JACK GAUGHAN: Manchester United welcome arch rivals City to Old Trafford for the crunch Premier League derby this Saturday. Not only will the highly-anticipated match see Pep Guardiola renew his rivalry with Jose Mourinho but the biggest stars in European football will take to the pitch. Here, Sportsmail lists a combined XI for Saturday lunchtime's crunch clash.
MANCHESTER UNCOVERED: Jose slept on plane floor to show he was United while Pep turned up at a City receptionist's birthday party
SPECIAL REPORT: The most anticipated Manchester derby in recent times arrives on Saturday at 12.30pm at Old Trafford. It's not just a battle between two heavyweights in world football, it's also a clash of two of the most successful managers in modern history. Here, Sportsmail's CHRIS WHEELER, SIMON JONES, MIKE KEEGAN and JACK GAUGHAN assess just how much work Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have done to so far to reshape Manchester United and Manchester City.
Conte eyes next Terry: English search puts Burnley's Keane and Boro's Gibson in frame to be Blues' new rock
EXCLUSIVE BY SAMI MOKBEL: The Blues have begun an intensive scouting drive to unearth the best homegrown central defensive talent as Conte plans for the future.
Neymar came close to joining United this summer, claims his agent
Neymar came close to joining Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain this summer, before committing his future to Barcelona, according to the Brazil star's agent Wagner Ribeiro.
'He's world-class': Wenger wants Wilshere to finish his career with Arsenal despite loan move to Bournemouth
Wilshere joined Bournemouth in a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, sparking suggestions his time at the Gunners could be up. But Wenger says the truth is the exact opposite.
'He knows everything about the game': Zlatan marvels at 'mastermind' Mourinho ahead of Manchester derby
CHRIS WHEELER: Mourinho and Pep Guardiola go head to head for the first time in English football, with United striker Ibrahimovic coming up against his former Barcelona boss.
United's fear factor is back under Mourinho, insists former striker Cole
Manchester United have won their opening three games of the Premier League season, and Cole believes United are on the way up under the management of Jose Mourinho.
'Manchester derby winner will become Premier League favourite': Wenger says top dog can make psychological gain
Wenger, who intends to record the game and watch it after his Arsenal side play Southampton, feels the encounter between two of the league's biggest clubs has psychological importance.
Mourinho and Guardiola have different personalities but they share many qualities too, says Alonso
As Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola prepare to go head-to-head for the first time in English football this weekend, one man has given a unique insight into the characters of the two famous managers.
Klopp takes his seat in Anfield's revamped dugouts as Liverpool train in front of the new main stand ahead of Leicester clash
Anfield's new main stand takes the ground's capacity to 54,742, an increase of more than 8,000 seats, with the squad getting used to their new surrounding in training on Thursday. While the players got down to work, manager Jurgen Klopp was keen to have a look around as he inspected his new viewing point in the revamped dugout.
'I will play': Ronaldo ready to make his Real Madrid return after injury
The 31-year-old forward sustained a knee injury in the European Championship final in July and has not played any football since. The Portuguese has been active on social media over the last week with updates on his intensified training regime and is now confident of taking some part in the game against Osasuna on Saturday. Earlier this week he told Real fans to 'enjoy the picture', as he trained with his team-mates for the first time since suffering the injury.
United vs City betting guide plus all the Premier League tips and a 100/1 treble
United vs City kicks off another action-packed weekend and you can find out the best bets by clicking here. We've got a selection for the big match plus a 100/1 Premier League shot.
'He has given me confidence': United star Fellaini vows to repay trust put in him by boss Mourinho
Marouane Fellaini has played every minute of Manchester United's Premier League season so far, despite many claiming he was heading for the exit door under Jose Mourinho.
Benteke brothers could play together for Palace against Middlesbrough with Jonathan set to make debut
Alan Pardew has revealed Jonathan Benteke is in contention to make his Crystal Palace debut on Saturday when they travel to face Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough.
MANCHESTER UNITED UNCOVERED: Jose has cancelled plans for double training and scrapped 'spy' cameras
There is a buzz about the place again, a buoyancy ahead of tomorrow's seismic derby at Old Trafford.
It has not been felt since Sir Alex Ferguson left three years ago.
MANCHESTER CITY UNCOVERED: Pep has changed training times and turned up at a receptionist's birthday
Down the road from Jose Mourinho's hotel base in Manchester, Pep Guardiola will wake up in his luxury apartment on Friday and go through his final preparations.
Real Madrid's 50 greatest players: Ronaldo and Zidane in the top 10... but who else?
There are few clubs in world football that inspire the same awe as Real Madrid, a side that established their dominance over world football early on and never looked back. Last week we looked at the greatest players to play for Real's fierce rivals Barcelona, but who features in the top 50 players to pull on the gleaming white shirt of Real?
Even a blindfold can't stop Messi! Barcelona stars take on Spain's blind football team in heartwarming video
Lionel Messi and his Barcelona colleagues linked up with the Spanish national 5-a-side blind football team for a kickabout and penalty shootout contest... and unsurprisingly the Argentine maestro excelled. The Blaugrana players involved were given blindfolds and shown the tricks of the trade by their counterparts, who taught them how to connect with the ball, which makes a noise, via a device, when struck. When the spot-kicks came around, Barcelona and their opponents drew, with one penalty scored by each side from their three taken.
Manchester City fans could be locked inside Old Trafford after derby match
MIKE KEEGAN: Sportsmail understands officers would prefer to allow City's 3,000 travelling support to leave their rivals' stadium at the final whistle, along with United fans.
'I questioned my captaincy': Henderson ready to put troubles behind him and resume Liverpool captain role
DOMINIC KING: First came the heel problem that left him feeling like he was walking on drawing pins. Then came the crack in one of his metatarsals before, finally, his medial ligament was torn.
Premier League team news, odds and stats for every match this weekend
Click on your team's name in the fixture list to discover who is fit for action and who misses out... as well as all the key statistics surrounding your club's fixture as the Premier League returns.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
CHRIS WHEELER, SIMON JONES, MIKE KEEGAN AND JACK GAUGHAN: Jose Mourinho has cancelled plans for double training at Manchester United
MANCHESTER UNITED UNCOVERED: After speaking to his players and staff on Thursday, Jose Mourinho abandoned plans for a double training session.
Golovkin has been taking on grown men since he was eight... and beating them!
JEFF POWELL: The baby-faced assassin called Gennady Golovkin smiles when he talks to all and sundry, smiles when he walks down the street, smiles most broadly of all when he goes about his knock-out business in the prize ring. The Kazakh with a punch like a mule-kick is at his happiest when flattening challengers for his world middleweight titles. That is a routine he expects to continue when Kell Brook, Sheffield's world welterweight champion, steps up to scratch in London's O2 Arena this Saturday night. Golovkin is a living, breathing conundrum, unfailingly courteous in conversation, unrelentingly deadly inside the ropes.
Hollywood star Wahlberg hangs out with Tottenham Hotspur trio at White Hart Lane
The transfer window may be over but Tottenham Hotspur welcomed one final new face to the club this week... none other than Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg. The global icon took time out from his busy filming schedule to pay a visit to his favourite UK football club this week and later uploaded a snap to his 3.7 million Instagram followers. Spurs stars Dele Alli, Michel Vorm and club legend Ledley King were eager to pose for a picture with the king of the big screen.
Williams stunned by Pliskova as 22-time Grand Slam champion is dumped out of US Open in straight sets
Stretching back to February 18, 2013, 34-year-old Serena Williams has held the top spot for 186 consecutive weeks, a record shared with German tennis legend Steffi Graf.
The most expensive football match EVER: Manchester derby will see United and City showcase players worth more than £600million
Saturday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford is set to be the most expensive game in football history, with United and City boasting sides worth a combined total of more than £600million.
Khan wants rematch with Garcia for comeback fight instead of facing Brook
Amir Khan is targeting a rematch with WBA world light-welterweight champion Danny Garcia - rather than a fight with compatriot Kell Brook - when he makes his return to the ring.
STARS OF SPORT
- Messi and Barcelona colleagues join Spanish Paralympic blind team for kickabout Can the forward score a penalty without being able to see the goal?
- Feeling at home, Jurgen? Klopp takes seat in new dugout Liverpool trained in front of their new main stand on Thursday ahead of its opening on Saturday.
- De Gea and Herrera relax ahead of Manchester derby But did Manchester United's Spanish duo drive the wrong way down the street?
- City prepare for Manchester derby with Pep watching on Pep Guardiola is less than 48 hours away from his biggest test as Manchester City boss
- Shearer statue to be unveiled as celebration gives away subject CHARLES SALE: The entire £250,000 cost met by ex-club chairman Freddy Shepherd
Poll
Who will win the Manchester derby on Saturday?
- Manchester United 24146 votes
- Manchester City 10151 votes
Now share your opinion
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Pacquiao returns to boxing due to lure of 'continuing his journey' He seems to have put his political ambitions on the backburner... and added a new hat to his outfit
- Swan knocked out of US Open girls' singles by Potapova STUART FRASER IN NEW YORK: Katie Swan struggled with a shoulder injury at the US Open
- Terry meets WWE superstars in London He might be used to physical defending but John Terry was introduced to a new type of wrestling at the O2
- Who's the big dog? Lionel Messi was gifted the Dogue de Bodeaux by his girlfriend at the start of this year, and his pet has quickly assumed new dimensions
- UFC star McGregor knows how to party! Conor McGregor was welcomed with adulation at Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas after his victory over Nate Diaz
- Black Wednesday for Murray in New York MARTIN SAMUEL IN NEW YORK: Andy Murray waged war with the world as he exited the US Open
- Hero's welcome for returning Bale Wales star greeted by thousands of Real Madrid fans as he returned from international duty
- The Hart work starts now for Joe! England goalkeeper enjoys first training session with Torino as on-loan star looks to get season back on track
- Ronaldinho back on top of the world Former Ballon d'Or winner poses on top of the Empire State Building as Barcelona legend opens club store
- Neymar strikes again Neymar's second-half goal gave Brazil avictory over Colombia as they registered their second consecutive win in World Cup qualifying
- No rest for Rashford Fresh from his debut hat-trick on England Under 21 duty, Marcus Rashford has joined his Manchester United team-mates back at training
- Gerrard goes through gruelling gym session as he steps up recovery from hamstring problem LA Galaxy star suffered the injury against Vancouver Whitecaps
- New boys Luiz and Alonso get stuck in as unbeaten Chelsea prepare for Swansea Plenty of big names are still at Cobham during the international break
-
Golovkin means business in workoutGennady Golovkin performed a workout for the London crowd ahead of his world title fight against Kell Brook
- Pedal power! Mario Gotze rode a bicycle through the streets near Dortmund's training facility as he bids to return to full fitness for the German side
- Neymar takes centre stage as Brazil prepare for Colombia qualifier following victory over Ecuador last week No pitch invaders this time during training
- McGregor sunbathes in £300k Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead as he continues to celebrate UFC 202 victory over Nate Diaz New day, new car
- Ronaldo ramps up his recovery as he bids to be fit for Real Madrid's game with Osasuna Portuguese star has not played since being injured in Euro 2016 final
- Now that's an Arsenal dressing room picture worth taking! Club legends including Martin Keown and Robert Pires pose for a snap after charity match
- Crouch hits the beach with wife Abbey during international break The former England international has not played for his country since 2010
- And The Ox also made the most of his time off after failing to make Allardyce's first squad Hasn't played for England since scoring in in Lithuania in 2015
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Cyprus 0-3 Belgium: Romelu Lukaku scores twice as Roberto Martinez's side get World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign off to perfect start
- Belarus 0-0 France: Didier Deschamps' men fail to impress at the Borisov Arena as their World Cup qualifying campaign gets off to a poor start
- England U21 6-1 Norway U21: Marcus Rashford scores hat-trick as Gareth Southgate's men claim easy victory
- Wales 4-0 Moldova: Sam Vokes, Joe Allen and Gareth Bale strike to give Chris Coleman winning start to World Cup qualification
- Serbia 2-2 Republic of Ireland: Substitute Daryl Murphy rescues point for Martin O'Neill's men
- Spain 8-0 Liechtenstein: Diego Costa and David Silva are double trouble as new boss Julen Lopetegui makes winning start in World Cup qualifier
- Israel 1-3 Italy: Goals from Graziano Pelle, Antonio Candreva and Ciro Immobile give Giampiero Ventura's men victory
- Norway 0-3 Germany: Thomas Muller leads from the front to see world champions off to a flying start in their title defence
- Czech Republic 0-0 Northern Ireland: Michael O'Neill's men battle hard for a point after facing a barrage of chances in Prague
- Malta 1-5 Scotland: Robert Snodgrass hat-trick helps Gordon Strachan's side see off nine-man Malta
- Slovakia 0-1 England: Sam Allardyce era begins with a late win as Adam Lallana belatedly Lions capitalises on Martin Skrtel's red card
- Arsenal 4-2 AC Milan: Kanu hits hat-trick as Freddie Ljungberg and co roll back the years in legends showdown
- Bournemouth 1-2 AC Milan: Jack Wilshere shines in Bournemouth debut in South Coast rain as Cherries lose in friendly
LATEST NEWS FROM THE US OPEN
Jamie Murray and Soares through to men's doubles final after upsetting favourites
MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: Jamie Murray had already managed to outstay his more illustrious brother at the US Open, and he extended his visit all the way to the last weekend. Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares knocked out top seeded French team Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut 7-5 4-6 6-3 to make a second Grand Slam final this year.
No Swan song for Katie as Brit is knocked out of US Open girls' singles by Wimbledon champion Potapova
STUART FRASER IN NEW YORK: Katie Swan received treatment for a shoulder injury which appeared to hamper her during her 6-4, 6-1 defeat in 70 minutes by top seed Anastasia Potapova. Conditions were brutal at Flushing Meadows on Thursday, with the extreme heat policy being implemented due to the high temperature and humidity on court.
Del Potro gets emotional as he crashes out of US Open... but he now needs to perk up for the challenge of Murray
MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: As Stan Wawrinka closed in on victory in their US Open quarter final the emotion caused by the crowd chanting his name proved too much for Juan Martin del Potro.
MARTIN SAMUEL: Black Wednesday as Murray wages war with the world and himself in five-set loss to Nishikori
MARTIN SAMUEL IN NEW YORK: It was one of those matches when Andy Murray seems at war with a hundred things beyond his control. The sun. The rain. The floodlights.
Kerber demonstrates No 1 credentials with routine semis win over Wozniacki
STUART FRASER IN NEW YORK: Moments before walking on the court, Kerber's rise to world No 1 had been confirmed after Serena Williams suffered a shock defeat by Karolina Pliskova.
FOOTBALL NEWS
Anfield picture special: As Liverpool unveil their new Main Stand, see how their famous home has changed over 132-year history
Anfield is a special stadium. It is renowned for its unique atmosphere and is home to the most famous single-tiered stand in the world, the Kop. Rebuilt and remodelled several times since it opened in 1884 to play host to city rivals Everton, on Saturday Anfield will hold its largest attendance since it was converted to all-seater in the early 1990s. The new Main Stand will take the capacity to more than 54,000 and fans will surely flock in to see Jurgen Klopp's brand of heavy metal football. As fans prepare to head through the gates named after the club's most famous managers, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, and into Anfield's future, Sportsmail takes a look back through the years at the famous stadium with a picture special.
Smiling City stars look unfazed by derby challenge as Bravo and Iheanacho prepare to be thrown in at the deep end at Old Trafford
Less than forty-eight hours away from his biggest test yet as Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola was busy putting his squad through their paces on the training ground. City travel to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime for the first Manchester derby of the season, where the Spaniard will be greeted by an old foe in the dugout.
Luiz, Wilshere and Bravo among new signings ready for bows as Premier League returns
The hotly-anticipated Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime will herald the Premier League's return from its international break - and supporters around the country can expect to see a host of new signings in action for their teams. Since the last round of fixtures a fortnight ago we have been treated to the frantic conclusion of a summer transfer window that saw English top-flight clubs shell out a combined sum in excess of £1billion.
Real and Atletico fail to overturn transfer bans as FIFA rejects appeals - meaning they can't buy players for two windows
The FIFA Appeal Committee confirmed that they have rejected the appeals submitted by the Spanish clubs, who will now not be able to buy any players in the next two transfer windows.
Mourinho's relationship with Darmian 'at a complete breakdown' as Juve hover
Matteo Darmian could be heading towards the Manchester United exit door with the defender and Jose Mourinho's relationship at a 'complete breakdown'.
Donovan comes out of retirement to answer LA Galaxy's call
Midfielder Landon Donovan is returning to the LA Galaxy, ending a 21-month retirement. Donovan will play alongside Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane as LA Galaxy eye the MLS title.
Pulis adds to war of words over West Brom transfer dealings: 'To say they were the five players I wanted is wrong'
Pulis ruled out walking away from the club but predicted a 'tough' period ahead and brought up the prospect of potentially being dismissed once the takeover by a Chinese consortium is complete.
