RONALDO COULD BE DROPPED FOR NOT SCORING GOALS... ZIDANE HINTS.

Real Madrid Coach, Zinedine Zidane has hinted that he could drop his superstar front three of Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo - ''BBC'', as they continue to struggle for goals this season.

Backup trio Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata have outperformed the ''BBC'' so far and Zidane admitted that he will do what's best for the team.

During his Press Conference on Friday, Zidane said, "I'm not going to be unfair about it,"
"But yes, I have to take decisions. I try and do what is best for everyone. Tomorrow you will see who plays."


And on Madrid's failure to keep clean sheets in their last eight games, the French coach said: "It doesn't worry me,""We are working on it.

''There is no explanation, but we have to work to allow fewer chances, but it will still work to always score one more than their opponents''.

''HENRIKH MKHITARYAN COULD PLAY AGAINST BURNLEY''... MOURINHO.

Jose Mourinho has backed £26 million summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan to take the Premier League by storm once he adapts.

The Armenian had a spectacular season last year with Borussia Dortmund, his exploits with the German side earned him the Bundesliga player of the year.

Mourinho admitted that the 27-year-old was taking longer than expected to adapt to life in England, having recovered a fortnight ago from his injury.

“He’s not injured, the Special One said. ''Sometimes I confuse the meaning of fit in the English language.

''He is training with the team 100 per cent.“Some players are adapted to come and play, some others, they need more time. Time to feel the intensity and the aggression, the game without the ball, the competitiveness.

“Many times players come from different countries. The style of football is different and the reality is different for sure in terms of competitiveness.

There’s no other country where it doesn’t matter the team you play against, you have to play at the highest level. If you don’t you have no chance.

''Mikhi needs time to become the top player he can be.”
 “I think it works for sure.

 I don’t like to speak about players from other clubs but I don’t think they will be upset with me – Willian he arrived at Chelsea had problems to play. He went through a process then after he became a top player, then the next season he became absolutely phenomenal and still is.

“When Angel Di Maria arrived at Real Madrid he also had to learn a lot about his game and a new reality.

Sometimes it happens; sometimes with defenders but it’s easier for them. For attacking players sometimes they arrive and go straight to success. Other times it takes a little more time.
“Of course we believe in him and of course we believe that sooner or later there will be no problem.”
His comeback could start today on the bench at Old Trafford against Burnley.          

Manchester United hosts Burnley on Saturday, 3pm.

SOUTHAMPTON vs CHELSEA... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.

STAT: The last home loss Southampton suffered was Chelsea (2-1 in February).
Since then, the Saints have won six and drawn three of their nine home games, loosing none.

ANALYSIS : Antonio Conte's preference for a 3-4-3 formation has brought out the best in his Chelsea players, and with that commanding display against United last weekend, you can't bet against Chelsea challenging for the League title this season.

Similarly, the Saints are no pushovers. Their discipline got them a point at the Etihad on Sunday. They will surely be going all out for maximum points against Chelsea.

PREDICTIONS: A score DRAW looks a very good bet. But it's going to be a very open game. Both teams are capable of winning it.
OVER 1.5.


DATE: 30/10/2016.

KICKOFF: 5:00PM.

VENUE: ST. MARY'S.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs LIVERPOOL... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.

STAT: Striker, Christian Benteke helped Liverpool end a run of three consecutive defeats against the Eagles last season, when he scored a 90th minute winner for the Reds.

ANALYSIS: Crystal Palace are struggling for consistency this term. They shipped in three goals in their last game at Leicester and will be going for maximum points against Liverpool.
The Reds away form has not been as great as their home form where they have dropped just two points. But they have enough talents in their ranks to worry any team.

PREDICTION: CRYSTAL PALACE'S best result on Saturday could be a DRAW. But I'm looking forward to a LIVERPOOL WIN.

OVER 2.5.


DATE: 29/10/2016

KICKOFF : 5:30PM.

VENUE: SELHURST PARK.

EVERTON vs WEST HAM... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTIONS.

STAT: Romelu Lukaku hardly play against the Hammers without scoring. He has scored in each of his last eight meetings against the London side.
Only Jimmy Floyd (7), and  Robin Van Persie (8) have scored seven or more goals against the same opponent in the Premier League.

