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Joan Laporta and Victor Font are among four candidates who look set to do battle for the Barcelona presidency later this month. 

Laporta, Font, Toni Freixa and Emili Rousaud all delivered signatures from enough socios on Monday to advance to the election on January 24. 

Laporta, previously president for a decorated period between 2003 and 2010, presented 10,272 signatures, significantly ahead of Font's 4,713, Frexia's 2,822 and Rousand's 2,510.

Validation of these signatures will begin on Tuesday, with confirmation of the final candidates announced on Thursday. 

Jordi Farre, Xavier Vilajoana, Agusti Benedito, Luis Fernandez Ala and Pere Riera were unable to meet the threshold of 2,257 signatures.

Given the small amount by which he passed the cut-off total, Rousand might yet miss out on the final run-off.

Barca last week ratified January 24 as the date for their presidential election despite calls for it to be postponed amid rising cases of coronavirus.

The region of Catalonia has recently imposed new restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19 infections, with certain rules tightened for 10 days as of January 7.

While that does not interfere with the previously agreed date for the election, there had been increasing clamour for it to be delayed due to fears some members would not be able to vote.

But Barca confirmed on Thursday that the date of January 24 and "all procedures" have been accepted by the local authorities.

Carlos Tusquets has the presidency on an interim basis following the resignation of former club supremo Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barcelona will hope the vote goes smoothly to bring some stability back to the club.

With Laporta - who has spoken confidently about Lionel Messi staying at the club - securing more signatures that the other three combined, he is the overwhelming favourite to take the helm for a second time.

While Barca are seeking stability off the field, their performances on the pitch have improved.

Barca are unbeaten in eight games in La Liga, winning their last three against Huesca, Athletic Bilbao and Granada.

They are still outsiders in the title race, as they trail leaders Atletico Madrid by four points having played three games more - but momentum could carry them deep into the season.

Mesut Ozil has said Emile Smith Rowe “made the difference” for Arsenal in recent weeks.

Smith Rowe has made the breakthrough at Arsenal this season, and his efforts in recent games have coincided with the Gunners’ uptick in form.

He has added effervescence and a creative spark from the number 10 role, to draw comparisons with Ozil.

Arsenal lacked a creativity during their dire run through November and December, and many eyes were focused on Ozil who was completely out of the picture - having not featured for the club since March.

With pressure mounting on manager Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard said there was a chance Ozil could come back into the fold. 

The former Germany international could not have featured until January as he was not named in the Premier League squad at the start of the season. 

Arteta could have changed his squad in January, but in the meantime he turned to Smith Rowe and the 20-year-old grasped his chance in style.

He impressed in wins over Chelsea, Brighton, West Brom and Newcastle - in the latter of which he scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win to propel them into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Ozil has been an interested spectator from his sofa, and has been impressed with Smith Rowe’s performances. 

And he reinforced the point that the youngster’s efforts prove that there is still room for a No.10 in the modern game.

“He made the difference in the last couple of games as a No.10,” Ozil said during a question and answer session on Twitter.  “Really happy for him… and that he showed that playing with a No.10 still can make sense in today’s football.”

Ozil’s Arsenal career is drawing to a clos and had Smith Rowe not emerged and the Gunners’ poor form continued, the 32-year-old may have been drafted back into the fold.

But it now looks as if he is on his way out of the Emirates, possibly in January, and he talked up a move to Fenerbahce or MLS in his Q&A.

Despite the disappointing end to his Arsenal career, Ozil also admitted that he does not regret joining the club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that he is not tempted to bring in a big-name signing in the January transfer window, with it having been suggested that a Bruno Fernandes-style acquisition could help push the club towards another league title.

Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford a year ago and made the difference as United had an impressive second half of the season that pushed them into the Champions League spots. 

With the Red Devils currently sitting second in the league behind Liverpool on goal difference, it was put to the Norwegian that another signing of Bruno's ilk could add extra quality and push United on to be champions.

