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      Mikel Arteta would be Man City boss if I’d left… now he’s a rival and it could get FIERY vs Arsenal, says Pep Guardiola

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says Mikel Arteta would be City’s boss if he had quit.But he did not rule out fireworks when their sides clash in the FA Cup on Friday.
      Pep Guardiola reckons Mikel Arteta could have ended up as Man City bossCredit: Reuters
      Guardiola warns it won’t be a pals act on the sideline as Man City face ArsenalCredit: PA
      Arteta has become known for his effervescent touchline antics this seasonCredit: PA
      Arteta was Guardiola’s No 2 from 2016 to 2019 but Pep’s decision to stay at Manchester City after winning a domestic treble saw his pal leave for Arsenal.
      Guardiola said: “I’m pretty sure if I would have left, he would be here and he would be the best.
      “But I extended the contract — I am sorry — and he didn’t wait.
      “I am not a guy to say, ‘No, you have to stay with me’. Everyone has dreams.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “I know he went to ‘his’ club, the team he dreams of. He loves the club.”
      And Pep, who faces his old pal at the Etihad in the Cup’s fourth round, said: “Anything can happen on the touchline.
      “He’s a rival. I want to beat him and he wants to beat me — I know that.
      “I know how we both are after a defeat — we are not best friends in the world — but I have a huge respect for him as a person and manager.”
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      Asked if a bust-up could happen, Pep said: “I guess sooner or later something is going to happen but when it happens it is not going to change the respect I have for him.”
      Arteta has come in for criticism for his antics in the technical area.
      But when asked if he thinks some of the flak comes from jealousy, Guardiola said: “Absolutely. When you are top they have to undermine you for another reason and they are doing that now.
      Anything can happen on the touchline. He’s a rival. I want to beat him and he wants to beat me — I know that.Pep Guardiola on Mikel Arteta
      “I taught him a few things but this passion comes from his character.
      “I know him and I had the feeling during the time we worked together that what he is doing, it is not fake, it is him.
      “In a training session and in a game, always he was complaining about referees, and that was as an assistant coach!
      “It is what it is. So after that I am not a judge. Sometimes I behave in this way as well.”
      England star Phil Foden is recovering from a foot injury but is close to a training return.
      And Pep said: “It’s getting better.” More

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      Inside Nketiah’s muscle-building summer workouts and high-calorie diet as star bulks up to carry Arsenal’s title charge

