Clashes between Juventus and Inter have always been keenly felt, with the tie dubbed “The Derby of Italy” by the great Gianni Brera. The famous journalist gave that label to their meetings back in the 1960’s when the pair were Italy’s most successful clubs.

While the rise of Milan may have quashed that particular aspect, there is no doubting that a series of controversial meetings over the last two decades have infused the match up with plenty of vitriol. Add in the Calciopoli scandal, which saw the Bianconeri relegated and their rivals handed the 2006 league title, and it is no surprise to see the fixture as one of Serie A’s most eagerly awaited.

Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci—a product of the Nerazzurri youth sector—discussed the importance of the game with the club’s in-house TV channel, telling them (h/t Football Italia):

We must start again strong, and the upcoming Derby d’Italia inspires great feelings in the tifosi – but we feel it even more strongly, because we must continue the positive streak that made us the League’s protagonists of the last few years.

Adding that a win was essential for the Bianconeri to “keep our distance from Roma,” it is clear Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping for three points when the sides meet at Juventus Stadium. Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and decisions that could decide the result on Tuesday evening.

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The first deals of the January transfer window have already been completed, and while Arsenal have yet to make a big splash, the Gunners should soon be adding some big names to their squad as well if the latest rumours are to be believed.

Most fans will agree the club’s biggest needs lie in defence and at the holding midfielder position, but it appears Arsene Wenger is also looking at several attacking targets to boost his team’s chances of ending the Premier League season in the top four.

Let’s have a look at what’s happening with those targets.

Manchester City in for Julian Draxler

Schalke 04 youngster Julian Draxler has been a long-term target for Arsenal, but according to the Daily Star‘s Paul Hetherington, Manchester City are ready to rival the Gunners for his signature.

Schalke are reportedly one of the clubs interested in Matija Nastasic, and the Citizens are ready to exploit said interest by using the Serbia international to obtain Draxler:

A Schalke approach for City defender Matija Nastasic prompted the Premier League champions to sound out the German club about £25million-rated Draxler.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini would like first option on wide midfielder Draxler, 21, who has repeatedly been linked with Arsenal.

Draxler is understood to favour a move to the Premier League but has had an injury-hit season after being part of Germany’s World Cup-winning squad

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled with injuries during the 2014-15 campaign, making just seven Bundesliga starts, according to WhoScored.com. When healthy, he remains one of Germany’s best attacking talents, something he showed with this phenomenal assist:

The Gunners don’t have a clear need for another attacking midfielder, a position that is already well stocked, but Wenger has been linked with a move for Draxler for so long that one has to assume he’s now almost desperate to bring the youngster to the Emirates.

And with Lukas Podolski on his way to Inter Milan, via Inter manager Roberto Mancini, a spot has opened up in the Gunners’ attacking rotation:

The financial details of a move would be key. As explained by Bleacher Report’s Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik, Arsenal have several areas of need that have to be addressed in the coming weeks:

If the Citizens manage to obtain a first option on Draxler, the eventual transfer fee could sit so high the Gunners simply can’t afford to bring the Germany international to the Emirates.

It would hurt to see the talented Draxler move to a rival club after all this time, but given his recent struggles with injury, Arsenal would perhaps be wise to look elsewhere.

Paulo Dybala Also on Citizens’ Wish List

Apparently City really like Arsenal’s reported transfer targets. According to Gianlucadimarzio.com’s David Amoyal, Manuel Pellegrini is also monitoring Palermo youngster Paulo Dybala, who has enjoyed a phenomenal 2014-15 campaign:

Paulo Ernesto Dybala has been one of the biggest stars of the Serie A season. The Palermo prospect scored 7 goals to go with 6 assists and his performances have intrigued many big clubs. Arsenal and Manchester City have been following the Argentine closely: the two Premier League clubs could decide to acquire him in the future. 

The 21-year-old has been sensational for newly promoted Palermo this season, dazzling Serie A with his athletic ability, dribbling skills and conversion rate. The Argentinian is quickly emerging as one of the world’s top attacking talents and the latest in a long line of Palermo imports.

