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Why Man United’s Alexis Sanchez returned to FC Barcelona

Barcelona 3 – Rayo Vallecano 1

Barcelona took another step towards landing the La Liga title on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano.

The Catalans beat Rayo 3-1 at the Camp Nou.

Raul De Tomas fired Rayo into a 24th minute lead, but Gerard Pique levelled for Barca before the break.

A Leo Messi penalty put Barcelona ahead, while Luis Suarez scored the killer third.

Barcelona are now seven points clear of Atletico Madrid.

Alexis Sanchez returned to FC Barcelona

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez was spotted at the Camp Nou for the Barcelona vs Rayo game.

TV cameras showed an image of Sanchez sitting in the crowd.

The United attacker was sat alone wearing a baseball cap.

Of course, Sanchez previously played for Barcelona in his career.

Why the Man United star was at the Camp Nou

There’s no need to start thinking Alexis is about to leave Old Trafford to rejoin Barcelona.

Sanchez is back in Spain with respect to his injury problems.

He is consulting with knee specialist Dr Ramon Cugat.

Sanchez is facing up to an eight-week spell on the sidelines due to a knee ligament injury.

He’ll miss Sunday’s match against former club Arsenal. Will he miss the rest of the season?

Over the weekend, the Man United star uploaded videos onto his Instagram account of his rehab.

Also see: Mason Greenwood & Anthony Martial: Man United’s squad vs Arsenal.

Arsenal vs Manchester United betting tips: Premier League match preview & predictions.

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Fans loved Ward-Prowse’s Ronaldo-esque celebration

James Ward-Prowse

Viewers of the clash between Southampton and Tottenham have taken to social media in numbers this evening to highlight James Ward-Prowse’s celebration, after the Saints’ midfielder netted the game’s winning goal.

Southampton vs Tottenham

Southampton welcomed Spurs to St. Mary’s a short time ago, for a Premier League clash.

The hosts headed into proceedings on the back of just a solitary win from their last 6 league outings, a run which left Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men just 2 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of kick-off this afternoon.

Tottenham, meanwhile, secured their advancement to the quarter-finals of the Champions League during the week, after putting Borussia Dortmund to the sword by a goal to nil to seal a hugely-impressive 4-0 aggregate victory.

The North Londoners, though, were winless across their last 3 Premier League fixtures before today.

Southampton turn it around

And Spurs’ recent struggles on the domestic front showed no sign of slowing this afternoon, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men fell to a potentially-crucial 2-1 defeat.

The capital giants actually took the lead in the clash, when Harry Kane found the net with 26 minutes on the clock.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 09: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

However, Southampton emerged following the interval reinvigorated, before deservedly bagging an equaliser through Yan Valery 15 minutes from time.

And, incredibly, after Kyle Walker-Peters was lucky not to have been given his marching orders for a last-ditch challenge on the edge of the Tottenham box, James Ward-Prowse stepped up to bend the ensuing free-kick beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris in absolutely sumptuous style, in the process securing all 3 points for the hosts.

Ward-Prowse channels his inner Ronaldo

Ward-Prowse’s subsequent celebration on the back of his stunning match-winning strike, meanwhile, has since been the talk of social media.

The Saints’ standout, who’s goal this afternoon came as his second from a set-piece in as many matches, sprinted towards the corner flag, before jumping in the air, rotating, and landing with his back to the crowd, in the fashion of Portuguese legend and 5-time Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

And viewers of the clash certainly appeared to enjoy Ward-Prowse’s Ronaldo tribute, as showcased by the reaction across social media since:

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Neil Critchley on Oxlade-Chamberlain: ‘Hopefully it’s nothing serious’

Neil Critchley, the manager of Liverpool’s U23s, last night provided an update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fitness, after the midfielder was forced off early during his long-awaited return to the pitch.

Derby 1-3 Liverpool

The Reds’ development outfit travelled to the Moor Farm Training Centre yesterday afternoon, for a Premier League 2 clash with Derby County.

Liverpool eventually emerged with a comfortable 3-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Curtis Jones (2) and Rafael Camacho.

The win took Critchley’s men to within a point of 3rd-placed Derby in the Premier League 2 table.

Chamberlain update

However, on an otherwise positive day for the Merseysiders, there was also a concerning development on the injury-front.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was making his first appearance in a competitive fixture since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last April, was forced off 5 minutes before half-time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final between Liverpool and Manchester City. Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.

