FOOTBALL

Jose Mourinho has revealed it was he who decided that Daley Blind would take Manchester United's second penalty in victory over Benfica.

Paul Pogba has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Manchester United's win over Basel in the Champions League in September.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has yet to return to training and was omitted from the squad that travelled to Naples on Tuesday.

Liverpool duo Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane continue to make good progress with their respective injury recoveries, although neither will feature this week.

Giroud was close to joining Everton in the summer transfer window but eventually decided to remain at Arsenal.

Chelsea travel to the Italian capital looking to consolidate their place as Group C leaders after surrendering a lead at Stamford Bridge last time out.

Manchester United on the brink of the Champions League last 16 after comfortably beating Benfica at Old Trafford.

Mauricio Pochettino would not be tempted to swap Harry Kane for Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the latter recently being named the Best Fifa Men's player.

Liverpool identified Sanchez as a replacement for Luis Suarez in the summer of 2014, but the Chile international opted to sign for Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger says forgotten defender Mathieu Debuchy has impressed him as a centre-half, suggesting the Frenchman could have a future in that position at Arsenal.

West Ham have lost only twice in nine games in all competitions but remain just one point above the relegation zone.

Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren remain doubtful for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Maribor, while Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno are also dealing with knocks.

Reports suggest that Chelsea are prepared to offer Cesc Fabregas a new contract amid interest from former manager and current Manchester Untied boss Jose Mourinho.

Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has encouraged his side to sign his compatriot Leon Goretzka from Schalke 04.

Kane missed Spurs' 1-0 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday (28 October) with a minor hamstring problem and will be assessed ahead of the clash with Real.

Gray wreaked havoc against Everton on Sunday (29 October) and is determined to build upon his impressive display.

Ernesto Valverde has suggested that Barcelona will not sign any centre-backs during the upcoming January transfer window despite the recurring links to Yerry Mina.

NK Maribor have travelled to Liverpool for their latest Champions League Group E fixture without long-term absentees Luka Zahovic and Denis Sme.

Moses has not been part of the Chelsea setup after picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier this month.

Angel Gomes was part of England squad that defeated Spain 5-2 in the final to win the 2017 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in India on 28 October.

Jansson, who arrived from Serie A outfit Torino on a permanent transfer in the summer, signed a new five-year deal last week.

Emmanuel Emenike and Sasa Zdjelar have both been left out of the Olympiacos squad to face Barcelona, while the visitors hope to have Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen fit.

Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane will miss the Champions League clash with Tottenham after suffering a muscle injury during the 2-1 defeat at Girona on Sunday.

Neville thinks Everton's senior defenders are not helping interim boss David Unsworth, who faced unfair criticism after the Toffees lost to Leicester City.

Mourinho's tactics have come in for criticism from fans and pundits alike since he set up his team conservatively in a goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Neymar left Barcelona for PSG in the summer transfer window and become the most expensive player in the history of football.

Mourinho's defensive tactics have come in for criticism from fans and pundits alike in recent weeks.

Kieran Tierney was monitored by Manchester United as they had identified him as a potential Luke Shaw replacement. Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in Celtic full-back.

Michael Carrick has returned to training after having spent the last 6 weeks on the sidelines, but the midfielder trained away from the main squad.