Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Andy Murray through to ATP World Tour Finals after 6-3 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov
2. Celtic's Aleksandar Tonev suspended for seven games for racist abuse
3. Blackpool appoint Lee Clark as manager
4. Harry Redknapp defends 'professional' Rio Ferdinand
5. GET INVOLVED: Tell us your #bbcdreamticket

Good evening

That's all from the Sportsday team for today - a huge thank you for stopping by.

Thanks once again for all your suggestions for #bbcdreamticket - you can see which moment you chose as your favourite on the right-hand side.

Sportsday will be back on Friday from 08:00.

The Hitman's verdict

We've been building up to BBC Radio 5 live's "Reliving the Rumble" which will mark 40 years since the iconic bout between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali.

You can hear what Carl Froch, David Haye and Ricky Hatton made of the big fight from 19:30, but here's a sneak preview.

BBC Sport

Weepu does not regret Welsh move

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New Zealand World Cup-winning scrum-half Piri Weepu says he does not regret his move to London Welsh, despite eight successive losses in all competitions.

Welsh have conceded 352 points in those eight games, an average of 44 per game.

Asked if he regretted his move, Weepu, who suffered a stroke at the start of the year, said: "Not at all.

"After the stroke, I was grateful for the opportunity and hopefully I can contribute a bit more before the end of the season."

A Giant performance

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In case you missed it, San Francisco Giants sealed their third World Series title in five years in the early hours with a 3-2 victory over Kansas City Royals in the deciding match of the series.

The Royals, who won their only title in 1985, had taken the best of seven series into a finale with a 10-0 win.

Boxing

You can hear Haye, Hatton and Froch's take on Round One on the In Short section of 5 live's website with the rest coming in "Reliving the Rumble" broadcast from 19:30 GMT.

You will also be able to read about the fight round-by-round, with Ben Dirs' Big Fight Rewind live text at the same time.

Froch on Ali

Tonight from 19:30, BBC Radio 5 live relives the "Rumble in the Jungle".

The iconic fight will be replayed through the minds of modern day boxing champions Carl Froch, David Haye and Ricky Hatton.

BBC Sport

Cherries living the dream - Mostyn

Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn says the club are "living the dream" after drawing Liverpool in the League Cup.

The Cherries reached the League Cup last eight for the first time in their history having also achieved a record 8-0 win over Birmingham on Saturday.

Eddie Howe's side also lie fourth in the Championship, two points off top.

"We're all living the dream at the moment, what an amazing week. Has there been a better week for a Cherries fan?," Mostyn told BBC Radio Solent.

The votes are in

And voting has closed in our #bbcdreamticket poll.

Take a look on the right-hand side to see what you chose as the top moment from our shortlist of 10.

Many thanks for taking the time to cast your vote.

Tan looks to MLS move

Huw Evans picture agency

More on that news we brought you earlier that Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan says he plans to invest in a new Los Angeles-based Major League Soccer franchise.

Malaysian billionaire Tan, who also owns FK Sarajevo in Bosnia, also told the BBC he is seeking to invest in another unnamed European club.

"I'm still negotiating so I'm not saying what it is now," Tan, 62, said.

"I'm investing in a new franchise in LA. That's my personal private investment."

Ozil puts in the work

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been working hard in the gym as he continues his comeback from injury.

@mesutozil1088

He's tweeted this picture which should give Arsenal fans some joy: no, this is neither a red carpet nor a magic carpet. it is just the place where I'm working for my comeback.

Tonev to appeal against ban

Celtic have confirmed Aleksandar Tonev will appeal against the seven-game ban handed to him by the Scottish Football Association for using racist insults.

Wolves take keeper Kuszczak on trial

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Wolves have taken former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak on trial at Molineux, as possible back-up for first-choice Carl Ikeme.

Reserve keeper Aaron McCarey is out until at least January following back surgery, leaving 20-year-old Jon Flatt as the only cover.

And the 32-year-old Pole is available, having not found a club following his end-of-season release by Brighton.

Wolves have also recalled striker Liam McAlinden from his loan at Fleetwood.

Seven-game suspension for Tonev

SNS Group

Celtic winger and Bulgarian international Aleksandar Tonev has been suspended for seven matches for using racist insults, the Scottish Football Association has announced.

The on-loan Aston Villa midfielder, 24, was charged following an incident involving Aberdeen defender Shay Logan during a Scottish Premiership match last month.

Nigeria look to avoid Fifa ban

AP

Nigeria hope to have avoided a lengthy ban from Fifa after a regional high court overturned its recent decision to void last month's football elections.

Fifa had given Nigeria until Friday to reverse last week's ruling by the Jos High Court that annulled the 30 September election of Amaju Pinnick as Nigeria Football Federation president.

President Goodluck Jonathan intervened on Wednesday to end the crisis.

Fifa has not confirmed if Nigeria will escape a ban which would run until May.

Jubilant Murray

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Andy Murray's been reacting to his win over Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Masters which guarantees his place at next month's ATP World Tour Finals in London.

"It's nice to make the World Tour Finals. It's a great event, it's fun to finish the year in London in front of packed houses," he told Sky Sports.

"Since the French Open, I think I've played well to be honest. I have lost to some of the best players to have ever played to the game, I didn't play my best against Grigor at Wimbledon, but I've got some good wins at the end of this season.

"The top four would be nice. If I can keep winning and moving up the rankings that would be great, but I would have to play great tennis for the next few months."

'My record will be broken' - Rush

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Wales all-time leading goalscorer Ian Rush does not think his record will last for much longer, though he can't make up his mind who will beat it first - Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey.

Rush scored 28 goals in 73 internationals. Real Madrid winger Bale has netted 14 times, while Arsenal's Ramsey has eight.

"There's no reason why Bale can't, but I think Aaron Ramsey is in that category as well," said Rush.

Full story here.

Get voting

Don't forget, you've got until 17:00 GMT to vote for your favourite #bbcdreamticket moment - the one sporting event you wished you'd had a ticket for.

Your moments to choose from are on the right-hand side of the page.

Full terms and conditions are here.

Spurs defender targets Cup success

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So from Paris to north London and Jan Vertonghen believes Tottenham's players are taking confidence from their Capital One Cup success.

Victory over Brighton at White Hart Lane last night put Spurs into the quarter-finals, where they will face Newcastle.

Vertonghen said: "It gives a bit of belief that we can do big things with the team and I think it would help us. We have got a lot of good players.

"Sometimes you just need a click and I hope we find it now. We wanted a home game, Newcastle is a strong opponent but everyone is happy [about the draw]."

More on Murray

It took Andy Murray just 69 minutes to get the better of his Wimbledon conqueror Dimitrov.

He'll face either Novak Djokovic or Gael Monfils in the quarter-finals in Paris tomorrow.

Mike Henson's got all the reaction to the win on our live page here.

Murray wins in Paris

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Andy Murray has made light work of Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Masters and sealed his place at the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month.

He's beaten the Bulgarian 6-3 6-3 in the third round.

We'll have more shortly.

Football

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It is the 168th Manchester derby on Sunday but City and United both go into it with question marks hanging over their form.

The first man to speak about the game is James Milner, with the Blues star saying all the usual stuff - "it's one of the ones you look out for first when the fixture list is released, so hopefully we can get the right result."

But he also reveals his favourite ever derby - October 2011, when City hammered their rivals 6-1.

"It doesn't happen often and as a Leeds fan growing up and a City player now, United aren't my favourite team," Milner told the club's website. "So to go there and do that, it was an amazing day and one I will always remember."

Get ready to rumble

Forty years on, tonight BBC Radio 5 live relives the "Rumble in the Jungle" bout between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali through the minds of modern boxing day champions.

Carl Froch, David Haye and Ricky Hatton all come together to experience the biggest boxing event of all time.

BBC Sport

Redfearn deal 'agreed in principle'

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Incoming Leeds United head coach Neil Redfearn says he has agreed a deal "in principle" with owner Massimo Cellino.

Academy coach Redfearn would replace the sacked Darko Milanic and be the club's third head coach this season.

Redfearn earned 10 points in four games while in caretaker charge earlier this term, and is set for a 12-month rolling deal with the Championship club.

"Ideally it'll be tied up before the Cardiff game on Saturday but that's not a deal breaker," he said. "It's a case of getting things over the line, we've agreed a deal in principle."

Get involved

All day you've been telling us about your #bbcdreamticket - the one sporting event you would have gone to if you could.

We've picked 10 of the best for you to vote on, so have your say on the right-hand side of this page.

The vote closes at 17:00 GMT and full terms and conditions are right here.

Football

Another day, another football manager under pressure.

This time it is Walter Mazzarri, who insists he has the support of the Inter Milan dressing room amid reports in Italy that this week could prove decisive for his future.

Inter snatched only their fourth win in nine games on Wednesday when Mauro Icardi's late penalty secured the points at the San Siro against previously unbeaten Sampdoria.

Inter are eighth in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Juventus.

Football

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As we mentioned earlier, West Ham's goal-a-game striker Diafra Sakho is struggling to be fit for Saturday's Premier League trip to Stoke.

A bit more detail for you - Sakho suffered a shoulder injury in the weekend win over Manchester City but will be given until the last possible moment to prove his fitness for the Stoke game.

"He is still in a bit of pain," manager Sam Allardyce said. "While there is no dislocation or fracture, it is all about the arm movement.

"The pain is obviously a lot less than when he did it but we don't know if it will be sufficiently recovered enough to take the risk.

"At the moment it is about 50/50 but there are still 48 hours to go, so we might even wait until Saturday morning."

Get involved

A few more of your suggestions here of memorable sporting events in history you wished you'd been at.

Andy Harris: when @hitmanhatton beat Kostya Tszyu in 2005. The noise when they threw the towel in was just amazing.

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Tim Stubbs: Medinah Country Club 30th Sept. 2012 Stunning comeback for Europe to win the Ryder cup. Great way to cap a phenomenal year!

Ricky Shoat: Champions league final '99 at Camp Nou! Still gives me goosebumps watching it back now.

Keep your posts coming to #bbcdreamticket or on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Formula 1

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Nico Rosberg says he has no intention of giving up as he attempts to chase down Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the battle for the drivers' championship.

Rosberg is 17 points behind the Briton with three races remaining and before this weekend's United States Grand Prix, said: "It's still all to play for and I won't be giving up the fight until the flag drops in Abu Dhabi.

"Hopefully, we can keep the entertainment going right to the end for the fans out there enjoying the contest."

Football

Warrington Town's FA Cup first-round tie against Exeter City is to be televised live on BBC Two.

Dan Walker will host Match of the Day Live from Warrington's Cantilever Park on Friday, 7 November from 19:30 GMT.

Murray takes advantage

Andy Murray has taken the first set against Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Masters 6-3.

It took the Scot just 33 minutes and you can follow all the action in our live text with Mike Henson here.

On this day

1960: Future boxing great Muhammad Ali won his first professional fight in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky, beating Tunney Hunsaker on points over six rounds.

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1985: Jockey Lester Piggott rode one winner at Nottingham before going into retirement - only to make a successful comeback five years later, aged 54.

2003: Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand was charged with misconduct by the Football Association after missing a drugs test. He was later banned for eight months.

2009: Wigan sacked Marlon King after the striker was jailed for 18 months having been found guilty of sexual assault and actual bodily harm.

2012: Swede Peter Eriksson was appointed Olympic head coach by UK Athletics. He left the post the following summer.

Football

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BBC Wales are reporting that Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan is to be unveiled today as a member of a consortium for a new Major League Soccer franchise in Los Angeles.

Full story shortly on the BBC Sport website.

Sussex quartet offered new contracts

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson has confirmed the club has offered new deals to four out-of-contract players.

Bowlers Will Beer and Lewis Hatchett, all-rounder Steffan Piolet and batsman Luke Wells are all in negotiations.

"We try and do a lot of our dealings as late as we can, especially with our own players," Robinson told BBC Sussex. "It is just a case of sitting down with the people who represent them to make sure everybody is happy before we can announce any signings."

Burgess blasts Irvine's weakened team

Former West Bromwich Albion defender Daryl Burgess says Baggies boss Alan Irvine should have played his strongest team in Tuesday night's 2-1 League Cup defeat at Bournemouth.

Irvine chose to make 10 changes to his starting line-up, something which Burgess stated on BBC WM's Wednesday night Football Phone-In that he did not agree with.

