Jose, Pogba row takes centre stage
FRENCH PLAYMAKER WANTS TO JOIN BARCELONA Liverpool return to Stamford Bridge bent on revenge.
Jose Mourinho’s astonishing feud with Paul Pogba will take another twist when Manchester United’s warring duo head to West Ham today, while Chelsea’s Eden Hazard bids to inflict more misery on Liverpool.
On any other weekend, the showdown between Premier League leaders Liverpool and title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would be the centre of attention.
But Mourinho is embroiled in a clash of egos with French midfielder Pogba that threatens to derail his side’s season.
Mourinho and Pogba were filmed in a heated discussion at United’s training ground on Wednesday, just 24 hours after Pogba was told he would no longer be the team’s vice-captain.
The volatile Pogba reportedly infuriated Mourinho by making it clear he wants to join Barcelona and criticised the manager’s cautious tactics in last weekend’s draw with Wolves.
With United players said to be taking sides on the row, Mourinho is facing a toxic situation.
There was further woe for Mourinho on Tuesday as United, with the rested Pogba watching from the stands, were dumped out of the League Cup third round in an embarrassing defeat against second-tier Derby.
United are already eight points behind Liverpool and can ill-afford another setback.
The announcement of United’s team-sheet at West Ham will be eagerly awaited to see whether Pogba will be recalled or not.
Once the latest chapter of the duo’s row is out of the way in east London, many eyes will turn to the west side of the capital where Chelsea star Hazard plans to aims repeat his midweek heroics against Liverpool.
Belgium playmaker Hazard came off the bench to knock Liverpool out of the League Cup with a superb solo strike at Anfield on Wednesday.
Hazard’s stunning late goal capped Chelsea’s come from behind 2-1 victory.
That drama finale set the stage for today’s rematch at the Bridge, where Liverpool will put their sixmatch winning run in the league on the line against unbeaten Chelsea, who are two points behind in third place.
With five goals in his first six league games, Hazard has started the season in fine form, prompting Chelsea team-mate Ross Barkley to hail him as the world’s best.
Liverpool have failed to win their last four meetings with Chelsea. – AFP
Today:
West Ham United v Manchester United; Arsenal v Watford; Everton v Fulham; Huddersfield Town v Tottenham Hotspur; Manchester City v Brighton; Newcastle United v Leicester City; Wolves v Southampton; Chelsea v Liverpool.
Cardiff v Burnley. AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace.
Tomorrow: Monday: