EXCLUSIVE - CRAIG HOPE: Rafa Benitez will arrive in Newcastle on Friday to finalise the terms of his appointment as manager. Sources close to the club have confirmed to Sportsmail that the Spaniard was travelling to the North-East on Friday morning and is hoping to be in charge for Monday's trip to Leicester. The delay in appointing Benitez is due to the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss refusing to meet until Newcastle have spoken with McClaren and sacked him.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he will be starting a new job in July, as the pressure grows on Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea earlier this season, but has been heavily linked with the United job. And the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss has now told BT Sport that he has agreed to join a club this summer. The channel's presenter Matt Smith took to Twitter on Thursday to say that Mourinho had confirmed he would be back in work later this year.
The Tyne-Wear derby rarely needs any additional spice but seeing Rafa Benitez and Sam Allardyce in opposing dug-outs during the March 20 relegation six-pointer will certainly provide it.
Antonio Conte is expected to meet with Roman Abramovich this week after being told he can have a say in who makes up his backroom staff at Chelsea.
A court on Friday confirmed an easing of restrictions on the movements of Karim Benzema, the French striker at the centre of a sex tape blackmail investigation.
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have made 'tactical contact' with 12 of the continent's biggest stars as they look to try and wrestle away hegemony from Barcelona in Spain.
Manchester United were branded a 'shambles' by Paul Scholes after they were brushed aside by Liverpool in the Europa League. Jurgen Klopp's side dominated a one-sided last-16 first-leg tie.
Jurgen Klopp has demanded a repeat performance at Old Trafford to make sure Liverpool send Manchester United tumbling out of Europe.
The League One side have won 12 of their last 15 games and have drawn once, accruing 37 points in the process to put them above Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool put themselves in control of their Europa League last-16 clash with fierce rivals Manchester United on Thursday with a comfortable 2-0 first-leg victory at Anfield. The result and United's meek performance heaped yet more pressure on manager Louis Van Gaal who, despite a run of four straight victories prior to the game, has still yet to capture the imagination of fans, ex-pros and the media at Old Trafford. In contrast, Jurgen Klopp is quickly becoming a hero on Merseyside, with the German's outspoken nature, penchant for gegenpressing and quirky smile endearing him to supporters. Here, Sportsmail breaks down the respective impact the two top bosses have had at their current clubs...
When Manchester United face Liverpool the divide between fan and player goes out of the window. Phil Jones, Michael Carrick and Marcos Rojo ditched more glamourous options in favour of joining the away fans as Wayne Rooney gave their team a 1-0 win at Anfield in January and it seems to have inspired players past and present. Winger Jesse Lingard, unavailable due to suspension, chose to follow in their footsteps and become a fan for the Europa League round of 16 first leg on Thursday.
MARTIN SAMUEL AT ANFIELD: This was a huge win, and a huge statement, too. And not just by Liverpool as they swept aside Manchester United.
The off-the-ball incident happened during the closing stages of the game but was missed by Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo, although UEFA could still take retrospective action.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said the pressure Liverpool put his players under was too much for them to cope with during their 2-0 Europa League defeat on Thursday.
Liverpool ended a run of four consecutive defeats to their biggest rivals to make a big step towards the Europa League quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory.
IAN LADYMAN AT ANFIELD: Jurgen Klopp has the kind of mind in which things tend to stick. After a 1-0 defeat in January this was the Europa League draw he wanted.
His side were embarrassed in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash with arch rivals Liverpool on Thursday night and it seems the defeat has taken its toll on Louis van Gaal. The under-pressure Manchester United manager arrived at the club's Carrington training ground on Friday and he was certainly in no mood to smile. The glum-faced Dutchman cut an unhappy figure as he drove his Mercedes car less than 24 hours after his side were humiliated at Anfield.
The Liverpool defender played all 90 minutes as Jurgen Klopp's side eased past United at Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. And while he was waiting for a post-match doping test alongside Adam Lallana, the Croatian defender took time to post his thoughts to Instagram.
JAMIE REDKNAPP: Not only is Memphis Depay failing to do the business in the final third, he is becoming a liability around United's penalty area.
Rarely, if ever, before have a United team ran out at Anfield and contributed a performance as insipid, witless and disorganised as this.
DOMINIC KING AT ANFIELD: Eyebrows were raised when Juan Mata was tasked with leading United and the midfielder proved he is not ready to be the Red Devils general.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND 3-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - MATT BARLOW AT SIGNAL IDUNA PARK: When it comes to Europe, it turns out Mo-Po isn't a million miles from Bo-Jo. The Mayor of London wants out and the Tottenham boss voted the same way when he filled in the team-sheet in Dortmund. Mauricio Pochettino made seven changes against a rampant Borussia Dortmund and the outcome was a crushing defeat in this Europa League last-16 first leg. Spurs were out-classed and over-run and, with no away goal, it is hard to envisage a second-leg rescue. Deep down, that is probably what Pochettino wanted.
Tottenham boss mauricio Pochettino has been named Premier League Manager of the Month after racking up a run of four consecutive victories in February.
Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for his Borussia Dortmund side after they punished Mauricio Pochettino's under-strength Tottenham with a 3-0 win in the Europa League Last 16.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed the reason his proposed move to Tottenham in 2012 never went ahead and it may come as a surprise.
Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has said 'yes' to a summer move to Real Madrid, according to Spanish sports daily, AS.
The famous old FA Cup has looked its age this season with punters and pundits lining up to suggest ways of giving it a jump start. But as we head into the quarter-finals, don't write it off just yet.
At only just 25, Hazard looks as if he would be more at home propping up saloon bars along the King's Road than kicking a ball around the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
Alex Hales has insisted England can win the World Twenty20, as Eoin Morgan's team look to put the disappointing conclusion to their tour of South Africa behind them. Preparations begin tomorrow with a warm-up game at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium against New Zealand, and Hales - asked if England could lift the trophy they claimed back in 2010 - spoke enthusiastically on behalf of an inexperienced, but potentially dangerous, side. 'Definitely, yeah,' he replied. 'If you look at the 15 guys we've got, every single one on that list can be a match-winner at some point. If a few of the guys can find form at the right time, I don't see why not.'
Thierry Henry has continued taking steps towards a career in management by completing his UEFA A Licence. The former Arsenal and France striker has posted a picture of himself being presented with the qualification on his Instagram account.
Lord Coe could yet be made to face further questions from MPs after being accused of giving 'untrue' evidence to a parliamentary select committee investigating blood doping in athletics.
Greg Rutherford has withdrawn from the Great Britain team for the World Indoor Championships in the USA next week, striking a blow to domestic medal hopes.
World No 2 Andy Murray criticised his own racket company for promising to extend its sponsorship of Maria Sharapova, despite her positive test in Australia.
Raul Garcia's first-half header gave Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 win over Valencia in a near farcical first leg of their all-Spanish Europa League last-16 tie on a saturated and muddy surface at the Estadio de San Mames. Ground staff were forced to use leaf blowers in an attempt to dry out the pitch after torrential rain had made the surface almost unplayable on Thursday night.
Southampton keeper Fraser Forster has been named Premier League Player of the Month for February. The England international made his long-awaited return from serious injury in January and kept a club record six consecutive clean sheets - three of which, against Arsenal, West Ham and Swansea, fell in February to secure seven points.
Louis Van Gaal's side will go into the game on the back of a defeat by Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday and Bilic is wary of their reaction against the Hammers at Old Trafford.
Real Madrid's decision to replace experienced manager Rafael Benitez with club legend Zinedine Zidane has been questioned by Marcelino, the coach of La Liga rivals Villarreal.
Ahead of a bumper weekend of Premier League and FA Cup fixtures, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news, odds and stats on every top flight and quarter-final match as it breaks.
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Normally when I look at two opposing coaches and try to evaluate them and their teams I look at their points of difference. That's what I intended doing in this column comparing Eddie Jones and Warren Gatland but what struck me very quickly is how exactly alike they are. They share the same DNA. Their backgrounds, modus operandi and experience are incredibly similar. They are the longest-serving coaches in Test rugby, both are very driven, while both have overcome either serious illness or injury to continue in the job. They live for coaching and want success really badly.
CHRIS FOY: England's diminutive fly-half was led off the field at the national team's Surrey HQ and was assessed by medical staff before being cleared to continue and is not a doubt for Saturday. He is not thought to be a doubt for the decisive RBS Six Nations encounter, but it was an untimely scare, nonetheless.
Jones claims Warren Gatland's men pre-engage at the scrum knowing that the referee will eventually tire of awarding penalties against them out of fear of being criticised for ruining the game.
CHRIS FOY: There is a sense of rising concern among senior English players that their Test careers may end without significant reward and captain Hartley voiced that sentiment on Thursday.
Joe Marler will be under the microscope at Twickenham after Wales told referee Craig Joubert to look out for the England prop's illegal scrummaging.
Martin Crowe's wife, Lorraine Downes, led a touching tribute to the cricketing great at his funeral in Aucklad, New Zealand, on Friday (right and inset). The funeral was attended by friends, family, including his cousin Russell Crowe (left), who was a pall bearer. The 53-year-old, who died of cancer last Thursday, was considered one of New Zealand's greatest-ever cricketer who became a respected commentator after retiring from the game.
Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez has insisted the team are under no pressure as they chase a first top-flight title in the club's 132-year history. The Algeria international had not expected at the start of the season that, with nine games to go, the Foxes would be looking down from the top of the Barclays Premier League, with a five-point advantage over the following pack.
Guus Hiddink has embarked on a personal crusade to discover what's wrong with Eden Hazard. The Belgian's disastrous season hit a new low on Wednesday when he was booed by his own fans.
With Euro 2016 just around the corner, Roy Hodgson will be looking anywhere he can to find an edge over his rivals. But if he were to look at the stats, Hodgson might get a shock.
Mo Farah has called on the anti-doping authorities to tag him and subject him to daily drug tests so he can prove he is a clean athlete. He admitted he could not be certain Galen Rupp had not cheated.
In one of the most hotly anticipated domestic match-ups of the year, Terry Flanagan will face Derry Matthews on Saturday. The two will meet at Liverpool's Echo Arena, where Flanagan will put his WBO lightweight title on the line against the 49-fight veteran Matthews.
The former Chelsea winger announced his retirement on December 21 after playing nine games for Irish side Shamrock Rovers. He enjoys travelling the world but feels as though he has to earn it. Duff has been coaching for Blackburn Rovers since quitting the game.
MIKE DICKSON EXCLUSIVE: Johan Eliasch has suggested that three months spent coaching tennis to children would be an appropriate punishment for the Russian.
For Kilmarnock's youngsters, the arrival of Julien Faubert at Rugby Park last month was like Christmas coming early. The Frenchman has become the focus of attention for Killie's kids.
Steve Coppell visited Crystal Palace's training ground on Wednesday to try and inspire Alan Pardew's side to recreate the Eagles' run to the 1990 FA Cup final.
Cheer up, Louis! Glum Van Gaal goes back to drawing board at Manchester United HQ
Suffered embarrassing defeat by Liverpool in Europa League
Forster scoops Player of the Month gong after making clean-sheet history... while Pochettino named manager of month
Worthy award winners
Henry cleared to be a football manager after Arsenal legend earns UEFA A Licence
Thierry Henry has moved a step closer to going into management
Liverpool fans taunt Manchester United supporters with rude motorway banner
United fans did not get the best welcome ahead of their game at Anfield
Lingard watches his side lose at Anfield along with a trio of United legends
Jesse Lingard, out due to suspension, was in the away end
Is Rafa Benitez the right man for Newcastle?
Now share your opinion
Scholes brands Manchester United 'a shambles' and says stars 'are falling short'
The former Manchester United midfielder did not hold back
Joshua winds down with a 'needed' Jacuzzi session ahead of world heavyweight title fight with Martin
Everyone needs a break once in a while
Neville's men lose in the rain as Spanish rivals sink Valencia in tight affair
Raul Garcia's first-half header gave Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 win
Sharapova in training on LA beach as Russian insists: 'I am determined to play tennis again'
Sharapova thanked her fans on Facebook for their support
Ford's 'scary moment': England fly-half should be fit for Wales clash despite taking knock with giant Launchbury in training
Unequal collision
Wet and wild! Higuain, Reina and Napoli make a splash after soggy training session
Italian football has a long- held reputation for diving
London has fallen! Twitter reacts as Zlatan ends Chelsea's European dreams
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had the last laugh as PSG beat Chelsea
Heads, you win: Monfils plants unorthodox volley at the net during an exhibition win over Wawrinka
Gael Monfils and his showboating skills
Suarez takes on Coutinho at FIFA 16
Suarez uploaded a picture to his Instagram of him and Philippe Coutinho enjoying a game of FIFA 16
Watson continues winning run as Brit beats Voskoboeva in Indian Wells opener
Watson won her sixth consecutive match in the Californian desert
UFC star VanZant and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller join Dancing With the Stars
Paige VanZant lost against Rose Namajunas last year
Neymar celebrates at his sister's Walt Disney-themed 20th birthday party after receiving permission from Barcelona
Had to ask club captains
Beckham pops into PSG's London hotel ahead of Champions League tie with Chelsea
Beckham met with Marco Verratti and team-mates at a London hotel
Djokovic, Keane and Friedel watch courtside as Lakers beat Orlando Magic in NBA clash
Sporting stars turn out in force in Los Angeles for the NBA match
Henry meets Miami Dolphins' London-born star Ajayi
Jay Ajayi is looking to step up his game to a higher level in new season
'Spot the fraud'! PSG add fuel to Chelsea fire with Diego dig
French champions have aimed a sly barb at Chelsea striker Diego Costa on Twitter
The new Nou Camp: Barcelona unveil plans for revamped 105,000-seater stadium as architects are selected for £465m upgrade
New plans for 2021...
Real Madrid stars celebrate win over Roma... in the hot tub!
Boss Zinedine Zidane reflected on a job well done after his side saw off wasteful Roma to win
Suarez returns to Liverpool as Barcelona star is welcomed back to Melwood by Sakho
Luis Suarez clearly still holds the Merseyside outfit close to his heart
Time to rebuild, Brendan? Rodgers insists Klopp is expected to dig deep and deliver the title
Brendan Rodgers knows all about expectations
Serena Williams and
Gerrard and Keane enjoy a night out in Los Angeles after LA Galaxy open their MLS season with a win
At an exclusive Los Angeles lounge bar
Rio Ferdinand like you've never seen him before... former Manchester United star disguised for funny Champions League ad
Incognito star
Which Premier League star is posing in a full face cast as his wife calls him 'Superman'?
In form, but un-recognisable
Webber and presenter Jones join Channel 4's 'dream' Formula One team
Steve Jones, the former T4 presenter will be the new face of Formula One
'Hello... it's me': Rooney looks to raise United's spirits after defeat as stars and WAGs attend Adele gig
It was a welcome break for United's players
West Ham eye move for Oxlade-Chamberlain as he poses for a photo with Hammers loanee pal Jenkinson
The 22-year-old craves first-team football
Man's best friend! Hamilton is the picture of contentment as he takes dogs Roscoe and Coco for a walk in Paris
It's no secret that dogs are man's best friend
PSG reignite social media mind games with Chelsea with Zlatan as 'Parisian Sniper' in movie poster mock-up
PSG step up their game in online stakes
Cheltenham Festival green light for Pendleton as she prepares to ride Pacha Du Polder in the Foxhunter Chase
Victoria Pendleton is progressing well
NFL hero Manning fights back tears as he announces retirement
Peyton Manning ends his brilliant career after sealing second Super Bowl victory
Rooney pets tiger during break in Dubai with knee brace... then United star is pictured walking unaided back in England as he steps up injury recovery
Bale is the most expensive player ever at £86m... but his cheap trick is cutting holes in his socks as he returns from his calf injury
Really helping?
Hamilton hoping to hit all the right notes as world champion gears up for the start of the new Formula One season
Tempted by 'the keys'
Burgess makes rugby league return after code-crossing nightmare as South Sydney Rabbitohs thrash Sydney Roosters
Turbulent 18 months
Mayweather and Rihanna watch courtside as Los Angeles Lakers stun Golden State Warriors in NBA encounter
Far from routine
Ronaldo back in the gym after four-goal haul
Real Madrid star also took time out to pose for selfies with his son, Cristiano Jnr, after the win over Celta Vigo
Which England cricket star is travelling light for World T20 in India?
The big-hitting England all-rounder took to social media to show off his luggage for the trip.
F*** the hate! McGregor hits back
UFC star hits out at critics, Aldo and Dos Anjos and vows not to shy away from Diaz defeat
LA Galaxy heading in One Direction ahead of new MLS season
Niall Horan joined Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Ashley Cole in training
These are for you, mum!
Manchester United star Memphis Depay caught the eye when he wore a pair of special Mother's Day boots
Is it Sharap-over?
Speculation was rife about Maria Sharapova's future last night after the Russian perpared to make what was termed a 'major announcement'.
McGregor virals: Here's how social media celebrated his Diaz loss
UFC 196 defeat sparked a social media reaction after second-round submission
Shear class... Shearer beats Savage 547-529 in 57-hour five-a-side epic for Sport Relief
A grand total of £370,592 was raised, with 1,000 people taking part overall
'Bulls*** he's sick': Tomic captured on courtside microphone slamming Kyrgios for missing Davis Cup tie
Australia were defeated by the USA
McGregor BEATEN by Diaz at UFC 196 via second-round submission after brutal beating in Las Vegas
One punch changed the Irishman's destiny
McGregor set to defend featherweight title at UFC 200 against Aldo or Edgar after loss
He announced his plans after his welterweight experiment backfired
Holm choked unconscious as Tate claims bantamweight belt at UFC 196
Tate put champion Holm to sleep with a rear-naked choke
Tate to defend bantamweight title against Rousey... having lost to her nemesis in 2012 and 2013
The pair are set to meet for a third time
Guardiola involved in passionate exchange with youngster Kimmich after 'outstanding' Dortmund performance
Bayern Munich boss is certainly a perfectionist
Richard the FIRST: After playing second fiddle to McCoy for 20 years, Johnson is on the brink of assuming the king's mantle
OLIVER HOLT interview
Ronaldo reaches the 350-goal mark for Real after scoring FOUR in Celta Vigo thrashing
Zinedine Zidane salutes the forward after his goals at the Bernabeu
Streak continues for Murray brothers as they ease to doubles win
They beat Yoshihito Nishioka and Yasutaka Utchiyama 6-3 6-2 6-4 in an hour and 52 minutes
Ivanovic: Chelsea could not cope with pressure of being champions
Branislav Ivanovic can recall no time quite like the start of this season
Lloris is close to Arsenal's French players... but there are no friends in a north London derby
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY MATT BARLOW
Salah scores brace as Spalletti's men record seventh straight win
Mo Salah helped Roma beat rivals Fiorentina 4-1 to gain an edge in the Champions League race
Jenas the latest football star after Barton to take on the Question Time debate
How did the Match of the Day pundit fare against political panelists?
West Ham boss Bilic backs Payet to win Player of the Year award after scintillating debut season
Backed him to make the France squad
Inside the dressing room of the leaders... but why have Leicester got an empty shopping trolley in there?
Not for a supermarket sweep
Ronaldo could not get away with dressing up as a turtle... but we can!
MARTIN SAMUEL meets Danny Drinkwater, a mainstay of Leicester's reversal of expectations
Messi hits another hat-trick as Barca go eight points clear
Barcelona don't need gifts to win but they were presented with two in a dominant 5-1 win
Trott claims Great Britain's first gold medal at Cycling World Championships
Laura Trott rode to victory in the women's scratch race in London
Terry, Alli and Payet among winners at London Football Awards
John Terry turned up to collect his Outstanding Contribution to London Football award
Hamilton cheered on by Vonn during Formula One testing session
One of the fastest skiers turned up to support one of the fastest Formula One drivers
Crowe was the wicket the opposition craved, but New Zealand legend's impending death allowed him a perspective that had eluded him
Gerrard turns up to support Khan in LA as British fighter predicts Alvarez bout will be like a game of chess
Looking to prove people wrong in Las Vegas
Inside the Greatest exhibition: Tribute to Ali gives fight fans chance to see some golden treasures up close at the O2
Opens on Friday
Pele has decided to auction off an array of his prestigious footballing memorabilia, including his one-of-a-kind Jules Rimet replica trophy designed to mark his third World Cup victory in 1970. The items will go on be sold across three days in London, from June 7-9. Other items on offer for wealthy football purists include the Brazilian's No 10 shirt, worn sometime between 1970-71, and the match ball used in his 1,000th career match.
Mahrez pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the second half at Vicarage Road but it was revealed to be cramp and he has shown no ill-effects this week. Matty James has also returned from an injury which has seen him out of action since May 2015.
Manchester United's players and fans made the short trip down the M62 to face Liverpool for the first European encounter between the bitter north west rivals. The visiting contingent were no doubt expecting a hostile reception at Anfield for Thursday's Europa League last 16 encounter. But a few enterprising locals decided to send their own greeting to their rivals by hanging a very rude banner on a motorway bridge.
The SFA insist Scottish football is 'clean'. Ex-Partick Thistle player Jordan McMillan (pictured) is the only British footballer currently banned, for taking cocaine.
EUROPA LEAGUE ROUND-UP: Holders Sevilla played out a goalless draw at Basle after having Steven Nzonzi sent off three minutes from time for a second bookable offence.
Two pivotal members of Claudio Ranieri's backroom staff are set for new contracts, but Leicester will have to improve their current offers, Sportsmail understands.
Chelsea's 111th birthday celebrations were ruined before they'd even begun when PSG spoiled their Champions League party on Wednesday. Sportsmail take a look at what lies ahead for the club.
Jonjo Shelvey has admitted he fears he let Newcastle down after captaining the Premier League strugglers to two successive defeats in the absence of Fabricio Coloccini.
Aston Villa's annual accounts have revealed that chief executive Tom Fox is among the highest-paid football directors in the country, earning £1.25million for last season.
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: For all the growth indicators and analytics, it took a stranger with a concealed camera and an awkward conversation for Eniola Aluko to realise the profile of women's football in this country had changed. She was on the London Underground, not long returned from her Canadian summer and England's third-placed finish at the World Cup. A young guy caught her attention and made her a little uneasy.
There is no doubt that Liverpool will always be held in close regard to Luis Suarez, but despite his former affiliation, it is very clear where his loyalties now lie, even in the virtual world.
The protracted sale of Bolton Wanderers has finally been completed after Dean Holdsworth's Sports Shield consortium were given the Football League green light.
Barcelona says a local court has accepted an appeal by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and predecessor Sandro Rosell in a case involving alleged irregularities around Neymar's transfer.
Brian McDermott is confident Reading can pull off another shock and reach a second successive FA Cup semi-final. The Royals made it to Wembley last season.
Chelsea are set to suffer a further financial blow by missing out on next season's Champions League as their players will not be forced to take pay cuts.
The Wales midfielder was injured in Tuesday's FA Cup replay win at Hull and, depending on the damage, could miss key fixtures in the Premier League title run-in.
Steve McManaman expects Pep Guardiola to transform Manchester City but has warned the Spaniard the job at the Etihad Stadium will prove his hardest.
George Ford suffered a 'scary moment' during England's penultimate training session before facing Wales when he collided with Joe Launchbury and was helped from the field in some distress. The replacement England lock, back in the match-day 23 after recovering from the hamstring injury which saw him miss out on the win over Ireland, accidentally collided with fly-half Ford midway through the session at their Surrey training base. Ford was described as appearing 'groggy' but was allowed to carry on training after being checked over by England medics.
Manu Tuilagi insists he is ready for international rugby after battling back to fitness from a potentially career-threatening groin injury to make his first England appearance in almost two years.
Manu Tuilagi will make his first England appearance in almost two years in Saturday's eagerly-anticipated Six Nations showdown with Wales at Twickenham.
MIKE PHILLIPS: The coaches enjoyed a sing-song on the bus back from Twickenham during last year's World Cup and I think they will be celebrating another victory over England on Saturday.
Steve Borthwick has prompted an urgent overhaul of England's lineout codes to prevent a repeat of their calamitous World Cup defeat against Wales six months ago.
He's been sitting pretty at the top of the Formula One world the last two years and Lewis Hamilton has revealed his secret to success. The 31-year-old has taken fans behind the scenes by explaining how he sits in the Mercedes car he'll be driving in the upcoming season. Three-time world champion Hamilton will be hoping to continue where he left off last season when he takes to the track for the opening race of the calendar in Australia later this month.
The Austin race, where Lewis Hamilton clinched his third title in October, was thrown into doubt after the Texas state decreased its funding of the event by more than £4million.
Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas believes Williams can end their race-winning drought this season. The British team have not won a race since Pastor Maldonado's unlikely triumph in 2012.
A new qualifying system will be introduced for the season's opening race in Melbourne on March 20 and Webber believes the sport is at risk of losing fans as it becomes too complicated.
Laura Robson reached a significant landmark in her comeback from injury but her first WTA Tour match since August ended in defeat as she lost in straight sets to Magdalena Rybarikova in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The 22-year-old is stepping up her comeback from a problematic wrist injury which has derailed her career over the last 18 months. But she was let down by a wayward forehand in a 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 defeat to the Russian Rybarikova.
World No 1 Michael van Gerwen reclaimed the Premier League lead after victory over Dave Chisnall on day six in Nottingham. The Dutchman, who posted a world record TV average of 123.4 against Michael Smith two weeks ago, looked like threatening that before finishing with an average of 113 in his 7-2 victory over Chisnall.
Charles Howell III saw a news blurb that the Masters is a month away, and the Augusta native played Thursday like he wants to be there.
EXCLUSIVE BY MIKE DICKSON: Controversial plans to charge people to enter the hat for half of all balloted Wimbledon tickets have been shelved after strong protests.
Surprise leaders Widnes consolidated top spot in the First Utility Super League with a nine-try rout of shell-shocked Hull at the Select Security Stadium.
Geraint Thomas recovered from a crash to remain fifth overall at Paris-Nice as Nacer Bouhanni claimed victory on stage four. Thomas was grounded by a touch of wheels late in the 195.5km stage.
CHARLES SALE: The civil war tearing apart the organisation of the London 2017 athletics World Championships has claimed another casualty, with Baroness Grey-Thompson quitting.
Judd Trump faced world champion Stuart Bingham in a high-profile match-up early in the tournament at Venue Cymru and despite an 85 break in the second frame, the Bristolian was up against it throughout.
Andrew Selby has revealed that deep depression almost forced him to turn his back on boxing altogether before a trip to America alongside world champion brother Lee reignited his passion.
Sportsmail racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Friday's racing at Leicester, Ayr, Sandown and Chelmsford.
Willie Mullins-trained Un De Sceaux is 4-5 favourite for Wednesday's Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham after 12 entries remained in the race at the penultimate forfeit stage.
Eden Hazard has been pilloried for swapping shirts with Angel di Maria at half-time of Chelsea's Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian is not the first Premier League player to anger his fans with an ill-judged and badly-timed shirt swap - but why is it a football tradition?
Our secret scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. This week it's Leicester left back Ben Chilwell who gets the secret scout treatment.
THE DEBATE: I wrote a column quoting Claudio Ranieri's assessment of the big five as scared. They are terrified that the invasion may become the norm. You had plenty to say on the subject.
Oxford United captain Jake Wright is the latest player to take our entertaining Q&A.; His love of Paul Gascoigne is matched by an admiration for John Terry, his dream central defensive partner.
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