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      MANCHESTER CITY were expecting the second coming of Jesus.But on Friday they will be fearing a man rewarded for keeping the faith.
      Eddie Nketiah’s new bulked-up body is driving Arsenal towards the titleCredit: Getty
      The striker has piled on the pounds with a new diet and muscle-building workoutsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/athleticdevelopmentclub/
      Eddie Nketiah is surpassing expectations after stepping up at Arsenal in the absence of injured Gabriel Jesus, who was sold by City to the Gunners for £45million in the summer.
      But that faith Nketiah has shown —  in his own ability, in God and in the hard graft he put himself through in the last three years — proved to be the key to making it happen.
      The striker was finally presented a fortnight ago with a specially-made golden boot award for becoming the England Under-21’s all-time record scorer.
      Yet despite those 16 goals in 17 Young Lions games, which beat the haul set by Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers, some doubted whether he could be the main man at Arsenal.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      An underwhelming — but crucially, formative — loan spell at Leeds in the 2019-20 season under Marcelo Bielsa did not give much encouragement.
      And while he showed glimpses in cameos last season, he almost left on a free before signing a new deal in June.
      But Nketiah has seized his recent opportunity by hitting six goals in as many matches.
      Observers will have noticed how Nketiah, 23, pays tribute to the Lord Almighty in his social media posts after games.
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      For instance, after his match-winning double against Manchester United on Sunday, he tweeted: “What a night, I love this team! All glory to God as always, let’s keep pushing.”
      Michael Johnson, the former Birmingham and Derby defender, coached Nketiah during his time with the England Under-21s.
      He is now the FA’s club engagement lead and was the man who awarded Nketiah his Under-21 chief goal-getter gong.
      Speaking about the importance of religion to the 23-year-old, Johnson told SunSport: “He would be the first to tell you that it’s the bedrock of who he is.
      “It’s something that has driven him and given the inner belief to be who he is today.
      “When you put it together with the hard work he’s put in and his skill, it can make you a real formidable force where you can go through periods where you’ve not played, and you’re still looking at the positive side of things, you’re still training at the same intensity, you’re still believing that you are the main person.”
      Nketiah scored a dramatic winner for Arsenal against Man Utd last weekendCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      PILING ON THE POUNDS
      Much of that “hard work” has been in transforming his physique from slender striker to muscular frontman over the last three years.
      In 2019, his parents googled Chris Varnavas’ strength and conditioning company Athletic Development Club, whose happy customers included Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
      Nketiah has been collaborating with Varnavas ever since, on top of his daily grind at Arsenal. The results are eye-catching.
      Most of the work in beefing up the striker has come by pumping iron in the off-season at Varnavas’ gym in Cockfosters, north London.
      But they have also worked on his nutrition, sleep, lifestyle and recovery — regularly keeping in touch during the season.
      Interestingly, Varnavas told SunSport: “When Eddie first came to us, he was actually under-eating.”
      FOOD FOR THOUGHT
      After the strength and conditioning team realised that, he was put on a diet of 3,000-3,500 calories a day.
      He was on a programme called hypertrophy training in the summer where sessions get progressively more intense to build more muscle.
      His increased strength helped him rise to head home his first goal against United — and his improved agility was fundamental to his clinical finish against West Ham on Boxing Day.
      Johnson observed: “We’ve all seen the size he’s put on but not only has he put it on, he moves well with it. It’s enhanced him, it’s not slowed him down.”
      Varnavas, who used to work at QPR as a strength-and-conditioning coach and trains other Arsenal and Spurs players, says Nketiah’s mindset has been the key to his success.
      He added: “What I like about Eddie is he is very humble. He takes his instructions really well.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Even when he first came to us, when he was around the first team but maybe on the bench here and there, he had that inner belief in himself that he could be Arsenal’s main striker. He never doubted his self-worth.”
      Nketiah has clearly always believed in himself — and now others are believing in him too. More

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      Leeds boss Jesse Marsch wants to add to USA contingent with Weston McKennie transfer but Juventus star will cost £30m

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      LEEDS are haggling with Juventus over a fee to sign USA star Weston McKennie.Whites boss Jesse Marsch wants to land his countryman — but Leeds’ offer of £20million plus add-ons is short of Juve’s £30m valuation.
      Leeds are keeping tabs on Juventus star Weston McKennieCredit: Rex
      The midfielder, 24, is understood to have given the green light to a move, which would see him link up with his US team-mates Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.
      Leeds are optimistic they can strike a deal for World Cup star McKennie, who has also caught the eye of Arsenal and Aston Villa.
      The midfielder joined Juventus on loan from Schalke in 2020 until his move became permanent a year later.
      McKennie has since amassed a total of 13 goals and five assists in 96 appearances across all competitions.
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      The Whites are set to close the door on Leicester’s move for £20m-rated winger Jack Harrison, 26.
      The Foxes are keen on the Elland Road ace, who is out of contract at the end of next season and is yet to pledge his future to the club.
      But Marsch has no plans to lose Harrison, who joined on a permanent basis 18 months ago in an £11m deal from Manchester City  after three seasons on loan.
      The Leeds boss said: “He’s an important guy for us and it’s  clear we need him.”
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      Marsch insists defender Cody Drameh, 21, still has a Leeds future despite joining Championship outfit Luton on loan.
      He said: “He’ll benefit from going out to a team who are  challenging for promotion.” More

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      Danny Ings given injection in knee in bid to speed up recovery after injury seconds into West Ham debut

