Easy draw: Ronny Deila wants the “easiest” Europa League opponents possible for Celtic when the draw for the last 32 is made next month. The Hoops qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament on Thursday despite a 3-1 defeat to Salzburg at Parkhead. “We want the easiest team so we can go through, that’s what we want,” Deila said. “We want to stay as long as possible in this tournament. We are not here for show-off games.”

Alvarez: Sunderland midfielder Ricky Alvarez could make his first appearance since September as the Black Cats bid to topple Jose Mourinho’s all-conquering Chelsea at the Stadium of Light today. The Argentina international has been ruled out for over six weeks with a damaged knee but came through training this week and has been named in Gus Poyet’s squad.

Niersbach: German FA (DFB) chief Wolfgang Niersbach will run for membership at FIFA’s executive committee next year to replace outgoing European member Theo Zwanziger. Niersbach, who has been critical of both FIFA’s handling of a report on corruption for the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup as well as picking Qatar for 2022, said Germany should keep its voice in the powerful decision-making body. “I run for this post because I want to support European positions,” Niersbach said.

Michu: Napoli striker Michu will be sidelined for a few weeks following surgery to correct an ankle problem. Michu, currently on loan from Swansea, has barely featured for Napoli this season and struggled with a recurring injury to his ankle.

Hernandez: Hull City will be without striker Abel Hernandez for today’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Hernandez has travelled to his native Uruguay, where his partner is due to give birth, and is also expected to be ruled out of Wednesday night’s trip to Everton.

Europa League: Estoril vs PSV 3-3. Standings: D. Moscow 15 (Q); PSV 8 (Q); Estoril 4; Panathinaikos 1.

In England: League One – Peterborough vs Bristol City 0-3; Sheffield United vs Notts County 1-1. League Two – Accrington vs Exeter 2-3.

Lega Pro: (Group A) Novara vs Mantova 1-0; (Group B) Spal vs Pisa 0-1.

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