Blasphemy! Seven clubs lock horns for the title after sir Alex Ferguson's retirement!

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FC Bayern striker joins Arsenal
Volland capture shows intent to build long-term​
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Kevin is a definite upgrade in Arsenal attack​
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By Alan Smith
10:21AM GMT 4 Jan 2017

Arsenal have announced the transfer of striker Kevin Volland (24) from FC Bayern. The fee is reported to be around 15.0 million pounds. Volland is a quick, strong forward with bags of creativity and can be employed in any attacking midfield position. He spent the past three and a half seasons with the German giants, scoring 36 league goals in 87 appearances. He also lifted the Club World Championship and the European Super Cup in 2013.

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Volland becomes a Gunner
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Kevin Volland transfer verdict: 8.5/10 - once labeled one of the best striker prospects around, Kevin has gone on to live up to the early promise and the Arsenal fans are right to feel excited about his arrival.
 
English Title Contenders Cup Watch

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Third Round

Saturday 7th January 2017:

Burton - Newcastle 0-3
Cabaye (52), Baines (79), Depay (90+1)
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Arsenal - Bolton 2-0
Bernard (62), Cavani (76)
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Blackburn - Middlesbrough 4-2
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Sterling (19), Ince (44), Lukaku (65, 69); Grabban (16), Oduamadi (43)
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Chelsea - Kidderminster 7-1
Shaqiri (13), Hazard (14, 35), Lewandowski (18, 26), Daniels o.g. (62), Fabregas (84); Burnyeat (65)
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Manchester United - Barnsley 4-0
Henriquez (8), Hamsik (54, 79), Bale (88)
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Sunday 8th January 2017:

Cardiff - Manchester City 1-3
Fletcher (76); Aguero (31), Pedro (41), Modric (65)
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English Title Contenders Cup Watch

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Fourth Round Draw

Southampton - Newcastle
Manchester City - Torquay
Manchester United - Coventry
West Ham - Chelsea
Leeds - Arsenal
Watford - Blackburn​
 
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Chelsea sign promising defender Rabanera
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By Ray Wilkins | Last Updated: January 8, 2017 9:55pm
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Spain U21 international arrives at Stamford Bridge
Promising defender one for the future, says Ray Wilkins.

Chelsea have wrapped up the signing of Spain U21 international defender Jose Ricardo Rabanera (17) from Sevilla for a 5.0 million pounds fee. Sky Sports understands Jose has been a target for a number of high-profile English clubs including Manchester City and Arsenal and manager Jose Mourinho played a key part in convincing the youngster his future lies at Stamford Bridge. Rabanera will have to wait for first team football with the Blues though and a loan out to Wigan has already been discussed.

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Rabanera hopes for Chelsea future
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Jose Ricardo Rabanera transfer verdict: 6.0/10 - while it is too early to judge the player, it is always good to see Chelsea beat direct title rivals in the race to sign someone.
 
Walcott leaves Arsenal
Volland arrival spells the end for Theo​
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Sol Campbell
The Guardian, Monday 9 January 2017
Arsenal have agreed to sell explosive winger Theo Walcott (27) to Leeds in exchange of a 33.0 million pounds fee. The recent arrival of Kevin Volland allowed the Gunners to cash in after the Whites came in with a massive bid although the sale of Theo is unlikely to be a popular one with the fans who have already flooded the social media with opinions the winger had a lot more to offer and selling him was a mistake.

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Walcott leaves Gunners
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Such emotional rants seem to have little factual backing though as Walcott has struggled to hold down a regular starting place over the past three and a half years, always fighting off injuries. He only managed 41 starts during those and while his talent is beyond any doubt perhaps the Gunners need someone who they can rely on all the time and not just as a bit-part player.​

Theo Walcott transfer verdict: 6.5/10 - the transfer makes financial sense and while everybody will be wishing Walcott to get rid of those constant injuries with Leeds, it is a relief to know we won't be sweating over his fitness anymore.
 
Commanding center back leaves Spurs for Blackburn
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By Kevin Gallacher.........i-iii..--.......11:21 PM Monday 9th January 2017 in Sport
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Blackburn have snapped up yet another Tottenham commanding center back this season after officially announcing the capture of Jan Vertonghen (29). The Belgium international reportedly cost 14.25 million pounds and already expressed his excitement over the move with Rovers' ambition to go places the decisive factor in his decision to leave underperforming Spurs.

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Rovers' brand new defender​

Vertonghen boasts massive experience having represented his country on 70 occasions. He spent four and a half seasons with Tottenham and has been doing very well in the current campaign but the financial trouble at White Hart Lane eventually lead to him demanding a move.

