Sport

Updated: 16:57 EST

Chelsea train together ahead of Arsenal clash

Premier League leaders Chelsea currently hold a nine-point lead over London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal at the top of the table heading into Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte knows a win against the Gunners would all-but eliminate Arsene Wenger's side from the title race following their shock defeat against Watford last time out.

Cristiano Ronaldo is highest earner on Forbes 2016 list

We may be into a new year but Cristiano Ronaldo has been given another reason to point to why he had a better 2016 than Lionel Messi. After winning the Champions League and Euro 2016 on the field, Ronaldo's exploits saw him collect the Ballon d'Or and the Best FIFA Men's Player. And it has emerged that the Portuguese superstar was the world's highest-earning athlete in 2016.

Welcome to The Prediction Challenge. Each week, we'll ask one of our star columnists to go head to head with one of our top team of reporters. And you can get involved by leaving a comment.

EXCLUSIVE: The controversial England Under 21 striker is understood to have tested positive for a recreational drug in an out-of-competition test. He moved to Stoke last month.

MIKE DICKSON: British tennis would be open to calling on the expertise of a managerial legend like Sir Alex Ferguson to try and support coaches in producing the next Andy Murray.

Arsenal have submitted their Champions League squad for the knockout stages and to much surprise, 24-year-old French striker Yaya Sanogo has made the cut.

The Swedish star is United's top marksman with 19 goals – 14 in the Premier League – way ahead of United's next highest scorers, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata on seven each.

Broxbourne Borough's stars behind FA Youth Cup run

AMITAI WINEHOUSE: English football loves its upsets. On Saturday morning one of the greatest shocks in the history of the game could take place - but you'd be hard-pressed to know much about it. Aston Villa's Under-18s host Broxbourne Borough, who senior team play in the ninth tier, in the FA Youth Cup fifth round. Broxbourne have captured the imagination. Their victory against Yeovil in the last round sent shockwaves through the game. Win against Villa, as preposterous as that may sound, and they'd face Manchester City. But who are the players behind the fairytale? Sportsmail went to join them at a training session, which took place on a patch of grass at Victoria Park in Hackney, London, to learn more about the individuals who make up an exceptional team.

Arsene Wenger has revealed he tried to sign N’Golo Kante both when he was in France and at Leicester – and hinted finances scuppered Arsenal’s hope of beating Chelsea to the midfielder.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists his side do know how to handle the Premier League's 'weaker' teams as he prepares to take his players on a trip to struggling Hull on Saturday afternoon.

Rafa Benitez is furious that Mike Ashley failed to back him in the January transfer window and has warned the Championship outfit not to make the same mistakes as in the past.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa appears to have taken a swipe at the media after reports in Spain claimed he has already agreed to move to the Chinese Super League this summer.

JACK GAUGHAN: The Argentine, an unrivalled talisman up front for City since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011, was dropped for Wednesday's 4-0 win at West Ham.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been added to Manchester United's Europa League squad after fighting his was back from the Old Trafford brink.

Arsenal news: Why February is a crucial month

February. The month known for its romance with Valentine's Day is one that is resonated for heartache... if you're an Arsenal supporter. The perennial make or break month in their aspirations domestically and in Europe begins at their least favourite place, in recent years, Stamford Bridge. The Gunners travel to west London in the early Premier League kick-off on Saturday in a match that could define or derail their season.

Chelsea and Arsenal meet at Stamford Bridge in the big Premier League game of the weekend and, ahead of the clash, we select a combined XI from the two probable line-ups in a 3-4-3 formation.

Antonio Conte says Chelsea must be on high alert and be wary of the dangers of the Premier League title run-in despite leading the way by nine points ahead of their game against Arsenal.

After an average start, Conte installed his favourite 3-4-3 formation and his side have not looked back. Ahead of the visit of Arsenal the Blues are nine points clear of their London rivals.

At Euro 2016 the Arsenal manager and the former Chelsea captain would get a first preview of what then-Italy boss Antonio Conte would try to achieve in the Premier League months later.

England gear up for France with Twickenham captain's run

England added the final touches to their preparations on a pristine looking Twickenham surface during the captain's run.  Dylan Hartley will lead his side against the French in what promises to be another full-blooded encounter with the men accross the channel.  Guy Noves' side are something of an unknown quantity and the defending champions will have to be aware of the unpredictable flair so often the cornerstone of any Gallic team. 