ANALYSIS: West Ham's season didn't start particularly well, but they seem to have picked themselves up lately with consecutive wins.

Nonetheless, they won't be getting an easy game at Goodison Park on Sunday as Everton seek to atone for last weekend's loss at Burnley.


PREDICTION: It's going to be a a very tight game but EVERTON are the favourites to come out TOPS. A DRAW looks a good bet too.


DATE: 30/10/2016.

KICKOFF: 1:30PM.

VENUE: GOODISON PARK.

WEST BROM vs MANCHESTER CITY... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.

STAT: Manchester City's David Silva have a great record against the baggies. In his eight appearances against West Brom, the Spaniard has scored four times and assisted in three.

ANALYSIS: Pep Guardiola's ''honeymoon'' period in the league is over. He's on a six-game winless run; the worst in his ''almost immaculate'' career. His side struggled to a 1-1 draw against Southampton at weekend. They will probably climb down the table if they fail to win this weekend.
West Brom lost at Liverpool last time out, and will be hoping for a positive result at home against one of the title favourites.

PREDICTION: MAN CITY are the favourites to WIN this game, but with the Baggies playing at home, DRAW is also a possibility.
OVER 1.5.

DATE: 29/10/2016.

KICKOFF: 3:00PM.

VENUE: THE HAWTHORNS.

WATFORD vs HULL CITY... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.

STAT: History will be made on Saturday when Watford and Hull City step out on Vicarage road for a Premier League game. Both teams have never met in the top flight.

ANALYSIS: With the way Hull are playing at the moment, it won't suprise anyone if they are playing at the lower division by next season. They have conceded 19 goals in their last 5 games.

Watford got a well deserved point at the Liberty stadium last week with a disciplined display. They will certainly carry that confidence into this fixture.

PREDICTION: WATFORD are the favourites to WIN this game. But The Tigers will definitely fancy their chance here. Don't rule out a DRAW.


DATE: 29/10/2016.

KICKOFF: 3:00PM.

VENUE: VICARAGE ROAD.

TOTTENHAM vs LEICESTER...STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTIONS.

STAT: In his ten matches against Tottenham, Leicester City Manager, Claudio Ranieri has won seven times, and drawn thrice. He has never lost a game against Hotspur.

ANALYSIS : Tottenham start this weekend as the only unbeaten side in the division so far. Without their star Striker Harry Kane, Spurs have struggled to score goals lately.

Leicester, however, are yet to produce that level of consistency that made them Champions last season. Though, they showed glimpses of their brilliance against Crystal Palace last weekend.

PREDICTION: Expect a very tactical game between two 'Champions League' sides. A SCORE DRAW look the most likely result. The stats favour Ranieri but anyone can win this game.


DATE: 29/10/2016.

KICKOFF: 3:00PM.

VENUE: WHITE HART LANE.

MIDDLESBROUGH vs BOURNEMOUTH... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.

STATS : Bournemouth have never won at the Riverside in all competitions. They have drawn 3 and lost five in their last visits.
Boro have likewise failed to beat the Cherries in their last five meetings, having drawn four times and lost once.

ANALYSIS : Middlesbrough played one of their best games of the season at the Emirates last weekend, and will hope to carry that performance into their home game against Bournemouth.
The Cherris are also in a good run of form, getting 4 points from their last two games. They will give Boro a good run for their money.

PREDICTION : This game will be VERY CLOSE. It looks a very good bet for a DRAW, but anyone can snatch a win, though BORO look the more likely.


DATE: 29/10/2016.

KICKOFF: 3:00PM.

VENUE: RIVERSIDE.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs BURNLEY... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.

STAT: If United win on Saturday, it will mark their 100th Premier League victory over a promoted side.
They have won 99, drawn 30, and lost only 14times in 143 PL games against newly promoted sides.

ANALYSIS : Mourinho's Men will be hoping to erase that humiliating defeat at Chelsea last time out. And with that confidence boosting win in the EFL Cup over City rivals in midweek, I expect a comfortable afternoon for the Red devils against a consistently inconsistent Burnley.

PREDICTION : MANCHESTER UNITED should WIN this game in front of their home fans.
This game will produce 2 GOALS OR MORE.


DATE: 29/10/2016.

TIME: 4:00PM.

VENUE: OLD TRAFFORD.

SUNDERLAND vs ARSENAL... STATS/ANALYSIS/PREDICTIONS.

STATS: Theo Walcott has scored eight times in 11 games this season. He has had more shots on target than any other Premier League player (17).
In their last 5 meetings against the Black Cats, the Gunners, have won four and drawn once.

ANALYSIS : The Gunners produced one of their poorest performances of the season against Middlesbrough on Saturday. Such a scoreless display by Arsenal, will give struggling David Moyes' side some bit of hope going into this weekend's fixture.

PREDICTIONS : It's going to be a scrappy game, but the GUNNERS will be too strong for their hosts. ARSENAL should WIN.


DATE : 29/10/2016.

TIME : 12:30 PM.

VENUE : STADIUM OF LIGHT.

"SAIDO MANE HAS SUPRISED ME"...LALLANA.

Liverpool's midfielder, Adam Lallana has admitted he is amazed at how quickly new Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane has settled in at the club.

The 24-year old arrived at Anfield from Southampton in the summer, and has been one of the key components in Jurgen Kloop's new-look Liverpool, having scored four times and had two assists in eight Premier League starts.

Lallana told Sport Magazine, ''I sit next to Sadio in the dressing room and I can’t believe how quickly he’s got into his rhythm.

"He’s the Sadio we played against last season who was so good against us – especially at St Mary’s.

"Comparing it to myself, when I came in, it probably took me a bit more time to settle. So credit to him, because it’s never easy coming to a big club."

Lallana also revealed the impact of the Reds' non involvement in European competitions this term has had on the squad.

"[Not being in Europe] means a lot of players could possibly not be playing, but it also means the quality in training and the fight for places is so big.

"That’s a good thing – it keeps everyone on their toes, so the standard in training is always at a high level.

"We’re on the training pitch a lot more this season, which means we’ve got more days to be able to work on certain things tactically that the manager wants – and we’re seeing that pay off.”

"LIVERPOOL CAN WIN THE LEAGUE''... SIR FERGUSON.

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Jurgen Klopp has transformed Liverpool into Premier League title contenders.

Sir Ferguson spoke glowingly to Liverpool Echo of Kloop's great job with the reds.
“He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool’s enthusiasm,” said Ferguson.

“It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.

“You can now well and truly sense that you have to count them in this year.
“You can see Klopp’s dedication on the sideline, I’m convinced his work in training is similar.

He’s a strong personality. That’s absolutely vital at a big club.”

Last year, the Legendary Scot expressed his concern over Liverpool’s growth under their new manager, saying he was worried the Reds could usurp United.

“I’m worried about him because the one thing United don’t want is Liverpool to get above us,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic personality, with those big white teeth always showing. Even at Newcastle when they lost the second goal he goes over to Steve McClaren to congratulate him. That’s class, that. And the work he did at Dortmund.

“I know him quite well from the coaching seminars. He’s going to make a difference at that club with his personality, drive and knowledge. Things are looking up there.”

REAL MADRID "ALMOST" SIGNED GUARDIOLA.

Real Madrid 'tried to hire Pep Guardiola' to replace Rafael Benitez in November
The Catalan coach was asked to cross theclásico divide by Florentino Perez in what would have been an extraordinary move.


Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola became a subject of transfer tussle when it was revealed that the Spaniard was leaving Bayern Munich.

 Guardiola's friend, who is also a biographer - Marti Perarnau have made some stunning revelations.

"Real Madrid called Pep Guardiola to try and tempt him last November, before they sacked Benitez," he revealed on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

"Madrid contacted [Josep Maria] Orobitg, Guardiola's agent, in order to try and contract him.
"But from the start it was out of the question. I was there."

Madrid ended up sacking Benitez in early January.
The now-Newcastle manager was replaced by Zinedine Zidane.

"MESSI IS NOT MY FRIEND"... RONALDO.

Real Madrid Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that the media are only using him and Barcelona rival Messi to make headlines.

Both players have won the Ballon d'or eight times between, and are going head to head for this year's accolade.

