Pep praises Moyes ahead of clash

MANCHESTER: West Ham United’s rise to fourth place in the Premier League at this stage of the campaign is down to the big strides they have made under the experienced David Moyes, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday on the eve of their match.

West Ham, who finished 16th last season, beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 last weekend to extend their unbeaten run in the league to four games, pushing themselves into contention for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

“They’re in a Champions League position. That’s not a good run, it’s many months and they’re there. It means how strong they are,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday’s clash between the teams at the Etihad Stadium.

TV timings: Man City v West Ham, 6pm, West Brom v Brighton, 8.30pm, Leeds v Aston Villa, 11pm, Newcastle v Wolves, 1.30am (Sun); Live on Star Sports Select 1 & HD

Milan’s Zlatan to face old club United in last 16 PARIS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will take on his old club Manchester United after they were paired with his current team AC Milan in the last 16 of the Europa League in Friday’s draw.

Milan and Ibrahimovic will do battle with United, who beat Real Sociedad 4-0 on aggregate in the previous round, while AC Milan squeezed past Red Star Belgrade on away goals on Thursday.

Arsenal beat Benfica 3-2, Leicester City lost to Slavia 0-2, AC Milan drew with Star Belgrade 1-1, Man United drew with Real Sociedad 0-0

Klopp pessimistic about Henderson injury

LONDON: Jurgen Klopp fears Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson may not play again this season after undergoing groin surgery as he grapples with a deepening injury crisis.

The midfielder was forced off in a 2-0 defeat to Everton last weekend and further investigation revealed the need for an operation.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic