England

Andre Villas-Boas's side take on the Black Cats knowing that even a victory may not be enough to secure that all important Champions League berth. Check in to Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland Live Stream Click the link below for Tott...
Andre Villas-Boas's side take on the Black Cats knowing that even a victory may not be enough to secure that all important Champions League berth. Check in to Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland Live Stream Click the link below for Tottenham vs Sunderland live streaming. Tottenham vs Sunderland Live Streaming Preview Andre Villas-Boas admits Tottenham go into the final game of the season against Sunderland bracing themselves for yet more Champions League disappointment on Sunday. After appearing secure in the top four when they were seven points clear of Arsenal in March, Villas-Boas's side welcome Sunderland to White Hart Lane knowing even a victory may not be enough to clinch a place in Europe's premier club competition. Lying fifth, a point behind Arsenal, Spurs could again be left frustrated 12 months after being denied entry to the Champions League despite finishing fourth when Chelsea claimed the final spot as holders of the trophy. To add to their frustration, a win against Sunderland will mean they end the season with 72 points, the club's highest ever Premier League tally. "In the past it would have been enough to make it," said Villas-Boas. "It would have been enough apart from the 2007/08 season when the fourth-placed team (Liverpool) finished with 76 points. "I think what it represents, if we don't achieve it, is one more sign that you have to push up to get closer to that group. "Whenever that group is competing for titles, the reference of points will be higher and you have to improve and you have to get more points the next time. "Our step at the moment is to be into the Champions League, probably not title contenders but we hope to be competitive next season if we manage to do things properly in the summer. "You have to strengthen for next season to get a higher tally of points." If Tottenham are to improve their challenge next season, they will have to strengthen and Villas-Boas admitted he is an admirer of David Villa, the Barcelona striker who has been linked with the north London club. "He is one of the world's best strikers," Villas-Boas said. "You can see that speculation is growing but at the moment we are focused on trying to get fourth spot." Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio is already looking ahead to pre-season after insisting there can be no repeat of his team's narrow escape from relegation. The Wearside club were only guaranteed an eighth consecutive campaign in the top flight by Wigan's midweek defeat at Arsenal, which condemned the Latics to the Championship. Sunderland have taken eight points in the six games since Di Canio took charge at the end of March to help them keep out of the bottom three, and the former West Ham forward said: "We're safe, but there are no celebrations. The hard work starts now. "We have a chance to build something for the future with the players we've got, and others that will join in the summer, but it won't be easy. It's a new start. We'll have the players back in for a couple of days next week before their holidays, then we start looking towards pre-season. "That first month together as a squad before the season starts is crucial. You're with each other morning, afternoon, morning, afternoon and you really get to know each other. "It's a crucial time for a manager when shaping the squad." Sunderland, who have won once in 29 years at White Hart Lane, are without suspended duo Stephane Sessegnon and Craig Gardner. Skipper Lee Cattermole and defenders Wes Brown and Titus Bramble are all sidelined through injury. Di Canio, who has threatened to cut his players' summer holidays short if they fail to perform in their final match of the season, is unlikely to blood any of the young Sunderland players he has named on the bench in recent weeks. Venue White Hart Lane, Sunday 4pm Buy Sunderland match tickets from season ticket holders who can't make it. StubHub - the official ticket marketplace of Sunderland AFC Last season Tottenham
score: 1 11 minutes ago
Michael Laudrup's Swansea City side entertain visitors from West London. Check in to Swansea City vs Fulham Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Venue Liberty Stad...
