FA Cup 5th Round Draw

<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img src="http://soccerblitz.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/facup--620x400.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">The FA Cup fifth round draw for the 2014/2015 season. Chelsea, Manchester City, Swansea, Southampton are out.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Defending champions Arsenal and Manchester United are now favourites to win the trophy</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The draw was held on monday night by Gary Linekar and<b style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Alex jones.</b></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bradford v Sunderland or Fulham.<br />Derby County v Reading.<br />Arsenal vs Middlesbrough<br />West Brom vs. West Ham<br />Blackburn Rovers v Rochdale or Stoke<br />Preston North End/Sheffield United v Cambridge United/Manchester United.<br />Aston Villa v Leicester City<br />Crystal Palace v Liverpool/Bolton Wanderers</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Ties will be played on the weekend of 14/15 February.</strong></div>

FA Cup 5th Round Draw

The FA Cup fifth round draw for the 2014/2015 season. Chelsea, Manchester City, Swansea, Southampton are out. Defending champions Arsenal an...

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Drogba honoured by Football Writers

<img src="http://www.chelseafc.com/content/cfc/en/homepage/news/boilerplate-config/latest-news/2015/01/drogba-honoured-by-football-writers.img.png" /><br /><span class="summary-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; text-decoration: none;">Didier Drogba</a> was </span><br /><a name="more"></a>honoured by the Football Writers’ Association at a gala dinner in London last night.<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The annual event, which takes place at the Savoy Hotel, saw</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> presented with the FWA’s Tribute Award, given to somebody who has made an outstanding contribution to the national game.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">A string of well-known figures from within the world of football were in attendance, including England manager Roy Hodgson, while </span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/petr-cech.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Petr Cech</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">, a man who has played alongside the Ivorian for 10 years, and Thierry Henry, paid tribute to</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The Chelsea striker took to the stage after being introduced by FWA chairman Andy Dunn, who described</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> as a ‘trailblazer’, not just for his abilities as a player but also the charity work he does with his Foundation in Africa, before a video capturing some of his finest moments was played to the audience.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">On receiving his award,</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> spoke about his relationship with the British press.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘This award is very special for me because in the first few months when I came to England I never thought that one I’d be standing here talking to you and receiving this award,’ he said.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘When players come to England they are scared of the press, but after many interviews I learnt how to talk to you, understand you and we’ve enjoyed a good relationship. That, for sure, is one of the reasons why my football changed. I felt more comfortable on the pitch because we understood each other.’</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Drogba was supported at the event by directors and staff from the club, and his teammate</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/petr-cech.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Cech</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">spoke about what he brings to the dressing room.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘If you know Didier well you’ll know he’s a very emotional man, but emotional in a good way,’ said the goalkeeper. ‘He loves the game, he has a great passion for the game and he uses it in every match.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘Didier is one of those players you would love to have in your team because you can always rely on him, and that’s more important than anything. If, one day, I have to go to war, Didier is exactly the type of player, or soldier, you would like to have on your side.’</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Given the respective roles played by</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> and</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/petr-cech.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Cech</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> in our 2012 Champions League final triumph, it was no surprise the subject remained a constant theme.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Having thanked</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/petr-cech.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Cech</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> for his tribute,</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> returned the compliment, and praised the goalkeeper for his performance in Munich.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘There are so many times when people talk about me scoring the winning penalty in Munich, but I always tell them there would have been no winning penalty if you weren’t there,’ said</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘In the final I scored the equaliser, but you made some great saves that night and I don’t think you get enough credit for what you did. Strikers are the ones people talk about but, for me, you are the one who won us the final. That’s why I had to run to you when I scored the penalty, I didn’t run to you by mistake.’</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">In the programme for the event, </span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/management-team/jose-mourinho.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Jose Mourinho</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> paid his own personal tribute.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘I was very strong to persuade my club to pay such an amount for him and I think we can already say he is the best-value signing for Chelsea in relation to what he has done for the club over so many years, and he is not finished yet,’ said the Portuguese.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘I know what he means as a player and a person. That is why this combination of the player and the person is so amazing.’</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Henry and</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> were in direct competition as Chelsea and Arsenal fought for Premier League supremacy shortly after the Ivorian moved to Stamford Bridge in 2004, but the Frenchman, a recipient of the award in 2011, was full of kind words, even alluding to</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/first-team/didier-drogba.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"> Drogba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">’s impressive goalscoring record over the Gunners in his speech.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘You were one hell of a player and still are, you scored some goals I could only dream of scoring,’ said the Frenchman. ‘You’ve won everything with Chelsea so, from the bottom of my heart, maximum respect.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">‘On top of everything, because of what you are doing in Africa you are also a role model and an ambassador. Not only do you do it on the field but also outside the field. This is your night, enjoy it and make sure you retire soon for Philippe Senderos.’</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">It was the second consecutive year in which the Blues were recognised at the ceremony, with</span><a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/management-team/jose-mourinho.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3886de; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Mourinho</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> honoured last January. Our former midfielder Frank Lampard took the prize in 2010.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Syntax, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">From chelseafc.com</span>

