Today’s back pages: Man City face fixture chaos and the Blades mean business

City face fixture chaos

“Wet & Wild” is the headline in the Daily Mirror beneath a photo of a sodden Etihad Stadium. 

The Mirror - along with The Times, The Sun and i Sport - says the postponement of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with West Ham yesterday because of Storm Ciara has left the Sky Blues facing a “fixture chaos”. 

Pep Guardiola’s City aren’t in action again until 22 February, which means they will have had 20 days without kicking a ball in anger, a good rest for their players but a headache going forward. 

The rearranged fixture may have to be scheduled for late April but if City are still involved in the FA Cup that might not be possible and it could be May before the Hammers get to travel to the Etihad.

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Blades mean business

Daily Star and i Sport both hail Sheffield United’s 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, a win that moves the Blades into fifth in the Premier League. 

On a weekend when most of their rivals were enjoying a winter break, United were in action and they came back from a goal down to win thanks to strikes from Billy Sharp and John Lundstram.

“Sharp shooter” is the headline in i Sport, above a photo of Billy celebrating his goal, while the Star leads with “Wild thing”, a reference to a bizarre moment in the second half when Blades boss Chris Wilder become involved in a touchline altercation with Bournemouth midfielder Andrew Surman for which they both received a yellow card.

England draw ODI series

England suffered a customary batting collapse against South Africa yesterday in Johannesburg but the tourists just managed to sneak home in the third one-day international (ODI).

The result means the three-match series ended in a 1-1 draw after Friday’s match was washed out. 

The Guardian praises the performance of spin bowler Moeen Ali - back in England colours after being dropped last year from the Test squad - who was economical with the ball, and then saw England home as they chased South Africa’s target of 256. 

The Daily Telegraph singles out Adil Rashid, who was the pick of the England bowlers in taking 3-51 runs in his ten overs. 

Once again Joe Denly was the standout England batsman, following his 87 in the first ODI, with a battling 66 as England won by two wickets.

Today’s sport headlines

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