Michael Laudrup's Swansea City side entertain visitors from West London. Check in to Swansea City vs Fulham Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Venue Liberty Stadium, Sunday 4pm Tickets Here Last season Swansea 2 Fulham 0 Referee Lee Mason This season's matches 23 Y78, R3, 3.52 cards per game Swansea Subs from Cornell, Tremmel, Bartley, Tate, Monk, Lamah, Shechter, Moore, Rangel, Davies, Agustien, Donnelly Doubtful Vorm (concussion) Injured Ki (hip, Aug) Suspended None Form guide LWDLDD Disciplinary record Y57 R2 Leading scorer Michu 18 Fulham Subs from Etheridge, Riise, Rodallega, Manolev, Baird, Frimpong, Senderos, Frei, Na Banga, Petric, Banya, Donegan Doubtful None Injured Davies (hip, Aug), Dejagah (ankle, Aug), Diarra (knee, Aug), Richardson (hamstring, Aug) Suspended Sidwell (last of four) Form guide LLLLLD Disciplinary record Y47 R3 Leading scorer Berbatov 14 STAT-ATTACK Head-to-head Swansea have beaten Fulham in all three of their Premier League meetings, conceding just one goal. Prior to that, the Swans had beaten Fulham just once in 13 meetings in all competitions dating back to 1990. This is the 63rd meeting between the sides. Fulham have won 30 times, Swansea 22 and there have been 10 draws. Swansea Swansea have taken just six points from their last nine games (W1 D3 L5), putting them below the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland, Norwich and Wigan in the form table. The Swans have not beaten a side in the top half of the table since defeating Arsenal on 1 December. If they beat Fulham on Sunday it will mean that each of their last six league wins have been against clubs now in the bottom half of the table. Swansea are one of only two teams this season yet to win a penalty (alongside Tottenham). Charlton in 2004-05 were the last side to go a whole Premier League season without winning a penalty. Just 11% of Swansea's goals (five of 47) have come from set-pieces this season, which is the lowest ratio in the Premier League. Swansea have scored the highest percentage of goals (70%) in the second half of matches in the league this season. Fulham Fulham have lost five successive Premier League games. They have only lost six in a row once before in the competition - between February and March 2002. Eleven of Dimitar Berbatov's 14 league goals for Fulham have come before half-time. Only Clint Dempsey has scored more goals (17 last season) in a single Premier League season for the club. They have thrown away 23 points from winning positions and gained just five from losing positions this season. Fulham's record of four points from their last eight games puts them 19th in the form table with only relegated QPR below them.
score: 1 17 minutes ago
The Saints host the Potters at St Mary's. Check in to Southampton FC vs Stoke City Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Venue St Mary's Stadium, Sunday 4pm Ticket...
The Saints host the Potters at St Mary's. Check in to Southampton FC vs Stoke City Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Venue St Mary's Stadium, Sunday 4pm Tickets Here Last season n/a Referee Lee Probert This season's matches 23 Y77, R5, 3.57 cards per game Southampton Subs from K Davis, Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, Richardson, Mayuka, Stephens, Puncheon, De Ridder Doubtful De Ridder (calf), Do Prado (knock), Forren (thigh), Lambert (back), Shaw (illness) Injured Chaplow (ankle, Aug) Suspended Fox (last of three), Ramírez (last of three) Form guide DLLDDW Disciplinary record Y43 R2 Leading scorer Lambert 14 Stoke Subs from Nash, Sorensen, Cameron, Palacios, Jones, Owen, Ness, Kightly, Shea, Wilkinson, Jerome, Lund Doubtful Shea (calf), Whelan (groin) Injured None Suspended Adam (one match) Form guide LDWWLL Disciplinary record Y79 R4 Leading scorer Walters 8 STAT-ATTACK Head-to-head Southampton are unbeaten on the last seven occasions that they have hosted Stoke (W6, D1). Stoke's last win at Southampton was a 2-1 win at The Dell in 1980. Southampton Southampton have not won any of their last five matches. scoring just two goals in those games. The Saints have dropped a league-high tally of 29 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season. Southampton have not been in the top half of the table at all this season, but only seven other Premier League clubs have scored more than their tally of 58 goals in this campaign. Frank Lampard (15) is the only English player to have scored more Premier League goals than Rickie Lambert (14) this season, but the Saints striker is currently on a run of nine hours and 24 minutes without a league goal. Stoke Stoke will finish the season with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally although they could end it in their highest-ever position. Only rock-bottom QPR have scored fewer league goals than Stoke this season. The two sides are the only top-flight clubs to average less than a goal a game. Stoke have committed the most fouls (478) and been given the most yellow cards (76) in the Premier League this season. Marc Wilson could make his 100th appearance for Stoke, and Glenn Whelan his 200th.
score: 1 21 minutes ago
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side travel to St James' Park in search of that all important top four spot. Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal Live Stream Click link below for Newcastle United vs Arsenal live streaming. Newcastle Uni...
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side travel to St James' Park in search of that all important top four spot. Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal Live Stream Click link below for Newcastle United vs Arsenal live streaming. Newcastle United vs Arsenal Live Streaming Preview Arsene Wenger insists he would have been happy to see Arsenal's Champions League hopes go to the final day when his side appeared out of the race for a top four finish earlier this season. Wenger's side trailed Tottenham by seven points in March, but now play their final fixture at Newcastle on Sunday knowing victory will guarantee they finish at least fourth and secure a spot in the Champions League qualification rounds. Should Chelsea fail to beat Everton, they could yet finish third, possibly via a play-off if the two clubs finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored. The uncertainty ensures there will be some nerves at St James' Park. But Gunners boss Wenger said: "I know for a long time that for us, when we were seven points behind, we would all be happy that it goes to the last day. "We are in a position where nobody expected us to be. We have our destiny in our hands, our fate in our hands and that's what you fight for in the game. "It is a game that we will now want to win but at least we fought back to be in a position where we master our own fate." Asked about the prospect of a play-off with Chelsea, he added: "I would fancy that. A play-off exists only if win our game, so let's win the game and see what happens. "The biggest task is to win the game and not speculate too much on what happens after because the first compulsory thing we face is to win the game on Sunday." Wenger also revealed he is close to signing Auxerre forward Yaya Sanogo. "We are advanced with him, but it is not done," he said. "I am very confident. "He is a young striker who is promising, and has a big talent." Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta is set to miss the game with a calf problem suffered against Wigan in midweek, while Wenger remains unsure whether Jack Wislhere is ready to complete a full 90 minutes, with the England midfielder due to have an ankle operation at the end of the season. However, French striker Olivier Giroud returns for the Gunners after serving a three-match suspension. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has challenged his players to end a turbulent season on a high by playing a part in frustrating Arsenal's Champions League hopes. Pardew's side have conceded nine goals in their last two home games, and were humbled 7-3 at the Emirates Stadium in December. They only sealed their Premier League future with victory last weekend at QPR, but could finish as high as 10th if they inflict the Gunners' first defeat on Tyneside since 2006. "It's very important to go out by putting in a good performance for our fans," Pardew said. "The last couple of home games have been tough for us, and there's something riding on the game for Arsenal which I think is good for us." Pardew was forced to clarify his comments after suggesting tongue in cheek this week that he didn't mind if his side suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Wenger's men. "I've had a few Tottenham fans remind me about that comment, but it was made purely out of relief after the victory at QPR, and was definitely tongue in cheek," he added. Steve Harper, the 38-year-old goalkeeper who will leave in the summer, plays his 199th and final game for Newcastle as he brings the curtain down on a near two-decade spell at the club. "He's been a great servant of this club and an absolutely superb professional," Pardew said. Venue St James' Park, Sunday 4pm Tickets Here Last season Newcastle 0 Arsenal 0 Referee Howard Webb This season's matches 29 Y106, R4, 3.79 cards per game Newcastle Subs from Alnwick, Santon, Amalfitano, Perch, Williamson, Bigirimana, Anita, Campbell, Sammy Ameobi, Marveaux Doubtful Marveaux (groin), Santon (hamstring), Tioté (hamstring) Injur
score: 1 25 minutes ago
Brian Kidd takes charge of Man City as they host the Canaries at the Etihad Stadium. Check in to Manchester City vs Norwich City Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Previe...
Brian Kidd takes charge of Man City as they host the Canaries at the Etihad Stadium. Check in to Manchester City vs Norwich City Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Venue Etihad Stadium, Sunday 4pm Tickets Here Last season Man City 5 Norwich 1 Referee Mark Halsey This season's matches 17 Y38, R2, 2.35 cards per game Manchester City Subs from Pantilimon, Wright, Maicon, Richards, Nastasic, Kolarov, Razak, Milner, Rodwell, García, Dzeko, Guidetti Doubtful Agüero (knock) Injured Sinclair (blod clot, Aug), K Touré (knee, Aug) Suspended None Form guide WWDWLW Disciplinary record Y62 R3 Leading scorer Dzeko 14 Norwich Subs from Bunn, Camp, Steer, Whittaker, Jackson, Fox, E Bennett, Becchio, Tettey, Barnett, Tierney, Butterfield, Francomb Doubtful None Injured Surman (knee, Aug), Turner (groin, Aug) Suspended None Form guide WLLWLD Disciplinary record Y60 R1 Leading scorer Holt 7 STAT-ATTACK Head-to-head There have been 20 goals in the last three meetings between the sides, with Manchester City scoring 15 of them. Norwich have only beaten Manchester City once in the Premier League (W1, D4, L6). That victory came at Carrow Road back in February 1993. Man City Man City have conceded 31 goals this season, six fewer than any other Premier League side, but four more than they had let in at this stage last season. Man City have lost just one home match in this season's Premier League - that was to champions Manchester United in December. With one game to go, Man City have eight points fewer than they did at this stage last season (78:86). Man City will end the season with the most clean sheets in the Premier League. They currently have 18, having not conceded in their last three league games. Norwich The Canaries have the worst current away form in the Premier League, with just one point from their last five away matches. They have not an away win in the league for nine games (D2, L7). Norwich put four past West Brom last weekend but only two teams (QPR and Stoke) have scored fewer goals than the Canaries' total of 38 in this season's Premier League. They have three points fewer than they did at this stage last season, but are a position higher in the league (12th).
score: 1 31 minutes ago
Liverpool take on QPR in Jamie Carragher's Anfield farewell. Check in to Liverpool vs QPR Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers ad...
Liverpool take on QPR in Jamie Carragher's Anfield farewell. Check in to Liverpool vs QPR Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits there is no way that Jamie Carragher will bow out quietly when he plays his final game before retirement against QPR on Sunday. Carragher, 35, has spent his whole career at Anfield, winning the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups, and the Merseyside-born star will fittingly bow out as captain for his 737th and last appearance for the Reds. The former England defender started the season behind Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger in Rodgers' plans. But in recent months he has played his way back into the team and has finished the season in impressive form. And Rodgers claims Carragher has been training as hard as ever despite the imminent end to his career. "He's in the final week of his career, going into the game against QPR at 35 years of age," Rodgers said. "He knows he's retiring, but after training on Thursday he was still in the gymnasium, preparing himself with the same commitment that he has shown his entire career. "He could have had a lazy day. He could have had a bit of lunch and then shot home, but he was in the gym preparing his body and doing his core work, his flexibility and preparing himself to the maximum to be his best. "And that says it all about him; that at the end of his career, he is still preparing as if it was his first game. "He knows the intensity and the passion and the quality that is needed because he has been there." Luis Suarez is suspended and defenders Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Martin Kelly are all set to miss out through illness and injury, while Raheem Sterling, Joe Allen and captain Steven Gerrard are also absent. The Reds have lost just once in their last 12 matches and Rodgers is confident he will be able to make greater strides next term with several signings likely in the close-season. The January arrivals of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho have already made a major difference and Rodgers, whose team are certain to finish seventh, is optimistic about closing the gap at the top of the table. "Ultimately we want to be challenging for trophies and being consistent at the top of the league," he said. "This season was always going to be the season for building our base in order to achieve those objectives. As the season has gone on, we've become better. "The scouts are leaving no stone unturned in terms of the work they are carrying out in order to get us the players we need to improve." Meanwhile, QPR's trip to Anfield will draw a line under a disastrous campaign for the west Londoners, with relegation to the Championship inevitable long before it was finally confirmed. Boss Harry Redknapp has already committed himself to the club and is hoping to stage a major overhaul of the squad before their promotion bid begins in August. "We need to change things here to give ourselves a chance of trying to mount a challenge for next season because it won't be easy," he said. "We need a group who will be good enough to compete at the top of the Championship. We certainly weren't good enough to compete in the Premier League. "I'd like the changes to be extensive because the club needs changing. The team that's here hasn't been good enough and would struggle to get out of the Championship next season. "I'm confident we can mount a challenge next season, but it won't be easy. The Championship is full of big clubs - clubs bigger than QPR, like Leeds United." French striker Loic Remy is available for selection despite being arrested on suspicion of rape earlier in the week. A QPR spokesperson said: "The club can confirm he's training and will be available for selection." Venue Anfield, Sunday 4pm Tickets Here Last season Liverpool 1 QPR 0 Referee Martin Atkinson This season's matches 23 Y86, R1, 3.78 cards per game
score: 1 37 minutes ago
The Blues host the Toffees as David Moyes and Rafa Benitez take charge of their last fixtures in charge of their respective clubs. Check in to Chelsea vs Everton Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League l...
The Blues host the Toffees as David Moyes and Rafa Benitez take charge of their last fixtures in charge of their respective clubs. Check in to Chelsea vs Everton Live Stream Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV Preview Rafael Benitez hopes to bid farewell to Chelsea by securing a victory over Everton on Sunday which would guarantee third spot in the Premier League and automatic qualification for the Champions League. After returning from Amsterdam this week with the Europa League trophy following a dramatic final win over Benfica, much-maligned interim boss Benitez can give Chelsea one more leaving present with three points at Stamford Bridge. Should Chelsea lose, however, there is the possibility they could be overhauled by Arsenal who travel to Newcastle while a scoreless draw against Everton -- managed by David Moyes for the last time before his move to Manchester United -- combined with a 2-1 Gunners victory raises the unlikely possibility of a play-off for third place. "We have to approach the day for us thinking about to win and after see what happens," Benitez said. "We have to concentrate on what we can do and try to win our game. We have been working so hard in the season that it would be a pity if we could not finish in the top three. "We will try to win and we won't consider any other option. If we have to do it, these are the rules, but we will try to avoid the situation. I have confidence we will do it." Benitez's departure will not be mourned by many of those Chelsea supporters who opposed his appointment as Roberto Di Matteo's successor in November and are anxious to see Jose Mourinho return to the club. But he believes whoever replaces him will inherit a team on the up and he admitted it would be frustrating to walk away from a group of players he has helped develop. "It's a very good group of players and I think the club will add some new players," Benitez said. "I am sure they will try to improve and the team will be better because they will have more experience, and new players can come in and push. "The problem we had this year was too many games. Two games a week for the whole season is difficult to see the real level. If you played less competition, I think you can manage better and with fresh legs win even more games. "For me it's always sad when you have a group growing, improving and winning, and then you have to go." For Moyes, this week has also been a time for reflection and the Everton manager admits the club's failure to reach more cup finals under his stewardship is one of the few regrets of his 11 years in charge. Everton got to the FA Cup final in 2009 where they lost to Chelsea, but that was their only appearance in a major final under Moyes and that still rankles with him. "There aren't too many regrets," Moyes said. "But maybe that we didn't get to more cup finals. And perhaps that we couldn't get closer more consistently to the teams at the top. "We have also had some down times and whoever takes over at Everton will have some of them as well. "It is not plain sailing here because you are having to play at your best continually if you are going to try and keep up with the top teams." Everton's search for Moyes' successor is ongoing, although the Scot believes the club may consider an internal appointment. Former players Alan Stubbs, David Weir and Duncan Ferguson are all on the backroom staff at Goodison Park and could come into contention, as could midfielder Phil Neville following his retirement. "Someone from inside will have a little bit more knowledge than someone else coming from the outside," Moyes said. "The people here haven't managed yet, but the only way you can find out if they can do it is to give them an opportunity." Venue Stamford Bridge, Sunday 4pm Buy Everton match tickets from season ticket holders who can't make it. StubHub - the official secondary ticketing partner of Everton FC. Last seaso
score: 1 42 minutes ago
I very rarely write SF because I don’t think I’ve good enough to compete with the likes of the brilliant hard SF writers I admire, like Iain Banks and Paul McCauley, but once in a while I come up with a nice idea that I think...
I very rarely write SF because I don’t think I’ve good enough to compete with the likes of the brilliant hard SF writers I admire, like Iain Banks and Paul McCauley, but once in a while I come up with a nice idea that I think will make a good story. This is the case [...]
score: 1 about 2 hours ago
Stamford Bridge side ready to fork out £30m+ for Old Trafford star. Check in to Chelsea vs Everton Chelsea have set their sights on Man United striker Wayne Rooney and Blues owner Roman Abramovich refuses to be put off by the Old Tra...