The Sicilians have launched the careers of Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore in recent years, and Dybala has similar potential. According to Sport Witness, he has already expressed his desire to play for a top club like Arsenal:

Dybala is a budding star who will likely also carry the price tag of a budding star. Palermo paid a significant transfer fee for him back in 2012, and according to the Daily Express‘ David Wright, the club has placed a £31 million asking price on his head.

While the actual fee will likely be lower, thanks to the economic struggles of Italian football, Dybala still won’t come cheap. He is more likely to pick Arsenal over City, however, as the Gunners’ attacking rotation isn’t nearly as deep as that of the Citizens.

Dybala is a likely summer target, but unless a club is willing to break the bank based on six months of elite-level production, don’t expect any movement in January.

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After a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, Arsenal’s attentions now turn to their most realistic chance of silverware in 2015 as they entertain Hull City in the FA Cup.

The Gunners have won just nine of their 20 Premier League matches this term and will face a battle to make it into their regular Champions League berth.

But Arsene Wenger‘s men are the holders of the famous English cup trophy and defeated Hull for the honour, beating Steve Bruce’s team in extra-time at Wembley.

Hull have steadily climbed the Premier League form guide in recent weeks having won two of their last three games, and they will want revenge on Arsenal after last season’s cup heartbreak.

Here is how you can watch the match, including kick-off times, and live stream and TV information:

When: Sunday, Jan. 4, at 5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET

Where: Emirates Stadium, London, England.

TV Info: BBC One and HD (UK only) Fox (U.S. only)

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer (UK only) Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S. only)

Curtis Davies Looking To Stun Gunners

The FA Cup is always the one trophy in English football driven by the romance of the underdog, and last season the tournament nearly lived up to its billing as Hull almost toppled the mighty Arsenal.

The Tigers were 2-0 up inside eight minutes with goals from James Chester and Curtis Davies, but Wenger‘s side battled back to win the title with an extra-time strike by Aaron Ramsey, removing the wind from their opponent’s sails. 

But Hull now have the chance to avenge that fateful day last May and dump Arsenal out of the competition at the first hurdle for the Premier League big guns.

James McMath and Tony Banks of the Express recently reported on how the defeat still stings Hull’s captain Davies, who almost grabbed the winning strike for his team. The player said:

That day was the biggest of my football life. I still have visions of Thomas Vermaelen lifting the trophy and the fact that it could have been me. I was on the pitch, looking up at him.

He didn’t even play in the game but he got to lift a trophy that I, as captain, wanted to lift so badly and I thought we had done enough to lift it.

There were tears after the final. It was a strange range of emotions. Immediately after the game I was disappointed but I put my captain’s head on and went round trying to lift the rest of the lads.

I told them, “You should be proud of yourself so get your head up.” I got everyone clapping the fans. But then, as Vermaelen went up to get the cup, I melted. I turned into a blubbering wreck.

Davies has once again been influential for his side this term and has featured in 18 of his team’s Premier League matches this season, per Squawka.com.

Squawka also highlighted Davies’ personal contribution to Hull’s defence in recent times, highlighting his aerial dominance for Bruce when the KC Stadium team played Burnley:

Arsenal are reeling after a 2-0 defeat away to Southampton—and the bad habit of not winning games will currently be worrying Gunners supporters.

Hull are in form and motivated, and they will set their stall out to spoil Arsenal’s silky attacking midfield.

And if Wenger‘s attack misfires in the way that it consistently has over the season—unable to finish opponents off—then Hull have a genuine chance of a shock on Sunday.

Davies might have been saddened at losing the chance to lift the FA Cup as skipper last May but a win at the Emirates will go some way to repairing those feelings of despair and torment.

Match Preview

Arsenal have huge issues in the striker department with three key attackers unavailable for Sunday’s visit of Hull.

Jack Wilson of the Daily Star reports Danny Welbeck is still out with a thigh injury, with Olivier Giroud completing his recent three-match suspension for violent conduct. 

This set of events would normally open the door for Lukas Podolski to grab a rare start, but the striker has left the Gunners for a new start at Inter Milan, as confirmed by Italian journalist Guglielmo Cannavale:

This will almost certainly mean that Alexis Sanchez is thrust into the striker’s role for the match, as he was against Southampton. It is a position he can play, but he is not as dangerous as when he has the licence to roam and push wide.

