Barcelona return to La Liga action after their Champions League humbling at Juventus, looking to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid with Real Sociedad the visitors to the Nou Camp. Luis Enrique's side were soundly beaten 3-0 in Turin in their quarter-final first leg, but while the second leg in Catalonia next week promises to be an altogether different scenario, they cannot afford to take the foot off the gas domestically. Javier Mascherano is expected to miss the game through a calf injury picked up in midweek, while Neymar has been hit with a three-match ban in the Malaga defeat last weekend. Can Sociedad complete a miserable week for their hosts? Follow all the action with Sportsmail's BEN GROUNDS. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Captain Kompany sparks second-half show of strength for Man City to beat Southampton as Sane and Aguero add late goals
SOUTHAMPTON 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY BY RIATH AL-SAMARRAI AT ST MARY'S: Manchester City showed their teeth as they travelled to the south coast but it took them 45 minutes and a moment of inspiration from Vincent Kompany to do so. The oft-missing captain rose highest to meet a corner in the 55th minute to head past Fraser Forster and spark what had up to that point had been a drab affair into an entertaining contest.
It's not over yet! Kane return helps rampant Tottenham to close gap on Chelsea... and even Janssen scores in Bournemouth rout
TOTTENHAM 4-0 BOURNEMOUTH - ROB DRAPER AT WHITE HART LANE: Tottenham ran out emphatic victors at White Hart Lane, subjecting Bournemouth to a football masterclass to ensure their pursuit of league leaders Chelsea remains firmly on course. The hosts opened the scoring with little over 15 minutes played, Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele imposing his strength in the area to lash home past a helpless Artur Boruc. Spurs made it two soon after, Harry Kane slipping in Son Heung-Min to capitalise upon some poor Cherries defending to tuck the ball home at the near post.
Barkley celebrates wildly as star who was attacked in a bar ends tough week on a high by helping Everton to victory over Burnley
EVERTON 3-1 BURNLEY - JOE BERNSTEIN AT GOODISON PARK: Ross Barkley ended a turbulent week as Everton’s match-winning hero as Ronald Koeman’s side maintained their 100 per cent record at Goodison Park to move up to fifth place in the Premier League. Barkley’s 71st minute strike contained enough power to survive a double deflection off Michael Keane and Ben Mee and fly past Tom Heaton for the decisive second goal in a hard-fought Everton victory.
It's a painful return to north London for Wilshere as Tottenham fans taunt Arsenal loanee as he hobbles off during mauling
KIERAN GILL AT WHITE HART LANE: ‘It’s happened again, it’s happened again, Jack Wilshere, it’s happened again,’ Tottenham Hotspur’s supporters sang. Indeed it had. One of the Premier League’s most injury-prone players had added another to the collection, as he went down clutching his ankle and asked to be substituted. It summed it up for Wilshere after an afternoon in which the Bournemouth loanee got lost in midfield, gave the ball away in the build-up to Son Heung-min’s goal and was booed throughout.
Spurs fans lap up 'Wenger In' scarves, Kane joins Premier League goalscoring elite and 'Vincent Janssen scores when he wants': EIGHT things you missed from Spurs
Tottenham fans called for Arsene Wenger to stay as they matched their best home run for 97 years. Meanwhile, fans got into the Easter spirit on a day when a couple of ex-Gunners struggled. Mousa Dembele, Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Vincent Janssen scored the goals for Mauricio Pochettino's side as they moved to within four points of Chelsea. Don't worry if you were too busy to catch everything, Sportsmail's eagle eyes did not miss a trick.
Isco rescues victory for Real Madrid with last-gasp goal at Gijon to open six point gap
Real Madrid sealed a dramatic victory in the 90th minute after twice coming from behind at Sporting Gijon. Duje Cop had given 18th-placed Sporting a surprise lead in the 14th minute before a fine individual effort from Isco brought Real Madrid. Mikel Vesga then regained the lead for Sporting before Alvaro Morata again brought the La Liga leaders back on terms. The eventual winner arrived through Isco, who sent the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the area to send his side six points clear of Barcelona.
Arsenal midfielder Xhaka plays pink piano (even though his favourite colour seems to be red...)
Granit Xhaka appears to be taking his mind off Arsenal's terrible run of form by enjoying some time playing the piano. The Swiss midfielder took to Instagram on Friday to post a photo of himself playing on a pink piano ahead of Arsenal's Premier League encounter with Middlesbrough. And Arsene Wenger will be hoping that Xhaka's break from the football pitch has allowed him to key back into their battle for a top-four finish.
Milan scramble incredible draw with rivals Inter after 97th-minute goal in dramatic start to new era under Chinese owners
Antonio Candreva put Inter Milan ahead in the 36th minute of the Derby della Madonnina before Mauro Icardi doubled the hosts lead just eight minutes later at the San Siro. owever, in the 83rd minute, AC Milan pulled one back through Alessio Romagnoli before Zapata knocked the ball home from close range to level the scoring with the last kick of the game.
Hibernian clinch Championship title after McGregor fires double against Queen of the South
HIBERNIAN 3-0 QUEEN OF THE SOUTH: Darren McGregor's double sent Hibernian on their way to clinching the Ladbrokes Championship title thanks to a 3-0 victory over Queen of the South. David Gray was also on target as Hibs sealed promotion back to the Premiership at Easter Road. Falkirk's 2-2 draw at home to St Mirren ensured they moved 11 points clear of the Bairns with three games left.
Still got it! Veteran Spain star Villa scores incredible 50-yard lob for New York City
Those who think MLS is a retirement home for washed up former stars may want to re-think their opinion when they see David Villa's outrageous goal for New York City FC against Philadelphia Union on Friday night. Former Valencia and Barcelona hitman Villa struck a lob from near the halfway line in second half stoppage time to seal a 2-0 victory. Jack Harrison had opened the scoring in the 52nd minute before Villa added class and gloss to the scoreline for a fourth win of the campaign for Patrick Vieira's men.
Liverpool squad pay tribute to 96 fans who died at Hillsborough with minute's silence at Melwood training ground instead of Anfield
Liverpool's squad paid their respects to the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough by holding a private memorial at the club's Melwood training base. This is the first year that Anfield did not hold the service to honour the memory of those who lost their lives on April 15, 1989 during an FA Cup semi-final. The request was made by the bereaved families, who gathered at the city's Anglican Cathedral.
Former United and Everton keeper Howard banned for three matches after appearing to call a fan a 'motherf*****'
WARNING - CONTAINS FOUL LANGUAGE: The goalkeeper was responding to fans behind his goal, who told him to 'go back to Colorado'. The 38-year-old also had an 'altercation' with a fan in the tunnel. Some fans claimed that the 38-year-old put his middle finger up to the crowd, while after the final whistle of the 3-1 defeat, Howard squared up to Kansas' Dom Dwyer. The 38-year-old put his finger in the forward's face and had to be held back by officials. Dwyer later told FS1 he didn't understand why.
Ecclestone returns to Formula One paddock in Bahrain for first time since his exit as McLaren confirm Button will race in Monaco
JONATHAN McEVOY IN BAHRAIN: It was the Bernie and Button show in sun-fried Bahrain on Friday. Jenson, 37, and 86-year-old Ecclestone, two old boys showing Formula One’s new owners how headlines are made. First, confirmation that Button would be returning to the cockpit for the Monaco Grand Prix as a one-off replacement for McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, who will compete on the same day, May 28, in the Indianapolis 500.
Wales legend Williams set for final Cardiff flourish with Amman United
NIK SIMON: Nine cars drive past the Amman United clubhouse in the space of 10 minutes and all beep their horn when they catch sight of hometown hero Shane Williams. ‘That one was Tony,’ laughs Williams. ‘He’s one of our tight-head props. He works for the police.’ The pair will be team-mates on Sunday when Williams — once named the best player in the world — returns to the Principality Stadium.
Adams gets down to business after Granada appointment... but can he avoid drop with help from Reo-Coker and Richardson?
PETE JENSON: Tony Adams drops the name of an Arsenal manager into a post-session conversation — the Scottish one, not his French successor. A string of George Graham-style ‘One-nils to Granada’ would be very welcome. The fans in the 23,000-capacity Los Carmenes stadium will do their best not to accept that fate just yet but elsewhere Granada’s great escape has yet to capture the imagination.
Angel finds his wings! Di Maria at the double as PSG move level on points with rivals Monaco
ANGERS 0-2 PSG: Paris Saint-Germain went level on points with Monaco at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 victory over Angers. Angel Di Maria scored a delightful free-kick midway through the first half as PSG emerged from the Stade Raymond Kopa with the three points.
Pitch invader clashes with Leeds defender Jansson during draw with Newcastle
Leeds star Pontus Jansson clashed with a pitch invader in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle. A supporter ran onto the field in added time just minutes before Chris Wood netted the Leeds equaliser. The fan approached Rob Green in the Leeds goal and bowed down to the keeper before making his way to fan-favourite Jansson.
Where are the characters? Today's players forget... this is showbusiness! Reardon opens up about remarkable snooker career
INTERVIEW BY RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Ray Reardon is telling the extraordinary story about when it all came crashing down. It dates back past the phone call from a prison cell, past the six world titles and past the time he encountered the chap with a fire extinguisher stuck in his backside. It’s a story that rewinds all the way to 1957 in Stoke-on-Trent when he clocked on one Saturday morning at Florence Colliery. He was 25 and a miner, just like his dad, and was wearing the customised gloves that made the other men laugh.
Lyon and Besiktas fan violence sees UEFA open proceedings against both sides following Europa League clash
Lyon have been charged with 'insufficient organisation' of their supporters after crowd disturbances seriously delayed the start of Thursday's 2-1 Europa League victory over Besiktas. Tension between rival supporters in the east-central French city spilled into the Parc OL before the scheduled 2005 BST kick-off time, with a barrage of projectiles from the upper tiers forcing fans on to the pitch and casting the viability of the fixture into doubt.
STARS OF SPORT
- Sheffield United spray champagne as Bolton loss confirms them as League One champs Oldham beat Bolton 1-0 to confirm United's triumph in the third tier
- Xhaka keyed in as Arsenal man enjoys playing pink piano The Swiss midfielder took to Instagram on Friday to post a photo of himself playing the instrument
- Howard banned for three matches after appearing to call a fan a 'motherf*****' as Colorado Rapids lose WARNING - CONTAINS FOUL LANGUAGE
- Villa has still got it: Veteran striker scores incredible 50-yard lob for New York City FC His stunning goal sealed a 2-0 win over MLS rivals Philadelphia Union
- Adams needs to be Granada's Graham as he bids to steer the struggling Spanish team to La Liga safety He takes charge of his first game on Sunday
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Schweinsteiger on thin ice with wife Ana Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic appear to be settling into their new life in Chicago as they watched ice hockey
- Barrett shows off striking tattoo of Pacquiao vs Marquez ahead of British title clash with Cardle The boxer has striking tattoo on his chest
- Paulinho condemned by Guangzhou Evergrande for promoting betting with Japanese porn star Gambling and porn is illegal in China
- Bartra issues heartfelt call to 'end wars' as he pens letter from his hospital bed Dortmund defender was injured in the team bus bomb attack
- Chelsea star Hazard shows off his new trim following PFA Player of the Year nomination The Belgium international visited a Surrey-based salon
- Ferguson travels back with United stars after disappointing draw at Anderlecht Mourinho hit out at his strikers after his side squandered their lead
- Burnley midfielder Barton picks his PFA Team of the Year Chelsea star Hazard to Tottenham's Alli tipped for prizes by the controversial midfielder
- Ronaldo handed commemorative shirt after 100th European strike against Bayern He said he'd never imagined being the first to reach the landmark
- Costa and Henry bridge the London divide as they meet and pose for a selfie The prolific strikers looked delighted to meet one another
- Shocking sights at Lyon game as violence breaks out in the stands Chaos broke out at the Stade des Lumieres prior to Lyon's Europa League tie with Besiktas
- More their level? Sunderland prepare for West Ham clash by taking on Under-8s The players were all smiles as they faced the youth team
- That's a fishy decision! Karius enjoys night out at sushi restaurant The Liverpool backup goalkeeper shared a snap of himself eating the fish-based food
- Dybala signs Juve contract extension until 2022 in big blow to Barcelona Spanish giants had hoped to sign the striker who put them to sword
- West Brom's sensational cover versions: Baggies morph stars with classic music artwork Oasis, Bowie and the Sex Pistols all feature
- Klopp is visibly upset as he reveals his fears after Dortmund attack Liverpool boss was affected by bomb blasts that targeted his old team's bus
- It's Spring Break 2K17! Golf stars Spieth, Fowler and Co make a splash in the Bahamas as they party after the Masters Foursome jumped off a huge yacht and partied
- Simpson poses with Brazil legend Carlos as Leicester have warm-down session at Real Madrid training ground Leicester lost across the city against Atletico
- Kane flaunts his £40,000 Jaguar The F-Pace claimed the World Car of the Year award and the Tottenham star joked: 'Must be the way I drive it'
- Time to put my feet up! Haye takes break as he is given week off following gruelling rehab regime The British heavyweight is recovering from an op
- Have his standards slipped? Torres falls over as he squanders chance Torres isn't used to having too many issues in front of goal
- He's a legendary devil! Ibrahimovic praised by club legends as he prepares for Anderlecht Ibrahimovic teams up with Valencia and Cole for new advert
- City stars Aguero, De Bruyne and Kompany train ahead of Southampton match City ramped up their preparations for Southampton
- Chicago Cubs players presented with their championship rings to mark historic World Series triumph Team ended one of sport's greatest hoodoos
- The future is blue... Toffees stars mix with academy stars as they look to inspire the next generation The club hosted their 2017 Academy Day
- Go to the stands! Leicester sports scientist sent off for handing out water in front of Atletico bench He was given marching orders
- Pogba gives Fosu-Mensah piggyback as Manchester United board flight to Anderlecht while Mourinho takes call He's not heavy!
- Bartra shares picture of himself with bandaged arm after undergoing surgery following Dortmund bus blast Smiling after attack
- Alli left feeling sheepish by birthday gaffe: 'Officially an adult, still haven't learned to blow out candles' He tried his best, bless him
- Real's Ronaldo and Benzema 'ready' for crunch Champions League clash as they pose in Bayern's tunnel Up for the challenge ahead of top tie
- Barkley hides face on arrival at training as Everton midfielder is seen for first time since 'unprovoked attack' Punched in Liverpool bar by fellow reveller
- Klitschko compares himself to Mount Everest as he prepares to take on Joshua 'A lot die there... some make it back but is Everest defeated? No'
- The Full Monty! Panesar opens up on overcoming mental health problems and trying to find a county Bowler is also keen on an England comeback
- Liverpool stars Coutinho and Wijnaldum chance their arm at American football as Cousins pays visit NFL star drops in at Melwood with Landry
- Real Madrid gear up for Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich Ronaldo and Bale both raring to go at the Allianz Arena in Munich
- Oscar misses TWO penalties as £52m former Chelsea star fails to rescue Shanghai SIPG from defeat Brazilian had one effort saved and blazed over
- Next stop... Madrid! Leicester set off for Champions League clash with Atletico as Shakespeare looks to script another miracle Foxes abroad
- Laid-back Bale desperate for more Champions League glory as he inspires new airline seat Real superstar Gareth Bale travels in style
- Ronaldo and Bale all smiles as Real Madrid fly to Germany to face Bayern Munich in Champions League quarter-final clash Holders off to Germany
- High roller: McGregor poses on top of his £240,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith But how does Floyd Mayweather's £3.2million Bugatti Veyron compare?
- Masters winner Garcia and his 'inspirational' fiancee take New York trip after his epic win Exstatic pair visited the Empire State Building and NYSE
- Everton manager Koeman visits Coleman in Ireland with staff and club captain Jagielka Seamus Coleman on long road to recovery from horror leg break
- Liverpool star Mane forced to walk with crutches after undergoing surgery on season-ending knee injury Pictured outside hospital
- Liverpool star Wijnaldum goes incognito wearing mask in bid to become street nutmeg king Old man schools the youngsters
- Fast cars, champagne and dancing girls: Video from inside Clyne's birthday bash reveals what it's like to party Premier League style Brilliant 24 hours
- Ali has his eyes on the ball as England seek Champions Trophy glory and admits the squad are not the brightest EXCLUSIVE
- Stoke and England keeper Butland comes through competitive return with 'no issues' Shot-stopper was in nets for Under 23s side
- Rashford posts photo at 11 and reveals he has fulfilled one of his childhood dream Young star also shared letter from his young self
- Juninho is the Brazilian who mesmerised Teesside... the iconic player on Boro's plight, and Coutinho's haul EXCLUSIVE
- Landry proves to be no match for close friend Beckham Jnr from the spot as he drops by Spurs' training ground Dolphins play at Wembley in October
- Adams returns to management as he becomes boss of La Liga side Granada Struggling side are seven points from safety
- Ronaldo accidentally terrifies young Real Madrid mascot as he leaps in the air during walk onto Bernabeu turf Poor lass was taken by surprise
- Mayweather's car for sale on eBay! Boxing superstar's Bugatti Veyron advertised online... but it'll cost you a whopping £3.2m Not an impulse purchase
- 'Brave warrior' Hamilton shares pictures of him getting Chinese tattoo on same day he won Grand Prix Not afraid of going under the needle
- McGregor samples Liverpool nightlife at Empire club as UFC star continues to enjoy city after cutting loose at Grand National Time off from training
- Chelsea forward Hazard enjoys a day off with his brother in Hungary Day after scoring in Premier League win over Bournemouth
- Kuchar celebrates hole-in-one by giving his ball to a delighted young fan at Augusta There are few sweeter feelings in golf than hitting a hole-in-one
- Manchester City star Jesus enjoys day out in Manchester The Brazilian could make a comeback from injury for FA Cup semi-final
- Sturridge hangs out with Stormzy and Tinie Tempah Sturridge enjoys time with music stars after making first team return
- Diego, who? Mourinho baffled by Forlan chants during Sunderland victory United fans sang 'Diego, Diego' - in reference to their former striker
- Hamilton shows off his new tattoo of Chinese symbols on the same day he won the Grand Prix in Shanghai Hamilton shows off new artwork on his body
- McGregor doesn't disappoint fans who turned up to see him at a wild Grand National after party in Liverpool Big expectations were met on April 8
- Sturridge shows off new gold grills as he joins Liverpool team-mates for Clyne's birthday bash It was quite an entrance to Playground Nightclub
- Terry sends message to 'great man' Wilshere Wilshere has shared a signed shirt enscribed with a touching message he received from his former England team-mate
- Hamilton and Verstappen share light-hearted podium joke after Brit seals fifth Chinese Grand Prix win Hamilton referred Dutch star as a 'young dude'
- Giovinazzi endures miserable Chinese GP weekend as Sauber driver crashes in both qualifying and the race It was a weekend to forget for the 23-year-old
- Neymar shown bizarre yellow card for tying laces... and then gets sent off as Barcelona suffer shock defeat Blow for star during La Liga trip to Malaga
- Player shares the secrets of eternal youth and the reason why Rory McIlroy can be golf's new leader OLIVER HOLT: Don't make the mistake of thinking that he's retired
- Adams wins on professional debut against Carcamo JEFF POWELL AT THE MANCHESTER ARENA: The Olympic golden girl made a winning start
- McGregor takes private jet to Liverpool for Grand National before UFC star makes nightclub appearance He travelled in style to watch the spectacle
- Ronaldo gets his kit off and shares naked photoshoot with fans He's always in the spotlight and now Ronaldo has revealed all to the camera... literally!
- Manchester United star Jones enjoys day out at the races on Aintree's Ladies Day Jones is out of action due to injury so headed to the racecourse
- Look away now, Floyd... McGregor shows incredible power as UFC star beats record on punchbag arcade game Footage emerged of his lethal left hand
- Clever-clogs Chiellini graduates from the University of Turin with a Masters degree Juventus defender studied business administration
- Button disqualified from Ironman triathlon... after former F1 world champion went too fast! Button, who is currently McLaren's reserve driver, is a keen triathlete
- Will you aren't! Chelsea copycat Chalobah mimics pal Willian's trick... while wearing his Brazil shirt Midfielder paid his team-mate a fine compliment
- Belotti presented with bizarre crystal rooster by Torino in honour of his form up front for the Italian club Striker hasn't chickened out of a challenge
- Terry hit where it hurts after Luiz takes playful aim at Chelsea captain The skipper took one from the team in training at Cobham but his pal had no sympathy
- It's a boy! Fabregas shares picture of him with newborn son Leonardo Wrote heartfelt message in loving praise of his partner Daniella Semaan
- It's Snoop Dogg at the Masters! Rap superstar hits golf course and parties in Augusta The Doggfather offered up gin and juice to party-goers
- Was this the moment Chelsea manager Conte found out Tottenham had fought back to beat Swansea? Took a moment away from directing his team
- Inside Klitschko's lair in the Alps: Veteran vows to upset Joshua as he reveals he's in prime physique at Austrian training camp Aiming for stunning bout
- Going for gold! Mayweather shows off the bling as a potential showdown with McGregor edges ever closer Will be even richer
- Newcastle players and fans left bemused after match referee Stroud rules out Ritchie's penalty and awards free-kick to Burton Drama at St James' Park
- Southampton replace penalty spot after Arter followed Kane in fluffing his lines at St Mary's They both missed at the same end after the turf gave way
- Ouch, that's got to hurt! Pogba left in a heap after getting hit between the legs Pogba's eased return back into football action did not quite go to plan
- Ronaldo's hidden weapon: Ex-British Olympian Samantha Clayton is the personal trainer keeping the Real superstar in shape Clayton is Liverpool born
- One careful owner, mint condition and just 10,000 miles on the clock... Kyrgios tries to sell his BMW The Australian tennis star posted on Facebook
- Zenit St Petersburg players including ex-Chelsea star Ivanovic pay tribute to victims of metro explosion 14 people lost their lives in a terrorist attack
TRY OUR SPORT QUIZZES
- FOOTBALLERS AS KIDS: Can you guess the famous footballer from a picture of them as a child?
- APPEARANCE RECORD HOLDER: Who has played the most Premier League games at all 20 top-flight clubs?
- MYSTERY FOOTBALLER: Can you guess the players from a list of clubs they played for?
- GUESS THE SCORER: Can you name these 20 blurred out goalscorers?
- CARETAKER MANAGERS: Can you name these 20 Premier League caretaker managers?
- SPOT THE BALL: Put your football knowledge to the test in our spot the ball challenge
- RECORD PREMIER LEAGUE SCORERS: Do you know the record Premier League scorer at each top-flight club?
- EUROPEAN CLUB BADGES: How well do you know the badges of the big European football clubs from a cropped in image?
- TATTOOS: Can you identify these footballers from their tattoos?
- FRANK LAMPARD: How well do you know Frank Lampard's career?
- SQUAD SHIRT NUMBERS: Can you remember the first squad numbers these star players wore at the following clubs?
- GOAL CELEBRATIONS: Guess the footballer from a silhouette of his goal celebration
- AFCON 2017 TEAM NICKNAMES: Can you identify the nickames of all 16 sides competing in this year's Africa Cup of Nations?
- PREMIER LEAGUE STADIUMS: Are you able to identify all 20 Premier League stadiums from a single obscure picture?
- CELEBRITY FOOTBALL FANS: Which football team do each of these 20 celebrities support?
- OLD FOOTBALL STRIPS: Can you guess the football team from a shocking old kit of theirs in our entertaining quiz?
- FOOTBALLER HAIRCUTS: Can you identify the footballers from just a picture of their hair?
- FOOTBALLER CAREER PATH: Identify the 20 footballers from a list of every club they played for
- FORMULA ONE: Test your Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg knowledge in our tough quiz before their Formula One title decider
- MANCHESTER UNITED VS ARSENAL RIVALRY: How well do you know the history of Manchester United vs Arsenal?
- PREMIER LEAGUE MASCOTS: See if you can identify all 20 Premier League mascots in our brilliant quiz
- PREMIER LEAGUE SHIRT SPONSORS: How well do you know Premier League shirt sponsors? See if you can identify all 20
- FORGOTTEN PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS: Guess the Premier League clubs managed by these 20 men you may have forgotten
- PREMIER LEAGUE BADGES: How well do you know your Premier League badges? See if you can identify all 20 of the zoomed-in images
FOOTBALL NEWS
Barton picks PFA Team of the Year with Hazard and Alli backed for individual awards... but who else is in?
