Liverpool

The 32-year-old was due to run out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, putting into his doubt his run as a one-club man.

Carragher has made 641 appearances for the Reds, after making his debut back in January 1997, and always stated that he wanted to finish his career at Liverpool (10/1 – 2010-11 Europa League outright).

There were some doubts, under Rafa Benitez, last season as to whether the former England international would be offered a new deal.

But Roy Hodgson has always made it clear that he wants to keep the defender and Carragher has been more than happy to commit to the club.

The Bootle-born star has been a massive influence, winning 10 major honours during 15 years with the club, and now looks likely to see out his playing career with Liverpool.

After a week of court battles, Carragher’s new deal is the latest bit of good news for the Reds as they prepare for the Merseyside derby this weekend.

Fernando Torres (18/1 Premier League Top Scorer 2010-11) has been passed fit to start Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, having recovered from an abductor muscle injury.

The Spanish international was forced to sit out his country’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Scotland, but has returned to training this week.

Hodgson told the club’s website: “We see a livelier and a better Fernando every day. It was really unfortunate he got that injury against Blackpool but luckily it came in the international break.”

Liverpool could also have two defenders, Paul Konchesky and Fabio Aurelio, back in the squad for the short trip across Stanley Park (Everton 6/4, draw 11/5, Liverpool 17/10 – Match Betting).

Koncheskey missed the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool, while Aurelio is yet to feature this season having returned to the club in the summer.

Both left backs are under consideration though, and one is expected to start against Everton, with Daniel Agger a doubt with a back injury.

Liverpool will be without Dirk Kuyt for Sunday’s Merseyside derby, after the Dutch ace was ruled out for a month with an ankle injury picked up on international duty.

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Arsena

The 60-year-old tactician joined Arsenal from Japanese side Grampus Eight in 1996 and has become the club’s longest-serving manager with 14 years in north London.

He has guided the club to three Premiership titles, while also claiming the FA Cup on four separate occasions.

The fiery Frenchman has yet to win the Champions League but did lead his troops to the final in 2006, only to see them beaten 2-1 by Barcelona.

The former Monaco boss has been linked with a number of managerial posts during his time at Arsenal, with Real Madrid mentioned as a possible destination over the past few years.

But Wenger has always remained loyal to his current employers and has now penned a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2014.

It is not known whether the Strasbourg-born manger intends to carry on in management when his new deal runs out but it seems likely that he will remain with the Gunners for the rest of his career as he appears as enthusiastic as ever about his current charges’ chances of bringing trophies to the Emirates.

“My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware,” he said. “My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver.

“With my staff and players we are in front of an exciting challenge and we are looking forward to achieving much success.”

Wenger is the Premiership’s second-longest serving manager behind Sir Alex Ferguson but he has not delivered any silverware for five years and there were rumours that he was keen to try his luck elsewhere.

However, the latest news will end any speculation and means the players can now focus on the job of trying to break the duopoly of Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership table.

With Liverpool under new management and Manchester City spending money like it’s going out of fashion, the Premiership could be a more open affair this season, with Arsenal looking to win domestic football’s biggest prize for the first time since the 2003/04 season.

Having the likes of Robin van Persie fit for the whole season will be key to Wenger’s chances of winning the Premiership crown and he should be fit to face the Reds on Sunday at Anfield (Van Persie 5/4 to be Gunners top goalscorer in Premier League).

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Arsenal

Spanish champions Barcelona have been desperate to bring Fabregas back to Camp Nou, with the 23-year-old starting his career at youth level with the Catalan giants, but have failed in two bids to bring Fabregas to La Liga.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had been adamant that the gifted playmaker was going nowhere, but the Frenchman was eager to stress it was down to Fabregas to end the speculation and commit himself to the Gunners.

The World Cup winner had previously failed to release any definitive statement regarding his future, often stating he was an Arsenal player but failing to rule out the possibility he would make the switch to Barca.  However, Fabregas has now confirmed he will stay at Arsenal for the coming campaign and apologised to the club’s fans, although he didn’t rule out a move to Spain in the future.

“Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment,” said Fabregas.”I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.

“This was the club where I learnt my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing. There are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona.”

Arsenal are gunning for their first piece of silverware since the 2005 FA Cup and Fabregas will be vital if the Gunners are to end their trophy drought.  Some have suggested he may struggle to replicate his previous form following the constant rumours surrounding his future but the Spain star insists his displays for Arsenal will not be affected by the lengthy transfer saga.

He added: “I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100% focused on playing for Arsenal. I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about. I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me.”

Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield in their Premier League opener on Sunday August 15 in the pick of the opening round fixtures (Match Betting – Liverpool 5/4, draw 23/10, Arsenal 7/4).

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