Sport

Manuel Pellegrini’s side play Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow and only alphabetical order keeps Chelsea ahead of them on paper.

Manager Lee Johnson expects this week’s developments in the Ched Evans saga will not deter fans from getting behind his team as they face Doncaster Rovers, the Latics looking to start afresh after a torrid end to 2014.

The three-times European champions are in the midst of an 11-match unbeaten run and the former Barcelona manager wants his side to keep improving.

Dale travel to the Coral Windows Stadium looking to climb back up the table having been without a victory since their 4-1 triumph over Colchester United in December.

Bolton received one of the draws of round four of the FA Cup when they were picked to challenge the Liverpool at Anfield, but Lennon is refusing to get lost in the FA Cup dream with upcoming Championship fixtures more crucial to the club’s season.

There is no let up for Sharks as they welcome reigning champions and table-toppers Northampton tomorrow who are on a seven-game winning streak and six points clear of the chasing pack.

The 30-year-old made 351 appearances during his career in England and joined the MLS side last summer where he has scored two goals in 14 appearances.

The Shakers, in eighth and 10 points off top spot, have won only three of twelve games away from the JD Stadium and will need that to improve if they are to achieve promotion.

Both City and Swansea have confirmed that there are talks over Wilfried Bony, but with the Manchester club’s financial fair play restrictions the price tag is a potential stumbling block.

Former Barcelona ‘keeper Victor Valdes joined United this week having trained with Louis van Gaal’s side since October after leaving the Catalan giants in June last year.

Sale Sharks fly-half Cipriani has not featured for England since the summer tests with New Zealand and faces a stern battle for the No.10 jersey with Owen Farrell, George Ford and Stephen Myler all ahead of him in the pecking order.