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| United trying hard to keep him |
Wayne Rooney is in contention to return, providing a welcome attacking option for José Mourinho while Zlatan Ibrahimovic completes his suspension. United, unbeaten in the league since 23 October, host a West Brom side who went into the international break buoyant from their 3-1 defeat of Arsenal, and the eighth-placed visitors have won two of their last three visits to Old Trafford. Stuart Goodwin
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Old Trafford
Premier League weekend Fixtures:
Liverpool vs Everton
Liverpool have a proud, 18-year unbeaten home record to protect at Anfield but also a six-point cushion over local rivals who have closed in fast since the turn of the year. Everton’s momentum faces a serious challenge after losing Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Ramiro Funes Mori to long-term injury during the international break. Morgan Schneiderlin is also out while Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge are unavailable to Jürgen Klopp, who boasts a 100% record in his Merseyside derbies so far.
Klopp on Lalana
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp does not blame England boss Gareth Southgate for Adam Lallana's injury but he is not happy about losing his key midfielder for the Merseyside derby.
Lallana sustained a thigh injury during the win over Lithuania but still managed to play all 90 minutes, having completed just over an hour of the friendly meeting with Germany four days previously.
Klopp has no issue with Southgate, who called the Liverpool manager this week to explain his decision to field Lallana in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
However, he felt the 28-year-old did not need to feature in Dortmund just three days after the intense Premier League encounter with top-four rivals Manchester City.
CHELSEA vs PALACE
Antonio Conte said the build-up to this game had been difficult, with fitness doubts surrounding a quartet of players, but he will be privately confident all four will be available as the leaders seek a 14th consecutive home victory. “This is a game of fundamental importance for us,” he offered, albeit with Manchester City due in west London on Wednesday. Crystal Palace’s issues are just as pressing, even after three successive wins and clean sheets. Their win at Stamford Bridge last season was a first since 1982. Even a point this time round would feel like a triumph.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte believes it is normal for suitors to try to unsettle players, as Real Madrid bid to prise Eden Hazard from the Premier League leaders.
Hazard was this week linked with a B£100million move to Real, whose head coach Zinedine Zidane is the Belgium playmaker's idol.
Conte says it is flattering for his Chelsea players to have admirers, but insists Hazard is happy at Stamford Bridge.
"The only thing I can say is Eden is a Chelsea player, our player," the Italian said.
"We are happy with him. He is happy with us. I don't see a problem.
Saturday 1 April 2017 GMT
Sunday 2 April 2017 GMT
Liverpool vs Everton
Liverpool have a proud, 18-year unbeaten home record to protect at Anfield but also a six-point cushion over local rivals who have closed in fast since the turn of the year. Everton’s momentum faces a serious challenge after losing Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Ramiro Funes Mori to long-term injury during the international break. Morgan Schneiderlin is also out while Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge are unavailable to Jürgen Klopp, who boasts a 100% record in his Merseyside derbies so far.
Klopp on Lalana
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp does not blame England boss Gareth Southgate for Adam Lallana's injury but he is not happy about losing his key midfielder for the Merseyside derby.
Lallana sustained a thigh injury during the win over Lithuania but still managed to play all 90 minutes, having completed just over an hour of the friendly meeting with Germany four days previously.
Klopp has no issue with Southgate, who called the Liverpool manager this week to explain his decision to field Lallana in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
However, he felt the 28-year-old did not need to feature in Dortmund just three days after the intense Premier League encounter with top-four rivals Manchester City.
CHELSEA vs PALACE
Antonio Conte said the build-up to this game had been difficult, with fitness doubts surrounding a quartet of players, but he will be privately confident all four will be available as the leaders seek a 14th consecutive home victory. “This is a game of fundamental importance for us,” he offered, albeit with Manchester City due in west London on Wednesday. Crystal Palace’s issues are just as pressing, even after three successive wins and clean sheets. Their win at Stamford Bridge last season was a first since 1982. Even a point this time round would feel like a triumph.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte believes it is normal for suitors to try to unsettle players, as Real Madrid bid to prise Eden Hazard from the Premier League leaders.
Hazard was this week linked with a B£100million move to Real, whose head coach Zinedine Zidane is the Belgium playmaker's idol.
Conte says it is flattering for his Chelsea players to have admirers, but insists Hazard is happy at Stamford Bridge.
"The only thing I can say is Eden is a Chelsea player, our player," the Italian said.
"We are happy with him. He is happy with us. I don't see a problem.
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