Summary

  1. Goodbyepublished at 15:56 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    That's all from us today.

    If you've missed anything or simply want to go back over some of today's top stories, you can do so by clicking on the summary points in the top left of the page.

    Don't forget, live text commentary of this evening's 'El Sackico' between West Ham and Wolves will be available for you to follow along with on the BBC Sport page.

    We will be back tomorrow morning to reflect on that, plus we'll be building up to another big night of Champions League action.

    See you then!

  2. FIFPRO World 11 announcedpublished at 15:54 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    Fifpro have announced the 2024 Men's World 11, as chosen by 21,266 players.

    The team is as followed:

    • Ederson (Man City)
    • Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
    • Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
    • Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
    • Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
    • Toni Kroos (Real Madrid / now retired)
    • Rodri (Man City)
    • Erling Haaland (Man City)
    • Kylian Mbappe (PSG & Real Madrid)
    • Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

    Five Lionesses earned their spot in the Fifpro Women's World 11.

    Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze has been selected for a seventh time - equalling the current women's appearance record she shares with France's Wendie Renard.

    Fellow defender Alex Greenwood, goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielder Keira Walsh and forward Lauren James were the other Lionesses chosen by their fellow professionals.

  3. Alisson back in Liverpool's squadpublished at 15:52 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December
    Breaking

    Some news just coming to us - Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been named in Liverpool's Champions League squad to face Girona on Tuesday.

    The Brazil international has missed the past two months after suffering a hamstring injury in October.

    Caoimhin Kelleher has deputised since, but it'll be a big boost for Arne Slot to welcome Alisson back into the fold.

    Alisson Becker with the Liverpool squad for their Champions League tie against GironaImage source, Getty Images
  4. 'Chelsea are genuine title challengers'published at 15:47 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Phil McNulty Q&A

    Rich in Oxford: Chelsea fan here. We’re playing some of the best football of any team offensively, but our inexperience and naivety defensively is there for all to see. Enzo Maresca knows this hence why he correctly continues to play down any title challenge this season. The progress the team has made under his tenure is remarkable and long may it continue.

    Hello, Rich. I totally agree about the progress Chelsea have made under Enzo Maresca.

    He has pulled all the threads of a very talented squad together and got them playing as a team with a real identity and structure.

    I have concerns over central defence and the goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but there is so much talent and potency elsewhere that I now consider them genuine title challengers, when I thought they would struggle for top four before the start of the season.

    Enzo MarescaImage source, Getty Images
  5. West Ham to show support for Antoniopublished at 15:44 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham v Wolves (20:00 GMT)

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    West Ham have said in a statement: "West Ham United’s players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio at London Stadium on Monday evening, following his road traffic accident on Saturday.

    "The Hammers striker underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday, and is currently recovering in hospital. He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.

    "Everyone at the Club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.

    "Ahead of Monday’s Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which kicks-off at 8pm, the players will warm-up in special ‘Antonio 9’ shirts, as well as walking out in tops adorning the striker’s name.

    "The Club will auction off the walk-out tops, with each one signed by every member of the squad, including Michail. In addition, every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by their respective squad member.

    "All proceeds raised from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity, the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s Air Ambulance charities. All proceeds will also be matched by the Club’s Board."

  6. What is the latest update on Antonio?published at 15:41 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Michail Antonio was taken to a central London hospital after his car crash on Saturday.

    West Ham later confirmed that their striker was in a stable condition, "conscious and communicating".

    The Premier League club then announced on Sunday that the 34-year-old forward had undergone surgery on a "lower limb fracture" and would issue further updates when it was "appropriate" to do so.

    Antonio has appeared in all 14 of West Ham's matches in the Premier League this season, scoring his only goal in their 4-1 win over Ipswich on 5 October.

    The Hammers play at home to Wolves tonight, kick-off 20:00 GMT.

  7. What happened to West Ham striker Michail Antonio?published at 15:38 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Michail Antonio in trainingImage source, Getty Images

    West Ham's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer Michail Antonio faces an indefinite spell out after suffering serious injuries in a car crash on Saturday.

    The 34-year-old Jamaica international needed to be cut from the wreckage of his Ferrari following the incident in Epping.

    Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended the scene after receiving calls at 13:02 GMT and had released a man trapped in his car by 13:45.

    The extent of Antonio's injuries was not revealed at that time.

    Essex Police later said officers were investigating a serious crash involving a Ferrari and asked for witnesses to come forward, including those with dashcam footage of the incident.

