what happened for Northern Ireland.
We’re more used to seeing Michael O’Neill’s boys with their backs to the wall upon facing bigger sides, but against Azerbaijan they had more license to join the attack.
Jonny Evans took full advantage of this, building well from the back and providing the flick-on for Kyle Lafferty’s goal.
LB – CHRIS BRUNT
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Danny Rose was very unlucky to miss out after a fine all-round performance for England, but Chris Brunt trumped him on his Northern Ireland return.
Brunt – who was playing in the left-back role he filled for West Brom at times last season – had an excellent game despite taking a bang to the head early on.
The 31-year-old was solid in defence but it was his attacking contribution that stood out as he set up Gareth McCauley for the second goal and capped the game with a strike of his own.
CM – JOE LEDLEY
Wales may have missed out on a win but that’s not to say some of Chris Coleman’s men didn’t put in a shift.
Joe Ledley was one such player. Handed a more defensive role than he is accustomed to, the 29-year-old patrolled the Wales area and constantly snuffed out Serbian attacks.
The fact Wales eventually conceded is in no part down to Ledley, who played so well he may well find himself in a similar role for future qualifiers.
CM – STEVEN DAVIS
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Steven Davis provided a real driving force as he spurred his side on to grab more goals.
The Southampton man was reliable in his passing, put in an all-action performance and can count himself unlucky not to be listed among the goalscorers.
RM – ADAM LALLANA
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England’s standout player once more, Adam Lallana might just be the most important player in the new-look England side.
The 28-year-old led by example with his pressing and looked a constant danger around the box through clever turns and intricate passing, while capping his performance with a fine header.
Rather than being consigned to one spot, Lallana roamed around the pitch in a box-to-box role more akin to how he plays for Liverpool. If he continues to carry his club form over to the international stage, the England side will be all the better for it.
LM – JAMES MCCLEAN
There is something about the relationship between Martin O’Neill and James McClean that really clicks.
McClean’s best form at club level came in his breakthrough season at Sunderland when O’Neill was in charge and he seems to be finding that spark again on the international stage.
The 27-year-old is in and out of the West Brom side at the moment and seems to be one of those players who performs better in international colours. With three goals in his last two games, his countrymen certainly won’t mind.
CAM – AARON RAMSEY
This spot was a straight battle between Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, but we’ve opted for the Arsenal man.
Bale was again superb and grabbed a great goal which almost proved a match-winner, but it was Ramsey who was pulling all the strings.
The 25-year-old showed some great touches and wonderful vision and didn’t let up when it came to creating chances.
ST – KYLE LAFFERTY
Football Soccer – Wales v Northern Ireland – EURO 2016 – Round of 16 – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – 25/6/16Wales’ Ben Davies in action with Northern Ireland’s Kyle Lafferty REUTERS/Stephane MaheLivepic
Kyle Lafferty’s performance was everything you’d want from the man up front.
The forward was strong enough to hassle defenders and a constant menace when he found himself in promising positions.
Strikers are ultimately judged on goals and the way Lafferty fired his volley past a helpless Azerbaijan keeper showed a man bang in form.
Ronald Koeman is having a tough ol’ time of it at the moment, isn’t he?
The Dutchman guided his new Everton team to a healthy start to this season, but things have headed rather south since then. Managing Everton on Football Manager is, fortunately, significantly less challenging than it is in the harsher, colder Merseyside reality.
Players like Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley do not suffer from the same consistency issues on Football Manager, while you are handy the size of transfer kitty that is usually reserved for some of the game’s bigger clubs. Of course, you can thank the new Toffees’ owners for that one.
So where do you start? Well, the squad has a fair bit of work to do to get it ready to really compete near the top of the Premier League table. For all of Everton’s obvious strengths, the club are possessing a squad with rather ugly weaknesses.
Even with all that money, you will need to be rather frugal if you are to make any meaningful progress…
Ayoze Perez
Newcastle will push you hard in negotiations for Ayoze Perez, but a structured deal should mean that a deal for a total fee of under £12million is feasible.
With the potential that the Spaniard possesses, both as a creative no.10 and false nine, he can add an extra dimension to the attacking options at Goodison Park.
Lewis Dunk
The arrival of Ashley Williams adds to the Toffees’ central defensive options, but there is still a need for reinforcements – particularly when players with the potential of Dunk are available.
Jagielka’s mobility limitations restrict the off-the-ball tactics you can employ, while Ramiro Funes Mori is worth cashing in on in the first summer of your save.
Gonzalo Martinez
With Gerard Deulofeu, Kevin Mirallas and Yannick Bolasie around, wing options are not going to be at the top of the priorities at the start of an Everton save. However, Gonzalo Martinez is available at such value, with some real standout numbers, that he should be under consideration.
Raise some funds by selling on other less reliable wingers and bring Martinez in. Pace, flair and the ability to beat even the best full-backs make him a great Football Manager 17 star.
Hernanes
Often found on the transfer list in the opening summer of a save, Hernanes is a player that can have his head turned to Goodison Park with the right offer.
Idrissa Gueye must be the lynchpin of the Everton midfield, but a talented passer is needed in the middle third for the Toffees. Hernanes can create chances even from a deep-lying role and would be a significant upgrade on the current options.
Youri Tielemans
When signing a player, considering value is about so much more than the immediate returns. This rings so very true in the case of Youri Tielemans.
Signing Tielemans in the first season is not the best deal you will ever see, but, should he get anywhere near his potential, he will become one of the best midfielders in the world.
Ready for at least a rotation role even in 2016/17, Tielemans could be the ideal man to play alongside Gueye.
So the festive period is upon us, which means we’re about to be treated to a ridiculous amount of Premier League football in such a short space of time.
This means all Fantasy Premier League players will need to be paying closer attention than normal. We have three separate game weeks to navigate between Boxing Day and the January 2. Game weeks 19 and 20 are separated by about 18 hours or so, which doesn’t give you much time to make any necessary changes.
So as we approach an exciting, yet equally crucial, period of the FPL season, we’ve taken the time to put together a list of nifty infographics for you to mull over when sorting your team out.
We’ve studied form, fixture difficulty and also thrown in a bit of gut feeling in for good measure.
For the first of nine articles over the next three days, we’re looking at players going in to the festive period in a good run of form. The five players in the graphic below should be on your shortlist if they aren’t already…
First up is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is already widely owned by a huge 34.1% of FPL teams. However, with Sergio Aguero still suspended and Diego Costa sidelined for the Boxing Day fixture, the big Swede will arguably be the one man to have in your team leading in to the festive period.
Many people had given up on him after he went on a run of six game weeks without registering a goal or an assist but, since then, he has scored seven and assisted one in his list six Premier League appearances. With home fixtures against Sunderland and Middlesbrough before a trip to West Ham’s London Stadium, Zlatan really is a player you can’t afford to ignore as 2016 comes to a close.
Gylfi Sigurdsson is one of the most underrated players when it comes to points scorers. The Iceland international has been hugely important for a struggling Swansea side this season and currently averages 5.1 FPL points per 90 minutes played.
With five goals and five assists in 17 Premier League appearances so far this term, Sigurdsson has been a steady and reliable points scorer. However, despite the Swans’ lowly league position, they do have one of the more favourable of festive fixture schedules, which should give the midfielder the perfect chance to boost his points total.
Swansea have back-to-back home fixtures against West Ham and Bournemouth before the year is out, and then they travel to a struggling Crystal Palace in the new year. Sigurdsson should be able to collect some valuable points from those fixtures.
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Next on the list is Theo Walcott. While Alexis Sanchez has been taking centre-stage for the Gunners this season, Walcott has successfully been going about his business in the back ground.
The England international has eight goals and three assists this season, and is currently averaging an impressive six FPL points per 90 minutes played.
He has three goals in his last six outings and will fancy himself against West Brom (H), Crystal Palace (H) and Bournemouth (A) over the festive period.
At just £7.8m Walcott is a pretty cheap option in midfield and is guaranteed to return points over the course of the season while he continues to hold down a starting berth under Arsene Wenger.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has been quietly racking up the points during the Blues’ ruthless charge towards another Premier League title.
While Eden Hazard and Diego Costa continue to make the headlines, the Spain international has consistently returned impressive points totals alongside them.
He may only have two assists to his name but he has thrived in Antonio Conte’s new winning formation, which has led to him being awarded 15 bonus points already this term. Eight of those have come in the last three game weeks, meaning he is going in to the festive period in fantastic form.
Chelsea have a good run of fixtures over the festive period, too. A tough trip to White Hart Lane in the new year follows home fixtures against Bournemouth and Stoke respectively, so expect Azpilicueta to continue returning big points.
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And, lastly, Liverpool’s Sadio Mane simply has to be on your radar this winter. He is well owned – 20.9% of FPL teams have him – but those that don’t need to reconsider their midfield options and find a way of crowbarring him in.
Given his rapidly rising price of £9.4m – he started the season at £9m – it’s vital you get him in soon before he increases in value further, but the outlay will definitely be worth it.
The midfielder has returned eight goals and six assists already for his new side, and is currently averaging 6.6 FPL points per 90 minutes played this season.
Liverpool have home fixtures against Stoke and Man City before travelling to Sunderland in the new year, so Mane certainly is a man to consider bringing in this week, especially given the form he is in.
Rivalries are one of the most important aspects of modern football, they enhance the spectacle and the importance of matches and create a product that can be enjoyed the world over. In terms of rivalries in English football, few can match the passion and importance of the clash between Manchester United and Liverpool.
These teams represent the two true dynasties of the English game, with each dominating the domestic landscape at different points of the 20th century. In recent years both have fallen short of their dominant best, but there are definite signs this season that both sides are finding their feet again.
Indeed, Manchester United are perhaps one of the most in form teams in Europe and after initial teething problems following the appointment of the Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho we are now seeing the side rediscover their attacking swagger following the defensive system imposed by Louis van Gaal. The likes of Henrik Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba are emerging as key players to compliment the attacking threat of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool are at best an irresistible attacking force with the capacity to break teams down through any phase of the game.
The forthcoming fixture promises to be a fascinating tactical battle but there are two key areas to keep an eye on…
United need to connect Mkhitaryan and Pogba
Two high profile summer signings have after a less than stellar start at Old Trafford emerged as key players over the last few weeks. The Armenia international Henrik Mkhitaryan was brought in to much fanfare following his excellent performances for Borussia Dortmund and Paul Pogba became the most expensive player in the World after his move back to Old Trafford from Juventus.
Britain Football Soccer – Manchester United v Feyenoord – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – 24/11/16 Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba after Feyenoord’s Brad Jones scores an own goal and the third for Manchester United Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
These two players have the potential to break through the Liverpool defensive structure almost on their own if Mourinho can ensure that they are in a position to connect with one another in the final third.
In the first leg of the EFLCup semi-final against Hull City we saw Mkhitaryan deployed on the left of the attack, which allowed him to connect more easily with Pogba who naturally prefers a left sided role in the centre of the midfield. With the vision of Pogba and the ability of Mkhitaryan to find and exploit space coming off of the wide areas, the two can be hugely effective in breaking down the opposing team’s defensive structure.
If you then factor in the tactical intelligence of other United players, like Ibrahimovic and Herrera, then you begin to see how effective United can be when their most tactically influential players click and are able to work together in the same zone of the pitch.
Much will depend on the performance of Pogba as well with the French midfielder at times appearing complacent on the ball although this complacency is in part because he has the natural ability to beat the press when the opposition are closing him down.
This could be the match when the world’s most expensive player cements his place in the hearts of the United fans.
Liverpool need to protect their defence
A lot has been made of the loss of Sadio Mane to the African Cup of Nations this month but in truth the loss of club captain Jordan Henderson has been more of a concern, given the lack of a like for like replacement in the squad.
Emre Can and Kevin Stewart have both featured as the controlling midfielder in front of the defence in recent weeks, with neither appearing altogether comfortable in the role. If Henderson is still going to be missing from the match with United then it is likely that Klopp will prefer Emre Can in this role, which will be key in negating the threat from United.
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Even if Henderson is fit to return then he will be short of match sharpness, which will present its own set of problems. United are likely to attack through the central areas of the field, looking to play the ball in through the middle third of the pitch and in to their danger players Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic. In these areas the controlling midfielder will be responsible for blocking any passing lanes through to the strikers and positioning himself to prevent the wide attackers from getting free when they cut centrally away from the Liverpool fullbacks.
There have been times that Emre Can has been too tactically indisciplined for the role, preferring instead to join in with his more advanced teammates. This is a scenario that could prove costly against a United side who are starting to perform in the final third in line with the quality of their players.
