Parliament passes Qatar WCup resolution

The European Parliament joined the controversy over 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar's treatment of migrant workers on Thursday when it passed a resolution expressing concern at their plight.

However, it stopped short of calling for the abolition of the Kafala, or sponsorship, system under which employees cannot change jobs or leave the country without the permission of their sponsors.

"The European Parliament is concerned about the situation of the migrant workers in Qatar," said the resolution. "MEPs call on the Qatari authorities to stop detaining individuals for 'running away' from their employers.

"MEPs note that at least 500 000 more migrant workers are expected in Qatar to accelerate work in preparation for the 2022 football World Cup there," it added following a session in Strasbourg.

"(They) urge Fifa to send a clear and strong message to Qatar to prevent the preparations for the 2022 football World Cup being overshadowed by allegations of forced labour.

"MEPs appeal to the European corporations involved in building stadiums or other infrastructure projects in Qatar to provide working conditions that are in line with international human rights standards."

KAFALA SYSTEM

Amnesty International, Britain's Guardian newspaper and the International Trade Union Confederation have delivered scathing reports on the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar in the last few months.

The reports say the construction industry is rife with abuse of migrant workers who often work long hours in searing heat, live in squalid accommodation and are sometimes denied their wages.

The Greens had wanted the resolution to mention the Kafala system.

"The resolution adopted today sends an important signal both to the Qatari government and international football authorities on the need to take urgent action to address the situation regarding forced and slave labour in Qatar," said Green MEP Barbara Lochbihler in a statement.

"While we regret that centre-right MEPs succeeded in removing a core demand, calling for the abolishment of the Kafala system, the resolution nonetheless highlights the fundamental flaws of this system, which pushes thousands of migrant workers into a situation of forced labour.

"We would urge the Qatari government to repeal the Kafala system as a matter of urgency and for Fifa to prioritise this in its relations with Qatar in the context of the world cup."

Before the session, Lochbihler had criticised Fifa's response to the reports.

'SHOULDER RESPONSIBILITY'

"The response of Fifa to date has been hesitant," she said. "Fifa must have been aware of the existing problems in Qatar before awarding the country the World Cup. They should have conditioned their decision on the implementation of concrete human rights reforms, but decided to simply push ahead.

"It is not too late for Fifa and Uefa to at last shoulder their responsibility. Together with the active support of its European members, Fifa must send a clear message to Qatar to take immediate steps to address the human-rights situation of migrants."

Fifa said it "welcomed" the European parliament's resolution but could not change the situation alone.

"In order to achieve a sustainable improvement of working conditions in Qatar and the wider region, a joint effort by Fifa, the business sector, the international community and the Qatari authorities is required," said Fifa.

"Fifa remains open to cooperate with all relevant bodies and authorities to tackle this issue and to ensure that the protection of migrant workers continues to be addressed with urgency."

Earlier this week, an unnamed source at Qatar's foreign ministry told the state news agency QNA that the Gulf state "attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights".

The source said the government had on October 3 appointed the international law firm DLA Piper to conduct an independent and comprehensive review of the issue of migrant worker abuse.

Estonia part company with coach Ruutli

Estonia have parted ways with head coach Tarmo Ruutli who has spent six years in charge of the small Baltic country's national team and steered them to the Euro 2012 qualifying playoffs.

"After three cycles as head coach of the national team, we have decided not to offer him a new two-year period in this position. Certainly, we do not rule out future cooperation," Estonian FA (EJL) president Aivar Pohlak said in a statement.

"We made this decision after last Friday's friendly against Azerbaijan," he added, referring to Estonia's 2-1 home win.

"I want to state that Tarmo is the most successful head coach in Estonia's history. We produced some beautiful performances, played some great matches and delivered some unbelievable results in Euro 2012 qualification."

The EJL added that it expected to name a replacement within two weeks for 59-year-old Ruutli who was reappointed as Estonia manager in December 2007 after his first spell in 1999/2000.

Estonia, who reached the Euro 2012 playoffs as runners-up to Italy in their group but lost 5-1 to Ireland over two legs, were second-bottom of their World Cup qualifying section for next year's finals in Brazil with two wins and a draw in 10 matches.

West Brom to hold Clarke contract talks

West Bromwich Albion on Thursday revealed they plan to hold contract talks with manager Steve Clarke in the new year.

Clarke, who took over at the Hawthorns in June 2012, is out of the contract at the end of the season and he is set to be rewarded for lifting the Baggies into a comfortable mid-table position in the Premier League.

The 50-year-old was hired to replace Roy Hodgson in what was his first managerial role having previously been assistant manager at Chelsea, West Ham United and Liverpool.

The Baggies are currently 10th in the table, with Clarke having guided them to eighth last season.

In a statement on the club's official website, sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: "Steve's contract situation was discussed at last month's board meeting.

"We decided that we would open talks with Steve in the new year which, historically, we feel is the appropriate time to address such matters."

Bale enjoying Madrid life after slow start

Gareth Bale has said he is relishing life at Real Madrid now that he is clear of the niggling injuries that blighted his start to life in the Spanish capital.

Bale, who cost Real a reported €91 million back in September, spent nearly a month on the sidelines due to a thigh problem.

However, he has made a blistering return to form in the past month with three goals and five assists in his last four games.

"It has been great ever since I have been here, everyone has made me feel very welcome," he said at a sponsor's event on Thursday.

"I felt very comfortable straight away, but obviously after an injury and a bit of a slow start I am now enjoying everything on the pitch now and I am just looking forward to the rest of the season."

The triumvirate of Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have combined for 16 goals and 11 assists in Madrid's last four outings.

While Carlo Ancelotti's men have hit top form, title rivals Barcelona have been struck by a series of injuries to key players, including World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, who won't play again this year.

And with Real's place in the last 16 of the Champions League all but secured, Bale is hoping they can eat into Barca's six-point gap over their title rivals in the coming weeks.

"I think it is important first and foremost that we qualify mathematically (in the Champions League) and we make sure get through that. But even with the Champions League, we're always 100 percent focused on the league as well. No matter what competition it is we'll be going out to win every single game."

Madrid suffered a serious injury of their own over the international break, however, with the news that Sami Khedira looks set to miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Ancelotti has admitted that Khedira's absence could force him to switch from the 4-3-3 system he had struck upon since Bale's return.

And while he admitted the absence of his midfield partner is a big blow, Xabi Alonso is sure the German will bounce back.

"With the news about Khedira we were left in a state of shock," the Spanish international said.

"We were waiting for a few hours because we didn't know the exact extent of the injury that he had. Then the worst was confirmed, but he is very mentally strong. He is very German in that sense and I am sure he will be back quicker than they say.

"The 4-3-3 was a new idea which we had to adapt to, but it doesn't matter whether the system is a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2. The important thing is that the players adapt to any system.

Walcott returns for Arsenal

Premier League leaders Arsenal have received a boost with the inclusion of Theo Walcott in the squad for Saturday's match at home to his old club Southampton while Lukas Podolski's return is less than a month away.

Manager Arsene Wenger has hailed the availability of England international Walcott, who he signed as a 16-year-old in 2006, after the forward's season was interrupted by an abdominal operation in September.

"Strikers who get behind the defenders have a very important quality and Theo has that quality," Wenger was quoted as saying on Arsenal's official website (www.arsenal.com) on Thursday ahead of the league leaders' clash with the third-placed Saints.

"Of course you miss a player like Theo Walcott. Theo had a good start to the season, he scored goals, he provided chances and had assists. He can always give you a different option in the game and that is of course vital."

Wenger said that although the pacy forward had now fully recovered from surgery, his lack of match fitness meant he would be used cautiously against Southampton who are only three points behind Arsenal after a superb start to the season.

"He has not played for a long time, of course, he has not played even a reserve team game, but I will put him in the squad on Saturday," said the Frenchman.

Although Arsenal failed to find the net in their last game at Manchester United, which they lost 1-0, 22 league goals this season makes them second-top scorers behind Manchester City.

But while Wenger said he was happy with his forward line in recent games, Walcott's return provides more options.

DIFFERENT QUALITIES

"If you look at our results our balance was not too bad. But Theo has different qualities to other players and I am very pleased that he's back," he added.

Wenger also said their Germany striker Lukas Podolski was nearing a return, while Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky faces a fitness test on Friday after suffering an illness.

"Podolski is not too far away, I would say three weeks. He is doing fitness training on the pitch. He starts to do some ball work too, he still needs two or three weeks before we see him on the pitch for Arsenal," said Wenger.

However, he added that winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would be out for at least another month, while close-season signing Yaya Sanogo was expected to be fit in January.

Wenger also said he was delighted at France's qualification for the World Cup finals after their dramatic comeback from 2-0 down in the first leg against Ukraine to win 3-2 on aggregate.

It would benefit Arsenal despite creating a busier post-season for players such as Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna and Olivier Giroud who were part of the French squad.

"You want overall the players to be in a positive mood, to have a good self-esteem, and that of course comes by thinking you have the job done," said Wenger.

Fair play saved Romania - Greece

An act of sportsmanship by Greece coach Fernando Santos and team director Takis Fyssas saved Romania from the possibility of a forfeited 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their World Cup playoff last week, they claimed on Thursday.

The Greeks said they alerted Romanian officials before the game in Athens after they named only two goalkeepers because first choice Ciprian Tatarusanu was injured and not included in the squad list.

Under Fifa rules, any 23-man squad for an official game must include three goalkeepers. The oversight was missed by Fifa officials at the time.

Greece won the game 3-1 at the Karaiskakis Stadium and clinched their place in the finals after drawing 1-1 in the second leg on Tuesday.

"With so much at stake - participation in a World Cup and the financial gains for the Greek FA which comes with that – we could have ignored their error and taken the result, but it was important to do the right thing," Fysass told Greek radio SportFM.

"I preferred to qualify on the pitch rather than on paper."

Bogdan Lobont started in goal with Costel Pantilimon on the bench in the first leg last Friday with the Romanians adding an outfield player as the third keeper to keep within the rules.

Romanian FA spokesman Paul Zaharia declined to comment on the claims made by Greece but told Reuters by email: "The Romanian match sheet has been done according to the Laws of the Game and to the competition's regulations.

"A goalkeeper can be fielded as an outfield player and so an outfield player can be fielded as a goalkeeper, if the coach decided like this.

"Our match sheet had 23 players, three of them being goalkeepers and one of those three was an outfield player, so that everything was done due to all the rules and regulations."

Fysass's faith in his Greece team was justified with two goals from Konstantinos Mitroglou and one from Dimitrios Salpingidis helping them to victory in Athens. A draw in Bucharest saw Greece reach next year's finals 4-2 on aggregate.

Tatarusanu returned for the second leg with Lobont and Pantilimon named among the substitutes.

Simunic fined for pro-Nazi chant

Croatian public prosecutors have fined soccer international Josip Simunic 25 000 kuna ($4 400) for pro-Nazi chants he shouted at a stadium in Zagreb, following the World Cup playoff victory over Iceland.

At the end of Tuesday's 2-0 win, Australia-born Simunic took the microphone at Maksimir Stadium, turned to the stands and shouted "Za dom" (for the Homeland), to which the audience replied "Spremni" (Ready).

The call-and-response salute is widely associated with Croatia's Nazi-allied Ustasha regime, which ruled in 1941-45 and brutally persecuted Jews, Serbs, Gypsies and anti-fascist Croats.

In a statement on its website, prosecutors of the Zagreb county court said on Thursday Simunic was found guilty of public disturbance and inciting ethnic hatred.

"He was aware that it symbolises the official salute from the time of Croatia's totalitarian regime and as such represents a racist ideology," the statement said.

Simunic said in a separate statement he meant nothing wrong.

"As a Croatian who was born and grew up outside my homeland, I associate home with love, warmth and positive struggle - everything we showed on the pitch to win our place in the World Cup," he said.

It was not immediately clear if Simunic faced other sanctions as well.

The Jutarnji List daily newspaper quoted an official of FARE (Football against Racism in Europe) as saying Simunic was likely to be suspended for several games.

Local media also reported Fifa, the world soccer governing body, was looking into official match and FARE reports before ruling on Simunic.

The win over Iceland earned Croatia a place at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Gerrard wants derby win

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard heads into the Merseyside derby against Everton admitting there will be a "huge hole" in his career if he retires without winning the Premier League.

Gerrard has enjoyed a magnificent career with Liverpool and is already regarded as one of the club's all-time greats after almost single-handedly inspiring their 2005 Champions League final win over AC Milan.

The England midfielder cherishes the memory of his heroics that epic night in Istanbul and also a year later in the FA Cup final victory against West Ham.

But he knows the absence of a Premier League winners medal from his glittering CV is a major blemish.

After a surprisingly strong start to the season lifted Liverpool to second place, two points behind leaders Arsenal going into this weekend, Gerrard finds himself in with a chance of finally mounting a serious title challenge

And, speaking before Saturday's clash with hated city rivals Everton at Goodison Park, Gerrard made it clear he won't give up fighting for the crown.

"There'd be a hole missing in my career (without a title win) but I don't think I'd spend the rest of my life being irritated or annoyed or frustrated," Gerrard told ESPNFC.

"Since I broke into this team at 18 years of age I've tried to win the title but it hasn't happened.

"I've got a couple more chances and I'll continue to fight for it."

The 221st Merseyside derby will be Everton manager Roberto Martinez's first taste of one of English football's most frenetic fixtures and he knows the key to taking the bragging rights is stopping Liverpool strikers Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

"They have had a very good start to the season and are very influential," he said.

"They have got a real goalscoring threat. But as a team, you are always used to coping with threats of the opposition.

"Not long ago we had a very good team full of individuals here – Spurs – and we dealt with them really well."

If Liverpool slip up at Goodison in Saturday's early game, Arsenal will have a chance to move further clear with a win over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's team should be boosted by the return to fitness of former Southampton winger Theo Walcott after two months out following abdominal surgery.

"Of course you miss a player like Theo Walcott," Wenger said. "Strikers who get behind the defenders have a very important quality and Theo has that quality.

"He can always give you a different option in the game and that is of course vital."

Third-placed Saints will travel to north London looking to maintain their impressive run and boss Mauricio Pochettino insists his side have no reason to fear the Gunners.

"We believe that we can play a very good game and we can get a very positive result in this game – we always believe that," Pochettino said.

Chelsea, four points behind Arsenal in fourth place, can't afford another slip when they make the short trip across London to face West Ham at Upton Park.

Jose Mourinho's men have failed to win their last two league matches, losing to Newcastle and drawing with West Bromwich Albion, while West Ham are also in need of the points after a run of four games without a win left them above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

On Sunday, champions Manchester United face Cardiff in south Wales for the first time since 1974.

United went into the international break boosted by a 1-0 win over Arsenal which revived their flagging title defence, but they still have little margin for error in the race to catch the leaders.

Manchester City take on Tottenham in one of the weekend's most eye-catching fixtures between a pair of title contenders both struggling to live up to that billing.

City slumped to a shock defeat at Sunderland in their last match and are six points adrift of Arsenal, while Tottenham are only one point and one place better off after a 1-0 home loss against Newcastle.

Fixtures

Saturday

Arsenal v Southampton
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Swansea
Hull v Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Norwich
Stoke v Sunderland
West Ham v Chelsea

Sunday

Cardiff v Manchester United
Manchester City v Tottenham

Monday

West Brom v Aston Villa

Wenger boosted by Walcott's return

Arsenal's hopes of cementing their position at the top of the Premier League will be boosted by the return of Theo Walcott for Saturday's clash against Southampton.

Arsene Wenger's side sit two points clear of second-placed Liverpool going into the meeting with Mauricio Pochettino's emerging side, who are just three points behind the Gunners in third place.

A defeat against champions Manchester United before the international break took the edge off Arsenal's impressive early-season form and a further setback against the Saints would raise more questions about their ability to sustain their challenge.

However, the break has provided Wenger's squad with the chance to regroup and allowed Walcott to regain full fitness after a two-month absence with a stomach injury.

And Wenger believes the England winger can provide his side with an added dimension when they face Walcott's former club at the Emirates Stadium.

"He is one of the players who goes behind the defence without the ball," Wenger said.

"Players who get behind the defenders are very important and Theo has that quality.

"Of course you miss a player like Theo. He had a good start to the season, he scored goals, he provided chances and had assists. He can always give you a different option in the game and that is of course vital.

"You always want to have a perfect balance. If you look at our results our balance was not too bad.

"But Theo has different qualities to other players and I am very pleased that he's back."

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker should return on a high after his goal secured Germany's 1-0 friendly victory over England at Wembley this week.

And Wenger believes his side will also benefit from France's success in reaching the World Cup finals.

Olivier Giroud and Bacary Sagna were in Les Bleus' squad that overcame Ukraine in a play-off on Tuesday to reach the tournament in Brazil.

"I have a smile on my face because first it was a relief for France to go through," Wenger said.

"It's positive for France because it was a big relief and the country needed it.