Drogba honoured by Football Writers

Didier Drogba  was honoured by the Football Writers’ Association at a gala dinner in London last night. The annual event, which takes place ...

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Brighton 2-3 Arsenal - Report |

<div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;"><img src="http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/696x392/jan_15/gun__1422203864_OzilBHA.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">A</div><a name="more"></a>rsenal secured their place in fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-2 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.<br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">The Gunners had already been installed as one of the favourites for the competition prior to kick off after a day of shocks 24 hours earlier.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">They underlined their pedigree within two minutes as Theo Walcott collected the ball in the area before finding the far corner for his first goal in more than a year.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">Arsène Wenger’s side continued to dominate and extended their lead midway through the first half when Mesut Ozil coolly slotted home.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">It was one-way traffic, but there was a jolt to Arsenal’s system at the start of the second half when Chris O’Grady fired in from the edge of the area.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">But the visitors weathered the storm that followed and restored their two-goal advantage in fine style when Tomas Rosicky volleyed in from 20 yards out.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">But Sam Baldock’s composed finish in the 75th minute ensured we would have a tense finale, with Alexis Sanchez then hitting the bar with a curling free kick - before repeating the trick in extra time.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">The Gunners saw the game out relatively comfortably in the end, and can now look forward to Monday’s fifth-round draw as they move ever closer to Wembley.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: ff-meta-web-pro-n4, ff-meta-web-pro, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 21px;">Source:Arsenal.com</div>

Brighton 2-3 Arsenal - Report |

A rsenal secured their place in fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-2 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. The Gunners had alread...

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Eto Set to complete Sampdoria move on Monday

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91lfyZ8Cy2CQq0PJriuwBgZ_Dn0T_QtWs-GSfQA7c0Erlt4RJteWmQF_-2Q0QqPL75nuwN1TziPtQU0nr_Lf5lZyhmKejKVYTj_HmTOggM-sp2XQ62kjGzV_DsTrHtXDMD0pW6dMopEkA/s1600/_80509540_samuel_etoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91lfyZ8Cy2CQq0PJriuwBgZ_Dn0T_QtWs-GSfQA7c0Erlt4RJteWmQF_-2Q0QqPL75nuwN1TziPtQU0nr_Lf5lZyhmKejKVYTj_HmTOggM-sp2XQ62kjGzV_DsTrHtXDMD0pW6dMopEkA/s1600/_80509540_samuel_etoo.jpg" /></a></div><h2 style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; line-height: 32px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620px;">Veteran Cameroonian striker, Samuel Etoo is set to complete a switch to Italian side Sampdoria on Monday </h2><h2 style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div></h2><h2 style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; line-height: 32px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620px;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">Eto'o joined Everton on a <a data-mce-href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30968778#" data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline !important; color: #5e789b; font-weight: bold !important; border: none !important; text-indent: 0px !important; float: none !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; background: transparent !important;" href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30968778#" id="_GPLITA_2" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; color: #5e789b; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText">FREE<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" /></a> transfer in August 2014, and has scored four goals in all competitions so far this season.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">On the 21st of  January, Everton manager Roberto Martinez denied reports linking the forward with a move away from Goodison Park.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text">The 33 years Old passed a <a href="http://soccerblitz.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=5033&action=edit&message=1#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://s.srv-itx.com/click?v=VVM6ODA0ODg6OTAwMjptZWRpY2F0aW9uOjVhMjFhOGVmNjk2ZDlkMDExYTYzNjAwNWJkM2Y1YjkwOnotMjI0Ny0xNjM4OTc1NDpzb2NjZXJibGl0ei5uZXQ6MjM4MjU3OjBhYWZiMjkxMzI5YmRkN2UzYWRhMGNmZWU0NWJmNDI0OjM0ODM4YTQ2YjllOTRiZWNhOGEwYTAxZWYzZWFiNmZlOjA6ZGF0YV9zcyw3Mjh4MTM2NjtkYXRhX2ZiLG5vOzo1MjM2MDg1&subid=g-16389754-f91134c6e2d14ab4a2960613f02c088d-&data_ss=728x1366&data_fb=no&data_tagname=SPAN" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText">MEDICAL<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a> on Sunday, posting a picture on Twitter</span><span class="external-link-icon"> </span> with the message: "<em>Successful <a data-mce-href="#" data-mce-style="border: none !important; text-indent: 0px !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; background: transparent !important;" href="http://soccerblitz.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=5033&action=edit&message=1#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText">MEDICAL<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" data-mce-style="border: none !important; text-indent: 0px !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important; background: transparent !important;" src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; float: none !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30968778#" data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline !important; color: #5e789b; font-weight: bold !important; border: none !important; text-indent: 0px !important; float: none !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; background: transparent !important;" href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30968778#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; color: #5e789b; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" /></a>. Ready for a new challenge!!!</em></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">But the Italian club <span class="text">posted a picture of the striker</span><span class="external-link-icon"> </span> wearing a club <span class="kt9c13m8tbsc" id="kt9c13m8tbsc_3">polo shirt</span> on Twitter on Saturday, before Everton <span class="text">confirmed the move was close to being completed.</span><a class="external-link" data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/Everton/status/559418619223093249" href="https://twitter.com/Everton/status/559418619223093249"><span class="external-link-icon"> </span></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">Source:BBC</div></h2>

Eto Set to complete Sampdoria move on Monday

Veteran Cameroonian striker, Samuel Etoo is set to complete a switch to Italian side Sampdoria on Monday  Eto'o joined Everton on a  FRE...

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Mikel warns Lampard there'll be 'no friendship' in Chelsea Manchester City clash

