Sportsday - Friday as it happened

1. Silva out for four weeks - Pellegrini
2. Costa fit to face QPR - Mourinho
3. US Grand Prix first practice - Hamilton fastest
4. Murray faces Djokovic at 18:30 GMT
5. GET INVOLVED: What is the worst nightmare you have experienced in sport? #mysportinghorror

Goodbye

So that is everything from today's Sportsday Live. As always, thanks for all your comments and suggestions.

We will have our Friday football live very soon, with full coverage of Norwich v Bolton in the Championship, plus the Friday night football show on BBC Radio 5 live.

Also, don't miss live tennis text commentary from Andy Murray's match against Novak Djokovic.

Of course we will also have full coverage of the weekend's sporting action on this website before Sportsday returns at 08:00 GMT on Monday morning. Have a fun weekend, bye for now.

Pochettino keen on Kane

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has hinted striker Harry Kane could be in line for a first Premier League start against Aston Villa on Sunday.

PA

"We are very happy with him. It's a good thing he is scoring goals," he said.

Kane could start alongside either Emmanuel Adebayor or Roberto Soldado as Pochettino looks to rotate his forwards.

"Always we manage, share the minutes (between the strikers)," he added. "We are happy with all our strikers. Adebayor scored against Newcastle, Soldado was very, very good the last game. Harry the same."

Premier League team news

Aston Villa are without full-back Alan Hutton, who is sidelined by a sprained ankle, while Philippe Senderos may again miss out with a thigh injury. However, Nathan Baker could return from a hamstring problem and Andreas Weimann should be fit despite suffering a knock in Monday's defeat at QPR.

Etienne Capoue and Aaron Lennon will face late fitness tests for Tottenham before their trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Winger Lennon hobbled off at half-time in Spurs' midweek win over Brighton in the Capital One Cup, while Capoue missed the game with a knee problem. Nabil Bentaleb and Kyle Walker remain sidelined for Mauricio Pochettino's side with longer term knocks. Full preview.

Did you know? For the first time in their history, Villa have lost five successive league games without scoring.

Premier League team news

Manchester City will be without David Silva for up to four weeks because of a knee injury sustained in Wednesday's League Cup defeat by Newcastle. Yaya Toure suffered a groin injury in that match but is likely to be fit.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal denied reports Wayne Rooney had suffered a foot injury and the striker will return after his three-match ban. Radamel Falcao has been ruled out with a leg problem, but Antonio Valencia returns after a hamstring injury. Full preview.

Did you know? Victory would see City record four successive league wins against United - a feat they last achieved courtesy of a 4-1 win at Old Trafford in December 1970, when Francis Lee scored a hat-trick.

Le Clos hopes Phelps can return

Chad Le Clos wants Michael Phelps to return to training so the pair can have a rematch at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

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The South African beat Phelps to gold in the 200m butterfly at London 2012. Phelps, 29, is currently serving a six-month suspension for his drink-driving arrest and has also decided to take "time away" from swimming.

"I really, really hope that he and his team decide to swim in Rio, I really believe it will be great," Le Clos, 22, told Reuters.

Pools sign Featherstone and Schmeltz

Hartlepool United have signed Harrogate Town midfielder Nicky Featherstone and ex-Oldham winger Sidney Schmeltz.

Dutchman Schmeltz, 25, has been training with League Two Pools all week having left the Latics in the summer.

Featherstone, 26, made 29 appearances for Walsall last season and on a week-to-week deal earlier this term, but never played a game for the League One side.

Barton unhappy at Ferdinand punishment

QPR midfielder Joey Barton is not happy that team-mate Rio Ferdinand has been banned and fined for messages he posted on Twitter.

Barton says: "Surely a person has the right to be offensive? Especially if someone offends you? Shambolic that @rioferdy5 misses three games and loses £25k.

"I understand the need to reprimand him. He's a human being who has reacted to some unfair criticism. But the punishment isn't fitting of the crime in my opinion. Three games is violent conduct. (John) Terry only got four games for racial abuse? Three games and £25k for a tweet? Come on.

"Can someone from the @FA send me a list of offensive, ban incurring words that I can't use online and the requisite bans attached to each."

Speroni expects apology for Dawson challenge

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni has hit out at West Brom's Craig Dawson for the challenge which forced him off in the 2-2 draw between the sides last weekend.

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Speroni told the Croydon Advertiser: "The fact this guy [Dawson] just ran from outside the six-yard box just towards me with no intention whatsoever of playing the ball and elbow me like that.

"Somebody has to do something. There has been no apology from him and it disappoints me. I was expecting something from the guy."

West Brom responded to Speroni's accusations in a statement on Thursday night. Head coach Alan Irvine said: "To suggest there was any malice in Craig's challenge is entirely wrong."

Premier League team news

Stoke are without the suspended duo of Peter Crouch and Phil Bardsley. Defender Marc Muniesa is doubtful after injuring his ankle in training but boss Mark Hughes is hopeful he will be fit.

West Ham's in-form striker Diafra Sakho faces a fitness test on a shoulder injury, with his chances rated at "50-50" by manager Sam Allardyce. Fellow forward Mauro Zarate is also a doubt with a thigh problem but winger Matt Jarvis and defender James Tomkins are available again. Full preview.

Did you know? This is West Ham's joint-best start to a top-flight season (along with 1999-2000) after nine matches since 1983-84.

Double deal for Southend

Southend United sign Yeovil defender Jakub Sokolik and West Ham striker Elliot Lee on one and three-month loans respectively.

Czech Sokolik, 21, had a two-month loan spell at Roots Hall during last season's campaign, while he was still on the books at Liverpool.

Lee, 19, has made two substitute appearances for the Hammers and is son of former England midfielder Rob. Meanwhile, 30-year-old striker Lee Barnard has left Southend to join Stevenage on a one-month loan deal.

Trick or tri?

British triathlon

Keeping up the Halloween theme, British Triathlon tweet this creative picture, showing the triathlon disciplines in a unique way.

Zidane ban temporarily lifted

A Spanish court has temporarily suspended a ban that had stopped Zinedine Zidane from coaching the club's reserve team.

PA

Spain's Administrative Court of Sport on Friday provisionally suspended the three-month ban pending further investigation.

Judge Francisco Rubio had ruled on Monday that Zidane and fellow Madrid reserve team coach Santiago Sanchez should be suspended because they did not have the required qualifications to coach.

Scary times at White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham tweet a picture of Kyle Walker's attempts to scare the White Hart Lane crowd during their League Cup win against Brighton on Wednesday.

Premier League team news

Leicester captain Wes Morgan is expected to face West Brom despite missing training this week with an ankle problem. However, reserve goalkeeper Ben Hamer will be out for up to a month with a dislocated finger.

West Brom are expected to revert to last Saturday's Premier League line-up after making 10 changes for the League Cup defeat by Bournemouth in midweek. Centre-back Craig Dawson was the only regular to start in that game. Full preview.

Did you know? Leicester are unbeaten at home in the league (won one, drew three). Arsenal, Chelsea and Southampton are the only other unbeaten sides.

Premier League team news

Third-choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic will start in what is expected to be an unchanged Hull side from last week's draw at Liverpool. Keepers Allan McGregor and Steve Harper are both still injured, while on-loan winger Gaston Ramirez is ineligible against parent club Southampton.

Winger Sadio Mane is Southampton's only fresh injury doubt, having missed Wednesday's League Cup win with an ankle problem. Jay Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse remain long-term absentees. Full preview.

