Evian-Paris Saint-Germain Preview: Champions closing in on club-record unbeaten run

Paris Saint-Germain have the chance to equal their club-record unbeaten run in Ligue 1 when they travel to Evian on Wednesday.

The French champions have not lost in their last 26 league games since a 1-0 reverse away to Reims on March 2, with their previous best of 27 being set in 1994 on their way to their second Ligue 1 title.

Having won the title under Carlo Ancelotti last term, PSG have pushed on under Laurent Blanc and are top of Ligue 1, although Lille closed to within a point on Tuesday with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Olympique de Marseille and a staggering 11th consecutive clean sheet.

The consistency of Lille and the attacking prowess of Monaco - who beat Nice 3-0 on Tuesday despite the absence of Radamel Falcao - means les Parisiens face a fight to defend their title, but their crushing 4-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday showed they remain the side to beat this season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice from the penalty spot, adding to efforts from Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva.

In their way of the milestone sit an Evian team without a win in three games and sitting 16th in the table.

Pascal Dupraz's side went down to a 2-0 defeat at Bastia on Sunday, leaving their coach lamenting some sub-standard defending.

The suspended Fabrice Ehret is unavailable for Dupraz, while the game may come too soon for striker Kevin Berigaud (thigh).

PSG may also have to reshuffle for the clash with Thiago Motta having been withdrawn at half-time in the Lyon win, putting his involvement in doubt.

Via: Evian-Paris Saint-Germain Preview: Champions closing in on club-record unbeaten run

Slovenia-Canada Preview: No goals in nine games for the hapless visitors

Slovenia will look to take out their disappointment on missing out on the World Cup on a hapless Canada team on Tuesday.

Switzerland and Iceland finished ahead of Slovenia in Europe's Group E of qualifying for Brazil 2014 last month, meaning Srecko Katanec's side missed out on consecutive appearances at World Cup finals.

In their first match since losing 1-0 to Switzerland in Group E's final round, Slovenia will host Canada in Celje and Katanec should expect his team to respond emphatically against a side that have not won in 13 matches.

Canada have lost 10 of those games, including embarrassing defeats to Martinique and Mauritania, and have not scored in nine straight matches - the perfect victims for an angry home team on Tuesday.

Halfway through Europe's Group E of World Cup qualifying, Slovenia had tasted victory just once in five matches and were seemingly finished in terms of qualification for Brazil.

But with Katanec taking the reins at the start of the year, replacing Slavisa Stojanovic, Slovenia responded - overcoming Iceland, Albania, Cyprus and Norway only to fall two points short of a World Cup play-off spot.

Instead Iceland finished second after Slovenia failed to overcome Switzerland in October.

Katanec will hope Dynamo Dresden forward Zlatko Dedic can use the friendly versus Canada to end his goal-scoring drought as the 29-year-old has not found the back of the net for Slovenia in nine matches.

Dedic has two goals to his name and three assists in 13 games for Dresden in 2.Bundesliga this season.

Goals will also be the focus for Canada as coach Benito Floro continues his attempt to turn the North American team around.

Canada's last international ended in a 2-0 defeat away to Czech Republic.

With the MLS play-offs still underway, Floro has been denied access to Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson, although the Spanish coach still has a squad with a bunch of experience in the United States' top league, plus the leading divisions in Germany, Sweden and Norway.

Ex-Norwich striker Simeon Jackson could be the key if Canada are to get on the scoresheet with the 26-year-old currently playing for Eintracht Braunschweig in the Bundesliga.
Via: Slovenia-Canada Preview: No goals in nine games for the hapless visitors

Premier League: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers cautious of just relying on Luis Suarez

The 11-goal man has been ruled out for up to two months with an ankle problem and his usual partner, Suarez, cut a frustrated figure as a lone striker during the 3-1 defeat at Hull City on Sunday.

Summer signings Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto are both yet to make a real impact on the Premier League since their arrivals, but Rodgers thinks that they could now be ready to step up to the plate.

"The likes of Aspas and Alberto have been at the club for a few months now and have seen the difficulties of playing in the Premier League, how hard it is and the physical demands," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I can see them improving and working hard to fit into it. They will get improve and get better in time. There was always going to be a period of adjustment.

"With Daniel out, other players who have been working hard will get an opportunity. We now have to find a different way to win games.

"We can't just rely on one player for goals. It's the responsibility of everyone.

"It has to be for everyone to create and score goals. If some aren't available, we need to do more as a team - that was the message after the defeat to Hull.

"It was too predictable. Certainly you wouldn't have said that about us in the last number of months.

