Barcelona face tough task at the Balaidos

The Catalans return to action in La Liga when they take on Galician outfits Celta Vigo in their 5th game of the campaign at the Balaidos. 

Just 72 hours after their 4-1 win against Levante, Barcelona will make a difficult away trip to the Balaidos to take on the in-form Celta Vigo side in their fifth Liga game of the season.

Last season's game against Celta away was very significant as it was one of the pillars of Barça's Liga win. After a 1-0 loss against the Galicians at the Camp Nou in the 9th game of the season, Barcelona were to be hosted by their opponents this time in a very important game after they'd beaten Real Madrid the previous week.

The game was going as Barça expected it, tough, tense, rough, breathtaking.. Barcelona thought for a minute that they'd drop points here as the game was destined for a draw only for Jeremy Mathieu to score a diving header in the 79th minute to give Barça a sweet, invaluable 1-0 win. This ensured Barça went on to win the title.

This season's fixture will be as last season's and Barça will surely be expecting a fight. Celta Vigo are in the form of their lives as they've scooped 10 points from a possible twelve which lies them on equal points with Real Madrid and Villarreal.

Luis Enrique's former team beat Europa League champions Sevilla away from home in their last game 2-1, thanks to goals from Barça target Nolito and Hugo Mallo, the former of whom is in great form with four goals.

Barcelona were presented with difficult away fixtures and they've overcame threats in Bilbao's San Mames and Atleti's Vicente Calderon, now they travel to Bailados before making another gruesome trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan to take on Sevilla.

If they manage to get all three points against Celta, they will be in good course to retain their title as it will be a confidence boost. Luis Enrique rested a couple of player for the game and the Blaugranes are expected to take the game by storm on Wednesday evening.

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Aguero to miss Juventus visit

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is out of Tuesday's Champions League visit of Juventus because of a knee injury but David Silva and Raheem Sterling have trained and are expected to return.

Aguero was injured in a challenge by Scott Dann in the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday and manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed the 27-year-old will not face the Serie A champions. Silva and Sterling missed the victory against Alan Pardew's men but both trained on Monday and will be included in the match-day squad.
New signing Kevin de Bruyne replaced Aguero after 25 minutes at Selhurst Park but Pellegrini refused to be drawn on whether the Belgium playmaker will start the Group D opener.
He told his pre-match press conference: "We'll see tomorrow if Kevin de Bruyne will start.
We need to make one change with Sergio Aguero. Kevin played very well the other day. Wilfried Bony and Sterling can also play up front so we have different options. I trust this squad 100%." Last season's Scudetto winners Juve have not won any of their opening three fixtures in the Italian top flight but Pellegrini warned he is expecting a difficult match-day one. "We play a very strong Juventus side – they reached the final last season and have won four [Serie A] titles in a row," he added. "Juventus have not started well in their league but this is a different competition. They will be motivated. I hope we qualify from the group, and then I hope we will have more luck to avoid the strongest team in the last 16." Manchester City are currently priced 4/5 by bet365 in the match betting and the draw outcome is quoted 5/2. Juventus are available to back at 9/2.

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Branislav Ivanovic has told champions Chelsea to "wake up"

Branislav Ivanovic has told champions Chelsea to "wake up" to the reality that they face an uphill battle to catch leaders Manchester City and get back into the Premier League title race.

A 3-1 defeat by a Steven Naismith-inspired Everton on Saturday was the capital club's third of the season so far and they could find themselves in the relegation zone by the time they host London rivals Arsenal in a huge Stamford Bridge showdown on Saturday. "We need one big win to come back to our way. We are not playing as badly as the results are showing but we have to wake up," Ivanovic told Chelsea TV.
"I think at the moment we are being punished for all our mistakes. The only way we can change is to work hard and be ready for the next game, so it is like a final and we have to play like a final."
The west Londoners will turn their attentions to the Champions League on Wednesday when they entertain Maccabi Tel Aviv in Group G and Serbia defender Ivanovic is targeting a big win to get the season back on track. Defeat in the round of 16 signalled an early departure from the competition last season and defender Ivanovic feels victory on match-day one could help spark Chelsea's season into life. He said: "The next game is very important for us. It is a new competition and it is time to change all this situation. I hope we will start winning the games soon."
Chelsea are currently priced 1/7 by bet365 in the match betting and the draw outcome is quoted 8/1. Maccabi Tel-Aviv are available to back at 25/1.