Burnley midfielder Joey Barton has revealed his picks for the PFA awards later this month, backing Chelsea star Eden Hazard to scoop the Player of the Year and tipping Tottenham's Dele Alli to win the Young Player of the Year. Barton, who has made 16 appearances for the Clarets since returning on a free transfer in January, has come up against both players at Turf Moor this year, and has been impressed by their consistent displays. The 34-year-old took to social media to share his Team of the Year with his Twitter followers, with four Spurs and four Chelsea players named in the side.
Former Spurs midfielder Paulinho condemned by Guangzhou Evergrande for betting ad with Japanese porn star
The Brazilian, who now plies his trade for Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, failed to notify his club of his commercial exploits and now finds himself under scrutiny from the Chinese side. Both pornography and betting are illegal in China, but the 28-year-old insisted he was unaware of the occupation of his co-star in the advert and has since terminated his agreement with the betting firm.
Chelsea players in good spirits as they train ahead of Manchester United clash... and even boss Conte joins in the fun
If Chelsea's players were feeling nervous for their clash with Manchester United on Sunday, they weren't showing it in training. There were plenty of smiles about at the Blues' Cobham training facility, with Spanish duo Pedro and Marcos Alonso giving the camera a smile and thumbs up as they emerged from the changing room. Manager Antonio Conte also looked in a good mood, and he even joined in at one stage, playing a composed low pass when under pressure from David Luiz - more than many Premier League forwards have managed this season.
Schweinsteiger and wife Ivanovic cosy up in matching jerseys at Chicago Blackhawks game
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic appear to be settling into their new life in Chicago, with the pair pictured in matching jerseys at an NHL game on Thursday. With Ivanovic retired and Schweinsteiger having signed for MLS side Chicago Fire, the sporting couple have moved stateside together. And they appear to be enjoying their new life, as they headed to watch Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Thursday evening.
Knockaert blow! Brighton move step closer to promotion as Seagulls soar at Wolves
PETER LANSLEY AT MOLINEUX: The party poppers are poised for Monday as Brighton’s promotion festivities moved tantalisingly within reach two goals from Anthony Knockaert. Should Huddersfield, having delayed Brighton’s celebrations by beating Preston yesterday, drop points at Derby on Monday, then victory over Wigan will confirm Brighton’s promotion.
Sturridge's Liverpool future remains in doubt after Klopp gives no assurance he will stay at Anfield
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Mills' Royal Challengers Bangalore fall just short despite Kohli return and Badree hat-trick as Pollard steers Mumbai Indians home
English overseas star Tymal Mills and the RCB side were boosted by the return of skipper Virat Kohli, who notched up a quintessentially classy 62 after he lost the toss. He was ably assisted by overseas stars Chris Gayle (22) and AB De Villiers (19) as the hosts set 142-5 off their allotted 20 overs. RCB's star spinner Samuel Badree opened up for Kohli's side and set about destructing the visitors' top order.
I love Pac-Man! Barrett shows off striking tattoo of Pacquiao vs Marquez ahead of British title clash with Cardle
Robbie Barrett showed off his eye-catching tattoo of Manny Pacquaio and Juan Manuel Marquez ahead of his British lightweight title challenge against Scott Cardle. The pair clash on the undercard of Ricky Burns' unification clash with undefeated Namibian Julius Indongo on Saturday. And at Friday's weigh-in in Glasgow, Barrett paid tribute to two of the greatest fighters of recent decades with a striking tattoo on his chest.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Berlusconi arrived at AC Milan in a helicopter 31 years ago with deep pockets and huge dreams... he leaves with 29 trophies after restoring a sleeping giant
SHERIDAN BIRD: Media magnate Silvio Berlusconi, who sold AC Milan to Chinese group Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux for around £630m on Thursday, first took control of his boyhood team in 1986. One of Italy's most ambitious, wealthiest men even back then, he was determined to restore Milan to the heights of world football. And the 50-year-old yearned to do it with a panache and sophistication hitherto unseen in calcio.