"We are normally exciting and create lots of chances. We are on the front foot. We conceded a poor goal which put us on the back foot but we needed to be more dynamic. That is something we will look to put right."

Rodgers also defended duo Victor Moses and Raheem Sterling after the pair came under fire for their performances in the KC Stadium loss.

"Both players are very talented," he said.

"When we lose a game, we all get criticised but I thought both players worked hard in the game.

"Raheem is still only 18 years of age. He's been in and out this season but is still a fantastic talent.

"Victor has great ability. It's been a bit difficult for him as he hasn't had a run in the team but he's still a very important player for us."

Another concern for Rodgers has been Liverpool's pairing in the centre of the defence since Jamie Carragher's retirement last season.

Despite Kolo Toure, Mamado Sakho and Tiago Ilori all being brought in over the summer to compete with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, the Liverpool boss admits he is still trying to find the right partnership.

"It's probably the first job I have been in where there have been lots of areas I have been happy and settled in but this is an important area," he said.

"It's something I need to look at in order to get that consistency. There has been lots of change - and some of that has been down to me - knowing every game is an absolute cup final for us.

"If I feel I have needed to change it going into a game to get a result, then I will do.

"But of course I also need to look at it from the coaching perspective as well, that a little run in the team might breed the consistency even though we have had to change a number of positions."

Via: Premier League: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers cautious of just relying on Luis Suarez

Premier League: Dimitar Berbatov's agent says he wants to leave Fulham

The 32-year-old has scored just twice in 12 appearances for the Cottagers this season, a barren run that contributed to the struggles that cost Martin Jol his job.

Rene Meulensteen has taken over the managerial reins at Craven Cottage but he will have been rocked by the news that Berbatov, whose contract expires in the summer, is looking for a way out.

"I don't usually speculate as nobody knows what will happen in January but what I can tell you is he (Berbatov) is not happy at Fulham," said Dantchev.

"He would like, if possible, to find another option."

Turkish club Trabzonsport have been linked with Berbatov, but Dantchev suggested that his client would prefer to remain in the Premier League.

"I cannot comment (on whether there has been any approach) but the priority is to find a solution to stay in England," he said.

Fulham refused to comment on the situation.

Via: Premier League: Dimitar Berbatov's agent says he wants to leave Fulham

Enyeama keeps 11th consecutive clean sheet as Lille snatch win over Marseille

Rene Girard's Lille maintained their remarkable defensive record in defeating fellow high-fliers Olympique de Marseille 1-0 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

An 11th consecutive clean sheet for Vincent Enyeama in Ligue 1 gained added value as Nolan Roux grabbed an injury-time winner to give the hosts all three points.

The Nigerian was in sensational form on Tuesday night, denying Andre-Pierre Gignac with four instinctive saves as well as parrying a stinging drive from former Lille attacker Florian Thauvin.

Marseille began to struggle once both Mathieu Valbuena and Dimitri Payet were forced off with injuries in the second half, and Lille made them pay with a last-gasp winner from Roux, who headed home Florent Balmont's cross in the first minute of stoppage time.

Lille's win moves them to just one point behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, whose game in hand comes at Evian on Wednesday, while Monaco are a further point back after a 3-0 triumph at Nice.

Enyeama has now gone 1035 minutes since conceding a goal, with the Marseille shut out moving him ahead of PSGs Salvatore Sirigu (950 minutes, 2012-13) in his search for the Ligue 1 record.

Only Bordeauxs Gaetan Huard, who went 1176 minutes without coneding a goal in the 1992-93 season, now stands in the goalkeeper's way of achieving the longest streak.

Via: Enyeama keeps 11th consecutive clean sheet as Lille snatch win over Marseille

Real Madrid 4-0 Valladolid: Bale hat-trick inspires Ancelotti's men to victory

Gareth Bale starred with a hat-trick in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence as Real Madrid eased to a 4-0 win over Real Valladolid at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

The hosts may have been without their talisman and top scorer, as he sat out with a thigh problem, but creating goalscoring opportunities was not an issue as they dominated from the start.

After they had squandered numerous chances, Bale was on hand soon after the half-hour mark to head into an empty net following good work by Angel Di Maria and the Wales international was involved again a couple of minutes later as the hosts doubled their lead.

This time, he turned provider for Karim Benzema - the Frenchman scoring for the fifth successive league game, the first time he has managed that feat in Spain.

The world's most expensive player got his second just after the hour mark with a close-range finish before completing his hat-trick in the 89th minute with a similar strike to complete a resounding win.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti made three alterations to the side that comfortably beat Almeria 5-0 in their last league match, with Alvaro Arbeloa and Asier Illarramendi joining Ronaldo in missing out.