“The situation is different now from a year ago, so it’s unlikely something is going to happen,” Solskjaer said of the transfer window. “But you’re right. Bruno came in and has had a great impact, made us a better team and he’s become a better player as well. 

“If there was something out there that was nailed on I wouldn’t say no but it’s likely nothing is going to happen.”

A positive result at Burnley's Turf Moor would send United top of the league ahead of their crunch clash against Liverpool at the weekend, but Solskjaer doesn’t want his players to get carried away and is confident he has the right personalities in the dressing room to manage expectations ahead of an important few weeks.

“We need to get points against Burnley before anyone can say that you are top of the table, but that is a position that we have put ourselves in.” the United manager said.

“So I would like to think that we go into this game not thinking about where we will end up tomorrow night in the table, but where we can end up in the table in May. That’s what matters. 

“You accumulate the points throughout the season, so if at one point you think, ‘Ah we’ve made it now, we have cracked it,’ and you relax, that is when it’s going to hit you back.

“So we are very focused. We have some good characters in the team, the dressing room is louder, it’s more vocal. We’ve got Nemanja Matic, who has won it a few times, Juan Mata, Edinson [Cavani], Brunocoming in. 

“I think he wants to feel part of a team that is going to be challenging for trophies.”

Atletico Madrid are close to signing Moussa Dembele from Lyon, Diego Simeone has confirmed.

The striker is expected to move to the Wanda Metropolitano on a loan deal with an option to buy, having told Lyon he wanted a new challenge .

The agreement has not yet been finalised but Simeone seems confident the move will be completed sooner rather than later.

"It's still not confirmed, but it's very advanced," the Atletico coach told reporters ahead of Tuesday's match with Sevilla.

"I'm going to turn my head towards the game, which is what interests me, and when there's something [on Dembele], if there is something, I'll give an opinion."

Atleti will reportedly be able to secure Dembele for a €35 million (£31/4m / $42.5m) fee should he impress on loan before the end of the season.

The former France Under-21 international has scored just once in 16 Ligue 1 games this season, having hit 24 in 46 across all competitions in 2019-20.

Simeone's more pressing concern is Tuesday's match with Julen Lopetegui's side, which comes after Atleti's previous game with Athletic Bilbao was called off.

The match, which was due to take place in Madrid on Saturday, was postponed after Storm Filomena brought significant snowfall to the Spanish capital.

Training was severely disrupted over the weekend and Atleti will hold an extra session before facing Sevilla to make sure they are fully prepared.

"With the difficulties we've had, everyone has been at home," Simeone said. "We had no option of getting together or leaving the house. We worked at home on Saturday; on Sunday, a group was able to train together.

"There are no excuses. They're circumstances to which we have to adapt. The most important thing will be tomorrow and what happened before will not matter in terms of the criticism and opinions we receive.

"There'll be two training sessions because tomorrow we'll have another one at midday to finish fine-tuning what we have to do, making the most of the fact the game is in the evening.

"[The pitch] is very good. It looks really good, with a normal condition to be able to compete and I'm sure there won't be any difficulty with the surface."

Simeone also confirmed Kieran Trippier "is really good, he's really excited to play, focused as ever" after being cleared to play.

The full-back was hit with a 10-game ban by the Football Association due to breaches of betting regulations, but he is allowed to feature again in La Liga after FIFA put his punishment on hold amid an appeal from Atletico.

Mesut Ozil has said he has no intention of retiring when he leaves Arsenal, with his preference being a move to Fenerbahce or Major League Soccer.

The former Germany international is in the dying embers of his Arsenal career, having been completely frozen out of the picture by manager Mikel Arteta.

Ozil has not featured for Arsenal since March, despite maintaining he is fit and available for selection, and it is a question of whether he departs in January or at the end of the season.

The former Real Madrid man has been in prolific form on social media during his absence from the pitch, and he held a question and answer session on Twitter on Monday.

He answered questions on a range of topics, with one being that he did not have any regrets over joining Arsenal.

