Sportsday - rolling sports news

Not something you expect from a boxing press conference...

Tyson Fury sang Bette Midler's hit "wind beneath my wings" to heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko as the boxers trained in front of the crowds at Düsseldorf Airport.  

Afterwards the Ukrainian said Fury belongs on Britain’s Got Talent.

Still 0-0 in Moscow in the Champions League tie between CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg, half an hour left in that match.

The Premier League has cancelled its Christmas Truce youth tournament due to take place in Ypres, Belgian, next month because of security concerns.

The under-12 tournament was due to take place from 10-13 December.

The annual tournament involves Premier League clubs and French, German and Belgian teams and commemorates those who lost their lives in the First World War.

At 18:30 GMT you can listen to all the build-up from Manchester United-PSV and Juventus-Manchester City.

Then at 19:45 GMT there will be live commentary from Old Trafford.

Kent opener Daniel Bell-Drummond says the ECB's proposal to scrap the toss in County Championship Division Two next season will prevent teams with stronger bowling attacks gaining an unfair advantage.

Bell-Drummond, currently with the England Performance Programme in Dubai, will be directly affected by the change with his Kent side in the division.

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"The amount of games we've played away from home where you couldn't tell the pitch from the outfield was a bit annoying, especially as an opening batsman," he said.

"Teams then can't just bank on having a good toss - if we turn up and see it's going to 'rag' [turn sharply for spinners later in the match], we'll definitely bat - and if it's green, we'll bowl.

"I think that will make the cricket fair, and bring spinners into it as well."

It is all over in Kazakhstan, where Astana have drawn 2-2 with Portuguese side Benfica.

Raul Jimenez Rodriguez scored twice for the away side to earn Benfica a point.

Two matches are already underway in Europe tonight, here are the latest scores.

CSKA 0 - 0 Wolfsburg

FC Astana 2 - 2 Benfica

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One of the day's more unusual link-ups is that between former WWE wrestler Kurt Angle and Championship side Rotherham.

The American, who is on a tour of the UK, admitted he is "not a soccer fan" on a visit to the New York Stadium.

But he had some advice for the Millers, who are second from bottom.

"They need intensity, integrity and intelligence, if they do that then they will win the title."

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Pep Guardiola is set to sign a new £17m-a-year contract to remain as Bayern Munich manager, according to The Mirror.

The paper says that is bad news for Manchester City - but good news for rivals United, whose manager Louis van Gaal is due to leave in 2017 when his contract expires.

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill believes other clubs are offering big money to England centre Manu Tuilagi, whose contract runs out next summer.

"Manu is world class. Clearly people are trying to lure him to smaller clubs by offering him huge amounts of money," Cockerill told BBC Radio Leicester.

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Local rivals Wasps deny they are one of the 24-year-old's suitors.

"I read somewhere that we are in the hunt for Manu and we've offered well over £500,000 for him," said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.

"It's a complete, utter load of rubbish.

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To mark the 10th anniversary of George Best's death we look at the Northern Irish winger and his modern day counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, in their own words.

Expect some gems like this from Best: "I spent a lot of money on booze, women and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

Manchester United fans will mark the 10th anniversary of George Best's death with a special tribute during Wednesday night's Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven.

In the seventh minute of the match, fans will unveil a banner and turn on their mobile phone torches to light up Old Trafford in honour of the legendary number seven.

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Championship clubs will be able to spend 50% of "relevant income" on player salaries from 2016 onwards, the Rugby Football League has confirmed.

Second-tier sides have previously been restricted to a 40% limit.

The NFL has announced the three games to be staged in the UK next year, with St Louis Rams confirmed to play in the first American football game at Twickenham.

The Rams' opponent on 23 October will be the NFC East team who finish in the same spot this season - either New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles.

Washington Redskins could also appear at the home of rugby although teams are currently meant to get a bye-week after London games and the Redskins are due to face Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley on 30 October.

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The other tie sees Jacksonville Jaguars take on Indianapolis Colts at Wembley on 2 October.

The NFL agreed a three-year deal with the Rugby Football Union to stage a minimum of three American football matches at Twickenham earlier this month.

Everyone's favourite Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to his home city of Malmo tonight with Paris St-Germain in the Champions League.

It will be the first time that the 10-time Swedish player of the year will play a competitive game against his former side.

It is such a big occasion and with tickets scarce, the striker has arranged for the game to be shown on a big screen in the city's main square, Stortorget.  

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"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

That is the not so cryptic tweet from exiled Manchester United keeperVictor Valdes.

The Spaniard has not played for United since falling out with manager Louis van Gaal in July and his agent says he will leave the club in January.

For those who don't speak Spanish, the rest of the tweet says: "Not to disappoint those who want to see me play, my motivation. Struggle to be free and enjoy my profession.  

PSV fans are making themselves acquainted with Manchester's finest ale houses, ahead of their Champions League tie tonight.

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A government watchdog says "flaws" in Brazil's border security are a "big concern'" heading toward the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Augusto Nardes, speaking at a news conference organized by Brazil's Justice Ministry, says Brazil's police and military need better ways to control the country's 10,500-mile border, which touches 10 countries.

Nardes said: "We are aware that we have seven months to correct the problem.

Public Security secretary Regina Miki dismissed the concerns, saying the Olympics "will be held in total security".

Team Dimension Data have become the first African team to be awarded a licence to compete on cycling's World Tour.

The South African-based team, who were previously known as MTN-Qhubeka and had a wildcard entry to this year's Tour de France, were named among seven granted first division licences by the UCI.

Thank you everyone who took part in the vote to find the greatest ever football from this country, 10 years on from George Best's death. 

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George Best won the vote with 29% of the vote. 

Kenny Dalglish was second with 18%.

Bobby Charlton was third with 12%. 

The full results are above. 

Will he ride with Lewis during the actual race though?

On other point of interest to come out of the government's Autumn Spending Review

The UK's Anti-doping budget to be increased by £400,000, which is approximately 7%.

Cricket could be losing one of its oldest traditions as the ECB consider scrapping the toss for County Championship Division Two matches next season.

The shorter formats will remain unchanged but England one-day captain Eoin Morgan says the move could eventually produce more well-rounded cricketers.

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"If it's to improve the standard of wickets that we play on, and potentially produce a couple of wickets where spin might be conducive to that particular ground, I think absolutely go for it," said Morgan, speaking in Dubai ahead of the T20 series against Pakistan.

"The benefit in county cricket might not be at the very beginning, but potentially for younger guys coming through - they'll develop different skills which will in turn give them a greater base, if they do get picked for England, to play around the world and do it successfully."

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This might be a blow for Manchester United fans.

Paris St-Germain will offer Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo a whopping £250,000 a week after tax in an attempt to persuade the 30-year-old Portugal international to leave the Spanish capital, according to today's Mirror.

Plaudits are hardly in short supply for Barcelona but the Catalan side have gained a somewhat unexpected admirer in Roma keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The on-loan Arsenal player got accustomed to retrieving the ball from his net as Roma were thrashed 6-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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"It was beautiful to watch because we played against a team from another planet," he said.

"I was in goal playing for Roma but I appreciated what I saw from Barcelona. They were ridiculously good. As hard as it is to lose 6-1, it was beautiful to watch."

Liverpool Ladies have given three players extended contracts at the Women's Super League One club.

England Under-23 defender Martha Harris, England Under-19 midfielder Katie Zelem and promising striker Ashley Hodson have all been awarded new deals.

The Reds announced this week four first-team players will be leaving the club when their current deals end.

Daniel Sturridge could make his first appearance for Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. 

Klopp said on the England striker: "You will see my decision tomorrow but Daniel is closer and closer." 

"He can train now seven or eight times in a row - that's he highest period since I've been here - and that will help him and in the end help us."  

Christian Benteke came off the bench in the closing stages of Liverpool's 4-1 win at Manchester City.

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"We have another option in Benteke, who is in good shape and that is important for us as when I came here he was injured. He has had many sessions with the team and the Belgium national side." 

"We are in a good position at the moment but in football you solve one problem and the next second you have another one: Martin Skrtel is a little bit ill and Mama (Sakho) is not ready for tomorrow so we have two [centre-backs] or [have to create] a new idea."

Celtic captain Scott Brown is facing up to three months out with a knee injury.

The midfielder returned for Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Kilmarnock after missing four matches but was hurt late in the game.

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Manager Ronny Deila is not sure if the Scotland skipper will require surgery after a scan on Monday revealed the damage.

"We don't know for sure yet," said Deila. "But it could be eight to 12 weeks."

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On the 10th anniversary of the death of George Best, we're asking for your thoughts on who the best ever footballer from this country is. 

Take part by voting above - the vote will close at 16:00 GMT. 

You can see our full terms and conditions here. 

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Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw suffered a double leg break in the 2-1 defeat to PSV on 15 September.

The reverse fixture at Old Trafford kicks off at 19:45 GMT.

Former world champion Mark Williams and world number 12 Ricky Walden both made it through to the second round of the UK Championship following this morning's session at the Barbican Centre, in York.

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Welshman Williams led Hamza Akbar 4-0 but was eventually glad to get through 6-4. "It could have gone either way," he said.

Walden beat Brazilian Itaro Santos 6-1.

Ali Carter and Shaun Murphy are among those playing their first-round matches during this afternoon's session.

That last tweet is a reference to a challenge Klopp was set by a 9-year old Liverpool fan to get some Scouse phrases into his next news conference. 

The lovely video of their meeting is well worth a watch. 

UK Sporthas received an unexpected boost after chancellor George Osborne announced a surprise 29% funding increase in the Spending Review.

Osborne said the increase was to ensure "so we go for gold in Rio and in Tokyo".

The organisation, which funds elite athletes, had been "concerned" about potential cuts to their budget.

We'll bring you the best quotes from the news conference

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Daily Telegraph: Aston Villa forward Jack Grealish, 20, has been told to train with the club's Under-21 squad after allegedly visiting a Manchester nightclub hours after the club's 4-0 defeat at Everton..

A Russian Premier League club has cancelled plans to set up a January traning camp in Turkey.

"We were planning to set up our January training camp in Turkey but decided to change this idea in connection with the latest events," said Alexander Shikunov,  deputy president of Rostov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed a recommendation for Russians not to visit Turkey after the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet on Tuesday.

Which sporting traditions would you get rid of, a topic that is certainly causing plenty of you to vent your spleen...

Interesting Craig, interesting...

With Burton Albion flying high you can see why Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a man in a demand as he continued to be linked with the QPR job.

Yet Hasselbaink is remaining coy on whether any approach has been made by the London club.

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"I can't do anything about the speculation or people writing stories or people talking about stories," he said after Burton beat Wigan 1-0 on Tuesday.

"I can only make sure I'm professional and honest to my players and the club and the board.

"It's not relevant whether I want the job at QPR - I don't like to speculate and what happens in the future will happen."

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The Golden State Warriors have set a record for the longest unbeaten start to an NBA season with a convincing victory over the LA Lakers.

The Warriors' 111-77 victory on Tuesday extended their perfect start to 16 consecutive wins.

It means the Warriors have broken the record they previously shared with the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and 1948-49 Washington Capitals.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry starred in scoring 24 points.

Now exactly a sporting tradition Mage, but a fair point nonetheless...

The International Cricket Council has appointed four female match officials for the first time ahead of the women's World Twenty20 Qualifier in Bangkok, which starts on Saturday.

Former England left-arm spinner Sue Redfern is one of the quartet, alongside New Zealander Kathleen Cross, Australia's Claire Polosak and the West Indies' Jacqueline Williams.

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Former Bolton Wanderers forward Kevin Davies says the club has "lost its soul" since his 10-year spell ended in 2013.

The Trotters are bottom of the Championship and advisor Trevor Birch is currently trying to facilitate a takeover.

"It's gone away from the club it used to be," 38-year-old Davies told BBC North West Tonight. "From when I was there it's gone a bit sterile, the fans don't feel part of the club any more and it's just lost its soul."

Billy Reid, former boss of Scottish clubs Hamilton and Clyde, appears to have taken up a new career - ballet star/singer.

In one of the more bizarre videos you'll see today,  Reid - now number two at Swedish top-flight side Ostersunds FK - sings Saturday Night At The Movies in front of 500 people at a theatre, while the squad stand in the background and dance along.

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Reid told the Daily Record - which has posted the video here - "We've got a culture club here that involves all sorts of things. We did an art exhibition last year. There's a book club. Every player lives within five minutes of each other so there's a natural bond between the players and the town.

"It might sound a little crazy but all that's worked for us."

Which sporting traditions would you end?

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Another twist in an already odd tale at Northampton Town...

The BBC can reveal Conservative MP for Northampton South David Mackintosh received an undeclared payment of £6,195 from Howard Grossman, a businessman involved in the Sixfields Stadium redevelopment.

Mr Mackintosh has declined to comment on the payments to his association.

The Cobblers owe Northampton Borough Council £10.25m over a loan given for unfinished redevelopment work at Sixfields Stadium and HM Revenue & Customs £166,000 in unpaid tax. 

But the club could be relieved of its debt owed to the council after the authority agreed to back a deal to sell the club to a consortium led by Kelvin Thomas.

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World number nine Ding Junhui is facing disciplinary action for an angry outburst following his shock first-round exit from the UK Championship.

The two-time former winner was beaten 6-2 by amateur Adam Duffy on Tuesday night and vented his fury after the match.

Swearing throughout his 30-second news conference, Ding said: "It was c***. F****** four tables and everything is going wrong. I don't want to say any more about this. It's just c***. It's for amateurs."

His comments have been referred to the disciplinary arm of snooker's governing body, the WPBSA.

Which sporting traditions would you end?

A little harsh this next one, but, hey, it would be effective...

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Per Mertesacker insists he and his Arsenal team-mates  believe they can get out of their Champions League group following their 'nightmare' start to the competition.

"We believe and before the game we knew we were capable of doing special things," said Mertesacker.

"We dropped a lot of points which is disappointing but there is still a chance so we believe. It is a nightmare how we played the first two games.

"We have to face the truth and that is that we have to score more than one goal against Olympiakos."

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South African batsman Richard Levi has agreed a new two-year contract with Northants to play all formats of the game.

The 27-year-old hit the second-highest number of sixes in a T20 international, clearing the rope 13 times in his 117 not out against New Zealand in 2012.

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Exciting news - you might have noticed we've got a vote going on.

To mark 10 years since the passing of legendary Northern Ireland footballer George Best we wondered is he the best ever player from the UK?

And if not, who is?

Let us know your choice by voting in our poll above.

Results will follow later.

You can see our full terms and conditions here.   

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An ECB proposal to scrap the tossing of the coin in division 2 County Championship games is the big talking point in the cricket world today.

Hampshire's director of cricket Giles White has been talking about it, telling BBC Radio Solent: “I can see why they’ve thought of the idea. It boils down to not having extreme conditions I guess.

“Essentially, the thought process is we’re playing on too many wickets that are result-driven at the detriment to development of players for England and the game itself.

“I think the idea is right, but how you approach it is debateable. It boils down to whether you do give first choice to the visiting side to negate the extremes or whether the pitch liaison officer in place now can do that job anyway."

Which sporting traditions would you end?

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Interesting Jamie. How many points for a drop goal - 2,000?

BBC Sport Online's tennis writer Piers Newberry has spotted a big ball...

Happy birthday to former Pakistan cricketer turned politician Imran Khan who is 63 today.

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Also blowing out the birthday candles are Bayern Munich and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso (34) and West Brom's Craig Gardner (29).

And Aussie pace bowler Peter Siddle celebrates turning 31.

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Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson - now manager at Shanghai SIPG - wants Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 30, to join him in China, according to today's Sun.

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Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of England international Rangi Chase on a two-year contract, with an option for the further year.

The 29-year-old half-back was released by Salford Red Devils last month following a disciplinary issue.

"I will look forward to challenging Rangi in different roles to ensure we bring the best out of him," said Leigh head coach Paul Rowley.

Which sporting traditions would you ban? Some selections from the BBC Sport Facebook page.

David Moore What seems to be now a "tradition" of being born in one country but playing for another, it doesn't matter if your great grandparents once went to France on a holiday. The country you are born in is the country you can represent at international level... If you don't like it, don't represent anyone.

Colin Holmes Net call on tennis. You don't stop a point half way through it it clips the net - it's unlucky, but you deal with it. Some time it works for you, others not.

Simon Plumb National Anthems before non-international events.

After tickets for the Stoke-Man United game on Boxing Day?

Oh...

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Kyle Edmund is getting plenty of court time at the Flanders Expo ahead of the Davis Cup final - he's back on court this afternoon with hitting partner Dan Evans, and deep in discussion with GB captain Leon Smith.

The 20-year-old from Yorkshire could be in line to make his Davis Cup debut on Friday, with the more experienced James Ward the other contender.

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Wladimir Klitschko has arrived an hour early for his workout at Dusseldorf airport so we are now being treated to the curious sight of the champion sitting ringside watching the challenger Tyson Fury go through his paces, while gentle airport muzak is piped in over the top.

It gets weirder and weirder and weirder... 

Especially when Fury finished off his public workout by serenading Klitschko with a 'version' of Bette Midler's 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.

It was quite touching but I felt it lacked Midler's sense of longing and gravitas.

More from the BBC Sport Facebook page on  sporting traditions you would end.

Simon Peter Kiwanuka: In football when a player is substituted, he sd trot off the pitch not walk

David Findlay: One point each for a 0-0 draw. No goals. No points.

Ian Giddings: I would get rid of qualifying in F1 , imagine what fun that would be!

India end the first day with a flourish on a fierce turner in Nagpur by reducing South Africa to 11-2 at stumps.

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Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were brought on almost straight away, removing opener Stiaan van Zyl and nightwatchman Imran Tahir respectively.

The hosts earlier posted 215 as they look to extend their 1-0 series lead.

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Dynamo Kiev have been ordered to play their next three Uefa home matches behind closed doors and fined 100,000 euros.

The punishment follows a charge of racist behaviour and crowd disturbances during last month's Champions League clash with Chelsea in Ukraine, the governing body has announced.

The third of the behind closed doors matches is suspended for a probationary period of three years.

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Today marks quite a major anniversary in the world of football ... 10 years since the death of the great George Best.

One of the greatest players of all-time, Best scored 137 goals in 361 games for Manchester United during the 1960s and 70s, dazzling the world with his wonderful skills.

The Lionel Messi of his era on the pitch (even Pele described Best as the finest player on the planet), he was also quite a character off it - famous for quotes like ... "In 1969, I gave up women and alcohol, it was the worst 20 minutes of my life."

In later life, Best suffered health problems and died in 2005, three years after having a liver transplant.

A public workout in an airport departure lounge at least makes for a captive audience.

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Tyson Fury arrived half an hour early for his stint in the ring and is incredibly relaxed, giving plenty of time to the assembled media and promising to stick around for Klitschko's stint, which kicks off at 1200 GMT.

"I will torment him," says Fury.

Who knows what he's got up his sleeves today, but his sleeves are as wide as a wizard's.

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Cricket officials have tweaked the normally predictable Adelaide Oval pitch to help bowlers in the third test between Australia and New Zealand starting on Friday.

Batsmen have dominated the traditionally bowler-friendly pitches so far.

Adelaide head curator Damian Hough said he was deliberately leaving more grass on the pitch for the inaugural day-night test.