  8. What did O'Neil say about his future?published at 15:34 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham v Wolves (20:00 GMT)

    Wolves manager Gary O'NeilImage source, Getty Images

    In response to if he will still be in charge for Monday's game, Wolves manager Gary O'Neil said: "I can only keep going until things change. As far as I am aware, I took training this morning, players that started have recovered, players that didn't play have trained."

    And on the 'sacked in the morning' chants "don't hurt" him personally as "criticism is part and parcel" of his job but he is "disappointed" for the fans. "He added: "I understand how much it means to them every weekend. I know how much they give. Time, travel, money."

  9. What did Lopetegui say about his future?published at 15:29 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham v Wolves (20:00 GMT)

    West Ham manager Julen LopeteguiImage source, Getty Images

    West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui was asked several questions about his job security and he answered all of them in a similar way: "I understand all the things around football and I understand that my main responsibility is to be ready to face a tough match. It's a big opportunity and challenge for us at home.

    "To be ready to achieve the three points, that is the most important thing."

  10. get involved

    Martinelli 'is a very fine player who will make his contribution over the season'published at 15:24 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Phil McNulty Q&A

    Gabriel Martinelli Kicking the ballImage source, Getty Images

    Eddie, Kent: Phil McNulty, do you believe the Saka goal should have stood, especially when Crystal Palace didn't get theirs disallowed and the build-up was very similar?

    Hi, Eddie. No, I don’t. Gabriel Martinelli was offside when he got the ball and he will be really annoyed with himself because there was no need as he was looking right across the line.

    Disappointing for Arsenal and Martinelli, but he is a very fine player who will make his contribution over the season.

  11. How much pressure is Lopetegui under?published at 15:19 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham won a fair amount of praise for the summer transfers but it just hasn't clicked for Julen Lopetegui.

    There have been rare moments of promise - the recent 2-0 win at Newcastle an example - but last week's defeat at Leicester left a familiar feeling of disappointment.

    Last week, we reported that multiple sources had confirmed a club board decision had been made for Lopetegui to stay in place for now.

    A defeat tonight will only increase the scrutiny.

    Julen LopeteguiImage source, Getty Images
  12. West Ham's formpublished at 15:14 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham v Wolves (20:00 GMT)

    West Ham's last five outings in the top-flight have suffered three losses against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Leicester City.

    They have also drawn against Everton and won against Newcastle.

    The club are currently 14th.

  13. 'I don’t like 'El Sackico' - it’s a bit disrespectful'published at 15:09 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Phil McNulty Q&A

    Rob (Southampton fan who made it to Villa and back in one piece through the wind and rain!) Waterlooville: After 'El Sackico' tonight, Sunday sees the 'Principles of Play' derby as the Saints' Russell Martin takes on Spurs' Ange Postecoglu. I applaud both for sticking to their principles, but it's a results business. Do you see them both being in employment this Christmas!

    First of all, well done to you Rob for getting to Villa Park and back in that weather. I was scheduled to cover the Merseyside derby and got as far as Stafford from where I live in Oxford before it was called off. A swift u-turn.

    I don’t like “El Sackico” as it’s a bit disrespectful, but looking ahead to Sunday it will be a meeting between two managers who have stuck rigidly to beliefs, despite poor results and increased criticism.

    I hope they are in charge at Christmas as I have no desire to see anyone lose their job, but there is no doubt both need results very quickly.

  14. 'This might end badly for Gary O'Neil'published at 15:04 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham 3-1 Wolves

    Sutton bannerImage source, BBC Sport

    This might end badly for Gary O'Neil and Wolves and, while we are not seeing the West Ham we expected from Lopetegui, he may live to fight another day.

    The last time Wolves went to London, at the end of November, they beat Fulham 4-1 and enjoyed themselves.

    I can't see the same happening here though, because of the number of goals they are conceding. The way they play under O'Neil, they are so open.

    West Ham are going to get some chances and although they missed a few against Leicester, I am backing them to take them this time.

    Sutton's prediction: 3-1

  15. How much pressure is O'Neil under?published at 14:59 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Similarly to West Ham, Wolves have had their good moments.

    Back-to-back wins over Southampton and Fulham O'Neil being in the frame for November's manager of the month.

    But last week brought about a new level of unrest. Conceding eight goals over their two matches to Bournemouth and Everton increased the pressure and led to those chants at the end of the loss at Goodison Park.