Jan Vertonghen transfer verdict: 8.0/10 - the experienced defender is a certain upgrade despite his age and can give Rovers at least two or three seasons of top football.
 
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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Tony

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.

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This week he takes on British Labour Party politician and Newcastle fan Tony Blair, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007. On the day Blair resigned as Prime Minister, he was appointed the official Envoy of the Quartet of the Middle East. In May 2008, Blair launched his Tony Blair Faith Foundation which drew criticism from media and various academic and religious circles.

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Lawro vs Newcastle fan Tony Blair

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A correct result is worth ONE point. A correct score earns THREE points.

Newcastle - Tottenham
Tony Blair: We should win this with ease. 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: I also don't think the Magpies will have trouble against Spurs - 2-0.

Q.P.R. - Blackburn
Tony Blair: This can produce a surprise. 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: I think Rovers will win this one. 1-3.

Arsenal - Fulham
Tony Blair: It is a derby but Arsenal should win. 2-1.
Mark Lawrenson: The Cottagers might pick themselves up for this game but the Gunners are just too good for them - 3-0.

Manchester City - Everton
Tony Blair: Easy home win is my guess. 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: Sadly with the current gulf in class the Toffees will only fight to keep the scoreline at respectable figures. 4-1.

Swansea - Manchester United
Tony Blair: I'll go for a shock result in this one. 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: Can't see how the Red Devils will not win this. 1-3.

West Ham - Chelsea
Tony Blair: Another derby but I'll back the Blues. 1-3.
Mark Lawrenson: This will be a great match to watch and I expect many goals. 2-3.

Last week, Lawro got two results right, with no perfect scores. His score of 2 was not good enough to match the predictions of Chelsea fan sir Michael Caine, who scored 4, managing two correct results with one perfect score.

Total scores after Week Twenty
Lawro: 84
Guests: 76
 
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Premier League
Round 21

Tuesday 10th January 2017:​

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Q.P.R. - Blackburn 0-2
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Insigne (55, 90+4)​
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Wednesday 11th January 2017:

Newcastle - Tottenham 2-0​
Grimm (3), Suarez (24)​
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Swansea - Manchester United 1-2
Campbell (59); Icardi (35), Kagawa (45+1)​
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Arsenal - Fulham 2-1
Volland (47), Cavani (63); Rhodes (17)
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Manchester City - Everton 2-0
Messi (24), Ronaldo (82)
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West Ham - Chelsea 2-3
Vellios (33), *** (37); Hazard (8), Neymar (72, 90+5)
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League Table:

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Rovers sign Dutch midfield playmaker
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By Kevin Gallacher.........i-iii..--.......11:25 PM Friday 13th January 2017 in Sport
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Blackburn have announced the signing of midfield playmaker Tonny Trindade de Vilhena (22) from Feyenoord for a 7.5 million pounds fee. The U21 international is predominantly an attacking midfielder and already has managed 4 goals and 7 assists in 29 games this season which is his best ever since the start of his career with Feyenoord.

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Tonny promises creativity for Rovers​

Tonny Trindade de Vilhena transfer verdict: 8.0/10 - the young playmaker can certainly add something to the first team and his lowly price makes him a great bargain signing.
 
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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Dido

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.

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This week he takes on British singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan Dido. Dido attained international success with her debut album No Angel which sold 21 million copies worldwide and won various awards. Dido's first two albums are among the best selling albums in UK Chart history. She was nominated for an Academy Award for the song "If I Rise". Dido was ranked No. 98 on the Billboard chart of the top 200 artists in the 2000s.

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Lawro vs Arsenal fan Dido

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A correct result is worth ONE point. A correct score earns THREE points.

Newcastle - Stoke
Dido: The Magpies should win this easily. 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: I'll go for a shock result in this one as I feel Stoke are pretty decent - 1-1.

Arsenal - Chelsea
Dido: I just must back the lads for a win in this big game. 3-2.
Mark Lawrenson: I think the Blues will prevail but it will be a very tough match - 2-3.

Q.P.R. - Manchester United
Dido: Let's go for an upset here. 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: The Red Devils have more than enough quality to win this match and I expect them to do so. 0-3.

Manchester City - Leeds
Dido: The Citizens might find this one harder than they thought. 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: While Leeds have been impressive I still think Man City will win. 2-1.

Blackburn - Tottenham
Dido: Spurs will struggle again. 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: This is a match between two very even sides and I can see it ending with a draw - 1-1.

Last week, Lawro got six results right, with two perfect scores. His score of 10 was way too good for the predictions of Newcastle fan Tony Blair, who scored 6, managing four correct results with one perfect score.