Valladolid's team, meanwhile, included only one change from their loss to Osasuna, as Fausto Rossi replaced German midfielder Patrick Ebert.

The game's first chance arrived after only three minutes when Sergio Ramos - linked with a move away from the club in the build-up - rose highest to meet Xabi Alonso's corner, but the Spain defender's header flew over.

Just a few minutes later, Di Maria went even closer as his audacious half-volley looped over goalkeeper Diego Marino, only to come back off the crossbar and hit the shot-stopper before going out of play.

After pressing, Madrid eventually got the breakthrough after 33 minutes when Di Maria's powerful cross-cum-shot was palmed straight to Bale, who headed into an empty net for his fifth La Liga goal.

And they doubled their lead within three minutes, with Bale integral again. This time, the winger crossed from deep and Benzema calmly nodded the ball past Marino.

The visitors were far livelier in the second half and although Madrid controlled possession, Zakarya Bergdich troubled them on the counter as he beat Ramos before shooting at Diego Lopez.

Benzema thought he had doubled his tally in the 61st minute when he tapped in Bale's squared pass, but the Frenchman's effort was ruled offside.

Ancelotti's men did have a third less than two minutes later, however.

Bale played Marcelo in down the left and when the Brazilian's low cross was partially intercepted, the Welshman was in the right place to sweep home.

And the former Tottenham man completed the scoring a minute from time as he slotted past Marino from inside the six-yard box, thanks to more good work by Marcelo, as he grabbed his first Real Madrid hat-trick in perfect style, with left-footed, right-footed and headed finishes.
Via: Real Madrid 4-0 Valladolid: Bale hat-trick inspires Ancelotti's men to victory

CSKA Moscow 1-3 Bayern Munich: Gotze wondergoal helps Bavarians break Barca record

Bayern Munich broke Barcelona's record of Champions League wins by beating CSKA Moscow 3-1 for their 10th victory in a row on Wednesday.

Arjen Robben's 10th goal of the season set the European champions on their way as the snow came down in the Russian capital and Mario Gotze doubled their lead early in the second half.

Keisuke Honda pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after spurning two golden opportunities after the break, but Thomas Muller responded with a spot kick at the other end to ensure Bayern surpassed the record of nine Champions League victories in a row set by Barca in 2002-03.

Pep Guardiola's side will be confirmed as Group D winners if Manchester City fail to beat Viktoria Plzen later on Tuesday but, even if the Premier League side claim all three points, the German champions will only need a point against Manuel Pellegrini's side next month to ensure they claim top spot.

Victory also marks a club record sixth consecutive away win in Europe for Bayern, while CSKA are still in the hunt for a place in the Europa League ahead of their final game against Plzen.

Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic was ruled out with a calf problem, so Gotze started in attack. CSKA were without in-form striker Seydou Doumbia due to injury and Ahmed Musa came in to replace him.

Guardiola warned his players to adapt quickly to the weather conditions and Bayern did just that to edge in front after 16 minutes.

Muller was the architect, racing away down the left and cutting the ball back into the path of the onrushing Robben, who made beat Igor Akinfeev with a clinical left-foot finish inside the near post.

Honda tried to be too clever when he attempted to round Manuel Neuer two minutes into the second half, but the German goalkeeper read his drag-back and smothered the ball.

Things went from bad to worse for the Japan international when a cross from the right fell nicely for him six yards out, but he fluffed his lines with the goal gaping.

And he was made to pay for those misses 11 minutes into the second half, when Gotze set off on a mazy run into the penalty and beat Akinfeev with a delightful left-foot finish.

CSKA were given a lifeline five minutes later, when Dante was harshly adjudged to have handled in the area and Honda this time kept his nerve to send Neuer the wrong way from the spot.

However, Bayern were awarded a spot kick of their own after 65 minutes when Georgi Schennikov upended Robben and Muller restored their two-goal advantage. Zoran Tosic hit the crossbar nine minutes from time, but Bayern never looked in danger of surrendering their lead.
Via: CSKA Moscow 1-3 Bayern Munich: Gotze wondergoal helps Bavarians break Barca record

No Keane and Donovan loans

The pair have both had loan spells in England in recent years with Keane spending two months at Aston Villa at the start of 2012, while Donovan joined Everton on loan in 2010 and 2012.

The Toffees have again been linked with the United States international but Arena is adamant Donovan and Keane - along with defender Omar Gonzalez - are going nowhere during the MLS off-season.