"When I played, if you weren't in the side, you played in the reserves until you got your chance in the first team," said Burgess, who made 332 league appearances for Albion between 1989 and 2001.

"Chopping and changing started a few years back with Arsenal. More and more teams then did it and now it seems acceptable. If we don't want to win the cup, let's not enter it."

Rugby Union

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Dan Lydiate is to return to Welsh rugby after his 17-month spell in France.

Racing Metro confirmed the flanker, 26, has reached an agreement to move back to Wales following the autumn internationals.

Lydiate played for Newport-Gwent Dragons between 2006 and 2013 but it has yet to be revealed which of the four Welsh regions he will join.

Football

West Bromwich head coach Alan Irvine says winger Silvestre Varela is back in training for the first time since his groin operation but is "still a way away from being involved", reports BBC WM's Rob Gurney.

Defender Jonas Olsson is still out with an Achilles tendon problem for Saturday's meeting with former Albion assistant manager Nigel Pearson's Leicester City.

Swimmer punished for camera theft

Japan has suspended one of its top swimmers until March 31, 2016 after the swimmer was allegedly caught stealing a camera at the Asian Games.

Naoya Tomita, 25, the 200m breaststroke champion at the 2010 Games, was caught on surveillance cameras putting a South Korean journalist's camera in his bag.

Get involved

We've been asking throughout the day if you could be a spectator at any sporting event from history, which one would it be and why?

Hugh Price: The proverbial roof flying off Edgbaston during THAT OVER from Freddie Flintoff in 2005 Ashes must have been indescribable.

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Big Sie: Roger Bannister 4 min mile in 1954 has to be up there or the 10th round between Castillo & Corrales in Vegas May 2005

Paddy Emmerson: Has to be the 66 World Cup final, seeing as I was born that day. Failing that, 1981 ashes test match & the Botham innings.

Keep your suggestions coming in using #bbcdreamticket on Twitter or on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Football

Koeman on prolific Italian striker Graziano Pelle: "He's a great personality. He's learned from the years where he wasn't playing and wasn't scoring."

Koeman added that fellow attacker Sadio Mané, who has also made a big impact at St Mary's, will train this afternoon and tomorrow: "If he's okay, he can be part of the squad for Saturday."

Football

Koeman on Saturday's game at Hull: "They've had two good results from two difficult away games. Now they need to play at home.

"They need to play more offensively than in the last two, and that might make the game a little more open.

"This afternoon I will watch some DVDs of Hull. From now until Saturday, my job is to analyse them."

Football

Ronald Koeman: "If you're a real football player, you'd like to play every three days. We need this schedule to develop ourselves.

"We had a good start to the season, and that gave everybody a great spirit."

Football

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If there is one man who should be cheerful at the moment, it is Southampton boss Ronald Koeman.

Flying in the Premier League and into the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup, the Dutchman can do no wrong.

His news conference before Saturday's game at Hull is underway and here's what he's got to say:

"We have taken the Capital One Cup very seriously from the beginning. That's good for the confidence of the players."

On the quarter-final, away at Sheffield United: "It's another away game but, with all respect, it isn't the worst we could've had."

Question of Sport answer

Earlier we set the following poser:

It's 40 years since the Rumble in the Jungle, which five boxers defeated Muhammad Ali in his pro career?

The answers... Trevor Berbick, Larry Holmes, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and Leon Spinks.

Football

Leicester started the season in impressive fashion but haven't won since a famous 5-3 win over Manchester United in mid-September.

They have lost their last two games, at Newcastle and Sunderland.

Ahead of the West Brom match, boss Nigel Pearson said: "The game against Swansea wasn't a good day for us, but I don't think I've said that too many times.

"The margins are very small but I know we are capable of returning to winning ways against West Brom on Saturday.""

Garry Monk news conference

Swansea City manager Garry Monk on looking for a response after their midweek League Cup exit: "We'll go there (Everton) with the belief we can get a result.

"But after the midweek disappointment, I hope we can put on a good performance.

"We judge each game on its merits, but we'll have to be right on our game and hopefully we put a performance on that warrants some points."

Football

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Clark: "I think Gary Rowett and his new staff will do a terrific job.

"It was a great honour to be the manager of a fantastic football club. But that part of my career is now over and I've got a new chapter at Blackpool.

"I am really excited about it and hopefully we will get the success that the fans tasted not too long ago when they got promotion to the Premier League."

Football

Lee Clark has been speaking after landing the manager's job at Blackpool.

He told Sky Sports News: "Everyone has a clean slate and will be given an opportunity. but they have to perform very quickly because I have to make decisions on recruitment.

"There are no easy games in the Championship but I am glad my first game is at home. It is Ipswich, though, where Mick McCarthy is doing an excellent job so it will be tough."

Football

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Nigel Pearson is talking to the press ahead of the Foxes Premier League match at home to West Brom on Saturday.

Some early injury news on goalkeeper Ben Hamer. "He will be assessed," said Pearson. "It was a dislocation of his finger not a break. It'll be a matter of weeks."

Pearson added: "We've one or two knocks from last week, but none that cause us a problem for selection."

Garry Monk news conference

Reuters

Swansea City manager Garry Monk on his side's trip to Everton in the Premier League this weekend: "Goodison Park is always a difficult place to go.

"It's a great atmosphere there with a tight pitch and it will be a very tough game.

"They (Everton) had a difficult start to the season with the European games and coping with the demands that that can bring.

"But they have picked up a few results recently and have a very good squad of players."

Rugby Union

With Sam Burgess joining Bath - and here, if you want to learn a bit more, is what his new club have planned for him - BBC Sport has taken a look at six more famous cross-code converts to see how they fared.

Snooker

A spot of news from the International Championship in China.

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Wales' Mark Williams has dumped Ronnie O'Sullivan out at the quarter-final stage, just, beating the Englishman 6-5 in the best of 11 frames match.

Some other results: Ricky Walden (Eng) bt Jamie Burnett (Eng) 6-1, Robert Milkins (Eng) bt Marco Fu (Hkg) 6-5, Mark Allen (NIrl) bt Michael White (Wal) 6-3.

Tennis

Kevin Anderson has bounced back from a set down to beat Stan Wawrinka 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 7-6 (7-3) at the Paris Masters. Wawrinka is already safely qualified for the World Tour Finals though.

