Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Image source, Reuters

"In the recent crisis, it is sometimes forgotten that Louis van Gaal deserves credit for stabilising United after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and the ill-fated 10-month reign of David Moyes, guiding the club back into the Champions League - albeit briefly.

"That said Van Gaal, despite the better showing against Chelsea, has been producing a style of football that has not met with the approval of the club's fans - even if plenty appreciated what they offered up against Chelsea.

"If Van Gaal is kept too long and there is no obvious improvement, then it could end up as a major missed opportunity with Jose Mourinho currently on the market with a point to prove after his sacking by Chelsea, and seemingly willing to step in."

Read more from Phil on Louis van Gaal's situation.

Complete the following sentence: "In 2016, football will..."

Darren Wood:, external In 2016 football will never be so glad to concentrate once again to matters on the field, and put what happened off the field in 2015 firmly behind them.

Robert Hall:, external Finally rid itself of corruption. Hahaha. Nope, that will never happen.

Image source, Fantasy Premier League

This is your weekly alarm. Don't forget to tweak your team before it's too late.

This is the current team of the season. Riyad Mahrez continues to lead the way on number of points scored during the campaign.

I've opted to bring Sergio Aguero in this week in hope he can get firing. The Argentine is only in roughly 13% of teams, so I'm hoping he can bag a few points before the masses sign him up. Mahrez is in a whopping 67% of teams.

Image source, .

So stay with us for more news on any games which get claimed by the weather. We'll start running through all of today's fixtures to bring you the stats and talking points to look out for.  Coming up next though... Fantasy Football.

Complete the following sentence: "In 2016, football will..."

One more quick one from the continent as a well-known and sought-after midfielder is linked with a move to Juventus.

The man in question? Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan according to Tuttosport.

Image source, Tuttosport

Image source, Hartlepool United/Instagram

So what do you do if you've made a 280-mile trip for a game, only for it to be called off?

Well, if you play for Hartlepool United, whose League Two match at Newport County has fallen victim to a waterlogged pitch, you get in some Saturday morning gym work at your hotel, and then prepare for a four-and-a-half-hour journey home.

A couple more games have gone in the National League as the wet weather takes its toll: Leaders Cheltenham's match against bottom club Kidderminster is off, as is Eastleigh v Bromley - both because of waterlogged pitches.

So here are the games that have been postponed so far:

League One: Port Vale v Swindon

League Two: Newport v Hartlepool

National League: Cheltenham v Kidderminster, Eastleigh v Bromley

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo leads on a preview for the Catalan derby which kicks off at 15:00 GMT. Barcelona currently top La Liga on goal difference and could extend the lead if they beat Espanyol.

BBC Sport will be running a live text from 14:30 GMT,

Image source, Mundo Deportivo

Image source, As front page

We will quickly nip across the continent as there is a big day of European football to focus on too.

Real Madrid are not in action until Sunday, when Rafa Benitez will travel to his former club Valencia. One of his attacking stars is in hot water though as James Rodriguez has been caught driving at over 200 kilometres an hour. That's around 130 miles per hour in old money.

Spanish publications Marca and AS lead with the story., external

The wet weather around the country is bound to put some matches at risk today - and two have gone this morning because of waterlogged pitches. Port Vale's League One game against Swindon is off, as is Newport v Hartlepool in League Two.

Also in League Two, Exeter's groundstaff have deemed the pitch playable for their game against Dagenham and Redbridge, but have asked the referee to arrive for 10.30 BST to confirm that the game is on.

Elsewhere, in the division, Notts County's match against third-placed Oxford is definitely on. We've got the groundsman's say-so on that.

Mark Lawrenson
Ex-Liverpool defender

Image source, AFP

"Liverpool look more of a threat away from home at the moment. They are creating so many chances on the road but Christian Benteke - who has scored the matchwinner in their last two games - is a dilemma for Jurgen Klopp. The Belgian is scoring goals, but I think Klopp would prefer someone more mobile for his system. While he is their main striker and putting the chances away though, what do you do?"

Read the match preview.

Image source, .

Our early kick-off today comes from West Ham, where Liverpool - fresh from two consecutive 1-0 wins - are looking to make it three wins in three. West Ham are unbeaten in six, though five of those games were draws.

"Happy new year everyone wish you all the best for 2016," posts Samir Nasri on Instagram., external "I just want thank everyone who has been there for me it has been a tough year but 2016 will be amazing."

The Manchester City midfielder, 28, was ruled out for three months with a hamstring injury in November.

His side, third in the Premier League, travel to Watford for our late kick-off today.

Stoke City and Republic of Ireland striker Jonathan Walters is clearly hoping for big things from 2016.

What a year we are in for. Ireland remember will face off against Belgium, Italy and Sweden when Euro 2016 begins in June. There'll be plenty of partying if they get though that group.

Here's a tease for the debate I've just mentioned. In 2016 football will see Jose Mourinho arrive at...

Image source, Getty Images

You get the concept.

It is time for you to predict the future.

Image source, Getty Images

As part of our debate today we want you to complete the following sentence: "In 2016 football will..."

End it with anything you think the beautiful game could throw up. Feel free to send us images, drawings, even tell us about your local pub team.

Send things through to #bbcfootball or comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page., external

Image source, Getty Images

Steven Gerrard has hinted he could return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity, stating "the club have let me know they're keen for me to come back."

The LA Galaxy midfielder, 35, thinks it is likely he will hang up his boots after another season in the MLS and then hopes to shadow the work of top managers to "gain experience".

To read more from the former England captain, click here.

Steven Gerrard has seemingly given a few interviews out this week as many of the papers carry stories focusing on his views and experiences.

Image source, The Independent

The Independent focus on his ambitions to be a manager one day. The LA Galaxy striker claims "everyone in world football" will know he is available for work.

More from Gerrard next...