Ozil was also asked whether he plans to head into retirement when he leaves Arsenal, and the 32-year-old was unequivocal in his response.

“I definitely will,” he said when asked if he would play on after leaving Arsenal. “There are two countries I want to play football in before I retire: Turkey and USA.

“If I went to Turkey, I could only go to Fenerbahce.”

Ozil’s comments only add fuel to the fire regarding a move to Fenerbahce.

The Turkish giants have been strongly linked with a move for Ozil, with it being claimed a deal is being thrashed for him to head to the club in January.

Earlier in his Q&A, Ozil talked positively about the relationship he has with Fener.

“I grew up as a Fenerbahce fan as a kid in Germany,” he said. “Every German-Turkish person supports a Turkish team when they grow up in Germany. And mine was Fenerbahce. 

“Fenerbahce is like Real Madrid in Spain. The biggest club in the country.”

Ozil’s comments will be music to the ears of Fenerbahce fans who will be hoping the deal can be done.

However, Fener’s rivals Galatasaray may have something to say with regard to who is the biggest club in the country.

Should Ozil move to Turkey in January, he would be parachuted into a title battle - with Fener level on points at the top with Besiktas. Galatasaray are two points further adrift.

NorthEast United have won just once in nine games as they face Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, on Tuesday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

 TEAM NEWS

NorthEast United Possible XI:   

Injured - Kwesi Appiah 
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Idrissa Sylla, Federico Gallego

Bengaluru Possible XI: 

Injured - Ashique Kuruniyan, Parag Shrivas
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Sunil Chhetri, Cleiton Silva

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has questioned Inter’s handling of Christian Eriksen, saying it is a waste of talent to have the creative midfielder languishing on the bench.

Eriksen joined Inter from Tottenham last January, but he has struggled to replicate the form he showed for Spurs in Serie A.

It has been widely reported that Inter will allow the Denmark international midfielder to depart San Siro in the January transfer window.

With a European Championship on the horizon, Hjulmand wants to see Eriksen play his way into form - and a transfer could be the best way of achieving that.

Irrespective of whether he stays at Inter or moves on, Hjulmand has questioned how he has been managed by Antonio Conte, who said at the weekend that the player's future was in the club's hands.

“Christian has played far too little in 2020,” Hjulmand told Ekstra Bladet. “It's really a waste of so much quality he's been sitting on the bench. He's far, far too good for that.

“When I see what he can do, I hope and believe that much more playing time awaits him this year.”

There has been talk of a return to the Premier League for Eriksen, while the arrival of his former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain has led to speculation of a move to Ligue 1.

Hjulmand does not know what the future holds for the 28-year-old, but expects him to make the right choice.

“I am convinced that Christian will make the right decisions that benefits both his club career and the Danish national team," the coach said.

Even if he were to spend the next six months on the bench, Eriksen’s place in the squad for the European Championship is not under threat - despite the coach being concerned by a lack of rhythm.

“I'm not so worried about the best players,” Hjulmand said. “But when you look at it over time, it can get worrying that there is not a fighting rhythm.

“Neither Christian nor others can perform at their highest level if they do not have the fighting rhythm.”

Denmark have been drawn in Group B of the European Championship alongside Belgium, Finland and Russia.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo fears another halt to Premier League action amid the coronavirus pandemic could give the country's biggest clubs the opportunity to launch a European Super League.

The English football authorities are carrying out regular tests on players and club staff, and the number of positive cases is rising, with 40 declared in the Premier League last week.

This has led to a number of games being postponed, while Tottenham will play Fulham - not Aston Villa - on Wednesday as part of the rearranged schedule.

Spurs had been due to travel to Villa Park for a midweek fixture, but their opponents requested a new date due to their players and staff either testing positive for Covid-19 or being placed in isolation as close contacts.

Instead, Jose Mourinho's side are to host Fulham in a fixture that was originally postponed on December 3 0 due to a spike in reported coronavirus cases at Craven Cottage. 