The English international was due to see out the opening 45 minutes at Derby, but, after signalling to the bench that he had picked up a problem, seemingly in his left hamstring, he was quickly replaced as a precautionary measure.

And Liverpool U23s manager Neil Critchley last night provided a brief update on Chamberlain’s wellbeing, confirming that the 25-year-old’s concern was not in his previously-injured knee, before revealing his hope that ‘it’s not as bad as it first looked’.

As per LiverpoolFC.com, Critchley explained:

‘He obviously had a bit of an issue but hopefully it’s nothing major. The bonus for him is that it’s not his knee, so he’s delighted there are no problems with that.’

‘He was enjoying himself, he was happy to be back playing. Hopefully when he wakes up in the morning, fingers crossed it’s nothing and only a precaution.’

‘The idea was only ever to play him for 45 minutes at most anyway. He nearly got that, as well.’

‘Hopefully it’s not as bad as it first looked. He was looking over (to the bench) and we weren’t sure. It’s maybe some kind of muscle problem and maybe one to assess tomorrow.’

‘What was good is that he was sensible. He came off quite quick. He has handled that situation quite well.’

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Mourinho offers Liverpool’s Klopp advice on how to win the title race

Liverpool throw away a seven-point lead

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Everton on Sunday in the Merseyside derby.

Manchester City, on the other hand, beat Bournemouth 1-0 this past weekend.

As a result, Liverpool have fallen to second in the Premier League, one point behind City.

Given that Liverpool were at one point in the season, seven points clear at the top of the table, being one point behind is somewhat embarrassing.

Liverpool have lost just once in the league this campaign but they have drawn seven times already this season.

Four of those draws have come in Liverpool’s last six league outings.

Despite the draw, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes his side are very much in the title race.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is foiled by Jordan Pickford of Everton as he saves during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on March 03, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Mourinho offers Klopp advice

However, if Liverpool keep putting in performances similar to the one against Everton, it is hard to see them winning the league.

Man City, on the other hand, have come through their dip in form and look as good as always.

City have won their last five league games and are the top scorers in the PL.

With City now top of the table, former Man United boss Jose Mourinho has told Klopp how his side can regain their form and win the title:

“I think he’s going to make them believe what we also believe: that’s it’s open. It’s not closed.

“City is not champions: it’s open. He’s trying to prepare them and I think the best way to prepare sometimes is to be really honest. To be honest.

“It’s not to try sometimes to sell dreams. To be honest is to say we’re not in our best moment. They are not in their best moment.

“Salah would score this opportunities, a rebound would go in their favour.

“I think the best way is to be honest. ;By  being honest maybe they can think about, I don’t say their bad qualities, but the little things that aren’t going so well and try to focus on that and go for it.”As quoted by the Metro.

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Struggling Mo Salah ‘quite easy to mark’

One-time Liverpool star Phil Babb has this evening revealed his opinion that, on current form, even ‘average centre-halves’ would not be worried by the prospect of facing Mohamed Salah.

Everton 0-0 Liverpool

The latest edition of the Merseyside derby took place at Goodison Park yesterday evening.

Ahead of the clash, visitors Liverpool had seen a frustrating recent run of 3 draws from their last 5 outings allow Manchester City firmly back into the Premier League title race.

And the struggles of the Merseyside giants continued at Goodison, as a stout defensive showing from Everton eventually saw the two sides forced to make do with a point apiece.

Mohamed Salah had the best chance of the clash just before the half-hour mark, but the Egyptian’s effort in a 1-on-1 showdown with Jordan Pickford was well saved by the latter.

The second-half saw little change in terms of clear-cut chances, with Salah’s wastefulness in front of goal having seen the Liverpool attacker spurn a couple of further promising opportunities.

As such, when all was said and done, Everton stood firm, leaving Manchester City a point clear of Liverpool atop the Premier League table.

Salah’s struggles

As outlined above, amid the latest in a string of underwhelming performances from Jurgen Klopp’s Reds yesterday evening, none of Liverpool’s stars disappointed more-so than Mo Salah.

The former Roma man, who has looked some way short of his scintillating best over recent weeks, once again appeared to be lacking in confidence in front of goal, with his finished product having left a lot to be desired.