Did you know? Southampton have made their best ever top-flight start, earning 19 points and winning six of their opening nine games for the first time.

Hamilton fastest

Lewis Hamilton set the pace from Mercedes team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg in first practice at the United States Grand Prix.

AP

Hamilton, who is 17 points ahead of Rosberg with 100 available from the remaining three races of the season, was a comfortable 0.292 seconds clear.

McLaren's Jenson Button was third, split from team-mate Kevin Magnussen by Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was fifth, ahead of Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

Premier League team news

Romelu Lukaku and Darron Gibson are expected to recover from injuries in time to play for Everton on Saturday. Bryan Oviedo and Arouna Kone will return in a practice match next week, while Kevin Mirallas and John Stones remain sidelined through injury.

Federico Fernandez is available for Swansea after winning an appeal against the red card he received in midweek. Midfielders Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ki Sung-yueng should be fit after missing the League Cup defeat by Liverpool.

Did you know? Swansea have never beaten Everton in their 18 league meetings (drew 5, lost 13). Full preview.

Bale still on the sidelines

Gareth Bale will miss Real Madrid's trip to Granada in La Liga on Saturday having failed to recover from an abdominal muscle injury.

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Bale already sat out last week's Champions League win in Liverpool and the Clasico victory over Barcelona last Saturday with the problem, as well as the Copa del Rey fourth-round, first leg win at Cornella on Wednesday.

Premier League team news

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has said that striker Diego Costa and midfielder Ramires are fit to return after injury. Forward Loic Remy remains out and Cesar Azpilicueta is banned but fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic returns after a suspension of his own.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp may select Adel Taarabt despite their public row over the winger's fitness. Midfielders Jordon Mutch and Joey Barton remain absent but will be back in full training next week.

Did you know? QPR have won two of their opening nine games - the last time they were in the Premier League it took them 21 matches to earn two victories. Full preview

Premier League team news

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is expected to sit out Saturday's visit of Burnley because of a knee injury. Kieran Gibbs faces a fitness test, while Mathieu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo, Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil, Abou Diaby and Olivier Giroud are all out.

Burnley's Dean Marney has trained all week and is expected to return from a hamstring problem. However, this game comes to soon for Steven Reid, who is not yet fit enough to play after a groin injury.

Did you know? Arsenal have scored four 90th-minute goals this season, two more than any other team in the Premier League. Full preview.

Good news for Northern Ireland fans

Northern Ireland fans will be allowed to attend their side's Euro 2016 qualifier in Romania in a fortnight after UEFA gave the go-ahead.

PA

A disciplinary case against the hosts following crowd trouble in their 1-1 draw against Hungary had meant a full stadium ban for the November 14 encounter with Michael O'Neill's side had been a possible punishment.

However, the Irish FA - who have been pushing for an answer on behalf of their fans - were able to confirm that there would be no impact on the travelling support.

Premier League team news

Papiss Cisse is "touch and go" for Newcastle after suffering discomfort around his knee so Ayoze Perez could keep his place in attack. Cheick Tiote is out with a calf problem and Mike Williamson is doubtful after missing the last two games with injury.

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique will miss the visit to his former club after suffering a knee injury. Manager Brendan Rodgers is also still without Daniel Sturridge, Mamadou Sakho, Suso and Jon Flanagan.

Did you know? There has never been a goalless draw between these sides in their 40 Premier League clashes. The last time a meeting ended 0-0 was in February 1974. Full preview.

Premier League previews

Want to know the latest team news, before the weekend's Premier League games? Let's have a look at each of the matches, starting with Saturday's early kick-off.

Westwood hits hole-in-one

Lee Westwood hit a hole-in-one as he moved joint third at the PGA Tour's Malaysia Classic in Kuala Lumpur.

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The Englishman, 41, aced the 226-yard 11th and also posted five birdies in his seven-under-par second-round 65 and is three shots off the lead.

Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia is also seven under after mixing six birdies and two dropped shots in a 68. American Billy Hurley III moved two shots ahead at 10 under after six birdies in his opening nine holes.

Suspect in court after Meyiwa killing

A suspect has appeared in court in South Africa over the killing of national football captain Senzo Meyiwa (pictured).

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The man, named as Zanokuhle Mbatha, 25, faces charges of murder and armed robbery and will appear again on 11 November. Police had offered a reward for information on the attack.

Meyiwa, 27, was shot on Sunday apparently after burglars entered his girlfriend's house near Johannesburg.

His death has highlighted the high rates of violent crime in South Africa.

Former World Cup ref Partridge dies

Former World Cup referee Pat Partridge has died at the age of 81, six months after he was given the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

PA

Billingham-born Partridge started refereeing in local non-league football and eventually progressed to take charge of the 1975 FA Cup final.

He was also a Football Association representative for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

Ancelotti has his say

They are all wading into the ripping up a newspaper row (see entry below).

When asked about the furore, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he had a degree of sympathy for Granada coach Joaquin Caparro.

"I have felt like ripping up a newspaper many times, so I understand very well what Caparros did. He would have done it with relish," Ancelotti said.

"These things can happen, although I have never destroyed a paper."

Journalist hits back

Remember we told you about furious Granada coach Joaquin Caparros tearing the front page of Spanish newspaper Marca into shreds at a press conference, claiming he had been misquoted (15:31)?

Well, the journalist who wrote the article has hit back.

Enrique Ortego, who interviewed Caparros by telephone for the article, said: "He knows that he said it and I know that he said it.

"What deserves an explication is his reaction and behaviour in the press room ripping up the front page of Marca and questioning the paper."

Halloween fright for Macheda

Watch as Cardiff City striker Federico Macheda gets a Halloween scare from a team-mate.

BBC

The 23-year-old Italian striker, who said he feared for his future after former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left the club, got a different kind of fright from fellow Cardiff player Bruno Ecuele Manga.

Macheda, signed by Solskjaer in May, has scored twice in his last three games under new boss Russell Slade.

Watch the full Sport Wales interview with Federico Macheda on BBC Two Wales this Friday, 31 October at 19:00 GMT; available for seven days after transmission on iPlayer.

Marathon athlete fails drugs test

Kenya's Rita Jeptoo, winner of the Boston and Chicago Marathons for the last two years, has failed an out-of-competition doping test, Athletics Kenya has announced.

"Athletics Kenya is disappointed to announce that we have received communication from IAAF in regards to the doping test results collected during out of competition on 25th September 2014," it said in a statement.

"The result of the 'A' sample has indicated the presence of prohibited substances."

International clash at Old Trafford

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What are you up to on November 18?

If the answer is nothing then Old Trafford would be a decent place to head to, for World Cup runners-up Argentina are playing Portugal in a friendly.

The game could see a number of United players past and present in opposition, including Argentina pair Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo potentially up against former stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

McCarthy sees Ipswich improvement

Everyone's favourite straight-talking Yorkshireman, Mick McCarthy, believes Ipswich Town have improved during his two years in charge - and the stats appear to support his claim.

The Portman Road side were bottom of the Championship when McCarthy took over from Paul Jewell, and are now chasing a play-off spot.

"We made progress from the first six months I was here," he told BBC Radio Suffolk. "And last season we made progress and we have continued to do that with the start that we've made."

Credit to Mick - he will be the first manager to break the two-year barrier since Marcus Evans took ownership in 2007. Not that Evans could be considered 'impatient' like some of these characters.

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Yeovil sign Steer and Arthurworrey

Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer and Fulham defender Stephen Arthurworrey have joined Yeovil Town on loan until 31 January.

Steer, 22, was a Norwich player when he had his first spell with Yeovil in 2011, before he agreed a switch to Villa last summer.

Arthurworrey, 20, spent the second half of last season on loan at Tranmere, making 17 appearances, and has featured once for his parent club.

Manchester United news conference

When a reporter pointed out that United can move to within a point of City if they win, Louis Van Gaal said: "That is our goal, to win this game. It is possible, we are growing, we are developing ourselves."

Asked if it was his biggest match, van Gaal added: "You have written already that Chelsea was the biggest match and now you ask if this is the biggest match! It is one of the 38.

"For me, I have to analyse and prepare for the games in the same manner. It is not different, but for the players and the fans it is different."

Manchester United news conference

More from Louis van Gaal on the contribution of his number two, Ryan Giggs, before the Manchester derby: "He has the experience as a player and now maybe as an assistant manager.

"We don't have to accelerate this feeling because it is football and you have to play the game, not only a game with emotion but also in a tactical way.

"That is what we are doing, that is how we are preparing. He has transferred the idea of emotion and I have transferred the idea of how we have to play."

Manchester United news conference

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Louis van Gaal on the recent performances of Marouane Fellaini: "He has made a great contribution and also the assist for the goal [against Chelsea].

"He has had a lot of time out injured but when he is fit I have played him. He has to continue with that because then I am very pleased."

I'm a team-man, not great- Younus

Younus Khan said he wants to be remembered for being a team-man, not greatness, after his epic double hundred in the second Test against Australia.

The 36-year-old cracked a magnificent 213, passing 8,000 Test runs in the process - one of only 28 batsmen to have achieved the feat.

But Younus said: "I am not great... like Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul Haq or Hanif Mohammad. The era I am playing in is easy for me compared to theirs. I want to be remembered as a team-man who loves to serve his country and make it proud."

Manchester United news conference

Louis van Gaal on the game: "This is the biggest derby that I shall manage.

"It's one of 38 matches, but for the fans it is unbelievably big as a rivalry. I have felt that with some of the players, but also especially with Ryan Giggs. When he presented the analysis on City, I felt more tension with him. It was good to see.

"That is our goal, to win. It is possible, we are growing, we are developing ourselves. What we have seen of City in the last few matches was not so good. You never know."

Lund signs new Rochdale deal

Rochdale midfielder Matthew Lund has agreed a new contract until 2016.

The 23-year-old was a key figure in his first season at Spotland last year, scoring nine goals in all competitions as the club were promoted from League Two.

Manchester United press conference

Louis van Gaal has revealed that the injured Radamel Falcao is out of the Manchester derby on Sunday but Wayne Rooney is fit to play.

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On Rooney, Van Gaal said: "He was never injured. He shall play, he is my captain.

"He has scored a lot of goals against City, the most of any player, so I am very happy that he can play, and he shall."

Antonio Valencia could also feature.

Reus plays down speculation

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus has played down speculation that he is set to move to Bayern Munich, saying other people were thinking more about his future than he was.

Germany international Reus, who has a contract at Dortmund until 2017 but has a 25m euro buyout clause, said: "At the moment there are a lot of people talking about my future.

"So I would like to take this opportunity to say that other people are thinking more about my future than me."

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said this week, in the latest of a series of advances, that the club could "potentially be interested" in a player of Reus's quality.

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Mumm fighting to regain Exeter spot

Exeter Chiefs captain Dean Mumm says it will be hard for him to reclaim his place in the side as he returns from injury.

The Australia forward, 30, had shoulder surgery in July and, in his absence, Exeter ended the first block of Premiership games in third place.

Mumm, who returns to the Exeter side in the LV= Cup clash with Gloucester on Saturday, told BBC Sport: "It is going to be hard to get back in. It makes it important this weekend to put a good performance together as a team because that's the best way to put yourself forward individually."

Brentford suffer McCormack injury blow

Brentford defender Alan McCormack is expected to be out for three months with an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old will have surgery on Monday to repair ligament damage suffered in the 3-1 defeat at Bolton.

Right-back McCormack has scored one goal in 14 appearances for the Championship club this season.

Stoke City news conference

The Ryan Shawcross debate began after the draw with Swansea, when the Swans won a penalty after the centre back was adjudged to have fouled Wilfried Bony at a corner.

Referee Michael Oliver then awarded Stoke a penalty after an alleged foul on Victor Moses, prompting Swansea manager Garry Monk to label the player a cheat and question the officials.

Monk was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by the FA.

"Maybe 'cheat' can be said by anyone in the game then," said Hughes today. "Garry Monk's comments may set a precedent following the FA's decision not to charge him."

Stoke City news conference

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Some strong words from Mark Hughes on defender Ryan Shawcross earning a reputation for over-enthusiastic defending from set-pieces.

"We are speaking to people, who we feel have influence, about how strongly we feel about Ryan's situation," said Hughes.

"We are not going to stand for it and we have made that perfectly clear.

"I'm sure Ryan will be fine, though. He has been portrayed wrongly in the media."

Stoke City news conference

Manager Mark Hughes has faced the media ahead of Stoke's game at home to West Ham tomorrow.

First he had some injury news, revealing striker Peter Crouch and defender Phil Bardsley will both miss the game.

Spanish coach rips paper to bits

Furious Granada coach Joaquin Caparros tore the front page of Marca into shreds at his news conference today, accusing the best-selling Spanish sports daily of misquoting him.

Granada host Real Madrid in La Liga tomorrow and Marca quoted Caparros as saying in an interview published today: "I only ask that they do not steamroller us".

Brandishing the paper in front of the media, Caparros said: "Experience tells me not to read the press or listen to anything and that's what I do but when there is a headline like this.

"You think I could have made these comments? How do you think I can motivate my players?"

He then ripped the paper into pieces and flung them on the floor.

BBC

Sauber chief on F1 finances

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn believes drastic changes need to be made to address the financial mess that has led to the demise of two Formula One teams over the past week.

With Marussia and Caterham in administration, Kaltenborn said: "I'm beyond the stage of frustration.

"It's one thing to just talk about this terrible scenario that some teams are not going to be there, but for the people responsible for the sport to have let it come this far is extremely disturbing.

"It's a real shame we have turnovers of billions of dollars, yet as a sport, as a community, we are not capable of making sure that 11 teams survive. Now you try to explain that to somebody."

A reminder that we have live text coverage of first practice at the US Grand Prix right here.

Hart in mouth time

What Manuel Pellegrini will make of this we're not entirely sure, but the ECB has tweeted a photo of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart in the nets today preparing to face the bowling of England and Lancashire's Jos Buttler.

Watch those fingers, Joe, you're probably going to be using them quite a bit in Sunday's Manchester derby.

ECB Twitter

Tempers flair in the grub queue

Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has played down talk of a rift in the camp of the Ligue 1 leaders after reports that he came to blows with team-mate Brice Dja Djedje.

Sports daily L'Equipe reported that Gignac punched Dja Djedje after the Ivorian full-back refused to acknowledge him in the canteen at the club's training ground.

We will stop Berahino - Morgan

Leicester captain Wes Morgan is ready for the challenge presented by in-form striker Saido Berahino when West Brom visit the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Berahino has scored five goals in his last four Premier League games and might fancy his chances of adding to that against a Leicester side who, after an excellent start to the season, have picked up one point from their last four games.

