Sport news

• Steven Pienaar optimistic about return to 'magic' form for Everton in 2016 after almost hanging up his boots in a year to forget

  25-12-2015 23:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar’s 2015 has been so full of frustration that he admitted considering retirement but there there is hope that 2016 will be much better for the former South Africa captain.
  
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• Remi Garde was 'brave' to join struggling Aston Villa but has the players to keep them up, says West Ham boss Slaven Bilic

  25-12-2015 23:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Slaven Bilic believes Remi Garde can defy Premier League history, which shows only three teams who have been bottom at Christmas have survived, and keep Aston Villa from relegation.
  
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• Liverpool have got a capable and willing deputy in Kolo Toure but will have to be careful about Jamie Vardy on the break 

  25-12-2015 23:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Premier League leaders Leicester travel to Anfield on Boxing Day to take on a Liverpool side still retaining hopes of finishing in the top four.
  
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• Claudio Ranieri turned to Jurgen Klopp after Greece axe... and the pair meet again when Leicester travel to Liverpool

  25-12-2015 23:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Claudio Ranieri has revealed how he turned to Jurgen Klopp last Christmas after experiencing the anguish of being sacked by Greece.
  
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• DUNCAN FERGUSON INTERVIEW - Everton legend on Romelu Lukaku, Wayne Rooney, chances of silverware and his love for the Toffees: 'it's my family and my life'

  25-12-2015 23:39 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  ELLIOTT BRETLAND: Duncan Ferguson hung up his boots an Everton hero and the former No 9 is now having a resounding influence on the strikers who followed in his footsteps.
  
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• Newcastle are not guaranteed to stay in the Premier League, admits Steve McClaren   

  25-12-2015 23:38 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Steve McClaren says he cannot guarantee that Newcastle will ever escape their relegation fight – but he admits the club must do better in 2016.
  
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• Louis van Gaal well aware that only positive results can save his job now as Man United head to Stoke for Boxing Day showdown

  25-12-2015 23:38 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  IAN LADYMAN: Louis van Gaal returns to the more fundamental business of trying to win football matches on Boxing Day. It is only this, after all, that will save him at Manchester United
  
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• Christian Benteke gets pep talk from boss Jurgen Klopp in bid to end Premier League scoring drought as Liverpool host Leicester 

  25-12-2015 23:38 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Liverpool’s £32million centre-forward Christian Benteke has been given a personal pep talk by manager Jurgen Klopp to try and make him a more effective all-round striker.
  
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• Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City can turn it around... and January will seal his side's fate 

  25-12-2015 23:37 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  IAN LADYMAN: Manuel Pellegrini believes the next month will tell him whether his Manchester City team are ready to be champions again.
  
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• Arsenal to offer Mikel Arteta coaching job as Arsene Wenger's side set sights on Premier League summit as they head to Southampton

  25-12-2015 23:37 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is set to be offered a role on the club’s coaching staff when he hangs up his boots. The midfielder is taking his coaching badges and has worked with the club's academy
  
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• Watford boss Quique Flores calls Chelsea's Guus Hiddink 'one of the best' as he prepares to face his mentor on Boxing Day 

  25-12-2015 23:36 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  The Spaniard had a special relationship with the 69-year-old Dutchman having played under him at Valencia in the early 1990s.
  
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• Sam Allardyce admits there will be no more miracles at Sunderland as they attempt another escape from relegation

  25-12-2015 23:35 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Sam Allardyce has warned his Sunderland players that they have run out of miracles. Allardyce admits he is a worried man in his bid to pull off the club's third successive Great Escape.
  
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• Louis van Gaal listens to player criticisms as he relaxes strict regime in bid to rejuvenate Manchester United's season

  25-12-2015 23:34 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  EXCLUSIVE BY CHRIS WHEELER: Louis van Gaal has bowed to player pressure in an attempt to keep his job at Manchester United, relaxing his strict regime in a bid to improve poor results
  
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• Liverpool are still struggling to fill the Steven Gerrard void admits Lucas... nobody will take his No 8 shirt or even his locker 

  25-12-2015 23:34 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  MATT LAWTON: The longest-serving player at Liverpool has witnessed a fair amount of upheaval in almost nine years with the club. Managers have come and gone. Players have come and gone.
  
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• You play like a woman... agent's jibe made Romelu Lukaku release his inner beast

  25-12-2015 23:33 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  DOMINIC KING: For a split-second it seems as if Romelu Lukaku is kidding. Sitting in Everton’s training base, the subject of his vast improvement in 2015 has arisen and he has been asked his secret.
  
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• West Brom boss Tony Pulis backs Saido Berahino to pull out of his slump

  25-12-2015 23:33 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Tony Pulis has admitted he has never before dealt with a situation like Saido Berahino’s fall from form but insists he is ready to start the 22-year-old striker for the first time since October.
  
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• Swansea will never alter their passing principles... even if it means relegation, says caretaker boss Alan Curtis 

  25-12-2015 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Caretaker boss Alan Curtis has vowed to remain true to Swansea's passing principles, even if it ends in relegation from the Premier League. He remains in charge for the game against West Brom.
  
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• Mauricio Pochettino quotes Britney Spears lyrics to make point about Tottenham keeping focus on top four bid 

  25-12-2015 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  In a strange season of surprises it was gloriously appropriate that Mauricio Pochettino was asked to consider Arsenal winning the title and responded by reciting Britney Spears lyrics.
  
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• Bojan Krkic is speaking a language Stoke City fans love as Spanish sensation looks to deliver Christmas gift in front of his family against Manchester United

  25-12-2015 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  ADAM CRAFTON - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Bojan Krkic's parents will discover from the terraces on Boxing Day as Stoke City host Manchester United that their son has become a cult hero.
  
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• Arsenal are not favourites for the Premier League title, insists Southampton boss Ronaldo Koeman, but he admits 'they are stronger than last year' ahead of clash 

  25-12-2015 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  The Southampton manager will host Arsene Wenger’s side and they are being considered by many to be the team most likely to win the Premier League after beating Manchester City.
  
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• Keith Galloway eager for Leeds Rhinos debut after switch from West Tigers

  25-12-2015 23:30 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  KEITH GALLOWAY admits he cannot wait to run out at Headingley on Boxing Day as Leeds face rivals Wakefield in their opening pre-season friendly.
  
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• Gary Anderson cuts Christmas short in his bid to retain PDC World Darts Championship title

  25-12-2015 23:30 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  GARY ANDERSON planned to cut his Christmas Day short - to head back to London from his home in Somerset to prepare for the next stage of the defence of his William Hill World Darts title.
  
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• Air strike kills prominent Syrian rebel commander

  25-12-2015 23:26
  
  Army of Islam names successor after Zahran Alloush dies in Damascus suburb in raid claimed by government forces.
  
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• Butler scores 23 points, Bulls beat Thunder 105-96

  25-12-2015 23:19
  
  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 23 points, and Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the Chicago Bulls' 105-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
  
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• Air strike kill prominent Syrian rebel commander

  25-12-2015 23:18
  
  Army of Islam names successor after Zahran Alloush dies in Damascus suburb in raid claimed by government forces.
  
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• Alan Stubbs' mind games don't interest Kenny Miller as Rangers look to wrestle back title advantage from Hibernian 

  25-12-2015 22:51 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Kenny Miller has told Alan Stubbs his attempts at mind games will have no bearing on the outcome of Monday’s top-of-the-table clash at Ibrox.
  
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• Craig Gordon welcomes a Premiership title fight from Aberdeen as Celtic bid to make Christmas count

  25-12-2015 22:31 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Craig Gordon has welcomed the prospect of a Premiership dog-fight with rejuvenated title rivals Aberdeen.
  
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• Rory McIlroy set to renew rivalry with Jordan Spieth: After laser eye surgery, I’ve set my sights on a green jacket

  25-12-2015 22:10 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  DEREK LAWRENSON: Given his wealth and the circles he moves in, you might have thought it impossible for Rory McIlroy to enjoy a Christmas present this year with childlike wonder.
  
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• Rory McIlroy glad not to worry about lenses: ‘It has to help putting’

  25-12-2015 22:00
  
  Four-time major winner already has his recently lasered eyes fixed on Jordan Spieth and Olympic gold as his targets for next yearAlthough no decision to undergo laser eye surgery should be made on a whim, Rory McIlroy offers an admission of vulnerablity when discussing the timing of his recent procedure. A lingering fear of a career ending prematurely and without just reward – even if the odds were against it – had prevented the 26-year-old from heading to Dublin for the operation be
  
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• Harry Kane can fire Spurs to a top-four finish, Louis van Gaal was responsible for 2015's funniest moment, Riyad Mahrez reminds me of Lionel Messi... and why I want Arsenal to win the Premier League

  25-12-2015 21:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  JAMIE CARRAGHER: So another year is almost over and, as this is my final column, I wanted to look back at the past 12 months and recognise those individuals who have left a lasting impression on me.
  
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• Mark Hughes jumps to Louis van Gaal's defence ahead of Manchester United's trip to Stoke

  25-12-2015 21:27 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Mark Hughes believes it is only a matter of time before his former club Manchester United click into gear. Stoke host United at the Britannia Stadium in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
  
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• Bosh, Wade carry Heat to OT win over Pelicans, 94-88

  25-12-2015 20:58
  
  MIAMI (AP) — There's no team better on Christmas than the Miami Heat.
  
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• Serena Williams wins AP Female Athlete of Year for 4th time

  25-12-2015 19:46
  
  Serena Williams spent a good portion of 2015 deflecting questions about whether she could complete the Grand Slam. After coming oh-so-close, she can acknowledge how much she cared about the rare feat.
  
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• David Haye spends Christmas Day in gym ahead of Mark de Mori clash as he looks to take down new breed of heavyweights

  25-12-2015 18:02 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  David Haye is relishing the chance to challenge a new breed of exciting heavyweights - including Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder - even if it means he has to spend Christmas Day in the gym.
  
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• Per Mertesacker serenades Arsenal fans at Christmas with German rendition of Silent Night... and he finds it totally hilarious

  25-12-2015 18:00 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker spread his own version of Christmas cheer on Friday with a heartfelt, if not the most tuneful, version of the carol Silent Night in its original German.  
  
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• Crystal Palace ruing Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham injury blows

  25-12-2015 16:54 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Crystal Palace are assessing Yannick Bolasie amid fears he could miss two months through injury. And in a double blow to Alan Pardew; Connor Wickham is also facing an extended spell out
  
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• England take underdog tag into first Test in South Africa on Boxing Day but Alastair Cook says pace attack is ready to step up in absence of James Anderson

  25-12-2015 15:51 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  PAUL NEWMAN IN DURBAN: The absence of James Anderson with a calf injury on Boxing Day reinforces South Africa’s status as favourites in a four-Test series they can't afford to lose.
  
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• Arsenal stars in high festive spirits as they train on Christmas Day ahead of vital Premier League visit to Southampton 

  25-12-2015 15:33 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  It may well be the festive season but when you're in the hunt for the Premier League title, there's still plenty of hard work to be done. And Arsenal's stars were in high spirits as they trained at Christmas
  
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• While the rest of you were tucking into turkey, this lot were being very sporty today

  25-12-2015 15:26
  
  All our favourite images from the Christmas swim and GOAL mile.
  
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• David Haye eager to face new crop of heavyweights

  25-12-2015 15:23 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  David Haye is relishing the chance to challenge a new breed of exciting heavyweights - even if it means he has to spend Christmas Day in the gym.
  
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• Kevin Sinfield spent a lifetime earning legend status in rugby league... now, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year runner-up is trying to crack the union code

  25-12-2015 15:21 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS FOY: It was both Kevin Sinfield’s parting gift to rugby league and the game’s farewell present to a favourite son – second place in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
  
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• Aviva Premiership Preview - Round 7: Dylan Hartley back to captain Northampton ahead of visit to London Irish on Boxing Day 

  25-12-2015 14:59 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  NIK SIMON: Dylan Hartley returns to captain Northampton after seven weeks out with concussion for his side's clash with London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.
  
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• Alastair Cook's men need a quick start to keep the heat on South Africa 

  25-12-2015 14:50 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  NASSER HUSSAIN: It is vital that England reverse their trend of making poor starts to overseas series if they are to win in South Africa, who look there for the taking.
  
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• England call up Woakes to replace injured Anderson

  25-12-2015 14:38
  (Reuters) - All rounder Chris Woakes will replace injured paceman James Anderson in England's bowling attack in the first test against South Africa which begins in Durban on Saturday. Woakes, who underwent knee surgery earlier this year, will play his first test in 16 months after Anderson was sidelined with a calf injury. Alex Hales has also been included in the line-up. The 26-year-old debutant will be the eighth opener to partner Alastair Cook since 2012. ...
  
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• England take underdog tag into first Test in South Africa on Boxing Day but Alastair Cook says pace attack is ready to step in the absence of James Anderson

  25-12-2015 14:34 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  PAUL NEWMAN IN DURBAN: The absence of James Anderson with a calf injury on Boxing Day reinforces South Africa’s status as favourites in a four-Test series they can't afford to lose.
  
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• South Africa v England PLAYER RATINGS: Hashim Amla has had a poor year by his standards, but Alastair Cook is in top form

  25-12-2015 14:27 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  LAWRENCE BOOTH: England face South Africa in their first Test in Durban on Boxing Day. Sportsmail rates both squads ahead of Saturday's eagerly-anticipated clash.
  
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• Stephen Bunting hopes hero Steven Gerrard will watch his World Darts Championship clash against Raymond van Barneveld

  25-12-2015 14:06 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Stephen Bunting has spent many evenings at Anfield watching Steven Gerrard, and he is praying that his hero will return the favour.
  
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• India PM Modi makes surprise Pakistan visit

  25-12-2015 14:06
  
  Stop-over in Lahore on way back from Kabul marks first visit by an Indian prime minister to Pakistan in over a decade.
  
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• Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and football stars around the world get into the Christmas spirit

  25-12-2015 14:04 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Football stars past and present have been celebrating Christmas, sharing pictures of delicious food, bulging bags of presents and stylish decorations on social media.
  
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• Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri should be applauded for playing 4-4-2... but James McClean's tackle on Adam Smith was nasty

  25-12-2015 13:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  It's Hot or Not time again as IAN LADYMAN reveals what's been making him feel warm and what's been leaving him cold inside. This week features Claudio Ranieri and James McClean.
  
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