Can Andy Murray join the Swiss in the field for the season finale? We are about to find out. The Scot is next on court against Grigor Dimitrov and victory will ensure him a spot at the O2 Arena.

Live 5 live sports extra radio commentary and a game-by-game live text is available on this very website.

Football

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Neil Redfearn says he is "very close" to becoming the third permanent Leeds boss of the season.

The 49-year-old has been waiting to replace the sacked Darko Milanic since the Slovenian was dispensed with on Saturday, but talks with president Massimo Cellino have yet to yield a contract.

Cellino sacked 36 in 22 years with Cagliari and has seen off three in five months at Leeds.

That's not put Redfearn off, though. He said: "I had a good chat with Massimo yesterday and we went through one or two things. It's not that far away. It's very close."

Formula 1

More on the statement issued by the family of Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi.

The Marussia driver remains "critical but stable" in hospital following his accident at the Japanese Grand Prix on 5 October.

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"It will be four weeks this coming Sunday since Jules' accident and he remains in the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi," the statement read.

"His condition continues to be classified by the medical professionals here as critical but stable. Although we have no new information to give, we recognise that there are a huge number of people all around the world who are supporting Jules and willing him on in his fight.

"We owe it to his many fans to acknowledge the continued outpouring of messages, and to provide some information, however brief it may be."

@sportengland

Sport England on Twitter: Jennie Price shows #WomensSportConf our #ThisGirlCan campaign to get more women & girls playing sport & being active

Football

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers on Lazar Markovic's indifferent performances: "We brought young Markovic in for the longer term. We have confidence he will become a big player for us."

Football

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers on his options up front ahead of the match against Newcastle: "With Daniel Sturridge out, it's a miss but it gives opportunities to others. Fabio Borini was outstanding the other night."

Football

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is going to talk through his thoughts before Liverpool's meeting with Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.

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As ever, there will be plenty of questions about striker Mario Balotelli.

The Liverpool Echo has tracked down a young fan who was won over by the Italy international at Melwood last week.

Formula 1

A statement has been released on behalf of the family of Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi. The Frenchman's condition continues to be classified by the medical professionals as critical but stable.

Bianchi suffered severe head injuries at the Japanese Grand Prix on 5 October when he crashed into a recovery vehicle during heavy rain.

Athletics

@Usainbolt

Usain Bolt on Twitter: Back to Basics #Drills #Training

Football

And while we're talking about Newcastle, Ryan Taylor says "there are no words" to describe his emotions during the Magpies win over Manchester City - his first game for 26 months.

The defender, 30, injured his knee in August 2012, before suffering a setback seven months into his rehabilitation.

"To put those boots and that shirt back on against the champions and for us to give a performance like that is a dream come true," he told BBC Newcastle.

The full radio interview with Taylor is here.

Football

More from Pardew: "We are winning games again and that's what the fans want to see. We have got a group who can excite the fans."

Pardew also revealed that striker Cisse Papiss is "touch and go" for the Liverpool match.

Football

Alan Pardew is the latest manager to meet the press ahead of Newcastle's home game with Liverpool on Saturday.

After three wins on the bounce, you won't be surprised to learn that he was in a chirpy mood.

"We want to improve on our league position by beating Liverpool," the Magpies boss said. "It's always a great fixture and is set up to be a cracking game."

Tennis

Andy Murray is being kept waiting in the wings of the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

Kevin Anderson has served his way to the second set against Stan Wawrinka, levelling at 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 at the Paris Masters.

Murray's meeting with Grigor Dimitrov follows with victory for the Scot securing his place at the season finale World Tour Finals.

Football

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Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul has become the latest big-name footballer to head Stateside, signing for New York Cosmos.

The 37-year-old, who spent 16 years at the Bernabeu, then scored 40 goals in 98 total matches in the Bundesliga at Schalke, had been at Qatari club Al Saad for the last couple of years.

"We're thrilled to add a player of his quality to the team," Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. "Raúl's skill and ability is world renowned and he adds a whole new dimension to our attack."

Cricket

Pakistan are 304 for two at the close of the first day of the second and final test against Australia, with the magnificent Younus Khan 111 not out.

Younus scored twin centuries in the first test to secure Pakistan's 221-run win in Dubai and he has put his country in a strong position in this match too.

We hereby announce Younus gets our award for performance of the day, edging into second place Harry Redknapp for his press conference admission that 'I don't know what twitter is'.

Football

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You don't often get honesty like this among footballers.

AC Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura has admitted that his looping long-range strike against Cagliari last night was not a magnificent piece of vision and execution, but a duffed cross.

"I tried to play a ball into the box for the forwards and it flew in," he said.

"These kinds of things happen in games. The 'keeper was off his line but I really crossed it in for the strikers."

Burgess in Bath

BBC

Sam Burgess has done his first round of interviews following his arrival at Bath from Australia's NRL.

The cross-code star revealed to BBC Somerset he was feeling a bit lost in his new West Country surroundings.

"I was looking for some coffee at 5.30am this morning. If anyone saw me they probably got a little bit scared as I was walking around in my full Bath tracksuit," he said.

Burgess's debut for his new rugby union club was delayed after he fractured his cheekbone and eye socket in the NRL grand final playing for South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Get involved

If you could choose any sporting event from history to be a spectator at, which would it be?

Gemma Wicks: The 1991 World Athletics Champs when Kris Akabusi overtook the American Antonio Pettigrew in the home straight to win the gold medal in the 4x400m relay (with Roger Black, John Regis and Derek Redmond). Most exciting race ever!

Marcus Prince: Boxing match in the future between Floyd Mayweather and Pacman.

Katie Madden: It would have to be either the European Grand Prix 1993 at Donington because of Senna's legendary opening lap, or the epic 2008 Wimbledon final.

Keep them coming to #bbcdreamticket or on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Huddersfield's Wallace signs new contract

Huddersfield defender Murray Wallace has extended his deal with the club until the end of the 2016-17 season.

The 21-year-old has made nine appearances for the Championship club this season.

Football

A Frank Ribery whacked in the face by a scarf update.

Hamburg SV have announced they have lodged a complaint against the supporter who ran onto the pitch and attacked Ribery.

The fan, wearing a Hamburg top, ran onto the pitch in second-half stoppage time, approached the Frenchman and slapped him in the face with a Hamburg scarf.

"The club distances itself from the alleged 'HSV fan'," Hamburg said in a statement. "He was handed over to police. The club has already filed a complaint and will also issue a stadium ban for the man."

Happy birthday Diego

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Diego Maradona dribbling past the entire England team and slotting past Shilton, while a nation screamed at their television sets 'tackle him someone, for god's sake tackle him'. Ah, seems just like yesterday. Then there was the Hand of God moment, when England fans were shouting something else at their TV's, though we can't print it here.

The reason for all this? It is Maradona's birthday today, so for those who can forgive him a tendency to use his hands, let's wish him happy 54th birthday.

Others from the sporting world celebrating getting a year older include rugby union's Sir Ian McGeechan, (68, four-times British Lions coach), West Indies paceman Courtney Walsh (52, who took 519 Test wickets), and footballer Stern John (38, former Trinidad & Tobago striker, who also played for Nottingham Forest, Birmingham and Coventry).

Staniforth leaves Doncaster Belles

Doncaster Belles head coach Gordon Staniforth has resigned.

Staniforth took over at the Women's Super League Two side last November following their demotion and was unable to lead the side to an automatic return to the top flight as they finished second to Sunderland.

Benaud back in business

PA

The Cricket Australia website reports that legendary commentator Richie Benaud, 84, is to return to work with Channel Nine tomorrow to record links for Wednesday's Twenty20 international between Australia and South Africa. It is the first time the former Australia captain has been in the commentary box since his car accident 12 months ago.

Tennis

Stan Wawrinka has taken the first set of his Paris Masters encounter with Kevin Anderson 7-2 on a tie-break.

Andy Murray's match against Grigor Dimitrov is next on court in the French capital. Victory would secure Murray's place at the season finale World Tour Finals.

Live commentary of Murray's match is live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra with live text on this website.

Norton United's FA Cup delight

Norton United chairman Steve Beaumont has told BBC Radio Stoke that reaching the FA Cup first round is the "biggest achievement he's had in his 25 years of being attached to the club".

The Evo-Stik South club are through to the first round for the first time in their 25-year history following a 2-1 fourth qualifying round replay win at Shildon.

After being granted use of Potteries neighbours Port Vale's team coach for the long trip to the north-east, Norton responded by playing with style too, goals from Lee Cropper and Kyle Diskin last night setting up a home tie against Gateshead.

Michael Vaughan on Twitter

"Younis Khan is a class act. Right up there with the best in this era. Oh, and we all love anyone who scores 100s against the Aussies."

Cricket

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Take a bow Mr Younis Khan.

The Pakistan batsman has just hit his third century in as many innings.

After scoring two hundreds in the first Test against Australia, Khan has done it again on the opening day of the Second Test, reaching 106 not out in Pakistan's total of 276 for 2 after 79 overs.

That, my friends, is one heck of an achievement.

Rugby Union

Wales centre Jonathan Davies will be out for two to three weeks with a shoulder injury and will miss at least the November Test against Australia, his club Clermont have announced.

Wales play four November Tests in Cardiff, against Australia (Nov 8), Fiji (Nov 15), New Zealand (Nov 22) and South Africa (Nov 29).

LATEST GOSSIP

AP

The race to sign Borussia Dortmund Marco Reus playmaker appears to be hotting up, with Bayern Munich making none-too-subtle hints about their enthusiasm for signing him.

"We know in Munich that he has a high quality. It is possible that a young German player of such quality is interesting for us. But I don't want to rock the boat in Dortmund," said Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rumenigge. Very thoughtful.

The 25-year-old Germany international reportedly has a £19.7m release clause in his contract and is thought to have told Dortmund that he will not be renewing the deal.

Get involved

If you could choose any sporting event from history to be a spectator at, which would it be?

Yoofi: Aug 19, 1962. Exhibition match between Ghana Black Stars and Real Madrid. 3-3 draw with the former champions of Europe! Pride!

Mark Currie: Rumble in the Jungle. Because no one gave Muhammad Ali a chance. Seeing him knock Foreman out gave me goose bumps

Sean Nelis: Watching Celtic win the European Cup in 1967 first British club to do so and every player was Scottish.

Barry Dunne: Republic of Ireland beating England at Euro 88, or Loftus Road in '85 to see Barry McGuigan become a world boxing champ.

Alexandra Quas-Cohen: Got to be Wimbledon when Andy Murray won. Or the '03 Rugby World Cup Final, the '05 Ashes ... ooh so many!

Keep them coming to #bbcdreamticket or to the BBC Sport Facebook page..

Football

Getty Images

Of all the things to get physically attacked with, a scarf probably isn't too bad.

But try telling Frank Ribery that.

On his first appearance back after a lengthy injury lay-off, the Bayern Munich attacker was smacked in the face by a spectator who raced onto the pitch at Hamburg brandishing his scarf.

The 31-year-old wasn't best pleased, though at least the score cheered him up - Bayern won 3-1.

Boxing

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To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his famous win over George Foreman in Zaire, the Guardian's picture editor Jonny Weeks has trawled the archives to pull out 25 of the best photographs of Muhammad Ali.

A young Stevie Wonder, Ronnie Spector and Malcolm X are among those out caught in the sights alongside Ali.

Rugby League

England scrum-half Matty Smith insists he will be fully fit for Sunday's Four Nations clash with Australia, and says his Wigan skipper Sean O'Loughlin is confident of lining up alongside him.

O'Loughlin, England's newly-appointed captain, was forced to watch last weekend's opening 32-26 win over Samoa from the sidelines after damaging a quad muscle.

Smith departed the win over Samoa with his a foot in a surgical boot after turning his ankle but says he will be ready to face Australia.

Football

BBC Sport

Some stories just have it all. Like this one.

BBC Sport is reporting that Indonesian clubs PSS Sleman and PSIS Semarang have been disqualified from the country's first division play-offs for scoring five own goals.

Sleman won the game 3-2, but a committee decided both sides attempted to lose in order to avoid a semi-final match with Borneo FC, a club rumoured to be backed by a local mafia.

Watch the video here, it's quite something.

Football

York City have signed veteran Scunthorpe United striker Deon Burton on a one-month loan deal.

The 38-year-old former Jamaica international played under Minstermen boss Russ Wilcox for the Iron.

Burton has represented 14 clubs across a professional career that started at Portsmouth in 1994.

