Tomorrow's EPL and LA Liga fixtures

Domestic League football is back this weekend, with entising fixtures. You can't forget the Manchester derby on Sunday. Below are EPL and LA Liga fixtures for tomorrow

         EPL

Newcastle United - Liverpool 1:45 PM

Arsenal - Burnley 4:00 PM

Chelsea - Queens Park Rangers 4:00 PM

Everton - Swansea 4:00 PM

Hull City - Southampton 4:00 PM

Leicester City - West Bromwich 4:00 PM

Stoke City - West Ham 4:00 PM

      LA Liga

Granada - Real Madrid 4:00 PM

Atletico - Cordoba 6:00 PM

Barcelona - Celta de Vigo 8:00 PM

Real Sociodad - Malaga 10:00 PM

David Silva out for three weeks

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says David Silva is out for three weeks with a knee ligament injury picked up against Newcastle in the League Cup.

The Spain international underwent a scan on Thursday after limping off after just nine minutes of the 2-0 defeat to Alan Pardew's side at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva will now miss some crucial games including Sunday's derby against Manchester United as well as the midweek Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow.

"David is a very important player but we have a squad and we will have to replace him with another player," Pellegrini told reporters.

However, there was better news for the reigning champions with Yaya Toure expected to be fit to face Manchester United despite being substituted against Newcastle after picking up a groin problem.

The Ivory Coast midfielder is still recovering from the knock, but Pellegrini believes "he will have no problems to play."

City have an excellent record against their local rivals having won the last three Premier League meetings but Pellegrini is expecting a difficult encounter on Sunday.

"On Sunday it will be City versus United and last year was the same. It was not me versus [former Red Devils boss] Moyes and this time it's not me versus Van Gaal," he told reporters.

"For supporters it's a special game and we know that. We know what it means to win against Manchester United."

I might leave Liverpool- Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is prepared to ply his trade elsewhere if he is not offered a new contract.

Gerrard's current deal expires at the end of the season and the midfielder says talks over a new deal are yet to take place.

The 34-year-old has previously hinted he would be open to the idea of playing abroad following Frank Lampard's move to MLS expansion franchise New York City.

And a departure from his boyhood club - where he has made over 480 Premier League appearances - could become reality if Liverpool decide not to offer the veteran new terms.

"I can only worry about this season 'cause I'm only contracted until May," Gerrard told The Daily Telegraph.

"As it stands at the moment, I'm here until the end of the season and want to make the most of it. I certainly won't be retiring this summer. I will play beyond this season.

"We will have to wait and see if that's at Liverpool or somewhere else. That's Liverpool's decision. If they don't come then I will see what's out there."

Gerrard has been a mainstay for Liverpool this term, playing in every Premier League match ahead of Saturday's trip to face Newcastle United.

Ronaldo not as good as Messi- Capello

Russia boss Fabio Capello says Cristiano Ronaldo "does not possess the pure technical skill" of Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo is the current Ballon d'Or holder and widely expected to retain the individual honour on the back of a prolific year in which he fired Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

However, while Capello has the utmost respect for the Portugal international's explosive power, the Italian coach does not believe that the 29-year-old is as skilful as the Barcelona No.10.

"Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are two extraordinary players but they are different," the former Madrid boss is quoted as saying by AS.

"Cristiano is a powerful player, with very good technique, but he does not possess the pure technical skill of Messi.

"Leo Messi is a very difficult player to play against."

Indeed, Capello revealed that he first came to realise just how much natural talent the Argentine was blessed with during former club Juventus' Gamper Trophy clash with Barca in 2005.

Messi terrorised a Bianconeri defence led by Fabio Cannavaro, prompting Capello to take the unusual step of making an approach to sign the then teenager while the game was still going on.

"It's completely true that I asked [then Blaugrana boss Frank] Rijkaard if he would loan me Messi," the 68-year-old confirmed.

"When the play had stopped for a minute I went over to Rijkaard and said: 'You can't play him because you've got three foreigners already. Why don't you let me have him for a year?'

"Rijkaard replied: 'We're going to clear up the situation in three or four months and for that reason I can't do it.'

"That's why Messi's [Barca] debut was last in coming. I knew the value of my defender and when I saw Messi play I knew he was special.

"I could see that he could do things that didn't occur to other players."

Messi is a four-time Ballon d'Or winner and currently poised to become the Spanish league's all-time top goalscorer.

