MLS Preview: DC United ready to grind, Revolution host Crew

DC United can all but seal top spot in the MLS' Eastern Conference on Friday.

The runaway conference leaders have a six-point buffer on closest rivals the New England Revolution and Sporting Kansas City - both 45 points - ahead of their home clash with the latter.

DC need just one point to guarantee their spot in the play-offs, however all three would virtually rule out a faltering Sporting KC of getting into top spot.

Ben Olsen's men most recently snapped a league slump, winning their first in four in the MLS with a 1-0 result over Philadelphia Union.

Luis Silva, who scored the match-winner on Saturday, said the fixture was the perfect tune-up with only four games to play before the post-season.

"It wasn't the prettiest game, but we got the win, and that's all that matters," Silva said.

"That's how play-offs are going to be. Sometimes we have to grind games out, and I think the team did a good job."

The Revolution, second on games won, are at home to Columbus Crew, who are two points adrift in fourth spot.

A New England win would keep them in contention for top spot, although they will have their eye over their shoulder - with sixth-placed Toronto only five points behind Jay Heaps' outfit.

Philadelphia sit three points outside the top five in the East, but host struggling Chicago Fire on Thursday in a must-win contest for the Union.

Holding fifth spot in the conference, the New York Red Bulls - last-start losers - host Houston Dynamo, who are unbeaten in five heading into the Saturday clash.

Also on the fringe of play-offs contention in the Western Conference are the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are virtually in a one-on-one shootout with the Portland Timbers - one point behind - for fifth spot.

The Whitecaps welcome Dallas, while the Timbers are on the road at the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Los Angeles Galaxy, trailing the West-leading Seattle Sounders on games won, will host Toronto FC.

The Sounders travel to the Colorado Rapids in the pick of the Sunday matches, while Chicago Fire host Montreal Impact and Real Salt Lake travel to lowly Chivas USA

Argentine Primera Division Review: Newell´s unbeaten run ends

Newell's Old Boys lost for the first time in the Argentine Primera Division, while River Plate preserved their unbeaten run.

Gustavo Raggio's Newell's opened the 2014 season with four wins and four draws but they crashed to a 3-0 defeat at home to Banfield on Monday.

Newell's fell behind after 15 minutes at the Estadio Marcelo Alberto Bielsa, Banfield forward Ricardo Noir finding the back of the net.

Banfield doubled their lead 10 minutes before half-time thanks to midfielder Walter Erviti.

Newell's had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit six minutes into the second half, but Argentina international Maxi Rodriguez failed to convert from the penalty spot.

The home side were made to rue that chance seven minutes later as Ecuadorian midfielder Juan Cazares sealed the points.

Newell's loss saw them drop to fifth in the table with 16 points from nine games, five adrift of league-leading River.

Banfield improved to 13th spot with 10 points.

River played out a second consecutive stalemate, drawing 1-1 at third-placed Lanus on Sunday.

Lautaro Acosta opened the scoring in the 37th minute, springing the offside trap before placing the ball beneath River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero after Silvio Romero split two defenders.

River ensured the points would be shared 19 minutes from time, when the league's leading goalscorer Teofilo Gutierrez sensationally beat Agustin Marchesin from long range.

It took the Colombia international's tally to nine goals in as many games.

Independiente rose to second in the standings after accounting for Rosario Central 2-0 on Saturday.

Federico Mancuello and Jesus Mendez were both on target for hosts Independiente in the second half at the Estadio Libertadores de America.

Independiente took a 51st-minute lead through Mancuello, who curled the ball into the top-right corner from outside the box.

Jorge Figal was sent off for the hosts 12 minutes later after receiving a second yellow card but it mattered little as Mendez secured the win four minutes from time.

Independiente's fifth win in six matches saw the club close within three points of River.

In other results, Racing Club made it back-to-back wins.

Racing - fourth in the table - trounced nine-man Belgrano 4-1.

Gustavo Bou and Marcos Acuna scored two goals apiece, while Pier Barrios and Cesar Pereyra saw red.

Boca Juniors returned to winning ways, accounting for Quilmes 1-0.

Copa Libertadores champions San Lorenzo lost for the first time in three matches, beaten 2-0 at home to Gimnasia La Plata.

Estudiantes overturned a first-half deficit to prevail 3-2 over Velez Sarsfield.

Tigre downed Defensa y Justicia 2-1 late on, Arsenal eased past Godoy Cruz 3-0, while Atletico Rafaela played out a goalless draw with Olimpo.

Neville blames transfers for Newcastle form

Newcastle United's failure to recruit players with sufficient Premier League experience is hurting Alan Pardew, according to Gary Neville.

Newcastle remain joint bottom of the table alongside promoted Burnley after Monday's 1-0 defeat at Stoke City left the club still searching for their first win of the season.

The loss - Newcastle's third in six matches - only increased the pressure on manager Pardew, who was jeered by travelling fans at the Britannia Stadium.

Pardew admitted post-game that a "big question mark" hangs over his future amid growing calls for his sacking.

Former Manchester United defender Neville said he believes Newcastle's transfer policy, which centres around signing players from outside England's top flight, has proved detrimental in 2014-15.

Of the six players brought into the first-team squad this season, only one has Premier League experience - Jack Colback, who arrived from rivals Sunderland.

Ayoze Perez (Tenerife), Siem de Jong (Ajax), Remy Cabella (Montpellier), Emmanuel Riviere (Monaco) and Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord) were all signed from abroad.

"It must be really difficult for him and he's hurting badly," Neville told Sky Sports on Monday.

"As much as the Newcastle fans want him out, they must see a man there who is doing his absolute very best and is trying as hard as he can.

"He is trying to work with a team with a lot of new players to integrate into the squad and it isn't quite working for him in the attacking third in particular.

"Newcastle have had a recruitment policy where they have brought in players, some of them half well-known and some of them not really well-known, particularly from France and they've done OK with that.

"But if ever Alan Pardew needed a certainty this summer it was people who are tried and trusted in the Premier League and people he knew would hit the ground running for him. They have brought in Riviere and Cabella, who have not adapted to this league.

"There is a higher risk attached to those types of signings than there is with players who have already been here, settled and done it over a period of one to three years.

"I'm not sure if Alan Pardew is in control of the signings at the club, but I would have to say that if I was him this summer, knowing there was pressure at the end of last season, you wanted tried and trusted – and he hasn't got that."

Mathieu applauds Messi, Neymar partnership

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu hailed the partnership of attacking duo Lionel Messi and Neymar, claiming it has improved.

France international Mathieu, 30, has only called Messi and Neymar a team-mate for five league appearances after switching from La Liga rivals Valencia.

Centre-back Mathieu said Neymar (six goals) and Messi (five) were clicking better on the field than in Barca's 2013-14 campaign.

"This year [season] so far, the duo is working quite well if we compare to last season," Mathieu said.

"Neymar needed time to acclimate himself to the way of play of Barcelona.

"We are happy having them within the squad.

