Manchester United winger Nani views Arsenal as a bigger title threat than Chelsea this season.
The Gunners visit Old Trafford on Monday looking to consolidate top spot in the Premier League table. For their part, United know a home win would allow them to jump back to the summit, while retaining a match in hand following the postponement of last week’s visit to Blackpool.
“Arsenal are a bigger threat than Chelsea now,” Nani said.
“Chelsea have lost a few games and drawn some and their confidence looks a bit low.
“But Arsenal have been winning and being top of the league gives you great confidence.”
Pavlyuchenko in Spurs’ contract talks
Roman Pavlyuchenko is in talks over signing a new contract at Tottenham, according to the Russia striker’s agent.
Oleg Artemov claims Spurs are attempting to tie Pavlyuchenko down to a new deal less than a year after he looked certain to leave White Hart Lane.
“Redknapp wouldn’t sell Pavlyuchenko now,” Artemov told Russian newspaper Sovetskiy Sport.
“The same can be said of the chairman (Daniel) Levy. Three months ago, Levy suggested Roman sign a new contract on improved terms. We are in negotiations and discussing the details.”
Rangers suffer seeding blow
Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady helped consign Rangers to the bottom half of the Europa League draw on Wednesday as his Spartak Moscow side bettered the Light Blues’ Champions League record.
Rangers, who drew 1-1 against Bursaspor in Turkey on Tuesday, needed several results to go their way to finish as one of the top four third-placed sides. But Ajax and Spartak both overtook them in the rankings with away victories.
Spartak, with McGeady in the starting line-up, came from behind to win 2-1 at Zilina while Ajax won 2-0 against Milan. They join Braga and Twente in the top half of the last-32 draw alongside the 12 Europa League group winners.
Brown hints at Aberdeen U-turn
Motherwell manager Craig Brown and assistant Archie Knox appears to have left the door open for a move to Aberdeen, despite earlier insisting he would be staying at Fir Park.
“Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne phoned me back on Wednesday and asked if we would be prepared to reconsider our refusal to be a candidate for the job,” the former Scotland boss said.
“Frankly, although we originally said no, after the very pleasant appeal from the Aberdeen chairman to reconsider our position, we will have another agonising sit-down and talk out of respect for a man who we both respect.”
Juve boss Agnelli targets trophy
Juventus president Gianni Agnelli has set the team the target of winning a major trophy this season to show that the Old Lady is back on track.
Earlier this week, Juventus players and employees had a Christmas dinner at the Royal Park Hotel during which Agnelli made his intentions known.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 35-year-old said that his top priority is to show the world that Juventus mean business and also praised the club’s emphasis on a sound youth policy.
The players and coaching staff were told that a victory either in Serie A or the Coppa Italia would be important to realising that goal.
Ronaldinho keen to stay despite boos
Ronaldinho is keen to stay at Milan despite being jeered during Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League.
The Brazilian’s contract expires at the end of the season and Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has intimated that he will risk letting it run down.
Palmeiras have already announced that they are keen to lure Ronaldinho and Adriano back to Brazil in January.
Speaking to the Milan Channel, Ronaldinho said: “I am happy because I had the chance to play an entire game.
“I am calm about staying at Milan. I am convinced about being able to do well. I have the utmost respect for my team-mates, who are going through a wonderful moment.”
Hodgson backs Meireles to shine
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes Raul Meireles is now finding his feet in the Premier League and beginning to make an impact.
The former Porto midfielder was an influential figure in the 3-0 victory against Aston Villa on Monday after making a slow start to his Anfield career.
Hodgson said: “With Raul Meireles it was always just a question of time. He came from a different league but I never doubted his quality as a player.
“I always knew we’d get something out of him because of his exceptional ability. I’m sure we’ll get even more out of him now, with the more games he plays as he settles more and more into life in England.”