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Portugal wants revenge after surprise tour

Duel peak between beholder surprise 3rd place, Albania and leader of Portugal (12p) separated by only one point.

 

The home is the only undefeated team in the group. It holds also the best defensive beaten only twice. Recently, she achieved a 0-0 in Denmark. Portugal has just lost a home test with France (0-1) had exceeded a representative Albanians (1-0) in a friendly three months ago. They have not conceded the match of Italy, 0-1, in November 2014. The last official defeat, 1-2 at home to Switzerland in October 2013.

One of the surprises of the campaign was recorded on the tour. Then, Albania triumphed in Portugal 1-0 goal Balaj (52). After that failure, the Iberians have registered four wins in a row in qualifying.

Of the seven goals of the band prepared for Paulo Bento 5 has signed Cristiano Ronaldo. Now it will be difficult: the defense has three Clean sheets dispute. There are 6 previous favorable balance visitors 4 successes, one draw, one defeat. From Albanian Mavraj absent, injured. The same is true in the other camp, Moutinho and Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho is recovered.

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Conte warns against complacency

Italy coach Antonio Conte warned his players not to take their opponents lightly ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria.

 

Italy coach Antonio Conte urged his players not to take their opposition for granted ahead of the visit of Bulgaria in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying.

Conte's charges scraped a narrow 1-0 victory over Malta to end a run of three consecutive draws in Group H, and they sit one point clear of second-placed Croatia in the automatic spots.

Bulgaria’s hopes of qualifying are remote - they are five points behind Norway in third, the play-off spot - but Conte warned against complacency after bottom side Malta proved a stern test for his side.

"The table says that we are now on top and that our group is very balanced,” said Conte, after the win over Malta.

"There are no bad teams at all. Football is growing in every country. Croatia couldn't go beyond a stalemate against Azerbaijan."

He added: "We are now back on top. We need to recover, we need to understand who is fit and proper for the upcoming game against Bulgaria.

"We hope we can play well and win against them, but we are fully aware that it's difficult. If we don't know how difficult it is, it means that what we say before the game is not worth being remembered after the game."

Conte's words were echoed by veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who pointed to Italy's struggles against supposedly weaker European sides in the past.

"We cannot afford to underestimate our opponents anymore, because lately they have been improving a lot and don't concede bucketfulls of goals nowadays," said Buffon.

"On top of that, we have traditionally always struggled in games like this against so-called minnows. We are gambling with qualification, so we can't get it wrong."

He added: "We will try to continue our journey trying to always be convincing in terms of result, effort and performance."

Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro is suspended for the visit of Bulgaria, and Conte will give a late fitness test to Claudio Marchisio.

The game will be played at Palermo's Stadio Renzo Barbera, and Palermo midfielder Ivaylo Chochev will feature for the visitors.

Bulgaria's previous visit to the venue ended in a 1-0 defeat to the Italians in a World Cup qualifier in September 2013.

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Romania one step closer to Euro

Romania moves to Budapest in leadership positions. Undefeated and with the best defensive skills (one goal conceded), Romanian national has 14 points, 3 more than the Hungarians. North Irish are interleaved (13p).

 

Tour of October 11, 2014 ended 1-1 (Rusescu 45 - Dszudszak 82), with the goals given to only two shots on goal in the camps. Away Romanians have two wins and a draw. Home Hungarians have been a triumph, a draw and a defeat.