Stamford Bridge side ready to fork out £30m+ for Old Trafford star. Check in to Chelsea vs Everton Chelsea have set their sights on Man United striker Wayne Rooney and Blues owner Roman Abramovich refuses to be put off by the Old Trafford side's insistence that the 27 year old will not be sold. The Sunday Mirror believe that Abramovich is willing to spend upwards of £30m to win the race to sign Rooney and is keen to make sure that his West London side are at the front of the queue if the Premier League title holders fail to persuade Rooney to withdraw his transfer request. Chelsea will match Rooney's £250k a week salary as Abramovich fights tooth and nail to bring in the Man United man as he looks to bring in some much needed attacking prowess. Incoming Man United boss David Moyes will look to persuade Rooney to change his mind but given the fractious relationship between the pair, that dates back to when the former Everton youngster left the Goodison Park side in contentious circumstances, such an attempt seems doomed to failure. Rooney has played a less pivotal role in this season's Premier League title success than in previous triumphs and has been used in a more withdrawn attacking role to accommodate Robin Van Persie. Chelsea are in desperate need of a prolific forward, with Fernando Torres continuing to fail to deliver at least in Premier League terms, the Spaniard managing to score regularly in cup football but going some 16 top flight league games without a goal. Demba Ba has also proved something of a disappointment since his January move to the club, scoring just twice since signing in January. Rooney may be keen on a move back to a central striking role, after all he did manage a career best of 34 goals in that position last season, and has managed just 12 Premier League goals this season in his supporting role. Wayne Rooney is Man United's fourth highest goal-scorer of all time having scored a total of 197 goals for the club. He has been withdrawn from the club's squad for the final game of the season at West Brom.
score: 1 about 8 hours ago
Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal Arsene Wenger saw his most effective goal-scoring option leave for Man United last summer, much to the disarray of Gunners supporters who had seen another established first team player make an all...
Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal Arsene Wenger saw his most effective goal-scoring option leave for Man United last summer, much to the disarray of Gunners supporters who had seen another established first team player make an all too predictable exit, and the Arsenal boss opted to bring in Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podoslki to help make up for the loss of the Dutchman. Though both players have made an impact in their first seasons at the North London club their combined total of 22 goals from 65 appearances, compared to Van Persie's 25 goals from 34 Premier League starts for Man United, Wenger is still missing a truly prolific marksman to spearhead his attack. Here are five possible summer signings who could help fill the void. 5. Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem) For all the big names that have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months, Wayne Rooney being the most recent that turned heads, Arsene Wenger is better known for bringing in lesser known names for a fraction of the price some big-name stars would cost. With that in mind a move to Ivory Coast international Bony may be a possibility. The powerful 24 year old forward has been a massive success since moving to the Dutch Eredivisie from Sparta Prague two and a half years ago, netting 12 goals in his first full season in Holland and an astonishing 31 top tier goals this term. Strong running with a physique that could lend itself to life in the Premier League, Bony may be an option worth considering. 4. David Villa (Barcelona) A known Wenger target and a player, though older than a usual Arsenal signing, who can still make an impact at the highest level. Arsene Wenger had initially hoped to bring in the former Valencia man to the Emirates Stadium in January but Villa had opted to fight for a regular berth in Tito Vilanova's first team set-up but has continued to find himself out of the Barcelona manager's starting eleven and is now ready to leave the Nou Camp. Villa has been handed just 14 La Liga starts thus far this season but has still managed to net nine goals whilst the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Pedro have tended to get the nod ahead of the 31 year old marksman. David Villa is the Spanish national team's record goal-scorer and the striker is keen to retain a spot in Vicente del Bosque's plans and as such needs to be playing regularly, this is of course all the more relevant given the 2014 World Cup finals are around the corner. A good short to mid-term solution. 3. Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) The young Belgian has something that no one else on this list of possible signings has, a proven Premier League goal-scoring record. The 22 year old has managed 19 top tier goals for an Aston Villa side who have been at the wrong end of the table for almost the entire campaign, imagine what he could do for a top four chasing side! Paul Lambert won't want to lose the former Racing Genk man but if Arsenal were to mount a concerted effort to lure the big striker then the Midlands side could struggle to retain his services. Wouldn't cost a fortune, perhaps no more than double the £7m Aston Villa spent on his services a year ago. 2. Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina) Depending on which report you read you may be led to believe that Arsenal have pretty much already sewn up the signing of the Montenegro international and the Fiorentina man could well be a perfect player to fill the Robin Van Persie void. 26 goals in 57 Serie A appearances in his last two seasons is a good, if not spectacular, return but the young attacker offers a lot more than just goals and has grown into a central striking role and could perhaps move up another gear if he were to make the move to the Premier League. The 23 year old would appear to be the most likely of the five on this list to join Arsenal and appears to be a signing Gunners fans would welcome. 1. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) Of the players named on this list the Argentine has th
score: 1 about 9 hours ago