From the Back Pages, December 4: FIFA drop controversial draw bombshell that could land England in group of death

FIFA chiefs today ripped up their anticipated World Cup blueprint - and increased the chances of England getting a nightmare Finals draw. After deciding to use the October world rankings to determine the seven teams to join Brazil as top seeds, it had been expected the same measure would be used in the draw on Friday. (The Mirror)
From the back pagesFrom the back pages
From the back pages

David Moyes claims that he warned Bill Kenwright he wanted to take some of his Everton favourites with him to Manchester United when he left last summer. (The Times)

Manchester United manager David Moyes expecting mixed reception from Everton fans at Old Trafford. David Moyes realises some Everton fans are still angry over manner of his departure, but may have Robin Van Persie available for match against former team. (The Telegraph)

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Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal may be flying high at the summit, but the top half of the Premier League is the closest it has been after 13 matches in 11 seasons. (The Independent)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho continued his spat with on-loan Everton striker Romelu Lukaku in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Mourinho and Lukaku have been firing verbal volleys back and forth for the past week, casting the big Belgian’s future at Stamford Bridge in doubt. (Daily Mail)

CRYSTAL PALACE got their first win under new manager Tony Pulis with an entertaining 1-0 victory over West Ham at Selhurst Park on Tuesday evening. (The Express)

Nathan Lyon was among those dubbed “pathetic” by Kevin Pietersen during the last Ashes Test in Adelaide three years ago, even though he was not playing in the game, his only crime being a lack of alacrity with the covers. The understated off-spinner is not the type to enter a war of words with England’s swashbuckling superstar, but he is relishing the prospect of trying to irritate Pietersen on the field this time around. (The Guardian)