"Leaving a bit of grass on it, we're hoping it will assist the quicks and the ball will come onto the bat nicely,'' Hough said. "But having a bit of a coarse, thatchy grass should hopefully help the pink ball bite into that grass and get some spin.''

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Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all considering making a bid for Brazil forward Alexandre Pato, 26, in the January window.

Pato is currently out on loan at Sao Paulo from Corinthians. 

Which sporting traditions would you end? Keep them coming please...

South Africa have wrapped up the India tail, with the hosts all out for 215 on the first day of the third Test in Nagpur.

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Off-spinner Simon Harmer took 4-78 and Morne Morkel claimed 3-35, while opener Murali Vijay top scored for India with 40.

India lead the four-match series 1-0.

That 40-man shortlist in full...

Goalkeepers - Joe Hart (Manchester City), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Denys Boyko (Dnipro).

Defenders - Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), David Alaba (Bayern Munich), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), David Luiz (Paris St-Germain), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Thiago Silva (Paris St-Germain), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).

Midfielders - Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Marco Verratti (Paris St-Germain), Yevhen Konoplyanka (Sevilla), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), James Rodriguez (Real Madrid), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen).

Forwards - Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris St-Germain), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Barcelona), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

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Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus have more players on Uefa's 40-man shortlist for its team of the year than the entire Premier League combined.

Barcelona provide eight players, while Bayern and Juventus both have six.

The Premier League contributes five players: Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, team-mates Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez.

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale joins Hart as one of two British players on the list.

Which sporting traditions would you scrap?

And one we couldn't possibly publish. Oh, go on then, but on your head be it Michael...

With the NFL and NBA staging games on these shores in recent times, it's only fair we give the Americans something back...how about Scottish football?

Well Dundee and Celtic are in advanced talks to play in the United States next season, the first time a Scottish league game will have been held overseas.

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But not everyone is a fan, with Kilmarnock and former Portland Timbers striker Kris Boyd saying "it's not for me".

Spurs take on Qarabag in Azerbaijan on Thursday ... a lengthy trip, something they're not particularly delighted about given they have to face Chelsea three days later.

Which sporting traditions would you ban. Early contender for best suggestion of the day.

There are other frying pan brands available...

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Italian website Tuttosport says Arsenal are preparing a  move for Inter Milan's Argentina forwardMauro Icardi, 22, when the January transfer window opens.

The Gunners had a £32m bid for Icardi rejected in the summer.

We're asking which sporting traditions would you like to see ended, and there's an early contender...

You may have sussed by now that anything involving Tyson Fury is a bit strange and this from BBC Sport's Ben Dirs is no different...

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UK Sport's chairman says he is "concerned" at the prospect of huge cuts to the organisation's budget.

The Government unveils its comprehensive spending review on Wednesday, with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) among those facing budget cuts.

UK Sport, which funds elite athletes, gets about £45m annually from the DCMS.

"We've obviously done a bit of contingency planning," said chairman Rod Carr. "But we also live in the real world."

Nottinghamshire bowler Harry Gurney has given his support for the ECB's consideration of scrapping the toss in County Championship Division Two matches.

Although Gurney won't be able to take immediate advantage of any change with Notts currently in Division One.

What other sporting traditions would you like to scrap? Send us your suggestions using #bbcsportsday on Twitter. 

With the news that the ECB are looking at getting rid of the toss in the second division of the County Championship, we're asking what sporting traditions would you like to see the end of? 

Send us your suggestions using #bbcsportsday on Twitter. 

When asked about the allegations, Lord Coe told the BBC he "did not lobby anyone" over Eugene's bid, but "encouraged them to re-enter another bidding cycle as they had a strong bid".

The British former Olympic 1500m champion was elected as president of athletics' governing body in August. He received £63,000 from UK Sport to pay for his PR team as part of the election process and said the rest of his campaign was "privately funded".

Coe says that all of his interests were declared to the IAAF's ethics committee and that his views on all the bids for the 2019 World Athletics Championships and Eugene's 2021 bid "are all a matter of public record". 

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IAAF president Lord Coe is facing conflict of interest allegations after emails emerged suggesting he lobbied his predecessor over the hosting of the 2021 World Championships.

Eugene, USA, was given the event without a bidding process, despite interest from the Swedish city of Gothenburg.

A BBC investigation has uncovered emails which claim Coe - an ambassador for sports giant Nike and then vice-president of world athletics - "reached out" to Lamine Diack with his support for Eugene's bid.

The Oregon city, which lost out to Doha with a 2019 bid, is closely associated with Nike.

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We all know footballers have their superstitions - arriving last out of the tunnel, or putting the left sock on first.

What about a pre-match ritual involving Justin Bieber?

Southend midfielder Ryan Leonard, 23, reckons his three goals in four games are down to the Shrimpers listening to the Canadian pop star's music in the dressing room before kick-off.

"Since we started playing Justin Bieber I've starting scoring again," he said.

Full, slightly weird story, here.

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Big story in the world of cricket today, with the ECB considering scrapped the toss in County Championship Division Two matches next season.

The ECB's executive board will discuss the plan on Thursday after it was recommended by its cricket committee.

If it is approved a one-year trial will take place in 2016 to try to improve pitches and encourage spin bowlers.

The away team would choose whether to bat, bowl or still have a toss if the pitch condition was uncertain.

Sign of things to come?

Ahead of the use of a pink ball in the first ever day-night Test, our friends at BBC Stumped have created a quiz about landmark moments in Test match history.

Take the test and let us know how you get on.

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Luther Burrell has spoken out about his omission from Stuart Lancaster's World Cup squad, saying he felt "let down".

The 27-year-old was overlooked in favour of fellow centres Henry Slade and Sam Burgess, despite being a regular for  the 2014 and 2015 Six Nations campaigns.

"He let me down," said Burrell, speaking about the head coach Lancaster, who has since been replace by Eddie Jones. "That is how I feel about him.

"I have known Stuart a long time. I have a huge amount of respect for the bloke, what he's done and what he has achieved.

"I didn't think I had done anything to justify not getting selected. That was one of the most heart-breaking things."

Speaking of Bayern, Robert Lewandowski was on target. What's new?

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Demand for the Polish frontman has never been higher but football journalist Andy Brassell explains why Lewandowski is going nowhere.

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As well as Arsenal and Chelsea winning in the Champions League, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also notched up impressive victories.

Lionel Messi finished off a 27-pass move and Luis Suarez scored a terrific volley as Barcelona celebrated Champions League Group E qualification with a crushing 6-1 victory over Roma.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich were reduced to 10-man secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with a comfortable win over Group F rivals Olympiakos, with the German champions scoring three times in the first 20 minutes en route to a 4-0 rout.

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Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will train with former club Liverpool next week and is relishing the opportunity to work with Jurgen Klopp.

LA Galaxy midfielder Gerrard has ruled out a return to a playing role with Liverpool and is only training at Melwood during the MLS close season. 

The 35-year-old, talking on BT Sport, said: "I'm going to go in for a couple of weeks and work with Mr Klopp so I'm really looking forward to that, to see what he's about and try and learn a few things from him."

Here's an early contender for most bizarre photo of the day.

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Boris Becker - that's Boris Becker as in one of the greatest ever tennis players and coach of world number one Novak Djokovic - posing for a picture before AFC Wimbledon's game last night.

Alas Becker - who won the Wimbledon title with a racquet in his hands on three occasions - could not bring the League Two club any luck ... they lost 1-0 at home to Dagenham and Redbridge.

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Paris St-Germain strikerZlatan Ibrahimovic- never one to hide his light under a bushel - says he wants fans of his hometown club Malmo to sing his name when he returns for tonight's Champions League clash.

"A perfect scenario is that we win, I score three goals and everyone chants my name after the match," he said.

