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      West Ham vs Everton LIVE: Updates, score and team news for huge Premier League clash

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      WEST HAM take on Everton in their next Premier League clash – and it’s an absolutely massive one. Both the Hammers and the Toffees are fighting relegation this season and a win for either side would spell trouble for their opponents.

      Start time: 3pm
      TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
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      Everton XI: To follow

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      Arsenal could clinch Champions League football in just seven games as stats show average points needed for Europe

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      ARSENAL could clinch Champions League qualification in just seven games, according to recent history.And another 39 points may well secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
      Bukayo Saka and Mikel Arteta are dreaming of Champions League footballCredit: PA

      The Gunners have enjoyed a stunning first half of the season, dropping just seven points from 18 matches.
      They sit top of the table with 15 wins, two draws and just one defeat.
      And ahead of facing Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday, Mikel Arteta knows his side are well on course for a successful season.
      In fact, the Gunners’ current record of 2.61 points per game would see the club finish on a whopping 99 points come the end of May.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      But SunSport has crunched the numbers and worked out what is usually required for each significant place in the Premier League.
      We worked out how many points was enough to secure first, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and 17th – for the various European places and to avoid relegation – by taking the points tallies for the place below in each of the last season and adding one then averaging it out.
      So to finish top of the league, the winners needed one more point than second place – so 82 in 2017-18, 98 in 2018-19, 82 in 2019-20, 75 in 2020-21 and 93 in 2021-22.
      That averages out at requiring 86 to pip second place to top spot.
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      For fourth and Champions League qualification, the average points for fifth is 67 points over the last five years so 68 would guarantee a top-four finish.
      That is just 21 points more than Arsenal’s current total, meaning seven wins and 68 points could be wrapped up by early March, securing a first Champions League campaign for the Gunners since 2016-17.
      Lower down, 63 is statically on average enough for fifth and 59 for sixth to get into the Europa League.
      And 55 points – just eight more than Arsenal have after 18 games – works out as the benchmark to seal the final European spot in the Conference League.
      Arsenal, though, are already five points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on the chasing pack.
      And last weekend’s North London derby win means they are 14 points clear of fifth-placed Spurs.
      At the other end of the table, 34 points tends to be enough to avoid relegation.
      However, just 29 was needed in 2020-21 but 36 was required last season.
      A whopping seven teams are still on 17 points or fewer this season – of those, only Leeds are yet to reach the midway mark of 19 games – so will be desperately hoping they can find some form in the second half of the season to ensure survival.
      The Gunners are well on track for a superb and successful seasonCredit: Getty
      Arsenal have not played in the Champions League since March 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      How Arsenal could line up against Man Utd with Leandro Trossard in line for debut after completing £27m transfer

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      ARSENAL have found an alternative for Mykhailo Mudryk after signing Leandro Trossard.The Gunners completed a deal for the Belgian winger that saw him leave Brighton for £27million.
      Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal in a £27million transferCredit: Getty
      Trossard could be played on the left side of a front three
      The deal came about after the international fell out with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
      He was in the last six months of his contract, although the Seagulls had the option to extend it by a further year.
      Trossard will give manager Mikel Arteta options to play down the left wing of his side – potentially against Manchester United.
      During his time at the Amex, the 28-year-old mostly played on the left forward position and he could do the same at Arsenal.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Arteta could easily use Trossard in a forward three on the left side of Eddie Nketiah in the striker position.
      His stronger foot is his right foot, this means that he often cuts inside to shoot at goal.
      Another option Arteta would have with Trossard is to use him as a left-wing-back.
      Although he prefers to be further up the pitch, under former boss Graham Potter, he often excelled in the position.
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      Trossard was able to overlap attacking midfielders and arrive late into the box for goalscoring chances.
      Some of his best form for Brighton came in this way, as seen in last season’s wins over Tottenham and Arsenal.
      Although the winger was never the most prolific player he often shone in the big matches.
      In the Premier League, Trossard has scored 25 goals, 13 of which have come against the ‘Big Six’.
      Arsenal hope the 27-year-old will be eligible to make his debut for the club against Manchester United on Sunday, although admitted they aren’t sure if he will be.
      Trossard could also be used as a left-wing-back
      He often played in the position during his time at BrightonCredit: PA More

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      Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey ‘close to shock Besiktas transfer’ to link up with Dele Alli in Turkey

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      JONJO SHELVEY is on the verge of sealing a shock move to Besiktas, it’s been claimed.The midfielder has fallen down the Newcastle pecking order as of late and is currently on the sidelines due to injury.
      Jonjo Shelvey’s Newcastle future is well and truly up in the airCredit: REX
      Shelvey and Newcastle are reportedly in talks with Besiktas over a shock moveCredit: REUTERS
      The move could see him link up with Dele AlliCredit: REX
      And Turkish giants Besiktas are in the process of offering him an escape from St James’ Park.
      That’s according to Spor Arena, who claims the Black Eagles are “in talks” with both Newcastle and Shelvey about a possible transfer.
      Negotiations over the potential move to Instanbul for Shelvey – who could potentially link up with Dele Alli who is there on loan from Everton- are said to be “positive.”
      Shelvey is currently out with a calf injury and is expected to be crocked until March at the earliest.
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      His future at St James’ Park is up in the air as the Magpies are weighing up bringing in midfield reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
      Chelsea and Leicester aces Jorginho and Youri Tielemans are understood to be on the club’s shortlist.
      Shelvey is said to have been left devastated by his latest injury setback.
      In December, Toon boss Eddie Howe said of the former Charlton ace: “He’s disappointed. He’s a passionate guy.
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      “He lives for football and the feeling of playing, showing his skills on a weekly basis.
      “That’s a big driver and when he’s not able to do that it’s a big thing taken away from him.
      “I saw him yesterday, and had a good chat with him.
      “He’s a lot more positive now about the future, really focusing on the future
      “Although the time period is lengthy, it’s not a long-term injury.
      “He can very quickly get into his rehab, start running again quite quickly.
      “There’s a lot to be positive about.”
      Champions-League-chasing Newcastle will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace. More

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      Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea bump into Anthony Elanga at Cheshire cafe as Man Utd pal takes their photo with fan

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea bumped into team-mate Anthony Elanga while going out for a meal. The Red Devils’ heroes against Crystal Palace headed for breakfast at the Juniper Cafe in Hale Village, Cheshire.
      Bruno Fernanes and David De Gea took a photo with a fan taken by Anthony ElangaCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The trio were spotted outside the Juniper Cafe in CheshireCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      De Gea and Fernandes were instrumental in United’s performance against Crystal PalaceCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Elanga donned a green sweater with a striking white pattern down the armsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      And while there they spotted team-mate Elanga.
      However, a fan also spotted the trio, but snubbed a photo with Elanga to ask him to take a photo of them with De Gea and Fernandes.
      De Gea and Fernandes sported black coats and jumpers to shield them from the chilly weather.
      Meanwhile, Elanga donned a light green hoodie with a stylish white pattern down the arms.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      De Gea produced a save-of-the-season contender to keep Palace at bay in the first half of the clash at Selhurst Park.
      Fernandes was then set up by Christian Eriksen to whip home the opener shortly after.
      However, a superb Michael Olise free-kick just before the end went crashing in off the crossbar to deny see the spoils shared.
      Elanga has seen less game time than his team-mates.
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      The 20-year-old has last saw action in the Carabao Cup clash against Charlton.
      And he is likely to retain a spot on the bench for the visit to Arsenal on Sunday.
      United will also be without the services of star man Casemiro after he picked up a yellow card. More

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      Hakim Ziyech ‘offers himself to Barcelona’ after fearing Chelsea’s transfer spree will knock him down pecking order

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      HAKIM ZIYECH has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona.That’s because he fears Chelsea’s spending spree will limit his game time even more.
      Hakim Ziyech has offered himself to Barcelona amid fears over his playing time at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Todd Boehly is set to make his sixth signing of the month with the £30million capture of PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke.
      The left-footer plays in the exact same position as Ziyech.
      And there is already plenty of competition for the spot in Chelsea’s squad, with Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic battling for starts.
      According to Sport, Ziyech now reckons he’s in for even fewer minutes after starting just three games this season.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The Moroccan is desperately scouting for a potential new home before the transfer window slams shut.
      And Barcelona has emerged as a possible destination after they sold Memphis Depay to Atletico Madrid.
      The Spaniards are thought to be on the lookout for a new creative forward.
      And Ziyech has now offered his services to Xavi Hernandez, who is hoping to lead Barcelona to the title after opening a three-point lead over Real Madrid.
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      The tactician already has two options for the right wing in Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha.
      But the latter has failed to impress since his £60m move from Leeds over the summer.
      And Dembele’s versatility means he could easily move to the left to accommodate Ziyech in Barca’s XI.
      It remains to be seen whether Xavi is interested in Ziyech, who can also operate through the middle as a No10.
      Yet the report concludes that Ziyech will not be short on options during the next 10 days.
      Chelsea are also open to offers but are likely to demand a permanent exit over a temporary loan. More

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      Arsenal COMPLETE £27m Leandro Trossard transfer from Brighton and admit they don’t know if he can face Man Utd

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      ARSENAL have completed the £27million signing of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Leandro Trossard – but admitted they don’t know if he can face Manchester United.The Belgium international becomes the Gunners’ first signing of the window.
      Leandro Trossard becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the windowCredit: Getty
      The new signing did his trademark celebrationCredit: Getty

      Mikel Arteta has been desperate to add depth to his frontline this month and the club have moved quickly after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk.
      Trossard had entered the final 18 months of his deal on the south coast after Brighton triggered a clause in his contract.
      He arrives at the Emirates in a £27m deal and will wear the No19 shirt formerly held by Nicolas Pepe, Bernd Leno, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere.
      The Belgian World Cup star said: “I know the manager is a great coach and I hope to be involved in doing great things and getting better as a player in every aspect.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS

      “I’m really excited to see the fans in the stadium. I hope I can give you my all. I want to try and create as many magic moments as possible, and hopefully we can celebrate together.
      “Arteta and Edu told me they really like me as a player, that I would really suit the system and how they want to play. It helps me that I’m versatile and that I can play in different positions.
      “They’re looking forward to working with me and vice versa. I’m really excited to work with them and I think Mikel is a top coach.
      “I like to be in the pocket behind the striker. On the wings, I can explore myself as well.
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      “I’m comfortable in either of those positions but if I were to choose, behind the striker – but it all depends on the system.
      “I think I’m good in 1v1s. I’m composed in the box, so if I get chances, I can finish them off.
      “I can hopefully help the team to win tough games – I’m great in tight spaces. I’m quite experienced as well, so I hope I can bring that to the team as well.”
      Trossard was at London Colney for his medical this morning with the club desperate to get the deal signed and confirmed to the Premier League before 12pm so he would be eligible to face United on Sunday.
      The transfer was eventually announced on social media at 3.31pm but the club said “all documents have been submitted” and they are “hoping Leandro will be eligible for selection” against the Red Devils.
      Arteta said: “It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro.
      The Belgian praised Mikel Arteta and Edu for securing the £27m dealCredit: Getty
      Trossard will wear the No19 at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      “He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level.
      “Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him.
      “We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”
      Trossard has scored seven goals in 17 Premier League games this season including a hat-trick at Anfield but hasn’t played since the defeat to Arsenal on December 31.
      The 28-year-old left a training session early without telling manager Roberto De Zerbi.
      And he was axed from the squad for the games with Middlesbrough and Liverpool.
      Asked about the transfer, De Zerbi said: “I’m sorry for the last period, but I still would like to wish Leandro good luck for the future.”
      Trossard has ended his three-and-a-half-year stay at the Amex Stadium.
      He scored 25 goals and added 14 assists in 121 games for the Seagulls.
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      And he heads to Arsenal hoping to provide competition in the forward areas for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, who’ve both started every Prem game this season.
      But the Gunners have a fourth-round tie at Manchester City next weekend and are still in the Europa League, so his arrival will allow Arteta to rotate his squad in those competitions. More

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      Man City’s rivals will hope Pep Guardiola’s puzzling outburst spells the end for him but they shouldn’t get excited yet

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      PEP GUARDIOLA called Manchester City a ‘happy flowers club’ after their win over Tottenham on Thursday night.And the Etihad chief was certainly no shrinking violet as he made his feelings known about the attitude of his players and the fans.
      Man City’s rivals will be hoping Pep Guardiola leaves the clubCredit: Reuters
      It left fans of City’s rivals wondering if – and no doubt hoping – this could be the beginning of the end of Pep’s seven year stay in England.
      One of their old favourites Micah Richards even admitted the manager seemed like a man ‘at the end of his tether’.
      It appears everything is not rosy in the garden – but any supporters who would like to see the back of the former Barcelona coach shouldn’t get too excited just yet.
      Sure, it was a puzzling outburst from the 52-year-old – just over a day after he had said he himself was to blame for his team’s recent mini-slump.
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      His team selection was another head-scratcher as he left talisman midfielder Kevin de Bruyne on the bench as well as his two senior, recognised full-backs Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo.
      Yet – in the end – that proved to be a gamble that paid off for Guardiola with his team storming back to beat Spurs with four second half goals.
      And he will hope his decision to go public with some his grievances about players and fans being ‘too comfortable’ will pay dividends too ahead of a key run of fixtures.
      With a fully fit squad to choose from currently, he knows he can afford to rattle a few cages among his list of superstars and still have the quality in reserve to step in.
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      Several of the players who went deep into the World Cup have struggled to recapture their form and fitness since they returned just before Christmas.
      And he has known since the summer that hunger could be an issue for a group of players who have won four of the last five titles.
      After all, there’s a reason nobody has managed three in a row since Alex Ferguson did it across town between 1998-2001.
      As for his dig at the City fans, that is nothing new. The booing of his team at half-time – after everything they have achieved in recent years – clearly irked him.
      But he often throws the challenge down for them to turn out in numbers and turn up the volume and generally gets a response.
      Guardiola won’t be going anywhere just yet  – don’t forget he only signed a two year contract extension two months ago.
      It was only this week that he pointed out how he feels so settled at City because he is surrounded by his mates in the boardroom.
      And in the same interview, he vowed to come back stronger if his old apprentice Mikel Arteta pips him to the title this season with Arsenal.
      A clearly wound-up Pep said on Thursday he has no interest in being a ‘happy flower’ – but don’t be surprised to see him come up smelling of roses in May.   More