Ronaldo "Coach Magazine" in an interview, "We aren't good friends, but there's respect on both parts.
"The media talk about a great rivalry, but we don't have one".

MOURINHO APOLOGISES FOR LAST WEEKEND'S 4-0 HUMBLING AT CHELSEA.

Jose Mourinho apologised to Manchester United fans in the Stretford End after the humiliation at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Portuguese used his programme notes ahead of the EFL Cup clash against Manchester City on Wednesday to issue an apology for the weekend's result.

After winning their City rivals 1-0 in the Cup tie, Mourinho gestured 4-0 with his hands before offering his hands in apology.

"As the leader of this squad I want to start by saying sorry to all the Manchester United fans around the world," he wrote.

"Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Chelsea was not a United result; it was a result which made us all extremely sorry for all our supporters and we all apologise for it."

The 53-year old added, "Once again at Stamford Bridge our fans were sensational.
"It (the result) has made us all extremely sorry for all our supporters and we all apologise for it." Manchester United hosts West Ham in the last eight of the EFL Cup.

"I cannot think of another set of supporters who would be singing for 90 minutes like that when their team was losing.
"They were a credit to the club and feel so sorry for them that the result could not match their performance.

Manchester United will host West Ham in the last eight of the EFL Cup.

GUARDIOLA REACTS TO DEFEAT.

Manchester city crashed out of the EPL after they lost 1-0 to United at Old Trafford. Mata
scored in the 54th minute of the game to win the match for Mourinho's men. However,

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after the game that his players impressed him. I'm so proud, said the Spaniard who is now on the worst run of his managerial career.


Congratulations for United for taking the next step.

"I’m so proud for the young players, for how we played.
We had our chances.


In this level, when you arrive, (you have to) be more clinical and pass less, but it’s difficult and we know that, but we competed good.
‘‘
They did good. Maffeo was amazing fighting with Rashford and Ibrahimovic and he won almost all the balls. I’m so proud.

I want to try to win this competition but that’s the competition and we’ll try again next year.
And on the substitution of Kompany; Guardiola said, "He told me he could not play anymore".

MOURINHO REACTS TO VICTORY AS UNITED DUMPS CITY OUT OF THE EFL CUP.

A 54th  minute Juan Mata's strike was enough for Manchester United to seal a morale boosting victory over City rivals.

Mourinho said afterwards: "The players did everything and deserved to win. We are happy.

"In the last week everything went against us but we are professionals. The fans felt deeply such a negative result and today was a good chance to clear that feeling because a derby knockout and to win gives everyone a better feeling."

On whether he played a stronger team than planned because of Sunday's 4-0 defeat by Chelsea: "Yes. We were on a good run of results but it was a big defeat - numbers that the history of this club doesn't deserve and when I'm in a club my heart belongs to the fans and I felt deeply for them. The reality is that I never had people like these ones.

"We lost 4-0 and they were supportive. Today the stadium was full of real support and it looks like the love people have for the club is bigger than bad results, bigger than three bad seasons.

We must give something back. The players gave everything but even if we'd lost the feeling was fantastic because the players showed they really care and they fought for the fans."

Manchester United will play again at Old Trafford against West Ham in the next round.

EFL QUARTER FINAL DRAW.

ARSENAL vs  SOUTHAMPTON.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs  WEST HAM.

LIVERPOOL  vs  LEEDS UNITED.

HULL CITY  vs  NEWCASTLE UNITED.

MOURINHO WRITES AN EMOTIONAL LETTER TO A FAN'S WIDOW.

David Green with his young family.

Manchester United's boss Jose Mourinho has penned a heartfelt letter to the widow of a Manchester United fan who died in a building site accident in the early days of October.

David Green, a 32-year-old father of four, died when a dumper truck tipped over at the building site he was working on in Lawford in Essex.

The Colchester Gazette reported that Mourinho learned of the accident and wrote to David's, widow Jade. He wrote;

“I have been informed, and was deeply saddened to hear, that your husband David recently passed away in tragic circumstances,"

“On behalf of the staff and players at Manchester United, please accept our heartfelt condolences to you and your children Harvey Rio, Trafford, Bentley and Skyla-Jade, including family and friends, on the loss of your loved one.