    Which version of West Ham and Wolves will we see later?

    Both managers must know that a defeat could be the final straw.

    Gary O'NeilImage source, Getty Images
  16. Why is it being called El Sackico?published at 14:54 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    West Ham v Wolves (20:00 GMT)

    The match between West Ham and Wolves this evening has been dubbed El Sackico because both managers - Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil - are under pressure.

    A clever (right?) twist on the El Clasico name given to the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

    Both managers received chants of "you'll be sacked in the morning" from their own fans last week as Wolves lost to Everton and Leicester beat West Ham.

  17. 'They need to take stock and make some sensible decisions'published at 14:48 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Media caption,

    Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe asked by BBC's Dan Roan about Erik ten Hag's future

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe chose his words carefully in this interview with BBC Sport's Dan Roan in October.

    They still feel pertinent now.

    He was talking about the decision-making process over whether to stick with former manager Erik ten Hag, and who was responsible for making that decision.

    "It's that management team running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team," said Ratcliffe.

    "That team has only been together since June/July. Omar [Berrada], Dan Ashworth only arrived in July. They need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.

    "Our objective is very clear. We want to take Manchester United back to where it should be. It is not there yet, which is very clear. There is work to be done."

    Erik ten Hag was sacked as Manchester United manager on 28 October, Ruben Amorim was appointed as his successor on 1 November and sporting director Dan Ashworth left the club on 8 December.

  18. 'A serious embarrassment'published at 14:37 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Phil McNulty Q&A

    Phil McNulty
    BBC Sport chief football writer at the Frankfurt Arena

    Jez. Cheltenham: Hi Phil. What’s your take on Dan Ashworth leaving Manchester Utd? There are several different reasons given in the media. What do you think?

    Morning, Jez. A serious embarrassment for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United after putting so much time, effort and money into getting Dan Ashworth.

    He spent as long on gardening leave after he left Newcastle United as he did at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe described Ashworth as “one of the best around” in February. Clearly not any more.

    United’s counter argument will be that if you realise you have made a mistake, which they clearly feel they have, then it is better to rectify it swiftly.

    It did seem that there were an awful lot of cooks at Old Trafford when you factor in people like chief executive Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and, of course, Ratcliffe’s long-time side-kick Sir Dave Brailsford.

    Ashworth seems to have been the odd man out. There are suggestions that he would have preferred English managers like Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter, both men he has worked with and knows well, to succeed Erik ten Hag, with Berrada very much the driver behind Ruben Amorim’s appointment.

    It is the continuation of a very inauspicious start by the Ratcliffe regime, not helped by poor results on the pitch.

    He and his team need to start showing very soon that they can actually get some big decisions right, otherwise what feels like a soap opera will continue.

    From the left, Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason WilcoxImage source, Getty Images
  19. What happened with Dan Ashworth?published at 14:32 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Former Manchester United sporting director Dan AshworthImage source, Getty Images

    In case you missed this, Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth left his role after just five months on Saturday.

    Ashworth officially started at United on 1 July, having spent five months on gardening leave following his departure from former club Newcastle.

    His Old Trafford exit was finalised in a meeting after the Red Devils' 3-2 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation.

    News of the 53-year-old's departure was first reported by the Athletic on Sunday., external

    A United statement said the decision was by "mutual agreement", adding: "We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future."

  20. Amorim has a 'huge job on his hands'published at 14:30 Greenwich Mean Time 9 December

    Phil McNulty Q&A

    Phil McNulty
    BBC Sport chief football writer

    Dave from Derby: After yet another week of PR gaffes at Man Utd, has Sir Jim Ratcliffe improved anything either on or off the pitch? I can't see any improvement from the when the Glazers were running the club. If anything, it has got worse?

    Hi Dave. Not a lot of evidence of improvement so far is there, either on or off the pitch, and the mood around the club has hardly got any better.

    I think Ratcliffe will say it is early days, but there have been a lot of mis-steps and the Dan Ashworth departure is another embarrassing episode after the flawed decision to keep manager Erik ten Hag in the summer then sacking him after extending his contract and giving him a fortune to spend in the transfer market.

    Ruben Amorim is the biggest decision they have taken so far and it is clear he has a huge job on his hands at Old Trafford.

    I suppose you could say the only way is up – both with the new structure and the Premier League table.

    Ruben AmorimImage source, Getty Images