Arena told Galaxy's All-Access podcast on LAGalaxy.com: "Our players aren't going anywhere.

"Even though we argue that the [offseason] layoff is going to be too long, he (Gonzalez) can go in camp with the US national team in January, along with Landon Donovan.

"Our players have had a really tough run this year, in particular Robbie [Keane] and Omar with all their requirements with national teams.

"They've had a full 11 months of play and they need some time off and then they need to get back here in LA and be ready for a challenging campaign that includes in the beginning not only the league but the [CONCACAF] Champions League."

Via: No Keane and Donovan loans

Premier League: Fulham's Scott Parker hails the impact of head coach Rene Meulensteen

The former Manchester United first team coach joined forces with compatriot Martin Jol in November and is already bringing an air of confidence to the changing room, according to Parker.

Meulensteen, who in five years as Sir Alex Ferguson's understudy helped guide the club to 10 trophies, is vastly experienced having worked in the Netherlands, Qatar, Denmark and Russia, as well as the Premier League.

Parker insists the Dutchman's credential do not lie and believes the Fulham squad have plenty to learn from the 49-year-old.

"It's much like when an electrician comes through your front door," he told the Daily Mail. "You quickly work out if the guy's going to burn down your house.

"I can only say good things about Rene. You only have to look at his track record, who he's worked with, he's very positive with lots of good ideas.

"After a couple of sessions you know if a coach knows what he is doing. Rene has that confidence I like."

Such confidence and experience will be called upon, as Fulham strive to make their way out of the drop-zone after winning just three of their opening 12 top-flight matches, but Parker remains comfortable under the leadership of Jol and Meulensteen.

Confidence

"It's something I've seen in the Dutch before," he added. "There's a fine line between arrogance and confidence by these guys have it right.

"The manager is the same and having them here makes you feel safe."

Fulham are less than safe in their Premier League standing however, languishing in 18th with only 10 points to their name.

Parker has experience of relegation battles having survived the dreaded drop with West Ham and the playmaker acknowledges he must draw on that experience to lead Fulham to safety.

"My experience at West Ham gives me an understanding of what it takes to get out of this kind of situation," he said.

"It's still early in the season and there are a lot of teams around us, so we need to stay as positive as we can.

"It's the games coming up that are crucial. The Christmas period, too.

"But I believe that, if you put in the hard work, things will turn and with a new coach coming in and the manager working hard, I see no reason why it can't turn for us."

Via: Premier League: Fulham's Scott Parker hails the impact of head coach Rene Meulensteen

Marseille 2-0 Montpellier: Hosts extend Ligue 1 unbeaten streak with simple win

Olympique de Marseille extended their unbeaten streak to four Ligue 1 games with a comfortable 2-0 win over Montpellier at the Stade Velodrome on Friday.

Florian Thauvin deservedly put the hosts in front after 36 minutes, before substitute Saber Khelifa sealed their win with the last kick of the game.

Khelifa was only introduced in the 88th minute, but slotted past Geoffrey Jourden in injury time to ensure Marseille moved four points clear of Nantes in fourth place.

Andre-Pierre Gignac almost put Elie Baup's men ahead early on, but Marseille had to wait until nine minutes before the interval to see their pressure pay dividends as Thauvin poked home his fourth goal of the season.

Victor Montano almost drew Montpellier level just before the hour as he almost got on the end of a whipped cross, and Siaka Tiene had a free kick saved by Steve Mandanda soon after.

However, Tunisia international Khelifa had the final say when he scored late on to condemn Montpellier to their sixth Ligue 1 game without a win.

Via: Marseille 2-0 Montpellier: Hosts extend Ligue 1 unbeaten streak with simple win

Premier League preview: Everton host Stoke at Goodison Park

Roberto Martinez has a number possible options to come in for the England full-back including Costa Rican Bryan Oviedo, untested John Stones, midfielder Gareth Barry or even centre-back Sylvain Distin.

Midfielder Darron Gibson and striker Arouna Kone (both knee) are out long term while central defender Antolin Alcaraz is edging closer to his debut having been sidelined by injury since arriving in the summer.

Stoke will be forced into at least two changes from the side which beat Sunderland.

Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic and defender Robert Huth have both been ruled out, with the German possibly requiring surgery on his knee.

Matthew Etherington and Oussama Assaidi are both in contention to replace Arnautovic, while Marc Wilson, Geoff Cameron and Marc Muniesa could all replace Huth.

Via: Premier League preview: Everton host Stoke at Goodison Park

Premier League: Cardiff host leaders Arsenal looking to claim another major scalp

Jack Wilshere scored both goals against the French side but it is fellow midfielder Aaron Ramsey who is set to attract most of the attention as he returns to face his former club.