Football

EPA

Coventry City have re-signed Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Madine on an initial month's loan.

Madine, 24, who spent three months on loan with the Sky Blues in 2009, was last October for assaulting two fans in separate Sheffield nightclub incidents. But, following his early release in February, he finished the season on loan at Carlisle United, scoring twice.

He has netted once this season in 13 Owls games, mostly off the bench.

"We made enquiries about his availability in the summer," said City boss Steven Pressley. "He remained very much in Sheffield Wednesday's plans at the time. But we've always been aware of the quality he has."

Question time

Today's teaser from our Question of Sport team is a good one:

It's 40 years since the Rumble in the Jungle, which five boxers defeated Muhammad Ali in his pro career?

One to mull over during your dinner-break. Answers later this afternoon.

Football

BBC

Ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend, United supporter Simon McMinnis has got into the Halloween spirit, by carving the faces of the teams' managers into two giant pumpkins.

Each mammoth gourd weighs in at a whopping 15kg and McMinnis spent a total of 25 hours whittling the orange flesh into the likenesses of Louis van Gaal and Manuel Pellegrini.

We think there is something of Lord of the Rings creep Gollum about Pellegrini's pumpkin, though. And a lot of Hollywood actor John Goodman in the Van Gaal effort.

Get involved

If you could choose any sporting event from history to be a spectator at, which would it be?

Lorcan O'Duffy: Would have to be the 1997 Lions winning that all important Test. Pure emotion.

Brett Rowley: Either then 1999 Champions League Final or the 2008 Final. Both dramatic, both showing Manchester United's spirit.

Ben Thumwood: Abu Dhabi this year to watch Lewis Hamilton win the drivers championship! And for the concerts after! Lewis party time!

Tom Gooch: Super Saturday at London 2012 or Cathy Freeman's win at Sydney 2000 have to be right up there.

Coach Logic: Wembley 1967 when Scotland became unofficially the best football team in the world!

Keep them coming to #bbcdreamticket or to the BBC Sport Facebook page..

Football

Paul Lambert has told Sky Sports News that his Aston Villa team can't yet be judged because they've had so many difficult games.

"In our first nine games we've played the top five and it's been really tough," said the boss. "But we will (this season) be a lot better than we were last year, that's for sure."

Villa, who host Tottenham on Sunday, are 15th in the table with three wins from nine games.

Tennis

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British number one Andy Murray can finally nail down his place at London's ATP World Tour Finals today.

The Scot, sitting fifth in the 2014 rankings, is best placed to secure one of the four spots still up for grabs.

His participation at the O2 will be confirmed today if he beats Wimbledon quarter-final conqueror Grigor Dimitrov in Paris, or if Kei Nishikori, Tomas Berdych or Milos Raonic lose.

So far it is looking like Murray will have to do the business himself. Berdych has beaten Feliciano Lopez 7-5 6-3 in the opening match on court in the French capital.

Murray v Dimitrov will follow Kevin Anderson v Stan Wawrinka, which is the next match on court. There will be live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and this website with some live text words as well.

Cricket

Pakistan have batted solidly despite losing both their openers to reach 158-2 at tea on the opening day of the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi.

Younis Khan was unbeaten on 49 and Azhar Ali was on 26, having added 62 runs for the third wicket after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat on a flat pitch.

Younis is bang in form, having scored twin hundreds in the first Test in Dubai.

Keane's I'm A Celebrity offer

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Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane says he turned down the chance to become a reality TV star.

"I've had the Celebrity Big Brother offers and the jungle stuff (I'm A Celebrity…). I met the jungle people, but I thought, Nah, not for me,'" he told ShortList magazine.

What a pity, would have been a hell of a watch...

Football

Hull City winger Tom Ince has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of December.

England Under-21 international Ince left Blackpool to sign for the Tigers during the summer.

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

Blackpool have named Lee Clark as their new manager, three days after Jose Riga was sacked.

Clarke, fired by Birmingham on 20 October, has agreed a one-year rolling contract.

He has a tough job on his hands - the Seasiders are bottom of the Championship and already seven points from safety.

Cricket

Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff says he is disappointed that Kevin Pietersen chose to focus on bullying in his recently-released autobiography.

"I feel sad that his book isn't a celebration of being a fantastic cricketer," he told the Flintoff and Holcroft podcast.

"I think people want to read about how he felt when he walked out to bat and scored all those runs...instead it is about being bullied in the dressing-room."

Basketball

Getty Images/NBAE

Great Britain's Luol Deng got off to a solid start in Miami Heat's NBA season-opener, scoring 12 points in a 107-95 win over the Washington Wizards.

LATEST GOSSIP

EPA

Striker Radamel Falcao will make his loan move to Manchester United permanent at the end of the season, according to Goal.com.

They report that United executives have "already agreed and shaken hands on a £44 million deal to sign Radamel Falcao permanently" from Monaco.

The Colombian, 28, has scored one goal in five games for United since arriving at Old Trafford.

Football

South Africa have moved their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan on 15 November from Nelspruit to Durban, the hometown of goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, in honour of the former national team captain.

Meyiwa, 27, was shot and killed in what appears to have been a botched robbery at his girlfriend's house on Sunday.

Basketball

Getty Images/NBAE

"I got a colour TV, so I can see, the Knicks play basketball," boasted the Sugarhill Gang.

No such armchair action for supermodel type Karlie Kloss, pop siren Taylor Swift and actor Ben Stiller, though, who were up close and personal at courtside for the New York Knicks' opening game of the NBA season last night.

They may have had A-list support, but the Knicks, who play the Milwaukee Bucks in London in January, delivered a D-grade performance, losing 104-80 to the Chicago Bulls.

Ant and Dec salute Taylor

Getty Images

Big Newcastle fans Ant and Dec told their 4 million Twitter followers how happy they were to see Ryan Taylor back on a football pitch during last night's win over Manchester City.

"Just brilliant to see @TaylorR1984 back in action tonight," the pair tweeted. "It's been a long time coming. Welcome back 'Over The Wall'!"

Here, here, for it is indeed terrific to see Taylor return after 26 months on the sidelines due to two horrible cruciate ligament injuries.

Get involved

If you could choose any sporting event from history to be a spectator at, which would it be? Some replies so far:

Mark Hesbrook: Australia v England, 2003 rugby World Cup final. Beat them in their own back yard! Jonny Wilkinson!

