SPORTS

Roger Federer has begun preparations for the 2018 campaign after hinting that he could again play a limited schedule similar to 2017.

Leon Goretzka's form for Schalke has seen him attract interest from Arsenal, their league rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, along with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Allardyce will not make too many changes to the side that beat Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park last weekend.

Walcott and Wilshere have played just 46 and 65 minutes of Premier League football, respectively, thus far in this campaign.

Jurgen Klopp left Jordan Henderson out of his starting XI for Liverpool's crucial Champions League clash against Spartak Moscow. The Reds won the tie 7-0 at Anfield.

Alan Pardew does not want to lose Jonny Evans in January, although fears his exit with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton and West Ham all interested.

Arsene Wenger is ready to ring the changes when Arsenal embark on the knock-out stage of the Europa League - knowing Champions League qualification is on the line.

Ibrahimovic, Fellaini and Jones came through training unscathed and are likely to make the squad for the game against Manchester City on Sunday (10 December).

Arsenal will hope to avoid those sides dropping down from the Champions League ahead of the last 32 draw in the Europa League.

Both West Ham and Everton are in need of defensive reinforcements and are looking at Evans as a potential solution.

Conor McGregor says he has every intention of returning to UFC in 2018 but only if "my compensation and business development endeavours accurately reflect my influence".

Ronaldo is now level with Messi after scooping his fifth Ballon d'Or, and recently told of his desire to win two more.

Bruno Martins Indi and Jese Rodriguez will both be absent for Stoke's Premier League encounter with Tottenham on Saturday, although Geoff Cameron is now back in contention.

Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois is "happy" at Stamford Bridge but the Belgium international has admitted that sooner rather than later he will return to Spain.

Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud all get on the scoresheet as Arsenal run riot against BATE Borisov.

David Silva has been considered a doubt as Manchester City prepare for their derby clash with Manchester United.

Gareth Bale could miss Saturday's La Liga clash with Sevilla with Real Madrid star still unable to re-join the rest of his teammates in training.

Alberto Moreno is a major doubt for Sunday's Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield, while captain Jordan Henderson looks set to return after Spartak Moscow omission.

Jose Mourinho could replace Paul Pogba with Ander Herrera when Manchester United meet Manchester City on Sunday.

City's 2-1 defeat in Ukraine brought their unbeaten record to an end after 227 days ahead of a trip to Old Trafford.

Barcelona president Jose Maria Bartomeu says that the club are ready to "sit down" with Javier Mascherano to discuss his potential exit during the January transfer window.

Joao Mario has started in four Serie A games for Inter Milan this season. Lack of playing time has forced the Portuguese international to consider his future at San Siro.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi would understand if Javier Mascherano decides to leave the Nou Camp during the upcoming January transfer window.

Danny Rose is optimistic he will be fit to face Stoke City despite going off in Tottenham's win over Apoel.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah could make a premature return to Manchester United in January as Crystal Palace target a six-month loan swoop for out-of-favour Liverpool striker Danny Ings.

Walcott has not started a Premier League match this season and is on Sam Allardyce's agenda according to recent reports.

Craig Burley has rubbished reports Tottenham could land Jordi Alba from Barcelona in a swap deal for Danny Rose.

Seri was reportedly close to joining Barcelona in the summer but ultimately remained with Nice, who have struggled so far this season.

Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt believes Roger Federer played the best he ever has against Rafael Nadal in 2017 as he went unbeaten against the Spaniard in four meetings.