"There is a lot of unrest between the French national team and the country since the last World Cup in South Africa, and that they could turn a situation like that in a positive way will help people to love the national team again."

There was more good news for Wenger as midfielder Jack Wilshere is expected to be fit after suffering an ankle injury on international duty with England.

Southampton have emerged as the season's unexpected success story and their progress was underlined by the inclusion of Jay Rodriguez, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert in the England squad for last week's friendlies.

Pochettino's side have performed well against the leading sides, including recording a victory at Liverpool, and the manager is planning a repeat success at the Emirates.

"I think it's going to be similar to the game against Liverpool because when we were playing them they were top of the league," Pochettino said.

"We always have to believe that we can get something positive out of every single game that we play.

"We believe that we can play a very good game and we can get a very positive result in this game.

"So far I think in the league Arsenal are showing the best football and they have been the best side.

"They're very dynamic and very quick and fast on the counter-attack. They have extraordinary players at their disposal.

PSG put record to test

After a week in which the national team's qualification for the World Cup provided a huge boost to French football, Paris Saint-Germain will bid to extend their long unbeaten run as Ligue 1 returns.

The capital club, who come into the weekend four points clear of Lille at the top of the table, travel to Champagne country to face Reims on Saturday afternoon.

They have a score to settle with Hubert Fournier's side after losing 1-0 at the Stade Auguste-Delaune last season, although remarkably they have not lost in the league since that match on March 2, a run of 24 games.

Indeed, the capital club have not lost any of their 18 matches in all competitions this season, but Saturday's opponents are in formidable form themselves.

Reims have lost just once in 13 matches, a run that has seen them beat Lille, Lyon and Marseille, and draw with Monaco, while they also knocked the principality club out of the League Cup.

They come into the weekend in sixth position and Fournier is hoping his side can spring another surprise.

"We need to make sure we have no regrets at the end of the game," he said. "If a little window opens, we need to enter it. We must believe we can cause an upset."

Their chances of doing so may be helped by the fact PSG's preparations have been hindered by the late return from international duty of numerous players.

Record signing Edinson Cavani was not due to return to France until Friday morning after helping Uruguay qualify for the World Cup in a play-off against Jordan and coach Laurent Blanc admitted that he is likely to be rested.

While some members of his squad – including Blaise Matuidi, who helped France beat Ukraine in remarkable fashion in their decisive World Cup play-off – will be on a high, others had a less enjoyable experience playing for their countries.

That was the case for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose Sweden side missed out on a place in Brazil after losing to Portugal.

"I would have been happier had Zlatan qualified for the World Cup with Sweden, (but) now we need to try to fulfil our objectives at club level, and I know that Zlatan's personal aims are high. That will help ease his disappointment," Blanc said.

"You can expect changes to the team," he added. "(But) those who have stayed here during the international break do not necessarily have a greater chance of playing the next game."

Conditions are likely to be tricky, with temperatures in France having plummeted in recent days, and Blanc is not taking anything for granted.

"They will be especially motivated and we expect a difficult game. We have not been able to prepare in the best possible manner.

"I am afraid of them, just as I am afraid of any team. Another thing that concerns me at the moment is the weather because pitches are not going to be in great condition. Our philosophy is based on playing football, and to do that we need a good pitch."

Elsewhere, second-placed Lille entertain Toulouse on Sunday looking to extend a run of eight games without losing or even conceding a goal, while Nantes, in fourth, face third-placed Monaco.

Two of France's most famous clubs, both were promoted back to Ligue 1 in the summer, but while big-spending Monaco were expected to compete near the top of the table, Nantes have surprised observers with their impressive form.

Les Canaris have lost just once in seven outings and a win will see them leapfrog Monaco on goal difference, with Claudio Ranieri's men having won just one of their last four.

Fixtures:

Friday

Ajaccio v Marseille

Saturday:

Reims v Paris Saint-Germain
Evian-Thonon-Gaillard v Lorient
Lyon v Valenciennes
Montpellier v Guingamp
Rennes v Bordeaux
Sochaux v Bastia

Sunday

Lille v Toulouse
Nice v Saint-Etienne
Nantes v Monaco

Chelsea look to get back on track

Jose Mourinho will expect Chelsea to revive their Premier League title challenge away to London rivals West Ham United on Saturday after their recent dip in form.

Mourinho's men narrowly escaped a second successive league defeat immediately before the international break when a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time secured a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

The debate surrounding Ramires's tumble that won the spot-kick has continued and diverted attention away from Chelsea's underwhelming display which followed an even more lacklustre effort in a defeat at Newcastle.

Now Chelsea, currently four points behind leaders Arsenal, will attempt to rediscover their form at Upton Park against a West Ham side desperate for points following a disappointing start to the season that has left them on the fringes of the relegation zone.

Blues defender David Luiz was one of the players who paid the price for the recent results, dropping out of the side for the last two matches.

Gary Cahill stepped into the team to partner John Terry in central defence, but Brazil international Luiz insists he is happy to bide his time and wait for another chance to prove his worth rather than agitate for a transfer.

"It will be like it has always been, I am never worried. I train hard and seriously every day, he (Mourinho) has his options," Luiz said.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari meanwhile, has no concerns about the former Benfica player's lack of action at club level, insisting that it will not affect his selection for the national team.

Scolari said: "It depends on the managers and the clubs where they play if the players will be starters.

"When I call up someone for the national team, I do so based on my observations. I won't interfere in their job because I don't want any of them to interfere in my call-ups."

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is back in contention after missing the West Brom game through injury and will challenge Samuel Eto'o for a place in Mourinho's starting line-up.

West Ham have struggled for goals this season and manager Sam Allardyce was linked with a move for Chelsea forward Demba Ba on deadline day.

