Chelsea unaware of legal paperwork from Carneiro

Amid reports she is to sue the club for constructive dismissal, Chelsea say they have not received any legal documents from Eva Carneiro.

Chelsea have not received any legal paperwork amid reports Eva Carneiro is to sue to the club for constructive dismissal.

Reports in the British media stated Chelsea had been served legal papers by their former team doctor that will trigger a public employment tribunal.

Carneiro was removed from first-team matchday duties in August after she and physio John Fearn received criticism from manager Jose Mourinho for treating Eden Hazard.

Their decision left Chelsea temporarily down to nine men in their 2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8.

Mourinho was cleared by the Football Association in September of using sexist language towards Carneiro - who subsequently left Chelsea following her demotion - during the touchline row against Swansea, leading the doctor to question the governing body's disciplinary process.

Former Real Madrid and Inter coach Mourinho said he was not aware of the reported latest development in the saga when asked about it at Friday's media conference before a Chelsea spokesman interjected.

The club official said: "I'm not aware we have received any paperwork so we will keep to our stance that it is an internal staffing matter."

EPL 2015: Louis Van Gaal hits out at Paul Scholes' criticism of Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has dismissed former player Paul Scholes' criticism of his team's playing style, saying "sticks and stones can break my bones, but names never hurt me". The former United midfielder had said he would not enjoy playing under the Dutchman and delivered a scathing assessment of the team's lack of creativity and emphasis on defensive organisation after their League Cup exit at the hands of second tier Middlesbrough on Wednesday. 

Speaking at his pre-match news conference before Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Van Gaal told the media that Scholes could say what he wanted because he did not have "responsibility" and questioned the motives of the midfielder, who works as a TV pundit. 

"Why is he saying something -- because of the benefit of the club or the benefit of himself?" the Dutchman asked. "I always take risks, so I don't agree with his (Scholes') opinion. But I don't want to defend myself. I cannot defend because he is a legend. "I think when you are a legend you should speak with the manager, (with) his friend Ryan Giggs ... or he has to speak with (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward, but not because he shall be paid by the BBC or by Sky. 

"It is not important. I know when we lose and lose and lose I shall be finished. I know that. But we are improving. We now have 20 points from 10 games. Last year it was 13. We are in the Champions League. Last year we had 15 injuries. This year we have three. It can't be done in one year, it takes three years.
"If Mr Scholes thinks I go ... Mr Scholes is not the responsible man. That is the Glazers and Mr Woodward." Van Gaal could be without the services of Memphis Depay and James Wilson, who picked up injuries in the midweek clash with Middlesbrough, while Antonio Valencia and Paddy McNair have been ruled out.

Chelsea Predicted XI to Face Liverpool

José Mourinho and Chelsea will be desperate to pick up three points this weekend to put them back into the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

A top finish is also the aim for Liverpool’s new manager Jürgen Klopp who would love to get his first Premier League win under his belt as soon as possible.

Klopp had been held 0-0 at Tottenham and 1-1 against Southampton to start his career in England, winning his first game midweek by beating Bournemouth 1-0 in the Capital One Cup.

Chelsea start the weekend in 15th; three points behind Liverpool and some nine points off the to four.

Here’s the Chelsea team I think we’ll see facing Liverpool:

Goalkeeper: Asmir Begović
Chelsea went back to conceding 2+ goals last weekend when they were beaten 2-1 at West Ham.  Only twice have they not conceded at least two goals in their 10 Premier League matches this season.  Asmir Begović has kept clean sheets in two of his last three league matches at Stamford Bridge.

Defence: Kurt Zouma, Gary Cahill, John Terry, César Azpilicueta
Branislav Ivanović’s injury has seen Kurt Zouma playing at right-back for the past couple of games and John Terry play the last few.  Should Divock Origi play as striker his pace could cause the Blues captain some problems with his pace, but the young Belgian has been very quiet since Klopp joined.  Alternatively, Christian Benteke is available.

Midfield: Ramires, Nemanja Matić, Willian, Cesc Fàbregas, Eden Hazard
This is the type of game where Mourinho will play two defensive midfielders in front of the back four which means Cesc Fàbregas will play the number 10 role once more.  Ramires should play alongside Nemanja Matić and may have a man-to-man marking job on Philippe Coutinho.  Going forward, Willian versus Alberto Moreno and Eden Hazard versus Nathaniel Clyne down the wings are two match ups Mourinho has got to like.

Striker: Diego Costa
The Spaniard has history versus Liverpool going back to the Capital One Cup semi-final victory last season.  Don’t be surprised if Diego Costa is involved in the mix in this one as he looks to get an opponent sent off.  He’ll need to be a bigger goal threat than he was versus West Ham though