But Theo Walcott should return to the Arsenal squad after his long lay-off due to injury, per Wilson, giving Wenger an alternative in attack.

Wilson also reports Wenger is likely to remove calamitous goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of the firing line—resting the stopper and playing his deputy, David Ospina.

Tom Huddlestone returns from his recent suspension for the Tigers, per Wilson, and he will help solidify the centre of the park for Hull. 

The Gunners are the overwhelming favourites to progress despite their recent form but the equilibrium of Arsenal is certainly compromised at present. 

Wenger is still missing Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere—and with Mikel Arteta and Mesut Ozil also still unavailable—Arsenal have lost a huge amount of invention.

The onus is on the shoulders of Sanchez to provide the goals to slay Hull in quick time or we might see Bruce’s side claim a very unlikely victory at Arsenal’s expense. 

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Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is set to join Inter Milan on loan this January, according to reports, and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger could now cast his eye towards a replacement.

Ed Aarons of the Guardian confirmed that Podolski “arrived in Italy to complete his loan move” on Friday night.

Aarons continued: “He [was] expected to have a medical on Saturday and sign until the end of the season, with Inter believed to have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.”

The 29-year-old scored 19 goals in 60 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.

However, Podolski has made just seven substitute appearances this season.

A useful, versatile forward option, Podolski‘s spell was punctuated by an exceptional finishing nous. However, a notoriously poor work rate dogged his first-team chances under Wenger.

Wenger now has the opportunity to replace Podolski, and although the out-of-favour Joel Campbell would be the preferred option, here are five other options, including a familiar Premier League name.

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Lukas Podolski officially completed a move away from Arsenal on Saturday, joining Inter Milan on a loan deal until the end of the season, as reported by Inter Milan’s Twitter feed, which shared photos of the winger landing at Milan’s airport:

The 29-year-old hardly featured for the Gunners in the first half of the 2014-15 season, scoring three goals in 13 total appearances but making just two starts across all competitions, according to WhoScored.com.

Podolski grew increasingly frustrated at his limited role within the club, culminating in an incident on New Year’s Eve, where he reportedly left Arsenal’s training ground citing a groin injury and didn’t travel to Southampton with his teammates, per the Daily Mirror‘s John Cross.

The German had been linked with a move to Inter throughout December, with manager Roberto Mancini openly declaring his desire to bring Podolski into the club. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger commented on Inter’s reported interest in a press conference, calling it “a joke:”

The Nerazzurri came to an agreement with Arsenal in the following days, however, and on Friday, the ever-reliable Gianluca Di Marzio broke the news of Podolski’s imminent move to Serie A via Twitter:

Sky Sports confirmed they were hearing the same chatter:

Podolski joined Arsenal in 2012 and quickly became a fan-favourite for his high work rate and timely goals, but from the very start, he was forced to play in a variety of roles and positions on the pitch, with very little consistency.

He was a regular starter in his first season as a Gunner but soon became a bit-part player, and while he still scored a handful of important goals for the club, his limitations started to surface. He wasn’t excellent at holding onto the ball, and simply lacked the physicality to play as a lone central striker.

ESPN FC’s James Dall perhaps summarised his time at the club best—while fans are sad to see him go and feel like he never received a fair chance, they also realise he was a limited player from the start:

Inter need an injection of attacking talent next to Mauro Icardi and have elected to field teams with two or even three attackers all season, so Podolski will undoubtedly see more playing minutes in the Italian fashion capital.

His departure leaves the Gunners with limited depth in the attacking department, so fans can either expect the arrival of a new forward or more minutes for youngster and fan-favourite Joel Campbell.

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New Year’s Day was a forgettable one for Chelsea Football Club.

On the wrong side of a 5-3 drumming at the hands of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, their next match cannot come quick enough.

Now juggling the FA Cup in a four-competition carousel, Jose Mourinho will be given Championship side Watford to wash away the sour taste Spurs undoubtedly gave him and his squad. 

