Neil: Norwich have sacked manager Alex Neil “in the best interests of the club”. The 35-year-old joined the Canaries in January 2015 but, after winning promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt and then failing to stave off relegation, he leaves the club eighth in the EFL Championship. Former West Brom boss Alan Irvine steps up from his role as first-team coach to take charge of Saturday’s game against Blackburn.

Philllips: West Brom will once again be without winger Matt Phillips when they face Everton today. Phillips sits out the Premier League contest at Goodison Park due to the hamstring problem that has kept him sidelined for the last two games. Baggies boss Tony Pulis says he has “one or two knocks” in his squad beyond that but does not expect anyone else to be unavailable.

Rakitic: Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic marked his 29th birthday yesterday by signing a new four-year contract. The Croatia international was pictured on Barcelona’s website shaking hands on the deal with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Rakitic, who moved to the Nou Camp in 2014 from Sevilla, His new deal was agreed in principle on Thursday, when Barcelona stated it would contain a buy-out clause of €125 million.

Firmino: Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is a doubt for tomorrow’s visit of Burnley because of injury. The Brazil international has missed training with a muscle problem but still has a couple of days to recover. Midfielder Jordan Henderson (foot) and striker Daniel Sturridge (hip) are still sidelined

Live Streaming: Facebook Inc signed a deal with Major League Soccer and Spanish-language broadcaster Univision Communications Inc yesterday to stream at least 22 matches in English during the 2017 regular season. The first match streamed on the social media platform will feature new MLS club Atlanta United hosting Chicago Fire on March 18.

Championship: Brighton vs Derby County 3-0.