Will Gardiner: '87 FA Cup Final. Coventry's only major trophy.

Peter Mckenna: Buster Douglas beating Tyson in Tokyo. One of the biggest upsets of all time.

Keep them coming to #bbcdreamticket or to the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Cricket

England fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson have had their say about Kevin Pietersen's claims of a bullying culture in the England dressing room.

The pair says they are saddened and disappointed by the allegations, and also denied any involvement in a Twitter account that set out to parody the former batsman.

Broad said: "The bullying word has not crossed my mind in eight or nine years of playing international cricket."

Anderson said a bullying culture was "certainly not something I remember".

Transforming Sport conference

BBC

British Fed Cup team captain Judy Murray, and mother of Andy and Jamie, tells the Transforming Sport conference:

"When Jamie and Andy were six and seven, I applied for a personal coaching award scheme organised by the LTA. There were 20 places available and two women were given places. A man complained asking "what on earth has she got to offer in performance coaching when she had two young kids.... Funny how it's never mentioned now!"

Burgess cool on England talk

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New Bath signing Sam Burgess was a guest on BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast earlier and was even surprised live on air with a call from his mother, Julie, in Sydney.

Presenter Rachel Burden quizzed him on his chances of playing for England, but the former South Sydney Rabbitoh would not be pushed in to any commitment.

"Everyone's asking me whether I'll play for England," he said.

"I've spoken to him (Stuart Lancaster) very briefly, nothing about being picked in his side or nothing like that, just generally seeing how I'm going.

"He's a very busy man, doing his job."

Football

Getty Images

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has defended Liverpool team-mate Mario Balotelli after the Italy international's slow start to life at Anfield.

Sturridge, who admitted during the recent World Cup that he was "not on texting terms" with former strike-partner Luis Suarez, says that he gets on well with Balotelli.

"Mario's a great guy, and he's misunderstood sometimes," Sturridge told Talksport.

"We get on well off the field and in the changing rooms. We're always laughing and joking."

"It's not hugely important to be friends to have a great [football] relationship with somebody, and if you're not friends you can still have a great partnership, but you can also be friends and have a great partnership."

Football

Big Sam on striker Andy Carroll: "Andy has to go through what for him is the final part of a pre-season after recovery, and ease himself slowly into games."

Carroll has been out all season with an ankle injury but is back in training.

Allardyce added: "James Tomkins is back and Matt Jarvis is back in the squad and the others we're waiting patiently for."

Football

Getty Images

Allardyce says man of the moment Diafra Sakho - who scored for the sixth straight league game to help earn West Ham victory over Man City last weekend - is "touch and go" for the Stoke trip.

"We will see what he's like tomorrow and make a decision from there," said the boss.

Speaking about Saturday's opponents, Allardyce said: "Sparky (Mark Hughes) is looking for the consistency level at Stoke that we've found and the goalscorers in our team allow us to go and win games."

Football

More from Big Sam: "I think we're surprised at how well we've hit the level of performance consistently, given now many new players have had to settle in.

"There's only one and a half performances that haven't been up to scratch in nine matches and that's fantastic consistency."

Football

Another heavyweight of the Premier League management club Sam Allardyce has started his press conference over at West Ham.

Speaking ahead of the Hammers trip to Stoke on Saturday, Allardyce said: "I've sensed the joy around the camp and the buzz that hits the day-to-day work around the team when you're doing well."

West Ham have racked up consecutive wins over Man City, Burnley and QPR.

Transforming Sport conference

Minister for Sport Helen Grant tells the Transforming Sport conference on women's sport: "Record numbers of women aged between 16-25 play sport once a week but there is still a two million gender gap between men and women playing sport and that needs to change."

Football

QPR manager Harry Redknapp on players' responsibilities on social media: "As far as I see it a personal thing rather than something that should affect a club.

"I don't know what Twitter is, I don't want to know to be honest. It doesn't interest me one little bit. If I understood it I might be able to talk about it."

Football

QPR manager Harry Redknapp on Adel Taarabt: "I had a great chat with Adel. He wants to get fit and back in the team. He's worked very hard in training this week

"He needs to get fitter and work harder and he's told me he's going to do that. That's all I want.

"Adel will be training with us again this morning and as soon as he's fit, I'm sure he'll be a valuable player for us."

Football

QPR manager Harry Redknapp on Rio Ferdinand's suspension for comments made on Twitter: "We've not seen the report from the FA so we can't really comment on it, to understand what he has done.

"I'll have to sit down with chief executive Philip Beard and chairman Tony Fernandes and talk about the possibility of an appeal when we have the report.

"Rio does know how to behave off the pitch. There are not many professionals better than Rio. But I am not in position to talk about it, because I have not seen any details.

"Rio understands there is competition for his place. He is out on the training ground first every day, he is vocal in the dressing room. He is a top guy and understands that he has to wait his turn."

Harry faces the press

Getty Images

Manager Harry Redknapp will be fielding questions from the media shortly at the QPR training ground.

Expect him to be thoroughly confused by the cause of defender Rio Ferdinand's three-game ban. The 35-year-old defender was punished for using the term "sket" on Twitter.

You can watch live on the QPR Youtube channel and we will bring you the choicest cuts right here.

Get involved

If you could choose any sporting event from history to be a spectator at, which would it be?

That's what we asked and you've not let us down. Some replies so far:

Elias Duarte-Lopez: I would want a ticket to a Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Final Game. Hala Madrid! Cristiano Ronaldo will win the FIFA Ballon D'Or.

Connor Ward: Stuttgart 88' Euro. Or the Liverpool v Milan UEFA Champions League Final. That would have been a nerve-wracking game to be at

Geoff Robinson: 1955 FA Cup Final to see wor Jackie score that header for Newcastle United.

Keep them coming to #bbcdreamticket or to the BBC Sport Facebook page..

Transforming Sport conference

BBC Sport's Anna Thompson at Transforming Sport conference at Lord's:

"It's a packed Nursery Pavilion at Lord's as business, sport and the media come together to celebrate women's sport and shape the future.

"Minister for Sport Helen Grant is kicking off the conference with themes including participation, sponsorship and leadership."

Also up on the bill for later today are Great Britain Fed Cup captain Judy Murray and 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.

