Team News: Neymar returns to Barcelona lineup

Brazilian striker Neymar returns to the Barcelona team after missing the start of the season with mumps.
The forward completes the Barca frontline alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez by replacing Rafinha, who drops to the bench.
Gerard Pique continues to serve his suspension after being sent off in the second leg of the Spanish Supercup final defeat to Athletic Bilbao, so Thomas Vermaelen again starts in defence.
For Malaga, captain Weligton returns after suspension in the heart of defence, but Ignacio Camacho is not fit to start.
Barcelona: Bravo; Roberto, Mascherano, Vermaelen, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Subs:Ter Stegen, Bartra, Mathieu, Gumbau, Rafinha, Munir, Sandro
Malaga: Kameni; Rosales, Angeleri, Weligton, Torres; Horta Recio, Tissone, Juankar; Amrabat, Cop

Source: http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/barcelona/team-news/team-news-neymar-returns-to-barcelona-lineup_242698.html

Arsene Wenger: 'Aleksandar Mitrovic deserved his red card'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic can have no complaints over his red card at St James's Park today.
United had an uphill task from early on after Mitrovic, a £13m summer signing from Anderlecht, was given a straight red for a lunge on Francis Coquelin after 16 minutes.
The visitors went on to win 1-0 courtesy of Fabricio Coloccini's second-half own goal, and Wenger says that the Serbian forward deserved to be sent off.

Slaven Bilic: "We parked the bus"

Slaven Bilic has admitted that West Ham United "parked the bus" in their 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
The Hammers opened the scoring just three minutes into the tie when Manuel Lanzini found the back of the net.
The manager told BBC Sport: "We played good, we started well. We were well organised, and had a plan. The players worked to the plan perfectly. Their movement, concentration and possession was top level.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hunting "exceptional" signing

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he will only strengthen Arsenal in the remaining days of the transfer window if an "exceptional" talent is available.
Despite being linked with a host of players throughout the summer, goalkeeper Petr Cech has been the only arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Although the Frenchman is "open" to signings before the window shuts on Tuesday, the 65-year-old insists that he will not buy for the sake of it.

Report: Real Madrid planning David de Gea signing presentation despite no deal

Real Madrid hope to complete the signing of David de Gea and present the Spain international goalkeeper to the media next Tuesday, a new report claims.
AS suggests that Los Blancos are preparing a signing presentation for the Manchester United keeper, who will be in Spain next week on international duty, but are still working on a deal due to the difference in valuation between the two clubs.

Report: Manchester United to make £73m Arjen Robben bid

Manchester United will make a £73m bid for Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, according to reports.
The Red Devils were believed to be interested in signing Spanish winger Pedro, but he moved to Chelsea last week.

Report: Everton reject Paris Saint-Germain bid for Seamus Coleman

Everton have turned down a bid from Paris Saint-Germain for defender Seamus Coleman, according to reports.
The French champions are believed to have offered a player-plus-cash deal worth £20m but talkSPORT claims that the Toffees have rejected the approach.
The 26-year-old has played for Everton since 2009, after signing from Irish club Sligo Rovers for £60k.
Everton are also reportedly determined to keep hold of defender John Stones, who has been linked with Chelsea throughout the summer.

Source: http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/everton/transfer-talk/news/everton-reject-psg-seamus-coleman-bid_242482.html

Result: Bakary Sako, Joel Ward humble sorry Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Crystal Palace spoiled Jose Mourinho's 100th Premier League home game as Chelsea manager by defeating the reigning champions 2-1 at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The Blues had looked on course to win at least a point when Radamel Falcao cancelled out Bakary Sako's opener on 80 minutes to open his account for the West Londoners.
However, Joel Ward was on hand to head home the winner a minute later in a defeat that leaves that Mourinho's men eight points behind Manchester City already.

The champions, fresh from a first win of the season at West Bromwich Albion last week, toiled in the first quarter against a resolute Palace defence.
However, Pedro, who marked his debut with a goal at The Hawthorns, was very nearly on target again as he curled just wide of the post on 19 minutes.

Result: Ten-man Liverpool suffer first defeat with West Ham United setback

West Ham United have inflicted a first defeat of the Premier League season on Liverpool by beating the 10-man Reds 3-0 at Anfield this afternoon.
First-half goals from Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble gave the visitors a commanding half-time lead, before Philippe Coutinho's red card early in the second period steepened the hosts' task.
Noble also saw red in the final 12 minutes, but Brendan Rodgers's side - who had won seven points in their first three outings - failed to ignite a comeback bid and Diafra Sakho completed the rout late on.

Visiting manager Slaven Bilic could hardly have wished for a better start as the visitors - who came to Anfield on the back of successive home defeats - moved ahead inside three minutes.
Lanzini, who replaced the recently-released Kevin Nolan in the first XI, justified his selection by nipping in ahead of Joe Gomez to slot Aaron Cresswell's cross past Simon Mignolet.
Irked by conceding their first goal of the season, the Reds responded well and Roberto Firmino sent a long-range drive against the post on eight minutes in a fast-and-furious start to the contest on Merseyside

Manuel Pellegrini happy with Raheem Sterling contribution

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is happy with Raheem Sterling after the forward scored his first goal for the club in today's 2-0 victory over Watford.
Sterling opened the scoring for City just after the break before Fernandinho doubled the lead 10 minutes later.
"It was not frustrating in the first half," Pellegrini told BBC Sport. "You can't expect to win the game inside 45 minutes against a team who defends well. We made some changes and we created more chances and won the game.

On This Day: Cristiano Ronaldo scores on Real Madrid debut

When spending £80m on a superstar forward, breaking the previous transfer record in order to push the deal through, a lot is expected of that player. Time to settle is out of the equation - he is there for the here and now, rather than the future.
A case in point in many ways is Gareth Bale, whose impressive debut campaign - scoring crucial goals in two major cup finals - was not enough for him to truly win over Real Madrid supporters.
Finding the net occasionally was all well and good, but they wanted more. That has been no such problem for Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who made his long-awaited La Liga debut for the Spanish giants on this day in 2009.

Two months after seeing the transfer saga draw to a close, with Manchester United finally relenting and allowing their superstar forward join his dream club, Ronaldo was able to put on the famous Los Blancos shirt and run out for a slice of competitive action.

Thiago Motta signs Paris Saint-Germain extension

Thiago Motta has signed a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain to remain with the current French champions until the end of the 2016-17 season.
The Italian had been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid after failing to agree a new deal at Parc des Princes, but contract talks have continued throughout the summer.
In a brief statement, the Ligue 1 leaders confirmed that the midfielder's new agreement adds a further year to his deal with the side.
Motta, who joined PSG from Inter Milan in 2012, has won three league titles during his spell with the club.

Source: http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/psg/transfer-talk/news/thiago-motta-signs-psg-extension_242468.html

Report: Celtic want Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett on season-long loan

Celtic are hoping to take Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett on loan for the season, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is believed to be in Glasgow to attend the Bhoys' Scottish Premiership match against St Johnstone on Saturday, and the Daily Record claims that they will discuss a temporary move with a view to a permanent transfer.

Borussia Dortmund bid for Lorient's Raphael Guerreiro rejected?

Borussia Dortmund have had a bid for Raphael Guerreiro rejected by Lorient, according to reports.
The French club have turned down an offer believed to be around €8m (£.581m) from the Bundesliga side but according to L'Equipe, Lorient are holding out for €15m (£10.89m).
Dortmund are looking to add to their options at full-back with Eric Durm out injured and Guerriero would provide competition for Marcel Schmelzer.

Ivan Perisic 'in Italy for Inter Milan medical'

Ivan Perisic has landed in Italy ahead of a medical with Inter Milan, according to reports.
The Nerazzurri have reportedly agreed a loan deal with a mandatory option to buy for €20m (£14.5m) with Wolfsburg and according to Football Italia, the 26-year-old will sign a five-year deal.
Perisic's agent Tonci Martic confirmed the news to PassioneInter.com, stating: "We reached an agreement deep into the night. This morning he will be in Milan for the medical and to sign a five-year contract."
The Croatian international made 24 appearances for the Bundesliga side last season, scoring five goals.

Source: http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/inter-milan/transfer-talk/news/ivan-perisic-in-italy-for-inter-medical_242616.html

Arsene Wenger: 'FFP is gone after UEFA softened rules'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations "have gone", lamenting the organisation's soft stance on the issue.
UEFA president Michel Platini revealed in May that the regulations could be relaxed, before the restrictions placed on Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were lifted in July.
Wenger says that the fact that clubs have challenged FFP and threatened court action has resulted in UEFA softening the rules, somethign which the Frenchman believes has effectively led to the demise of the policy.

Marco Reus: 'Borussia Dortmund can still improve'

Marco Reus has suggested that there is more to come from Borussia Dortmund as they bid to continue their fine start to the season against Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel's side have won all seven of their competitive matches at the start of his reign, scoring 27 goals in the process.
However, Reus believes that Dortmund can still improve after making such a promising start to the campaign.
"We're now well prepared for our Bundesliga game against Hertha on Sunday," the Germany international told reporters.