Top scorers from us and Bogdan Stancu are defender Papp, two successes. At assists, the first e Sînmărtean (3). From rivals, nobody managed to detach.

The Hungarians scored especially in the last quarter of an hour, Romanians especially at the beginning and end of the second half. Lead to "direct" 5 successes, 6 draws, two failures, goal difference 18-10.

2-2 was the result of previous visits to Romania in Hungary (16 Vanczák, Dszudszak penalty 71 - 68 Mutu penalty Chipciu 92) in March 2013 in the eliminatory CM 2014 match played without spectators. Romania has one triumph in Hungary in an official match, 2-0 (Adrian Ilie 11 Marius Niculae 27) on September 5, 2001 in the World Cup qualifiers in 2002, when coach was Gica Hagi. There was a friendly in August 2009, won 1-0 (Ghioane 42).

Iordănescu is firmly: "We will not play pinching. We are confident. Parties with Hungary and Greece could decide qualification. "Head FRF, Răzvan Burleanu remains cautious: "The goal in Hungary's win, but a draw would be a positive outcome." Hungarians think so, saying he did not want to lose.

Bumba is called the premiere "national", where missing Marica B. Stancu, Tanase. With medical problems Chiricheş, Torje St. Philip had recovered.

Hungary's new coach, German Bernd Stork, took over the team in July from Pal Darda, being promoted from the U20 representative Hungarians. Cons Romania summoned, among others, Szalai, Nikolai Dszudszak. Do not miss this time either veteran Kiraly (39).

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McAuley targeting ‘huge’ victory against Faroe Islands

Gareth McAuley hopes Northern Ireland can take a “huge step” towards qualification for next summer’s Euro finals when they face the Faroe Islands on Friday.

 

Michael O’Neill’s men sit second in Group F – just one point behind Romania as the race for France 2016 continues to gather pace.

Victory in Torshavn in two days’ time would be another significant step towards achieiving their ultimate goal.

And experienced defender McAuley is determined to avoid any mishaps against Lars Olsen’s men.

“It is difficult not to think about what it would be like to qualify for next summer’s Euros. I would love to be in the squad to qualify, for selfish and personal reasons like having my wife and children see my play at a major tournament it really keeps me focused,” the West Brom star said.

“For myself and those close to me it would be incredible, but also for the bigger picture – the fans and the entire country.

“It would be a dream come true. But there is a lot of football to be played yet.

“One thing’s for sure, Friday could be a huge step for us.”

Northern Ireland defeated the Faroes at Windsor Park last October – one of four wins out of six qualifiers to date.

Friday’s renewal will be followed by a home clash with Hungary next Monday, with the campaign finishing with a double-header against Greece and Finland next month.

For McAuley, though, the sole focus is on Friday’s test in Torshavn.

 

“This is the biggest game of the campaign because it is the next fixture,” the 35-year-old added.

“Our full focus is going to be on going to the Faroes and we will look at Hungary after Friday night.

“We know the Faroes will be organised and strong – they are different team to the one we drew with over there five years ago.

“Make no mistake about it, this is going to be a difficult game for us.

“But three points are vital. If we can do that it will be a massive boost going into the Hungary game and for the rest of the campaign.”

Meanwhile, McAuley has welcomed the arrival of international teammate Jonny Evans to West Brom.

Evans completed his move from Manchester United at the weekend.

“Jonny Evans was in a difficult situation when he was at Manchester United and not playing many games. But that has changed now and I am delighted he has joined my club,” McAuley added.

“He hasn’t been involved at the club yet but from watching him in training in the past few days with Northern Ireland, he’s looked like himself.

“He’s been sharp, on the front foot and he will have no problems whatsoever.”

Meanwhile, Billy McKay has been added to Northern Ireland’s squad after Ben Reeves was forced to withdraw through injury.

 

Michael O’Neill remains confident Chris Brunt will be available for Friday’s game, while Jamie Ward remains at his club Nottingham Forest receiving treatment on a hamstring injury.