Theo Walcott could be in line for a return to the starting line-up after a couple of run-outs as a substitute, while Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla could also be recalled if Arsene Wenger wishes to freshen up his midfield.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby remain long-term absentees and Lukas Podolski is not yet ready to return despite training this week following a lengthy lay-off.

For Cardiff, Andreas Cornelius was back on the bench against Manchester United after missing ten weeks with an ankle injury, and will hope to feature.

Malky Mackay has a fully fit squad at his disposal and midfielder Gary Medel is available after escaping disciplinary action following his clash with Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini.

There are unlikely to be too many changes from the side that drew with United, although Kim Bo-kyung will hope to start after coming on to score a 90th-minute equaliser.

Via: Premier League: Cardiff host leaders Arsenal looking to claim another major scalp

United loan out Keane twins

Michael Keane, a 20-year-old centre-back, has joined Derby and will remain with the Rams until January 2.

Striker Will Keane has joined Wigan on loan until January 1 - and the pair could come face to face at the DW Stadium on Sunday when the Latics take on Derby in a Championship fixture.

England U21 international Michael Keane has made three Capital One Cup appearances for United and also had a loan spell with Leicester City last season.

United have now allowed him to leave the club again on an initial short-term basis to enable him to gain further experience.

Keane will link up with former Old Trafford coach Steve McClaren at Derby who have won a battle with several other Championship clubs for his services.

Will Keane, who trained with the England U21 squad earlier this month, has made one senior appearance for United as a substitute in the 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn back on 31 December 2011.

He missed last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered while playing for England's U19 side and is making his first loan switch.

Meanwhile, United have allowed Welsh forward Tom Lawrence to join Carlisle United on loan until January 4.

There has also been further loan movement at Derby with striker Callum Ball moving to Notts County on loan until January 2.

Via: United loan out Keane twins

Juventus 3-1 Copenhagen: Vidal hits hat-trick in vital victory for Bianconeri

Arturo Vidal scored a hat-trick as Juventus moved from the bottom of Champions League Group B to second place courtesy of a 3-1 win over Copenhagen.

The Chilean converted two penalties either side of Olof Mellberg's equaliser before nodding in a third to take his tally to five goals in the competition this season.

The result, which eliminates Copenhagen, leaves Juventus second in Group B, two points clear of Galatasaray, whom they visit in their final game with just a point needed to progress to the knockout stages.

Vidal's first penalty came shortly before the half-hour mark when Lars Jacobsen handled, but the hosts were momentarily stunned in the 56th minute when Mellberg levelled the scores against his former club.

Midfielder Vidal claimed his second from the spot five minutes later following a foul by Mellberg before completing his hat-trick with a header two minutes later.

The hosts made one change from the weekend as Leonardo Bonucci replaced Claudio Marchisio, while Claudemir and Christian Bolanos came into the Copenhagen side in place of Cesar Santin and Igor Vetokele, respectively.

Paul Pogba wasted the first chance of the game in the seventh minute, firing a weak shot at Johan Wiland from the edge of the box after beating the offside trap.

In the 29th minute, Juventus were gifted the chance to break the deadlock when Jacobsen inexplicably handled a cross while under pressure from Pogba and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Vidal stepped up and slammed the penalty low to Wiland's right for his third successful spot-kick in this year's competition.

Juve were dominant as the half wore on, Pogba rippling the side-netting from the edge of the area four minutes before the break.

Copenhagen equalised 11 minutes into the second half when Mellberg hooked the ball home from 10 yards after the Juve defence failed to clear a long throw from the left.

Parity lasted just five minutes, however, Mellberg's evening turning sour as he hauled down Fernando Llorente inside the area, Vidal once again sending the ball low into the bottom left-hand corner.

Vidal put some daylight between the two sides two minutes later, hanging in the air at the far post to meet Pogba's left-wing cross and loop a header into the far corner.

The remainder of the game proved uneventful with Juventus happy to sit back and soak up pressure to claim their first win of the campaign at a crucial time.
Via: Juventus 3-1 Copenhagen: Vidal hits hat-trick in vital victory for Bianconeri

Australia 1-0 Costa Rica: Cahill heads winner in Postecoglou's first game in charge

Substitute Tim Cahill's second-half header earned Australia a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in Ange Postecoglou's first game at the helm.

The veteran midfielder scored just 17 minutes after being introduced from the bench, heading home Tommy Oar's 69th-minute corner with the help of a notable deflection at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.