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      DANNY INGS has been given a jab in his injured knee to speed up his recovery.West Ham’s new £15million striker suffered a painful whack barely 30 seconds into his debut on Saturday.
      Danny Ings suffered an injury just seconds into his West Ham debutCredit: AFP
      It could rule him out for up to three weeks and is a cruel blow to the player and his club so soon after his arrival.
      Ings, 30, only completed his move from Aston Villa 36 hours before coming off the bench in West Ham’s 2-0 win over Everton.
      Hammers medical staff are now waiting to assess the reaction to the jab and will know more in the next 24 hours.
      Ings was already cup-tied for Monday’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Derby County.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But Irons boss David Moyes will hope his new signing will not miss any more time.
      Ings was brought in to alleviate the pressure on the forward line, in particular with Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca also struggling for fitness at the moment.
      His unfortunate injury means Moyes will now be reluctant to sell unsettled Michail Antonio before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
      Long-serving crowd-favourite Antonio, 32, has been dropping hints that he fancies a move, with Wolves one of a number of interested clubs, even though he has scored only two Premier League goals this season.
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      Sources at West Ham say they are unaware of any interest from Chelsea who reportedly made a loan offer for the player.
      Antonio said: “I’ve not ruled anything out.
      “There are talks, so whatever happens, happens. I’ve been here for eight-and-a-half years now, becoming top goalscorer for the club and I’ve loved every moment of it.
      “Every single moment is somewhere close to my heart and I’ll always be looking out for it. I love the fans, I’ve loved my time at West Ham.
      “I’m not saying goodbye. I won’t be upset about staying and I’ll definitely be upset if I leave because I’ve enjoyed my time here, but football is football.
      “Players move, players stay and eight-and-a-half years at one club, I would never have thought of it because before I came to West Ham the most I stayed at a club was two years.
      “I can’t say I’m going because I’ve still got a year-and-a-half left at the club.” More

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      Four more Man Utd players could LEAVE club before transfer deadline day as Charlie Savage set for Forest Green loan

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are open to letting four more players leave before Tuesday’s transfer deadline day – plus Charlie Savage.As exclusively revealed by SunSport, Robbie Savage’s son will join Forest Green Rovers on loan for the remainder of the season.
      Charlie Savage will join Forest Green Rovers on loanCredit: Getty
      That is despite a change of management, with Duncan Ferguson the new boss at the eco-friendly League One basement boys.
      But according to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are keen for another quartet of their rising stars to go out on loan to gain first-team action.
      Erik ten Hag does not plan to use the youngsters in his team in their quest to secure Champions League football next term.
      And therefore the players are in talks to secure temporary exits away from Old Trafford.
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      Charlie McNeill has caught the eye of a number of League One and League Two sides and will join a club that can guarantee him regular minutes.
      The 19-year-old striker went on a work experience loan to Sheffield Wednesday last season which permitted him to train but not play official matches.
      Defenders Di’Shon Bernard and Bjorn Hardley are in a similar position to McNeill and are keen to get some action to continue their development.
      United will only allow the duo loan moves if minutes are secured – but could even sell them if the right offer came in.
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      Lastly, Zidane Iqbal is another exciting talent gaining plenty of attention.
      Iqbal made his first-team debut in the Champions League draw with Young Boys in December 2021 as Ralf Rangnick also brought Savage, Shola Shoretire and Teden Mengi off the bench – plus veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
      Iqbal has not played since but now trains with the first-team stars and is considered part of the senior squad.
      Ten Hag only has five midfielders more experienced than Iqbal available for the rest of the season following Donny van de Beek’s injury – and therefore is reluctant to risk being left short as the club targets silverware.
      Charlie McNeill is open to getting some first-team actionCredit: Getty
      Di’Shon Bernard has captained United’s Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Bjorn Hardley may be sold if the right offer comes inCredit: Getty
      Zidane Iqbal may end up staying at Old Trafford to provide midfield coverCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City vs Arsenal: Premier League title chase takes back seat as giants collide in FA Cup – TV, live stream info, odds