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Belgium vs Bosnia-Herzegovina: Euro 2016 Qualifiers

The Red Devils are second in Group B right behind Wales, while Bosnia can still make it to the playoffs if they get three points against the Belgians.

 

With both teams needing a victory to keep their goals alive, Belgium hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina during Matchday 7 of the Euro 2016 Qualifiers. Belgium wants to strip Wales from the first place, while the Bosnians need a victory to climb up the standings in order to keep their hopes alive.

These sides have met five times since Bosnia joined the international scene. Out of those five games, the team now led by Mehmed Bazdarevic has won three times, with only one win for Belgium. Their previous match during these Qualifiers ended up with a draw, with goals by Edin Dzeko and Radja Nainggolan.

Belgium

The hosts managed to keep an undefeated streak that lasted fifteen games, but their loss against Wales prevented them from extending that number. If they win against Bosnia, the Belgians will be celebrating their 50th Euro Qualifiers victory in 113 games. 

Captain Vincent Kompany will return with the Red Devils after serving a one-match ban last June, while Nicolas Lombaerts must be wary of not picking up another yellow card, since he is one away of being suspended.

The hosts have scored more goals than any other side in Group B, having netted thirteen goals while only conceding twice. One of those two goals was scored by Edin Dzeko, Bosnia's all-time top scorer.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosnia hasn't had an easy run during the Euro 2016 Qualifiers, where they have struggled to get results. Even though their chances are very much alive, they need to get some points away from home in order to make it easier, and their previous record against Belgium states they could. Out of their two visits to Belgian ground, Bosnia-Herzegovina has won one game and lost another, so if they can stay focused, things could go their way.

Coach Mehmed Bazdarevic will want to win his third consecutive game as Bosnia's coach, after replacing Safet Susic as the team's manager. Bazdarevic led the team to a 3-0 away win over Andorra and another victory against Israel. 

This will be the National Team's 100th competitive game, having played 48 previous matches in the European competition. If they want to celebrate with a victory, Edin Dzeko's performance will be crucial, but he must be careful on the pitch since he is one yellow card away from being handed a one-match ban. 

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Germany's Joachim Low looking to World Cup defence

Germany coach Joachim Low has revealed the 2018 World Cup is already on his mind as he plans "Mission Title Defence".

 

Germany coach Joachim Low has revealed the 2018 World Cup is already on his mind as he plans "Mission: Title Defence".

While Germany are in the midst of their qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 - they face Poland on Friday and Scotland three days later - Low is already putting together strategies for his team's defence of the crown they claimed in Brazil last year.

"The European Championships in France is for us a great goal but our thoughts go already beyond in all plans," Low told Suddeutsche Zeitung.

"We have the 2018 World Cup in mind - Mission: Title Defence."

Part of Low's plans for Russia 2018 is to manage the output of new skipper Bastian Schweinsteiger, who replaced Philipp Lahm as captain after Brazil 2014.

Schweinsteiger, 31, has endured a mixed start to his Manchester United career after joining from Bayern Munich but Low remains convinced of the midfielder's importance to Germany.

"Maybe I need Bastian now no longer in every match," he said.

"I need him when it is important for us. Then I know that he performs and assumes responsibility and his will to win is like no other."

Looking ahead to next year's continental championships in France, however, Low underlined the importance of Poland's trip to Frankfurt on Friday.

Poland lead Group D with 14 points heading into the match, with Germany (13) in second and Scotland (11) in third.

"The decisive factor for me is that we can be on our own as leaders," Low added.

"The goal is to win both games. I know many players of my team for many years and I know that, in games like against Poland, they are motivated to the tips of their hair."

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Tough draw for Man City, Arsenal face Bayern in Champions League

Pellegrini and Mourinho: Mixed fortunes in draw

Man City will face Juventus and Sevilla in the Champions League group stage, while Arsenal must play Bayern, but Chelsea and Man Utd have more favourable draws.

