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West Ham United will be looking to bring an end to a dreadful run of form when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

The Irons have lost their last four Premier League matches and in what has been a disappointing season – where they have struggled to adapt to life at the London Stadium – the pressure is on manager Slaven Bilic to turn things around in the run-in.

The Croatian’s job could be under threat unless results improve before the end of the campaign, and he will be aware that his side are now just six points above the relegation zone.

Without a victory since their 3-1 win against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium at the start of February, it will be a tough task against Arsene Wenger’s men, but they aren’t without their problems either.

Here are THREE reasons why West Ham will end their poor run with a win in north London…

Arsenal are low on confidence

While they may be low on confidence themselves, the Irons couldn’t have much better Premier League opponents than the Gunners right now.

Having only beaten Non-League sides Sutton United and Lincoln City since the start of February, supporters are starting to turn on Wenger, as shown by the protests before their recent matches.

Arsenal look particularly fragile in defence – as shown by their 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday – and the Hammers attack must test them tonight.

They can frustrate the home fans

With Arsenal in poor form, low on confidence and the supporters divided over the future of Wenger, the Irons must go to the Emirates Stadium and keep it tight for the first 15 or 20 minutes.

If they can do that, Gunners fans will soon get frustrated in the stands – especially as they facing a team that has lost their last four Premier League matches – and that irritation will soon be felt on the pitch.

They’ve got Andy Carroll

Without Laurent Koscielny, who is likely to miss the clash at the Emirates after going off at half-time against Manchester City on Sunday because of injury, the Gunners will certainly be a little weaker at the back tonight.

Irons striker Andy Carroll must look to take advantage of that and use his ability in the air to put the Arsenal centre-back partnership under pressure, and Arsene Wenger certainly knows all about the threat the 28-year-old can bring.

The striker scored a hat-trick against the north London outfit in April 2016, while he also netted a consolation goal in his side’s 5-1 defeat to the Gunners at the start of December.

Pep Guardiola is making the world look on with envy during his initial Manchester City spending spree. Bringing in some big names, along with a smattering of classy youngsters, Guardiola is transforming a squad that had begun to slip into disrepair towards the final months of Manuel Pellegrini’s reign.

Nolito has arrived from Spain and Gundogan from Germany, as Guardiola flexes Manchester City’s significant financial muscle in a bid to rival Jose Mourinho’s ego-driven investment across the city.

It is surely a matter of time until Manchester City unveil another enormous signing, with the Manchester power-struggle growing in tedium by the minute. We are being ‘treated’ to a barrage of rumours from one day to the next and its beginning to grate somewhat.

However, Guardiola may swerve the obvious links to his former stars at Bayern and Barca and look towards his previous nemeses, Atletico Madrid. Simeone’s wonderfully drilled army of highly-gifted players are likely to be a target for Pep, aren’t they?

Jose Gimenez

As Koulibaly and Stones dominate the transfer talk, many football fans seem to be overlooking one of the best young defenders in European football, Jose Gimenez.

The Atleti man quickly disposed of Miranda and has formed a rock-solid partnership with talisman, Diego Godin. His game is still raw in places, as you’d expect for a 21-year-old, but he possesses all the skills to become the best in Europe, whether that be alongside Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi or Diego Godin.

A hardened tackler, Gimenez’s ability to play out from the back would need a fair bit of work if he was to play under Guardiola, but there is no reason he couldn’t flourish into a star at City.

Filipe Luis

As Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov continue to defend as if there main purpose is to entertain, Guardiola must be considering adding a more cultured, skilled, assured left-back to City’s ranks before the summer is out.

Step up, Filipe Luis. Despite a turbulent time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, Luis has returned to the brilliant form that earned him the move to London in the first place. The Brazilian is one of the best full-backs in the game at the moment and would be a marked upgrade on either of Clichy or Kolarov.

Admittedly, Luis is coming towards the end of his peak years, but he would be a perfect signing whilst City look for a longer-term left-back successor.

Antoine Griezmann

Imagine Antoine Griezmann playing alongside Sergio Aguero.

Tantalising, isn’t it?

A European Championship golden boot has joined the other awards and medals in the Griezmann cabinets and he must be hoping to add a Premier League winners’ medal to that collection before the end of his career. The flying Frenchman’s transition to centre-forward under Simeone has been wonderful, notching 22 goals last season and quickly becoming one of Atletico’s best ever.

The release clause is sitting there, waiting to be triggered, could Griezmann be the true marquee signing of Guardiola’s summer?

Marcus Rashford has hit out at those spreading “malicious rumours” regarding his future at Manchester United.

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New contract signed over the summerDeal at Old Trafford runs until 2028Questions asked of future amid poor formWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international forward only signed a new contract with the Red Devils back in July, with those terms set to keep him at Old Trafford until 2028. Questions are, however, already been asked of whether said deal will be honoured.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

That is because Rashford, who hit 30 goals last season for the first time in his career, has struggled for form in the 2023-24 campaign. After posting personal bests in 2022-23, the 26-year-old has found the target on just one occasion this term through 14 appearances.

WHAT THEY SAID

That has led some to speculate that his days at United may be numbered, with Erik ten Hag desperate to find a reliable source of attacking inspiration in his underperforming squad, but Rashford has addressed the gossip by responding to a report from The United Stand by saying: “Please STOP spreading malicious rumours.”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Rashford has spent his entire career to date with United, as a product of their famed academy system, and has now taken in 373 appearances for the Premier League giants. He has hit 124 goals, but will need no reminding of the fact that his standards have dipped again in the current campaign.

Croatia have produced some absolute superstars in recent decades and their all-time best XI sure looks special!

Croatia have been a force to be reckoned with ever since its recognition as a separate football federation by both FIFA and UEFA.

Modern-day Croatia has been playing competitive international games since 1994, starting with the qualifying campaign for Euro 1996.

They then competed at the World Cup in 1998, finishing third following some superb performances from the legendary Davor Suker, who was the tournament's top goal scorer.

Croatia then enjoyed arguably their finest moment when they reached the World Cup final in 2018.

Many iconic players have featured for the Croatian national team over the years, but which legends make up their all-time best XI?

Let's take a look!

• Getty Images
  

  GK: Stipe Pletikosa

  The greatest goalkeeper in Croatian history, Stipe Pletikosa made his international debut in 1999.

  He represented the country in five major tournaments and is the third-most capped player in the history of the national team after Darijo Srna and Luka Modric.

  Pletikosa made 114 appearances for Croatia between 1999 and 2014 and played at the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and 2014 World Cup.

  He retired after his last World Cup game in 2014.

  Danijel Subasic will feel disappointed to miss out on the No.1 jersey, but Pletikosa eventually just edged it, with his longevity making the difference.

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• Getty Images
  

  RB: Darijo Srna

  Srna made his debut for Croatia in November 2002 and is the second-most capped international player in the history of Croatian football with 134 appearances.

  The right-back featured at Euro 2004, World Cup 2006, Euro 2008, Euro 2012, World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 for Croatia, scoring 22 goals for the national team between 2002 to 2016.

  He was was instated as the captain of the national team in 2009, an honour he held until his retirement from international football in 2016, before Modric became captain.

  His consistency, quality on the ball and playing style sometimes earned him comparisons with the legendary Brazilian Cafu.

• Željko Hladika / Pixsell
  

  CB: Dario Simic

  One of Croatia's most-beloved defenders of the 1990s, Simic featured in a variety of positions including centre-back, sweeper and full-back.

  He was especially known for his immense physical strength and aerial ability.

  Simic featured for Croatia between 1996 and 2008, becoming the first player to earn 100 caps for his country.

  He was an important member of Croatia's squad for each of the six major tournaments they qualified for during the 1990s and 2000s, including three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006) and three Euros (1996, 2004 and 2008).

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• Getty Images
  

  CB: Robert Kovac

  Brother of renowned manager Niko Kovac, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, Robert Kovac is one of the greatest centre-backs in the country's history.

  He represented them at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and also participated in Euro 2004 and 2008.

  After 84 appearances for Croatia between 1999 and 2009 and captaining the team for a year after Niko's retirement in 2008, Robert retired in 2009.

Ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg playoffs, Ed Dove predicts Africa’s five qualifiers

Goal/GettyAfrica’s playoffs

We already know 20 of the 32 teams set to compete at the 2022 World Cup, and on Tuesday, Africa’s five representatives will be decided with the conclusion of the two-legged Third Round.

The Caf qualifying campaign—which began way back in September 2019—reaches its conclusion this week with the second half of five tantalising playoff bouts.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s showdowns, Ed Dove predicts which five sides he’s anticipating will progress to Qatar from the continent.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSenegal

Egypt may have the first leg advantage after they defeated Senegal 1-0 in Cairo on Friday, but Saliou Ciss’s early own goal was about as good as it got for the Pharaohs, who showed precious little on the day.

Senegal were having a serious off day, lacking the tempo and rhythm they demonstrated during their victorious Africa Cup of Nations Cup campaign, but Egypt weren’t able to truly punish them…and I think they may regret it.

The Teranga Lions, playing their first match on home soil since becoming African champions, will surely be pumped up for the occasion at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, and their greater firepower could ensure Sadio Mane’s boys eliminate Mohamed Salah’s side from the World Cup running.

Backpagepix.Morocco

Both Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo showed their quality—and their weaknesses—in the first leg, in what was, overall, a frustrating display for both sides.

The Leopards weren’t able to truly make the most of home advantage—and conceded an away goal—whereas the Atlas Lions weren’t able to impose themselves consistently on a weaker opponent.

Nonetheless, Tarik Tissoudali’s 76th-minute equaliser gives them the away goal…and the edge, heading into the home leg.

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GettyTunisia

One of only two sides to have picked up an away victory in the first leg of their playoff, Tunisia’s victory in Bamako leaves them as overwhelming favourites to advance.

The Carthage Eagles weren’t particularly impressive going forward at the Stade du 26 Mars, but Moussa Sissako’s moments of madness—his own goal and then his sending off—have given the North Africans an edge they’re unlikely to lose.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com o título antecipado do Flamengo, o Palmeiras pode terminar o Brasileiro no máximo na segunda colocação. Buscar o vice, ainda que pareça uma meta pouco atrativa, significaria conquistar uma premiação R$ 13 milhões maior do que aquela que a CBF pagou pelo título de 2018.

A diferença está relacionada ao novo contrato de direitos de transmissão. No ano passado, o Verdão ganhou R$ 18 milhões pelo título. Em 2019, o vice-campeão levará R$ 31,3 milhões, e o terceiro, R$ 29,7 milhões.

-> Veja a classificação do Brasileirão e use o simulador!

O Palmeiras está atrás do Santos, segundo colocado, pelo número de vitórias: ambos somam 68 pontos, mas a equipe de Jorge Sampaoli ganhou 20 vezes, contra as 19 do Verdão, que ainda enfrenta Fluminense, Flamengo, Goiás e Cruzeiro. Já o Peixe pega Fortaleza, Chapecoense, Athletico e Flamengo.

– Acho que quando você não é campeão, tem que lutar pela melhor posição. E depois do título, a melhor posição é a de segundo colocado e temos que brigar por ela. Temos condições, vamos trabalhar para isso – avisou Mano Menezes.

A premiação maior é também uma opção para amenizar os problemas no caixa alviverde em 2019. O clube apresenta déficit de R$ 36 milhões até setembro, diante de receitas que não atingiram a previsão, como: bilheteria, lei de incentivo ao esporte, direitos de transmissão internacional do Brasileiro e comercialização de placas de campo.

Além disso, o clube manteria a sequência como campeão ou vice nas últimas quatro edições do Brasileiro. Em 2016 e 2018, conquistou o título, e em 2017 acabou em segundo. Caso vença todos os jogos até o fim, a equipe de Mano Menezes chegará aos mesmos 80 pontos das duas campanhas campeãs.

– A gente joga o campeonato como estamos jogando o campeonato inteiro, jogando para vencer. É uma equipe e grupo de caráter. Mesmo não tendo mais chances, vamos jogar da mesma maneira – decretou.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite deste domingo o Avaí conheceu mais uma derrota no Campeonato Brasileiro. Desta vez, o algoz foi o Palmeiras, que foi até a Ressacada e venceu por 2 a 1, deixando a situação do Leão ainda mais complicada.

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Na coletiva de imprensa, o técnico Evando demonstrou um sentimento de tristeza pela falta de sorte do time catarinense no duelo.

‘No segundo tempo se desenhava com Palmeiras buscando o gol e nós iriamos achar espaço. Aí tomamos gol na bola parada, veio o dilúvio, e os jogadores custaram a entender a característica do jogo. Era para chutar para longe, para cima e assim conseguimos o pênalti. Aí sofremos o pênalti em lance desnecessário. Sai daqui com sensação de tristeza, de perder um jogo que equilibramos, poderíamos ter saído vencedor’, relatou Evando.

Como não poderia ser diferente, o treinador foi questionado sobre o lance de pênalti a favor do Palmeiras, mas preferiu não entrar em polêmica. ‘Hoje não vou falar de arbitragem. Vou ver o lance depois para saber. Vou falar só do jogo’, afirmou.

Com o revés, o Avaí permanece na lanterna do torneio, com 17 pontos, 13 a menos que o Fluminense, primeiro time fora do Z4.

The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will be dusted off and put up for grabs when New Zealand host Australia in their World Cup clash at Eden Park on Saturday. The teams competed for the trophy in annual series from 2004-05 until 2009-10, but it has since then become one of the forgotten pieces of silverware in world cricket.After Australia won 3-2 in New Zealand in 2009-10, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy has only once been made available: during the World Cup match between the sides in Nagpur in 2011. It was not even on the table for the Champions Trophy game between Australia and New Zealand in 2013, which New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said this week was “an oversight.”In any case, that game was washed out. But the fact that there has not been a bilateral Australia-New Zealand series in nearly five years is a shame, and means that the trophy will be a tokenistic prize for the winner of this week’s match. The potential to qualify in a higher place in their World Cup pool is, realistically, of greater incentive.If results were to fall in such a way that Australia and New Zealand meet in a semi-final, hosting rights will be given to whichever side finished higher in Group A. For Australia, victory this weekend is imperative, given their shared points from the wash-out with Bangladesh and New Zealand’s unbeaten run so far at the World Cup.”It is not as if either side needs any added incentive when playing each other, but the fact the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is on the line on Saturday certainly provides it,” James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, said. “The trophy is named after two of our great cricketing families and so to have it at stake in this highly anticipated match is entirely appropriate.”We are due to play Test cricket against each other next summer and we are examining the schedule to see what options we have for playing each other in one-day internationals on a more regular basis in the future.”

Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of the World Cup with a calf injury

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Feb-2015Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of the World Cup with a calf injury. Opener Nasir Jamshed is set to replace him in the squad, after he was approved by the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.Pakistan also have lead spinner Saeed Ajmal available for the World Cup, after his reworked action was cleared by the ICC, but the PCB named Jamshed as a replacement. Hafeez is the second Pakistani player to miss the tournament with an injury, after Junaid Khan.”It’s confirmed that Hafeez is unfortunately out due to an injury. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq, coach Waqar Younis and chief selector Moin Khan decided the replacement as they wanted an opening batsman in place of an opening batsman,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said.The board chief also said Jamshed already has an Australia visa and is expected to join the squad in five days to be available for their opening match against India on February 15 in Adelaide.Hafeez picked up the injury while batting in the second ODI against New Zealand in Napier on February 3. He was ruled out of the World Cup after undergoing MRI scans on Friday in Sydney, following which he was advised a month-long rest. The allrounder was available only as a batsman in the tournament after he had been suspended by the ICC in December.He was scheduled to undergo an official test with a reworked action in Brisbane on February 6, which the PCB wanted pushed back to February 10 because Hafeez was not fit.

MatériaMais Notícias

Não há dúvida. Paolo Guerrero é quem mais causa dores de cabeça a Jorge Jesus e companhia para o confronto pela quartas de final da Libertadores, cujo duelo de ida ocorre nesta quarta-feira, às 21h30 (de Brasília), no Maracanã. A estrela do Internacional retorna ao Rio para encarar o Flamengo, seu ex-clube.

E há uma curiosidade envolvendo Guerrero e Jesus. No fim de junho de 2018, o português, então noAl Hilal, da Arábia Saudita, indicou a contratação do peruano, que havia acabado de se despedir da Copa do Mundo (na primeira fase) e estava em reta final de vínculo com o Fla – o adeus se deu em agosto.

– Sabemos que o Guerrero é um ótimo ponta de lança (centroavante). Já conheço bem. Quase consegui levá-lo ano passado para a Arábia Saudita.Quando enfrentar o Internacional, que é candidato ao título e tem uma das melhores equipes do Brasil, vamos tentar ser melhor do que eles – comentou Jesus, logo após a classificação sobre o Emelec, nas oitavas.

Às vésperas de encontrá-lo como adversário, Jesus precisa costurar a sua estratégia tendo em mente os recursos técnicos de Guerrero do outro lado, escolhido pelo atleta há um ano. O goleador, que estreou somente este ano pelo Internacional, acumula ótimos números (11 gols em 19 jogos).

SEGUNDO EMBATE CONTRA O FLAMENGO

Cabe destacar que Guerrero reencontra o Flamengo pela segunda vez após deixar o clube da Gávea. Na primeira, em maio deste ano, o camisa 9 marcou um gol na vitória por 2 a 1, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro e em Porto Alegre.

RETORNO AO MARACANÃ

No Maracanã, somando as duas pela seleção peruana, são 13 bolas na rede em 33 partidas – dez pelo Fla e uma com a camisa do Corinthians. Por falar no estádio, será a primeira vez que ele retorna ao maior palco do futebol carioca depois da final da Copa América, quando o Brasil sagrou-se campeão, e como jogador do Colorado – contra o Fluminense, em agosto, ficou apenas no banco.

A aguardar como os rubro-negros recepcionarão o seu antigo xodó.

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