Football

PA

Roberto Martinez's Everton were handed a 3-0 defeat when they faced the Spaniard's former side Swansea in the Capital One Cup earlier this season.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, Martinez has been talking up the Swans ahead of Saturday's meeting at Goodison Park.

"Swansea have got really good options all over the park. Sigurdsson seems to have a good understanding with all the attacking players," he said.

"He and Wilfried Bony are the two players in form but they're not the only two players who carry a threat. We need to be aware of that."

Here comes the kicker though...

"The Capital One Cup game can help us prepare. Their team will be quite similar but ours will be quite different."

Good start for McDowell

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Some overnight golf news... Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell shot a bogey-free, five-under 67 to sit fifth after the first round of the BMW Masters in a wet Shanghai.

Frenchman Alexander Levy leads after carding a 65. Welshman Jamie Donaldson made a good start with a four-under 68, as did Ryder Cup team-mate Thomas Bjorn.

Justin Rose, who had talked before the event about his ambition to end the year as world number two - he's sixth at the moment - shot a level par 72.

Football

It has been a popular suggestion for your #bbcdreamticket this morning, but those who missed out on seeing Liverpool's Champions League triumph against AC Milan in 2005 can relive the glory on the 10th anniversary on 25 May.

Liverpool players from the time will talk fans through a re-run of the match, explaining their emotions as they slipped 3-0 adrift of the Italian and then roared back to win on penalties.

Sounds great. It comes at a price though. It is £30 plus to secure your seat at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Women's Sport conference

HelenGrantMP

We will have updates from the Women's Sport conference at Lords.

It has been organised by Minister for Sport Helen Grant who has tweeted this shot of her with Great Britain Fed Cup captain Judy Murray.

Hear from the managers

Any Newcastle fans still giddy after last night's Cup success, or Man City fans who want to hear their manager explain what went wrong, should head to the highlights tab at the top of this page.

There you will find interviews with Manuel Pellegrini and Alan Pardew, along with a few 5 live in-short clips, that we've very kindly put there for you. No, don't thank us, it's our pleasure.

Thursday's back pages

The Guardian

A quick look at a few of the morning back pages. Let's start with The Guardian, where Newcastle's win at Manchester City gets centre stage.

Get involved

Now then, here's where you lot come in.

In tribute to the Ali-Foreman Rumble in the Jungle, we want to know this: If you could get a ticket for any sporting event - past or present - what would it be and why?

Maybe Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup, John McEnroe v Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon, or Jonny Wilkinson scoring that drop goal in 2003.

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

Rumble in the Jungle

Getty Images

Hard to believe but it is 40 years since one of the most famous sporting events, the Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire.

What happened next was one of the most compelling pieces of sporting theatre of all time.

Want to relive it? Here's your chance, as BBC Sport's Ade Adedoyin and Ben Dirs look back on one of boxing's biggest ever nights.

Coverage of Murray on the Beeb

Murray v Dimitrov, by the way, starts at around 1pm today. We will have live text coverage here, while there will also be live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. It's up to you where you follow the game. The agony of choice...

Crunchtime for Murray

Getty Images

Yes, there is a lot of footie today - it's a Thursday so Premier League managers will be out in force to give us their thoughts about the weekend action - but one of the biggest events of the day is in Paris where Andy Murray faces Grigor Dimitrov.

If Murray wins, he will book his place at the World Tour Finals in London.

Dimitrov beat Murray at Wimbledon earlier in the year but the Scot is in great form and looked sublime as he breezed past Julien Benneteau at the Paris Masters yesterday.

Joy of six for Celtic

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There was League Cup action too in Scotland last night.

Aberdeen and Dundee United won, while John Guidetti continued his love affair with Glasgow, smashing a hat-trick as Celtic hammered Partick Thistle.

It's no wonder moves are afoot from the powers-that-be to try and sign the on-loan Manchester City striker on a permanent basis.

Pakistan's solid start

Let's interrupt all this football for a moment to bring you the latest from the second and final test between Pakistan and Australia in Abu Dhabi.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan are 82 for one at lunch on the first day. Mohammad Hafeez is 36 not out, Nathan Lyon made the only breakthrough for Australia when he trapped Ahmed Shehzad leg before for 35.

Saints go marching on

It wasn't all about Manchester City and Newcastle last night.

They may well be building a statue of Ronald Koeman in Southampton soon after Saints won again, beating Stoke, while Tottenham with victory over Championship club Brighton.

Getty Images

Erik Lamela was again on target for Spurs, though this time it was fairly routine (see above), as opposed to his recent rabona-style wondergoal from 20 yards.

City get the blues

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But it's not all about joy for Newcastle. Manchester City fans, are you not a tad worried? Results have not been what one would expect from champions lately and there were a few disgruntled callers to BBC 5 live last night suggesting big players like Yaya Toure are out of form and that £32m defender Eliaquim Mangala is not doing the business.

Worse still, after last night's capitulation to Newcastle, the usually unflappable Manuel Pellegrini admitted he is "worried" about his team's form going into Sunday's derby against Manchester United. Watch the interview here.

'I know what I'm doing' - Pardew

"I do know what I'm doing. I think I've had most of the scalps as Newcastle manager, maybe except Arsenal and I look forward to playing them next."

Fighting talk from Magpies boss Alan Pardew. Here's how he felt after last night's win at Man City.

Pardew back in business

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What's going on at Newcastle?

A few weeks back Alan Pardew seemed a goner. He was about to be out on his ear. Even his boss Mike Ashley had told a newspaper reporter (jokingly he later claimed) the Magpies manager had "one game" to save his job. They lost that game.

But fast forward to this morning and Pardew is all smiles after winning three matches on the bounce, including last night's dissection of holders Manchester City in the Capital One Cup. Speaking of which, here's the report of what happened.

A new day dawns

Morning all.

Busy day today, with reaction to Newcastle knocking holders Manchester City out of the Capital One Cup and a raft of Premier League managers speaking to the media ahead of the weekend action. We'll bring you all the best bits as they happen.

There's Andy Murray to worry about too. The Brit has been slogging his guts out for the last five weeks in an attempt to book a place at next month's ATP World Tour Finals in London. The good news is that he's one win away from doing so. The bad news is he has to play Grigor Dimitrov, the man who dumped him out of Wimbledon in straight sets. We'll have live coverage of the match from Paris.

First though, some footie.