‘Quite easy to mark’

And one former Liverpool star has this evening discussed the poor run of form being endured by the Merseysiders’ attacking talisman, revealing his opinion that Salah, as things stand, would cause few problems for ‘some of the average centre-halves in the Premier League’.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, former stopper Phil Babb, who lined out at Anfield from 1994 to 2000, explained:

‘The fact your talisman is not performing well can have an effect on the rest of the squad.’

‘He’s had chances but doesn’t seem to have the confidence in front of goal at the moment.’

‘He’s been playing through the middle and he doesn’t really know that role too well.’

‘He’s been quite easy to mark by some of the average centre-halves in the Premier League.’

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BVB & Tottenham’s likely line-ups

Borussia Dortmund & Tottenham

Tottenham return to Champions League action on Tuesday away at Borussia Dortmund.

Spurs are in the box-seat to progress through to the quarterfinals following a 3-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.

Should Tottenham score in Germany, BVB would need to score five goals to progress.

Christian Eriksen’s drop in form

Ahead of tonight’s match, the Times have looked at how Christian Eriksen’s form has dropped in recent times.

The Danish playmaker is simply not as creative this season as he was in 2018:

One of Tottenham’s biggest concerns is the form of Christian Eriksen, the midfielder who has looked short of his influential best for several weeks, perhaps struggling without the movement of Alli alongside him.

One measure of his decline is that he averaged 2.62 chances created per 90 minutes in the Premier League in 2018; since the turn of the year, that figure is 1.78.

It’s worth noting that Dele Alli is still on the comeback trail from injury.

Alli won’t be involved against BVB.

Kieran Trippier is injured

Serge Aurier seems certain to start at right-back for Spurs.

That’s after Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Kieran Trippier is injured.

Trippier hasn’t travelled to Germany after he sustained a knock in the north London derby against Arsenal last weekend.

Borussia Dortmund & Tottenham’s likely line-ups

The Times have also predicted how the teams will line up at the Signal Iduna Park.

Starting with BVB, there are suggestions that Julian Weigl could start at centre-half.

Further forward, Mario Gotze, Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus should all start for the Germans.

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is still injured after the first leg in London.

Borussia Dortmund possible line up vs Tottenham

When it comes to predicting the Tottenham team, the Times believe that Son Heung-min could play through the middle while Harry Kane could be shifted onto the left hand side.

Tottenham possible line up vs Borussia Dortmund

Also see: Borussia Dortmund vs Tottenham betting tips: Champions League match preview & predictions.

Tottenham’s Davinson Sanchez escapes FA punishment for North London derby incident with Laurent Koscielny.

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Tottenham provide Alli, Winks & Dier updates ahead of Dortmund

Tottenham Hotspur have this evening provided updates on the fitness of a trio of the club’s stars, ahead of their upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund vs Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham are set to travel to Germany for the second-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Dortmund tomorrow night.

The North Londoners will head into proceedings as overwhelming favourites to advance to the competition’s quarter-finals, after a superb second-half showing during the tie’s opener 3 weeks ago eventually saw Spurs emerge with a 3-0 victory.

Son Heung-min, Jan Vertonghen and Fernando Llorente bagged the goals at Wembley, sealing a historic European night for the Premier League giants.

Tottenham’s form since their victory over Dortmund, however, has left a lot to be desired.

The capital outfit have failed to pick up a victory in any of their last 3 outings, with a late Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty miss on Saturday afternoon all that kept Spurs from falling to their 3rd consecutive Premier League defeat.

As such, though they will head into tomorrow night’s clash at the Westfalenstadion as favourites to advance, Pochettino’s men will likely require an improved showing to avoid making their passage to the Champions League’s final-8 unnecessarily nervy.

Winks & Dier return

Ahead of their trip to Germany, Tottenham have this evening provided fitness updates on a number of the club’s stars.

Harry Winks and Eric Dier have recovered from respective hip and sickness concerns to make the trip to Dortmund.

Dele Alli, meanwhile, has made a return to first-team training, but tomorrow’s outing is set to come just too soon for the English international.

TEAM NEWS:

➡️ @HarryWinks (hip) & @ericdier (tonsillitis) – returned to training and travelled with the squad.

➡️ @dele_official (hamstring) – begun to integrate with first team training.

➡️ @vincentjanssen (ineligible) – unavailable. #COYS ⚪️ #UCL pic.twitter.com/ei8aoxdsB8

Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, is set to miss out with a ‘small problem’:

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