"In my opinion it's one of the best duos in the world."

Returning to his homeland for a UEFA Champions League clash with PSG in Paris on Tuesday, Mathieu said the match was significant to him as a former rival of the now-powerhouses when he played with Sochaux and Toulouse.

"Coming back to France is a great thing, that's different. It remains a football game. Being in Barcelona is a great thing for me," he said.

"Coming back to the Parc des Princes will be an important game for me, but I don't get under pressure."

The absence of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (heel) will be a noticeable one for the Ligue 1 champions, although Mathieu claimed he wanted to match up on the Swedish star.

"PSG have great players but we know they play different without Zlatan," he said.

"They change their style a lot without him. His absence will be better for us possibly and worse for them.

"Personally I wanted to play against him but tomorrow it will be [Edinson] Cavani playing probably. He's also a strong player but different style."

Mignolet must improve - Carragher

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Brendan Rodgers should look for a new goalkeeper if Simon Mignolet does not improve.

Mignolet became Liverpool's first choice last season following his arrival from Sunderland in a deal worth £9million, though he has failed to fully convince fans at Anfield.

The Belgium international has come under scrutiny this term, having already conceded 12 goals in eight matches in all competitions.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for former Barcelona keeper and free agent Victor Valdes.

Carragher told Sky Sports on Monday that Mignolet does not make enough "defining" saves after he was unable to deny Everton captain Phil Jagielka from equalising in sensational fashion on Saturday as Liverpool go in search of Premier League glory.

"I think the best goalkeepers who win big trophies make big saves at big moments," said Carragher.

"That was a big moment [the Jagielka goal]. It's not a massive mistake, but can he do better?

"Everyone always talks about Steven Gerrard slipping and costing Liverpool the league and you can never look at one individual and one mistake, but Demba Ba still had to go through.

"You're looking at your keeper and thinking: 'Come on, win us the league. Make that save that's going to be a defining moment in the season.'"

Carragher added: "We can all talk about goalscorers, players who win the league and make a big difference, but goalkeepers make a massive difference and at those big moments you've got to make big saves.

"Up until now in his Liverpool career he hasn't made those big saves. If it continues I can see Liverpool looking for another goalkeeper.

"There was talk of Victor Valdes because he is a free agent, but he has got to improve."

Cole hails Lampard

Roma full-back Ashley Cole praised former team-mate Frank Lampard ahead of his side's clash against Manchester City.

The former Chelsea duo could go head to head on Tuesday, when City host Roma in the UEFA Champions League.

Lampard, on loan at Manchester City, has scored four goals in his past three matches – including an equaliser against Chelsea.

Cole talked up Lampard and said he was looking forward to catching up with the 36-year-old midfielder.

"I think everyone knows what Lampard brings to any team," he told a news conference.

"And it's another great experienced player for City and of course he brings goals and so far from what I've seen he's scored goals.

"He scored against Chelsea. They probably didn't like that but he had to do a job and that's what he's paid to do.

"Of course it was probably a little bit disappointing for him to score against Chelsea but that's what his game is, to score goals and again it will be really nice to see him."

Cole, who like Lampard left Chelsea at the end of last season, hopes to see his form improve for the Serie A giants.

"I'm not playing that well, I won't get carried away, I know I could do better, I maybe just need a little bit more games," he said.

"But like I keep saying I'm enjoying my football here and hopefully I can keep playing and emulate what I did at Chelsea and of course at Arsenal."

Villa may miss opener in Australia

David Villa arrives in Australia on October 7, but Melbourne City coach John van 't Schip is unsure if the star will be ready for round one.

While Villa has been training with a personal trainer and New York City's fledgling squad, it remains unclear whether he will be sharp enough to take part in Melbourne City's maiden A-League match away to Sydney FC on October 11.

The Spaniard's first official appearance for City will be at the launch of the 2014-15 A-League season, which will be held in both Melbourne and Sydney on October 7.

But Villa declared he will be all about the business of on-field performance once he begins training with Van 't Schip's squad.

"The overall goal is to help the team perform well while I am there," the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward said in a statement.

"Support the Melbourne City team, build relationships, enjoy the style of football the league [in Australia] has to offer and, obviously, I want to do my job well and help Melbourne City to win as many games as possible."

As part of Villa's loan deal from New York to Melbourne, the decorated striker can only play 10 A-League matches.

But speaking to SEN 1116 on Tuesday, Van 't Schip said Villa may not even play that many if it is believed he is not ready.

"It will be a challenge," Van 't Schip said.

"It's part of the deal we have with the City Football Group [who own Manchester City, New York City and Melbourne City] and with David Villa and we all know that, and we're not making a problem of it because when you get a player like David Villa in, first of all we have to see … where he is at with his physical level and we have talks, of course, with his personal trainer, and he's been training for weeks in New York.

"So when he comes over, we're quite sure he's going to be at a high level. But then again we still have to see at that moment [how he is]."

Villa is just one of the high-profile players City have signed ahead of their first A-League campaign, with ex-Hull City attacking midfielder Robi Koren signed as a marquee, while former Chelsea winger Damien Duff is also part of Van 't Schip's squad.

Van 't Schip would like to sign another defender but conceded it could be difficult due to a lack of salary cap space.

"We can't … in one year, build a totally new team," the Dutch coach said.

"So it's going to cost time to really get to where we want to. We got some players in for the defence - Connor Chapman unfortunately has been sick [with glandular fever] for the whole pre-season, he's a very talented young defender.

"We have some issues that we still want to get somebody in for the defence but it's not going to be easy because of the salary cap."

Hughes thrilled with ´deserved´ home win

A delighted Mark Hughes never doubted a home win was coming for Stoke City as they delivered with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Peter Crouch's 15th-minute header was enough to see Stoke to their first Premier League home win of the campaign on Monday.

Hughes, whose side jumped to 11th in the table with the win, was pleased and felt his team deserved the three points.

"We're delighted with that. It was an important win for us, a big win," he told a news conference.

"[There's been] a little bit of negativity around our home form. Our away form is excellent and we're delighted that looks very strong this season because that'll be important for us.

"We're always quite comfortable in the knowledge that we felt it was only a matter of time before our home form turned around.

"It was important that we had a positive result tonight and I think on the balance of play we deserved to win the game.

"In open play, we created any number of chances that on another day we could've converted. We're pleased with the win."

Victor Moses, on loan from Chelsea, provided the cross for Crouch's towering header in the first half.

Hughes said he had been thrilled with the 23-year-old since the Nigeria international's loan move to the club.

"He's been exceptional since he has come to the club. We're really delighted with what he's produced," he said.

"He's a man on a mission, I would suggest, because he hasn't had a lot of football in the last two seasons. He just wants to play.

"Every time he gets into those positions in wide areas, you always sense something's going to happen. It was the same again today."

The only concern for Hughes is an injury to forward Mame Diouf, who has a suspected hamstring strain and came off midway through the first half.

