Premier League
Manager monitoring midfielder ahead of Sunderland game
MARK HUGHES is hoping Joe Allen will be deemed fit enough to play in Stoke City’s Premier League clash with Sunderland this weekend.
The Wales midfielder is nursing a hamstring problem having been forced off in his nation’s 2-2 draw with Austria seven days ago.
Chelsea midfielder Willian insists he wants to see out his Stamford Bridge contract despite speculation linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 28-year-old Brazil international was linked with a move to the French capital in the summer but says he never had any intention of leaving Chelsea and would be keen to spend the rest of his playing days with the Blues.
Newly-appointed boss Steve Bruce is determined to help Aston Villa regain their position among the elite of English football.
The vastly-experienced 55-year-old takes charge at Villa Park following the recent exit of Roberto Di Matteo, with Bruce in no doubt about what the main target needs to be for him and his side.
I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go, and needs to be.
Steve Bruce
Potters man helps Switzerland to victory…
XHERDAN SHAQIRI completed 80 minutes as Switzerland defeated Andorra in their World Cup Qualifier on Monday night.
Gareth Southgate says he has left Wayne Rooney out of the England team to face Slovenia on Tuesday evening for purely footballing reasons.
Three Lions skipper Rooney will start on the bench for the World Cup qualifier in Ljubljana, with Jordan Henderson set to be handed the captain’s armband and be partnered by Eric Dier in central midfield.
Goalkeeper praises fellow teammate…
Grant arrived at the bet365 Stadium on transfer deadline day and has since made his Premier League bow after taking the former Republic of Ireland international’s place between the posts.
Wayne Rooney has vowed to give his all for England after being left out of the starting XI for the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in Ljubljana.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is waiting to see if Georginio Wijnaldum is able to play against Manchester United after the midfielder picked up a hamstring injury.
Another win for Walters & Whelan + Arnautovic, Ramadan & Verlinden update
Following Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Georgia at the Aviva Stadium, JONATHAN WALTERS andGLENN WHELAN aided the Republic of Ireland’s 3-1 triumph over Moldova away in Chisinau.
Walters played from the right hand side of midfield – with Whelan returning to the starting line-up just ahead of the back four – as a second minute strike from Shane Long was followed up by James McClean’s quickfire brace midway through the second half.
International victories for City trio