It allowed Postecoglou, who replaced Holger Osieck after a 6-0 loss to France, to mark the occasion of his first match in charge with a promising victory.

Mark Milligan and Robbie Kruse starred for the home side, while youngster Tom Rogic looked dangerous in a 25-minute second-half cameo.

Australia almost suffered a disastrous start when Jason Davidson prodded the ball past his own goalkeeper following a mix up, but Ivan Franjic stepped in to clear to safety.

The hosts settled in to the game after that, with Patrick Pemberton becoming increasingly occupied in the Costa Rica goal.

After Milligan had set up Mathew Leckie to shoot wide, Kruse's heavy touch let him down after he had been sent clear by Rhys Williams' excellent throughball.

Postecoglou's men continued to probe, earning a corner from which Mile Jedinak fired a shot on goal from inside the six-yard box, but Pemberton made a comfortable save.

The first chance of the second half fell to Costa Rica but Wellington Phoenix striker Kenny Cunningham miscued with only goalkeeper Mat Ryan to beat.

Cahill was brought on in the 52nd minute, replacing Leckie, and he rose highest to nod in Oar's excellent delivery, with the ball taking a wicked deflection off Junior Diaz on its way in.
Via: Australia 1-0 Costa Rica: Cahill heads winner in Postecoglou's first game in charge

PSG 2-1 Olympiakos: Cavani fires Parisiens into last 16

Ten-manParis Saint-Germain qualified for the Champions League knockout stages courtesy of a 2-1 win overOlympiakos on Wednesday.

The French champions will progress to the next round as Group C winners after maintaining their unbeaten start to the competition at the Parc des Princes.

PSG deservedly went ahead after just seven minutes, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic marking his 100th Champions League appearance with a clinical close-range finish.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Marco Verratti was booked for a second time early in the second half and the Greek side thought they had gained a point when Kostas Manolas levelled 10 minutes from time.

However, Edinson Cavani grabbed the winner in the final minute, slotting past Roberto Jimenez to secure Laurent Blanc's men the win.

Alex retained his place alongside Thiago Silva in the centre of defence for PSG, while Cavani, Maxwell and Gregory van der Wiel all returned to the starting XI after being rested for the 3-0 win against Reims.

Jeremy Menez and Lucas Moura had to be content with spots on the bench, despite both scoring at the Stade Auguste Delaune II on Saturday.

Dimitris Siovas returned from a knee injury for Olympiakos, while Konstantinos Mitroglou was named in the starting XI, having been rested for Saturday's 4-1 win over Panthrakikos, as he looked to add to his 17 goals this season in all competitions.

The Ligue 1 leaders were ahead after seven minutes courtesy of Ibrahimovic, as he equalled the record amount of goals in a Champions League group stage with his eighth of the campaign.

The ball was spread wide to Van der Wiel on the right, who crossed for the Sweden international to sidefoot into the roof of the net.

Buoyed by their early opener, PSG dominated possession but struggled to create further chances, while Mitroglou got on the end of a Joel Campbell ball to force a smart stop from Salvatore Sirigu.

PSG almost doubled their lead after half an hour when Maxwell's cutback from the left by-line evaded Cavani inside the area.

Mitroglou then again tested Sirigu from inside the area after fortunately finding himself through on goal following a Thiago slide tackle.

Jimenez was called on to deny Cavani's fierce effort six minutes before the break, while Ezequiel Lavezzi fired past Jimenez's left-hand post with the last chance of the half.

Verratti was shown a second yellow card within the first minute of the second half, as he was cautioned for pulling back Vladimir Weiss after his first yellow had been given for a handball after 29 minutes.

Ibrahimovic hit a vicious free-kick on target five minutes later before Jose Holebas attempted to replicate him at the other end - only for his long-range effort to fly harmlessly over Sirigu's crossbar.

Jimenez was called on to deny substitute Adrien Rabiot 18 minutes from time, getting down well to his left and tipping the strike wide.

Manolas was on hand to bury a loose ball in the area after Sirigu had parried an Alejandro Dominguez header, but it was not enough as Cavani prodded home Rabiot's throughball in the 90th minute to deny Olympiakos qualification.
Via: PSG 2-1 Olympiakos: Cavani fires Parisiens into last 16

Per starting to feel at home

The 6ft 6ins centre-back has grown in stature at the heart of the Gunners rearguard alongside Laurent Koscielny this season, the duo helping secure another clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Marseille at the Emirates Stadium which put Arsenal within touching distance of the last 16 of the Champions League.

The 29-year-old admits it took him a while to settle following a switch from Werder Bremen on transfer deadline day in August 2011, with an ankle injury later ruling him out of Euro 2012.