CHRIS FOY: England's players have been placed on a war footing ahead of Saturday's RBS 6 Nations opener with France after orders to heed the warnings of centuries of Anglo-French conflict.

I'm a little surprised at the selection of Elliot Daly on the wing ahead of Jack Nowell, not because Daly isn't a terrific emerging player but because Nowell has been so good.

What a difference a year makes. 12 months ago, Europe's battered elite were limping into the RBS Six Nations on the back of a southern eclipse at the World Cup, but now the north is rising.

Quiz: How well do you know Frank Lampard's career?

Frank Lampard has called time on an illustrious career that very few players have come anywhere close to matching. We've put together 20 questions on his career. How many of them can you get right?

Chelsea defender Nathan Ake: I never really had heroes.

MATT BARLOW: Nathan Ake was sunning himself in the Canary Isles when Antonio Conte called. ‘I had three days off because I wasn’t in Bournemouth’s FA Cup squad,’ explained Ake. ‘I was in Gran Canaria with my missus and the phone rang. It was the manager saying, “Can you come back?” ‘If the manager calls to say you’ve done well and he wants you back then it is good, it’s a positive sign.

Jose Mourinho has warned that Manchester United will not dragged into ‘impossible deals’ this summer to help the world’s best players and their agents secure a better deal elsewhere.

The Premier League have said they will take action against any fans broadcasting football matches on streaming websites via smartphones.

The House of Commons will next week debate bringing forward legislation to force the Football Association to reform its governance structures. The debate will take place on February 9.

Wigan 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday

WIGAN 0-1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY - ALAN BIGGS AT DW STADIUM: Jordan Rhodes celebrated his 27th birthday this weekend with a debut win for Sheffield Wednesday. The striker signed for his prolific scoring record was the provider of the Ross Wallace goal that took the Owls back into the top six. But it was a far from convincing performance against a Wigan side who stay third bottom after failing to exploit second half pressure.  

Frank Lampard celebrates wife Christine's birthday

Frank Lampard celebrated his retirement on Thursday with a birthday meal for his wife. The Chelsea legend has called time on his career having considered his options after leaving New York City at the end of the MLS season and enjoyed his first day or retirement as he and the family got together for the birthday of Christine Bleakley. Lampard posted an image of his wife and one of his daughters.

Europe's best teams could be going toe-to-toe in the unlikely setting of Azerbaijan after the country's Olympic Stadium in Baku was put forward to host the 2019 Champions League final.

Leonardo Ulloa launched a remarkable attack on his manager on the eve of transfer deadline day, accusing Claudio Ranieri of betrayal and vowing never to wear the Leicester shirt again.

The FA will open their doors to Frank Lampard after the Chelsea legend announced his retirement following a glittering career that saw him lift 11 major trophies, including the Champions League.

Andre Ward laughs off Chris Eubank Jr jibe

JEFF POWELL: If Don King even knew that Chris Eubank Jr is about to challenge someone called Renold Quinlan for an obscure wold title this is how the legendary American promoter would assess the Australian champion’s prospects: ‘This kid has two chances. Slim and none. And Slim’s left town.’ The bookmakers quote Quinlan at 25-1 to takes his IBO super-middleweight belt home with him when he goes back Down Under. Which means they see him as a no-hoper.

UFC Fight Night Houston preview

The UFC arrives in Houston, Texas, on Superbowl weekend as Chan Sung Jung, better known as 'The Korean Zombie', returns from two years of mandatory military service to face Dennis Bermudez in the main event. The fight card also features two strawweight beauties looking to make a name for themselves as Alexa Grasso takes on Felice Herrig. The likes of Ovince Saint Preux, Anthony Hamilton and Jessica Andrade will also be in action. Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the contests on the main card, previewing the Saturday night fights.

He bowed out as one of England's finest midfielders on Thursday, but Frank Lampard's retirement wasn't acknowledged by the club where it all began.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expected to sit in a designated location in Stamford Bridge's East Stand during Saturday's Premier League clash at Chelsea as a result of his touchline ban.

Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez was arrested in the early hours of Friday. He was arrested on suspicion of having assaulted his girlfriend, Spanish police were called to his home.

Tiger Woods appeared to be in some discomfort as he walked around the course on Thursday as he shot a round of 77, his worst ever score at the Emirates course, and has withdrawn.

Antonio Conte's celebration in midweek was something else. Two points dropped and a Diego Costa missed penalty but still the Chelsea boss was manic on Merseyside.

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been charged with misconduct for his on-air comments criticising an umpiring decision. Pietersen said the not out verdict was 'an absolute shocket'

Ahead of another weekend in the Premier League, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news, odds and stats on every fixture as it breaks. Find out who is in, who is out and why it matters.

Leicester's dream turning into a nightmare

As frightening as Leicester’s form continues to be, the scariest development for the champions is the advancing pace of teams previously considered to be also-rans. For long periods Swansea and Hull have looked ill equipped to stay the course of a 38-game campaign but each decided to make a bold managerial change and have gained a shot of adrenaline.

Man United news: Zlatan Ibrahimovic talks SuperBowl 2017

During a meeting with former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, Ibrahimovic was asked whether he would fare well in the NFL, to which he replied in a typically confident fashion. Ibrahimovic believes he would suit being a wide receiver because he's 'the guy who makes the difference', before admitting he would make up for a lack of speed with his running ability after he caught the ball.

Ian Ayre will end a 10-year association with Liverpool at the end of February after bringing forward his anticipated leaving date. He is set to take on a similar role at German side TSV 1860 Munich.

CHARLES SALE - SPORTS AGENDA: English football’s crazy finances are such that even Middlesbrough’s new £6million striker Patrick Bamford could make grand demands.

JONNY SINGER IN GABON: Cameroon boss Hugo Broos issued a stinging retort to Joel Matip and the seven other players who refused call-ups for the Africa Cup of Nations 2017.

Having won six games in succession, Tottenham have seen their title aspirations fade after dropping points against Manchester City and Sunderland in their last two games.

The 26-year-old was substituted just 20 minutes into the Gunners' shock home defeat by Watford and will miss a period including vital games in the league, FA Cup and Champions League.

Barcelona news: Enrique's men have 'lacked consistency'

Catalan giants Barcelona, who host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday afternoon in La Liga, fell two points further adrift of league leaders Real Madrid last weekend after a 1-1 draw at Real Betis. Barca are four points behind Real Madrid, just past the halfway mark of the season, and the league leaders also have a game in hand.

England captain Alastair Cook receives CBE

The sportsman who has led the national side to memorable Ashes victories, and last year became the youngest batsman worldwide to reach 10,000 Test runs, said he shared the moment with those closest to him. Speaking after the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony he said: 'This is a very special moment not just for me obviously but my family and friends - it's a very proud moment to be awarded this, very special.'

ASHLEY CLEMENTS: It was during a tense West Ham United fans' forum 21 years ago that the club's then manager Harry Redknapp predicted Frank Lampard would go 'right to the very top'.

Sam Allardyce insists Crystal Palace January transfer business has ramped up the pressure on his players. Allardyce praised the commitment of the club owners in forking out £40m on new faces.

DOMINIC KING: Mourinho is determined to get business done early in the close-season and has prioritised Atletico Madrid's Griezmann to bring more firepower and Lindelof to tighten up the defence.

Sportsmail's chief sports reporter Matt Lawton, who was named Sports News Reporter of the Year for 2015, has been nominated for two awards. Martin Samuel and Oliver Holt are also nominated.

Egypt vs Cameroon in AFCON final, a look at both teams

Two giants of African football - Egypt and Cameroon - will meet in the Cup of Nations on Sunday night, with both sides hoping to reclaim what they feel is their rightful place at the top of the continent’s game. Egypt, the tournament’s most successful ever team, are into the final for the first time since their hat-trick of victories between 2006 and 2010 – since then they haven’t managed even to qualify for the tournament, so their re-emergence has been something of a shock.

Manchester City starlet Gabriel Jesus steps out of hotel

Manchester City starlet Gabriel Jesus proved he could mix it with the tough men of the Premier League as he ran riot against West Ham United on Wednesday evening, scoring one and assisting another on his full debut. It was a display that revealed why Pep Guardiola forked out £27 million to sign him, but Manchester City fans were dealt a reminder of his youth when his mum chaperoned him to the hotel door on Friday morning. The 19 year old, who is living in temporary accommodation following his January move to Manchester, stepped out of his hotel and into a chauffeur-driven Range Rover, with his mother there to wave him off.

Sir Dave Brailsford has defended the culture he ran at British Cycling as 'winning, but not winning at all costs'. Ex-rider Nicole Cooke suggested there was a culture of sexism in a testimony to MPs.

Trevor Bayliss said he has yet to speak to Cook since he left India at Christmas after England’s 4-0 Test defeat but will contact his Test captain in the next few days to assess his state of mind.

The Somerset left-arm spinner was given the all-clear following a re-test at the ECB’s national performance centre in Loughborough — one of world cricket’s accredited testing facilities.

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Sir Clive Woodward takes a look at Maro Itoje's anatomy

I saw Maro Itoje described as the LeBron James of rugby and I like the analogy. Not so much by way of achievement. James is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time and has been at the top of his game for a decade or more while it is very early days for the young Saracen. He has a long way to go and much to prove and injuries can derail promising careers. But I do like the comparison in terms of his all-round skill set and athletic attributes.

The experts in Eddie Jones' England backroom team

NIK SIMON: Eddie Jones prepares to lead England into the Six Nations and maintain his perfect record since taking charge after the 2015 World Cup. But England's record of 13 wins from 13 games is not down to Jones alone, he has a big backroom team of support staff behind him who are all experts in their field and help England on and off the pitch.

SAM PETERS: Fit again England prop Joe Marler says his remarkable three-and-a-half week recovery from a broken leg was down to him drinking two pints of full fat milk a day.

Conor O'Shea readily accepts that Italy's last two RBS 6 Nations experiences against Wales were 'very difficult' for the Azzurri. He wants the his side to impose themselves on Wales.

Wales have called in World Cup final referee Nigel Owens to oversee two Test-intensity training matches in a bid to ditch their reputation as slow starters ahead of the Italy clash on Sunday.

The Six Nations Championship gets underway on Saturday, with England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy all battling it out to be crowned kings of Northern hemisphere rugby.

Scotland have made no secret of their bid to bully Murray in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash at Murrayfield, a tactic Glasgow employed in Champions Cup action against Munster.

WILL KELLEHER: It is apt that Huw Jones plays for the Stormers in Cape Town, as his rise from gap-year student to RBS 6 Nations starter has been rapid, stunning and powerful.

Liverpool train ahead of trip to Hull

Liverpool's players were back in training on Thursday and keen to show their manager Jurgen Klopp that they are prepared to do what's necessary to impress after a disappointing January. The first team, who registered just three points out of a possible 12 in the Premier League last month, return to action this Saturday when they travel to Hull City. But despite the drop in form, one aspect that Klopp is pleased with is his players' fitness.

Arsenal fan Jack Whitehall takes on Thierry Henry

What better way to find out just how big an Arsenal fan Jack Whitehall is, than a knowledge test against one of the Gunners' all-time greats in the lead up to the club's visit to Chelsea. The A League of Their Own panelist has been known to have his say on the Emirates club on the show where he has questioned, to put it kindly, Robin van Persie's legacy and has even made jokes at Arsene Wenger's expense on live television.

Cameroon 2-0 Ghana: Indomitable Lions reach AFCON final

JONNY SINGER: Ghana’s 35-year wait for a Cup of Nations goes on. Always thereabouts, never quite there, this campaign was ended by a moment of madness from goalkeeper Brimah Razak, an inability to create without their talismanic captain Asamoah Gyan, and a sucker punch with the final kick of the game.

John Terry has paid an emotional tribute to his former team-mate Frank Lampard after the Chelsea legend announced his retirement from football on Thursday.

Hull boss Marco Silva believes new boy Kamil Grosicki can add an extra dimension to his side's Premier League relegation battle starting against Liverpool at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Aidy Boothroyd has been confirmed by the FA as the new England Under-21 manager. The former Watford and Northampton boss is the successor to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

Frank Lampard has retired from playing. Three of Sportsmail's pundits, Jamie Redknapp, Chris Sutton and Martin Keown, have penned their own tributes to the former England midfielder.

Arsenal, in third, failed to capitalise on Chelsea's draw at Liverpool as they lost at home to Watford on Tuesday and will go 12 points behind the table-toppers if they are beaten at Stamford Bridge.

Andrew Robertson is glad a deadline-day exit from Hull did not come to pass such is the left back's belief in Tigers boss Marco Silva. The Scotland star was reportedly subject of a £10m bid from Burnley.

Celta Vigo 0-0 Alaves: Semi final first leg ends goalless

CELTA VIGO 0-0 ALAVES: Celta Vigo couldn't manage more than a scoreless home draw against determined Alaves in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday. The winner of next Wednesday's return game will face two-time defending champion Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. Barcelona won 2-1 in Madrid on Wednesday. It was a lacklustre game in Vigo, with few scoring chances created by either side under steady rain at Balaidos Stadium.

