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Why Club World Cup triumph can rejuvenate Real Madrid

Real Madrid endured a troubled Matchday 20, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Mallorca and losing ground in the title race. Rivals Barcelona responded by sinking Sevilla 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points, putting them firmly in the driving seat for a 27th LaLiga title. However, Ancelotti’s…

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FA Cup focus: Fourth round replays offer shock potential

The FA Cup has an illustrious history of providing David and Goliath-esque shocks — and the fourth round replays could deliver more.  Surprisingly, the fourth round did not provide any mind-blowing upsets, but a handful of lower-league sides managed to secure a replay. Non-league Wrexham almost secured their Hollywood ending, but Sheffield United’s dramatic, late…

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Data dispatch: Harry Kane in numbers

Harry Kane is beginning to cement his legacy at the top of the game — his numbers are up there with the very best to ever play the sport.  The striker wheeled away in celebration after scoring the winner against Manchester City, having just made history.  The 29-year-old became Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time top goalscorer, scoring…

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Under the spotlight: Unai Emery’s impact at Aston Villa

Unai Emery has done a magnificent job since replacing Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa head coach towards the tail end of October. The work that he has done since his arrival is the best advertisement for a mid-season sacking in some time. Such instability is to be avoided, of course, but in a division as…

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Serge Aurier: Nottingham Forest’s surprise star

This summer was quite the spectacle at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest announced 23 arrivals, including right-back Serge Aurier. The ambitious project of securing Premier League safety is looking positive after 20 games as Forest sit 13th, four points above the drop zone. Aurier’s arrival on a free transfer flew under the radar compared…

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Tactical breakdown: Where Everton must improve to secure survival

Everton Football Club are living a complicated moment. Frank Lampard was sacked by the club following a dismal 2-0 defeat at West Ham United last weekend and, in truth, it was a decision that had been a long time coming. Everton are currently joint-bottom of the Premier League – alongside Southampton – having taken 15…

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Under the spotlight: Newcastle United’s rock-solid rearguard

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are flying high in the Premier League this season, with only Arsenal and Manchester City above them. Their form is in part due to their formidable back line, which has kept the most clean sheets in Europe’s top five leagues this term (12), conceding just 11 goals.  Ahead of their Premier…

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How Conte can get Spurs star Son on the goal trail

Tottenham Hotspur have endured an inconsistent campaign — and no player sums up their season quite as well as Son Heung-min.  The South Korean star had a Premier League season to remember last term, scoring 23 goals — a feat which meant he shared the golden boot with Mohamed Salah.  His efforts were key to…

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FA Cup focus: Which underdogs could triumph in the fourth round?

The ‘magic’ of the FA Cup is the crux of the historic competition’s allure. The third round brought plenty of upsets with it, after Premier League quartet Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Aston Villa were all knocked out by lower league opposition. But non-league Wrexham pulled off arguably the standout result, shocking Championship side…

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Scout Report: Scottish football’s hottest prospects

Scottish football is earning a growing reputation as a proving ground for talented young players. Previous success stories include Virgil Van Dijk, Kieran Tierney, Andrew Robertson and, more recently, Aaron Hickey and Josh Doig. The Scottish top flight has begun exporting young stars with regularity, with Serie A in particular taking notice of the treasure…

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