NATO Says Missiles Operational on Turkey-Syria Border .

NATO says the first of six missile defense batteries sent to Turkey to intercept possible rockets fired from Syria is operational.

The alliance says the Patriot missile battery went "under command and control" in the southern city of Adana Saturday. The first battery was a Dutch unit.

The Netherlands and the United States are each providing two batteries of the U.S.-made Patriots. NATO expects to make the rest of the units fully operational in the next few days.

The Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad has described the NATO Patriot deployment as a provocation.

On Friday, twin car bomb explosions in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights killed eight people. Government forces launched new raids in rebel-held districts of Damascus.

There was no claim of responsibility for the Golan Heights blasts, but car bombs and suicide attacks targeting Syrian troops are tactics commonly used by Islamic militants, who alongside the rebels are trying to topple Assad.

According to estimates, at least 60,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in March 2011. Hundreds of thousands more have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

EGYPT VIOLENCE.

In this January 26, 2013 photo, demonstrators throw stones at security forces who respond with tear gas in front of international hotels along the Nile in downtown Cairo, Egypt.

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In this January 26, 2013 photo, demonstrators throw stones at security forces who respond with tear gas in front of international hotels along the Nile in downtown Cairo,

              

CAIRO, EGYPT — Egyptian authorities appear caught between trying to contain escalating anti-government violence and refraining from the heavy-handed tactics that led to the toppling of the old system. Authorities said Sunday that 31 people have died in clashes in Port Said, after a court delivered death sentences in a football riot case.

The coastal city of Port Said was reeling Sunday from a burst of violence as rival football gangs, known as Ultras, and anti-government protesters turned the streets into a battleground. Many residents remained indoors, as the military increased security, including at key installations such as the port and the Suez Canal and roads leading into town.

In Zagazig, near the Delta hometown of President Mohamed Morsi, clashes between pro- and anti-government forces broke out Sunday. In Suez, angry youths kept up protests which have already claimed several lives. And in Cairo, riot police and protesters continued to trade tear gas and fire bombs on the streets leading into Tahir Square, two days after the nation marked the anniversary of the 2011 revolution.
Anger has largely turned toward President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood supporters, who protesters say have failed to bring political, economic or social justice since coming to power last year.
In response to the violence, Information Minister Salah Abdel Maqsoud said the National Defense Council is calling for dialogue.
He said the group, which includes Morsi, wants "independent, nationalistic personalities" to lead a discussion on the country's political divisions.
The Port Said violence erupted after a court handed death sentences to 21 people involved in a football riot that left 72 fans dead last year. Many blamed the government for not addressing what they said was security's role in failing to prevent the stadium disaster. Ultras have long been suspicious of the police, and have been a strong force during the uprising against the old government, and in protests against the interim military rulers and the current leadership.

That so many people died during clashes in response to the death sentences imposed Saturday, which were themselves a response to deadly riots, has left many in Egypt both stunned and weary.

THE CRISIS IN MALI, THE PROOP MOVE TO TIMBUKTU

Mali conflict: French and Malian troops move on Timbuktu

French-led forces in Mali are advancing on the key northern city of Timbuktu, as they press on with their offensive against Islamist rebels.

On Saturday Malian and French forces seized Gao, another key northern city.

The advance comes as African Union leaders are meeting to discuss sending more troops to Mali.

Islamists seized the north of the country last year, but have been losing ground since French forces launched an operation earlier this month.

Late on Saturday French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Malian and French troops would arrive "near Timbuktu soon".

Overnight they secured Gao - northern Mali's most populous city- after special forces captured the airport and a strategic bridge to the south.

Most militants appear to have fled into desert hide-outs and the hunt for them may prove more difficult once all major towns are secure, says the BBC's Thomas Fessy in the capital, Bamako.

Troops from Niger and Chad are to assist Malian forces in further securing the town.

Also overnight, French forces bombed Islamist position in Kidal, Malian officials say.

An army source told AFP news agency that the home of the head of Ansar Dine, the main militant group in northern Mali, had been destroyed in a raid.
US refuelling
African Union leaders are holding a summit in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, as members move to deploy troops to help the French-led operation there.

Outgoing AU chairman Boni Yayi on Sunday hailed France for its military intervention, saying it was something "we should have done a long time ago to defend a member country".