Villareal complete signing of Barcelona's Denis Suarez

Villareal have completed the signing of Barcelona's Denis Suarez on a four-year deal, bringing a premature end to the player's two-year loan to Sevilla.
The 21-year-old formed part of the deal which saw Ivan Rakitic join the Spanish champions from Sevilla last summer.

Zenit St Petersburg in talks with Monaco over Moutinho transfer

Zenit St Petersburg director Maxim Mitrofanov revealed he has held talks with Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev regarding the transfer of Joao Moutinho.
The French outfit were knocked out of the final Champions League qualifying round by Valencia this week, losing 4-3 on aggregate to the Spanish side.
"I was pleased to meet my old friend Vasilyev over Moutinho," Mitrofanov told Russian news agency TASS.

Garry Monk: 'We can be positive against Manchester United'

Garry Monk has insisted that Swansea City are confident enough to stick to their usual style when they host Manchester United on Sunday.
Swansea have won three of their last four matches against United, and Monk believes that his side can be positive with their approach as they look to add to the five points they have collected from the opening three games.
"We have done well over the years against the bigger teams in this league and we try to give them something to worry about and impose ourselves," the Swansea boss told reporters. "So we will not go into the game fearing anything when we play United.

Result: Russia's Mariya Kuchina claims high jump gold

The Russian Federation have secured their second gold medal at this year's World Athletics Championships, with Mariya Kuchina winning the women's high jump event.
The field was reduced early on with five athletes failing to clear the second height of 1.92m, including Commonwealth Games bronze medal winner Levern Spencer.
Spencer's Saint Lucia teammate Jeanelle Scheper dropped out at the next height alongside Australia's Eleanor Patterson.
Only three athletes went clear at 2.01m, leaving Kuchina and compatriot Anna Chicherova, along with Croatia's Blanka Vlasic to battle for the gold.

Result: Mo Farah retains 5,000m world title

Great Britain's Mo Farah has successfully defended his 5,000m title at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing, sprinting to victory on the final lap in the Bird's Nest stadium.
After a slow opening kilometre, Tom Farrell came to the front and slowly started to build the pace, while Farah stayed at the back of the field biding his time.
With seven laps to go, Farah started to move up through the field with the pace increasing, with Imane Merga taking over at the front ahead of the defending champion.
Farah finally moved to the front with 1600m remaining, resulting in the Ethiopians and Kenyans attempting to get towards the front, before Commonwealth champion Caleb Ndiku tried to break from the pack.
Ndiku opened up a two-metre gap at the start of the final lap but tired with 250m to go, while Farah had pace to spare, coming past the Kenyan on the home straight before surging clear to secure the gold.
Ndiku held on for silver, while Ethiopia's Hagos Gebrhiwet completed the podium, finishing just in front of teammate Yomif Kejelcha.
The win is Farah's fifth at the world championships, and his second at this meeting following his win in the 10,000m earlier this week.

Source: http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/athletics/team-gb/world-athletics-championships/result/result-mo-farah-retains-5000m-title_242551.html

Result: Belarus's Marina Arzamasova wins 800m gold

Belarus athlete Marina Arzamasova has held on to secure the gold medal in the women's 800m event at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
The 27-year-old led for much of the second lap, before Melissa Bishop of Canada and defending champion Eunice Sum tried to come around the outside, but Arzamasova kept herself just in front to finish in 1:58.03, just nine-hundredths ahead of Bishop.
Great Britain's Shelayna Oskan-Clarke was handily placed after the first lap, but faded on the finishing straight to come in fifth, less than a second behind the winner.
The 25-year-old tried to break with 250m to go, but found herself boxed in by Rababe Arafi of Morocco, who finished fourth.

Source: http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/athletics/belarus/world-athletics-championships/result/result-belaruss-arzamasova-wins-800m-gold_242549.html

Ashton Eaton on course to break decathlon world record

Ashton Eaton has extended his lead in the decathlon competition at the World Athletics Championships, and is on course to break his own world record.
The Olympic and current world champion pulled away from nearest rival Damian Warner after completing a 5.20m pole vault earlier today, while the Canadian could only scale 4.90m.
The American's charge continued in the javelin contest as he launched his first throw 63.63m, putting him ahead of his own world record score after nine events, with just the 1500m still to come.

Floyd Mayweather Jr: 'No second thoughts on retirement'

Floyd Mayweather Jr has insisted that he is looking forward to retiring from the sport after his Las Vegas contest with Andre Berto on September 12.
Earlier this year, Mayweather indicated that he would attempt to reach 49 successive wins before hanging up his gloves, and despite speculation that he will take one more bout to try to progress to 50 victories, the pound-for-pound king has reiterated his previous stance on the matter.