Pardew fears for future

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew admits a "big question mark" hangs over his future, but hopes his side can turn their season around.

Pardew's men are second bottom in the Premier League, winless through six matches after a 1-0 loss at Stoke City on Monday.

The 53-year-old is under growing pressure and was jeered by the travelling fans at the Britannia Stadium.

Pardew said he wanted to continue fighting for his job, and insisted he respected the supporters' opinions.

"It's tough where we are at the moment," he told a news conference.

"The fans are giving their honest opinion of what they believe. I looked at them at the end, I clapped them at the end to show I respect their views.

"I'm not going to hide from it. I know there's a big question mark about me being at this football club.

"The only way I can answer it is to do the job the best of my ability and try and come up with answers. That's what I'm going to try and do."

Peter Crouch's 15th-minute header was all that separated the two teams, with Jack Colback going closest for the visitors when he hit the crossbar late on.

Pardew said he was honest with the players post-match, wanting to find the answers after they struggled to create chances.

The former Southampton manager said he would consider making changes, even to the system.

"I'm not going to make any excuses. We're quite honest with ourselves in the dressing room that we need to create more," Pardew said.

"We had a big chance with Jack, who's beating himself up about it. If that goes in, I think we all knew what we were going to do.

"If we scored tonight, we were going to get the ball and try and get the winner because we knew winning is everything tonight.

"We need to get a win. We need to get it quick."

Stoke City 1 Newcastle United 0: Crouch deepens gloom for visitors

Peter Crouch heaped further misery on Alan Pardew as his header gave Stoke City a 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle United on Monday.

The lead-up to the Britannia Stadium clash had been dominated by controversy over comments from Newcastle owner Mike Ashley indicating that Pardew would be sacked if they lost to Stoke.

A legal representative for Ashley later insisted that the remarks were made in jest, however, he now has a decision to make after watching another lifeless performance which leaves Newcastle still awaiting their first league victory of the season.

Newcastle enjoyed plenty of possession in wet Staffordshire conditions but their failure to create clear-cut chances was punished by Crouch.

The 33-year-old striker hit home his second goal in as many league games, converting a Victor Moses delivery to seal victory and spark further calls for Pardew to be removed from his post.

Jack Colback somehow crashed an effort against the crossbar as the minutes ticked away, leaving Pardew sweating once again over his future on Tyneside.

Marc Muniesa was retained after scoring twice against Sunderland in the League Cup in Stoke's only alteration from last week's QPR draw, but a Newcastle side unchanged from their last-gasp draw with Hull City had the first real chance in the 14th minute as Emmanuel Riviere lashed over following good work from Remy Cabella.

However, Crouch put Stoke ahead a minute later, rising above Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini to head home Moses' left-wing cross.

Newcastle responded well to going behind but were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Yoan Gouffran bundled Moses over in the area, referee Craig Pawson unmoved despite the apparent foul.

There was more misfortune for the hosts as striker Mame Biram Diouf pulled his hamstring in setting up the opening and was replaced by Marko Arnautovic.

Stoke continued to have success hitting Newcastle on the counter, Mike Williamson impressively heading Muniesa's dangerous cross away with Steven N'Zonzi ready to pounce from point-blank range.

Despite creating the better opportunities Stoke were grateful to goalkeeper Asmir Begovic for keeping them ahead two minutes before the break as he turned Daryl Janmaat's low drive round his right-hand post.

Papiss Cisse - Newcastle's saviour versus Hull - was brought on by Pardew at half-time but it was Stoke that went closest to scoring after the break, Arnautovic clattering a half-volley against the woodwork.

Mark Hughes' side continued to dictate play in the second period, Moses denied only by the reflexes of Krul after the on-loan Chelsea forward had capitalised on confusion in the Newcastle defence.

With Newcastle seemingly heading for a meek surrender in the closing stages, their fans made their discontent evident with further chants directed at Pardew, who then saw his side's last chance at salvation go begging as Colback hit the bar from four yards after Gabriel Obertan's cross.

Basel v Liverpool: Rodgers hopeful on Sturridge return

Daniel Sturridge could be in line to give Liverpool a welcome fillip ahead of their UEFA Champions League trip to Basel on Wednesday.

Sturridge has not featured in his club's last five matches after sustaining a thigh injury while on international duty with England at the beginning of September.

The striker - scorer of 36 goals in 52 Liverpool appearances since joining from Chelsea in January 2013 - has been sorely missed by Brendan Rodgers' stuttering side who, as yet, have failed to hit the heights of last season.

Liverpool have made an unconvincing start to the campaign, taking just seven points from their opening six Premier League games and requiring an injury-time penalty from captain Steven Gerrard to beat Ludogorets 2-1 in their Champions League opener a fortnight ago.

But their talisman Sturridge is edging closer to a much-anticipated return - with Rodgers revealing in the aftermath of Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday that the 25-year-old could feature in Switzerland.

"He wasn't really close for this game [the Merseyside derby]," said the Northern Irishman.

"I'll see how he is [for Basel]. He wasn't far away for Everton, but he certainly wasn't fit enough to be on the bench.

"Daniel is obviously a top talent - and he's not far away from being back playing."

Sturridge is one of a number of Liverpool players currently struggling with injury, and Rodgers looks set to be without Emre Can (ankle), as well as Glen Johnson and Joe Allen (both knee), at St Jakob-Park.

Mario Balotelli, who scored his first Liverpool goal in the victory over Ludogorets, is likely to lead the line once again.

In contrast to Liverpool’s domestic struggles, Basel go into Wednesday's clash top of the Swiss Super League.

However, Paulo Sousa's team were thumped 5-1 by Real Madrid in their first group game, as the reigning European champions ran riot in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.

That result makes Wednesday's fixture even more crucial for Basel, with Sousa's men widely expected to be in a two-way battle with Liverpool for second place in Group B behind Real.

History is on Basel's side, though, as Liverpool - and Gerrard in particular - do not have fond memories of St Jakob-Park.

A below-par Gerrard was substituted at half-time in his side's last visit to Basel back in November 2002 - a game Liverpool needed to win to qualify from their Champions League pool.

Basel stormed into a 3-0 lead after just 29 minutes and, although a second-half fightback enabled Liverpool to draw 3-3, that was not enough to prevent their elimination to the UEFA Cup.

Some 12 years on, Gerrard - the only surviving member of that Liverpool team - is sure to be determined to make amends for what he has labelled one of the worst performances of his career.

Hart looking to bounce back against Roma

Joe Hart hopes Manchester City can put their opening-game disappointment in the UEFA Champions League behind them against Roma on Tuesday.

City were beaten by a last-minute strike from former player Jerome Boateng on matchday one, with the defender's goal enough to give Bayern Munich a 1-0 win at the Allianz Arena.

Roma travel to the Etihad Stadium this week on the back of a comprehensive 5-1 win over CSKA Moscow and have won all five of their Serie A matches this season, conceding only one goal.

Hart, who is set to regain his starting place in goal after being left out of Saturday's Premier League victory at Hull City, is aware of the danger Roma pose, but claims City are fired up to get their Champions League campaign up and running.

"It's obviously a big game for us," said the England international, who was outstanding in City's loss at Bayern. "It was disappointing to start with the loss out in Munich but it's the Champions League and luckily it's not knockout straight away.

"We need to start our home Champions League campaign with a win but we know Roma will be tough.

"We're more than up for this. We know how well Roma have been playing but we are ready."

Meanwhile, City manager Manuel Pellegrini revealed forward Stevan Jovetic will be available for the clash, but midfielder Fernando will miss out.

"We continue injured with Fernando," said the Chilean. "Stevan Jovetic is in the squad list - he is ready for tomorrow.

"Samir Nasri had surgery yesterday, he will be out for around one month. All the other players are fit."

McKinlay replaces Garcia at Watford

Watford have appointed their third head coach of the season with Billy McKinlay replacing Oscar Garcia.

Garcia, who only replaced Giuseppe Sannino on September 2, has been forced to step down on health grounds after spending a week in hospital due to chest pains, it was confirmed on Monday.

Former Brighton boss Garcia revealed he had been involved in the selection of McKinlay as his successor, and Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury believes the Scot is the right man to take the club forward.

"In Billy McKinley, we have found someone with the qualities and significant experience to build further on the foundations already laid for a successful season ahead," Duxbury told the club's official website.

"We appreciate Oscar's candour in placing the best interests of Watford ahead of his own personal thoughts.

"Everyone feels it is important that there is continuity in the coaching structure. Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira will therefore continue as Billy McKinlay's assistants."

Watford have started the new season well with five wins from their opening nine games, leaving them fourth in the Championship table on 17 points.

McKinlay's reign begins with a home fixture against Brentford on Tuesday.

Anderlecht v Borussia Dortmund: Hasi expecting tough test

Anderlecht boss Besnik Hasi is not underestimating an injury-hit Borussia Dortmund ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday.

Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund side have a lengthy list of absentees coming into their Group D encounter in Belgium.

Marco Reus (ankle), Jakub Blaszczykowski (muscle problem), Nuri Sahin (knee), Oliver Kirch (thigh) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (foot) are all unavailable for the visitors, while Ilkay Gundogan's long-term back injury renders him highly unlikely to feature and Sebastian Kehl's foot complaint means he is also a doubt.

Despite their opponent's injury woes, Hasi sounded a warning about the threat posed by the 2013 runners-up, even in light of Dortmund's 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Schalke in the Bundesliga at the weekend.

"It's never the right time to deal with such clubs," he said. "But it's true that the club is in a somewhat difficult period and has a lot of injuries.

"But I do not let myself be blinded by his defeat at Schalke. We are not a club in the Bundesliga, but the Pro League.

"For Dortmund, it's easier to play against Anderlecht as against Schalke. I expect that their game will be better on Wednesday, but ours will be as well."

Anderlecht have a fitness concern over Anthony Vanden Borre, who is yet to feature this season after fracturing his fibula in the World Cup with Belgium, while fellow defender Fabrice N'Sakala is out with a knee problem.

Hasi's men earned a 1-1 draw against Galatasaray in Turkey on matchday one and have made a strong start to the defence of their Pro League title, unbeaten after nine matches and with a four-point lead over second-placed Gent.

Dortmund, by contrast, have struggled for consistency in the German top flight, losing three of their opening six games to languish 12th in the early table, already seven points adrift of Bayern Munich.

Following Saturday's loss at Schalke, defender Mats Hummels declared it was time for the team to show their fighting spirit.

"We are not where we want to be just now," he said.

"We have simply endured eight bad days and the comeback trail starts on Wednesday in Anderlecht."

Klopp, meanwhile, echoed the sentiments of Hummels as Dortmund look to build on their 2-0 home victory over Arsenal in their opening group fixture.

"The team has quality, a strong character and is mentally strong," he said. "We will be back."

Carlos backs Ancelotti to defend crown

Roberto Carlos believes Carlo Ancelotti can make history and lead Real Madrid to a successful defence of the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Since the competition's inception in the 1992-93 season, no side has ever won back-to-back crowns, with Milan the last team to do so in its former guise as the European Cup in 1989 and 1990.

After winning a ninth European title in 2002, Real's long wait for La Decima came to an end in May as they defeat city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra-time in Lisbon.

And Carlos, who lifted the famous trophy three times in his playing days at the Santiago Bernabeu, believes Ancelotti could be the man to lead the Spanish giants to an 11th triumph.

"Ancelotti is a top-class coach and he will find the balance in the team," the 41-year-old told AS.

"He did it last season and I'm sure this season there will be the Madrid he wants. Whenever you start a season it's normal you have to adjust things, but I'm not worried.

"I have great respect for Ancelotti. Madrid are stronger with him and will be very successful. They've scored 20 goals in four games and that is a success of the players and Ancelotti.

"He could repeat the achievements of last year and win La Undecima."

Real's next test in Europe is a trip to Ludogorets on Wednesday.

Arsenal have a point to prove against Chelsea - Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal have a point to prove at Stamford Bridge next weekend after their 6-0 humiliation last season, according to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The heavy defeat in March ended any hopes Arsenal had of lifting the Premier League title and Oxlade-Chamberlain admits they need to raise their game on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger's side head back to Chelsea on the back of a 1-1 draw with Tottenham, a game that saw Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal rescue a point in the 74th minute.

The England international believes they can take confidence from that comeback and their unbeaten start to the league campaign to take revenge on Jose Mourinho's side.

"We do understand what happened there last season," he said. "Maybe we have got a point to prove there, we know this year we have got to step up in the big games and get some results in them.

"We're really looking forward to that game and I definitely think we can go there with confidence.

"We give Chelsea the respect they deserve – but, at the same time, I have belief in my team-mates and we believe in ourselves to be able to go to a place like Chelsea and set the tempo and hopefully take control of the game.

"There will be times in the game, I'm sure, when they have a spell because they are a top team.

"It's two good sides, they are going to have their time, we are going to have ours. We just have to make sure that when we do have our chances we make them count."

Ahead of Sunday's trip Arsenal face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Sunderland not panicking, says Jones

Billy Jones has insisted Sunderland are not panicking, despite their winless start to the new Premier League season.

Saturday's 0-0 stalemate with Swansea City was Sunderland's fifth draw of the campaign, leaving them with five points from six top-flight outings.

However, Jones - who moved to the Stadium of Light from West Brom in the close-season, claims the Sunderland dressing room remains upbeat.

"I don't think there's any worry," he told the Sunderland Echo. "We know we're very close to getting that [their first win].

"We've been consistent with our draws, and hopefully we can do the same with wins; get one and go from there.

"The effort was there. At times we maybe lacked that bit of quality with the final pass [against Swansea].

"But we worked hard and we got more of the ball in the second half and with that, chances come.

"We created the most clear-cut chances in the second half. On another day, we'd be talking about a great 1-0 win."

