SOCCER

Liverpool and Arsenal face off in a crucial Premier League duel at Anfield on Saturday, with six players particularly pivotal to the match’s outcome.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, who tops the league scoring charts with 22 goals, was sent off during Sunday's draw with Athletic Bilbao following a fracas with Carlos Gurpegui and Ander Iturraspe.

Samples taken at the World Cup will need to be flown across the Atlantic to Switzerland, raising doubts that positive tests from players will be discovered before their next matches.

Brendan Rodgers has attracted scrutiny for stating that Liverpool are not title contenders this season, but is he really lacking in ambition, or just being honest?

Discussions are said to be underway that could lead to Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani moving to Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger has discussed Arsenal’s pursuit of Luis Suarez, as the club is linked with moves for several strikers.

Arsenal are set to receive at least one injury boost ahead of a tough set of fixtures, which begin against Liverpool on Saturday.

Barcelona benefited from some heavy slices of fortune to beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal.

Real Madrid beat local rivals Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal at the Bernabeu.

David Beckham has high hopes for his MLS expansion club.

Liverpool host Arsenal on Saturday looking to prove that they can match up strongly with the Premier League’s best.

Cup holders Atletico Madrid will be looking to repeat their recent triumphs at the Bernabeu when they take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal.

Arsenal continue to top the Premier League, but face a mammoth task against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League later this month.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored yet another outstanding goal, this time with an incredible lob in Paris Saint-Germain’s Coupe de la Ligue semifinal with Nantes.

After failing to sign anyone in January, Liverpool will be keen to add to their squad in the next transfer window.

After a disappointing January transfer window, Arsenal will be expected to make some big moves in the summer.

Chelsea spent significant sums in January, but are likely to again be active in the summer transfer window.

Branislav Ivanovic’s strike gave Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in their key Premier League clash at the Etihad.

Despite the signing of Juan Mata, Manchester United still require major squad strengthening in the summer transfer window.

Manchester City and Chelsea will meet in a crucial Premier League encounter, with an intriguing clash of styles, at the Etihad Stadium on Monday

Two goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates to take them back to the top of the Premier League.

Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Victor Anichebe saw West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool share the points at the Hawthorns.

Arsenal are faced with increasing injury concerns as they prepare to take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.

Liverpool return to the scene of their first match under Brendan Rodgers when they face West Brom at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

Arsenal’s January transfer window was not the abject failure some have suggested, but Arsene Wenger has still taken a major gamble.

Rickie Lambert notched his seventh goal of the season and now leads the Saints in assists with seven, aiding Adam Lallana on goal in the 64th minute that ended the even nil-nil tie.

Two goals from Charlie Adam saw Stoke City gain a 2-1 win over Manchester United that could prove vital for both sides.

Ahead of their trip to Stoke City, Manchester United manager David Moyes has expressed his satisfaction with his January transfer business.

Arsenal are reportedly making a desperate effort to try and sign a striker before the close of the January transfer window.