“Hold tight to memories for comfort and may the love and support of those around you help you through the days ahead.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.”

POGBA CAN PLAY IN DEFENCE... MOURINHO

The Red Devils have been dealt a major blow with the news that Eric Bailly looks set to miss all games in 2016, suffering a knee injury during the second half of Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Chelsea.

However, Mourinho has hinted that his £89m- star midfielder Pogba could help solve the problem.

Pogba, a box-to-box midfielder and creative force with an eye for goal is yet to hit the form that made the Red devils cough out a World record fee for.

His coach Mourinho thinks that Pogba has all the attributes required to become a phenomenal defender.

He said: “He’s a top player and I think he could be a phenomenal central defender.

“With the quality of his pass, with his aerial game, with his agility in such a big body, for his defensive side of the game, coming from the back with the ball, he would be a phenomenal central defender, too.”

The Special One told Sky Sports: “He can play in so many positions.
“The problem is not the position. The problem is not the tactical system. The problem is, in my opinion, somebody that comes from a different style of football and needs this time to be at his best level in football that is really difficult to play, especially for midfield players.”


“I think it is really difficult to play or adapt from different realities, but he is a phenomenal player. He has unbelievable potential. He has years and years to develop his game, so that expectation and investment from the club is based on that – a super player for the next seven or eight years.”

“He’s getting better and better and better at every level. That’s our expectation. We don’t expect Paul to arrive here and the next day to be unbelievable. But the other thing is that we trust him so much that we pass to him this kind of feeling.

“He is a very self-confident boy too, so we are living well with the critics, if you want, and we know what the critics are."

"IT'S DIFFICULT! IT'S A DISASTER"... MOURINHO OPENS UP ON HIS EARLY DAYS IN MANCHESTER.

Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho admits that he feels trapped by his lifestyle in Manchester and tagged his current set-up a “disaster”.

The 53-year old whose Manchester United side lost 4-0 to his old club -Chelsea is still living in the top-floor suite of Manchester’s Lowry Hotel seem very comfortable at the place.
Mourinho’s family are still living in London and the 53-year-old - who earns £15million per year

The Special One, who earns £15m per year said, “For me it’s a bit of a disaster because I want sometimes to walk a little bit and I can’t

“I just want to cross the bridge and go for a restaurant. I can’t, so it is really bad.
“Buy a house? I do not know, I do not know.

The reality is that my daughter will be 20 next week, my son will be 17 in a couple of months. They are very stable. University in London. Football in London. Friends.

"So they are in an age where they can’t chase me like they did before. So for the first time the family lives in a different way.

“We try to feel it, we try to see the evolution of our feelings and see how we cope with the situation.”

Mourinho, whose side host local rivals and Pep Guardiola's City on Wednesday in the EFL Cup, said he will look to move into an apartment in Manchester, if he's able to find one that he likes.

“Maybe if I can get a good apartment, with a good connection from the garage to the apartment, maybe I do it, but I can’t cook,” the Special One said,

“But I have my apps and I can ask for food to also be delivered, which I do sometimes.
“You know the history of the paparazzi, for the hotel and the brand that sponsors me, the clothes brand, is amazing because they are there every day.

"Everybody knows the name of the hotel! Everybody knows the last arrivals of that brand! So for them, it is amazing.”

BRAZIL FOOTBALL LEGEND, CARLOS IS DEAD.

Former Brazil captain --Carlos Alberto dies at 72.

The 1970 World Cup winning captain died after suffering a heart attack in Rio de Janeiro.

Alberto won 53 caps for Brazil and played for Santos, Fluminense, Flamengo and New York Cosmos in a 20-year career before he became a coach.

FULL TIME AT THE OLYMPIC STADIUM (EFL CUP) ... WEST HAM -2-1- CHELSEA.

WEST HAM -2-1- CHELSEA.

Kouyate 11', Fernandes 48'.

Cahill 90+.

FULL TIME AT OLD OLD TRAFFORD (EFL CUP) ... MAN UTD -1-0- MAN CITY.

MANCHESTER UNITED -1-0- MANCHESTER CITY.

Mata 54'.