Pelle hopes for Italy call

Graziano Pelle hopes his early season form for Southampton will impress Italy boss Antonio Conte and earn him an international call-up.

The 29-year-old scored his fourth goal of the Premier League season on Saturday with a stunning acrobatic volley in his club's 2-1 win over QPR.

Pelle scored 50 league goals in two seasons for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, but that return failed to earn him a place in the national set-up.

He followed former manager Ronald Koeman to St Mary's Stadium during the close-season, and has been in superb form to help Southampton into second place in the table.

"I believe in myself," Pelle is quoted as saying by the Southampton Echo. "If I was not even inside a small thought of the trainer [Conte] it would be strange.

"I'm doing well and I know by myself when I deserve something, when not.

"I deserve to be considered in the national team at this moment, but I don't pretend to be selected. There are other players that deserve like I do.

"At the end of the list it is only five offensive players that will be in the selection, and to be in the five in all of Italy is not easy. We know how many good players Italy has.

"I'm just happy with what I'm doing and until now, for nine years after I was an under-21, I've never been in the national team.

"Of course, I [would] like it, but for me now the focus is to do good with Southampton and if it will come I am going to be super happy to be on."

Italy face Azerbaijan and Malta in Euro 2016 qualifiers in October, looking to build on their opening 2-0 win over Norway earlier this month.

No comparing Suarez and Balotelli - Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers is refusing to make comparisons between former Liverpool man Luis Suarez and new arrival Mario Balotelli.

After moving to Anfield in January 2011, Suarez established himself as one of the best players in the world with a prolific spell over the past couple of years.

The Uruguayan netted 23 Premier League strikes during 2012-13, before equalling the record for goals in a 38-game season in 2013-14 when he found the net 31 times in just 33 appearances.

That form prompted Barcelona to tempt him away from Anfield in a big-money move during the off-season, while Rodgers brought in Balotelli from Milan in an attempt to replace Suarez's goals.

The Italy international has one in five appearances in all competitions so far, and Rodgers believes likening the duo is a futile exercise.

"There is no comparison between the two as players," he said. "Luis was brilliant for me in his time here and developed to become a player who consistently delivered in terms of scoring and creating.

"Mario is different. He's got a lot of experience for 24, he has come here as an established international.

"Suarez elevated himself, that was clear. He wasn't world class when he came in but when he left to go to Barcelona he had put himself in that bracket.

"He did that because of his consistency in scoring goals and keeping his performance level high.

"World class is about being at the highest level consistently, being at that level in your game consistently. That's what takes you there.

"I think Mario is potentially world class. You can't compare Suarez and him, but Mario is coming in as an international striker and he's a talent, no doubt."

Valencia staying grounded - Alcacer

Paco Alcacer said Valencia are not paying attention to the league standings after they moved top of La Liga on Thursday.

Alcacer, Jose Gaya and Sofiane Feghouli were all on target as Valencia accounted for newly promoted Cordoba 3-0 at the Estadio de Mestalla.

Nuno Espirito Santo's unbeaten Valencia pounced on Barcelona's slip-up at Malaga on Wednesday to join the Catalan club on 13 points after five rounds.

Valencia have won four of their opening five matches, but goalscorer Alcacer is refusing to look beyond Sunday's trip to Real Sociedad.

"The team is playing very well at the moment and knows what it wants in each game," Alcacer told reporters.

"We are creating chances and we are where we are for a reason.

"Our target since the arrival of the coach Nuno [Espirito Santo] has been perfection and while we are following that line we are not dreaming of being at the top but concentrating on each match."

I want to play with Rooney and Falcao - Van Persie

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is adamant he wants to play with both Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao.

Falcao's deadline-day arrival on a season-long loan from Monaco left coach Louis van Gaal with an embarrassment of riches in the final third.

And while Van Gaal is yet to find the right mix between the trio - who all started Sunday's shock 5-3 loss at Leicester City - Van Persie insists they can all play at the same time, and work well.

"We want to play together," Van Persie told Fox Sports News.

"We are constantly talking to each other [on] how we can improve our game together. Because everyone feels that we are together that we are stronger.

"It's quite interesting to see one of those conversations because we all have the target. We want to win games. We want to share success.

"I don't think we have a confidence issue if I'm really honest."

Van Persie also re-iterated his faith in Van Gaal - despite United winning just one of their first six matches in all competitions this season.

The pair worked together when Van Gaal was in charge of Netherlands and the striker is convinced he can handle the pressures that come with the top job at Old Trafford.

"I think his numbers speak for itself," he added.

"He has succeeded everywhere he has managed. Everyone believes in his philosophy as well.

"If you look at the players we have now, the staff we have, the stadium, the fans - if you add all those things up, I'm very confident for the future."

Manchester United next host West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Luis Enrique expecting strong Granada defence

Luis Enrique expects his Barcelona side to face another stern defence when they take on Granada on Sunday.

Barca dropped their first league points of the campaign on Wednesday as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Malaga, a game in which the Catalan club failed to register a shot on target.

Valencia then won on Thursday to knock Barca off top spot in La Liga but Luis Enrique is hopeful his side can bounce back by finding a way through a Granada defence that he anticipates to be as strong as Malaga's.

"I expect them to be the same Granada we've seen in the last few league games," Luis Enrique said.

"I'm sure they will be strong in defence, they've got very good defenders, they play well as a team. I think they are going to cause us a lot of difficulties.

"I analyse our performances after every game and if another team causes difficulties for us and we're not able to get around those then of course we need to find solutions.

"It's not quite as simple as just pressing a button and saying 'do this' automatically. We're looking at solutions and let's see if we're able to translate those ideas into results on the pitch."

Barca, Valencia and Sevilla are level on points at the top having claimed 13 apiece from the first five league game.

And, although the table means little at this early stage of the season, Luis Enrique is pleased to see new teams seemingly ready to challenge the dominance of Barca and Real Madrid, with Atletico Madrid having claimed the title last season.

"Until last season the league was just about Real and Barca," he added.

"Last year Atletico won it playing good football, and this year it's even more competitive. I like that."

FIFA to ban third-party ownership

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has announced that third-party ownership (TPO) in football is to be banned.

The practice of investment companies buying a stake in the economic rights of players is common in European and South American football, although it is already forbidden in the Premier League in England.

However, football's global governing body has now decided to prohibit TPO following a meeting of FIFA's executive committee in Zurich on Friday.

The decision allows for a transitional period and comes following significant pressure from European football's governing body UEFA to introduce new rules surrounding TPO.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino indicated earlier this year that they would take action if FIFA failed to heed their calls for new TPO regulations.

A working group will now be set up to enforce the ban, which could have huge consequences on domestic leagues where TPO is used on a regular basis to allow clubs to buy players with the assistance of outside investors.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke stated that there is no timescale for the ban to implemented, however, he does not expect it to come into effect for three to four years.

UEFA president Michel Platini hailed the announcment as a postive step for the transparency of the game and player freedom.

"I am very happy for football and I am very happy for players that FIFA has followed UEFA's initiative and recommendation to outlaw the practice of third-party ownership," Platini said.

"I have been constantly warning for years that this practice – which is becoming increasingly widespread – is a danger to our sport.

"It threatens the integrity of our competitions, damages football's image, poses a long-term threat to clubs' finances and even raises questions about human dignity.

"The ban is very positive news for player freedom and for the integrity and transparency of the game.

"There will have to be a transition period for the implementation of the ban, but I have faith that the working group that has been established will find the best rules and regulations to eradicate third-party ownership from football as soon as possible."

Higuain happy at Napoli

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is adamant he is happy at the Serie A club despite rumours suggesting he could be set to leave.

Argentina striker Higuain joined Napoli from Real Madrid in July last year for a reported €40million fee.

However, the 26-year-old did not play in Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Palermo after asking coach Rafael Benitez to take him out of the squad due to fatigue and has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Premier League side Liverpool.

Higuain, though, refused to be drawn on those reports, insisting he is enjoying life at Napoli.

"Am I happy to play for Napoli? It is a fantastic city to play football," Higuain told Sky Sport Italia.

"I came here gladly and it is a marvellous city."

Former River Plate forward Higuain has two goals in seven games this season after netting 24 in all competitions last term.

Wenger eyeing critical period

Arsene Wenger sees Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham as the start of a crucial run of games for Arsenal.

The Frenchman has guided his team to an unbeaten start in the Premier League, with two wins and three draws from their five outings thus far.

Arsenal have fared less well in the cup competitions, going down 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in their UEFA Champions League Group D opener, before a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Tuesday ended their League Cup campaign in the third round.

Saturday's north London derby at the Emirates Stadium represents a chance to put that disappointment behind them and the clash marks the first of three big games for the club.

After facing Tottenham, Arsenal host Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday before a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on early pacesetters Chelsea next Sunday.

"Our start has been decent but we enter the second block of games now which will be crucial," Wenger said in a press conference on Friday.

"I only have my eye on the next game because it's a massive one but it's true we have an important week.

"North London derbies are always very intense and the players from both sides know each other so well.

"It was a disappointment to go out against Southampton but there will be a completely different team tomorrow."

Wenger confirmed that both Per Mertesacker and Mathieu Flamini were available after knocks, and he believes Saturday's opponents will be more of a force this season after the managerial upheaval at White Hart Lane during the previous campaign.

"It's too early to judge a team but Tottenham will benefit from the stability they will have this season," he said.

"I'm always a fan of stability because the manager carries the values of a club better than anyone else.

"I'm more proud to reach our targets and we've had to compete with Tottenham to get into the Champions League."

Valencia living the dream at West Ham

West Ham's new arrival Enner Valencia is thrilled with his start to life in the Premier League, despite some initial reservations.

The forward had an impressive World Cup with Ecuador, scoring all three of his country's goals before their elimination at the group stage.

Valencia moved to Upton Park from Pachuca as manager Sam Allardyce attempts to introduce a more attacking brand of football, and the 24-year-old is enjoying life in England, with a trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United to come on Saturday.

"I had to work with my dad on the farm milking cows and then sell the milk to buy my first boots," he told The Guardian.

"I used to watch the Premier League on TV and now I'm living the dream. I can say that it has been a good start, the way that I have adapted to the Premier League.

"Anyone can beat anyone in this league. Everyone loves to play United and I would love to beat them."

Valencia conceded that he was wary about what to expect, after watching Green Street - a film about West Ham hooligan supporters.

"I knew about West Ham mainly from films," he said. "I remember Green Street.

"I was not scared. I respected the fact they are very passionate supporters and, when I found out I was coming here, I didn't know what to expect.

"As soon as I arrived I was told that all that was in the old days and it has all changed now.

"Also, here in England, fans are respectful whereas in South America, if you lose a match you can't even go out in the street.

"Here, after we lost the opening game [to Tottenham] people stayed in the stadium and showed their support. I liked that."

Herrera to offer Vela Mexico return

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has revealed he will offer Carlos Vela the chance to return to the national team for the friendlies in November.

Real Sociedad striker Vela has not played for his country since 2011 and was left out of Herrera's plans for this year's World Cup after refusing to commit to a place in the squad.

After an impressive run to the last 16 in Brazil, Mexico's attentions have already turned to the next World Cup in four years' time in Russia.

And Herrera is to give Vela the opportunity to make a comeback in games with the Netherlands – who knocked Herrera's men out in the second round – and Belarus.

"I'll make a call [to Vela] to invite him to come to the team," Herrera told ESPN.



"If he wants to come, the door is open and if not, the door is closed. Now we continue to work towards Russia.

"It will only be a phone call and the conviction must be there. I'm not going to convince anyone to be with the team."

Vela has 35 Mexico caps to his name and has scored nine goals.

The former Arsenal man found the net 21 times for Sociedad last season and was on target in the 4-2 win over Real Madrid in August.

Trio out of Hull City trip - Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Manchester City will be without Stevan Jovetic, Fernando and Samir Nasri at Hull City on Saturday.

Jovetic is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered in the 1-0 defeat to Stoke City last month, while Fernando has been troubled by a groin problem and also did not feature against Chelsea last weekend.

Nasri, an unused substitute for the 1-1 draw with Jose Mourinho's men, has a groin issue of his own, but Sergio Aguero and David Silva are both fit despite picking up respective knee and ankle knocks.

"Jovetic and Fernando are out," Pellegrini told a news conference on Friday. "They will be ready next week.

"Nasri also has a groin problem, [but] Aguero and Silva are okay."

Pellergini is expecting a tough test against Steve Bruce's side, but hopes to see a repeat of the performance that saw City triumph 2-0 in last season's corresponding fixture, despite the early dismissal of Vincent Kompany.

"Hull is a difficult team to play away," he added. "Last season, we played really well and we won.

"I hope it will be the same."

Mourinho remaining patient with Costa

Jose Mourinho will continue to protect Diego Costa as the striker attempts to fully overcome hamstring problems.

The 25-year-old struggled for fitness towards the back end of last season with Atletico Madrid, and looked far from his best at the World Cup with Spain.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Costa has been held back by Mourinho, starting only in the Premier League, with one brief substitute's appearance in the UEFA Champions League against Schalke.

Ahead of Saturday's clash with Aston Villa, with a trip to Sporting Lisbon to follow on Tuesday, Mourinho stated that Chelsea would closely monitor the situation going forward.

"He plays tomorrow and he starts the game without problems," said Mourinho of Costa in a press conference on Friday.

"The question is always the same, can he finish the game and be in condition to play in Lisbon 48 hours later?

"It is a question that in this moment I don't know because I don't think about Sporting and the Champions League, I think about Aston Villa and the Premier League.

"Everybody is working hard and he is the first one to do that. He works with the technical staff and the medical department, he works with the physios.

"He's trying to be ready for every game because mentally he is ready for every game. Physically he's not so everybody is trying hard for him to be able to play every game."

