Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (centre) and his players - including James Milner and Roberto Firmino (left) were back at the training ground today after last night's League Cup semi-final defeat against Southampton. Their season suddenly stands on a knife-edge. Here, Sportsmail take a look at five key questions facing Klopp in this defining period.
Liverpool weigh up move for £17m Real Betis left-back Durmisi as Klopp targets defensive reinforcements
SIMON JONES - TRANSFER COLUMN: Liverpool scouts have checked on Danish international left-back Riza Durmisi. The position is still a problem for Liverpool despite the excellent efforts of James Milner in the role this season. Durmisi plays for Real Betis and has a buy out clause set at £17million after signing from Brondby last summer.
From the 'Black Box' that locates players to their flawless hunt for the inevitable new boss, here's how Southampton have built foundations for success
The tie was not supposed to go their way, but Southampton have made a habit of defying expectations. On Wednesday they secured a slot in the EFL Cup final by beating Liverpool.
DO NOT TACKLE: Wenger's incredible warning to Arsenal bad boy Xhaka after £35m man's second red card of season
Xhaka has struggled with disciplinary problems throughout his career and was sent off for the second time this season during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
Morgan's swashbuckling half-century leads England to seven-wicket romp over India in first Twenty20 clash
PAUL NEWMAN IN KANPUR: Eoin Morgan led England to an emphatic victory over India in the first Twenty20 international here as he smashed four sixes in a half century.
LIVE: Transfer news - keep track of latest deals as clubs scramble to sign players
The transfer window is due to slam shut in the next few days, closing with it the opportunity for Premier League clubs to strengthen ahead of the season's run-in. Sportsmail will bring you all the latest transfer news.
Sturridge's grand decline: How Liverpool striker is playing less, scoring less and wasting more chances
Once one of the most feared strikers in world football, Daniel Sturridge has largely been consigned to a bit part role under Jurgen Klopp during the first half of the campaign.
TACKLE KEOWN: I'm not sure Liverpool know what they are doing... and Aguero needs to be ruthless like Costa
Sportsmail columnist Martin Keown returned to answer more of your questions as we look ahead to the weekend's FA Cup fourth round action. Liverpool's dismal form was on the agenda.
MARTIN SAMUEL: Leicester's title was no fluke - show Ranieri some respect
5 POINTS: Why no one gets lucky over 38 games. And on a snap decision that had to be made over whether Ryan Mason’s circumstances overrode a straightforward football report.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN... MARCH OF THE GOLDEN OLDIES
Federer closes in on his greatest chapter as he holds nerve to beat Wawrinka in five-set thriller and reach Australian Open final
MIKE DICKSON IN MELBOURNE: Roger Federer stands on the brink of arguably his greatest achievement after making the final of the Australian Open. The 35-year-old (watched by his wife Mirka, left, wearing a roaring tiger jumper) reached deep to beat Stan Wawrinka 7-5 6-3 1-6 4-6 6-3 and put himself one win away from an 18th Grand Slam title. On Sunday, he will play the winner of tomorrow's clash between Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov.
It's Serena vs Venus! Incredible sisters set up fairytale final... 19 YEARS after they first faced each other in Grand Slam in Melbourne
MIKE DICKSON: The throwback Grand Slam continues with its retro feel and the extraordinary prospect of a women’s final between the thirtysomething Williams sisters. The remarkable siblings have set up what will be their first Major final since Wimbledon 2009 at the ripe of old age of 35 and 36 by coming through their semi-finals at the Australian Open. Before Roger Federer had stepped on court for his last four match against compatriot Stan Wawrinka, the Williams family had reasserted the kind of monopoly that everyone thought was a thing of the past.
Federer revels in 'beautiful' route to final after five-set thriller with Wawrinka
Roger Federer has reflected on his 'beautiful' yet improbable route to the final of the Australian Open, admitting he never imagined reaching Sunday's showdown this time around in Melbourne.
How Wawrinka went through the wringer in his five-set epic with Federer
Wawrinka gave absolutely everything over three hours and five minutes of Melbourne slog yet still fell agonisingly short of a fourth Grand Slam title against a man four years his senior.
Venus books place in final for first time since 2003 after beating Coco
Venus Williams turned back the clock by beating fellow American Coco Vandeweghe at the Australian Open to reach her first grand slam final in eight years.
Serena sets up dream final with dominant win against Lucic-Baroni
Serena Williams brought an end to Mirjana Lucic-Baroni's fairytale with an emphatic 6-2 6-1 victory, which ensures the siblings will meet for a ninth major final and their first since Wimbledon in 2009.
Barcelona eyeing Mina and AC Milan want Ocampos... the biggest January deals being discussed around Europe
With five days left until the January transfer window closes, some of Europe's top clubs are still looking to complete business to set them up for the rest of the season. While much of the big money circulates around the Premier League, plenty of other sides have cash to invest and needs to fulfil — including the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Sevilla. Here, Sportsmail identifies some of the biggest mooted moves that are attracting interest on the continent.