Morgan told the club's website: "It's clear to see he's such a threat. I've been watching him myself. He's a good player and he's on fire at the moment. I think the whole team have to be aware of his capabilities and what he can do. But we'll be ready for him come tomorrow."

Olympic winner to retire

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Peter Wilson MBE has today announced his retirement from competitive target shooting.

The double trap shooter, who won gold for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, has announced that he will retire from the sport with immediate effect.

It is just over two years since he secured his Olympic Gold in Woolwich and the 28-year-old has taken the decision to step down while on top.

Live coverage under way

While we're on the subject, you can follow every minute of the first practice session for the US Grand Prix on the BBC Sport website, where we have live text coverage.

In fact it is already under way. Head here to join in the fun.

Formula 1

Just over an hour to go until the first practice session at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton is loving being Stateside and has been talking about how Formula 1 is being embraced in the United States.

"I was on a morning talk show on network TV earlier this week. We did it outside in Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan and I was surprised by how many people turned up," he said.

"It is amazing to see that, and the support that we get from the fans who do turn up. Of course, there could be more, and F1 has a long way to go to match the big sports in the US, but the ones who do follow it are so supportive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable."

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Sunderland news conference

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Gus Poyet has told the media that Steven Fletcher is "completely recovered" and training ahead of Monday night's game at Crystal Palace.

Fletcher was forced off early in the second half against Arsenal last time out.

Charlton sign USA defender Onyewu

Charlton Athletic have signed former Standard Liege, Newcastle United and AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu on a short-term deal until January.

The 32-year-old centre-back was a free agent following a spell with Sheffield Wednesday last season.

Onyewu, who has won 69 international caps for the United States, also spent time with QPR in 2013-14 but never played for their first team.

Get involved

We asked, with it being Halloween and all, what is the worst nightmare you've had as a spectator or participant in sport?

Chris Reid: Seeing Ryan Giggs run through arsenals defence in the FA Cup to score that goal! #whydidntwebringhimdown

Jack Lyon: First ball of the school cricket season, perfect bowl for the batter to smash it back into my shoulder. Broken shoulder.

Henry Treverton: 4-3 up 90 minutes gone, long throw comes in and our striker tried to clear it -and bullets a header into our goal.

Andrew Priestley: I remember when Manchester United lost 0-5 at Newcastle and 3-6 at Southampton within a week in 1996. Tough week at school #mysportinghorror

Paul Wilson: Injured in a warm-up by a "team-mate" when he accidentally head butted me. Needed five stitches and we went on to lose 10-0.

Keep your nightmare moments coming on Twitter using the hashtag #mysportinghorror or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Football

Rangers boss Ally McCoist has told Celtic counterpart Ronny Deila it would be dangerous to write off the Ibrox men.

The Old Firm rivals are in the hat for Saturday's League Cup semi-final draw, raising the prospect of a first Glasgow derby since the Light Blues were liquidated in the summer of 2012.

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Deila had suggested Rangers are weaker than Premiership outfits Aberdeen and Dundee United, the other teams through to the last four.

McCoist said: "Ronny is entitled to his opinion and maybe it makes sense because we are the only team from outside the top division, but I don't necessarily agree with it."

Jackett tells Wolves to keep cool

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett has urged his team to keep their temper to prevent derby passions boiling over against Birmingham City, reports the Express and Star.

Wolves-Blues collisions tend to be feisty affairs and the Molineux men have seen two of their strikers' seasons ended against their Small Heath neighbours in recent years - Chris Iwelumo and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Former Albion warhorse Paul Robinson, whose challenge ended Ebanks-Blake's Wolves career, is in line to return to Molineux to play tomorrow. And Jackett wants his players to keep their cool in the heat of battle in tomorrow's televised showdown.

"Our aim is to be competitive but be in control," said the Wolves head coach.

Sunderland's Spooky XI

@sunderlandafc

We mentioned earlier that Manchester United have named their Spooky XI. Well, Sunderland are the next team to pick their best scary XI.

Full marks to whoever came up with Steven Flesh-eater. But less credit goes to Costel Pantili-monster.

MK Dons' Hitchcock joins Fleetwood

Fleetwood Town have signed MK Dons striker Tom Hitchcock on loan until December 28.

The 22-year-old moved to the Dons in the summer after his release by QPR, but has not scored in his eight games.

Burgess may struggle - Corry

Former England rugby union captain Martin Corry believes Sam Burgess may struggle to get into Stuart Lancaster's England team after switching codes from rugby league.

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"It is going to be difficult if he wants to play at 12," Corry told BBC Radio 5 live. "Lancaster has come out to the press and said that he wants to have a ball-playing 12. This is why Billy Twelvetrees fitted into the role so well, because there are very few people in the English game who have got the skill-set to fit in at 10 too.

"You need to be able to call the moves, act as a distributor and have the kicking game. He's certainly got the hit-up game and the ball carrying game, but if he doesn't have the distribution it will be very hard to hide from.

"When England have got a combination with Manu Tuilagi at 13, he doesn't have the distribution either, so what it will do is simplify England's game. All we are going to be looking to do is target one channel as we won't have the ability to go wide."

Al-Habsi close to Brighton move

Brighton & Hove Albion are set to sign goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi on loan from Championship rivals Wigan Athletic.

The 32-year-old Oman international has only made one appearance for the Latics this season, in the League Cup defeat by Burton in August.

Wigan boss Uwe Rosler told BBC Radio Manchester that Al-Habsi would join Brighton on a 28-day loan deal.

@redbullracing

Red Bull tweet: Time to get this show on track. #USGP

Live text commentary from first practice from Austin will be on the BBC Sport's Formula 1 page from 14:30 GMT.

Charlton loan Morrison to Birmingham

Birmingham City have now confirmed the signing of Charlton Athletic defender Michael Morrison on a two-month emergency loan deal.

The 26-year-old centre-half, who can also play at right-back, becomes new Blues boss Gary Rowett's first signing.

He is expected to go straight into the City squad for Saturday's West Midlands derby with Wolves at Molineux, which you can follow via live text commentary on the BBC Sport website from 11:30 GMT.

Pakistan dominate Australia

It's stumps on day two in Abu Dhabi and Australia face an uphill task to claw themselves back in to the Test series against Pakistan.

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Pakistan eventually declared their first innings on 570-6 thanks to centuries from Younus Khan (213), Azhar Ali (109) and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (101).

Before the close, spinner Imran Khan bagged the wicket of opener Chris Rogers to leave Australia on 22-1 in reply.

I'm not bomb-proof - Lambert

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says he is not "bomb-proof" despite signing a four-year contract extension in September.

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Villa have lost all five games they have played since Lambert put pen to paper on the deal, and have not scored a goal in any of those games. And Lambert acknowledges his job is far from secure.

"I never think fireproof, I never think anybody's bomb-proof. I know football is about trying to get results," he said. "It's got nothing to do with my contract. Nothing, not one iota. We've just not clicked and scored goals."

Vale striker Pope out for three months

Port Vale have lost top scorer Tom Pope for at least 12 weeks with a knee injury.

The nine-goal striker went off injured in the 2-2 with Scunthorpe United 10 days ago - and a scan has revealed the injury to be a lateral collateral ligament problem.

The injury may have cost the 29-year-old striker, who had also been linked with League One side Barnsley, a January move to Championship side Millwall.

Football

In celebration of Sunday's City-United showdown, our BBC Sport team has compiled an A-Z of the Manchester derby.

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Things like G is for Goater, when Shaun 'Feed the Goat' set City on the way to their first victory over United in the 2002 derby at Maine Road, when he dispossessed Gary Neville to put the Blues 2-1 up before scoring a second to complete victory.

Or, to redress the balance, K for 'King' Eric, in tribute to Cantona, who made his United debut in the Reds' derby victory of December 1992 and netted eight derby goals in the next four seasons.

You get the idea - the full list here.

Walden moves into final

Ricky Walden beats Robert Milkins 9-2 in Chengdu to reach the final of the International Championship.

World number 11 Walden dominated a one-sided match, winning the last six frames in a row as he set up a final meeting with either Mark Allen or Mark Williams.

Chester's 31-year-old Walden is through to his third ranking final and has won both of his previous two - both in China. He beat Ronnie O'Sullivan to win the 2008 Shanghai Masters and Stuart Bingham at the 2012 Wuxi Classic.

Get involved

And a couple more...

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Zander Twine: As a South African my worst experience was Allan Donald's runout vs Australia in the 99 World Cup semi final.

Guido van Asselt: Missing two free throws at the final second while being one point behind. Four years later still getting teased with it.

Keep your nightmare moments coming on Twitter using the hashtag #mysportinghorror or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Get involved

We asked, as it is Halloween, what is the worst nightmare you've had as a spectator or participant in sport?

Priyam: The Indian Cricket Team losing ALL eight test matches in England and Australia 2011-12.

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Michael Snowdon: As a Sunderland fan it's got to be the 5-1 defeat at Newcastle, and it was actually on Halloween!

Youssif Tehfe: The other team turning up in terrifying Halloween painted faces. Their manager had a fake chainsaw. And they beat us 6-0.

Tennis

Easy to forget on a footie-heavy day like today but there's a rather tasty tennis match coming up later - Andy Murray against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Paris Masters.

Murray should be fairly relaxed after finally booking his place at next month's ATP World Tour Finals with an emphatic win over Grigor Dimitrov yesterday.

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The Scot has had a hectic schedule of late - this is his sixth successive week of tennis - but is feeling pretty chipper ahead of his clash with Djokovic.

"It's not like I'm as fresh as a daisy. I'm fatigued - but I still feel pretty good when I get up in the mornings. My body has held up," he said. "I'm match tight and I'm making good decisions on the court."

You can hear the match live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 18:30 GMT or follow the live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Aston Villa news conference

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has faith in his side's strikers, despite his side only scoring four goals in nine Premier League matches, with no goals in their last six games.

"Not scoring goals has hurt us, but it will come," says Lambert.

"Tottenham are not hitting the heights of what they expect but they are still a really good side. They were up there last year in the top bracket and I'm under no illusions how tough it will be."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

More from Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, on the news Spain midfielder David Silva is out for up to four weeks with a knee injury.

@mcfc

"David is a very important player but we have a squad and we will have to replace him with another player," says Pellegrini.

"Yaya Toure has a small problem. We'll see tomorrow but I think he will have no problems to play."

Leeds stalwart joins Hull

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Hull KR have signed Leeds' long-serving forward Ryan Bailey on a two-year contract.

Bailey's arrival will fill the void created by the retirement of Australian prop Justin Poore.

Bailey, 30, has spent all his career at the Rhinos, where he won six Grand Finals, three World Club Challenge titles and this year's Challenge Cup.

Today's newspapers

The Scotsman

The back page of today's Scotsman has a story with Celtic manager Ronny Deila, who backs Aleksandar Tonev after the winger received a seven-game ban for racially abusing Aberdeen defender Shay Logan.

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

More from Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, talking about Sunday's derby game.

"On Sunday it will be City v United and last year was the same. It was not me v Moyes and this time it's not me v Van Gaal," says Pellegrini.

"For supporters it's a special game and we know that. We know what it means to win against Manchester United."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

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Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini confirms that midfielder David Silva will miss Sunday's game with Manchester United and will be out for "three to four weeks".

Another midfielder, Yaya Toure, should be fit for Sunday.

Football

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Will Luis Suarez start for Barcelona in the league at the Nou Camp for the first time? We are kept guessing ahead of the La Liga leaders's visit of Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Suarez returned from a four-month ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup to make his bow in the weekend's defeat to Real.

"I like the feeling that the players are prepared for the game," said Enrique. "That's why I name the team 90mins before"

"It hasn't been difficult to pick the side up after the Clasico," he said of the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid at a news conference. "Defeats hurt but we know the season will be tough."

Jose Mourinho news conference

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho now moves on to discuss Saturday's game against QPR. He says: "I think I know what to expect from QPR, and I can say it will be a difficult game for us.

"It's the first time I play against QPR. London is a special place because of the number of derbies, which makes it unique."

BBC Radio 5 live

Barry Hearn, Martin Corry and Jenny Meadows are coming up in 15 minutes on 5 Live's Sports Panel hosted by Eleanor Oldroyd. Well worth a listen.

Jose Mourinho news conference

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho praises Didier Drogba, who has scored three goals in his last three matches.

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"Me, the owner, the board, him - we all decided together for him to come back - we believed in him and he believed in himself and that he could still be important," says Mourinho.

"He has been fantastic for us in the last week when we were in real trouble, without Diego (Costa) and without Remy. He had to do what no one should do - play 90 minutes of football with 48 hours difference and he managed to do that in a fabulous way."

Football

AC Milan have confirmed they are in talks with Manchester United about playing a prestige friendly in the new year.

Neither club is in the Champions League nor Europa League this season and they are exploring the options of playing each other in a lucrative one-off game, almost certainly in the Middle East.

AC Milan's director Umberto Gandini said: "This is something we have been talking about for a few weeks and we have a committed interest to do something together.

"It's just a question to find the right date and then to find the right place."

Jose Mourinho news conference

Mourinho on Costa: "He played for the national team and we lost him for four matches. Crystal Palace, Maribor, Shrewsbury and Manchester United, four matches in three different competitions.

"Now he is again available but he needs to be under special care.

"I'm always supportive of players playing for their countries when they are in the condition to do so. But I'm nobody to stand in the way of the national team, I can't stop him going away with his country."

Jose Mourinho news conference

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reports that striker Diego Costa is available for Saturday's match against QPR, but forward Loic Remy and midfielder John Mikel Obi are unavailable for Saturday's game.

"It is good for us," says Mourinho talking about Costa's return. "It's difficult when you only have one striker available, but when you have two the situation improves."

Jose Mourinho news conference

Here's Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for his news conference before his side's match against QPR on Saturday.

Cricket

Hang onto your hats ... Younis Khan is out!

Pakistan batsman Younus, just in case you've forgotten, had hit a double hundred in the second Test against Australia, to follow his two tons in both innings of the first Test.

But just when it was beginning to seem as though the man was invincible, Younus has been trapped leg before by Australian bowler Peter Siddle.

He made 213 and, with the close of play not too far away, Pakistan are in a commanding position on 551 for 5.

United's Halloween team

Manchester United Twitter

Manchester United have marked Halloween by naming a spooky line-up on Twitter.

It includes Roy Pumpkeane, Robin Vampire-sie, Chris Casper the Friendly Ghost and Edwin van der S-aaargh.

'I've had chats with Brendan' - Gerrard

More from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard: "In those two games, against Villa and West Ham, I found it hard to influence things so I've had loads of chats with Brendan (Rodgers) about how to counter that if it happens, whether it's by moving out of position or moving further forward into a '10' position.

