A fierce rivalry resumes on Tuesday when Liverpool tackle Chelsea. It's become one of English football's standout fixtures. JAMIE CARRAGHER met his old friend FRANK LAMPARD for an exclusive interview at a central London hotel to discuss the Anfield showdown, past battles and what the future holds.
Wenger handed FOUR-GAME touchline ban and £25,000 fine after Arsenal boss pushed fourth official Taylor
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been handed an four-game touchline ban by the FA for his actions last weekend. The French boss was sent to the stands by referee Jonathan Moss during Sunday's Premier League clash with Burnley after he protested the decision to hand the visitors a penalty. But Wenger reacted badly, refusing to go down the tunnel. When fourth official Anthony Taylor attempted to make him, Wenger seemed to raise his hands and push Taylor.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Beckham will become the eighth football player or manager to appear on Desert Island Discs... but who are the others and which songs did they pick?
ADAM SHERGOLD: The iconic BBC Radio programme Desert Island Discs celebrates its 75th birthday on Sunday and the castaway chosen for this auspicious occasion is the one and only David Beckham. More than 3,000 editions of the programme have been broadcast since it debuted on the BBC Forces Programme on January 29, 1942, with everyone from politicians and musicians to Nobel Prize-winning scientists and film stars selecting the eight discs, book and luxury item they couldn't live without. But remarkably in all that time, just seven football players or managers have starred on the show - Danny Blanchflower, Bill Shankly, Jack Charlton (twice), Trevor Brooking, Bobby Robson (twice), Gary Lineker and Tony Adams.
Avram once told Drogba at Chelsea: 'In your head there are four monkeys, and three chairs. Let's find a fourth chair'… now he is bidding for AFCON glory with Ghana
JONNY SINGER IN GABON: This year marks a decade since Avram Grant was plucked from obscurity to become Chelsea manager, yet the Israeli barely looks any different. Relaxing at the Ghanaian team hotel, having guided his team to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, Grant remains as he ever was - an odd-looking football manager, but one who is always happy to talk, crack jokes, and share his opinions. The stories flow freely, almost without prompting - from being instructed to change out of his blue shirt when he attempted to visit Liverpool training under Bob Paisley, to helping Didier Drogba calm down with a remarkable metaphor: ‘in your head there are four monkeys, and three chairs. Let’s find a fourth chair’.
Scream if you want to go further! Arsenal stars in high spirits as Wenger leads training ahead of Southampton cup clash
Arsenal appeared in high spirits as they underwent a routine training session on Friday morning in preparation for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Southampton. The Gunners travel to St Mary's on Saturday afternoon but are yet to find out if Arsene Wenger will join them with a possible stadium ban from the Football Association looming over him. Wenger has accepted a charge of improper conduct after he was sent from the touchline in last weekend's 2-1 win over Burnley, in which he is understood to have called referee Jon Moss a 'cheat' and pushed fourth official Anthony Taylor.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's American Hustle is much more than just a few games of pool as he takes on America with his cue
EDGE OF THE BOX: Last Sunday, not for the first time, Ronnie O’Sullivan was king of the hill. The sight of the Rocket lifting the Masters trophy in front of an adoring crowd at Alexandra Palace has become a familiar sight to telly audiences. However, on Thursday evening, Ronnie wasn’t in Haringey any more. In fact, save for the fact he had occasion to have a cue in his hand and a tableful of balls in front of him, he was a man completely outside of his comfort zone. The History Channel had sent one of snooker’s favourite sons on a tour of some of America’s most iconic pool halls to take on some celebrated heroes at their own game.
Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois spotted having heated 1am exchange at appropriately named nightclub Drama
Thibaut Courtois was pictured having a heated exchange outside a London nightclub in the early hours of Friday morning. The Chelsea goalkeeper was spotted and photographed outside nightclub Drama in the affluent London area of Mayfair having a discussion with bouncers. Courtois was eventually led away from the nightclub by members of staff after the exchange was concluded.
England squad to share £3.5m jackpot if they retain Six Nations title and achieve another Grand Slam
Vonn avoids serious injury after dramatic crash during World Cup training
Lindsey Vonn avoided more serious injury when she fell and crashed into the safety netting during a World Cup downhill training session Friday. The American, who returned this month from nearly a year out with knee and arm injuries, lost control after getting too much air at a tricky left turn on the upper portion of the Olympia delle Tofane course. After pausing to collect herself, Vonn skied down to the finish area.
Wenger reunited with trusted lieutenant: Arsenal boss faces up to Puel... the man at the heart of his Monaco team before following the master into management
When Claude Puel arrived at Southampton this summer, he did so as a relative unknown in England - except to one man. For Arsene Wenger, it was a moment he must have cherished. Puel was there for the early successes of Wenger's career, the moments that led him to a place in the dugout for Arsenal. Puel, of course, was a member of Wenger's Monaco side that brought him the first league title win of his managerial career. But the relationship between the two goes far further than that.
Jesus, it's cold! City new boy wraps up in hat, gloves AND snood to beat chill… but Kompany looks happy to be back
He's supposed to be acclimatising to the cold Manchester weather but it appears City new boy Gabriel Jesus is still struggling to adapt. Ahead of the club's FA Cup fourth-round fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Pep Guardiola's men were put through their paces. Among the first-team players present were Brazilian winger Jesus, who completed his move to the Eithad outfit this month.
Blond ambition: The big boys were after him but Hughes wants promotion with Derby and to shock Leicester
LAURIE WHITWELL: Will Hughes is at an age when most of his peers are trying to make the first team, but he already has a staggering 172 games under his belt. 'I feel like a veteran, at only 21 years old,' he says. 'It's four of five years till my testimonial!' Five seasons have passed since Hughes flashed onto the scene with his white hair and pure touch and, remarkably for one so young, the 173rd appearance of his club career will come against Leicester in the FA Cup.
Santa Cruz fury at new president Trump ahead of Frampton re-match: 'How dare he think about kicking my family out of USA'
JEFF POWELL IN LAS VEGAS: As if striving to wrest a world title from the jaws of The Jackal is not daunting enough a fight for one weekend, Leo Santa Cruz is also slugging it out with The Donald. This youngest son of an immigrant family is alarmed by new US president Donald Trump ordering a wall on America’s southern border, his insulting behaviour towards Santa Cruz’s fellow Mexicans and, especially, his threat of mass deportations. Santa Cruz interrupted preparations for Saturday night’s rematch with Carl Frampton, the Belfast Jackal, to say: ‘It concerns me Trump talks about wanting to kick out all Mexicans, the Latin people and the immigrants.
MGM Grand stockpiles Guinness for Frampton's 5,000 thirsty fans as world champion predicts second victory over Santa Cruz
The MGM Grand Hotel is drafting in extra truck loads of Guinness for the 5,000 Carl Frampton fans flying into Las Vegas from Ireland. Richard Schaefer, promoter of the Belfast Jackal's world featherweight title rematch with Leo Santa Cruz, said: 'We don't want a repeat of the week Ricky Hatton's followers drank the bars dry of beer here.'
Hernandez shows off tattoo of Brazil legend Ronaldo... despite playing for South American rivals Uruguay
Hull striker Abel Hernandez has recently revealed to the football world his deep-seated admiration for one of the game's most revered names. Playing in his side's recent clash with Manchester United, the low placed socks of Hernandez revealed to fans around the world the face of Brazil legend Ronaldo. Ronaldo is admired by a host of stars throughout the game, most prominently Manchester United ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the case of Hernandez is one of a more unique nature... due to him playing for Brazil's South American rivals Uruguay.
STARS OF SPORT
- Jesus, it's cold! Manchester City new boy Gabriel wraps up in hat, gloves AND snood to beat the chill Not like what the Brazilian is used to back home
- Vonn avoids serious injury after dramatic crash during World Cup training Fell and crashed into the safety netting during a World Cup training run
- Ronnie O'Sullivan's American Hustle is much more than just a few games of pool as he takes on America with his cue EDGE OF THE BOX
- 'We look like models and everything': Excited City stars Silva, Nolito, Navas and Garcia pose in matching suits May not be playing their best, but looking tip-top
- Ronaldo poses for father-son picture as he tries to forget troubles on the pitch with Real Slick pair gelled their hair back as superstar spent family time
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Hull striker Abel Hernandez shows off tattoo of Brazil legend Ronaldo... despite playing for rivals Uruguay Top tribute
- Hamilton challenges fans to design race helmet for new season as British F1 star calls for 'dope new' look He took to Instagram to announce competition
- Mourinho regretting his haircut, Rooney's special boots and messages for Mason Seven things you missed as Manchester United reached EFL Cup final
- Blond ambition: Derby star Hughes wants promotion and a Cup shock against Leicester The big boys were after him but Hughes wants success with Derby
- Itoje destroys personal trainer in 'Gain Off' The Saracens star has been testing himself against Maximuscle's in-house personal trainer Paul Olima
- City new boy Jesus explores Manchester The Brazilian forward, who made his debut against Tottenham on Saturday, enjoyed a stroll with his pal
- Photobomb! Flanagan spoils Barton's snap as Burnley star meets snooker legend White Flanagan crept his way into the photo with an expert photobomb
- Gundogan spotted in Manchester on crutches as midfielder looks to overcome knee injury It appears Ilkay Gundogan's return is coming along slowly
- 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
- Costa's cheeky finish! Chelsea striker scores with his backside during training as they prepare for FA Cup tie with Brentford Can't stop scoring!
- 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
- Liverpool legend Gerrard meets up with Chelsea captain Terry ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea showdown Formerly rival captains but now they are pals
- 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
- Club No 11 for Eto'o as legend agrees deal with Russian outfit Amkar Samuel Eto'o looks set to extend his stay in the professional game with short-term 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
- 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
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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
TRY OUR SPORT QUIZZES
- SQUAD SHIRT NUMBERS: Can you remember the first squad numbers these star players wore at the following clubs?