The rise in cases has led to growing calls for a circuit break – a tight set of restrictions, likely including the suspension of games, designed to reverse the tide of the pandemic. 

Nuno, however, is concerned about the future of the Premier League should they be forced to stop playing as they did for three months during the second half of the 2019-20 season. 

"The virus was something that we had never experienced so there were a lot of doubts," he told a media conference ahead of Wolves' clash with Everton on Tuesday. "Now, after the re-start, I think everybody made a big effort and there were protocols, meetings, decisions. 

"We were assured that, no matter what, we were playing because we only needed 14 players to play a match. Now things have changed and we start thinking about stopping again. 

"I don't know for sure what is better but I think and I am afraid that the decision is to stop football. This is my biggest fear. The schedule will go crazy. [It will be] impossible to even finish the league. 

"What I feel is that if we stop, everything will change. The Super League' will probably come, and other competitions which will help clubs survive.

"Basically, my opinion is based on the economy of the clubs, the idea that you start feeling other competitions emerging because the industry needs to find ways to survive and move forward.

"Based on what we have now, probably, if you make a quick comparison with what's happening in the economic industry, if you have a crisis, the strong will survive, what about the rest? 

"What is happening now will have an effect on the future, everybody is aware of that. Young boys are not training, playing football. I think it's clear."

Liverpool and Manchester United were reportedly approached in talks over a FIFA-backed European league last October, while the rejected "Project Big Picture" was viewed in some quarters as a cynical attempt by the biggest clubs in England to use the new realities of the pandemic as a means by which to increase their power base.

U.S. Soccer has announced that the U.S. women's national team will host the 2021 SheBelieves Cup in Orlando next month. 

The tournament will also feature Canada, Brazil and Japan, with six matches to take place February 18-24 at Exploria Stadium.

With the USWNT currently holding its January training camp before two friendlies against Colombia in Orlando, Vlatko Andonovski's team is now set to begin 2021 with five straight matches at Exploria Stadium.

The SheBelieves Cup, which has often featured some of the world's top teams, was first held in 2016 and has been won by the USWNT on three of five occasions. 

The USWNT won the most recent edition in 2020, defeating England, Spain and Japan in the round-robin tournament. 

Following the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, the USWNT went on an extended hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The USWNT had no team activities between the end of the tournament in March and October, when the team held a training camp in Denver. Andonovski's side returned to the pitch in November with a friendly victory at the Netherlands.

This year's edition of the SheBelieves Cup will feature four top-10 teams in FIFA's most recent rankings, with the U.S. occupying top spot, Canada and Brazil tied for eighth, and Japan in 10th. 

“I can’t wait for this tournament and I know our players feel the same way,” Andonovski said in a federation release.

“We put in all this work to play matches, so to get three great ones in this world-class event that resembles group play at an Olympics is something we’re very thankful for. It will be a bit different this year with limited fans, but with the Olympics once again on the horizon our players will be highly motivated and there’s no better way to prepare for the tournament than to play teams that will be in Japan.

"There’s some great history between these countries and I know all six games will be fun to play in and to watch.”

February 18: Brazil vs Japan, USWNT vs Canada

February 21: USWNT vs Brazil, Japan vs Canada

February 24: Canada vs Brazil, USWNT vs Japan

Former Nigeria and Ajax star Finidi George has vowed to keep pushing on despite being denied the chance to handle Nigeria U17 on two occasions.

The retired winger, 49, boasts a Uefa A Licence which allows him to become head coach of youth teams up to 18 years, reserve teams and men’s professional second-tier outfits.

He was first denied the chance to take charge of the Golden Eaglets as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decided to retain veteran tactician Manu Garba. It was the same case of rejection in 2019 as he was snubbed for a vastly experienced compatriot Fatai Amoo.

Even at the unremitting snub, the Super Eagles legend disclosed that he will not ‘shut to door’ to the country he represented at two Fifa World Cups.

"I'm very disappointed but I understand the Nigerian system quite well," George told BBC Sport Africa.