Southampton hero Long shows off tattoo of prayer his father used to tell him as a child after win at Anfield
Some might say Southampton, with their backs against the wall at Anfield, needed a little divine inspiration to edge past Liverpool and into the EFL Cup final. For Shane Long, their goalscorer, that would be pretty much spot on. At the full-time whistle, Long removed his shirt to reveal a striking tattoo - the first two verses of the 'Prayer to the Infant Jesus'.
Southampton next in line for Chinese investment as group tells stock exchange it has signed deal
Chinese company Lander Sports announced in a statement to the Shenzhen stock exchange on Thursday that an agreement has been signed with Southampton's owner Katharina Liebherr.
Birthday boy Mourinho can draw first blood in battle with the super bosses by winning his fourth League Cup
A strange competition full of those pesky unwanted distractions and fixture pile ups, Jose Mourinho will be hoping it actually provides him yet another platform from which to build.
Sturridge is not the same player as when he arrived at Liverpool, says Carragher after Liverpool crash out of the cup
Daniel Sturridge has lost some of his edge and is not the same player that arrived at Liverpool in 2013, according to his former team-mate Jamie Carragher, after the Reds' EFL Cup defeat.
'The footballing gods were with me': Forster thrilled to atone for his blunder with wonder save as Saints celebrate in dressing room
Fraser Forster thanked 'the gods of football' after his wonder save propelled Southampton to their first major final in 14 years. Claude Puel's side will take on Manchester United or Hull City at Wembley.
Liverpool's night to forget: Klopp's side fail in bid to reach final as Forster's stunning save and Long's winner send Saints to Wembley
MARTIN SAMUEL AT ANFIELD: This was a magnificent night of resilience for Southampton who will now meet Manchester United or Hull to decide the first trophy of the 2016-17 season.
'Real Madrid wanted me... maybe I should have gone': He made his Champions League debut at 17 but now McEachran is going back to Stamford Bridge with Brentford
INTERVIEW BY ADAM CRAFTON: It is seven years since England defeated France in the semi-finals of the Under 17 European Championship. For France, a young, gangly Paul Pogba bestrode midfield. Pogba’s direct opponents were Josh McEachran and Ross Barkley. Pogba is now a global superstar. For McEachran, it is an awkward comparison, brought into sharper focus as we meet in a Portakabin at Brentford’s Osterley training ground
Club No 11 for Eto'o as legend agrees deal with Russian outfit Amkar
NEW Samuel Eto'o looks set to extend his stay in the professional game after joining Russian Premier League side FC Amkar on a short-term deal. The 35-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee from Antalyaspor, bringing an end to an 18-month spell with the Turkish club and sees him join the 11th different club of his professional career. It will be the second time Eto'o has played in the Russian top flight after his three-year spell with Anzhi Makhachkala between 2011 and 2014, where he was a star attraction for a side backed by oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
Lamela to return to Spurs as Pochettino summons star for further assessments
Erik Lamela will rejoin his Tottenham team-mates after Mauricio Pochettino ended his mysterious recovery spell from a hip problem in Rome when no remaining injury was revealed by a scan.
Spurs step closer to breaking Premier League crowd record with plan to have 90,000 at Wembley for every game
Wembley Stadium chiefs have requested permission to host 31 more full-capacity events next season in a bid to allow Tottenham to play their full fixture calendar in front of 90,000 fans.
Trump trolled by Dortmund with dig about their famous 'Yellow Wall'
Borussia Dortmund have trolled United States president Donald Trump with a humorous tweet about their own 'Yellow Wall'. Trump want to build a barrier on the border with Mexico.
West Ham boss Bilic in hospital after aggressive bout of flu
Slaven Bilic felt unwell before and during the Middlesbrough match and went to hospital the next morning. He stayed in under observation until Tuesday and is now recovering at home.
Manchester City chiefs travel to China to film new reality TV series
Manchester City are featuring in a new show titled Football Mania, where tens of young players from the Far East are pitted against each other to form a new team.
Las Vegas glitz won't faze Frampton as he seeks to conquer Santa Cruz again
Carl Frampton is staying in one of the Sky Lofts, the jewels in the crown of the MGM Grand Hotel which glitters over the Las Vegas Strip like a gigantic emerald. When the Ulsterman, who goes by the nickname The Jackal, crosses the private foyer the bell boys, receptionists, duty managers and concierge stand promptly to attention. As the express elevator arrives at his palatial apartment he is welcomed by a personal butler waiting on his every need.