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      PREMIER LEAGUE title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal will clash for the first time this season with the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend.These two giants kick off the Fourth Round action in a Friday night match-up at City’s Etihad stadium.
      Man City boss Pep Guardiola will be desperate to beat their Prem title rivals in the FA CupCredit: Getty
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could well believe victory will boost their Prem ambitionsCredit: Getty
      And any bragging rights will surely breed confidence in the victor that they can win the Premier League.
      Both sides are likely to shuffle their pack, with the title race hotting up and both still involved in European competition.
      City smashed Chelsea 4-0 in the third round of this famous old competition.
      Riyad Mahrez scored twice with Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden also netting.
      Read More Football
      Arsenal, meanwhile, justified obvious favouritism as they saw off League One Oxford 3-0 away.
      But the bookies were worried with Arteta’s side held 0-0 at half-time.
      Mohamed Elneny opened the scoring on 63 minutes before two goals from red-hot Eddie Nketiah wrapped it up.
      Here, SunSport previews the mouthwatering clash at the Etihad.
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      How is their form?
      City have won three of their last five games in all competitions, losing two.
      Those defeats came in the EFL Cup quarter-final against Southampton, 2-0, and of course their dramatic 2-1 defeat in the Manchester derby to United.
      Arsenal are in stunning form – unbeaten in their last five games with four wins and a draw.
      Fellow high-fliers Newcastle are the only side to put a slight dent on their run, bagging a point in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Man City have injury doubts over Phil Foden, who is struggling with a foot injury and is expected to miss the game.
      Boss Guardiola is sure to use the clash to give some of the fringe players a chance to impress.
      Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson and Mohamed Elneny will all miss the FA Cup game through injury.
      Like his opposite number, Gunners boss Arteta could rotate his XI, with the likes of Vieira, Holding, Tierney and Trossard given a chance to impress.
      Who will be the star men?
      Man City could well give Erling Haaland a breather, which could mean a start up top for Julian Alvarez.
      The Argentine World Cup winner has not let anyone down when called upon, and could enhance his stock yet further.
      Arsenal will surely shuffle the pack – and new-boy Leandro Trossard has an instant chance to shine.
      He played 12 minutes of the 3-2 win against Man Utd, and showed glimpses of his talent.
      Julain Alvarez has looked sharp this season for CityCredit: AFP
      Arsenal snapped up Leandro Trossard after missing out on Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty
      What have the managers said?
      Speaking after beating Wolves 3-0 in their Premier League clash last time out, Guardiola said: “The way we played [vs Wolves] was quite similar to the first-half when we were losing 2-0 to Spurs.
      “Our game, football was really good… Today we improved, but just today.
      “We’ll see what happens in the next game.”
      After Arsenal’s stunning last-gasp 3-2 win against Man Utd at the weekend, Arteta said: “It was a beautiful moment at the end to win a game of this stature.
      “The way we’ve done it with our people and the atmosphere that created… It doesn’t get much better than that – it was great.
      “We move on to tomorrow, review the match, train well and start to think about Man City.”
      What are the odds?
      Man City 7-10
      Arsenal 17-5
      Draw 3-1
      Odds courtesy of Betfair
      When is Man City vs Arsenal?
      Man City will host Arsenal on Friday, January 27 with an 8pm kick-off.
      Is the match on TV and what channel is it on?
      The match IS on TV – with ITV having broadcast rights for the clash.
      How can I live stream it
      You can follow ALL the action as the big two lock horns with SunSport’s minute-by-minute live blog.
      SunSport prediction
      How much this has a bearing on the Premier League title race is anyone’s guess.
      Both managers could make a raft of changes to keep the squad fresh.
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      City’s fringe players have already proved their worth this season, and this leads us to think they could sneak a win.
      Man City 2 Arsenal 1 More

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      Carlo Ancelotti’s SON Davide ‘in running to become new Everton boss’ to follow in famous father’s footsteps

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI’S son Davide could be set to follow in his father’s footsteps.That’s after emerging as a possible frontrunner for the Everton job.
      Davide Ancelotti could follow in dad Carlo’s steps by taking charge at EvertonCredit: Getty
      The Mail claims Davide, 33, is one of the top options to replace Frank Lampard at Goodison Park.
      He served as dad Ancelotti’s assistant between December 2019 and June 2021.
      And Davide is now the icon’s No2 with European champs Real Madrid.
      But the Toffees could be set to hand him his first-ever managerial gig as they look to beat the drop.
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      Club chiefs were impressed by Davide during his brief time on Merseyside.
      And they are already drawing up a formal approach despite making Marcelo Bielsa their No 1 target.
      The Argentine tactician has been out of work since his Leeds sacking last season.
      But he is reluctant to take charge at Everton due to concerns over the quality and speed of the squad.
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      Bielsa flew in for fresh talks with the Goodison hierarchy today.
      Yet there are fears he could end up rejecting the job, with his £6million wage demands also an issue.
      That could see Davide move into pole position ahead of ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche.
      Former Toffee chief Sam Allardyce is another on the list, but he and Dyche are only seen as back-up options for now.
      Davide would certainly bring a wealth of experience from some of Europe’s top clubs.
      He first worked as a coach at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid before becoming Ancelotti’s assistant at Bayern Munich.
      He continued in the role at Napoli and Everton before rejoining Real with his dad.
      And Davide even took charge of last season’s match against Celta Vigo when Ancelotti tested positive for Covid.
      However, Davide was unable to bark out instructions as he lacked the necessary training licence required by the Spanish Federation. More

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      Arsenal new boy Kiwior’s agent reveals touching gesture by Zinchenko after star and twerking fiancee watched Man Utd win

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO made a touching gesture to Arsenal new boy Jakub Kiwior after Sunday’s win against Manchester United.Mikel Arteta’s £21million signing and his twerking fiancee Claudia Kowalczyk watched from the Emirates stands as the Gunners beat their rivals 3-2.
      Jakub Kiwior’s agent has revealed a touching gesture made by Oleksandr ZinchenkoCredit: Getty
      Zinchenko made a beeline for Kiwior after Arsenal’s win over Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Kiwior watched the match at the Emirates with twerking fiancee Claudia KowalczykCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
      The important victory saw Arsenal move five points clear of Manchester City in the title race with a game in hand.
      But despite only just joining the Gunners, 22-year-old Poland ace Kiwior was hauled into Arsenal’s dressing room after the match by new pal Zinchenko.
      The Ukraine star and his team-mates wanted to celebrate the momentous win over a fellow trophy chaser.
      And Zinchenko was adamant that even though Kiwior was yet to kick a ball, he was already a member of the side and deserved to be there.
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      Kiwior’s agent Pawel Zimonczyk told Dominik Watorski: “Zinchenko dragged Jakub into the changing room after the game against Man United.
      “His entrance wasn’t planned, but as soon as Zinchenko saw him he called out, ‘If you’re already with us, you’re already with us’.”
      The touching gesture is sure to have put some fire in Kiwior’s belly.
      Arsenal’s new centre-back gives Arteta various new options in defence, allowing him to move to a back five when needed.
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      Claudia is a twerking queen from PolandCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
      Claudia reached the European Championship semis in 2018Credit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
      Claudia and Kiwior got engaged in November 2021Credit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
      And Kiwior, who trained at London Colney with the first team this week, will be hoping to see some action in Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester City.
      Cheering him on all the way will be partner Claudia, 30.
      The Polish beauty is a twerking queen who reached the semis of the European Championships in 2018.
      Her twerk-shops have attracted a mass following on social media.
      And Claudia regularly posts loved-up snaps with Kiwior after the pair got engaged in November 2021.
      Claudia has attracted a mass following onlineCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
      She will be hoping to see Kiwior make his Arsenal debut against Man City tomorrowCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe More