Striker Wayne Rooney will start in the Manchester derby at Etihad on Sunday, but Colombian Radamel Falcao will miss out for United through injury. United manager Louis van Gaal was in a bullish mood today as he turned the pressure up on their rivals ahead of the weekend's big clash.
Yaya Toure has named his top five summer signings ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend and two of them are from rivals United! The Manchester City star, who is expected to line-up against Louis van Gaal's side at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, picked Old Trafford summer acquisitions Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao amongst his elite.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Diego Costa is fit to face Queens Park Rangers, for his first appearance since getting injured on Spain duty.
Chief Sports Writer Martin Samuel gives his verdict on the issues of the week, saying what made him feel warm inside and what made him shiver...
Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has attacked Bayern Munich's conduct for admitting interest in signing their star man Marco Reus.
Rio Ferdinand has labelled the FA 'ludicrous' after his three-match ban for using the word 'sket' - slang for a promiscuous female - on Twitter.
AC Milan are in talks with Manchester United about playing a prestige friendly. Neither club is in the Champions League or Europa League.
EXCLUSIVE: The full extent of the damage caused to Mario Balotelli's £3million-valued rented home after fireworks were set off in the bathroom in 2011 can finally be revealed. These stunning pictures show the shocking destruction of a bathroom, bedroom and hallway following the Halloween prank at the while he was a Manchester City player. Ten firefighters used breathing apparatus as they put out the blaze, which was described as 'a substantial fire' in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, leaving him with a repair bill of £400,000.
His wife posted a picture of a rather tall figure dressed in a skeleton costume on Friday morning with the message 'Guess who'.
After Rio Ferdinand's £25,000 fine for not responding to an abuse charge, the FA have collected £350,000 for Twitter offences since 2011.
Rio Ferdinand is to consider withdrawing his support from future FA initiatives in the wake of his three-match ban for using the word 'sket' on Twitter.
Sipping cappuccinos by the pool of the striking Fasano hotel in Rio de Janeiro last summer, Rio Ferdinand couldn't wait to get back to work.
Don't they know they're meant to be at each other's throats this weekend? Manchester United pair Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo were all smiles with Manchester City star Pablo Zabaleta as they took part in a joint Premier League Kicks charity event. But the Argentinian all did seem incredibly chummy considering the tension that's building in the city ahead of one of the biggest clashes of the season.
Only five of the players who lost 4-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad last season will feature again on Sunday. Louis van Gaal's has ripped up his Manchester United but will it pay off?
Who has the better players? Does red or blue come out on top when their stars are judged by Sportsmail's High Court?
The Manchester derby could bring together 11 players from South America at United and City. Sportsmail takes a look at who is most likely to play.
David Silva will be out for around three weeks with knee ligament damage - starting by missing Sunday's Manchester derby.
The Manchester United defender has made his breakthrough this season and knows that local bragging rights are at stake in the Manchester derby.
Police are on red alert at the prospect of drones flying overhead during Sunday's derby. Serbia's tie against bitter rivals Albania was abandoned this month.
Paul Scholes has stoked the fires ahead of Manchester United's trip to City by claiming that beating their 'noisy neighbours' is a way of life at Old Trafford.
Ahead of another weekend of the Premier League, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news, odds and stats on every top flight fixture as it breaks.
IAN LADYMAN: On the training pitches of Melwood, and in Brendan Rodgers's office, Steven Gerrard is busy trying to reinvent the wheels of his career yet again. Shorn of Luis Suarez, this is a different Liverpool this season. So far, it's a flawed version. It's a different Gerrard too. It has to be.
Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge is best known for his football talent but the injured striker has clearly been turning heads off the pitch after being nominated in the British Fashions Awards.
Gareth Bale has not recovered from a buttock injury and will miss Saturday's La Liga game at Granada, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday
Stoke manager Mark Hughes feels the FA's decision not to charge Garry Monk over his comments about Victor Moses could have set a dangerous precedent.
Roger Federer's bid to end the year as world No 1 has stalled after the Swiss was beaten by Milo Raonic in the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has never been one to shirk a difficult question. Here, we gather Gerrard's 10 quotes from our interview.
Forty-seven days, 531 minutes of football and five defeats have passed since, with 13 goals flying past Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.
In-form Lewis Hamilton led a truncated Formula One field at the end of the first practice session ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix. The build-up to the event at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin has been overshadowed by the demise of Caterham and Marussia. Within the past week the two cash-strapped teams have been forced to enter into administration, with buyers being sought for a rescue package.
NICO ROSBERG COLUMN: I have had an amazingly happy time since the last race in Russia. It was there that Mercedes won the constructors' championship for the first time - a historic moment for everyone concerned. What that experience reinforced for me is just how much of a team sport Formula One is.
ADAM SHERGOLD: The Manchester derby dominates the football agenda this weekend with both City and United going out with something to prove.
Mario Balotelli is the scapegoat for Liverpool's form, according to former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.
Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall has criticised Liverpool's Simon Mignolet by stating the Belgium shot stopper's handling 'isn't the best'.
MailOnline Sport has teamed up with Samsung to give you the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch England vs South Africa - plus a SIGNED shirt.
MailOnline Sport has teamed up with Barclays to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 in November.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits it's unrealistic to expect his side to catch unbeaten Chelsea at the top of the Premier League anytime soon but suggests comparisons between his 'Invincibles' side and the current Blues team are far too premature.
QPR striker Charlie Austin goes into Saturday's west London with Chelsea on the back of his two goals - but he will face a player he admired as a teenager.
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost by the news that Olivier Giroud will return to full training after the international break.
Brazilian football club Corinthians have decided to give their fans the opportunity to be buried in a graveyard dedicated for their supporters.
Zinedine Zidane has been given the green light to continue coaching Real Madrid Castilla until the appeal against three-month ban is heard.
New York Knicks took advantage of a nervous LeBron James on Thursday night to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-90 at the Quicken Loans Arena. NBA's four-time Most Valuable Player returned to the Cavaliers, his hometown team, in the summer after four years with the Miami Heat, but wasn't at his best in their opening Eastern Conference game. James notched 17 points but couldn't prevent the Knicks - who had started sluggishly - from eventually clinching victory.
Mesut Ozil is fighting hard to get back firing on all cylinders for Arsenal.The German playmaker posted a picture of his leg in a brace as he did sit-ups in the gym, alongside the message: 'No, this is neither a red carpet nor a magic carpet. it is just the place where I'm working for my comeback.'
Daniel Ricciardo is ready for the role of team leader at Red Bull, after a superb season that has seen him outperform reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
Javier Mascherano has been chosen as Barcelona's player of the year, beating his Argentina captain and former World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.
Gus Poyet says his team must handle the pressure of playing in front of a national TV audience at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Only 18 months ago, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund faced each other in the Champions League Final. On Saturday, they clash again - but in very different circumstances. Bayern have lost none of their superpower aura since winning the treble in 2013. On the contrary, under Pep Guardiola, they are developing into an even more formidable force. One humiliation at the hands of Real Madrid aside, Bayern undoubtedly remain one of the dominant forces in European football. In Dortmund, nothing could be further from the truth.
It is a Friday night at New Bucks Head in Telford. Roy Hodgson has just watched England Under 20s dismantle Romania 6-0. He makes straight for coach Aidy Boothroyd. 'Tell me more about the winger, Aarons,' he demands. Hodgson, though, has already seen enough. He is considering an invite to train with the senior squad, as he is with a number of the young Lions
I've always argued that the authorities would be advised electing presidents, chairmen and chief executives from our best players. Time for a rethink.
Daniel Levy will begin a major restructuring of Tottenham's scouting and recruitment after their poor start to the Barclays Premier League season.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has hinted Napoli forward Jose Callejon may be called up for the first time for next month's matches against Belarus and Germany.
He won't be ready to play for a few weeks at least, but the sight of Sam Burgess alongside George Ford on a rugby pitch is enough to whet the appetite of any England fan. Following Burgess' official unveiling at Bath on Thursday the rugby league convert was at The Rec on Friday as his new team-mates trained. Burgess could be seen chatting to Ford as well as the prodigious young fly-half's Dad, Bath head coach Mike. Gavin Henson could also be seen joking with his new team-mate.
It wasn't until I moved to Australia, where league and union enjoy a far friendlier allegiance than in the UK, that I realised just how special rugby league players can be. Playing for Manly, we used to train closely with our league equivalent, the Manly Sea Eagles, and play a pretty physical version of touch rugby in the park.
While Stuart Lancaster would welcome Sam Burgess making a late charge for a World Cup place, the 25-year-old stressed the need to prove himself at Bath.
Martin Corry doubts Sam Burgess has enough time to prove himself worthy of a place in Stuart Lancaster's England World Cup squad.
Australia can still win next year's rugby World Cup despite their off-field turmoil, according to New Zealand's star fly-half Colin Slade.
Halloween is here, and ahead of this weekend's action we've got a team full of tricks, treats and scorers of the greatest ghouls ever seen. From the scariest man in Premier League history to one of the deadliest strikers, here's your Halloween XI from across football. Enjoy...
Didier Drogba looked particularly surprised to see Chelsea striker Diego Costa back in training after the £32million signing's injury lay-off. The 36-year-old has been deputising for Costa, who spent one night in hospital after a virus hampered his recovery from hamstring and groin injuries, with Loic Remy also sidelined.
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge is out of Liverpool's biggest week of the season as he recovers from a calf problem.
Andoni Zubizarreta has rubbished reports suggesting Luis Enrique was not Barcelona's ideal replacement for Gerardo Martino.
After ending his first season at the club without silverware, Chelsea midfielder Willian says he is aiming for Chelsea to win every trophy on offer this time round.
It's quite simple... if you want goals, watch Newcastle vs Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. The clash produced one of the best ever top flight games in 1996, and has provided us with the most goals of any Premier League game. A total of 129 goals in 40 games, that's 3.2 goals a game, helped by some high-scoring thrillers either side of the turn of the century.
Sturridge is the model professional... injured Liverpool striker nominated for fashion award!
Nominated in the British Fashion Awards
Halloween XI: Robin Vampire-sie, Frankenstein Lampard and Bat Le Tissier... but who else features in the scariest team in football?
From autograph hunter to goal hunter...
QPR striker Charlie Austin set to go to battle with Chelsea's John Terry years after posing with him as a fan
Arsenal scare... but for once a player hasn't got injured!
Arsenal's players have been dressing up for Halloween... but who was the scariest?
Guess who? Which Premier League star got in the Halloween spirit by dressing up?
The player's model wife posted the picture online ... but who was it?
SPORTSMAIL CAMPAIGN: The Premier League is riddled with fouling and cheating in the penalty area, so we say...
Chelsea, Man United and Man City 'all bidding for Barca's Pique'
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST: Trio of clubs have put in £24m bids for defender
Neymar sends private jet to fly Serbian model Vucelic to Barcelona
Barcelona star Neymar keeps holiday romance alive by sending a private plane for Soraja Vucelic
Did Lamela and Sandro have tea in Richmond?
Rabona king Erik Lamela celebrated his hot streak by meeting his old team-mate in the posh London suburb
Mario magnifico!
Injured Spanish pair Suso and Jose Enrique recorded their rendition of the 'Mario Magnifico' chant that has been adopted by the Kop
Here's Thorgan with a quick reminder, Blues!
Chelsea's other Hazard scores an absolute screamer for Borussia Monchengladbach, where he is on loan
NICO ROSBERG COLUMN: Constructors win with Mercedes reminded me what a fine team sport this is... now Lewis and I want to put on a great finale!
Two shot, two stabbed as San Francisco is set ablaze after World Series win
The celebration after the Giants' World Series victory turned sour
Magic Messi scores a basket with his head
Barcelona may still be reeling from their Clasico loss to Real Madrid but you would not have known it
Maradona turns 54... with on-loan Saint Osvaldo wishing El Diego a happy birthday
Dani Osvaldo praised Diego Maradona for help throughout his career
Swift, Bieber and Stiller courtside as New York Knicks are beaten by Chicago Bulls on NBA opening night
Taylor Swift brings some celebrity appeal to NBA
Balotelli celebrates ending goal drought with dinner at San Carlo
Mario Balotelli is spotted leaving a popular Italian restaurant in Liverpool to toast a successful night
Wozniacki set for New York marathon debut
Caroline Wozniacki has proved there's no rest for the wicked as she gets set for her marathon debut in the Big Apple
Ed Sheeran's fan club grows as Rooney and RVP attend gig
It appears referee Mark Clattenburg isn't the Premier League's only fan of the musician...
Ribery hit in the face with pitch invader's scarf during Bayern win
A spectator ran onto the pitch and hit Franck Ribery with a scarf as Bayern beat Hamburg
Neymar declares 'this is my year' as Barca star promises to deliver
Brazilian is eager to rival Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to reach the 'highest level'
Suarez conjures superb lobbed assist as Barca lift Catalan Super Cup with Espanyol win
Luis Suarez chipped in with a cheeky assist as Barcelona beat Espanyol
Liverpool are on the slide: Manquillo forced to slide on his belly after losing bet to Enrique
Javier Manquillo pays the price for losing a bet to compatriot Jose Enrique
Kevin Davies: I'd have won 50 more penalties if refs had laid down law on grappling in the box
Hands Off In The Box: Former Bolton striker speaks up over dark arts
FIFA reveal logo for 2018 World Cup with help of Russian cosmonauts
Sepp Blatter has revealed the logo for the 2018 World Cup
Sam Burgess given emotional send-off by girlfriend and brother Luke as he leaves Australia for Bath
New signing left to start his rugby union career
Ryder Cup heroes McGinley and Rose show expert teamwork again by riding tandem bicycle in China
So, will the US 'taskforce' take note?
Madchester derby: As City and United meet for first time this season, we take you down memory lane... from Summerbee and Best to that Law backheel
Watch out, Europe: Carroll reveals ambitions on return to West Ham training
But will he get back into Big Sam's high-flying side?
England squad get taste of life down under as kangaroo hops past on way to training
Steve McNamara's side are preparing to take on Australia on Sunday
Fire crews called to deal with blaze inside Olympic Stadium after smoke is seen billowing from arena
Fire crews had to be called to a blaze
Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Klas Ingesson dies of cancer, aged 46
Played a major role in Sweden's third-place finish at 1994 World Cup
Balotelli and Shelvey clash as controversy follows Reds man after goal-scoring heroics
Mario Balotelli made headlines for the right and wrong reasons
Maradona branded a psychopath after his girlfriend 'secretly films him hitting her'
Footage of legend Maradona has emerged on the internet
Barcelona stars (including Messi and Neymar) play FIFA 15 game at La Masia training camp
And guess which team they picked to play with!
Rangers goalkeeper Simonsen taken to hospital after colliding with the post
Steve Simonsen was knocked out in the 1-0 win over St Johnstone
REVEALED: United's missing man as squad watched El Clasico
Louis van Gaal wouldn't say which player didn't watch the big game... click here to find out
Where did it all go wrong, Cristiano?
The world's best player, named No 1 in La Liga, turns up with his stunning girlfriend to collect another award
Kylie and Britney join Rooney in charity bid
Sports stars and celebs are wearing alphabet scarves to back a charity campaign for Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Bale flying solo as only Brit shortlisted for Ballon d'Or
Gareth Bale up against Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the game's biggest names
Carroll - the muscle man of Scottish football
But why was Partick Thistle defender Jake Carroll made to train in this weird and wonderful onesie?
Poor Pep talk: Guardiola faces touchline ban after altercation with female fourth official
Bayern frustrated during Monchengladbach draw
Norman coaches Jessica Alba in final round of World Celebrity Pro-Am after recovering from chainsaw accident
Hollywood actress shows off her skills
Manchester United defenders headlocked Ivanovic and me at EVERY corner, rages Chelsea captain Terry
How did referee not award penalty for this?
Aston Villa manager Lambert dismisses Lowton fans row saying he was talking to his WIFE before blasting poor defending in QPR defeat
Carroll's modelling career off to a flyer as H&M campaign photos hit Times Square
West Ham striker hits the billboards in New York for highstreet shop
Pogba pictured signing his new £70,000-a-week contract with Juventus
French youngster had been linked with a move to Chelsea after impressive World Cup
Former Women's World Player of the Year nominated for Roma board of directors
Mia Hamm being lined up for role with Rudi Garcia's side
Jealous, Adel? QPR chairman Fernandes is latest at club to share snaps of naked torso
Tony Fernandes made light of the row between his manager and player
Everton fan and grandfather shot in head with rubber bullet says 'I could have died'
John Vernon Thomas was on his first trip abroad to see Everton
Beware the 'Strictly curse!' Crouch admits he's been teasing Bridge about wife Frankie
Dance partners on BBC's hit show have habit of coupling up!
Which Premier League dressing room reveals these essential matchday items?
The table included lots of chewing gum, toilet roll, toilet roll... and toilet roll
Tunnel of love: Van Persie and Fabregas start cuddling before big match at Old Trafford
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic did not look too impressed!
Murray wins gruelling Valencia Open final... and Robredo's reaction shows a beaten man
After a dramatic, draining final, Tommy Robredo summed it all up
Lions 22-21 Falcons: Detroit produce remarkable comeback with last kick
It was 21-0 to Atlanta before the break, but what a comeback!
Tottenham honour 10-year anniversary of Bill Nicholson's death before Newcastle match
Club produced special programme, t-shirts and had a minute's applause
Now that's homegrown talent... Villa become first Premier League club to own an allotment
And Jack Grealish poses proudly alongside the club's produce
Saracens lock Hamilton shows off his 'battle scar' after suffering eye injury
Jim Hamilton suffered a swollen eye during the 14-3 defeat by Munster
Tottenham create a Poppy wall at WHL as they offer their support to the British Legion Poppy Appeal
Spurs added some red to their crest on Sunday
Rosler has last laugh after being taken out by Derby's Russell...
Wigan boss saw funny side of incident as his team ended Derby's 12-game unbeaten run
Pucker up! Big Sam given a big kiss as celebrity Hammers fan Brand gets carried away
Russell Brand was overjoyed with events at Upton Park
Surprise, Oscar! Ivanovic gatecrashes Chelsea team-mate's book signing... and even helps himself to a selfie
Oscar got a surprise visit from the defender
I'm forever blowing... smoke? West Ham bubble machine meltdown at Upton Park
The lyrics needed changing after Saturday afternoon's mishap...
They're all at it now! Song becomes latest star to do a rabona
Erik Lamela received all the headlines for his magnificent rabona goal against Asteras Tripolis
Ozil's girlfriend 'moves out' just a week after Arsenal ace is accused of 'muscling in' on another star's WAG
Mandy Capristo has reportedly left home
Cheeky West Ham mascot thumbs his nose at Hart ahead of Manchester City clash
there is occasionally one cheeky scamp who doesn't play by the rules
Ronaldinho kicks opponent in the FACE but Queretaro's star signing escapes punishment
He even tried to shake the opponent's hand
Chelsea 10-1 United: Di Maria flying solo in our combined XI
Ahead of Sunday's crunch clash at Old Trafford, CRAIG HOPE picks his select XI
Liverpool fans protest ticket prices at Anfield with '£NOUGH IS £NOUGH' and 'Kop Kids pay Adult Prices'
Supporters are angry at paying up to £59 a ticket
As Ali's health deteriorates, we looks back at his most famous fight... The Rumble in the Jungle with Foreman
Sportsmail recalls the great fight - 40 years on
Blackpool president Belokon willing to buy the club and has issued legal proceedings against Oyston family
EXCLUSIVE REPORT BY JACK GAUGHAN
Hazard and Schurrle in flying form as German midfielder posts selfie
Chelsea star Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle on their way to Manchester
Aguero deserved to be sent off for studs up challenge on Noble
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was extremely lucky not to see red on Saturday
Blow for United as Pogba triples his wages at Juventus
French midfielder Paul Pogba has signed a new long-term deal with Juventus
One Direction wear NFL team jerseys... but Harry Styles decides to opt out of the pose
One Direction promote their 2015 US tour by wearing NFL jerseys
Torquay United mascot Gilbert the Gull accused of challenging own supporters to fight
The argument reportedly broke out after visitors Grimsby Town scored
Fear the beard! Howard-inspired US kids team don facial hair and bald wigs
This team kitted up like a squad of mini Tim Howards
Who is the 7ft 9in athlete cutting The Rock down to size after a round of mini-golf?
It's not often that Dwayne Johnson, aka 'The Rock', is made to feel small
Serena through to semi-finals in Singapore
Serena Williams reached the last four at Singapore's WTA finals to play Caroline Wozniacki
Lamela's wonder strike took the breath away... but what's the history of the rabona?
The 'rabona' is effectively kicking the ball with one's legs crossed...
What's the best goal you've seen live? From Bergkamp's genius to Roberto Carlos at Leicester, here are our favourites...
Wonder strikes!
Rio drops bombshell on Jonathan Ross Show and reveals he plans to retire at end of season
Rio Ferdinand told chat show host he plans to quit football
Ronaldo crashes to earth on a meteor, squats a Ferrari, runs up a mountain and races a jet... but why?
Cristiano Ronaldo can do anything, it seems
Ten years after that scandalous fight between team-mates... Bowyer insists he is still friends with Dyer!
Bad boys say scrap was 'moment of madness'
Facebook compiles world map of Barcelona and Real Madrid fans... and the results will surprise you!
Shows which team is preferred around globe
Worth the weight! Ozil braced for heavy session
Arsenal's Mesut Ozil has returned to the gym in a bid to help him recover from a knee injury
'Manchester City aren't on a great run, we are confident...' United boss Louis van Gaal thinks rivals are...
Manchester United stars picked in City talisman Yaya Toure's top five summer transfers... and Mario...
Diego Costa is fit to face QPR... but Jose Mourinho insists Chelsea striker needs 'special care'
Hot or Not? Cristiano Ronaldo is back in black... but spare a thought for Manuel Pellegrini and Lee Clark
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp warns rivals Bayern Munich they could be punished for showing Marco Reus...
Rio Ferdinand slams FA as 'ludicrous' and says he is 'baffled' by ban for 'sket' tweet as QPR team-mate Joey...
Manchester United in talks with AC Milan to arrange new year friendly in the Middle East
Mario Balotelli firework damage revealed as pictures emerge of maverick Italian striker's charred house...
Guess who? Peter Crouch's wife Abbey Clancy posts spooky Halloween picture of figure dressed in skeleton...
FA collect £350,000 from Twitter fines since 2011 following Rio Ferdinand's charge for 'sket' tweet
Furious Rio Ferdinand may refuse to work for FA in future after ban for 'sket' tweet
Rio Ferdinand deserves a better swansong than the sad end he is enduring at QPR
Angel di Maria, Pablo Zabaleta and Marcos Rojo unite for charity event ahead of the Manchester derby
Louis van Gaal has ripped up Man United's squad... but will his 'Gaalacticos' do better at the Etihad than...
Manchester City vs Manchester United: Who comes out on top when the stars collide?
Man City vs Man United: Will derby break record for number of South Americans starting a Premier League...
David Silva OUT of Manchester derby... as the City midfielder is ruled out for three weeks with a knee...
Tyler Blackett: Being a local lad at United gives me extra incentive to silence City fans' stick after...
Police fear drones could fly overhead during Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City are arrogant... beating them is a way of life at United, says Paul Scholes
JEFF POWELL, HANDS OFF IN THE BOX: Any move by our national game to bring back football in place of professional wrestling can expect the support of Sepp Blatter.
Referees are being urged to clamp down on the dark arts used in the penalty area after Sportsmail launched our Hands Off In The Box campaign on Monday. Blocks, wrestling and grappling in the box have become part and parcel of modern football. It's your call as to which teams produce the most guilty culprits of football's annoying habit, but who are the coaches behind the defenders that fend off the opposition at all costs?
Three more Premier League managers have given their strong backing to Sportsmail's Hands Off In The Box campaign. Newcastle's Alan Pardew, Queens Park Rangers' Harry Redknapp and Garry Monk of Swansea all called for tougher action.
Kevin Davies says that refs have gone too long without punishing the 'dark arts' as highlighted by our 'Hands Off in the Box' campaign.
Join Sportsmail's bid to eradicate grappling and holding in Premier League penalty boxes by printing out our logo and showing it at games.
Grappling in the box is just like diving - it drives everybody mad. The important thing now is that if referees are going to clamp down on it.
Grappling and blocking in the box is THE No 1 issue I am asked about by football people. It used to be foul language and then goal-line technology.
John Terry provided a fascinating insight into the tricks of the the trade a few years ago by pulling down on his marker's shirt at a promotional event.
We've cleaned up free kicks with the magic spray, there seems to be less diving, but football has a new evil - wrestling in the penalty area.
SPECIAL REPORT - ADAM CRAFTON IN MADRID: In these parts, they love to talk about David de Gea, the matchstick boy that grew into Manchester United's No 1. As Sportsmail spent a weekend in the Spanish capital talking with lifelong friends, former coaches and managers, his mentors speak with something approaching a paternal care, broadening their smiles as they remember a a 'super-thin' teen.
RIK SHARMA: Luis Suarez chipped in with a cheeky assist as Barcelona beat Espanyol in the Catalan Super Cup thanks to a penalty shootout, but is still searching for his first goal in Spain. The former Liverpool striker started the game in the centre of the attack but buzzed around the front in his usual waspish fashion, setting up the opener for Gerard Pique.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea squad don't seem to be suffering from the pressure which comes from being at the top of the Premier League table as Didier Drogba and Co enjoyed a spot of basketball during training on Thursday. Drogba, who has scored three goals in his last three games for the Blues, looked a dab hand with the ball in his hands as he joined his team-mates for the lighthearted session ahead of the QPR clash on Saturday.
Mario Yepes insists that Real Madrid star James Rodriguez could challenge Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Granada coach Joaquin Caparros tore up Marca's front page before a packed conference for quoting him saying: 'All I ask for is that they don't walk all over us.'
Harry Redknapp has admitted he must use Bobby Zamora sparingly to control the QPR striker's chronic hip problems.
Diego Godin is delighted by the fighting spirit in the camp as the reigning Primera Division champions aim to continue their recent good form.
CHARLES SALE: Clattenburg must wait until 4pm on Monday, when the list of referees for next week's round of fixtures is published.
Samuel Eto'o is edging towards triggering the clause that will extend his stay with Everton past this campaign in a huge boost for manager Roberto Martinez.
The performances of Eden Hazard have been so good this season that many Chelsea fans may have forgotten they have another of his family on the books at the club. But Thorgan, 20, is doing himself no harm on his loan spell away from Stamford Bridge at Borussia Monchengladbach. The German outfit are flying high in the Bundesliga, second only behind Bayern Munich, and the youngster scored a superb goal to open the scoring away at Frankfurt on Wednesday night.
He won six league titles, three European Cups and scored more goals for Real Madrid in the Champions League than any player has scored for any club and this week Spain has been marking the passing of 20 years since he made his debut.
Lazio could not make it five Serie A wins in a row as a Luca Toni penalty earned Verona a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi. Senad Lulic gave the side from the capital the lead just before the break but when Luis Pedro Cavanda pulled back Juanito Gomez in the area to earn his second yellow card, Toni made no mistake from the spot. Lazio continued to press for a winner despite being down to 10 men but neither side could find the vital goal and the points were shared.
Alan Irvine admits he is worried about the spotlight on Saido Berahino and insisted he is keeping a close eye on the West Brom star.
Ryan Giggs is believed to have scouted the 23-year-old Ghana ace in a recent Europa League game but Trabzonspor insist they are not selling.
The New York Cosmos have announced the signing of former Real Madrid striker Raul. The iconic forward will start in 2015 and will also be technical advisor.
Fernando Torres brought his three-year ordeal at Stamford Bridge to an end during the summer's transfer window by signing for Serie A club AC Milan.
Lee Cattermole is urging Sunderland to take a leaf out of Newcastle's book as they look to recover back from their self-inflicted wounds.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he is prepared to rest his new foreign stars during the busy Christmas period to protect them from burnout.
The celebration in San Francisco's streets following the Giants' World Series victory turned raucous and violent, with two people shot and two stabbed. Police got pelted with bottles as they tried to disperse crowds. The Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday behind a stunning performance by Madison Bumgarner to win their third World Series title in five seasons.
The New Orleans Saints cracked open a scrappy game late in the first half to forge to a 28-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, wrestling top spot in the NFC South from their opponents in the process. Running back Mark Ingram claimed two touchdowns and 100 yards in the win for New Orleans while quarterback Drew Brees added 297 yards passing and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.
George Groves has taken to the streets of London to help raise money for the Royal British Legion's poppy appeal. The super middleweight boxer has taken time out of his preparation for the fight against American Denis Douglin next month to collect money for the appeal.
Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn believes drastic changes is needed to address the financial folly regarding the recent demise of two Formula One teams.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer continued their battle to finish the year as the world's top- ranked player by easing into the last eight in Paris.
The FIA will not to penalise Caterham and Marussia for their absence from this weekend's race. Both teams went into administration.
A hole-in-one helped Lee Westwood surge into contention for the CIMB Classic at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. He said it was a 'special day'.
Newmarket trainer Phil McEntee will be flying out to California hoping filly Living The Life can make sure he lives the American dream.
Romain Taofifenua has received a three-week ban after being cited for kicking an opponent in the head. Taofifenua does have the right to appeal the decision.
MATT LAWTON: If anyone can help Mario Balotelli conquer whatever demons might still be troubling him, it is Peters. It might not work, and what Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is trying to do might not work either. But let's at least give them a bit of time.
MARTIN SAMUEL - THE DEBATE: Leeds are on their third manager this season, thanks to the whims of Massimo Cellino; Birmingham's former owner Carson Yeung is in prison in Hong Kong, as the club continues its slow slide to League One. Basket case ownership are bringing both clubs into disrepute. I suggested charters and regulatory reform. You, as usual, had other ideas. Well, some of you anyway.
DOMINIC KING: Luis Suarez will be at home when the awards are handed out rather than standing on stage, holding a memento that recognises his supreme efforts. Without that bite, he would, quite probably, have been standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Cristiano Ronaldo and, in all likelihood, Lionel Messi or Diego Costa, the totem at the head of Atletico Madrid's charge to La Liga and the Champions League final.
The next manager of Arsenal is not so much known, as presumed. It's Jurgen Klopp. He's perfect. He nurtures young players, and doesn't mind selling.
Critics blame the Rumble in the Jungle for robbing Muhammed Ali of his health... but The Greatest is still alive to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
It's great news for us that the leading domestic heavyweights such as Tyson Fury are realising that Anthony Joshua is the 'money' in the division.
Martin Keown answered your questions as he looks ahead to another big weekend of football - including Sunday's Manchester derby.
NORTH-EAST COLUMN: The clocks went back last weekend and how times have changed in the North East.
Liverpool have gone from having one of the best strikers in their history - Luis Suarez - to having potentially one of the worst strikers in their history.
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