In a statement on Saturday, the AU said it wanted to make "an African Standby Force" operational in Mali soon.

African states have pledged nearly 5,700 troops to support French and Malian forces in their campaign. Only a small part of the African force has so far deployed.

On the sidelines of the Addis Ababa summit, the EU pledged 50m euros (£42.6m) to bolster the multinational force, saying a further 250m euros of development money would also be made available.

Meanwhile, the US said it would provide mid-air refuelling for French warplanes. The Pentagon said it had also discussed plans for the US to transport troops to Mali from countries including Chad and Togo.

The scars of battle are evident in Konna, the first town recaptured from the Islamists by the French

Some 3,700 French troops are engaged in Operation Serval, 2,500 of them on Malian soil.

France intervened in its former colony after Islamist launched a push to the south earlier this month. Paris said the whole of Africa, and even Europe, was under threat if the Islamist offensive succeeded.

As French and Malian troops moved into Gao, Malian officials spoke of scenes of joy, but also some looting.

Malian Foreign Minister Tieman Coulibaly said ahead of the summit in Addis Ababa: "This terrorist group intends to spread its criminal purpose over the whole of Mali, and eventually target other countries."

The AU has recommended civilian observers monitor the human rights situation in the areas which have come back under the control of the Malian government.

Human rights groups have accused the Malian army of committing serious abuses.

Islamist groups and secular Tuareg rebels took advantage of chaos following a military coup to seize northern Mali in April 2012. But the Islamists soon took control of the region's major towns, sidelining the Tuaregs.

MALI UNREST.

Wizara ya Ulinzi ya Ufaransa inasema kuwa jeshi linaloongozwa na Wafaransa limeuteka uwanja wa ndege wa mji wa Gao, ngome ya wapiganaji ya Kiislamu kaskazini mwa Mali.Daraja muhimu piya wameiteka. Mapigano yanaendelea.
Gao ni mmoja kati ya miji mikuu mitatu ya kaskazini mwa Mali iliyotekwa na wapiganaji mwaka jana.
Siku ya Ijumaa wanajeshi wa Mali na Ufaransa waliukomboa mji wa Hombor kilomita 160 kutoka Gao.
Umoja wa Afrika umesema unataka kuzidisha idadi ya wanajeshi wa kuweka amani nchini Mali, na imeomba nchi zanachama kujitolea kwa wanajeshi zaidi katika wiki zijazo.
Piya umeuomba Umoja wa Mataifa usaidie kuwasafirisha wanajeshi hao hadi Mali.

 

NGASSA KUSAINI YANGA 2013/2014

 