“Rotation” has been the buzzword for the Blues in December. Given his world-class side—complete with depth in every area—many ponder why Mourinho has not deployed his troops in a more economic fashion.

The simple answer is his preferred team was winning. An old adage goes: “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” and the Portuguese boss has harkened this saying: A 5-3 loss, however, suggests change is needed.

An aptly timed FA Cup fixture vs. Watford should allow key players to rest over a 10-day period, between Matchdays 20 and 21 of the Premier League. While the logic may seem airtight, Chelsea have been in more advantageous situations to rest players and have not taken the opportunity.

Winning their Champions League group in five games, the sixth fixture at Stamford Bridge vs. Sporting Lisbon was to all intents and purposes a nothing game. Mourinho chose, in the aftermath of losing to Newcastle United, to play a relatively stronger side—making no substitutions until the 71st minute.

Attempting to predict who Chelsea’s boss will play in a meaningful cup match, after a hectic holiday schedule, becomes virtually impossible apprised of past proceedings. The topic on offer, though, is: “How Chelsea Should Line Up.”

The FA Cup draw had “easier” sides than Watford, so Mourinho cannot completely revamp his team. Fifth in the Championship, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side does pose a threat to the west Londoners. No stranger to Stamford Bridge—playing there for two seasons in the early 2000s—Jovanovic will not be intimidated by Chelsea’s home ground, and his calm demeanour should permeate throughout his squad.

As such, going into this game with an overload of Academy players is not an option.

Defensively, John Terry looked slightly tired vs. Southampton and Tottenham over the Christmas schedule and, being 34 years old, deserves a lengthy sabbatical. To deal with Watford danger-man Troy Deeney, Mourinho should rely on Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma in central defence.

Not having his best display vs. Spurs—and John Obi Mikel being unavailable—Cahill has been made something of a scapegoat. Not possessing the pace to cover for a tired Terry and an often marauding Branislav Ivanovic, the England international was bound to have a poor performance with matches in quick succession.

Given an energetic Zouma to partner alongside, Cahill may be the biggest benefactor should preferred options be rested.

Filipe Luis and Nathan Ake could provide Cesar Azpilicueta and Ivanovic with a much-needed break. Mourinho resting both of his preferred full-backs has virtually no chance of happening but, having crucial games vs. Newcastle, Swansea, Liverpool and Manchester City this month, saving 90 minutes from their legs would seem ideal.

To counteract playing the defensive-minded Mikel and Ramires in the double pivot, Mourinho has two options: He could play Cesc Fabregas, Willian or Lewis Baker in the “No. 10” role or opt not to rotate at all. Alterations do appear unavoidable, so Fabregas starting then spelled by Baker or Ruben Loftus-Cheek in central-attacking midfield looks an excellent approach should the result be settled.

Eden Hazard—in a game of mediocrity—was anything but mediocre vs. Tottenham: Mourinho should rest the Belgian superstar as a courtesy. He deserves a rest period should he want it, and the likes of Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah could do with a match.

Salah, per the Daily Mail, may be loaned to Inter Milan this January; so getting a parting 90 minutes, with no strings attached, would certainly be crafty—if not slightly devious.

Not given many opportunities this season, Loic Remy not starting vs. Watford could be as scandalous as Mourinho thinks refereeing decisions are. The French international has goals in his boots, but Chelsea’s lack of rotation has shelved those goals.

Needing games to sharpen his attacking prowess, Watford look a great outfit for Remy to pounce.

Whichever set of 11 players Mourinho elects to play, they should have the beating of the Hornets in them, but more concerning are the minutes Chelsea’s favoured players have accumulated.

At any convenience, Mourinho should be looking to incorporate his squad with fresh legs and new ideas from the bench. If he cannot mix and match, all the work done in the season’s first half will soon feel irrelevant.

*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.

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The January transfer window is set to open on Saturday for Premier League teams, and if the latest rumours are to be believed, Arsenal will be among the most active clubs from the get go.

The Gunners sit just outside of the Champions League spots in the Premier League standings and could use some help to improve in 2015, but it appears a longtime contributor could leave the club before new forces arrive.