"We did that in a recent game and it worked really well and my form has actually been a lot better since people started to try and stifle me. I think you will see changes in my game. Brendan and I have worked some things out."

Gerrard says form is improving

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We mentioned earlier that Steven Gerrard has done an interview in today's Daily Mail.

There is some good stuff in it, not least Gerrard admitting he has found it trickier this season, suggesting opposition teams have latched on to his new deeper-lying role.

"A couple of teams have set up to man-mark me and stifle me," the 34-year-old said. "Against Villa (Gabriel) Agbonlahor wasn't remotely interested in the ball or the game, only in following me. The other one was at West Ham."

Football

Stand by for a couple of managerial big-hitters.

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea press conference is scheduled to begin at 12.30pm, while Manchester City gaffer Manuel Pellegrini - under a little pressure at the moment - faces the media at 12.45.

Full coverage right here as it happens.

Best video clips

BBC

Halloween Horrors: We have compiled some of the horror moments from sport in 2014. Featuring falls, bites, missed chances, stroppy players and much more.

Formula 1: Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo says he would like to see three-car Formula 1 teams in the future to make a bigger grid.

Rugby union: Bath's Sam Burgess says he has set his sights on playing for England at the World Cup next year.

Boxing: BBC Sport looks back at The Rumble in the Jungle, 40 years on from the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Africa.

BBC

Buried in the top corner?

Here's a story that brings a whole new meaning to footie phrases like getting bodies in the box or the atmosphere's a bit dead.

Brazilian football club Corinthians is to open a cemetery for supporters who want to be buried close to their favourite players.

Yes, you read that right. Fans of the club will be able to choose from up to 70,000 plots at the "Corinthians Forever" cemetery near Sao Paulo.

If you think 70,000 sounds a lot, you might want to think again when you learn that Corinthians have the second largest fan base in Brazil, with around 25 million supporters across the country.

Will the idea catch on over here? We sincerely hope not.

Formula 1

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Fernando Alonso has again left his fans playing a guessing game over his future.

Although it is widely understood Ferrari star Alonso has already finalised plans for 2015 and beyond - probably at McLaren - at present he is refusing to divulge.

Asked ahead of this weekend's US Grand Prix whether he knew what he would be doing in 2015, Alonso replied: "I know, yes. I more or less know but I cannot say categorically anything now.

"There is a very ambitious plan in my head for my future and I think this is the best thing for Ferrari as well, and if that happens then people will be very, very excited - as I am."

Make of that what you will.

Football

More from Robbie Savage's BBC column, and a startling insight into the day he was attacked by sausages.

"I have not forgotten that Leeds fans pelted me with hot-dogs when I was working as an on-pitch TV pundit at Emirates Stadium before an FA Cup tie against Arsenal in January 2012," says Savage.

"It was the first time I had been attacked with fast food."

The reason Savage mentions Leeds - other than to reminisce about banger attacks - is to say that Neil Redfearn, if he is, as expected, appointed the new manager, needs time and stability if he is to revive the club's fortunes.

'Football

Robbie Savage's weekly column is on the BBC website and includes the Welsh wonder's take on Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

"The people saying they are a club on the brink of a crisis are not far wrong - this is a pivotal moment for City's season and, possibly, Pellegrini's future too," says Savage.

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"I am expecting Chelsea to beat QPR on Saturday and, if they do, City will go into Sunday's derby with Manchester United nine points behind Jose Mourinho's side.

"If they don't get three points there could be serious questions asked about Pellegrini's future."

Manchester United

"Manchester United have won 6, drawn 6 and lost 6 games on Halloween in the past. 666. Spooky."

Boxing

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There was a superb documentary on Radio 5 Live last night reliving Muhammad Ali's famous Rumble in the Jungle 40 years after the fight.

As part of the programme, Rickie Hatton, Carl Froch and David Haye examined whether Ali should have retired after the fight.

Listen to the clip here.

Aston Villa news conference

Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton may miss Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifier against Republic of Ireland on 14 November and the international friendly with England on 18 November.

Hutton, 29, who has won 43 Scotland caps, has sprained his ankle in training.

"The Scotland games will be touch and go, I know we've got a fortnight roughly to go but it depends how quick a healer he is," says Villa boss Paul Lambert.

Blues aim to seal Morrison deal

New Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett hopes to make Charlton Athletic centre-half Michael Morrison his first loan signing in time for tomorrow's derby with Wolves.

The 26-year-old defender signed a new two-year deal with the Addicks this summer but has remained largely out of favour under Charlton boss Bob Peeters this term.

"If there's areas we feel we need to improve in or strengthen, then we need to make those changes as quickly as we see fit," Rowett told BBC WM.

Khan doubles up

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Younus Khan has reached a double hundred as Pakistan continue to rack up the runs against Australia on day two of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

Khan - who has scored three centuries in his last three innings - has also become the third batsman to score more than 8,000 test runs for Pakistan.

Only Inzaman-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad are ahead of him on the all-time list. Not a bad pair of names to be associated with.

Pakistan have moved on to 514-4 in their first innings.

Get involved

We asked, with it being Halloween and all, what is the worst nightmare you've had as a spectator or participant in sport?

Chris Tune: First v second in the league; teammates turn up hungover having forgotten the team kit. We lose 9-1 with some playing in jeans.

Ethan Pedrick: Ball ran loose and me and we both went for the ball, I felt something - turned out I broke two of his metatarsals.

Nick Robertson: Bolton 0-5 Stoke, FA cup semi final 2011. Nightmare.

Shazam: The gazillion crosses during the Man Utd v Fulham match at Old Trafford last year.

Ioan Gwyn: Wales 1 Slovakia 5, at home in 2006. On the plus side a certain 17-year-old scored his first of many for Wales.

Gareth Bale of course, here's the match report Ioan if you want to relive the moment...

Keep your nightmare moments coming on Twitter using the hashtag #mysportinghorror or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Today's newspapers

Sport

The front page of Spanish sports newspaper Sport says Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique.

The paper adds that Chelsea are prepared to pay 30m euros (about £23.5m) to sign the 27-year-old, who they see as a potential long-term replacement for 33-year-old Blues captain John Terry.

Arsene Wenger news conference

One final segment from Arsene Wenger's news conference and it comes on the back of QPR's Rio Ferdinand receiving a three-game ban for comments he made on Twitter.

Wenger says his club are trying to monitor tweets sent out from their players.

"We are concerned about statements on Twitter and things going out of the club that should not go out," adds the Gunners boss. "It is important to keep that under control. In the modern world that is very difficult but we try."

Johnson excited by City return

The two in-form sides in League One meet at Ashton Gate tomorrow, as unbeaten leaders Bristol City host seventh-placed Oldham.

The Latics, who have gone 13 games without defeat, are managed by former City midfielder Lee Johnson and have four ex-City players in their squad.

"There's so many interconnections within the two clubs and it's nice," Johnson told BBC Points West. "It will be great for me to go back and see everyone I miss. I'm pleased for them but there's no doubt we'll be going to win the game."

Aston Villa news conference

@avfcofficial

Boss Paul Lambert has told the media that his Aston Villa side are still without injured defenders Alan Hutton (sprained ankle) and Philippe Senderos (thigh) for Sunday's home game against Tottenham Hotspur (16:00 GMT), reports BBC WM.