Dortmund fans to boycott RB Leipzig visit in protest against Red Bull
Borussia Dortmund supporters' groups have joined forces to boycott their visit to Red Bull Leipzig on Saturday ‒ and will instead listen to the match on radio.
£10m pay-off for Martinez: Mega money for manager fired by Everton
MATT LAWTON and MIKE KEEGAN: Roberto Martinez received an eye-watering one-off severance payment of more than £10million from Everton after being sacked as their manager in May.
De Gea and Herrera relax ahead of the derby... before appearing to drive the wrong direction down a one-way street!
Following their afternoon out in Altrincham, David De Gea and Ander Herrera headed home in a black Mercedes, appearing to drive the wrong way down a one-way street in the process. Both players are likely to be involved when the two Manchester clubs meet at Old Trafford, with De Gea an ever-present so far this season and Herrara playing a part in two of Mourinho's first three league games in charge.
Suarez has won 80 of his first 99 Barcelona games, scoring 88 goals and 43 assists (plus eight trophies). So, how do his stats compare with the best in history?
When Luis Suarez signed for Barcelona after four seasons with Liverpool, there was intrigue surrounding whether he could continue his impressive goalscoring record for one of the most exciting teams in world football.
Shearer statue to be unveiled outside St James' Park with ex-chief Shepherd footing the bill for £250,000 sculpture
CHARLES SALE: A statue of Newcastle's record goalscorer Alan Shearer will be unveiled on Monday with the entire £250,000 cost met by former club chairman Freddy Shepherd and his family. The five-metre bronze sculpture outside St James' Park was commissioned by Shepherd in 2007 when he was owner of Newcastle, to mark Shearer's great achievements following his playing retirement. The project was mothballed after Mike Ashley bought the club.
Sanchez insists he has 'the same abilities' as Ronaldo and Messi
Since moving to Arsenal from Barcelona for £31.7m, the forward has scored 43 goals and assisted 25 more in 96 appearances, establishing himself as a star at the Emirates.
'He can run all day': The Secret Scout looks at Everton's new midfield gem
Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He will bring you his verdict in Sportsmail. This week it's Everton midfielder Tom Davies.
'He hasn't the balls to sit down with me': Raiola launches tirade against Pep
Pep Guardiola was on the receiving end of a tirade from super-agent Mino Raiola. He said the Manchester City boss 'didn't have the balls to sit down and talk' and said his football was boring.
Football League Q&A;: Grimsby's Craig Disley on returning to Football League and erasing memories of Braintree
Midfielder Craig Disley will make the 600th league appearance of his career when he leads his Grimsby Town team-mates out at Luton on Saturday.
Pochettino: There's a reason players join Spurs - and it's not for money
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Mauricio Pochettino believes there's something special about Tottenham than means players are choosing to join for reasons other than money
Southampton could be without record signing Boufal for another month
Southampton manager Claude Puel does not expect to have record-signing Sofiane Boufal available for at least another month as the attacking midfielder builds up his fitness.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Pacquiao admits lure of 'continuing his journey' ultimately led to his comeback
While Manny Pacquiao's political career became a priority after he announced his 'retirement' from the ring in April, he says the lure of continuing his journey in boxing ultimately led to his comeback. Seven months after defeating American Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas in his much trumpeted farewell to the sport, the Filipino southpaw will return to the same city in November to challenge World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion Jessie Vargas. Though Pacquiao is an eight-division world champion and one of the greatest boxers ever, the whole experience of preparing for that November 5 fight feels strange as he will be competing for the first time as an elected senator in his homeland.
Brook is moving up two weight divisions to face Golovkin... how have other British boxers fared when piling on the pounds?
Kell Brook will jump two weight classes to take on fearsome middleweight Gennady Golovkin in London this weekend. A welterweight world champion in his own right, Brook will scale some 13lb heavier at Friday's weigh-in than he did before his last contest. Here, Sportsmail looks at other British boxers who recently moved up in weight - no matter how little - and how they got on.
Welcome champ! McGregor reveals inside footage of pool party to celebrate UFC win
Anyone who watched Conor McGregor's epic battle with Nate Diaz at UFC 202 will concede that the Irishman deserves time to celebrate. Still showing signs of the fight by hobbling in on crutches, McGregor revelled in a pool party at Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas less than a day after going the distance in an epic five round battle against the American. McGregor was joined by girlfriend Dee Devlin and welcomed at the packed resort by a banner held up by a procession of glamorous women which read, 'champ'.
30,000 reasons why the British and Irish Lions are still kings of the jungle
CHRIS FOY - WORLD OF RUGBY: Time for an important declaration; this will be a Lions zone for the next 10 months. The head coach has been unveiled. The fires have been lit.
NFL PREVIEW: Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks are among the contenders
PETER CARLINE: The 2016 NFL season begins as the old one ended, with the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos staging a rematch of Super Bowl 50 at Mile High.
Brook out 'to shock the world' against Golovkin as Brit's camp insist: 'He's much stronger at middleweight'
JEFF POWELL: Kell Brook has walked onto the first big punch from Team Golovkin, 48 hours before he challenges the Kazakh KO king for the world middleweight championship.
Morgan gives strongest possible hint yet that he will not tour Bangladesh
LAWRENCE BOOTH: Eoin Morgan said previous brushes with security situations had left him determined 'not to put myself in that situation again'.
Broncos' defence stands up as Panthers fail to take Super Bowl revenge in NFL season-opener
In a re-run of last season's Super Bowl the defending champions got a reprieve when Panthers kicker Graham Gano missed a 50-yard field goal with four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Brits Hynd and Firth win gold and set world records to mark a phenomenal evening in the Aquatics Centre
British swimmers joined the gold rush as Ollie Hynd and Bethany Firth both set world records to win on a phenomenal first evening in the Aquatics Centre.
RACING
Robin Goodfellow's Racing Tips: The best bets for Friday, September 9
Sportsmail's racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Friday's meetings at Doncaster, Chester, Salisbury and Sandown.
Mongan knows what is like to be the underdog but emerge as a winner
Ian Mongan knows what it is like to be an underdog. He also knows what it is like to be the underdog who succeeds. Eighteen seasons of hard-slog as a jockey, a riding career of consistent
DAILY MAIL SCHOOLS TROPHY
As Daily Mail Schools Trophy enters fourth season, who can stop Wellington College?
Rugby is on a high after the Great Britain Sevens team gained a silver medal in the Olympics. Now you can take inspiration from that success as the Daily Mail Schools Trophy enters its fourth season. The big question is, who can stop Wellington College collecting their third title?
Olympic rugby sevens hero Bibby returns to Lancashire to support his old school Kirkham
Olympic rugby sevens hero Dan Bibby will be returning home this season to support Kirkham in the Daily Mail Schools Trophy which starts this weekend.
Gowling says he is suited to French style after joining Stade Francais
Holidays in France, including trips to watch mighty Toulouse, gave schoolboy international Charlie Gowling the inspiration to pursue a full-time career in the Top 14.
Former New Zealand star Herring believes love is the best language when trying to motivate players
Not long ago I was asked to speak to a 1st XV team before a big traditional match - but first I listened to the captain's talk. He ranted about how much he 'hated' this particular opposition.
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Where did our warriors go? Legends Connors and McEnroe furious at spate of retirements ruining New York spectacle
MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: Jimmy Connors, that ultimate warrior of Flushing Meadows, could barely restrain himself when the latest injury blow hit the US Open on Tuesday night. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga pulled out of his quarter-final with Novak Djokovic, meaning the Serb went through to the last four having played for a mere six hours and 26 minutes. That is what happens when you get two retirements in your matches and one walkover. The cumulative effect of that and other withdrawals was certainly testing the patience of Connors.
Golazo! From Gascoigne to Sacchi's AC Milan... Serie A's golden age
When Paul Gasgoigne signed for Lazio, Serie A was opened up to a new generation of fans. We remember the iconic players, characters and teams from a golden age of Italian football.
TACKLE KEOWN: Guardiola and Mourinho have a score to settle and Ibrahimovic will be key to derby clash
With the Premier League resuming after the international break, Sportsmail columnist MARTIN KEOWN has been answering your questions on this weekend's games.
MARTIN SAMUEL'S 5 POINTS: Klopp might not solve Liverpool's problems but he'll thrill us by giving it a go
Liverpool and their charismatic boss, the England management, foreign adoptions and the same old issues with Rangers and Celtic. All wrapped up for you in this week's FIVE POINTS.
