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Champions League preview: Liverpool set for Madrid match-up as Citizens clash with Leipzig

Four tantalising Champions League clashes lie in store over the coming days, after Europe’s elite competition returned for the Round of 16 last week.   Liverpool will get the chance to exact revenge on Real Madrid after losing last year’s final in Paris — when these two heavyweights meet, fireworks usually follow.  Eintracht Frankfurt play host…

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Europa League preview: Manchester United prepare for Barcelona battle

The Europa League is back with a bang, as some of Europe’s biggest sides drop into the competition from the Champions League.  Among the heavy hitters joining the tournament are Barcelona, who face Manchester United after finishing third behind Bayern Munich and Internazionale in their group. Juventus, who are in trouble on and off the…

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Champions League preview: PSG host Bayern as English clubs face tough tests on the road

The Champions League is back — and the time has come for some tantalising two-legged knockout action. Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain host Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in what promises to be an incredible match-up full of world-class quality.  AC Milan, meanwhile, will play host to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur at the San Siro —…

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Where the Merseyside derby will be won and lost

Liverpool face Everton this weekend in one of the most significant Merseyside derbies in recent memory. Liverpool have usually had the better of their neighbours from across Stanley Park but they appear to be in free-fall at this moment in time – losing three of their last five Premier League fixtures. Everton had been in…

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Why Club World Cup triumph can rejuvenate Real Madrid

Real Madrid endured a troubled Matchday 20, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Mallorca and losing ground in the title race. Rivals Barcelona responded by sinking Sevilla 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points, putting them firmly in the driving seat for a 27th LaLiga title. However, Ancelotti’s…

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FA Cup focus: Fourth round replays offer shock potential

The FA Cup has an illustrious history of providing David and Goliath-esque shocks — and the fourth round replays could deliver more.  Surprisingly, the fourth round did not provide any mind-blowing upsets, but a handful of lower-league sides managed to secure a replay. Non-league Wrexham almost secured their Hollywood ending, but Sheffield United’s dramatic, late…

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Data dispatch: Harry Kane in numbers

Harry Kane is beginning to cement his legacy at the top of the game — his numbers are up there with the very best to ever play the sport.  The striker wheeled away in celebration after scoring the winner against Manchester City, having just made history.  The 29-year-old became Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time top goalscorer, scoring…

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Under the spotlight: Unai Emery’s impact at Aston Villa

Unai Emery has done a magnificent job since replacing Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa head coach towards the tail end of October. The work that he has done since his arrival is the best advertisement for a mid-season sacking in some time. Such instability is to be avoided, of course, but in a division as…

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Serge Aurier: Nottingham Forest’s surprise star

This summer was quite the spectacle at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest announced 23 arrivals, including right-back Serge Aurier. The ambitious project of securing Premier League safety is looking positive after 20 games as Forest sit 13th, four points above the drop zone. Aurier’s arrival on a free transfer flew under the radar compared…

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