Nathan Baker is back in training as Villa bid to end their goalless run of five straight defeats against a Spurs side who they have not beaten in 12 meetings.

Hull news conference

Hull City assistant manager Steve Agnew says England Under-21 international Tom Ince does have a long-term future at the club.

Ince, 22, joined Hull in the summer but failed to establish himself in the starting line-up and joined Nottingham Forest on a short-term loan earlier this week.

"He is a top player, an exciting player and one we're looking forward to working with for a good number of years," says Agnew. "He hasn't played as much football as we would have liked so Steve (Bruce) has agreed with Nottingham Forest to take him on loan until January."

Guernsey charged after flight error

Remember the story from earlier this week, about Guernsey FC.

Well, they have now been charged for failing to fulfil a fixture by the Isthmian League, and their case will be heard at the league's next board meeting next month.

Saturday's error was the first time in the club's four-year history that they have been forced to miss a game because of travel problems.

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Southampton and Italy striker Graziano Pelle has gone before the Football Focus cameras.

Pelle has been a revelation in the Premier League, blasting six goals in nine games since his £8m summer move from Feyenoord.

You can watch the full interview on tomorrow's Focus - the show is on BBC One at 12:10 GMT.

Arsene Wenger news conference

Some good news for Arsenal fans as Olivier Giroud is recovering well from his broken leg that he suffered in August.

The 28-year-old French striker was originally ruled out of action until January.

"He is progressing very well, he is three weeks ahead of schedule," says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. "He will join in with normal training after the international break."

Football

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More from Paul Scholes' column in The Independent, with former Man United man saying Mario Balotelli is getting flak because he's "an easy target".

"Balotelli has taken the spotlight off some of the other summer signings," Scholes said.

"Dejan Lovren has struggled. Lazar Markovic has not scored and he cost £20m. Alberto Moreno is quick but is yet to convince as a defender. Adam Lallana is the only one who looks like he is comfortable with the shift, and at £25m he was overpriced.

"I recognise Brendan Rodgers needed a bigger squad, but they should have gone for fewer players and greater quality. Balotelli cannot take the blame for all of that."

Strong stuff.

Arsene Wenger news conference

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is not dismissing his side's hopes of winning the Premier League, despite already falling nine points behind leaders Chelsea.

When told his side are priced at 25-1 by bookmakers to win the league, Wenger said: "I do not write ourselves off. That figure does not consider who we have played or how many games we have played away.

"I have a strong belief we will come back and we can just prove that on the pitch."

Get involved

We asked, with it being Halloween and all, what is the worst nightmare you've had as a spectator or participant in sport?

Tom Duncan: Went to a Ligue 1 game at Rennes which lacked atmosphere. Tried to start a song. Turned out it was a minute's silence.

Kieran Gething: Breaking my ribs in a welsh boxing championships final. I did this, and won.

Gus Tracey: Conceding a penalty in the dying seconds of the game to take it to extra time, then missing my pen in the shootout.

Chad Ravage: Hammering a BIG serve into the back of my lady doubles partners head. Ouch.

Keep them coming on Twitter using the hashtag #mysportinghorror or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Friday's back pages

The Times

The Times has a slightly more positive line about Manuel Pellegrini, with goalkeeper Joe Hart backing the manager to turn things around and end Man City's run of poor form.

Arsene Wenger news conference

Some more quotes from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is expecting a tough game against Burnley, despite Sean Dyche's side being bottom of the Premier League with only four points from their first nine games.

"They are better than their points total would suggest," says Wenger. "They have been punished in some games because they could not take their chances. It's very important we are still focused and expect to play against a strong team, because that's what they are.

"He (Dyche) has done a great job and nobody expected Burnley to be in the Premier League this year. His style of play is positive and they create chances if you look at the stats."

Football

Shrewsbury Town have prepared Premier League-style for Saturday's League Two trip to Dagenham & Redbridge, report BBC Radio Shropshire.

From playing Premier League leaders Chelsea in the League Cup in midweek, when they narrowly lost 2-1, Shrewsbury will be using Premier League facilities today when they train at West Ham United's Beckton training ground in East London.

It's a favour to Town boss Micky Mellon from an old mate, Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, who was Mellon's manager in his playing days at Blackpool.

Friday's back pages

Daily Mirror

Strong line from the Daily Mirror, who suggest Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini might be in danger of getting the boot if results don't improve.

Formula 1

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As for Hamilton and his title chances, it is fair to say he isn't getting too carried away.

In his column for BBC Sport, Hamilton, who won the drivers championship in 2008, said: "The world championship is coming to its climax now, with three races in four weekends, but I can't get too excited about it.

"I've managed to build a 17-point lead. I don't think it's to do with luck. I have kind of turned it up a notch. Through the year, you have to keep doing that, keep applying new pressure.

"I don't feel any tension or excitement at the moment. Each day is just another day."

Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton is three races away from claiming his second Formula 1 drivers' championship.

The Mercedes driver has a 17-point lead over team-mate and nearest rival Nico Rosberg heading into this weekend's US Grand Prix.

We'll have full coverage of today's first practice session from Austin, Texas. The action begins at 15:00.

Djokovic ready for Murray test

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

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Novak Djokovic takes on Andy Murray later today, a match you can hear live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 18:30 GMT.

And the 27-year-old Serb, who has won all three meetings between the pair this year, told BBC Sport: "It's going to be a great battle, it always is, a very physical match with a lot of rallies but I'm ready, I know what to expect.

"He's very confident, playing some very good tennis. We have very similar styles, whoever is calmer and fitter will win."

Friday's back pages

Daily Mail

The Daily Mail reports about the threat of drones flying above the Etihad Stadium during Sunday's Manchester derby between City and United., plus some Rio Ferdinand and Sam Burgess reaction.

Football

Former Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Case has been on BBC Radio 5 live this morning, talking about whether Steven Gerrard might do the unthinkable and leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Gerrard has suggested as much in today's Daily Mail. Case said: "He is just putting it out there that he intends to carry on regardless of whether that is with Liverpool.

"I think it is the same with all clubs, when it comes to a certain point in a player's age, the sticking point is if he will be able to carry on in the same vain.

"Towards the end of my career, I was on a year-to-year contract at Southampton and I went on until I was 38.

"I think Gerrard is such a wonderful player he could play in that position for a number of years."

Football

OfficialWolves

Wolves' Bakary Sako showed why he terrorises defences when he showed up for training this morning.

OfficialWolves tweeted: Mr Sako has turned up for training looking well...

But what is Bakary's mask meant to be? A ghoul? A werewolf? A gargoyle? Answers on a postcard...

Netball

England were beaten 52-38 by New Zealand overnight as the two-match series finished level at 1-1.

Having won the opening match 42-38 on Tuesday, England were bidding for their first series victory against the Kiwis.

But the Silver Ferns, who had lost six successive matches, led throughout the contest.

Friday's back pages

The Guardian

In case you haven't yet made it to the newsagents, here's a round-up of some of today's back pages.

Let's begin with The Guardian which focuses on Harry Redknapp's disgust at Rio Ferdinand's ban. Plus there's Sam Burgess and his move to Bath.

Arsene Wenger news conference

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been talking about the start leaders Chelsea have made in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho's side are already nine points ahead of the fifth-placed Gunners.

Reuters

"Chelsea are in a strong position at the moment," says Wenger. "I'm more focused on getting consistency in our results before we think of coming back to Chelsea."