City, who have suffered tough draws in the last four seasons of the Champions League, were selected in Group D - with last season's finalists Juventus and Europa League winners Sevilla. Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach complete City's group.

Arsenal also face a tough task in Group F against Bayern Munich, who have eliminated the Gunners from the competition in two out of the last three seasons - but have more straightforward opposition from Greek side Olympiacos - who are in the middle of a match-fixing scandal - and Dinamo Zagreb from Croatia.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will have a return to a former side Porto, whom he took to Champions League glory in 2003, and his side should have little trouble in Group G with Dynamo Kiev and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Manchester United's return to the competition after last year's absence should also not trouble manager Louis van Gaal too much, with the opponents in Group B being PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow and German side Wolfsburg.

In other groups, Real Madrid and PSG will meet in Group A along with Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo.

Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo said: "It will be tough as I think this group is strong but we are going to do the same as before and try to qualify and the win the Champions League."

The holders Barcelona are in an easy-looking Group E along with Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and BATE Borisov from Belarus.

Group A

PSG, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Malmo.

Group B

PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Wolfsburg.

Group C

Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, FC Astana.

Group D

Juventus, Manchester City, Sevilla, Monchengladbach.

Group E

Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Roma, BATE Borisov.

Group F

Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Olympiakos, GNK Dinamo.

Group G

Chelsea, Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Group H

Zenit St Petersburg, Valencia, Lyon, Gent.

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West Bromwich Albion vs. Chelsea - EPL - Preview

West Bromwich Albion vs. Chelsea
Match Date: 23 August 2015 (local time)
Venue: The Hawthorns (West Bromwich)

Chelsea will eventually get the max points in this game. However, Chelsea should be careful though they are the favorite of betting sites they might experience another shocking loss or stalemate.

West Bromwich Albion

West Brom is having a hard time in snatching a strong start this season. The team has only accumulated a single point after 2 consecutive lackluster performances. Just recently, the club could only afford a scoreless stalemate against the newly promoted Watford. It was also the first time that they earned a point since the season started. Prior to the said draw, West Brom lost to Manchester City. City thrashed them with 3 massive goals and kept a clean sheet. West Brom apparently, needs to man up or they might experience yet another tough survival bout.

Chelsea

Chelsea is having a slow start, which greatly compromises its ability to keep the coveted silverware.

The Blues struggled to overcome Manchester City’s scoring rampage. City scored 3 massive goals and kept a clean sheet against them. It also marked their back-to-back winless run. It can be remembered that during the season kick-off, Chelsea was held to a draw by Swansea.

It is quite unlikely to see Chelsea fail during their first match in the EPL. But it already happened. The defending champions were held to a draw by Swansea at Stamford Bridge. On a closer look, Chelsea was lucky to snatch a draw. They could have easily lost the first match of the season if not for Federico Fernandez’s own goal.

Premier League Betting Tips: West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Chelsea

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Arsenal are one signing away from challenging for the Champions League

With Arsene Wenger not giving up hope on making Karim Benzema his 'marquee' signining this summer, Alisher Usmanov feels Arsenal squad is lacking in one position. 

Arsenal are one signing away from challenging for the Champions League, according to shareholder Alisher Usmanov.

Wenger has bolstered his squad for the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea for £11 million, while the club have not given up on a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Theo Walcott has been preferred up front in recent months, with Olivier Giroud’s form inconsistent and Danny Welbeck struggling with fitness, Usmanov feels the squad need one more star to challenge Europe’s elite.

“If there aren’t [any] severe injuries, he’s got a great chance to compete with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City,” he told CNN.

“The championship will be decided between these four teams. With the team that Wenger has put together, except for one position, I think it’s a club that’s ready to successfully fight for European cups.”

Arsenal are prepared to spend up to £40m on Benzema as they look to make the striker their marquee summer signing following the arrivals of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two years.

