Desperate Wenger gunning for lost pride versus Spurs
LONDON: Arsene Wenger has warned Tottenham that Arsenal will use Saturday’s derby showdown to prove the balance of power in north London hasn’t shifted permanently.
After decades of lording it over their neighbours from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road, Wenger’s side have found themselves in the unpleasant position of playing second fiddle to Tottenham over the last year. Tottenham will arrive at the Emirates Stadium sitting four points above the Gunners in the Premier League and still basking in the afterglow of their memorable victory over Real Madrid earlier this month.Asked if Arsenal were underdogs in the derby, Wenger said: “No, not at all. I think Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win this game and that’s what we want to show.
“The conclusion of people will be the comparison of the two performances on Saturday. We have a good opportunity to show we are the strongest, so let’s do it.”
IBRAHIMOVIC, POGBA BACK FOR UNITED
MANCHESTER:Paul Pogba and longterm injury victim Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make their Manchester United returns against Newcastle United on Saturday, manager Jose Mourinho announced on Friday.
France midfielder Pogba has been out since September with a hamstring injury, while former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic has not played since damaging knee ligaments against Anderlecht in April. “The players that stayed here and recovering from injuries, even the ones that are recovering from big injuries, they are ready to play,” Mourinho said.
KLOPP FIGHTING FIT AFTER HEALTH CHECKS
LONDON:Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp feels ‘really good’ despite having been admitted to hospital after feeling unwell earlier this week, he said on Friday.
Klopp underwent checks before being discharged on Wednesday and returning to work on Thursday. He is set to be in the dug-out when Liverpool host Southampton on Saturday.