The African Cup of Nations kicks off this Sunday 18 January and you can watch every match live, featuring both Papiss Cisse and Cheick Tiote.

Papiss Cisse looks set to be missing after the Everton match as Senegal begin their training camp in Dakar on January 2.

Writer John Martin argues it should have been an easy decision for Papiss Cisse to be released from international duty and travel back to prepare for QPR.

Demba Ba would appear to be a sensible replacement but interestingly Ba has been ignored by Senegal’s coach in the last two matches. From a Newcastle perspective it could be a big positive early in the season if we don’t have our (only?) striker flying off, that is of course if he still at St.James’ Park…

While some of our players are parading around in their speedos in Las Vegas; Jonas, Rob Elliot, Shola etc at James Perch’s stag do. Other players though continue with playing commitments this summer.

Interesting to see how their international coach uses the two players, they’ve rarely played together for the national team and Cisse has usually taken preference over Ba.

Alan Pardew; “We kept being promised the decision was going to be overturned and Senegal would let Papiss play. We were waiting and waiting and it was around 1.40pm when we finally discovered that it wouldn’t happen. It affected our preparations and the player missing today was a blow to us”.

With the team/players misfiring when they get on the pitch, now he (Alan Pardew) is facing various challenges to even get the players onto the pitch.

Mohamed Diame has been arguably West Ham’s star man this season, following his arrival as an out of contract player from Wigan in the summer.

No reason announced but hopefully it is not serious and just the player making sure he is ok for Newcastle’s crucial match against Swansea, rather than some meaningless friendly.