Joshua attends opening of his state-of-the-art boxing gym in London
Anthony Joshua attended the launch of the state-of-the-art boxing gym which he has invested in on Wednesday. The 27-year-old heavyweight boxer is on the membership committee of BXR London in Marylebone, along with the likes of DJ and producer Mark Ronson, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and Victoria Secrets models Sara Sampaio and Maryna Linchuk. Joshua was pictured addressing the guests in attendance while in the boxing ring, and he also posed for a snap with model Xenia Tchoumi.
Santa Cruz eyes third bout of Frampton trilogy if Mexican can win back world featherweight title in Las Vegas
JEFF POWELL IN LAS VEGAS: Leo Santa Cruz will offer Carl Frampton a spring rematch in Belfast if he gains revenge on Saturday night for the loss to the Jackal of his world featherweight title.
ITV to retain live coverage of England's qualifiers until 2022 while Sky Sports win rights to show friendlies after World Cup
ITV, which currently has a deal that runs until the end of next summer's World Cup, announced on Thursday it will screen all of England's qualifiers and any friendlies before the two competitions.
AFCON scouting report: The stars that could earn moves to Premier League
JONNY SINGER IN GABON: Eric Bailly, now of Manchester United, and Didier N’Dong, both emerged as stars at the 2015 AFCON before going on to move to the Premier League.
Ahead of AFCON quarter-finals, how do the teams stack up?
The first round saw hosts Gabon, as well as two of the tournament favourites, Ivory Coast and Algeria, eliminated, which leaves the competition extremely open. But who will progress in Gabon?
Meet Aberdeen's new signing... who has to apologise after tweeting: 'I hate Aberdeen'
New Aberdeen signing Ryan Christie has vowed to win over supporters as he apologised for an anti-Dons outburst from his younger years. The 21-year-old closed down his Twitter account soon after joining Aberdeen on loan from Celtic on Tuesday night, after a foul-mouthed tweet emerged from 2012.
Aston Villa complete deal for Barnsley midfielder Hourihane in £3m swoop
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane with the selling club claiming it was for a 'significant fee' and included a sell-on clause. Steve Bruce has been busy in the January transfer window with Hourihane becoming the fifth addition after Sam Johnstone, Henri Lansbury, James Bree and Birkir Bjarnason. 'I'm really pleased to be here,' he told the club's website. 'Aston Villa are a massive club and I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my career and developing further as a player under Steve Bruce.
Chelsea's Ivanovic in talks with Zenit St Petersburg and free transfer could be sealed this weekend
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is in talks over a move to Zenit St Petersburg. The 32-year-old will be allowed to leave on a free transfer and the deal could be completed this weekend.
Liverpool are no different to any other club — if Barcelona or Real Madrid want Coutinho, he's going, insists Carragher
Liverpool are still liable to lose Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, despite the Brazilian signing a new deal at Anfield, according to Jamie Carragher, who belives the lure of Spain's top clubs is too strong.
Young's Manchester United future in doubt after he is left out of squad for EFL Cup semi-final
Jose Mourinho had confirmed on Wednesday that he had no injury problems for the game with only defender Eric Bailly absent as he returns from the African Cup of Nations.
Chapecoense crash victims remembered ahead of Brazil friendly as surviving players take to pitch and 71 balloons are released
The 71 people who lost their lives in the Chapecoense air disaster were remembered on Wednesday night as Brazil played Colombia in a friendly in Rio de Janeiro. Seventy-one balloons were released in remembrance of those who perished while the survivors of the crash were also present at a ceremony before the game at the Olympic Stadium in Rio. Chapecoense goalkeeper Jackson Folmann, Alan Ruschel, Neto and journalist Rafael Hernandez all attended the game and received a warm welcome.
United legend Evra joins Marseille from Juventus on 18-month deal
Patrice Evra's time in Italy is over after the Juventus man agreed a deal to return to France with Marseille. The former Manchester United defender has agreed terms to join the Ligue 1 side until the end of the 2017-18 season. The 35-year-old defender joined Juve in 2014 and has two Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles and a Suppercoppa Italia in 2015.
Palace boss Allardyce revives interest in Olympiakos midfielder Milivojevic
Crystal Palace have revived their interest in Olympiakos Luka Milivojevic. Manager Sam Allardyce is jumping between targets for the defensive midfield role he wants to fill before the transfer window closes.
Wenger claims Xhaka 'completely denies' allegations he racially abused British Airways worker at Heathrow
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Granit Xhaka denied allegations he racially abused a British Airways employee at Heathrow Airport when the pair discussed the incident this week.
Boro star Ramirez hands in transfer request amid interest from Leicester
The Uruguayan has handed in a transfer request at the Riverside, and is determined to force through a move to the Premier League champions before the end of the transfer window.
Ronaldo finally scores a free-kick but Real Madrid go crashing out of Copa del Rey
CELTA VIGO 2-2 REAL MADRID (agg: 4-3) - PETE JENSON: Real Madrid suffered a shock Copa del Rey quarter-final exit as Danilo's own goal and a late Daniel Wass strike sealed Celta Vigo's spot in the last four. The hosts went ahead on the stroke of half time as John Guidetti's shot came off Madrid defender Danilo and into the net to take a 3-1 lead on aggregate. But Real were knocking on the door and got their reward when Ronaldo netted a sensational free-kick, whipping the ball over the wall and low into the corner of the net.
PSG confirm signing of Manchester United target and 'next Ronaldo' for £21m
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the £21million signing of Manchester United target Goncalo Guedes. Guedes has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the French giants, while Benfica could benefit to the tune of another £6m if the winger leaves the Parc des Princes. It represents the second major piece of business by PSG during the January window after they snapped up Julian Draxler from Wolfsburg.
Ranieri insists he has no issue with Ulloa after agent called Leicester boss a liar
NEW Leonardo Ulloa has handed in a transfer request after starting just one Premier League game this season and his representative Horacio Rossi went public with his anger.
McCarthy attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Newcastle as out-of-favour midfielder considers January options
The out-of-favour midfielder has played eight times in the league so far this season, but the arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin this month leaves him with limited opportunities.
Millwall will STAY in London after Lewisham council abandons plans to forcibly buy land around stadium
Millwall’s future at the New Den looks to have been protected after Lewisham mayor Sir Steve Bullock abandoned compulsory purchase order plans following fierce public pressure.
Betrayal of a true English hero: A tiny man, he was a giant of our 1966 World Cup winning team... but the way Nobby Stiles has been treated by the sport he loves speaks volumes about modern football
Former England midfielder Nobby Stiles (left), a mainstay in the 1966 World Cup winning side (right), is now suffering from Alzheimer's and vascular dementia that has left him only able to recognise close family. The ex-Manchester United player is often regarded as someone who 'exemplified all that was admirable about English football' but his family are demanding more from the FA to investigate the increasingly apparent correlation between football and degenerative brain disease. Stiles has even had to auction his medals (inset) off to ensure his family are provided for after his death, earning £400,000 from the sale.
Hamilton's need for speed goes on in F1 off season as three-time champion shows off his snowboarding skills
Lewis Hamilton is used to staying ice cool in stressful situations, and the Formula One star has once again showed off his ability under pressure with an impressive snowboarding video.
REVEALED: What Mourinho's state-of-the-art 'miracle room' at Manchester United's training ground looks like
MIKE KEEGAN: This is the technology Jose Mourinho uses in his 'miracle room' as he seeks to restore the glory days to Manchester United. It uses the latest Silicon Valley technology.
Woods cuts through hype of return to PGA Tour and targets victory
Given his 17-month absence from the PGA Tour, it's perhaps not surprising nervousness and hyperbole are stalking the fairways as Tiger Woods makes his return in San Diego on Thursday.
British Cycling chiefs hire spin doctor with crisis set to depeen after 'damning' independent review
MATT LAWTON: British Cycling are bracing themselves for a deepening of the current crisis with the publication of an independent UK Sport report that insiders say is ‘damning’.
STARS OF SPORT
- As glum Liverpool stars get back to the drawing board with season in danger of unravelling, the key questions facing Klopp One win in seven in 2017
- Boxing clever! Joshua attends opening of state-of-the-art gym in London The 27-year-old heavyweight boxer has invested in project
- Las Vegas glitz won't faze Frampton as he seeks to conquer Santa Cruz for second time Appeared in MGM Grand Hotel casino for open workout
- PSG confirm signing of Manchester United target and 'next Ronaldo' for £21m Goncalo Guedes has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal
- Hamilton shares snowboarding video as he hits the slopes during F1 off-season Lewis Hamilton is used to staying ice cool in stressful situations
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MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Long shows off tattoo of prayer his father used to tell him as a child after win at Anfield On the left-hand side of his chest, Long has nine lines of the prayer
- 'Real Madrid wanted me... maybe I should have gone': McEachran opens on Chelsea spell He faces former team Chelsea with Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday
- Happy to be heading back, Aubameyang? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked in good spirits as he headed back to Germany on Wednesday
- West Ham new boy Fonte trains for first time as rebel Payet misses session again Jose Fonte appeared for the first time after arriving from Southampton
- Mourinho reveals new haircut as Manchester United prepare for second leg of EFL Cup semi-final with Hull New buzz cut for United manager
- Come and meet our Son! Tottenham stars bring South Korean fan back to their hotel in Barcelona to meet idol Waited outside his door to surprise him
- 'This is a big statement': Klopp hails Coutinho deal as Liverpool smash wage record to hand star £200,000-a-week Committed future to club
- Arsenal squad enjoy evening out following heroics against Burnley... but where is star man Mesut Ozil? The Gunners enjoyed an evening meal together
- But the morning after didn't go well! Ramsey left deflated as he shares picture of flat tyre on £200,000 sports car Mercedes SLS was out of action
- Everton bring in German starlet Donkor on loan from Wolsfburg Anton Donkor will link up with David Unsworth's Under 23 academy stars
- Chelsea stars also dined out as Costa joined table-toppers for team dinner ahead of match against Brentford Marcos Alonso posted a group photo with his team-mates on Tuesday
- Tottenham stars enjoy fun in the Barcelona sun after they sweat it out in tough training session Dele Alli and Co have been working hard and playing hard in Spain
- Former rivals Ballack and Ferdinand join forces for Star Sixes Host of stars including Roberto Carlos and Michael Owen will play in tournament at the O2
- Chelsea legend Joe Cole on how he knew Hazard would be a world beater at Lille... And racing Roman Abramovich to the title celebrations hungover
- England rugby squad head to Portugal for some winter sun as Eddie Jones puts squad through their paces Ahead of Six Nations opener against France
-
Pepe as Hannibal Lecter? That's fine! Real's £5.2m compensation claim rejected as court rules film was not slanderChianti with that news?
- Senegal goalkeeper takes time-wasting to a new level as he comically trips over his own feet Sparked anger but no card from referee
- Jo-zzzzz-e Mourinho! Manchester United boss catches up on his sleep as he is driven into training ahead of cup semi-final Tired manager
- FORE! Arsenal and Chelsea youngsters Iwobi and Aina enjoy night out at Top Golf... and reveal terrible swings Appalling play by pair
- West Ham rebel ayet looks happy to be training with the reserves as Marseille weigh up a fourth bid Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham
- He's have the shirt off your back! Lewandowski shows off his juggling skills as Bayern striker freestyles during training session More than a goalscorer
- Sunderland sign Lescott on free transfer until end of the season (but he last played 114 days ago in Greece) David Moyes has turned to Joleon Lescott
- Real prepare for Copa del Rey trip to Celta Vigo with high-intensity ball work session as Ronaldo and Co bid to overturn first-leg deficit Eye on the ball now lads
- Messi splashes out on £430 bottle of wine for his mum's 57th birthday celebrations Vega-Sicilia Unico is considered to be Spain's greatest vintage
- Sterling's new pad! City star splashes out £3.1m on leafy family home in village The luxury five-acre home has a pond and TRIPLE garage
- Klopp puts Liverpool stars through their defensive paces The manager wants the team to stop conceding silly goals after their defeat by Swansea
- 'Life is tough, my darling, but so are you': Emotional message from Mason's fiancee as he continues recovery His family thanked the football community
- Spurs hold winter training in Barcelona as they hope change of routine helps Premier League push Mauricio Pochettino took them to Spain
- Deulofeu finally joins Milan! Everton winger holds up famous red and black shirt as both clubs confirm loan move He is looking for first-team football in Milan
- Chelsea hero Frank Lampard enjoys night out with wife Christine Bleakley a day after watching City's pulsating Spurs draw Relaxed stars
- United stars feeling the cold at Carrington as Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Co return to training after Stoke draw There was no rest for Jose Mourinho's stars
- Alli's surprise over drug test and a young mascot asks Kane: 'What do you think of Tottenham?' Tunnel cam footage from Manchester City
- Buen provecho! Spurs stars dine out in Barcelona following comeback heroics against City Mauricio Pochettino's men at winter training camp
- Mayweather shows off stunning artwork tribute on Instagram as social media nemesis and father-to-be McGregor poses with partner Will they fight?
- Beckham catches up with ex team-mates as legend returns to PSG Thiago Silva and Co welcomed David Beckham back with open arms
- Portsmouth star Burgess makes most of day off by accepting Twitter invite to help coach Under 12s side Game against Crawley was postponed
- Rooney calls for improved media relations to help England succeed as he picks up Football Writers prize Record-breaker speaks
- Dortmund swoop for Swedish teenager Isak as starlet snubs La Liga giants Real Madrid The 17-year-old has signed a long-term contract
- Matip plays 60 minutes for Liverpool Under 23s after getting green light from FIFA following Africa Cup of Nations row Featured against Ipswich
- Haskell says he wasn't sure he'd ever play again after coming back from six months of injury hell to help Wasps overcome Zebre Targeting Six Nations
- Nike pay tribute to Rooney after United captain becomes club's all-time top scorer Tributes pour in after he lands his 250th goal for the Red Devils
- Bayern Munich stars Ribery and Alaba hit the ski slopes to watch Dave Ryding make British hitory Bundesliga stars see the action
- Cringeworthy canine banners, Olivier Giroud imitations and car-park subbuteo: Six things you missed from Arsenal against Burnley Catch up now
- Tottenham jet off to Barcelona for winter training camp hours after their Etihad draw with Manchester City Pochettino and his squad head to Spain
- Stoke mascot tells boss Hughes he's glad the club didn't sack him and begs Pieters to give him a million pounds! Cheeky fan gives players a laugh before kick-off
- 'Talking of slips...' TV presenter Humphrey jokes with Gerrard in uncomfortable viewing on punditry duty Steven Gerrard took the joke well on BT Sport
- Chapecoense return: First match since air disaster sees revamped team earn a draw Chapecoense drew 2-2 against Brazilian champions Palmeiras
- Rooney's night in front of the TV after breaking record Wayne Rooney's big day ended at home with his wife and kids after hitting United's 250-goal mark
- Arsenal midfielders Iwobi, the Ox and Reine-Adelaide show off their skills with a sockand a dressing room hamper Gunners stars put on a volley good show
- Tevez denies he is the highest paid player in football during unveiling at Shanghai Shenhua Argentine is set to earn £615,000 a week according to reports
- It's back to a tracksuit for Sol: Campbell will ditch the suits and open-neck shirts for a return to football EXCLUSIVE: Campbell is ready to take up coaching
- He's back! Gerrard is all smiles as he returns to Liverpool to coach academy kids and says: 'It completes the circle' Steven Gerrard returns to his former club
- Big Sam broken? Are you having a laugh? Kevin Nolan opens up in exclusive interview He talks through Sam Allardyce, Dimitri Payet and management
- Surprise package: Bournemouth's 5ft 4in wrecking ball is a rising Premier League star But not one person out of 4million Fantasy Football fans picked Ryan Fraser
- Get a grip! Liverpool manager Klopp sends table tennis paddle flying across the room in battle with Firmino and Coutinho Fierce competition
- Guardiola and Aguero meet for late-night talks in Manchester restaurant after arrival of Jesus City star signed a one-year contract extension almost a year ago
- Former United star Giggs celebrates third birthday of his restaurant George's as Butt and Jorgie Porter join the party The power of three
- Leicester star Simpson celebrates birthday with spectacular Premier League trophy cake Will never forget that special day as he celebrates 30th
- Spurs stars get first futuristic glimpse at their new stadium They strapped on VR headsets to be shown where they would be playing their football
- Working De Roon! Middlesbrough star meets supporter Henry Baines, a young Boro supporter, wrote to Marteen de Roon and called him his idol
- Hungry for success? Zlatan and Mkhitaryan dine samba style in Manchester Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan met up for lunch
- Arnautovic stumbles across a fight in a petrol station as Stoke star attends filming of 'Snatch' TV series Spent four hours in the chilly evening
- Arsenal star Iwobi takes the night off as he enjoys Rae Sremmurd gig with model girlfriend Clarisse Juliette Alex Iwobi is going places this season
- Klopp welcome! German manager presented with giant Cornish Pasty He had said he did not know where Plymouth was ahead of FA Cup tie
TRY OUR SPORT QUIZZES
- GOAL CELEBRATIONS: Guess the footballer from a silhouette of his goal celebration
- AFCON 2017 TEAM NICKNAMES: Can you identify the nickames of all 16 sides competing in this year's Africa Cup of Nations?
- PREMIER LEAGUE STADIUMS: Are you able to identify all 20 Premier League stadiums from a single obscure picture?
- CELEBRITY FOOTBALL FANS: Which football team do each of these 20 celebrities support?
- OLD FOOTBALL STRIPS: Can you guess the football team from a shocking old kit of theirs in our entertaining quiz?
- FOOTBALLER HAIRCUTS: Can you identify the footballers from just a picture of their hair?
- FOOTBALLER CAREER PATH: Identify the 20 footballers from a list of every club they played for
- FORMULA ONE: Test your Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg knowledge in our tough quiz before their Formula One title decider
- MANCHESTER UNITED VS ARSENAL RIVALRY: How well do you know the history of Manchester United vs Arsenal?
- PREMIER LEAGUE MASCOTS: See if you can identify all 20 Premier League mascots in our brilliant quiz
- PREMIER LEAGUE SHIRT SPONSORS: How well do you know Premier League shirt sponsors? See if you can identify all 20
- FORGOTTEN PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS: Guess the Premier League clubs managed by these 20 men you may have forgotten
- PREMIER LEAGUE BADGES: How well do you know your Premier League badges? See if you can identify all 20 of the zoomed-in images
FOOTBALL NEWS
Celtic equal Lisbon Lions' 26-game unbeaten run: Boyata nets only goal
CELTIC 1-0 ST JOHNSTONE - STEPHEN McGOWAN AT CELTIC PARK: A team rarely matches lions without baring their fangs. Celtic claimed their slice of history in the end, but this a night when St Johnstone proved a difficult kill. Matching the club's best ever start to a season, Brendan Rodgers and his team equalled the legendary Lisbon Lions with their 26 domestic game unbeaten. Victory over Hearts on Sunday will set another benchmark after a night riddled with them. The Celtic manager marked the 400th appearance of Scott Brown by presenting the club captain a commemorative shirt before kick-off.