Ni kama mchezo wa kuigiza vile, lakini ukweli ni kwamba Mrisho Ngassa ameghairi kwenda El Merreikh ya Sudani na sasa amesaini Yanga ya Dar es Salaam kwa ajili ya Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara msimu ujao.
Habari za uhakika ambazo zimepatikana kutoka vyanzo mbalimbali vya kuaminika jana usiku, vyanzo hivyo vikiwa pamoja na Ngassa ni kwamba mshambuliaji huyo amefuta mpango wake wa kwenda Khartoum, Sudan kujiunga na El Merreikh na kuweka wazi nia yake ya kuchezea Yanga.
“Kuna mazungumzo na Ngassa yanaendelea hapa, ameamua mwenyewe kwa hiari yake aachane na mipango ya kwenda Sudan badala yake anataka acheze Yanga, huo ndio ukweli ulivyo.
“Lakini mkataba wake na Yanga utaeleza wazi kwamba atajiunga na timu yetu mara tu baada ya kumaliza mkataba wake wa kucheza kwa mkopo katika klabu ya Simba. Kwa maana hiyo atavaa rasmi jezi za Yanga msimu ujao.
“Tumebishana kidogo, lakini hatimaye tumekubaliana tumchukue kwani kama akienda El Merreikh itakuwa ngumu kumrudisha Yanga, wakati mwenyewe anataka acheze Yanga,” kilisema chanzo hicho usiku jana wakati wakiwa na Ngassa.
Kwa mujibu wa chanzo hicho ambacho hakitaki jina lake litajwe ni kuwa Ngassa yupo huru kuzungumza na timu yoyote kwani mkataba wake na Azam umebaki miezi sita, ingawa pia Simba inadai iliingia naye mkataba mwingine wa mwaka mmoja pale mkataba wa sasa wa mkopo utakapomalizika.
Ngassa kwa upande wake alipoulizwa kwanza alionekana kushtuka kisha akasema hawezi kufanya uamuzi wa kwenda Yanga wala kuzungumza nao lolote kwa sasa.
Kwa upande wake Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Usajili ya Yanga, Abdallah Bin Kleb alipotafutwa jana simu yake ilikuwa ikiita bila majibu.
Wiki iliyopita Azam ilitangaza kumuuza Ngassa kwa timu ya El Merreikhn kwa dola za Marekani 75,000, ambapo juzi klabu hiyo ilisema mchezaji huyo atakuwa akilipwa dola za Marekani 4,000 (Sh. Milioni sita za Tanzania) kwa mwezi.
Lakini mauzo ya Ngassa kwenda El Merreikh yanaonekana kuzigonganisha Azam na Simba, huku Simba ikilalamika kutotendewa haki kwa madai Azam ilipaswa kuwataarifu kabla ya kumuuza Sudan.
Tayari Mwenyekiti wa Simba, Ismail Aden Rage ameliandikia barua Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF) kupinga mauzo ya mchezaji huyo na kuliomba shirikisho hilo lisitoe Hati ya Uhamisho wa Kimataifa (ITC).
Kutokana na mshahara huo kwa kipindi cha miaka miwili Ngassa atavuna Sh. Milioni 144 na ukichanganya dola za Marekani 50,000 (Sh.milioni 80) atakazopata kwa kusaini mkataba huo Ngassa atakuwa ametengeneza Sh, milioni 230 kwa miezi 24.
Kama Azam ingefanikiwa kumuuza Ngassa El Merreikh, Yanga pia ingepata sehemu ya mgawo kwa mauzo hayo kwani wakati inaiuzia Azam mwaka 2010 iliweka kipengele katika mkataba kwamba ikitokea Azam ikamuuza itabidi Yanga ipewe asilimia tano ya mauzo hayo.

Arsene Wenger praises Arsenal's fight after FA Cup win at Brighton

Arsene Wenger praised Arsenal's fighting spirit after a 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion and felt a 'little bit of extra quality' proved the difference.

Theo Walcott's 85th minute winner sent Arsenal into the fifth round of the FA Cup after Brighton had twice drawn level following goals from Olivier Giroud.
Wenger acknowledged Brighton were the better team in the first half and was pleased with how his players responded to the challenge against a Championship club.
"Brighton made it very difficult for us and were sharper than us in the first half. They had a great spirit today," said the Arsenal boss.
"But in the end we had that little bit of extra quality to get us through. We did our job, but needed to fight until the end."
Wenger admitted his team selection could have come back to haunt him, saying: "That is a gamble you take and you know it can backfire.
"You have to rotate knowing that if it doesn't work you will be accused of having made the wrong decision."
Giroud has slowly grown in stature since his summer move from Montpellier and followed up a double against West Ham in midweek with another brace against Brighton.

"It's good for his confidence," added Wenger. "He's scored four goals this week and he had a few more chances today.
"Giroud gets there. He has a presence in the box. He is dangerous and his physical presence was very important today."
Arsenal have yet to move in the January transfer window, and Wenger insisted he was in no rush to panic buy ahead of the deadline despite being linked with a string of players across Europe.
He said: "You do not find them in the street, strikers who can play for us. We have strength in our team. It is difficult in January.

Virgil van Dijk's agent says English interest remains after unsuccessful Brighton bid.

Virgil van Dijk continues to attract interest from English clubs after Groningen turned down an undisclosed bid from Brighton, according to his agent.

The young defender was the subject of an unsuccessful offer from the Championship club, general manager Hans Nijland confirmed on his Twitter account last week.
However his agent, Henk-Maarten Chin, believes the Seagulls could come in for him again, while the 21-year-old has previously claimed Everton are keen.
Newcastle have also been linked with the highly-rated stopper, capped twice for Holland Under-21s.
Chin told Dutch newspaper Dagblad van het Noorden: "I expect Brighton can make another approach.
"Virgil is the type of defender who would fit in well in England.
"There is much more interest for him than has emerged so far. There is some from Germany but mainly it's from English clubs."

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Inter Milan winger Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted on Friday he was hoping to bring in one or two new signings and it appears Coutinho could follow Daniel Sturridge into Anfield.
The Reds have been in talks with Inter for the last few weeks but were struggling to agree a deal with the Italian giants.

Who else will be on the move in January? Find out who Sky Bet are expecting to switch clubs in their Transfer Specials here.

Southampton have also expressed an interest in Coutinho, but it seems Liverpool have now struck a deal with Inter for the 20-year-old.
Coutinho is thought to favour a move to Liverpool ahead of Southampton and the South American is expected to hold talks with the Anfield outfit over the next few days as Rodgers aims to bring in his second new face of this month's transfer window.

VURUGU MTWARA MASASI

MANCHESTER UNITED WIN AGAIST FULHAM

Manchester United comfortably progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs set United on their way with a third-minute penalty before a Wayne Rooney strike and a brace from Javier Hernandez sealed Fulham's fate in the second half.
It was always likely to be a tricky afternoon for the visitors and their task looked a lot tougher when Aaron Hughes - the scorer of a late consolation - handballed in the box after just 72 seconds.
Referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot and Giggs duly converted despite fellow veteran Mark Schwarzer getting a firm hand to the ball.
United could and should have had a second penalty when Damien Duff clearly prevented a Giggs chip finding Patrice Evra but Clattenburg inexplicably ignored the appeals.
Fulham enjoyed plenty of possession with former Old Trafford favourite Dimitar Berbatov showcasing his usual delightful touches alongside the classy Bryan Ruiz.
But there was little threat in behind the home defence and Rooney had the best chance to double the lead before the break only for Schwarzer to save his effort onto the crossbar.
If Fulham were fortunate to get to the interval just a goal behind then any hope of clawing their way back into it ended quickly in the second half.
Anderson threaded a pass through to Rooney just five minutes after the break and the England forward cut inside onto his left foot to blast the ball past Schwarzer.
Rooney then turned provider for Hernandez to put the ball away from close range as United swamped their opponents.
And the Mexican had his second midway through the second half when he seized onto a pass from Giggs and saw his effort deflect off Hughes and squirm past the Fulham keeper at his near post.
Martin Jol's men pulled one back when Hughes headed in a Giorgos Karagounis corner at the near post but there was no way back for Fulham and it's United that take up their place in the last 16.

PRESIDENT JAKAYA VISITED FIFA HEAD QUARTER.

 

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, his host FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter and TFF President Leodegar Chilla Tenga pose at the entrance of FIFA Headquarters in Zurich,Switzerland this afternoon.

FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter presents a souvenir FIFA flag to President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete this afternoon at Mr. Blatter’ s office in Zurich this afternoon.

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete settles for conversation with FIFA President Sepp Blatter at his FIFA headquarters’ office in Zurich this afternoon.

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in conversation with FIFA President Sepp Blatter at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich this afternoon.

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete with FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.

FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter shows President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete various World trophies on display at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete shakehands with FIFA President Sepp Blatter at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich this afternoon.

FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter points to a football played during the last World cup tournament in South Africa while President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete looks on.

President Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete speaks to reporters soon after he visited FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland .Second left is FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter and on the right is TFF President Leodegar Chilla Tenga.

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (left) introdused the TFF President,Leodiger Tenga to FIFA President Sepp Blatter at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich this afternoon.

FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter and TFF President Leodegar Chilla Tenga

President Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete bids farewell to his host FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter after visiting FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland at the invitation of Mr. Blatter(photos by Freddy Maro)

Petr Cech joins calls for Chelsea to reward Frank Lampard with new deal.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech has joined the clamour for Frank Lampard to be offered a new contract at Chelsea

Where will Lampard go if Chelsea fail to offer him a new contract? Find out who the favourites are to secure his signature at Sky Bet.

