Some of Rio Ferdinand’s Queens Park Rangers team-mates will welcome his three-match FA ban over an offensive Twitter post as they are understood to believe the Hoops’ side is stronger without the former England captain – (Daily Mirror)
Daniel Sturridge has defended “misunderstood” fellow Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli – (Talksport)
England striker Sturridge, 25, fears his recent muscle injury problems could be a hereditary condition – (Daily Telegraph)
Goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel now regards Manchester City as a “bigger club” than their city rivals Manchester United based on recent form – (Manchester Evening News)
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says the club’s superstitious Russian owner Maxim Demin rarely attends the club’s matches because he feels he is a jinx – (Bournemouth Echo)