Arsene is understood to have told confidants that, if he cannot land Benzema, he is happy to continue with Olivier Giroud, Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck as his options up front.

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Barcelona, Juventus ready for Champions League final

Both Juventus and Barcelona are looking to cap fantastic seasons by completing rare trebles when they meet in the Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Saturday. 

Juventus are appearing in their first Champions League final in 12 years as they look to win the European Cup for the third time, but Barcelona, inspired by Lionel Messi, are the favourites to win a fifth European Cup and fourth in the last decade.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri and his Barcelona counterpart Luis Enrique have already enjoyed excellent debut seasons in charge of their respective clubs, both winning domestic league and cup doubles, and both are now within touching distance of making it a glorious treble.

For Barcelona, it would be a second such treble following their fantastic first season under Pep Guardiola in 2008-09, but such an achievement is very rare indeed.

Only six other clubs have ever won a domestic league and cup double and the European Cup in the same season, with Celtic’s Lisbon Lions of 1967 the first.

Barcelona can therefore become the first club to do it twice, and their current team contains several members of that 2009 vintage under Guardiola. “We are still a young team. There are still quite a few players from the Guardiola era. This could turn out to be an historic season for us,” said Luis Enrique.

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Pioli: Lazio to overtake Roma

Stefano Pioli assured Lazio won’t go for just a point against Roma in tomorrow’s Derby. 

Roma have already mathematically qualified for a Champions League spot – at least a preliminary round – while Lazio now need just one point to end Napoli’s hopes.

There's a big difference, as second takes you straight into the group phase, while third place only enters a dangerous preliminary round.

“This game will be fundamental and everything we’ve done this season has been taking us to this point,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“We recovered both physically and psychologically from the Coppa Italia Final and are ready to give our all.”

That 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Wednesday night went to extra time, so the Aquile should in theory be more tired than their city rivals.

“Nothing has changed with Napoli’s result. When you make calculations, you run more risks. We want to win the Derby and overtake Roma in the table.

“The team is highly motivated and the strains of the Coppa Italia are already behind us. Fortunately we are playing tomorrow, as the extra day of rest will help.

“Having lost in extra time against a great team like Juve actually boosted our self-esteem. We know that we can fight it out with anyone.

“We need head and heart in the right place tomorrow. We’ve often managed that this season and I am confident we’ll do it tomorrow too.

“There is no such thing as a perfect performance, so we just have to attack and defend as a team from start to finish. Unity is key.”

Roma were very strong in the first half of the season and have fallen away in 2015, while Lazio surged up the standings. Who deserves second place more?

“At the end of the day whoever finishes second will have deserved it,” shrugged Pioli. “Tables rarely lie after 38 games. We have the opportunity to overtake them and we want to make the most of it.

“Until a few weeks ago people said Napoli were favourites for second place. We were never arrogant or presumptuous this season and we won’t be tomorrow either.

“The Rome Derby is always the Rome Derby. We are prepared, our opponents have strengths and weaknesses that we want to target.

“We have been practising some situations in training to hit their weak spots. We’ve done our homework.”

Stefan Radu is struggling with a calf problem, but Lucas Biglia has recovered in record time.

“Biglia trained with us yesterday and was in good shape. If he confirms that today, then he could play from the start. I will decide tonight.

“For the most part I’ve already decided my line-up, but I will only reveal it to my players tomorrow morning.”

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Drogba to leave Chelsea

Didier Drogba has announced he will leave Chelsea following Sunday's season-ending game against Sunderland, in order to play more first-team football.

Drogba - who moved back to Stamford Bridge ahead of the current campaign - is a Chelsea legend, having helped the club to multiple trophies and scoring the winning penalty in the club's UEFA Champions League final win over Bayern Munich in 2012.

Now 37, the Ivorian has been limited to a bit-part role since his return, largely due to the form of Diego Costa.

And Drogba has revealed he is keen to maximise his playing time in the closing years of his career.

"I want to play for at least one more season and in order to play more football I feel I need to go to another club," he told.

"All the fans know my love for Chelsea and I hope to be back here in the future in another role."

Drogba first joined Chelsea in 2004 and scored 157 goals in 341 appearances before leaving in the wake of the club's Champions League triumph.

He also collected three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups during his initial stint in London.

Drogba has featured in 39 matches across all competitions this term, scoring seven times and helping Jose Mourinho's men to a Premier League and League Cup double, but has only started on 13 occasions ahead of Sunday's clash with Sunderland.

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Arsenal wanted Walcott stay regardless of hat-trick

Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott's hat-trick in Arsenal's 4-1 rout of West Brom has not heightened his desire to keep the forward at the club because he wanted him to stay regardless.

Walcott has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, with Liverpool reported to be among the sides interested, and he gave a timely reminder of his quality as the Premier League season came to a close on Sunday.

The England international opened the scoring with a rasping drive and poked home a second, before Jack Wilshere added a stunning third in the 17th minute.

Walcott then rounding off Arsenal's scoring before half-time and, although Gareth McAuley bagged a second-half consolation, the Londoners secured third place and direct entry to the UEFA Champions League group stages ahead of Manchester United.

"The result does not change anything. With a hat-trick or without hat-trick we want him to stay," Wenger said. 

"We are in negotiations, we started to speak to his agent before he scored his hat-trick."

Walcott returned to action in November after spending 10 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury sustained against Tottenham in January 2014.

Wenger believes that the former Southampton man, who started in his favoured striker role against West Brom, is now starting to rediscover his top form after scoring for the first time in the Premier League since February.

"He was already sharp when he came on midweek against Sunderland," Wenger added. "He created the chances, I always say he can play through the middle because he has good movement and good finishing - he did that well.

"He's a good goalscorer but has been out for a year. A year in football is a long time takes time to come back to the best for the sharpness and confidence."

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Man. United aim to leapfrog Arsenal

Manchester United will be looking to complete a Premier League double over Arsenal when they meet at Old Trafford today.

Louis van Gaal’s side were 2-1 winners at the Emirates in November and would leapfrog the Gunners into third in the table with victory.

After losing three on the spin, United returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace last weekend and need just a point to mathematically secure Champions League qualification, although fifth-placed Liverpool are six points behind and with a far inferior goal difference.

Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from their first league defeat in three months after they were beaten 1-0 at home by Swansea. The Gunners, who won 2-1 at Old Trafford in the sixth round of the FA Cup, are also aiming to pip Manchester City to second spot.

Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw are have been ruled out after picking up injuries against Crystal Palace last weekend. Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are doubts while Michael Carrick and Rafael are out of the rest of the season.

Danny Welbeck will miss the chance to face his former club as he has been ruled out with a knee injury and Mathieu Debuchy is also unavailable.

Manchester United are unbeaten in seven home league meetings with Arsenal (W6 D1), since a 1-0 defeat in September 2006. Wayne Rooney has 11 goals against Arsenal in the Premier League. He has only scored more against Aston Villa (13) and Newcastle (12).

Arsenal could become the fourth team in history to beat Man United twice at Old Trafford in the same season. The others were Chelsea (2004/05), Tottenham (1989/90) and Aston Villa (1919/20).

Manchester United have gone seven Premier League games without a clean sheet; they last went eight without a shutout in September 2001.

Arsenal have won their last five Premier League away games; their longest winning run since September 2013 (eight wins, their joint-best in the Premier League era).

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Enrique not out for revenge

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says revenge is not on the agenda when his side take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Victory for Barca at the Vicente Calderon will see the Catalan side confirmed as champions of La Liga, taking the title back from Diego Simeone’s men.

Enrique’s side won the reverse fixture 3-1 and insists his side are not thinking about winning the title against the reigning champions.

"I haven't seen any desire for revenge among my players. Atletico had a great season last year and were deserved champions," he said.

"The schedule has decided that we play on the penultimate game in the Calderon and it is exciting.

"If we are not intense in a game like this then we can't win. This game will be like a final and in the two finals we need to play with the maximum intensity to win the prize.”

Barcelona are in the hunt for another treble, with finals in the Copa del Rey and Champions League against Athletic Bilbao and Juventus still to come.

Defender Gerard Pique believes winning all three trophies would be an incredible achievement but thinks some people are being premature with their celebrations.

"Looking at the teams that have won the treble gives you an appreciation of how difficult it is,” he said.

"There are other teams vying too and the way people are talking it's as if we'd already won the treble, and that's not the case.

“The finals are against two historic clubs and we still haven't won anything yet.

"We're close but and we have to keep our feet on the ground."

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Sevilla eye return trip to Europa League final

Holders Sevilla are on the brink of a return to the Europa League final as they take a 3-0 lead to Italy for the second leg of their semi-final against Fiorentina today.

It would take a remarkable turnaround in Florence for Unai Emery's side to miss out on reaching the final again as they look to retain the trophy they won by defeating Benfica on penalties in Turin 12 months ago.

A brace by Aleix Vidal and a Kevin Gameiro strike last week have the Spanish side in control and Sevilla are a team in form too, having lost just once in 18 games in all competitions, with that loss coming at the hands of Real Madrid 10 days ago.

Currently fifth in La Liga with two games left, three points adrift of Valencia in the fourth and final Champions League qualifying berth, winning the Europa League may be their more likely route into the continent's elite club competition for next season.

Emery named goalkeeper Beto, who has been on the sidelines with a shoulder problem, in a squad of 22 for the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where Sevilla right-back Coke is expecting the hosts to throw the kitchen sink at them.

"It is going to be a long 90 minutes. Despite beating them 3-0, Fiore played very well in the first half and had two or three clear chances," Coke said.

Winners of the competition in successive years in 2006 and 2007 in its former guise as the Uefa Cup, Sevilla are attempting to become the first club to lift the trophy four times.

"These are historic moments for the club, in your professional career. This competition means a lot to us and you can see the results we have been getting," added Coke.

Fiorentina, who are fifth in Serie A, must do what they have never done in Europe to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit if they are to keep alive their chances of reaching the final in Warsaw and winning a European trophy for the first time since the 1961 Cup Winners' Cup.

"I think the team did not deserve such a heavy defeat," Viola coach Vincenzo Montella said of the first leg.

"On Thursday we will above all need great inner belief, the fans pushing us on and a bit of luck. It is my duty to transmit my belief to the team. It will be a huge task, but I believe we can do it against Sevilla."

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Rafa Benitez bullish as Napoli face Ukraine trip

Napoli coach Rafa Benitez is confident his side can overcome Dnipro tonight and reach the final of the Europa League.

The Italians travel to Kiev’s Olympic stadium needing to score after Yevhen Seleznyov’s late equaliser handed Dnipro a precious away goal in last week’s 1-1 draw in the opening leg in Naples.

“We can go there and win. I am optimistic because we have the potential to get to the final,” Benitez said.

“I expect a defensive game from Dnipro but I don’t think they can afford to risk just closing themselves down.

“We will go out on the pitch with the same mentality we always have.

“I believe if we play the way we did in the first leg and if we display the same fighting spirit and determination we showed last week, we can progress.”

Dnipro, looking to reach their first major European final, have shown no signs of weakness at home this season.

They have won their last four European home games without conceding a goal and will have a crowd of 70,000 fans cheering them on at the stadium.

“This is an historic game for us and we are well aware of it,” Dnipro coach Myron Markevych told the Ukrainian press.“We have to play our game and show our quality.

“Napoli is not an easy opponent and we expect a very difficult game. We need to have more possession than we did in Naples.”

Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain, who is the top scorer left in the competition with seven goals, will lead Napoli’s attack with team captain Marek Hamsik playing in support in what will be his 50th European competition appearance.

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