The calm head of Henderson would certainly ease the worries of Liverpool fans should he be fit to start.
Conclusion
As with so many games in the Premier League this season, this match will be set as a clash between two coaches as much as it will be between two sets of players.
The attacking vibrance of Jurgen Klopp will be hard pushed by the tactically disciplined Jose Mourinho and the match may well hinge on which side can boast the smaller injury list.
United are starting to find their stride going in to the most important phase of the season whilst Liverpool are looking to rediscover the excellent form that they showed at the start of the season.
We are now getting to stage that neither side can afford to drop points to the sides around them in the table.
West Ham’s season has been a mixed bag so far. An early exit from Europe, inconsistent league results and one of their star players downing tools have all added up to a feeling of discontent around the London Stadium.
Their fortunes have been looking up in recent weeks, though, and important wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough have given supporters a lift and a feeling of optimism heading into the final months of the campaign.
The January transfer window is an important one for Slaven Bilic, as he looks to make the signings that can bring to the club to the next level, beyond the midtable blues.
The club have already confirmed the arrival of defender Jose Fonte, a player that is sure to add some much needed defensive steel to their backline, but who else should they target from their rivals?
Here are FIVE players on the fringes of Premier League squads that Bilic should move for this month…
Michy Batshuayi
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Michy Batshuayi was a much-hyped summer signing for Chelsea last year after scoring 17 Ligue 1 goals in 2015/16, but he’s struggled to settle into life at Stamford Bridge.
Given that Chelsea paid a significant fee for him just a short time ago, a loan option might be the most sensible here, but that’d still be a terrific bit of business for West Ham.
Their strikers have struggled badly this term and although Andy Carroll is fully fit again and enjoying a resurgence in front of goal, there’s no guarantee he won’t end up on the treatment table again soon.
Simone Zaza has left the club meaning that getting some short-term cover while they wait to move on targets in the summer could be the best way forward.
Batshuayi hasn’t really had much of a chance to show what he can do at Chelsea, making zero starts in the Premier League, but he has scored in the cups for the Blues and would likely give West Ham a shot in the arm.
Carl Jenkinson
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Carl Jenkinson was on the verge of joining Crystal Palace, as reported by The Mirror, but the move collapsed due to a failure to agree personal terms.
While Palace may not be able to afford his wages, West Ham likely could and a move for Jenkinson would solve their right-back problem this season.
Jenkinson is well known to Hammers fans having spent a significant time on loan at the club over the last few years.
Should the Irons try to outshine Palace and bring him to the London Stadium?
Bojan Krkic
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If Dimitri Payet leaves this January then West Ham are going to be left with a big creative hole in the final third.
Payet may not be having as good a season as last but he’s still creating chances at a much higher rate than the rest of his team-mates.
With just five Premier League starts this season under Mark Hughes, Bojan would likely welcome a move to a team that suits his style of play and offers him a chance of regular first-team football.
Despite those limited starts he’s managed to score three goals this season.
The former Barca man may not hit the heights of Payet but given confidence and room to shine, he would at least go some way to filling that creative hole.
Nolito
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As noted, if Payet leaves then the Irons are going to be seeking more creativity in the final third and could also use some pace in the wide areas.
Nolito could be a solution to both problems.
The left-winger has struggled to get a regular start under Pep Guardiola and has not played a Premier League game for close to a month.
Like Batshuayi, a loan move for the 30-year-old may be the best option for all parties – there’s no use in him sitting on the bench at City, especially when he’s not even being brought off it.
There’s an argument he may be more important again when City get back to European action but West Ham should be ambitious and at least sound out the possibility of a move.
Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho isn’t so much on the fringes of the Liverpool squad, he is miles away. The French international hasn’t featured once for Liverpool since a bust-up with Jurgen Klopp last summer and shows no signs of getting anywhere near a starting XI slot anytime soon.
That’s a shame because he is a fine defender on his day. After signing Jose Fonte, a move for Sakho would give Hammers fans a central defensive partnership to be proud of.
The Mirror reported that the Reds have already rejected loan moves for the defender so a permanent deal would need to be done to bring him to the London Stadium, but he could be a fine option for Bilic’s leaky defence.
Just what has happened to Liverpool of late? It was only a few weeks ago the Reds were flying high, a mere couple of points behind League leaders Chelsea and still in all the cup competitions.