Now, though, Mertesacker - who has become a cult favourite with Arsenal supporters - intends to make the most of his consistent form to help drive the Gunners on to success both in the Barclays Premier League and in Europe.

"The first year was tough for me, a very tough challenge, but the club and the manager always trusted me in a special way," said Mertesacker.

"I think it is a little reward that we are talking (about a new contract), because I still have one-and-a-half years left.

"There is no rush, but it seems that some people are delighted with my performances at the moment. I am pleased with the situation."

Mertesacker, whose headed goal gave Germany a 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley during the international break, recalled: "I went through a lot of difficulties and a lot of mistakes at the beginning, but the manager always said I would get through it because I was a good player.

"I took my time to settle down completely and there were a lot of reasons.

"I missed completely the pre-season (before joining Arsenal), so it was really hard because I had to work straight away to play straight away.

"It took me a while to get to that level, but the manager always trusted me and said I was intelligent enough to cope with problems.

"Then I got a big injury in my first year and I missed Euro 2012, so I was fit for my second season.

"Maybe it was a good thing that I missed the competition with Germany to train and get my body fit."

Despite beating whipping boys Marseille to stay top of Group F, Arsenal are not yet mathematically certain of a place in the knockout stages following Borussia Dortmund's win over Napoli.

The Gunners head to Italy on matchday six, and anything other than a three-goal defeat would see them progress while a draw would secure top spot and with it seeding for the knockout stages.

Arsenal had raced ahead inside 30 seconds against Marseille through a fine run and finish from Jack Wilshere.

It should have been 2-0 before half-time, but Mesut Ozil's tame penalty was saved.

The German playmaker did, however, put the crucial second goal on a plate for Wilshere, who swept home a perfectly-weighted ball across the six-yard box on 65 minutes.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta feels that shows the mental strength of the club's record signing, who has been under some scrutiny in recent weeks following a few indifferent displays.

"Penalties are very decisive moments," he said. "Only a detail makes it go in or out. I don't think it's about confidence."

Arteta - who is Arsenal's usual penalty taker, but was on the bench until the final 10 minutes - wants the team to quickly refocus on Saturday's Premier League game at Cardiff.

"Cardiff will be very tough. That is why we need to get back and prepare well for Saturday to make sure we get the points again," he said.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini, meanwhile, was criticised by Wenger for cutting the sleeves off his shirt, going against club tradition.

The 29-year-old has settled quickly since his return to Arsenal on a free transfer this summer.

"I am not really surprised (it has gone well) because the philosophy is still the same," said Flamini, who was back from a one-match suspension.

"We are still playing the same football. Arsene Wenger is still here with the same conviction, for me on the pitch it is always the same game so it went very naturally."

Via: Per starting to feel at home

Championship: Charlton beat Doncaster 2-0 in rearranged clash

Stephens hit a spectacular first-half volley and Church wrapped up the victory after the break as the Addicks won the rearranged Championship clash and climbed above their fellow strugglers into 17th.

Doncaster could not claim they deserved much better on the night - they did not force a single save out of Charlton keeper Ben Alnwick.

However, the fact Rovers were 3-1 up when this fixture was originally played in August, only for torrential rain to come to Charlton's rescue, will leave boss Paul Dickov feeling distinctly under the weather.

Instead, three months after they looked destined for defeat Charlton, who kicked off one place above the drop zone, registered only their second home win of the season.

They thoroughly merited their victory as well with Yann Kermorgant and Cameron Stewart also hitting the woodwork while Alnwick, only drafted in after regular number one Ben Hamer was injured in the warm-up, could not have wished for an easier debut.

The hosts should have gone ahead in the opening two minutes but Church missed a sitter, dragging his shot wide from six yards out after Jordan Cousins chipped the ball over the top.

Strike partner Kermorgant also came up with an uncharacteristic miss midway through the first half when he met a cross from Rhoys Wiggins 10 yards out only to scuff his shot against a post.

Moments later Church's low cross found captain Johnnie Jackson, who struck the ball well with his left foot but saw Rovers keeper Ross Turnbull pull off a stunning save.

Doncaster's only real chance fell to Federico Macheda, who led the Charlton defence a merry dance in the penalty area before blazing his shot over the crossbar.

And moments later, in the 39th minute, Charlton took the lead when Stewart's cross was headed clear to Stephens who crashed it back past the stunned Turnbull and into the top corner from 20 yards.

After the break Turnbull got down well to beat out Lawrie Wilson's shot, but he could do nothing to keep out Church's clincher on the hour.