"It's a matter of having patience. So I'm open to continuing to improve myself with the hope of getting a chance to coach one of the country's youth teams.

"When you have the right qualifications, attitude and professionalism, you can only aim for the best and it may even be a chance with the senior side, the Super Eagles, we shall see."

"I was disappointed to be ignored, but only consoled that at the end of the day this is Nigeria," he added.

"I understand the challenges, I will just wait for when the time is right and the opportunity presents itself again.

"As I continue to look at other options out there, I am open and will not shut the door to Nigeria.

"I just hope someday that decision will be made and I will be called upon to handle one of the teams. I can only just keep hoping."

After impressive spells at Nigeria Professional Football League outfits Calabar Rovers, Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland) and Sharks (now Rivers United), he moved to Ajax in 1993. There, he won two Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Super Cup diadems aside from winning the Champions League in 1995.

Before drawing the curtain on a trophy-laden career, he featured for Real Betis, Ipswich Town and Real Mallorca.

Sony Sugar Chief Executive Officer Boniface Odhiambo has dismissed Daniel Ochieng’s allegations that they are to blame for his career-ending injury.

Ochieng was injured in 2017 when he was turning out against Thika United at Awendo Green Stadium and that became his last game up to date since he dislocated his hip.

The former centre-forward stated how the club was allegedly not financially compliant enough to help him seek medication.

Odhiambo said the player was not paid as he could not be traced and Ochieng must seek compensation from the insurance company.

“The contract was not terminated but it expired and he was to be treated by our insurance company as our players do,” Odhiambo told TV47.

“So, he must follow up the payment with the insurance firm and when we were looking for this guy, he changed his phone number and we could not reach him. That is how the guy lost the contract with us.”

Explaining how the injury became worse, the player himself, Ochieng stated: “I felt pain at that moment but it almost disappeared and I went on playing. But after the game, I felt the pain even more and the physiotherapist advised me to work at the gym as he thought it was just a muscle strain.

“Little did I know the more I trained the more it worsened.

“I did pay for the medical cover from my salaries because the office said they had no money then. I signed for Sony Sugar Company not as a footballer because that is how Sony used to sign their players.

“That was the policy of the company and the insurance was paid for you as a worker. I felt the office was slow in dealing with the injury issue and for your information, I was not the first player to undergo such an ordeal.”

Ochieng alleged he was forced to seek private means in order to get urgent medication in Kisumu, Kisii, and even in Kijabe, Kiambu County.

“The more I waited the more the injury worsened,” he added. “I paid for my medical expense as the company delayed in settling the claims I made. I only got Ksh18000 which catered for the MRI but the other expenses for services in Kisii and Kijabe Hospital, I had to foot the bills.

“The doctor at Kijabe Hospital told me the medication will cost Ksh190,000 an amount I could not afford then. But the shocking part is that the company terminated my contract [in 2018].

“They claimed I was not going to be paid because I was not training yet they knew very well I was injured. Salim Babu [then coach at Sony Sugar] tried a lot to push my case with the company but all ended when he was sacked and another coach was brought in.

“I was at times threatened when I went to the office to ask for the compensation of the money I used for medication.

“With the injury, I was told my football life ended and I can only return to the game on a different capacity.”

Ochieng is recuperating at his Luanda home and Sony Sugar are now in the National Super League.

Kenya striker Michael Olunga is on the verge of signing for Al Duhail SC of Qatar.

A leaked photo of the player in the Al Duhail jersey has already been revealed across Qatar and Goal now understands the player will officially be unveiled in the coming days.

A source privy to the transfer has told Goal in an exclusive interview Olunga has finally left Kashiwa Reysol of Japan and will pen a four-year deal with the Qatari champions.

“He has already arrived in Qatar and what remains now is for him to be unveiled,” the source told Goal . “He has discussed everything including contractual terms and he is happy to move to the Gulf after almost three years in Japan.”