And then January happened. Eight games, one win, and down to only one competition. First came their elimination from the EFL Cup, where Jurgen Klopp’s men were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by an hit-and-miss Southampton side. Secondly, and most recently, came the embarrassing FA Cup fourth round exit at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Thirdly, add into that bag the failure to win any three of their Premier League games and you have a miserable start of 2017.
While some Liverpool fans have been quick to consign their club to another season of doom and gloom, the truth is far from that. The Reds still very much remain in the title race and their improvement this first full season under Klopp has been nothing short of remarkable.
The German manager needs time to find the right dynamic and perhaps, more importantly, the right players for his squad going forward. January presented another chance for the former Dortmund manager to make this Liverpool side his own, so could it be in with the new and out with the old?
Incomings are extremely unlikely, but here are FOUR Liverpool players we think could leave before the transfer window shuts tomorrow night…
Mamadou Sakho
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If he doesn’t go by tomorrow, it is surely only a matter of time before the once revered Frenchman says goodbye to Anfield.
Following his doping mishap (for which he was cleared) and fall-out with Jurgen Klopp last year, the former Paris Saint-Germain man has been forced out of the Reds side and failed to rebuild the bridges he broke. The big, strong centre-half will attract plenty of attention as a late, top quality option.
Lucas Leiva
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Speaking with the Telegraph, the Brazilian midfielder has signalled that his ten-year career at Liverpool may be coming to a close, questioning the amount of game time he is currently getting.
While it is believed Klopp hopes Lucas will stay at Anfield, he certainly has options – Inter Milan amongst those interested – and the opportunity for first-team football again could be a temptation too great to resist.
Emre Can
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Juventus reportedly scouted Liverpool’s Emre Can during the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United earlier in the month, with the Serie A leaders looking to reinforce their midfield options beyond the starting trio of Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Mjaralem Pjanic.
The Germany international was once a guaranteed starter in Klopp’s side, but some poor performances either side of the New Year mean he has fallen out of favour.
As paths to FA Cup glory go, Arsenal have a ludicrously kind one. After defeating non-league Sutton United to get into the quarter-finals, the Gunners are now presented with a tie against Lincoln to make it to Wembley for the semi-finals. That is Lincoln of the National League themselves, by the way.
The Gunners needed redemption after their humiliation in midweek at the hands of Bayern Munich. That 5-1 defeat is far from forgotten after beating Sutton, but it has at least put a very temporary plaster over the gushing, raw wounds.
Arsene Wenger is a man under pressure, fans are protesting and each of his interactions with the press are dominated by questions about his future.
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Wenger’s status in the FA Cup is a glorious one. He has lifted the trophy six times already in his long, seemingly infinite Arsenal tenure, with the two most recent successes being the perfect antidote to a frustrated fan base. Defeating Hull and Aston Villa in the two finals, Arsenal ended a trophy drought in London bus fashion.
The hostility towards Wenger has spread this time, though. Fans are not only mouthing off on Arsenal Fan TV, they are furious at the clubs inability to improve. The wider media is questioning Wenger in a way that the Frenchman has not faced before, there is a feeling that the end is nigh.
His successes as Arsenal’s manager cannot be overstated. Winning a double, guiding his team to an unbeaten season and developing Thierry Henry into one of the best players in a generation, Wenger’s place in the history of English football is well deserved. The latter years of his time at Arsenal are rapidly diminishing in value, however.
The FA Cup has been a good friend of Wenger in recent years, but Arsenal will be hurt as a football club if another Wembley triumph saves his position and earns him another contract. While the Gunners have readily rested their stars in earlier rounds of the tournament, the importance the Cup now holds for Arsenal is a reflection of their woes in the Premier League and Champions League.
Although both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Chelsea remain in the competition, Arsenal are the only team who see this as their only cause for hope in the remainder of the campaign. A lifeline for Wenger before, Arsenal are once again left with only one faint hope of silverware with months of the season remaining.
In line for the third FA Cup success in four years, Arsenal have consolidated their position away from the favoured trophies of Europe’s biggest clubs. Far from a league title once again and with their European season all but over, another FA Cup would be an unwanted reminder of where Arsenal are right now. They are a team with talent, but led by a manager no longer able to contest for the trophies that really matter to fans.