<div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;"><img alt="Mikel Frank Lampard" src="http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk.s3.amazonaws.com/img/dynamic/67/590x/Chelsea-Chelsea-FC-Jose-Mourinho-John-Obi-Mikel-Frank-Lampard-Manchester-City-v-Chelsea-Manchester-City-MCFC-Manuel-Pell-554027.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /><span style="font-size: 14px;">Th</span></div><a name="more"></a>e two clubs who have virtually annexed this season's championship <span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_2" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 14px; height: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; transform: none !important;">race</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> meet on Saturda</span>y night at Stamford Bridge.<br /><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">A win for <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554027/John-Obi-Mikel-No-Friendship-Frank-Lampard-Chelsea-v-Manchester-City#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #bb1a00; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transform: none !important;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook0w" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; transform: none !important; white-space: nowrap !important;">Chelsea</span></a> could effectively seal the deal for Jose Mourinho's men leaving them eight points ahead of the reigning champions.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">It will be an emotional evening for Lampard who spent 13 years at the Bridge before his contentious move to <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554027/John-Obi-Mikel-No-Friendship-Frank-Lampard-Chelsea-v-Manchester-City#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #bb1a00; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transform: none !important;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook1w" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; transform: none !important; white-space: nowrap !important;">Manchester City</span></a>.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">The 36-year-old even scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw between the two rivals at the Etihad in September.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">Following the revelation that Lampard will not be joining MLS new club New York <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554027/John-Obi-Mikel-No-Friendship-Frank-Lampard-Chelsea-v-Manchester-City#" id="itxthook2" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #bb1a00; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transform: none !important;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook2w" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; transform: none !important; white-space: nowrap !important;">City</span></a> until the end of the season the midfielder will now be uncertain about the reception he will receive from supporters who have always idolised him.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">But former team-mate Mikel said: "The Chelsea fans should definitely cheer him. Frank is a legend for the club. I think that the fans will welcome him very well.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"He was at the club a long time and I think the fans will be happy to have him back.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">I learnt a lot from him. He is a very good <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554027/John-Obi-Mikel-No-Friendship-Frank-Lampard-Chelsea-v-Manchester-City#" id="itxthook3" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #bb1a00; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transform: none !important;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook3w" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; transform: none !important; white-space: nowrap !important;">friend</span></a> of mine and we got on very, very well when he was here. It will be nice to see him back at Stamford Bridge.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"He's such a lovely guy and for me and the fans we can't wait to welcome him and give him a good ovation."</div><section class="text-description" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;"><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">But insists Mikel that's as far as it goes, especially with three very important points up for grabs.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">The 27-year-old Nigerian international who was back in the Chelsea side for Tuesday night's 1-1 League Cup semi-final first leg draw at Liverpool admitted: "For nine years we won so many trophies. We were together in so many battles.</div></section><section class="pull-quote on-right" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; float: right; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 15px 25px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transform: none !important; z-index: 1;"><blockquote class="nointellitxt ctx_blocked" id="nointellitxt" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background: url(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/theme/Responsive/img/page/quote_mark.gif) 100% 20px no-repeat transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0px; float: left; margin: 0px; min-height: 70px; padding: 25px 62px 25px 20px; transform: none !important; width: 182px;"><div class="quote" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; color: #292221; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">We both want to win and after the <span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_3" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; font-weight: normal; height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; transform: none !important;">game</span> we are both friends. But during the game there is no friendship</div><div class="author" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">John Obi Mikel</div></blockquote></section><section class="text-description" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;"><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"In so many battles we fought together side by side digging out results in tough games. It will be strange to play against him. He's going to have to do his <span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_4" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; height: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; transform: none !important;">job</span> and I'm going to have to do my job.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"We both want to win and after the game we are both <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/554027/John-Obi-Mikel-No-Friendship-Frank-Lampard-Chelsea-v-Manchester-City#" id="itxthook4" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #bb1a00; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transform: none !important;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook4w" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; transform: none !important; white-space: nowrap !important;">friends</span></a>. But during the game there is no friendship."</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">First though Chelsea will be looking to finish off the League Cup job against Liverpool at the Bridge on Tuesday night and reach the March 1st Wembley final.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"The first leg was a really tough game. We did well with the way we competed and showed the character that we have in the team."Mikel added." We were disappointed conceding the goal but now we have to take the game back home and finish off the tie."</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">Now Mikel is anxious to be involved in both games after often being overlooked. He said : "I've been here for nine years and maybe this season has been one of the toughest for me.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"Obviously you want to play week in week out but sometimes you have to understand where the manager is coming from.</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;">"If the players there are playing well, you don't have any argument. So I just have to wait for whenever I am called upon, take my chance and do what I have to do."</div><div class="storycopy" style="-webkit-transform: none !important; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; transform: none !important;"><i>Express </i></div></section>

Mikel warns Lampard there'll be 'no friendship' in Chelsea Manchester City clash

Th e two clubs who have virtually annexed this season's championship  race  meet on Saturda y night at Stamford Bridge. A win for  Chels...

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Happy Birthday to Xavi

<img src="http://media1.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/142/321/size_640x360/640X360_ANIVERSARI-XAVI.v1422179327.jpg" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.5714302062988px;">Xavi Hernández is celebrating his thirty-fifth birthday this Sunday. This is Xavi’s first season as Club captain and he is the Barça </span><span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_7" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 13px; line-height: 18.5714302062988px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">player</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.5714302062988px;"> who has made most appearances for the side (477), after joining the first team squad in the 1998/99 season.</span>

Happy Birthday to Xavi

Xavi Hernández is celebrating his thirty-fifth birthday this Sunday. This is Xavi’s first season as Club captain and he is the Barça  player...

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Sturridge back after almost 5month of injury

<div class="SubHeading" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="Positive update on Sturridge comeback" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/flash/8196__2189__sturridge412_545b8b440a407157393349.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="SubHeading" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">Daniel Sturridge is in line for a return from injury when Liverpool host West Ham United next weekend, Brendan Rodgers reported at <span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_3" style="border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; font-weight: normal; height: 13px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">Anfield</span>on Saturday.</div><div class="ArticleRight" style="background-color: white; float: right !important; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: auto; line-height: 18px; margin-left: 10px; padding-right: 9px; width: 257px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">The Reds were held to a goalless draw in their FA Cup fourth round tie against Bolton Wanderers and must now attempt to overcome the Championship side in a replay.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">Next up, however, is the second leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final with Chelsea, scheduled for Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">Sturridge, who has not featured since August, will be assessed ahead of the journey to London, but is expected to be <a href="http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/178608-positive-update-on-sturridge-comeback#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://s.srv-itx.com/click?v=VVM6Nzg0OTU6MjE4NzphdmFpbGFibGU6NzBkMmI1ODAzMTA4ZWM1OTAyOGQ5OTFlOTczMTQ5YTM6ei0yMjQ3LTE2Mzg5NzU0OmxpdmVycG9vbGZjLmNvbToyMzI1MzU6MDM0ZmFjNzNmYjgwNzg4NWY0ZDljYzJlZjcxYjBmNzc6OWMxNzljYmRlODFlNDc4NTg4MjBlNDliZjZjZGYwODA6MTpkYXRhX3NzLDcyOHgxMzY2O2RhdGFfZmIsbm87OjUwOTgyODk&subid=g-16389754-bb5835893fe94fdc8c1e48690ea780ad-&data_ss=728x1366&data_fb=no&data_tagname=P" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText">AVAILABLE<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a> for the <span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_7" style="border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; height: 13px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">home</span> clash with the Hammers.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">"He <a href="http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/178608-positive-update-on-sturridge-comeback#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://s.srv-itx.com/click?v=VVM6Nzg0OTU6MjE4NzpzdGFydDo2ZDM5OWVkNGFkZTdmODc3YzMzNGMwYWJmNTVmYjFlMTp6LTIyNDctMTYzODk3NTQ6bGl2ZXJwb29sZmMuY29tOjIzMjUwOTpkNTlmZmQ0ZWRkYWIxODU2NTJmNGY5NTE4M2ExYmI1MzphNGE4YjdkNzY4NDY0MjA1OTY5Yjg1OWRlZWJmZTc2ZjoxOmRhdGFfc3MsNzI4eDEzNjY7ZGF0YV9mYixubzs6NDQwNDk2Mg&subid=g-16389754-bb5835893fe94fdc8c1e48690ea780ad-&data_ss=728x1366&data_fb=no&data_tagname=P" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText">STARTS<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a> training tomorrow with the <span class="h89y0is0726k" id="h89y0is0726k_8" style="border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-style: none none solid !important; color: rgb(76, 76, 255) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; height: 13px; list-style: none; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">team</span>," said Rodgers. "He's in his final rehabilitation with the <a href="http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/178608-positive-update-on-sturridge-comeback#" id="_GPLITA_3" in_rurl="http://s.srv-itx.com/click?v=VVM6ODA0ODg6OTAwMjptZWRpY2F0aW9uOjljY2NmYWNhOTk5YTQ2MmMyNDhiMWRlOTc1NDhmMTc2OnotMjI0Ny0xNjM4OTc1NDpsaXZlcnBvb2xmYy5jb206MjM4MjU3OjBhYWZiMjkxMzI5YmRkN2UzYWRhMGNmZWU0NWJmNDI0OjQ3YjJlNGI4ZDViMTRhOWRhNGE2OWU0ODc2ODdiMGIxOjE6ZGF0YV9zcyw3Mjh4MTM2NjtkYXRhX2ZiLG5vOzo1MjM2MDg1&subid=g-16389754-bb5835893fe94fdc8c1e48690ea780ad-&data_ss=728x1366&data_fb=no&data_tagname=P" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;" title="Click to Continue > by InText">MEDICAL<img src="http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; height: 10px !important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: super !important; width: 10px !important;" /></a> and sports science guys today.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">"He joins in with the group now and it's just about getting football fitness and game fitness. We'll see how he is for Tuesday.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;">"If he's not ready for Tuesday then he'll be back, for sure, against West Ham next weekend."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px;"><i>liverpoolfc.com</i></div>

Sturridge back after almost 5month of injury

Daniel Sturridge is in line for a return from injury when Liverpool host West Ham United next weekend, Brendan Rodgers reported at  Anfield ...

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