Mourinho once again refused to be drawn on Manuel Pellegrini's jibes about Chelsea's tactics in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City last weekend.

"I don't have a reaction," he said. "Because not once or two or three times he said he didn't speak about referees and then killed [criticised] [Mark] Clattenburg.

"He said he didn't speak about me or my team and opponents, so I think it's for you to comment. When I said I don't want to speak about him that's what I try to do.

"If you want a story you have to speak with him not me. I keep my place, I follow my line, I don't want to discuss any situation in relation to that."

Mourinho's only injury concern surrounds Ramires, who the Portuguese believes will be out until after the international break next month.

"It is a muscular injury so he's not to play Tuesday or to play against Arsenal [next Sunday]," he said. "He needs the international two weeks break, he needs that time so maybe he can be back after that."

Sammer warns of tough Cologne test

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has warned that they will need a top performance to beat Cologne on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's men moved to the top of the Bundesliga on Tuesday with a dominant 4-0 win over newly promoted Paderborn.

The defending champions now face another newcomer in the form of Cologne in a game that Bayern will understandably be heavily favoured to win.

However, ahead of the visit to the RhienEnergieStadion, Sammer feels Bayern, who are likely to be without defender Jerome Boateng due to muscular problems, will need to take their game to another level to come away with all three points.

"A tough task lies ahead of us," Sammer said. "Cologne are very solid at the back and are a tight-knit team.

"A normal performance in Cologne will not suffice, we need a top performance.

"It feels good to be in first place, we're in top spot and don't want to move from there."

Heldt hoping for peaceful derby

Horst Heldt is hopeful Schalke's clash with Borussia Dortmund can go ahead peacefully following crowd trouble last season.

Schalke host Dortmund at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday in 2014-15's first Revierderby.

The corresponding fixture in January was marred by disturbing scenes in the stands as flares and smoke bombs were thrown from Dortmund's section of the crowd on to the pitch and towards the Schalke support.

Close to 500 fans were handed stadium bans as a result, while a further eight arrests were made by police after the trouble continued on the streets following the end of the game.

Additionally Dortmund were fined €30,000 and had the capacity of their famous 'yellow wall' stand was reduced to 24,454 for domestic games.

The second fixture at Signal Iduna Park passed without incident, although over 3,000 seats remained empty due to security reasons.

And Schalke general manager Heldt is keen to avoid a repeat of the disturbances when Dortmund visit Gelsenkirchen this time around.

"We'd like to think that it will be a peaceful derby, and that emotions will only be battled out on the pitch," Heldt said.

"Of course, we had those nasty scenes in our last home game against Dortmund. But we acted and both sets of fans have shown in the last derby at Dortmund that they are solely focused on the support of their team."

Heldt also warned that there could be serious consequences if fans do not behave.

He added: "Should something happen on Saturday, we leave the option of playing a derby without away fans open."

Riviere: There´s more to come

Newcastle United striker Emmanuel Riviere believes Wednesday's League Cup brace at Crystal Palace is a sign of things to come.

After netting 10 goals in 30 league appearances for Monaco last season, the 24-year-old moved to St James' Park in July.

Yet to score in his five Premier League outings, Riviere opened his account for the club in midweek during the 3-2 extra-time victory at Selhurst Park.

And the former France Under-21 international is confident he can take his goalscoring form into Monday's clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

"I'm happy to get my first two goals," he said. "I didn't worry about not scoring because in training I have been playing well, but the goals just weren't coming.

"But I kept believing in myself. I know what I can do.

"I was waiting for that first goal to come and, now it is here, I know that more will follow.

"I want to play the next game and to keep going like this."

Appiah slams foul-mouthed Boateng

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has revealed details of Kevin-Prince Boateng's World Cup indiscretions, slamming the Schalke star's foul language.

Boateng, along with Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari, was slapped with an indefinite suspension prior to Ghana's final group game at the World Cup in June.

Muntari's ban was dished out for "an unprovoked physical attack" on an executive committee member of the GFA, Mr. Moses Armah, in a meeting.

Meanwhile, Boateng's sanction came on the recommendation of Appiah, who has now spoken out against the attacking midfielder.

"Kevin Boateng, on several occasions, was using foul words such as the 'F word' in training and most of the time I kept quiet and pretended I hadn't noticed," Appiah said.

"My Lord, he directed it to me on two occasions and he did the same with some of my technical team members.

"He did it in front of all the players and I kept quiet over it because that was a day before the game against Germany. After the Germany game, he did the same thing after which I expelled him from the training pitch.

"My intention was to let him know that it is not acceptable to use such words in front of everyone.

"For me if it was between just the two of us, I would have ignored it but repeatedly doing the same things in front of the young ones was something we could not tolerate."

Pearson looking forward rather than back

Nigel Pearson wants Leicester City to focus on Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace rather than last weekend's win over Manchester United.

Leicester looked down and out when they fell 3-1 behind at home to United on Sunday, but they produced an inspired comeback to win 5-3 and stun Louis van Gaal's men.

That result continued their impressive start to the campaign, with the newly promoted side now boasting eight points from their five league outings, more than fellow promoted clubs Burnley and QPR combined.

Saturday sees Pearson's men travel to Selhurst Park, and the 51-year-old is keen to shift attention away from the stunning result last time out.

"I don't really want to spend too much time talking about what has already gone," he said.

"The danger with that is you spend too much time talking about something that has happened.

"It was a great result but now it's going to be about how we can negotiate the next game.

"It will be a tough game because Palace showed last year how effective they can be, when they play at home in particular.

"They had a good result on the road last week and it won't be an easy game for us. We have to make sure we get our own performance right again."

Lambert hoping to tie trio down

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is hoping to arrange new deals for Ron Vlaar, Fabian Delph and Jack Grealish in the near future.

The trio will be out of contract at the end of the current season, and Lambert is keen to agree new terms with all three.

Vlaar and Delph have become among the first names of the team-sheet at Villa Park, while 19-year-old Grealish has impressed in his four appearances this season.

"We're talking to the respective parties about those so let's see what happens," said Lambert.

"You've got to put your best foot forward as such. We're talking, which is a good thing, so we'll see what can be done."

"Vlaar and Delph are different from Jack because they're seasoned pros, we'll see what happens.

"Jack is developing. He's nowhere near the finished article but this is the best place to be because he's getting a chance to be around the first team.

"He's getting little bits here and there. But he's still so far from being an established player. He's developing, which is great, and hopefully something will be done."

Hull City v Manchester City: Bruce worried about defensive lapses

Steve Bruce hopes Hull City can overcame their recent defensive shakiness when they host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Hull have conceded goals at an alarming rate in the early weeks of the 2014-15 season, shipping nine in their previous four games in all competitions.

More worrying for Bruce is their recent habit of giving away leads, with points surrendered in a pair of 2-2 draws with West Ham and Newcastle United in the league.

And their woes continued in Wednesday's League Cup defeat at West Brom, throwing a way a 2-1 advantage with three minutes left to lose 3-2 and fall at their first hurdle of the competition.

With the reigning champions visiting the KC Stadium on Saturday, Bruce admits their inability to keep goals out is becoming a worry, having seen his side register the best defensive record in the bottom seven of last season's Premier League.

"It's a huge concern for me because it's not like us," he said.

"If you've seen us for the last two years, the ability to see a game through was there for everyone to see.

"Certainly in the Championship, once we got in front we never looked like surrendering it.

"It's a bit baffling at the minute because it's not going for us. We have to work harder, get through it and hope it's just a bit of bad luck."

Manuel Pellegrini's side were also in League Cup action in midweek, as they began the defence of the trophy they won in March with a 7-0 hammering of second-tier Sheffield Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.

Frank Lampard scored twice in the rout, taking his tally to three in the last two matches after his equaliser against former club Chelsea last weekend, but Pellegrini suggested that the experienced midfielder will not feature against Hull.

"He is now 36 years old and maybe he cannot play three games in a row," he said.

"But he continues knowing how to play this sport and Frank is a top player in that sense."

Pellegrini has also hinted that Lampard's loan spell from New York City could be extended beyond January, but the Chilean was quick to return his focus to league action at the weekend.

"We'll see what happens in the future but the important thing now is to think about what we must do against Hull on Saturday," he said.

The resounding victory against Wednesday was their first win in five games, and Pellegrini will have Pablo Zabaleta back in contention after serving a one-match suspension for his sending off against Chelsea in midweek.

Fernando (groin) and Stevan Jovetic (hamstring) remain doubts while David Meyler is the hosts' sole injury concern - the Irishman is struggling with a back issue.

Chelsea v Aston Villa: Westwood eyes Stamford Bridge shock

Ashley Westwood is confident a revitalised Aston Villa can cause Premier League leaders Chelsea problems at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Paul Lambert's men suffered their first top-flight defeat of the campaign against Arsenal last weekend after a virus had swept through the club's training ground.

Westwood, Nathan Baker and Darren Bent all missed out on the 3-0 defeat at Villa Park as a result, while Andreas Weimann was able to play despite feeling unwell.

Three goals in quick succession after the half-hour mark stunned Villa and there was no way back as they were brought back down to earth.

Lambert's men face another stern test this weekend, but they beat Chelsea 1-0 the last time the two sides met courtesy of Fabian Delph's late goal in a dramatic game that also saw Brazil duo Willian and Ramires sent off.

And midfielder Westwood feels Villa can again cause more problems for the London club this weekend.

"Last year we went there in the middle of a tough run of games, we played them in midweek and we thought we should have got something out of the game," he told the Birmingham Mail, referring to a 2-1 defeat in west London.

"We were unlucky then, but we’ll go there this year with confidence again, just as we did [in the 1-0 win] against Liverpool at Anfield.

"If we play like we did last year at Stamford Bridge, going there and unsettling them and taking them away from their game, then we can hit them with Gabby [Agbonlahor] and the other quick players we have up front."

While Villa had a midweek to recover, Chelsea were given a thorough workout as they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the third round of the League Cup.

Oscar's second-half wrapped up victory over the Championship sides, which came after draws against Schalke in the UEFA Champions League and Manchester City.

Jose Mourinho's side and Arsenal are the only sides yet to suffer defeat in the Premier League this term, but defender Gary Cahill warned his team-mates not to expect an easy ride against his former club.

"I had a great time at Villa. I owe a lot to them, they brought me through and I had a great time, so I'm looking forward to it," the former Villa man told Chelsea's official website.

"They’ve had a great start to the season, apart from their last result, so it’s going to be another tough test for us.

"At the moment we're unbeaten, we're going well and we should have confidence, especially playing in front of our own fans at Stamford Bridge."

Chelsea could welcome back Ramires (groin), while Villa look set to have a host of players back at full fitness after recovering from illness.

However, Lambert confirmed on Thursday that Ron Vlaar is "really struggling" for Saturday's game due to a calf problem, while long-term absentees Christian Benteke (Achilles) and Libor Kozak (leg) remain out of action.

Seoul 1 Gyeongnam 1: Ko rescues point for hosts

Ko Yo-han rescued a point for Seoul as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Gyeongnam ahead of their AFC Champions League semi-final.

Midfielder Ko struck on 76 minutes to ensure the hosts claimed a share of the spoils in their final K.League clash before next week's Champions League last-four tie with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Seoul had Wednesday's fixture brought forward to give them extra time to prepare for their crucial continental match, but were laboured and second-bottom Gyeongnam went ahead on the hour mark.

Jin Kyung-Sun fired his first goal of the season past Kim Yong-dae to put the visitors on course for a shock victory.

However, Seoul - who went into the game on a 12-game unbeaten run - rallied.

Ko spared their blushes, and Choi Yong-Soo's men can now look forward to next Wednesday's Champions League tie.

Morrison completes Cardiff loan move

Cardiff City have confirmed the loan signing of West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison until December 26.

Former Manchester United man Morrison will embark on his third loan spell in the Championship after completing his move to the managerless south Wales club on Wednesday.

Morison has previously enjoyed loans with Birmingham City and QPR in the second tier, and was part of Harry Redknapp's squad that earned promotion to the Premier League last season.

He returned to West Ham for the start of the new campaign but has continued to find first-team chances difficult to come by under Sam Allardyce.

The 21-year-old took to his Twitter account on Tuesday to announce he was moving to Cardiff on a temporary basis, and the club have now confirmed the news.

"We are pleased to announce that Ravel Morrison has this afternoon completed a short-term loan move to Cardiff City," read a statement read on Cardiff's official website.

"Ravel links up from West Ham United until Friday 26th December 2014.

"He will be eligible to play in up to 15 Championship fixtures during that time, including our game at Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day."

Cardiff, who are still on the hunt for a new boss following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer last week, sit 16th in the Championship after eight games.

Morrison could make his debut for the club when they host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Rossiter not getting carried away by debut goal

Jordan Rossiter knows he still has a long way to go to earn a regular place in Liverpool's first team despite scoring on his debut.

The 17-year-old became Liverpool's second youngest goalscorer when he found the back of the net in the 10th minute of Tuesday's League Cup victory over Middlesbrough, although Brendan Rodgers' side needed penalties to progress.

Rossiter had been substituted before the penalty drama ensued at Anfield having impressed in the centre of midfield alongside Lucas Leiva.

Rodgers praised the youngster's display but Rossiter is keen to stay grounded.

"I know personally that this is just the start," he insisted. "I've got to keep my feet on the ground.

"The manager just told me that I had done well.

"I need to keep on improving and to stay in and around the first team, while improving for the under-21s week in, week out.

"I'm still a long way away from being in the first team. I'm still only 17."

Rossiter has risen quickly through the academy ranks at Liverpool to become a regular with the club's under-21 side under Michael Beale and signed his first professional contract in March.