Tottenham stars show their playful side in training

Despite being hard at work on the training ground in order to prepare for the clash with Middlesbrough, the Tottenham players still found time to show their playful side during the session. Prankster in chief Dele Alli was pictured messing with youngster Josh Onomah's hair, while Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and Eric Dier were also involved in their share of fun and games during the session.

CRAIG HOPE: Rafa Benitez’s long-term future as manager of Newcastle United is in doubt after the club failed to back him in the January transfer window. He will demand guarantees this summer.

Gabriel Jesus is working overtime to master English in a bid to communicate with his Man City team-mates. The Brazilian has enjoyed a barnstorming start to life in the North West.

Former Premier League referee David Elleray believes video assistant referees could be introduced to the elite game in time for next year's World Cup in Russia.

The Toffees fanbase have been invited to take part in a survey on what is important to them in an Everton strip. Everton and kit manufacturer Umbro are keen to get supporter opinion.

MailOnline has teamed up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car – proud Official Partner of the UEFA Europa League – to give you the chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to Manchester United vs AS Saint Etienne.

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino's appeal was rejected at a hearing on Monday and his suspension could spell the end of the colourful Italian's involvement at Elland Road.

New York Giants star Odell Beckham performs  dance routine

Beckham certainly enjoyed himself at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, where he dazzled with his show of one-handed grabs in the pre-game warm-up before leading all wideouts in the game itself. The New York Giants wide receiver is a showman at heart, and that's been abundantly clear during his first three seasons in the NFL, as he's quickly risen to top of the pass catcher ranks thanks in part to his spectacular one-handed catches.

Chasing Great: Richie McCaw's bid for sporting perfection

Famously guarded and focussed on a career that earned him 148 caps, it may come as something of a surprise that McCaw let the cameras in, coupled with giving directors Michelle Walshe and Justin Pemberton access to home movies that help document his entire life. Chasing Great: The Richie McCaw Story looks at the former New Zealand captain's final year before retirement, culminating in the 2015 World Cup final.

Chris Froome off the pace in Herald Sun Tour

Defending champion Chris Froome is one minute and 12 seconds off the pace in the Herald Sun Tour after stage two. His Team Sky team-mate Luke Rowe impressed in Australia on a drama-filled day of racing. The 26-year-old Welshman was part of a 10-man breakaway which dominated proceedings and held off his rivals to win the stage.

Venus Williams lost her first match since the Australian Open final to Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 6-1 in the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy on Thursday.

In a period of growing uncertainty surrounding Cook's future, Jimmy Anderson believes that Cook's calm influence has had a major effect on the team's ability to play their natural game.

The fourth stage of the Dubai Tour was cancelled on Friday due to high winds. Race organisers announced the penultimate stage would not take place, having earlier adjusted the route.

Usain Bolt is refusing to dwell on the anguish of losing his Beijing Olympics 4x100 metres gold medal after his Jamaican team mate Nesta Carter tested positive for a banned stimulant.

The French Tennis Federation announced plans in 2013 to expand the site of the French Open but has been mired in a long-running legal battle with opponents.

Martin Kaymer and Trevor Immelman led the chorus of disapproval over the European Tour's 'ridiculous' decision to suspend play in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Sportsmail's racing expert Robin Goodfellow dishes out his tips ahead of Friday's meetings at Catterick, Kempton and Lingfield.

Trainer concedes Alvarado probably has to win the inaugural running of the Edinburgh National on Saturday to give the gelding a chance of making this season's Grand National in April.

Frank Lampard was at heart of England's Golden Generation

This was England's so-called 'Golden Generation' at what was meant to be the peak of their powers. Lining up in the heat of Coimbra in Portugal, the Three Lions prepare to take on Switzerland in their second group match of the 2004 European Championships. But they never fulfilled their potential at national level after missing out on glory.

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He brings you his verdict in Sportsmail. This week it is QPR's Darnell Furlong under the microscope.

There may now be over 25 names in the Premier League 100 goals club, but few would have raised a smile among the neutrals more than when Peter Crouch hit his ton on Wednesday night.

When Manchester City have been at their best under Pep Guardiola it is like watching a military plan being put into action such is the urgency. We saw that against West Ham on Wednesday.