Mali head home from AFCON after failing to beat Uganda... but not before causing a splash!
UGANDA 1-1 MALI: Uganda went ahead in the 70th minute when Faruku Miya Faruku Miya scored Uganda's first-ever goal when he lashed a volley into the top corner of the net. Alain Giresse's side equalised three minutes later when Yves Bissouma fired a free kick past the goalkeeper. But the draw was immaterial as Ghana beat Egypt in the other group game. A result which meant both countries went through to the last eight.
Doukara's Yeboah-esque volley helps high-flying Leeds seal sixth straight win at Elland Road
LEEDS UNITED 2-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST - JACK GAUGHAN AT ELLAND ROAD: From the scruffy to the sublime, Leeds United made it six on the bounce at Elland Road. First it was Chris Wood to scramble in an opener on a night they really struggled to exert any true dominance, which had clearly agitated Garry Monk. But that was all forgotten with 15 minutes remaining, Souleymane Doukara blew the roof off this old ground with a stunning volley a certain Tony Yeboah would have been proud of.
Mourinho steers clear of Wenger's misconduct charge as Man United boss prepares for second leg at Hull
Jose Mourinho may have sidestepped the issue on Wednesday, but it is understood that he is watching the outcome of Arsene Wenger's misconduct charge with considerable interest.
Van Dijk to see second specialist over ankle injury as captain praises team-mates after reaching EFL Cup final
Virgil van Dijk is to see another specialist in the coming days as Southampton continue to assess the defender's injury. Saints have yet to confirm the severity of the issue.
Guzan agrees Boro summer exit as keeper signs deal with MLS side Atlanta
The 32-year-old will stay at the Riverside as Aitor Karanka's No 2 goalkeeper until the conclusion of the current Premier League campaign before heading stateside to join Atlanta United.
Silva has mind on Mason: 'The most important is the player and his family, the other things are not important'
Midfielder Mason is currently making 'excellent progress' in St Mary's Hospital in London after surgery on Sunday night to repair his fractured skull, sustained during Hull's defeat at Chelsea.
'Rooney is putting up numbers that nobody has done... but there's always a but': Rio cannot understand criticism
Rooney, already England's top goalscorer, finally surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's United mark with his 250th goal for the club on Saturday. Yet he continues to divide opinion.
England and Scotland drawn together in 2019 Euro Championship qualifying
England and Scotland have been drawn together in the 2019 European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign. Holland, Ukraine, Latvia and Andorra complete the group.
Juventus knock great rivals Milan out to reach Coppa Italia semi-finals
JUVENTUS 2-1 AC MILAN: Holders Juventus remain on course for a third successive final. Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic scored for Juve. Carlos Bacca gave Milan before Manuel Locatelli was sent off.
Chelsea flop Salah slams home free-kick to see Egypt top group ahead of Ghana
JONNY SINGER IN PORT GENTIL: Mohamed Salah booked Egypt's place in the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations with a belting free kick, as the Pharoahs topped group D at the expense of Ghana. Salah's strike lifts his side ahead of the Black Stars and sets up a quarter-final against Morocco here in Port Gentil, while Ghana will travel to play against DR Congo in their quarter-final. Egypt only needed a draw to be sure of progress, but the win, and a third consecutive clean sheet, will raise hopes that they can add to their record seven titles in Gabon.
Atletico Madrid cruise through to Copa del Rey semis with Gimenez and Juanfran on target to complete aggregate victory over Eibar
EIBAR 2-2 ATLETICO MADRID (agg: 2-5): Atletico Madrid's first leg lead proved too much for a spirited Eibar side as Diego Simeone's men advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Chances were few and far between in the first half with Atletico happy to sit back and look after their three-goal advantage.
Former Crystal Palace owner Jordan plotting return to football after rediscovering appetite for the game
CHARLES SALE - SPORTS AGENDA: Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan is ready to return from Spain if an opportunity in English football attracts him.
Southampton make improved £17.5m offer for Napoli striker Gabbiadini
Southampton have made an improved offer for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini of £14million plus £3.5m in add-ons. Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli is expected to negotiate the sale.
West Ham and Burnley both have bids of £10m accepted for Hull star Snodgrass
West Ham have had a £10million bid accepted by Hull City for Robert Snodgrass - just hours after Burnley were given the green light to talk to the winger.
QPR inquire about wantaway Aston Villa star McCormack but may struggle to meet wage demands
QPR have made an enquiry for Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack. The Scotland international is available after manager Steve Bruce criticised his attitude and revealed he had not turned up to train.
Wolves make £13m move for on-loan Benfica winger Costa
Wolves are in talks with Benfica to make loan signing Helder Costa a permanent deal for a fee worth in the region of £13m. The 23-year-old winger has scored nine goals in 28 appearances.
Rodgers warns Chelsea to forget about signing Gordon to replace Begovic
The Celtic and Scotland keeper features on a three man contingency list of potential Stamford Bridge replacements should Asmir Begovic make a £10million switch to Bournemouth.
SIX NATIONS COUNTDOWN
Hartley confirmed as England's captain for Six Nations despite latest discipline issues as captains gather for big launch
Hooker Dylan Hartley skippered England to an unbeaten 2016, which included winning the Six Nations Grand Slam last March, so will be out to repeat those feats this year. Ever the performer, Eddie Jones announced the news in jovial style to Hartley in front of the press, revealing he had not told the man to his left prior to the launch event at the Hurlingham Club on Wednesday afternoon.
EXCLUSIVE: Six Nations hunt £100m sponsor with RBS association ending
NIK SIMON: A £100million world record rugby union sponsorship deal is being sought by organisers of the Six Nations. The proposed six-year contract will begin after this year's tournament.
Jones joins England's injury list but coach brushes off swollen eye and focuses on Six Nations preparations
The mystery over Eddie Jones' injury deepened when pictures emerged of the Australian having treatment to stem the flow of blood at the west London launch on Wednesday.
England v France: Win tickets to Six Nations opener at Twickenham
Mail Online has teamed up with Dove Men+Care to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets to England v France on Saturday, February 4.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Warner and Head propel Australia to victory over Pakistan in final one-dayer in Adelaide
Centurions David Warner and Travis Head marked Australia Day in style with a record-breaking opening stand as the hosts prevailed in an Adelaide run-fest to complete a 4-1 winning margin in their one-day international series against Pakistan. Warner, with a career-best 179, and Head (128) - who hit his maiden ODI hundred, on his home ground - helped Australia pile up 369 for seven after winning the toss. Babar Azam (100) kept Pakistan in with a chance of a consolation victory in a series they had lost in Sydney on Sunday, but Mitchell Starc (four for 42) did enough damage to prevent a successful chase under lights as Australia won by 57 runs.
Bolt STRIPPED of Olympic gold as Jamaican relay team-mate's doping meaning his triple-triple is dead
Usain Bolt is no longer a triple-triple Olympic champion after his Jamaican sprint relay team-mate Nesta Carter was disqualified from the 2008 Games for failing a drugs test.
Woods signs deal to use TaylorMade golf clubs after Nike exit as he prepares for full-time return to sport
Tiger Woods, who is set for his full-time return to competitive golf this week, has announced he will use TaylorMade clubs after Nike’s withdrawl from the golf equipment industry.
Worcester appoint Gold as new director of rugby as Aviva Premiership side continue battle for survival
The former Bath, London Irish and Newcastle boss will join Worcester next Monday. The Warriors said his role will initially be until the end of this season, as they face a battle for Aviva Premiership survival.
RACING
Annie Power ruled out of Cheltenham Festival after picking up leg injury
Nine-year-old Annie Power brought the house down when breaking her Festival duck by becoming the first mare in 22 years to claim the Champion Hurdle at Prestbury Park last March.
Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Thursday, January 26
Sportsmail's racing expert Robin Goodfellow dishes out his tips ahead of Thursday's meetings at Warwick, Southwell and Wolverhampton.
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Ray Wilson is centre stage in English football's most iconic picture. Now he has Alzheimer's. But life with wife Pat is an uplifting, inspirational love story
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY MATT BARLOW: When poised to win his 100th cap, Steven Gerrard said: 'Hero status is given out far too easily. As far as playing for England goes, there are 11 heroes. The rest haven't really delivered.' One of those 11 heroes can be found in the West Riding of Yorkshire, although he would never have been comfortable with the accolade. Not even in the days when the details of 1966 were clear in his mind. At 82, Ray Wilson is the oldest of England's World Cup winners and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2004.
DOMINIC KING: Coutinho is Liverpool's A-List talent... securing him for the long term is a real statement of intent
Liverpool have faced a real struggle to retain their best talents in recent years, but Philippe Coutinho's decision to sign a long-term contract could represent a sea change.
From the Littlewoods Cup to the Rumbelows Cup and beyond, how the competition has evolved through years
The EFL Cup will last just a season. Get ready to cheer your team on in... the Carabao Cup. Sportsmail is here to take you through the many changes made in League Cup history.
Sport's ultimate Wheeler Dealer: Soft handshake, omelette for lunch and a James Bond office... Bernie was a man of simple tastes in world of rock stars
JONATHAN McEVOY: He stands only 5ft 3in, and his voice is barely more than a whisper, but for 40 years the alpha male world of Formula One hung on Bernie Ecclestone's every word.
