Football

Loic Remy netted twice as Newcastle routed nine-man Stoke 5-1 in the Premier League to stay within striking distance of the top four.

Pizzi has replaced interim coach Nico Estevez, who took over after Miroslav Djukic's six-month tenure ended with his firing last week.

Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani is due to fly to Sao Paulo "in the coming days" to meet with Santos president.

United States captain Clint Dempsey will be returning to Fulham on a two-month loan from the Seattle Sounders.

Sherwood was given the job on a permanent basis on Monday after taking over last week in a caretaker capacity from Portuguese Andre Villas-Boas.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who has scored 28 goals since joining from Rayo Vallecano in 2012, has been hindered by ankle and knee problems this season.

While the top leagues shut down for two weeks or more, there's no festive break for the hardy souls of the EPL.

Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Olimpic de Xativa at the Bernabeu which sent them through to the King's Cup last 16.

Valencia fired coach Djukic on Monday, a day after a humbling 3-0 loss at Atletico Madrid that left them in the middle of the Spanish league standings.

Tottenham were drawn against the Ukrainian side on Monday, an hour after Andre Villas-Boas was fired.

Welbeck's double steered Manchester United to a 3-0 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday to halt a four-game winless run in the Premier League.

Roberto Martinez is keen to avoid complacency seeping into his squad ahead of Saturday's home game against Fulham.

City have been devastating at The Etihad Stadium, putting six goals past Tottenham last month, but Wenger says his side will travel north looking to attack.

In the opening play-off match on Wednesday, hosts Raja Casablanca beat Oceania champions Auckland City 2-1.

Raja Casablanca scored late into stoppage time to beat Auckland City 2-1 in the opening match of the annual Club World Cup in Morocco.

Barca's surprise defeat away to Ajax two weeks ago has kept the Spanish club in suspense over topping the pool for an easier draw in the knockout stages.