The striker was sent clean through by a superb pass from Jackson and kept his cool to slide the ball past Turnbull and in off the foot of the post.

It could have been even worse for Doncaster, but Stewart's 25-yarder hit the crossbar and Church missed his kick in front of goal.

Nevertheless, Rovers still had to make the long trip home from The Valley empty-handed for the second time this season.

Via: Championship: Charlton beat Doncaster 2-0 in rearranged clash

CSKA Moscow-Bayern Munich Preview: Guardiola can make Champions League history

Bayern Munich can win a record 10th Champions League match in a row with victory at CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.

Reigning champions Bayern equalled Barcelona's feat of nine successive triumphs in Europe's premier club competition when they edged past Viktoria Plzen 1-0 earlier this month.

Pep Guardiola's men have already secured their passage into the round of 16 with four wins from four, but they will seal top spot if they better Manchester City's result against Viktoria Plzen.

They have conceded just once in the Champions League group stages so far, giving them the best defensive record in the competition, and they could hardly be in better form fresh off a superb 3-0 Bundesliga win at title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Former Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze scored the opener against his one-time employers before Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller added polish with late goals, as Bayern retained their four-point lead at the top of the table.

The win was Bayern's seventh in a row, and they are now 25 games unbeaten on the road in the Bundesliga, just one short of a German top-flight record which they set themselves between December 1985 and August 1987.

The records do not stop there, either, with Bayern now unbeaten in 38 successive Bundesliga matches, another benchmark, while they have scored in each of their last 37 matches in all competitions as well.

Those statistics alone indicate just how tough it will be for CSKA, but the Russians are boosted by the likely absence of France winger Franck Ribery from Bayern's ranks.

Ribery suffered a fractured rib on international duty and did not feature against Dortmund, while midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger (ankle), Xherdan Shaqiri (hamstring) and striker Claudio Pizarro (thigh) are also sidelined.

In better news for Bayern, midfielder Thiago Alcantara signed from Barcelona in the close-season returned from an ankle injury to feature as a substitute against Dortmund and could now play an extended role.

CSKA also enter the match on the back of a win, with Leonid Slutsky's side - who are fourth in the Russian Premier League - defeating rivals Spartak Moscow 1-0 on Saturday.

Ivorian forward Seydou Doumbia scored the game's only goal, his seventh in his last five matches for CSKA.

The Russian champions sit third in Group D, with just three points from their four matches, and they have conceded 12 goals in the process giving them the competition's joint-worst defence along with group rivals Plzen.

They have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight Champions League fixtures but will be heartened by the fact that they have won their last two home matches in the competition against German opposition, defeating Hamburg and Wolfsburg in the 2006-07 and 2009-10 seasons respectively.

Mario Fernandes returned from a long-term knee injury on Saturday for CSKA but Alan Dzagoev (hamstring) and Aleksandrs Cauna (toe) will miss out.
Via: CSKA Moscow-Bayern Munich Preview: Guardiola can make Champions League history

City rule out Hart loan exit

Hart was dropped earlier this month following a number of high-profile blunders, but he will start Wednesday's Champions clash against Viktoria Plzen at the Etihad.

City have been linked with Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, with suggestions that Hart could move on loan in the opposite direction, but Pellegrini insists the England player will remain at the club.

"There is a lot of news about six or seven goalkeepers that we want to buy but it is not true," said the Chilean.

"There is no chance that Joe Hart could go out of this squad in January."

Hart has sat out City's last five games since his late mix-up with Matija Nastasic led to Fernando Torres' winner in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

But England boss Roy Hodgson still views Hart as his first-choice keeper and he showed glimpses of his best form in last week's 1-0 defeat by Germany.

Costel Pantilimon has done little wrong since taking Hart's place at City and could be back in goal for Sunday's clash with Swansea in the Premier League.

Pellegrini said: "I think that is a question for next Saturday.

"When we start the next game of the Premier League we will talk about who will start playing.

"The important thing for Joe is that he will play tomorrow and we hope he will have a very good performance."

Pellegrini's immediate focus is on the game against Plzen, and although City are already guaranteed a place in the last 16 they still have a chance of overhauling Bayern Munich to finish top of Group D.

"I think it is very important to win the group," Pellegrini said.

"It is not the most important thing, the most important thing is to qualify, but it is very important to play well also.

"The most important thing is to win and then we will see what happens."

Captain Vincent Kompany trained with the squad ahead of the game but is not yet ready to return to action after a thigh injury.

Pellegrini said: "Vincent started this week on some work with the whole squad. I think next week he could play."

Via: City rule out Hart loan exit