Ibrahimovic, 34, was born in Malmo and played for the club between 1999 and 2001.

Ibrahimovic has never before returned to Malmo to play a competitive game with a club side and, with tickets scarce, he arranged for the game to be shown on a big screen in the city's main square, Stortorget.

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We all love a good upset, right?

In which case, you'll like this.

Amateur Adam Duffy has pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UK Championship history with a stunning 6-2 win over two-time winner Ding Junhui.

Duffy, 26, raced into a 3-0 lead and beat the world number nine easily, leading to a furious Ding criticised the playing conditions at the York Barbican.

Sheffield's Duffy, who is seeded 121 for the event, said: "I was confident going into the match because I have been working harder than I ever have before, but it's crazy. I am buzzing."

India are reeling at 149-6 at tea on the first day of the third Test against South Africa in Nagpur.

Morne Morkel has his tail up after removing Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in quick succession - knocking over the off stump of the latter.

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Reasons to be fearful for England fans ahead of the South Africa tour next month perhaps.

For India they do at least hold a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

That's Chelsea and Arsenal dealt with, here's the action coming up tonight - including big games for both Manchester clubs.

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Probably best Arsenal fans don't read the following tweet...

So here's how the situation looks for the Gunners.

The Greeks remain heavy favourites to go through, but at least Arsene Wenger's men have a chance.

A two-goal win will do it, should be an interesting night in Olympiakos on 9 December.

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Good news for Arsenal too, whose Champions League hopes are still alive after they eased to victory against Dinamo Zagreb at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners needed to win and hope that Bayern Munich beat Olympiakos to ensure that a victory by two goals in Greece in their final group game would send them into the knockout phase.

Bayern kept their part of the bargain - cruising to a 4-0 win - and goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez (2) helped Arsenal to victory too.

"It was a good night and Bayern did a good job too," said Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. "We wanted to come out of this match with a chance and now we've got it. Now it's down to how well we do against Olympiakos."

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Mourinhoblamed a "dangerous" pitch for the ankle injury which is expected to prevent captainJohn Terryfrom playing in Sunday's match at Tottenham.

Terry, 34, was carried off on a stretcher in the 72nd minute of Chelsea's 4-0 win at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

"The surface was bad and dangerous," Mourinho said. "For John to leave the pitch with the score at 1-0, I know already that he is in trouble."

Mourinho lost midfielder Ramires to an injury sustained while training at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa on Monday and criticised the "very bad" pitch before Tuesday's match kicked off.

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But there were downsides to the win.

First, boss Jose Mourinho had a bust-up with Diego Costa about the Spanish striker's lack of movement.

"I was disappointed. I reacted and he reacted too," said the Portuguese. "At half-time in the dressing room there were a few kisses and a few cuddles."

Who says romance isn't dead?

But Mourinho won't be kissing and cuddling the Maccabi groundsman after complaining about a "dangerous" pitch...

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Chelsea shook off their recent troubles with a convincing win in Israel against an average Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Gary Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Kurt Zouma grabbed the goals, while ex-Chelsea man Tal Ben Haim was sent off for a wild lunge on Diego Costa.

Dynamo Kiev's win against Porto means Chelsea need a point in their final group game to reach the last 16.

The Blues, level on 10 points with Porto and two ahead of Dynamo Kiev, host the Portuguese side at Stamford Bridge on 9 December.

Mesut Ozil at his silky best and Alexis Sanchez going full Duracell bunny saw Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 to keep their Champions League dream alive.

Kelly Cates presents from the Emirates while Jermaine Jenas analyses just how good Sanchez and Ozil can be for the Gunners in their bid for the Premier League title and there's a full round-up of results from around the country.

Download the podcast here.

So, Chelsea win 4-0 (hurrah) but Jose Mourinho still isn't happy (boo).

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A dodgy pitch is the reason for Mourinho's anger. But Arsenal are happy and Manchester United and City might be too later - they're also in Champions League action.

All that, plus the day's breaking news. It's Sportsday, first the papers...