- 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
'I was very lost': Stoke striker Berahino reveals agony during absence from West Brom team as he apologises to fans
Saido Berahino reveals he felt ‘very lost’ during his absence from the West Bromwich Albion first-team picture, but is targeting a return to league football as soon as Wednesday’s visit of Everton. The new Stoke striker admitted he made mistakes during his difficult last 18 months at the Hawthorns but all he has ever wanted to do is play football.
TV's Alan Parry on his Wycombe love affair and brushes with the FA... I was so wound up I'd go after refs in tunnel!
INTERVIEW BY MATT BARLOW: Alan Parry knew nothing of Wycombe Wanderers when sent by BBC Radio on an FA Cup assignment which would change his life. It was January 1975 and a third-round tie against high-flying Middlesbrough. Having located High Wycombe on the map, Parry watched with intrigue as the Isthmian League part-timers trotted across the frosty surface of their sloping pitch and waved cheerily to their chairman, who was in the hospital which dominated one end of Loakes Park.
Daddy's girl! Tottenham star Kane kisses his newborn daughter Ivy in family photo with partner Katie
Tottenham striker Harry Kane has shown his fans the first glimpse of his newborn daughter, Ivy. The 23-year-old striker and his long-time partner Katie Goodland announced the birth of their first child earlier this month and the England star took to social media on Thursday to post a picture of the family together. Kane posted a picture of the two proud parents kissing their daughter alongside the caption: 'Our beautiful baby girl Ivy'.
Na na na na na na na na Jaap Stam! Reading fans pay Batman tribute to boss
Anyone still doubting Jaap Stam's fast ascent to status of Reading cult hero have been swiftly silenced by the club's latest tribute to their Dutch manager. Having never managed in England before, Stam was a questionable choice to replace club hero Brian McDermott in the summer, but has since proved a wise choice. Not only are the Royals playing good football, but they have gone from relegation candidates to promotion contenders and sit fourth in the Championship, six points clear of seventh-placed Derby.
'We are STILL unbeaten': Mourinho refuses to accept United's defeat at Hull (and celebrates 54th birthday on bus)
CRAIG HOPE AT THE KCOM STADIUM: The Portuguese believes United are now unbeaten in 18 matches - it was 17 in league and cup entering the second leg - as he would not acknowledge Hull's opening goal, a Tom Huddlestone penalty awarded by referee Jon Moss for a Marcos Rojo shirt-tug on Harry Maguire.
Evra admits he cannot wait to 'taste the madness' after returning to France to join Marseille
The former Manchester United left back Patrice Evra has returned to France after ending his two-and-a-half year stay in Italy with Juventus. Evra admitted a return to his country of birth wasn't in his plans, but says he jumped a the chance to join a club with history - and such a loyal fanbase.
SIX NATIONS COUNTDOWN
England's Itoje in top shape for Six Nations as he destroys personal trainer in 'Gain Off'
Maro Itoje will carry the hopes of his country as England look to repeat their Six Nations Grand Slam of 12 months ago — and judging his latest exploits in the gym he is ready for it. The Saracens star, who is rapidly becoming the pin up boy of the Red Rose, has been testing himself against Maximuscle's in-house personal trainer Paul Olima in a series of challenges billed as a 'Gain Off'. The pair do battle over a sled pull, dumbbell hold, 30 kilogram weighted pull-ups, medicine ball throw and tyre flipping race.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Reid clinches doubles career Grand Slam with victory in Australian Open final
Great Britain's Gordon Reid completed a career Grand Slam of doubles titles after winning the Australian Open wheelchair event with Belgian Joachim Gerard. Reid's defence of his singles title in Melbourne ended at the hands of Gerard on Wednesday but the pair united in the doubles to beat Briton Alfie Hewett and Argentinian Gus Fernandez 6-3 3-6 1-0 (10/3). It took a final set tie-break to seal a victory on Court Seven which means Reid now holds all four major doubles titles.
Hamilton challenges fans to design race helmet for new season as British F1 star calls for 'dope new' look
Triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has challenged fans to design his race helmet for the new season starting in March. The Mercedes driver launched the competition on Instagram on Thursday, asking: 'Do you want to design my racing helmet for the upcoming F1 season?
Woods handed reality check after carding 76 to lie 133rd after first round of Farmers Insurance Open
There were no miracles this time from Tiger Woods on the course where he once won the 2008 United States Open on one healthy leg. Just a sobering reminder of how difficult it will be to recapture even a glimpse of the glories of his illustrious past. On his return to the game following a 17 month absence Woods began as the world’s 663rd ranked golfer and played as such, stumbling to a 76 to lie tied 133rd after the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, near San Diego.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Choose Les Reed, choose selling off your top players, choose making a profit, choose a Wembley Cup final, choose Southampton
IAN LADYMAN: When Mauricio Pochettino arrived at Tottenham from Southampton in 2014, one of his first instructions to his staff was to keep an eye on players coming through at Southampton. The Argentine had only been manager at St Mary’s for 16 months before moving to London but had seen enough to know the club were not short on talent. ‘He knew that he had left behind a club that had something brilliant developing at that level,’ a source close to Pochettino told Sportsmail on Thursday night.