Here are the latest rumours emerging from the Emirates Stadium.

Lukas Podolski Nearing January Exit

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Lukas Podolski arrived in Italy to complete a loan move to Inter Milan on Friday:

The respected journalist provided more info via his website, with David Amoyal providing the translation:

Lukas Podolski is set to join Inter after the Italian club reached an agreement with Arsenal. The German striker will join the Italian club on a straight loan (no option to buy) for rest of the season, they will pay the Gunners 600,000 euro which will go up to 850/900 thousand euro should Inter qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The 29-year-old forward has hardly featured for the Gunners in 2014-15 and has spent the past few months mainly lobbying for more playing time, without any success. Inter openly declared their interest in his services in December, but Arsene Wenger called their interest “a joke:”

Those words likely didn’t sit well with Podolski, who reportedly stormed out of the training ground on New Year’s Eve and didn’t join his team-mates on the trip to Southampton, via the Mirror‘s John Cross.

Podolski’s departure likely means Wenger will either look to bring in another forward in January, or it could give an opportunity to youngsters Chuba Akpom and Joel Campbell. The latter still hasn’t featured much after his 2014 World Cup success, and fans must be anxious to find out what the future has in store for him.

Dani Alves Rules Out January Move

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves will be a free agent this summer and has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the past six months, but per Metro‘s Hannah Duncan, he intends to play out his contract before making a decision on his future:

“I’m not interested in negotiating an exit. I’m going to end my contract and then we will see,” he said.

The Brazil international will turn 32 in 2015 but is still the Catalans’ choice right-back, and with the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholding Barcelona’s transfer ban for the coming year, the Blaugrana are likely to extend the contract of their long-term starter.

As of right now, that’s yet to happen, per Sky Sports’ Pete O’Rourke

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Alves, but one has to wonder how the move would make sense, from both perspectives. The Gunners aren’t perennial contenders for silverware, something Alves has gotten used to with Barcelona and would likely desire should he leave Spain.

Likewise, Arsenal have a defensive need, but the right-back position is covered quite well. Bleacher Report’s Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik recently broke down the team’s needs, highlighting the central areas, not out wide:

Even if the Gunners are interested, a move is unlikely to transpire in January, with Alves ruling it out and Barcelona facing a ban that wouldn’t allow them to seek a replacement.

Gunners Join Race for Loris Karius

Germany’s next star goalkeeper Loris Karius has just six months left on his current contract, and according to the Mirror‘s James Nursey, Arsenal have joined a long list of clubs vying for his signature:

Arsenal are eyeing up top emerging German keeper Loris Karius.

The shot-stopper, 21, is the youngest keeper in the Bundesliga with Mainz.

Karius is now regarded as Germany’s best player at the position after Bayern Munich’s World Cup winner Manuel Neuer.

The 6’3″ ace has worked his way up through Germany’s age-groups to now represent the U21s, and Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Spanish side Valencia have all expressed an interest.

Nursey goes on to state the Gunners are willing to wait until summer to make a play for the 21-year-old, but the rest of the clubs may not be. Due to UEFA regulations, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 can’t sign the youngster to a pre-contract, as they play in the same domestic competition as Mainz.

Casual fans may have never heard of Karius, but the Germany youth international has quickly risen to fame in the Bundesliga and is widely regarded as one of the best young stoppers in the world. He made Outside of the Boot’s list of top young players in the world, the only goalkeeper to do so:

He was also the Bundesliga’s most productive stopper in 2014, according to Bundesliga Vavel’s Marco Conradie:

Karius turned down a move to Benfica in the summer, per Nursey, likely because he wanted to be an undisputed starter and play heavy minutes to continue his development.

This makes Arsenal an unlikely fit, with Wojciech Szczesny the clear-cut starter in north London. The Poland international is enjoying a solid season for the Gunners, and Wenger won’t turn the starting position over to an unproven youngster.

If he’s willing to back up Szczesny for now and earn the starting position, he could be a fantastic addition, either in January for a small fee or in the summer, for no fee at all. But as things stand, a move to a bigger Bundesliga club seems more likely.

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