Last week it was reported in Japan that Kashiwa Reysol have already accepted a transfer fee of 7 million Euros (approximately Ksh890m) from the Qatari club.

A source close to Olunga told  Goal  a move to Qatar could be in the offing but he refused to divulge more details.

“What I know, Olunga’s club Reysol and Al-Duhail have been in talks for a possible move for the player but I don’t want to give out details or how far they have reached in the negotiations,” the source told Goal .

The former Gor Mahia striker recently clinched the Golden Boot in the Japanese J-1 League after notching 28 goals from 32 matches while in the 2019 season, he finished with 27 league goals as Reysol ended the J2 season as champions, winning promotion to the first division.

Al-Duhail formerly Lekhwiya SC, is a Qatari sports club that plays in the Qatar Stars League. The club is based in the Duhail district in the city of Doha and plays its home games at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium and is the first team in Qatari football to win the first division title on its debut season.

They are currently sitting second on the 12-team table with 27 points from 13 matches, eight fewer than table-toppers Al Sadd, who are on 35 points.

Mesut Ozil says he will never regret his decision to join Arsenal as the German star seemingly moves closer and closer to the exit door at the Emirates.

Ozil originally joined Arsenal in 2013, making the move in a reported £42.5 million ($57.5m) move.

He went on to be an instant success in north London, helping guide the club to three FA Cups and a Community Shield while also earning the club's player of the season award in 2015-16.

However, in recent years, Ozil's role has diminished to the point where he has been excluded altogether by manager Mikel Arteta.

The German international was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads this season as he appears set to leave the club in the very near future.

However, despite the frustrations of recent months, Ozil says he looks at his time in London fondly, adding that he will never be ashamed of his Arsenal career.

"Of course," he replied on Twitter when asked if he's enjoyed his time with the club. "There have been many ups and downs so far, but all in all I’ll never regret my decision to join Arsenal. And to be honest, the last couple of games before the corona break in February & March 2020 made [it] really a lot [of] fun.

"I’ve enjoyed that time a lot and I’ve thought we’re really on a very positive way. But after the break things unfortunately changed..."

Ozil also reflected on his time with Arsene Wenger, who managed the midfielder from 2013-18 before stepping down and being replaced by Unai Emery.

"Arsene Wenger is a special coach in my career, one that I have total respect for," Ozil said. "He is a great coach with numerous titles. Most of all, he's a great, sincere person.

"I associate him with my greatest Arsenal successes. I will always remember that time with him positively."

Ozil has been linked with a number of potential destinations in recent weeks, having been linked with Fenerbahce as well as clubs in MLS.

But one team that Ozil ruled out is Tottenham, having reiterated that he would never play for the Gunners' rivals.

When asked to choose between Tottenham or no club at all, Ozil replied: "Easy question. Retire!"

Simba FC will play their sworn rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) in the Mapinduzi Cup final after the former defeated Namungo FC 2-1 in the semi-final played at Amani Stadium on Monday night.

Meddie Kagere and Miraji Athumani scored the goals for the Tanzania Mainland League reigning champions, to set up a Kariakoo Derby, while Ghanaian Stephen Kwame Sey grabbed a consolation for his team

Wekundu wa Msimbazi had defeated former champions Mtibwa Sugar 2-0 after an initial 3-1 victory over Chipukizi, in Group B, to seal their place in the last four. 

Their opponents were in Group C, and after a 1-0 loss to Yanga, they defeated Jamhuri 2-0 to qualify as the best losers since the Jangwani Street-based charges finished top of the group.

In Monday's semi-final, Namungo were aiming at avenging the 2-1 loss suffered against Simba in the 2019/20 FA Cup final.

Things did not go as planned for Namungo as Wekundu wa Msimbazi scored their first goal after just seven minutes. A long ball was played and the goalkeeper came a long way to try and play it out to safety.

However, the custodian failed to communicate the same to his defender Abdul Humud. The latter headed to his goalkeeper who was already out of position and Kagere capitalised on it to direct the ball into an empty net.