I take back what I said - Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has retracted his criticism of Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

Ancelotti slammed Blatter prior to Madrid's Copa del Rey round-of-32 first leg with Cornella - which they won 4-1 on Wednesday - for supposedly claiming Manuel Neuer deserved the Ballon d'Or ahead of favourite Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ancelotti claimed it was "impossible" to shut Blatter's mouth and that his comments made "no sense", but the Italian was forced to backtrack after it was clarified the governing body's president was referring to the World Cup's golden ball rather than the Fifa Ballon d'Or.

"I want to clarify what I said, because maybe the question wasn't put to me so clearly. I was asked what I thought of him saying the 'golden ball' should have gone to Neuer," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"Obviously Blatter didn't say that about the 'Ballon d'Or' award, it was about the 'golden ball' at the World Cup, just so we're clear and for me to rectify what was said."

On their cup fixture, which saw Raphael Varane strike a brace followed by goals to Javier Hernandez and Marcelo, Ancelotti said he was pleased with his side's attitude up against third-tier opposition.

"The team took the game seriously, we did well and ended up imposing ourselves on them, so I'm happy," Ancelotti said.

"For the hard work they did, Cornella deserved to score, so it's a fair result."

Manchester City defeated by Newcastle

Holders Manchester City crashed out of the League Cup after goals from Rolando Aarons and Moussa Sissoko secured victory for Newcastle United.

Youngster Aarons opened the scoring after just six minutes as he capitalised on some sloppy play from Fernandinho to slide a finish underneath Willy Caballero.

The hosts were handed a further blow just minutes later as David Silva limped off, and Caballero had to be alert to stop Paul Dummett from doubling the Magpies' advantage.

Manuel Pellegrini threw on Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero in pursuit of an equaliser, but instead Sissoko found the net as he skipped past Fernandinho and Bacary Sagna before sending the away fans into raptures with a cool finish.

 Manchester United fans should have a good night sleep now.

Bale as important as Isco- Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Gareth Bale remains a key figure at Real Madrid and made it clear the attacker is as important to the Santiago Bernabeu side as Isco and James Rodriguez .
The Colombia international and the ex-Malaga star have flourished in Bale's absence, leading some to question whether the former Tottenham star will be able to regain his place in Madrid's starting XI, but Ancelotti has insisted the Welshman remains a crucial part of his first-team plans.

"It seems like many have forgotten that Gareth Bale scored in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals [last season]," the Madrid coach said at a press conference.

"He is equally important as James Rodriguez and Isco."

Bale was an unused substitute in Madrid's 5-0 battering of Levante earlier this month, before missing last Wednesday's Champions League victory at Liverpool and the Clasico triumph over Barcelona on Saturday because of a hip problem.

Recent reports in the Spanish press suggested that the winger's injury occurred because he is unable to play three matches in a short period of time, yet Ancelotti has moved to dismiss that notion.

"It's a lie that Bale couldn't play three consecutive matches. He just has a small injury."

Ancelotti then went on to confirm that Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Iker Casillas, Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos will all be rested for Wednesday's game against third-tier Cornella.

"My starting XI against Cornella will be Keylor [Navas], [Alvaro] Arbeloa, [Dani] Carvajal, [Raphael] Varane, Nacho, James, [Sami] Khedira, Illarra, Isco, Chicharito and [Karim] Benzema."

       Source : Goal

Blatter can't shut up- Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says it's impossible "shut up" Sepp Blatter after he claimed Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer deserves to win the Ballon d'Or more than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Fifa president stated earlier this week that he would prefer the Germany international to win the prestigious individual award following his successful World Cup, but Ancelotti is adamant that Ronaldo should take home the trophy for a second year in succession.

"I'm surprised by the Fifa president's comments, but he can say what he wants," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"There's not much we can do about it. It is impossible to shut up the president of Fifa...

"The Ballon d'Or is something people always start speaking about months before the award ceremony. But there aren't many things to discuss this year in my opinion.

"If Ronaldo won it last year ahead of players like Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi, then there's no doubt about it that he will win again this year after winning important titles with Madrid and scoring so many goals.

"For me, Blatter's comment that Neuer should win it don't make much sense..."

The 23-man shortlist will be narrowed down to just three candidates on December 1, with the winner to be announced on January 12.

   Source: Goal

President of Zambia dies at 77

President of Zambia, Michaal Sata has died at the age of 77. He passed away yesterday; October 28th at The King Edward VII hospital in the United
Kingdom after suffering from an undisclosed ailment.

 He is survived by wife Christine and 20+ children. May his soul
rest in peace, Amen

Blatter- Messi didn't deserve Golden Ball award and doesn't deserve this Ballon d'or

Fifa president Sepp Blatter does not believe Lionel Messi deserved the World Cup 2014 Golden Ball award for being the best player at the tournament.

Quite a few eyebrows were raised when the Argentina forward was handed the award after his team were beaten in the final, despite having had relatively little impact compared to team-mates and opponents since the group stage - where he had unquestionably starred - had finished.

Blatter, who has said in the past that he thought Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had earned the accolade, slammed the award process only a few hours after Messi was named among the 23-man shortlist for the Fifa Ballon d'Or.

"I think the decision to give Messi the Golden Ball was incorrect," he told reporters at a press event in Moscow, Russia, as he inspected preparations for the next World Cup.

"I was surprised when I received the committee’s decision. They told me they had only looked at 10 of the players who took part in the final."

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or four times in his career, although in the past 18 months his stock has fallen somewhat, despite still being considered one of the greatest players in the world.

A silverware-free season in 2013-14 with Barcelona - aside from the Supercopa, which came longer than 12 months ago - and a failure to skipper Argentina to World Cup glory makes a Ballon d'Or 2014 victory unlikely, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben and Neuer among the more favoured.

  Source: Goal

Madrid win means nothing- Enrique

Luis Enrique played down Barcelona's 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid, insisting that the Clasico stumble will mean nothing if they win La Liga.

The Catalans remain first in the Spanish top flight after nine games, ahead of high-flying Sevilla on goal difference with Real Madrid, Valencia and Atletico Madrid trailing close behind in the chasing pack.

The Camp Nou coach, in his debut season in charge of Barca's first team, played down the significance of the loss at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday in the grand scheme of the 2014-15 campaign.

"I would have settled for that defeat at the start of the season if we won La Liga, and I would at the end," he told reporters on Tuesday. "We’d be delighted.

"I’d accept losing to anyone if we won La Liga. I’m aware that to win we need to play well. And that would mean that the fans enjoy themselves.

"At the end of the day, we are joint leaders after nine games and for me it's much more important to be top of La Liga than to have beaten Real Madrid.

"I hope it’s 100 times more intense when Madrid come to Barcelona. It’s part of football - the songs and the insults. I think we’re over the loss."

Luis Enrique also stressed that the blame for the loss rests on his shoulders, but that he would not change his starting line-up if he were to go another round tomorrow with Carlo Ancelotti's men as he has faith in his tactics and team.

"I take full responsibility for the defeat. It had nothing to do with problems with fitness or attitude," the coach continued. "It was particular circumstances during the match that affected the team.

"I would pick the same XI again. You never know how a game is going to pan out and there were things I didn't expect from Real Madrid.

"Knowing that I would certainly have planned things differently but it's very easy to be wise after the event."

Luis Enrique refused to comment on Luis Suarez's glaring omission from the Fifa Ballon d'Or nomination list released on Tuesday, however, insisting he "does not analyse those sort of things".

Nasri fit to face Manchester United

Samir Nasri has recovered from a groin injury to face Newcastle United ahead of Manchester City's derby clash with Manchester United, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.

The midfielder has been out of action for over a month after undergoing surgery but stepped up his rehabilition and is in contention to feature in Wednesday's Capital One Cup fourth-round game.

Frank Lampard, who has not featured since the 4-1 win over Tottenham, remains sidelined and is the only casualty in an otherwise fully fit squad as Man City look to reach the quarter-final stage.

"[Samir] Nasri is working normally and is in the squad list for tomorrow," Pellegrini told reporters.

"[Frank] Lampard is out, all the other players in the squad are fit. I don’t think Frank will be fit for the weekend but maybe he can be fit for next week."

The news will come as a huge boost ahead of Sunday's visit of rivals Man Utd, while Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao are also expected to return after overcoming niggling fitness concerns.

Despite stressing the importance of succeeding in the League Cup, Pellegrini conceded he was likely to rotate his squad for the visit of Newcastle, who lost 2-0 to City in their opening match of the season.

"It is very important for the club to win trophies," he added. "That is why it doesn't matter in which competition we are playing, we are trying to win all four competitions in the same way.

"I transmit the mentality to the players that every game you play is one you must try to win. If you ask me if I prefer to win the Premier League, maybe, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t want to win the Capital One Cup which is why we are involving the whole squad in this game.

"It is very important when you play so many games to have the whole squad ready to play, so we will probably make some changes."

    Source: Goal

Balotelli escapes police punishment

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that no further action will be taken against Mario Balotelli over allegations that the Liverpool forward used threatening behaviour towards a woman.

Balotelli reportedly took offence when the complainant took photos of his Ferrari in Wythenshawe on Thursday afternoon.

However, the matter has now been dropped after the unnamed woman decided against making a formal complaint to police.

An official statement read: "Police were called to Pewsey Road, Wythenshawe just after 3pm on Thursday 23 October 2014, following reports of threatening behaviour.

"Officers have since spoken to the complainant and no criminal offences were disclosed and no crime recorded. No further action will be taken."

Suarez misses out on Ballon D'or + other noticeable absentees

Barcelona star Luis Suarez has missed out on a nomination for the 2014 Fifa Ballon d'Or despite his incredible season for Liverpool last term.

The Uruguay international fired the Anfield side to third place in the Premier League with 31 goals in 2013/14 - thus securing Champions League football - while winning the European Golden Shoe and Premier League top scorer awards in the process.

However, Fifa has opted to leave Suarez off their 23-man shortlist after he missed four months of action due to suspension for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup in Brazil.

Other notable absentees include Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, who came in third in last year's vote, his team-mate Robert Lewandowski, Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and fellow Serie A star Miralem Pjanic, as well as Real Madrid's Luka Modric.

Barcelona's lack of silverware this year means regulars such as Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Xavi have not made the list either.

Furthermore, several accomplished Premier League players have been overlooked, with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Sergio Aguero, Aaron Ramsey and Nemanja Matic all missing out.

Ballon D'or 23 man shortlist + manager of the year shortlist

Six members of Germany's World Cup-winning squad feature in Fifa's shortlist for the Ballon d'Or released on Tuesday, with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo again among the leading contenders for the prize.

Captain Philipp Lahm, Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger all tasted success in Brazil this year and have been rewarded for their efforts with a nomination.

Fifa's award for the best player in a calendar year will be announced in Zurich on January 12.

Ronaldo won the prestigious award in 2013, with Messi emerging victorious in the preceding four years.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have six nominees each, while four Barcelona and three Chelsea players are still in the running.

Furthermore, Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus all have one candidate each.

2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist:

Gareth Bale (Wales), Karim Benzema (France), Diego Costa (Spain), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Mario Gotze (Germany), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Paul Pogba (France), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Meanwhile, Fifa has also announced the names of the coaches who are in contention to scoop the Coach of the Year award, with Carlo Ancelotti and Joachim Low the favourites following their Champions League and World Cup success, respectively.

Coach of the Year shortlist:

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid), Antonio Conte (Italy/Juventus/Italy national team), Pep Guardiola (Spain/Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany/ USA national team), Joachim Low (Germany/Germany national team), Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Chelsea), Manuel Pellegrini (Chile/Manchester City), Alejandro Sabella (Argentina/Argentina national team), Diego Simeone (Argentina/Atletico Madrid), Louis van Gaal (Netherlands/Netherlands national team/Manchester United)Six members of Germany's World Cup-winning squad feature in Fifa's shortlist for the Ballon d'Or released on Tuesday, with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo again among the leading contenders for the prize.

Captain Philipp Lahm, Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger all tasted success in Brazil this year and have been rewarded for their efforts with a nomination.

Fifa's award for the best player in a calendar year will be announced in Zurich on January 12.

Ronaldo won the prestigious award in 2013, with Messi emerging victorious in the preceding four years.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have six nominees each, while four Barcelona and three Chelsea players are still in the running.

Furthermore, Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus all have one candidate each.

2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist:

Gareth Bale (Wales), Karim Benzema (France), Diego Costa (Spain), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Mario Gotze (Germany), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Paul Pogba (France), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Meanwhile, Fifa has also announced the names of the coaches who are in contention to scoop the Coach of the Year award, with Carlo Ancelotti and Joachim Low the favourites following their Champions League and World Cup success, respectively.

Coach of the Year shortlist:

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid), Antonio Conte (Italy/Juventus/Italy national team), Pep Guardiola (Spain/Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany/ USA national team), Joachim Low (Germany/Germany national team), Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Chelsea), Manuel Pellegrini (Chile/Manchester City), Alejandro Sabella (Argentina/Argentina national team), Diego Simeone (Argentina/Atletico Madrid), Louis van Gaal (Netherlands/Netherlands national team/Manchester United)