A Stamford Bridge exit seems imminent for Lampard following his agent's admission that a deal beyond the summer had not been forthcoming.
But Cech has echoed supporters in calling for the England international to be rewarded for a series of impressive performances this season - the latest at Stoke on Saturday - and insists he remains a key figure.
Cech said: "There are still six months to go until the end of the season so we will see whether he stays or not. I'm not a director but if he keeps playing like that he will keep asking about the extension.
"The team has changed, his age has changed, but he's still important for the team.
"He might not start every game or play every game but when he plays he plays well with his quality and experience, so this is something that is great to see.
"I've known him for a long time and he's been a fantastic player for the club, and he continues to be so."
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez appears to have no say in the decision but insists the uncertainty is not causing a problem.
"I have talked about this 100 times now," Benitez said after the 4-0 win at the Britannia Stadium. "He's under contract, he's a good player. He has to keep performing and he's fine. I think it's not an issue at the moment."

 

 

 

Alex keen to extend Aneke stay.

Crewe will hold talks with Arsenal over the prospect of extending Chuks Aneke's loan spell at Gresty Road.

Aneke has impressed during three months with the Railwaymen and he came off the bench to complete the scoring in last Tuesday's 4-1 Johnstone's Paint Trophy triumph over Bradford - the 19-year-old's sixth goal in 22 appearances.
"Chuks' loan agreement is up and we will speak with Chuks and Arsenal to see what their feelings are on it," Alex boss Steve Davis told his club's official website.
"Chuks has been here for three months, away from London and his family and friends, so we will see how he feels at staying on.
"He is a young and talented lad. He has got great ability and will only get better with experience. He can create and score goals and I think he has gained a lot from the experience. He has settled in well and is popular with the lads and around the club.
"He has his weaknesses as well. He knows he has to be better when we are not in possession. We have spoke about him being more of a team player and helping defensively.
"He played really well against Bradford. He came on and changed the game. He has scored six goals and is our second leading scorer, so we have been pleased with his impact."

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he tried to take Gareth Bale to Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he made a bid to take Gareth Bale to Manchester United prior to the Welshman signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Southampton, Bale attracted plenty of interest from Premier League heavyweights.
Ferguson admits United were among those looking to do a deal, but saw an approach knocked back by Southampton.

Shortly after, Bale was on his way to Spurs and, now 23 years of age, he has matured into one of the most dangerous and highly-rated wingers in European football.
Ahead of United's trip to White Hart Lane on Sunday, Ferguson said: "We tried to buy him from Southampton and they turned us down.
"It was not the boy who turned us down, it was Southampton, then a few weeks later he signed for Tottenham.

Can you see Gareth Bale leaving Tottenham in the January Transfer Window? Click here to see who Sky Bet rate the favourites in our transfer betting odds.

"It happens. You don't get them all. As I said before, we would have loved to have got (Paul) Gascoigne but we didn't - but we did get Paul Ince and he was a great player for us. These things happen."
On a weekend clash with fourth-placed Spurs, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Ferguson added: "It's an important game because this is a period of the season that if we can keep our momentum going, we have got home games against Everton and Southampton in the next few weeks.
"These are really big opportunities for us.

Wilfried Zaha: Manchester United set to complete £15m deal.

Wilfried Zaha will undergo a medical with Manchester United in the next 48 hours before completing a £15m move from Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old forward has agreed a five-and-a-half year deal but will be loaned back to Palace until the summer.

United will pay £10m up front, with the fee potentially rising to £15m based on Zaha's appearances and success.

Zaha, who joined Palace as a 12-year-old, is expected to win his second England cap against Brazil in February.

Both clubs have refused to comment on a proposed deal, but Sir Alex Ferguson has been heavily involved in the talks, having remained in England as his squad travelled to Qatar on Sunday for a short training camp.

He was named the Football League Young Player of the Year last season and attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.

Zaha, who came through the youth academy at Selhurst Park, has scored 15 goals in 124 appearances for the Eagles since his debut against Cardiff in March 2010.

He is Palace's latest home-grown talent, following in the footsteps of Chelsea's Victor Moses and Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.

Former Eagles forward Mark Bright has described Zaha as the biggest talent to emerge at the club since former England striker Ian Wright.

"He is probably the best prospect we [Palace] have had in terms of what he could go on to achieve," said the BBC pundit.

RAIS wa ZFA AMAN MAKUNGU ATAKA KUJIUZULU!!

  

Rais wa Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Visiwani Zanzibar (ZFA), Aman Ibrahim Makungu, ameandika barua ya kutaka kujiuzulu nafasi yake kwa kile kilichoelezwa kuwa ni kuchoshwa na vitendo vya baadhi ya Viongozi wa juu wa Chama hicho cha kukataa mabadiliko chanya.

Taarifa zilizopatikana kutoka katika chanzo cha kuaminika, ni kuwa barua ya Rais Makungu iliyoandikwa kwenda kwa Katibu Mkuu wa ZFA, Kassim Haji Salum, ambayo imesainiwa na yeye mwenyewe imesema kuwa amechoshwa na tabia ya baadhi ya Viongozi wa juu wa Chama hicho cha kukataa kumpa ushirikiano, huku lawama nyingi akizielekeza kwa Katibu wake Mkuu na Makamu wa Rais kisiwani Pemba akiwataja kuwa ndio chanzo cha kukosekana ushirikiano katika Chama hicho.

Hata hivyo barua hiyo inatarajiwa kukabidhiwa rasmi kesho kutwa mara baada ya kumalizika kwa ziara rasmi ya ZFA katika Wilaya nne za Pemba, ziara ambayo inamalizika kesho katika Wilaya ya Chake Chake.

Hatua hiyo imekuja kufuatia ziara rasmi ya Viongozi wa ngazi za juu wa ZFA wakiongozwa na Rais mwenyewe Aman Makungu, kwenda kisiwani Pemba kwa lengo la kuzungumza na Viongozi wa soka katika wilaya zote za Pemba na ziara hiyo kudaiwa kususiwa na Viongozi wa juu wa ZFA kisiwani Pemba akiwemo Makamu wa Rais kisiwani Pemba pamoja na Msaidizi Katibu wa ZFA kisiwani Pemba.

Katika siku za hivi karibuni kumekuwa na hali ya kutokuelewana kwa Viongozi wa juu wa ZFA kati ya Unguja na Pemba huku kila upande ukiwa na sababu zake, wakati uongozi wa ZFA kisiwani Unguja ukilezea tabia ya Viongozi wa Kisiwani Pemba kufanya mambo kienyeji, Uongozi wa ZFA kisiwani Pemba umekuwa ukilalamika juu ya maamuzi makubwa yanayofanywa na Chama hicho bila ya kuwashirikisha huku wakitolea mfano wa suala la kufungiwa kwa Wachezaji wa Timu ya Taifa ya Zanzibar 'Zanzibar Heroes'.

ENGLISH PREMIUM LEAGUE RACE TO CHAMPIONSHIP 2012/2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We know it's a vital period for us."
Team news: Olivier Giroud will undergo a late fitness test after receiving a knock to the knee against Swansea City in the 2-2 FA Cup third round draw on Sunday, while forward Gervinho is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast. Midfielder Abou Diaby returned from three months out with a thigh problem to play for the club's under-21 side this week and could be involved against City. Defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) also had a run-out, but is not yet expected to feature for the first team.
Arsenal (from): Szczesny, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Sagna, Podolski, Cazorla, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta, Walcott, Mannone, Giroud, Ramsey, Koscielny, Rosicky, Coquelin, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Diaby
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini: "We have not won at Arsenal for many years so it is time we changed this situation."
Team news: Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri all miss out with the Argentina international hamstrung, the Ivorian midfielder away at the Africa Cup of Nations – along with brother Kolo, the defender, and back-up striker Abdul Razak – and former Gunner Nasri completes a three-game suspension. Left-back Aleksandar Kolarov (knee) is back in contention but right-back Maicon (knee) is still out while Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell are long-term casualties.
Man City (from): Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Lescott, Kolarov, Clichy, Rekik, Milner, Barry, Garcia, Sinclair, Silva, Tevez, Dzeko, Balotelli, Lopes, Suarez.
Match officials:
Referee: Mike Dean; Assistants: S Ledger, J Brooks; Fourth official: M Oliver.

Manchester United v Liverpool: past matches at Old Trafford.

The annual fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford resonates history and when Brendan Rodgers takes his team up the M62 he will be looking for only the fifth victory for the Merseyside team away to their old rivals since the start of the Barclays Premier League 20 years ago.
Premierleague.com looks back at the two sides’ previous Premier League encounters at Old Trafford.