In the 33rd minute, Kenya international Joash Onyango was adjudged to have fouled Sey about 25 meters from goal. Shiza Ramadhani played it to the teammate who headed it across to Sixtus Sabilo. Surprisingly, the forward skyrocketed the ball from about two yards out.

The miss came back to haunt his team five minutes later. Namungo conceded a foul just outside the 18-yard area and Muzamiru Yassin's effort hit the woodwork. The ball fell favourably to Athumani who kept his cool to double the advantage.

After the break, Namungo tried their best to get an equalizer. They attacked with every chance they got but the Tanzania Mainland League leaders managed to stop them.

With two minutes to the end of regular time, Sey managed to score to set a tense finale, but Simba stood firm to set a date with Wananchi.

Yanga qualified after defeating Azam 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. It will be the second time these two teams are meeting this season.

The first game was in the league where they settled for a 1-1 draw.

The Premier League has announced 36 new coronavirus cases among players and staff at top-flight clubs.

Results were released on Monday following two rounds of testing carried out between January 4 and 10; those found to be positive will self-isolate for a period of 10 days.

The number is a slight decrease on the 40 coronavirus cases which were discovered between December 28 and January 3.

A twice-weekly testing programme has been introduced amid a rise in coronavirus numbers across the United Kingdom, leading to the competition putting enhanced protocols in place.

The Premier League earlier revealed changes to the upcoming fixture schedule following a coronavirus outbreak at Aston Villa.

Tottenham were due to travel to Villa Park on Wednesday, but their opponents requested a new date due to their players and staff either testing positive or being placed in isolation.

Instead, Spurs are to host Fulham on the same day. The London clubs had previously been due to meet on December 30, only for that game to be postponed following a spike in cases at Craven Cottage.

"With the health of players and staff the priority, the league continues to work with Aston Villa on measures to ensure their league season resumes safely and at the earliest opportunity," a statement from the Premier League read on Monday.

"The Premier League wishes those with Covid-19 a full and swift recovery and will rearrange Aston Villa's game against Tottenham Hotspur as soon as possible."

With coronavirus cases soaring in the UK, and the government looking for football to set an example, the Premier League has toughened its stance.

As well as the twice-weekly testing programme, the league has said substitutes must wear face masks on the bench, players and staff to avoid hugging, handshakes and swapping shirts, spot checks on dressing rooms to ensure social distancing, limiting the number of people allowed at training grounds and clubs to provide the Premier League with detailed travel plans.

The government and the governing bodies have held talks and there are reportedly no imminent plans to halt football, but there were concerns among members of the cabinet by the celebrations of teams - and lack of social distancing - during the FA Cup third round at the weekend.

Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus has expressed his delight at returning to action after an injury-forced break.

After three months on the sidelines, the attacker made a comeback on Sunday as his side and PSV played out a 2-2 draw in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday.

He joined the action in the 80th minute, replacing Quincy Promes who scored The Lancers' first goal of the day.

"Vital comeback in De Topper. It's a gift to be back to the arena. The Marathon continues," Kudus posted on social media on Monday.

He is expected to make a second straight appearance when Ajax play away to FC Twente on Thursday.

Kudus sealed a five-year transfer to the Dutch outfit from Danish fold Nordsjaelland in July.

Three days after making headlines with an assist and his first goal for Ajax in a 5-1 league victory over Heerenveen, the Ghanaian saw disappointment on his Champions League debut when The Lancers faced Liverpool in a Champions League group opener.

Six minutes into the home fixture at Johan Cruijff Arena, the 20-year-old was forced to leave the pitch after suffering an injury following a challenge with Liverpool's Fabinho for the ball.

A test after the game revealed the attacker injured his meniscus, and his club announced an expected lay-off for "many months".

In December, he returned to training, boosting his club's Eredivisie ambitions.

In his absence, meanwhile, Ajax failed to progress past the Champions League group stage.

