What is it that makes aliens such a threatening opponent in humanity’s mind? Is it the fear of the unknown? Is it the likelihood that whatever invading extra-terrestrial force we might encounter will be more technologically advanced than us? Whatever aliens’ appeal, they’ve been an ever-present in pop culture far longer than any of us can remember, so it’s unsurprising they’re prominent fodder in video games. Here’s a selection of 15 excellent single player games where you face off against interstellar forces. 

Mass Effect Trilogy

The much-acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy needs no introduction, these action RPGs ushering a new standard for narrative-heavy third per…

Tottenham Hotspur have secured the future of Christian Eriksen, the playmaker signing a new four-year contract through to 2020.

The 24-year-old Denmark international is a key figure for Spurs, having helped Mauricio Pochettino s team to mount a genuine challenge for the Premier League title last season, ultimately finishing third behind Leicester City and runners-up Arsenal.

Eriksen s previous deal had been set to expire at the end of next season. 

There is a great future at this place and I wouldn t have signed if I didn t see that, he said in a video posted on the club s Twitter account.

It s a very good group, players who connect with each other, staff who connect with the players.

We all have an idea of where we want to end, and hopefully …

Dutch Eredivisie giants Feyenoord are being linked with summer moves for former players Dirk Kuyt and John Guidetti, .

The De Kuip outfit have shown a great deal of improvement over the last couple of years and they hope to mount a serious title challenge next season.

As a result, Feyenoord are in the market for attacking reinforcements and they are currently looking at two of their former stars.

The first is Fenerbahce forward Dirk Kuyt, who could return to De Kuip when his deal in Turkey expires at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old left Feyenoord for Liverpool back in 2006 and he is widely tipped to end his career in Rotterdam.

Meanwhile, the Eredivisie giants are also showing interest in Manchester City striker John Guidetti, who was in s…

Relegation-threatened Rayo Vallecano have sacked head coach Michel following a run of seven straight losses in LaLiga.

Michel guided Rayo to promotion from the second tier last term but has paid the price for a poor run of results that have left the club in danger of relegation.

The Madrid outfit sit six points adrift of safety with 10 matches to play, having not collected a point since a five-game unbeaten streak between December 23 and January 28.

Michel enjoyed two separate stints with the club as a player and took over as head coach following the dismissal of Ruben Baraja in February 2017.

Rayo Vallecano has taken the decision to dismiss Michel as coach of the first team, a statement read.

We thank him for his invaluable work during these t…

Callum Wilson believes he must be more selfish in front of goal if he is to become a top Premier League striker, after his hat-trick helped Bournemouth see off Huddersfield Town 4-0.

Bournemouth moved four points clear of the relegation zone courtesy of the victory, though things could have been different after Eddie Howe s side were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time.

However, Huddersfield rarely threatened, with Harry Arter and Wilson whose first half double put the hosts in command prior to Simon Francis dismissal adding gloss to the win late on.

Wilson, plagued by injury since Bournemouth gained top-flight status in 2015, had not scored in the league since January prior to Saturday s clash, and the 25-year-old is determined to build on his return t…

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri is not angry with his side, despite slumping to the club s worst-ever Champions League defeat in their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of titleholders Chelsea.

Tuesday s rout was Juve s record Champions League defeat, and second worst in the European Cup/Champions League overall, behind a 7-0 loss to Wiener Sport-Club in October 1958.

It was also the first time Juventus lost by four goals in any competition in 17 years, dating back to February 2004 in a 4-0 Serie A defeat to rivals Roma.

Allegri s Juve had already qualified for the Champions League last 16, with Chelsea moving above them in Group H while clinching their own passage into the knockout stage.

Chelsea led 1-0 at the break from Trevor Chalobah s 25th-minute s…

Market: Swansea City win

Odds: 7/10 @

Looking to try and move within touching distance of the play-off spots this weekend, Swansea will welcome Reading to south Wales on Saturday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, while Swansea might have endured a worrying start to the 2021/22 campaign, the Whites do appear to have largely bounced back. Knowing that victory this weekend could see them move within touching distance of the play-off spots, Head Coach Russell Martin has gained plenty of fans around south Wales. Last seen earlier in the week picking up a deserved 2-0 victory against Barnsley on the road, they have lost just one of their last five Championship matchups. Smelling a golden chance on home soil this weekend, Swansea should also be boosted by their conti…

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has spoken of his love for the FA Cup ahead of Sunday s third-round trip to Tranmere Rovers.

City tackle the League Two strugglers on Sunday having enjoyed a fine start to their Premier League campaign.

Swansea, tipped as relegation favourites by some ahead of the season, are sitting a comfortable ninth in the table.

And the interruption of the Cup is a welcome one for traditionalist Monk, who is relishing the journey to Prenton Park.

Speaking about the FA Cup, he said: I love it. I ve been brought up watching it since I could walk.

It s a big tradition in this country and one of the best cup competitions in the world. It means a lot to me.

They ll be looking to play against a Premier League side and they …

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo admits he misses former club Manchester United and still enjoys a good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.

The winger spent six years at Old Trafford before switching to the Spanish giants for a record fee of 80 million pounds in 2009.

This season has seen the 27-year-old break his own record of 40 goals in La Liga and he clinched the winner in last weekend s El Clasico, putting Madrid in the driving seat for the title.

However, Ronaldo claims he still chats with former manager Ferguson and admits he misses the company of his old team-mates.

I speak with Sir Alex sometimes and of course I miss Manchester, Ronaldo told Zoo magazine.

It felt like I left a family back there because I spent six years with all tho…

Frank Lampard has again dismissed suggestions Chelsea have the strongest squad in the Premier League because his side have yet to win anything.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the Blues as favourites to win the title earlier this month on the back of a huge off-season spending spree totalling more than £200million.

Chelsea were top of the table at the time and unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions, but they have since lost 1-0 to Everton to slip down to fifth, three points off the summit.

And Lampard is not buying into claims that he has the deepest squad in the division.

I just don t see it. I m not talking down my squad by saying that, he said. 

Some of the people saying we have the strongest squad were the same people saying…