A dismal defeat at Norwich last time out summed up their problems in front of goal, but Allardyce believes Ravel Morrison can provide the spark needed for his side to survive.

"Ravel's blessed with talent. We all know his ability has started to be applied in the right way," Allardyce said.

"For me, there's still a massive room for improvement. There's still better to come. There's still more I demand.

"Hopefully that will continue to improve his development and help West Ham be a better team with better results in the near future."

Allardyce is also hopeful James Collins and Joey O'Brien will recover from injury.

"To take the pressure off us all we need results. We have not achieved that so far and we need to turn the performances into results," he added.

"There is a chance to see where Chelsea's weaknesses lie after their defeats.

"But anything less than top form for all of our players would make life difficult for us.

"In terms of our goals it is not that we are not creating chances but we are not converting them.

"Our chance conversion rate is among the worst. We will have to produce the end product because creating chances will be harder against Chelsea.

Rodgers backs Reds to cope v Everton

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers goes in search of his first win in a Merseyside derby against Everton confident his players are better equipped for the challenge than before.

After two draws in Rodgers' first experiences of the derby atmosphere last season, the Reds hope to give the boss a maiden victory in Saturday's meeting at Goodison Park.

Liverpool are just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, while Everton are three points adrift of their hated neighbours in sixth.

With so much at stake, Rodgers expects the 221st Merseyside derby to be as frenzied as ever and believes his team are now more battle-hardened and capable of thriving in such a testing situation.

"It's a really hostile environment to go and play in," Rodgers said.

"Goodison is a really good venue for football and it's a ground that will test your character.

"But that's something we will look forward to because, if there's one thing that we've improved in the time that I've been here, is there's resilience in the team.

"We will lose games but our ability to bounce back and to be resolute is improving all the time. So it will be a good ground to go and play in. And it will be great for us to go and play our football.

"Every game away from home is a test of character. But, of course, when it's a derby game and the rivalry and the history of this game is there, it will always test you."

Everton boast an impressive home record, having not lost at Goodison Park since December 2012, and caught the eye in victories over Chelsea and Newcastle this season.

And Rodgers, who will check on the fitness of striker Daniel Sturridge (thigh) but should have captain Steven Gerrard (hip) available, believes their city rivals will be among those teams who are a threat to his side's ambitions to break into the top four.

"They'll be up there challenging this season, but their recent history shows you that," Rodgers added.

"They looked like they were maybe going to be in line for the top four last season but then dropped off a wee bit. They still finished in the top six.

"Both teams have made a very good start to this season and they are one of our rivals. But it's no surprise, Everton have been up there for the last few years.

"They've been very competitive and been up and around that level for a few years. Roberto (Martinez) has come in and he'll do an excellent job there."

Everton manager Martinez agreed that the derby takes on added significance due to the bright start made by both teams.

The Spaniard has no fresh injury worries with striker Arouna Kone (knee) still out along with long-term absentees Antolin Alcaraz (groin) and Darron Gibson (knee).

"It is a massive game. First and foremost, it's a glamorous fixture," Martinez said.

"It's one of those games that is followed worldwide and the significance, the passion and the history is reflected in the game.

"This one is more important because both teams are in the top six and both have had strong starts to the season.

"Liverpool's start speaks for itself. They are really good in possession and play with good intensity.

"They have really good individuals. That partnership up front of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge has a real goalscoring threat, so you can see why they've been so successful this season.

"We're unbeaten at home in 2013 and this is a real opportunity to start the middle third of the season with a very strong test, and the derby is just that.

Odemwingie, Uche set for Eagles recall

Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi has revealed that players like Peter Odemwingie, Taye Taiwo and Ikechukwu Uche could be handed shock recalls to the national team ahead of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi stunned many by leaving out experienced talent from his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and received a backlash from many who felt he was treading on thin ice.

He was eventually justified in his selections as Nigerian romped to a third Afcon success with a relatively inexperienced squad.

The “Big Boss” as Keshi is fondly called has now revealed that he has not shut the door completely on any individual as he begins preparations for the World Cup.

“Contrary to what some people think, I have not shut the door on players like Osaze (Peter Odemwingie), Ike Uche and even Taiye Taiwo. They are Nigerians and are eligible to play for the Super Eagles at all times,” Keshi exclusively told supersport.com.

The gaffer however stated that they will only get a look in if they “prove themselves.”

“When I was in the national team, nobody had an automatic shirt. I was the captain but I did not play in all the games.

“Everyday in training, it was war. We fought and sweated to show the coaches that we were worthy of the shirt. That is the norm now as well,” he said.

Otigba, Ameobi and uncapped talent

Keshi is casting his net far afield and will not mind blooding several uncapped players as he looks to build a squad that will punch above their weight in Brazil.

Names like Kenneth “Kenny” Otigba and Sammy Ameobi readily prop up following their scintillating displays for Heerenveen and Newcastle United respectively.

Keshi however insists players of such ilk will only be allowed to sneak in if they prove they are better than the ones currently in the squad.

“To be honest, I don’t know much about Otigba but we have a good scouting network that will enable me look at all players eligible to play for Nigeria.

“Everyone who is eligible to play for Nigeria has a chance and I am being totally honest here.

“I will assess their performances at their different clubs and we will take a decision but if these players are not better than those that I already have in the team, then they don’t have any chance.

“However, if they show that they are better and can make the team stronger, why not?

“It does not matter if they have played for the Super Eagles previously or not.

“I recall that before the 1994 Fifa World Cup, players like Michael Emenalo and Chidi Nwanu did not kick a ball in (the qualifying tournament.)

“They also did not play at the Nations Cup earlier that year but when they showed the coaches what they could do, they came in.

“I have not selected my team for the World Cup. No one has a guaranteed shirt and we will keep working until we know the 23 players that will go to Brazil,” he said.

Keshi who won 64 caps and scored nine goals for Nigeria as a player, replaced Samson Siasia as Super Eagles coach in 2011 and has yet to lose a competitive game to African opposition.

Adamu vows to retain Beach soccer trophy

Head coach of Nigeria's Sand Eagles, Audu Adamu has confirmed his wards readiness for this year's Copa Lagos Beach soccer championship that will start next month.

This year's competition will take place at the Eko Atlantic mega city from December 13 to 15 and the Nigerian team are the defending champions after winning the first two editions.

Adamu told supersport.com that 20 players have been invited for this year's showpiece and will camp at the Fifa goal project in Abuja from November 27.

“I have called 20 players to camp in Abuja and I'm so much happy because the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has promised to give us massive support.

“This year has been so much colourful in Nigeria considering the fact that the Super Eagles won the Afcon and the Golden Eaglets just won the Under-17 World Cup.

“We are the last this year (taking part in a tournament) and I'm sure that we would retain our trophy next month in Lagos and give Nigerians a good Christmas gifts,” Adamu said to supersport.com

The Sand Eagles will this year face serious competition from Germany, Lebanon and Senegal.

This will be the second time that Lebanon will be participating in this championship as they were among the four teams that took part last year.

Barca begin run without Messi, Valdes

Injury-ravaged Barcelona could be without seven first-team players as they look to consolidate their position at the top of La Liga at home to Granada on Saturday.

The Catalans will begin a run of eight games across three competitions before Christmas without four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi after he tore his left hamstring in Barca's last outing away to Real Betis a fortnight ago.

Barca's injury crisis has deepened since then as goalkeeper Victor Valdes will also miss the rest of the year after rupturing a calf muscle in Spain's 1-0 friendly defeat to South Africa in midweek.

Right-back Dani Alves also returned from international duty with a calf problem that will see him sidelined for up to 10 days, while Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez are doubts and Jordi Alba remains out injured.

Valdes' absence means that 38-year-old stopper Jose Manuel Pinto will start in goal for the next six weeks.

And defender Javier Mascherano is confident Pinto's experience will be key in deputising for the on-form Valdes.

"The injuries to Victor and Leo are very important, but every player is able to play," he said on Thursday.

"The squad is very big. Valdes is important for what he represents and for the excellent level he has had until now. But we have to support Pinto, he has always responded when he has needed to.

"He is a keeper with a lot of experience. We cannot forget that he has won two Copa del Reys and had very good performances."

With such a raft of injuries, coach Gerardo Martino may be forced to hand 21-year-old Sergi Roberto his first start of the season in midfield.

Neymar, meanwhile, will carry the significant burden of compensating for the loss of Messi in attack.

Should Barca slip up at the Camp Nou on league duty for the first time in over a year, Real Madrid will be confident of cutting their six-point deficit on the leaders when they travel to Almeria.

Los Blancos will be able to unleash the on-fire Cristiano Ronaldo fresh from his hat-trick that sealed Portugal's place in the World Cup with a 3-2 win over Sweden in midweek.

"It has been a very intense few days with our national teams, but we have two days in front of us to prepare in the best way possible for the next game," Ronaldo told Madrid's website.

"My only goal, like the whole dressing room, is to now work so that all Real Madrid fans continue to be excited by their team."

Ronaldo has also scored nine times in his last four games for Madrid and will look to continue his lethal partnership with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in attack.

However, Real suffered a serious injury blow during the international break as Sami Khedira suffered cruciate ligament damage that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is expected to make his first start of the campaign in the German's absence.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti also has a problem at left-back as both Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao are sidelined for the next few weeks through injury.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid are also in action on Saturday as they host Getafe at the Vicente Calderon.

Atleti's top-scorer Diego Costa is not expected to be fit, though, as he is still struggling with the thigh injury that prevented him from making his Spain debut in the world champions' friendly encounters with Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in the past week.

Fixtures

Friday

Valladolid v Osasuna

Saturday

Barcelona v Granada
Real Sociedad v Celta Vigo
Almeria v Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid v Getafe
Sunday
Levante v Villarreal
Rayo Vallecano v Espanyol
Elche v Valencia
Sevilla v Real Betis
Monday

Malaga v Athletic Bilbao

Injuries take toll on BVB for 'clasico'

Second-placed Borussia Dortmund host leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday in a Bundesliga top-of-the-table showdown with injuries having decimated the hosts' defence.

The rematch of last season's Champions League final between the Bundesliga's top sides - billed as Germany's Clasico or Der Klassiker -comes with Pep Guardiola's Bayern four points clear and Dortmund's defence in disarray.

Centre-back Mats Hummels and left-back Marcel Schmelzer have been ruled out after returning from international duty with injuries.

With centre-back Neven Subotic out for six months with torn ligaments and right-back Lukasz Piszczek only just back in training after surgery, Dortmund will face the European champions without their entire first-choice back four.

"It is a disaster," admitted Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

"The worst thing that can happen to you in football is to have to replace the entire back four.

"A defender, a midfielder or a striker can be replaced by every team, but a whole back four?"

Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp summed up the situation when he said that "80 percent of my grey hairs were earned this week", but he has reacted by signing ex-Germany defender Manuel Friedrich, who had been released by Bayer Leverkusen, until the end of the campaign.

The 34-year-old is likely to partner Greece international Sokratis Papastathopoulos at centre-back, while youngster Erik Durm is expected to play at left-back with Kevin Grosskreutz on the right.

"We have had to put together a defence which has not yet played 20 games together, but we still have a lot of quality in the squad," said Klopp, while sporting director Michael Zorc has defiantly said Dortmund "won't raise the white flag to anyone".

Even with Bayern's France winger Franck Ribery ruled out with a fractured rib, the pressure is firmly on Dortmund.

Their defeat away to Wolfsburg a fortnight ago left them four points adrift, and if they are serious about bringing the Bundesliga trophy back to the Ruhr Valley, this is a match they must win.

The difference between the two squads is strength in depth with Guardiola able to call on Germany's Mario Goetze or Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri to fill in for Ribery.

"It's just like it so often is with us: we have a good enough squad and will certainly have a decent team on the pitch, whose goal will be to win there," said Bayern's Germany star Thomas Mueller.

Goetze, who is returning to Dortmund having left to join Bayern in the summer, will be making his first appearance at the Westfalenstadion in the red shirt.

The 21-year-old has said he has "no fear" and understands the passionate home supporters would rather see him playing for Borussia, but ex-Dortmund and Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has advised him "not to take throw-ins or corners" to stay away from the fans.

February 2010 was the last time Bayern beat Dortmund in the Bundesliga, but the Bavarians were victorious when it mattered most, beating the black and yellows in May's Champions League final.

Much has been made of Bayern's failure to beat Borussia in their previous six Bundesliga showdowns, but having gone 37 league matches and more than a year without defeat, Munich will be confident of extending their unbeaten Bundesliga run.

Certainly, Bayern want to again exert their authority over their rivals, who won back-to-back league titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12 before Bayern swept the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup last season.

Among the weekend's other matches, struggling Hamburg host mid-table Hanover without captain Rafael van der Vaart, who tore ankle ligaments while on duty with the Netherlands and is expected to be ruled out for the next four weeks.

Fixtures:

Friday

VfB Stuttgart v Borussia Moenchengladbach

Saturday

Nuremberg v VfL Wolfsburg
Augsburg v Hoffenheim
Eintracht Braunschweig v Freiburg
Eintracht Frankfurt v Schalke 04
Hertha Berlin v Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich

Sunday

Hamburg v Hanover 96
Werder Bremen v Mainz 05

Poyet warns Sunderland over transfers

English Premier League strugglers Sunderland could be looking for their fourth manager of the season if current boss Gus Poyet does not get his way in the January transfer window, the Uruguayan has warned.

Poyet said he was happy to work alongside director of football Roberto De Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni, providing he had final say on who arrived to try to help his side improve on their 19th position and avoid relegation.

"We talked about a position the other day and considered four players," Poyet was quoted as saying by British media.

"I picked two. It was simple. One of the other two (selected by De Fanti) was a definite no. If that one is coming, I won't be here. The player has to be the right one for me. If not, I'm not going to accept it.

"They need to give me the options and I need to pick the ones I like. We need to see if they are available and if they fit into the financial possibilities, then we will move forward.

"I'm sure it's going to be done in the right way, in the common sense way. Everyone has a responsibility."

Italian Paulo Di Canio started the season as Sunderland boss but he was less than impressed by De Fanti's work, complaining that he had chosen none of the 14 players signed by his compatriot.

The volatile Di Canio failed to mould the new recruits into a squad he barely kept up the previous season and was dismissed in September with the side bottom of the table.

Former Sunderland midfielder Kevin Ball then took charge on a caretaker basis before last month's appointment of Poyet, who has enjoyed a promising start with home wins over northeast rivals Newcastle United and big-spending Manchester City.

However, the former Real Zaragoza, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was fully aware of his squad's deficiencies, which he had told De Fanti of, and said new signings were required if they were to improve.

"I've told him my opinions about everybody here already and I've told him what I think we should be looking for," Poyet said.

"Roberto and Valentino will manage it and then I will start checking on them every now and then - I like to go and see players live, if it's possible. The players already here have an opportunity now but there are others I think we need.

"The idea is to start moving. The sooner we move, the sooner we get a player, the better for me," the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager added.

Despite the threat of leaving, Poyet said he was optimistic that he could work with the Italians.

"The sporting director exists everywhere in the world. I know in England it's not very common. The manager is normally in charge of everything but I had it at Zaragoza as a player and my situation is clear.

"So far, everything is working fine. The connection and communication have been great.

Ibrahim off to Malaga

Egyptian giant Zamalek have given their starlet Mohamed Ibrahim the green light to move to the Spanish side Malaga for a six month loan.

Malaga wanted the service of the 21 year old player last summer but Zamalek head coach Helmy Tolan refused to let him go.

"The board held a meeting in the last few days and signed the formal approval to let Ibrahim go. We now await the Malaga delegation to visit Cairo and to end the deal" Zamalek board member Sabri Seraj said to supersport.com. They will pay 200.000 Euro and play two friendly matches with Zamalek and that is very good".

Ibrahim meanwhile said " It's my dream to play in the Spanish League where a lot of Football stars play and that will be good for me , my team and our Egyptian National team".

Ibrahim is one of the most promising players in the Egyptian league and was instrumental in helping Zamalek win the Egypt Cup last month after a five year spell without winning any titles.

Blatter confident of Morocco success

With just a few weeks to go until the kick-off of the Fifa Club World Cup Morocco 2013, Fifa president Sepp Blatter believes Morocco are ready to host the tournament.

The Fifa president took part in a round table event with journalists via phone conference to discuss, among other subjects, the final preparations for the tournament and what the country and competing teams can expect from the tenth edition of the prestigious event.

Following Guangzhou Evergrande’s triumph in the final of the AFC Champions League, the line-up for Morocco 2013 is now complete.

The newly crowned kings of Asian football will take their place alongside Raja Casablanca, representing the host nation, Uefa Champions League winners Bayern Munich, CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly, OFC Champions League winners Auckland City, CONCACAF Champions League victors Monterrey, and Atletico Mineiro, who captured the Copa Libertadores earlier this year.

“Morocco is definitely ready to welcome these great club teams,” announced Blatter, in response to a question about Fifa’s final inspection visit.

