Arsenal were supposed to hold their pre-match press conference yesterday but cancelled it at short notice due to the fact Mikel Arteta’s appointment will be confirmed later today. It is likely though that Freddie Ljungberg will be the man in the dugout when they face Everton, with Arteta in the stands.
While following this blog, you will probably be searching the internet for Christmas presents to purchase for people you have forgotten about or dislike. What is the worst football-related Christmas present you have ever received?
Updated
Preamble
Good morning!
Today we can expect at least one major managerial appointment in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta will be announced as the Arsenal boss sooner or later (probably this afternoon). The Basque is heading into his first top job and will have a long to do list when he arrives at Colney. Players are looking restless and he needs to build a coaching staff in double quick time as Arsenal look to get back in the top six. Will he keep Freddie Ljungberg on? Will he cheer up Mesut Özil? Can we sort out the defence? We might start getting answers today.
Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti could return to England at Everton after plenty of time away in Spain, France and Italy. The Toffees host Arsenal on Saturday, meaning you could be forgiven for forgetting all the other games. Duncan Ferguson, admittedly, will definitely be in charge at the weekend, so we have one final game of the wristband at the helm.
In a match involving two managers not facing the sack, Pep Guardiola faces Brendan Rodgers as third play second on Saturday evening as the race to finish runners-up to Liverpool hots up.
Speaking of the Reds, they could become the best team in the world on Saturday night if they get the better of Flamengo in Qatar.
Lots to get through!