Asked if Chelsea could match the achievement of his 2003-2004 side, who won the title without losing a game, Wenger replied: "It is only nine games played. It is too early to say that, there's a long way to go."

Football

On the topic of that Midlands derby, BBC Sport Online will be running a live text commentary of the Wolves-Birmingham game from 11:30 GMT.

New boss Rowett on big derby

New Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett reports no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday's first game in charge - a lunchtime Championship derby with neighbours Wolves at Molineux.

The only long-term absentee is defender Jonathan Spector and Rowett, who has stressed that everyone will have the chance to impress him following last weekend's record 8-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, told BBC WM's Richard Wilford that his first selection will be very much a horses-for-courses side.

Like Rowett, Wolves boss Kenny Jackett has worked his way up through the leagues and is pleased to see another manager progress to the Championship. "It's a great chance for Gary," he told BBC WM. "It's good to see him get that opportunity. Obviously our games aside, we wish him all the best."

Football

Peter Crouch Twitter

Looks like it was a fun night at the Crouch household last night.

Stoke striker Peter has tweeted this photo of himself getting into the Halloween spirit.

Maybe he should take to the pitch against West Ham tomorrow dressed like that, might put the opposition defenders off.

Get involved

It's time for you to get involved

It is Halloween so we want to know this: What is the worst nightmare you've had as a spectator or participant in sport?

One lad in our office wants to include the last decade of being a Leeds fans. But maybe it's being bowled for a duck by a 12-year-old on debut for your new cricket club, or slicing the ball over the bar from two yards in your Sunday League team's cup final?

Let us know on Twitter using the hashtag #mysportinghorror or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Arsene Wenger news conference

England winger Theo Walcott is still not ready to start for Arsenal as he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee that has kept him out of action since January.

"He is not completely ready," says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. "He's been out for too long to start. He wants to play, but that's a period where the patience is tested.

"The players wants to play, but then much later realise they weren't ready. He knows he is not completely there yet."

Sussex sign fast bowler Mills

Sussex have signed fast bowler Tymal Mills on a two-year contract following his departure from Essex.

The 22-year-old left-arm seamer, who only played 12 games last season because of a back injury, turned down a new deal at Chelmsford.

Mills, who regularly bowls at over 90mph, spent last winter with the England Performance Programme and was drafted into the senior side's Ashes training camp to provide England's batsmen with practice against left-arm pace bowling.

Arsene Wenger news conference

@arsenal

More from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who expects to face a defensive Burnley side at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

He says: "We want to be good enough to get around teams who try and stop us from playing. Our attitude and dedication has been fantastic. On the efficiency front we could do better."

Arsene Wenger news conference

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger faces the media and says midfielder Jack Wilshere is likely to miss the Gunners' home game against Burnley on Saturday.

"He got a kick on his knee, it is very, very short-term," says Wenger, who also reveals that left-back Kieran Gibbs will need a fitness test.

Golf

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Ryder Cup star and 2013 US open winner Justin Rose has enjoyed one of the rounds of the day at the BMW Masters in Shanghai after firing a seven-under 65.

But he still finds himself seven off the lead going into the weekend after big-hitting Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts fired a eight-under 64.

Colsaerts leads by a shot from France's Alexander Levy on a day of low scoring.

Northern Ireland's 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell is also doing well, six back from Colsaerts after a three-under 69.

Football

Arsenal FC

Granted this isn't the most exciting of pictures. But things will liven up soon when Arsene Wenger sits in that chair and gives us his thoughts ahead of the Gunners home match with struggling Burnley tomorrow.

For the time being enjoy looking at a chair.

Football

West Ham are getting into the spirit of the day.

They've dubbed it Hammerween - well, it sort of works - and have got their players to carve pumpkins.

They're tweeting the results today and asking fans to guess which player carved which pumpkin.

Here's an example: 'Which flying winger carved this happy-looking pumpkin for Halloween?'

West Ham United Twitter

It's a tricky one. Head to West Ham's Twitter account to join in.

A scary watch

May I recommend this video?

With it being Halloween and all, we thought we'd put together a compilation of some of 2014's most horrifying sporting moments.

From Luis Suarez's chomp to the gymnast attacked by a bee, it's all in here. Have a gander, though be warned - it is frightening.

Cricket

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Some cricket news. Younus Khan is unbeaten on 141 and Pakistan 405-3 at lunch on day two of the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi.

Misbah-ul Haq is 55 not out as Pakistan - who lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 221 runs - look in complete control.

It is Khan's third century in a row - he scored a ton in each innings of the first Test.

Football

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Speaking of Hull, Tom Huddlestone spoke to the media last night and revealed he is already plotting a move into management when his career comes to an end.

Clearly a man who likes to plan ahead, the 27-year-old took his Uefa B licence in the summer and is half way through his A badge.

"Hopefully I've still got a few years left playing but it's better to have it," he said. "It's something I would like to do in the future and I didn't have much planned in the summer, so it was ideal to get it started.

"It's easier to get the badges while you're still playing, rather than be out of the game for four or five years and suddenly decide you want to get them because a few of your ideas might have been lost."

Football

The first of today's nine - yes NINE - Premier League news conferences gets underway shortly when Steve Bruce faces the media at Hull City.

Arsene Wenger is next up at 09:00 GMT, with Aston Villa's Paul Lambert at 09:30.

We will bring you the best bits from them all.

Football

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There is a big Steven Gerrard interview in the Daily Mail, with the midfielder admitting he might be forced to leave Liverpool.

A player as synonymous with Anfield as beans are with toast, Gerrard is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to be offered a new deal.

"I certainly won't be retiring this summer. I will play beyond this season," said the 34-year-old, who joined the Liverpool Academy at the age of nine and has made nearly 700 appearances for the club.

"We will have to wait and see if that's at Liverpool or somewhere else. That's Liverpool's decision. If they don't come then I will see what's out there."

Football

Some interesting stuff from Paul Scholes in his weekly column for The Independent.

Ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, Scholes says he likes City but has concerns about a certain area of their team.

"I don't think the central midfield is right, and that they are getting the best out of Yaya Toure," he wrote.

"He still looks laboured to me, you might even say he looks a bit bored. He has the ability to step it up when he wants to, and that could be the case on Sunday.

"My view is that the better midfield partner for him is Fernandinho rather than Fernando. Fernandinho just seems to have more to his game."

Football

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Some news you might have missed from last night. Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev has been banned for seven matches for racially abusing Aberdeen defender Shay Logan.

The 24-year-old, on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa, was charged following an incident with Englishman Logan during a Scottish Premiership match in September.

Celtic say they will appeal against the punishment, saying the Bulgarian is "not a racist" and the club "absolutely abhors racism of any kind".

Great sporting moments

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Remember yesterday? Thought you might.

We asked you to name which sporting event from history you wish you had been a spectator at.

It led to a barrage of responses, so much so that we totted up the total and made a list of the most popular choices.

Here are the great sporting moments you wish you'd seen.

Rise and shine

We can't make you a morning cuppa, or a slice of hot buttered toast, but we can bring you the very best of everything that happens in the world of sport throughout the day.

There is plenty going on, especially in the Premier League, where managers like Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Maneul Pellegrini are speaking to the media ahead of the weekend action.

Lewis Hamilton, aiming for a fifth successive race win, will be looking to set the pace as practice begins at the US Grand Prix.

Andy Murray faces world number one Novak Djokovic later this evening, so we'll build-up towards that as well.

You lucky, lucky people, it's going to be good.