“Fifa not only carried out an inspection, but a proper visit, to verify that this major international sporting event, a milestone for Morocco and Africa, will be successful. We have confidence in the Local Organising Committee and we have the support of the Moroccan government and His Majesty, the King.

“The two chosen stadiums – in Agadir and Marrakesh – are in an excellent condition and should enable us to see some great matches. We have no doubts from an organisational point of view; it’s going to be a success,” he continued.

If this prediction proves correct, Morocco could well gain significant long-term benefits from the tournament, which runs from 11 to 21 December.

The head of Fifa confirmed this, when asked if the competition could be used as a trial run for the potential hosting of a larger event in the future.

“The Moroccans made a bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup™, and they weren’t far away from getting it, as the voting was pretty close in the end,” he pointed out.

“Even back then, His Majesty and the then President of the Moroccan FA told us that despite not being selected, Morocco would continue working on football development and building new stadiums. And that’s what you did!

“This therefore augurs well in terms of organising other Fifa competitions, including – why not? – the Fifa World Cup when Africa gets a chance to host again. This Club World Cup will be a very useful test for the future.”

The Fifa President provided a further shot in the arm for Moroccan and indeed African football by confirming that a seminar for the technical directors from 27 of the continent’s member associations would be held in tandem with the tournament.

“African football development was already given a boost by our ‘Win in Africa with Africa’ programme during the 2010 World Cup, which was a huge success from a financial viewpoint, as each association received a football development bonus,” he explained.

“But we continue to follow the changes at national league level in Africa – that’s very important.”

It was by emerging victorious from Morocco’s domestic league, known as the Botola Pro, that Raja Casablanca earned the right to lock horns with some of the planet’s top teams. It was not that long ago, however, that representatives from only two continents had the possibility of vying for the title of ‘world’s greatest club side’.

“For many years, there was only the Intercontinental Cup, which pitted the South American champions against the European champions,” recalled the head of world football’s governing body.

“This became unacceptable, because club competitions had developed considerably, especially in Africa and Asia, and it’s now up to teams from those regions to show that they can compete with the best, and even defeat the best.

"Good luck, then, to Al Ahly and Raja Casablanca. Moroccan fans have the chance to witness a major international event. I’m sure we’ll see full stadiums and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the tournament,” concluded the Fifa President.

Juventus look to seize top spot

Under-strength Juventus expect to welcome defender Giorgio Chiellini back from injury ahead an away trip to Livorno that could hand the champions top spot, albeit momentarily, in Italy's Serie A.

Two consecutive draws by Roma in the leaders' last two outings have given Juventus, in second only one point behind, plenty of incentive ahead of the Bianconeri's trip to Tuscany.

Chiellini, who grew up in Livorno and made his professional debut with the side, had been sidelined with a muscle problem since before Juve's 3-0 rout of Napoli prior to the international break.

His return is being welcomed as Juve undergo a mini crisis in defence with Angelo Ogbonna and Leonardo Bonucci both suspended and Andrea Barzagli likely to be sidelined due to a muscle problem.

Chiellini could be called upon to move from his regular left-back position to the centre of a back three, but the 29-year-old said: "It doesn't make any difference to me. I'm fit and I'm ready to play."

Juventus are still without Swiss wing-back Stephan Lichsteiner due to injury and lost Chilean Mauricio Isla on Thursday due to a knee ligament problem.

Roma, whose record streak of 10 opening wins in Serie A came to an end three weeks ago, are in action late on Sunday and, on paper, are tipped to get back to winning ways at home to struggling Cagliari.

French international Anthony Reveillere, meanwhile, could make his debut for Napoli when they look to close the gap later Saturday.

Reveillere signed for Napoli recently after his contract with French side Lyon expired, leaving him a free agent.

Having worked under Napoli coach Rafael Benitez during a brief spell at Valencia in 2003, the 34-year-old defender is champing at the bit.

"I am at a club which is among the elite in Italy and regularly plays Champions League football," said Reveillere.

"I had other offers on the table but when the call came from Napoli I couldn't turn it down. It's also because of Benitez, he loves to work on the tactical side of the game and we had a good working relationship at Valencia."

Under-fire AC Milan welcome Genoa to the San Siro in Saturday's other late game hoping to claim their first win since a 1-0 defeat of Udinese over a month ago.

Since then, Massimiliano Allegri's side have taken only two points from their past four games and now sit 15 points behind Napoli and the final Champions League qualifying place.

Fingers have been pointed at star striker Mario Balotelli but despite failing to score a league goal since Milan's 2-1 home defeat to Napoli two months ago, he was unrepentive.

"For the last four or five games I haven't scored and things are not going so well," said Balotelli, who last scored for Milan in a 1-1 Champions League draw at Ajax on October 1.

"But the goals will come sooner or later."

City rivals Inter Milan, who sit three points adrift of Napoli, travel to Bologna looking to avoid any slip-ups that could benefit Fiorentina, who sit one place and one point further adrift ahead of a tricky trip away to Udinese.

Struggling Sampdoria, meanwhile, hope to relaunch their season under new coach and former player Sinisa Mihajlovic, who takes charge in time to welcome another of his former clubs, Lazio, to Genoa.

"To the players I say, don't ask what the club can do for you, but what you can do for the club," Mihajlovic, who quit as Serbia coach on Wednesday, said at his official unveiling.

"I had the offer of a lengthy contract to coach Serbia but instead I chose a six-month deal at Sampdoria because the club helped me to become what I am today."

Fixtures:

Saturday

Verona v Chievo
Milan v Genoa
Napoli v Parma

Sunday

Livorno v Juventus
Sampdoria v Lazio
Sassuolo v Atalanta
Torino v Catania
Udinese v Fiorentina
Bologna v Inter
Roma v Cagliari