Overall record

Man Utd wins: 12; Liverpool wins: 4; Draws: 4.

Goals scored

Manchester United: 32; Liverpool: 18.

Past Barclays Premier League fixtures

Click on the fixtures for scorers, line-ups and selected stats
11 Feb 2012 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool
19 Sep 2010 Man Utd 3-2 Liverpool
21 Mar 2010 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool14 Mar 2009 Man Utd 1-4 Liverpool
23 Mar 2008 Man Utd 3-0 Liverpool
22 Oct 2006 Man Utd 2-0 Liverpool
22 Jan 2006 Man Utd 1-0 Liverpool
20 Sep 2004 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool
24 Apr 2004 Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
5 Apr 2003 Man Utd 4-0 Liverpool
22 Jan 2002 Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
17 Dec 2000 Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
4 Mar 2000 Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool
24 Sep 1998 Man Utd 2-0 Liverpool
10 Apr 1998 Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool
12 Oct 1996 Man Utd 1-0 Liverpool
1 Oct 1995 Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool
17 Sep 1994 Man Utd 2-0 Liverpool
30 Mar 1994 Man Utd 1-0 Liverpool
18 Oct 1992 Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool
 

QPR manager Harry Redknapp travels to Rennes to watch Yann M'Vila.

Sky Sports understands QPR manager Harry Redknapp travelled to France on Saturday to watch midfielder Yann M'Vila in action for Rennes against Bordeaux.

Redknapp and chief scout Ian Broomfield made the trip following QPR's goalless draw with the manager's former club Tottenham at Loftus Road on Saturday lunch-time.
Defensive midfielder M'Vila is thought to be high on Redknapp's list of transfer targets this month as he looks to bolster his struggling squad, with the Hoops rock-bottom of the Premier League.
He was a fan of the France international while in charge at Spurs but failed to bring him to White Hart Lane and has previously admitted he is unsure whether the 22-year-old wants to join QPR.
Rangers are rumoured to have offered €9million (£7.4m) as Rennes hold out for €12m (£9.9m).
Redknapp could face competition for M'Vila's signature, with Fulham understood to have shown a late interest, while the midfielder has also been linked with a Russian move.

Wayne Rooney ruled out of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Manchester United play host to bitter rivals Liverpool aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table

All eyes will be on the top two Premier League goalscorers Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez at Old Traffod
Van Persie currently leads the goalscoring charts with 16 Premier League goals, while Suarez is just behind the Dutchman as they prepare to do battle on Sunday.
United currently lead the league by seven points and they will be hoping to take a step closer to the title with victory against Liverpool with rivals Manchester City facing a tricky trip to Arsenal.
Although Liverpool have won their last two Premier League games this is arguably their toughest task of the season as they have yet to beat anyone above them in the table to date.
It is a key month for Liverpool with away trips to City and Arsenal to follow the clash against United and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping

Cesc Fabregas could return to Arsenal one day, according to Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists that he can see former captain Cesc Fabregas playing for the club again.

Fabregas departed Barcelona aged 16 but then returned to the Nou Camp eight years later when he signed for them in 2011 after over 200 first-team appearances for Arsenal.
Wenger was loathed to lose Fabregas at the time, but he still believes that a return to North London is not out of the question.
"I'm not convinced that he won't come back here one day," Wenger insisted.
"He is really an Arsenal man. He loves Arsenal and watches every game of Arsenal.
"But of course Barcelona was his home town where he grew up and you have to accept that will come into it, especially with them having the best team in the world. [Fabregas would not come back] in the next two, three years, certainly not, because he is linked with Barcelona. But maybe later."
Wenger admits he would love to find another top youngster like Fabregas.
"Fabregas is an exception that I would try again, a world-class player you don't easily find," he said.
When Fabregas left he was the latest in a long-line of high-profile departures from the club, but Wenger is now looking at a British spine with Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain all recently extending their deals and he feels it is easier to keep them.
"What you want is the players to grow up together and say, 'We will be successful together.' We had that before. We had the period where we kept our players together for eight, nine years, with Henry, Vieira. Now it is a bit easier to keep them if they are British," he added.