Total scores after Week Twenty One
Lawro: 94
Guests: 82
 
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Premier League
Round 22

Saturday 14th January 2017:

Arsenal - Chelsea 4-0​
Aubameyang (37, 40, 78, 80)
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Q.P.R. - Manchester United 1-2
O'Neil (4); Bale (5, 18)
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Sunday 15th January 2017:

Newcastle - Stoke 1-0
Balotelli (65)
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Manchester City - Leeds 2-0
Modric (13), Messi (90+1)
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Monday 16th January 2017:

Blackburn - Tottenham 3-1
Lukaku (10, 21), Lallana (85); Schneiderlin o.g. (72)
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League Table:

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Gary Lineker: Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for our thoughts on the 2016/17 Premier League season! It seems the race will be as tight as ever this time around and as we all know it is those direct 6-pointer clashes that play a decisive part in deciding who will fly and who will fall. For this reason we will be focusing solely on those giant games in Match of the Day. Stay with us as Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer aid me on analyzing the key aspects of what happened and why it happened for you!

Arsenal - Chelsea
4-0
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Gary Lineker: Arsenal entertained Chelsea at the Emirates hoping to cut the six-point gap between the two clubs as well as stay in the top four while the visitors needed a win to keep pressure on leaders Newcastle. It was the Gunners who dealt a crushing blow near the end of the first half as a double from Aubameyang gave them a comfortable half time lead. The same scenario repeated after the break and Aubameyang scored two more quick goals late in the second half to wrap up perhaps the most impressive win for Arsenal which will probably also go down as one of the shock results this season!
Alan Hansen: I thought Chelsea showed everything a title contender should not do in this match - they resigned to patient football, obviously hoping to seal a win in the second half but were unable to cope with the explosive Gunners attack. The Gunners were flying and managed more shots on target than the visitors had overall! On top of it the Blues didn't manage to register a single shot on target so whatever Mourinho has to say about the game he will know his team were simply played off the park.
Alan Shearer: Of course we can't look past Aubameyang for the PoM award after he scored all the four goals. I will also highlight a number of Arsenal players who performed very well - Ramsey, Clichy, De Sciglio and Nkoulou were pure class and Sirigu, Pique, Wanyama and Wilshere were very solid. On the contrary, Courtois, Ramos and Hazard were simply horrific.
Gary Lineker: Chelsea remain second despite this heavy loss but are now 5 points behind Newcastle having also played a game more and if results don't go their way can also drop out of the top four! No such worries for Arsenal who are just three behind Chelsea now and also have a game in hand. The Gunners are also eight points behind the top and can still mount a title challenge.
 

Steve McClaren has been fired by Derby County president John Lenagan. Steve McClaren and Derby County are reported to have parted company following the club's recent takeover. McClaren's Rams team lifted the Sky Bet Championship in 2016. Derby are currently lying in 18th place in the English Premier League having lost three of their last five league games.

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McClaren becomes first managerial casualty​

Odds for next Derby County manager:
5-2 Carlos Queiroz (unemployed)
3-1 Andre Villas-Boas (unemployed)
6-1 Roberto Mancini (Galatasaray)

Odds for next manager to get the sack:
5-4 Brendan Rodgers (Bolton)
5-4 Dave Jones (West Ham)
16-1 Malky Mackay (Everton)
 

Derby County have today unveiled Carlos Queiroz as the person to replace Steve McClaren at Pride Park. Queroz brings a wealth of football experience with him and his arrival at the club will hopefully signal some promising times ahead for the Derby fans.

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Derby turn to Quieroz​

In addition to Derby County, Queiroz has also had non-playing roles with Iran, Real Madrid, Manchester United, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.
 
English Title Contenders Cup Watch

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Fourth Round

Saturday 21st January 2017:

Manchester City - Torquay 3-0
Ronaldo (3, 45), Messi (37)
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Southampton - Newcastle 2-4​
Osvaldo (53, 64); Remy (21, 24), Donovan (26, 40), Cabaye sent off (72)
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West Ham - Chelsea 0-3
Mata (7), Hazard (50), Lewandowski (55)
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Leeds - Arsenal 1-0​
Weiss (21)
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Sunday 22nd January 2017:​

Manchester United - Coventry 4-1
Verratti (8), Di Maria (11), Henriquez (19), Bale (73); Alba o.g. (26)
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Watford - Blackburn 0-2
Daniels o.g. (15), Chicksen (24)
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KevinHann said:
Southampton - Newcastle 2-4​
Osvaldo (53, 64); Remy (21, 24), Donovan (26, 40), Cabaye sent off (72)​
Click to expand...

Don't know if this was the fastest red card off the bench but it is certainly one of the most stupid I've seen! Thank Lord we didn't get punished for it...
 
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