"If everything had gone well, we could have qualified for the knockout phase. That was just not our expectations. We've lost core players for seven years in two years," Ajax coach Erik ten Hag said of their unsuccessful Champions League campaign in December.

"The reality is that we don't have a Champions League side at the moment. We have to build on that again.

"Players like [David] Neres and Kudus, like [Ryan] Gravenberch, could have made a great move in their development had they been fit. Then it might have been possible [to qualify to the knockout stage]."

Kudus' return is also pleasant news for Ghana ahead of the resumption of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in March when the Black Stars take on South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe. 

Manchester United have been pulled out alongside Liverpool in the undoubted glamour tie of the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The two sides will meet in the Premier League on January 17, before meeting in the FA Cup a week later.

The FA took the decision to have the fourth and fifth round draws on the same day in order to aid with fixture scheduling on account of the condensed, coronavirus-affected season.

The fourth round ties will take place over the weekend of January 23, with the fifth round in the week of February 8.

Holders Arsenal required extra time before seeing off Newcastle to reach the fourth round and they will take on Southampton or Shrewsbury.

Manchester City lifted the trophy in 2019, and eased into the fourth round courtesy of a comfortable win over Birmingham and they face a trip to Cheltenham.

Liverpool lead the way in the Premier League, but have not won the FA Cup since 2006. They eased past a depleted Aston Villa side in round three to set up a clash with big rivals Manchester United who have started 2021 in style.

Chelsea snapped a poor run of form over the Christmas and New Year period by seeing off Morecambe to set up a meeting with Luton.

Crawley caused a huge shock to dump out Premier League side Leeds and their reward is a clash against Bournemouth - with the carrot of a meeting with Fulham or Burnley in the fifth round.

National League North side Chorley dumped Derby out of the competition and will meet Wolves in round four. Should they progres there is a potential meeting with holders Arsenal in round five.

Hamrun Spartans’ Franklin Sasere is keen to win the Maltese Premier League diadem, insisting that remains his focus ahead of individual honours.

Following his loan move from Swiss side Lugano, the 22-year-old Nigerian has enjoyed an awe-inspiring debut at Victor Tedesco Stadium, scoring eight goals in 13 outings for the league leaders.

The well-built striker scored a brace on Sunday as Mark Buttigieg’s men silenced Mosta 3-1 – a feat which put him on track to win the Maltese top-flight’s Golden Boot, as well as saw his team stay in contention for an eighth league title.

“Honestly, if I have to choose between the top scorer prize or the league title, I won’t blink my eye,” Sasere told Goal.

“The individual prize will just be for me alone, whereas the league title is for everyone, starting from the club president down to the coaches, players and fans.

“So, whenever I step onto the pitch, I have the club at heart first. However, if we win the league and I emerge a Golden Boot winner, that will be a welcome development.”

Also, the player who began his professional career in the Nigeria Professional Football League, discusses his team’s victory over Mosta while attributing his form in front of goal to collective efforts from his coaches and teammates.

“It was not easy finding the net twice in a crucial game where we conceded in the first half as well as got reduced to 10 men,” he continued.

“Inspired by what the management is doing for the team, love for our darling fans and the desire to emerge as champions, we gave our best in the second-half and we are glad we got all three points.

“We will double up our efforts in forthcoming games because it would be disappointing if we get axed from the summit.

“For my goalscoring form, I will say it’s a collective effort starting from the coaching crew who believe in my ability down to my teammates for giving the crucial assists at the appropriate time.”

Unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions, Hamrun Spartans are guests of Sirens in their next league fixture on Friday.

Vihiga United technical director Nick Yakhama and head coach Sammy Okoth have tendered their resignation letters to club management after allegedly going six months without pay.

However, they could still remain in their jobs after a meeting with the club, which is due in the next two days.

The duo explained why they initially opted to resign at the Western-based team.

"Okoth and I handed in our resignation letters because of the circumstances surrounding us," Yakhama told Goal on Monday.

"We have not been paid our salaries for the last six months, this is going to be our seventh month. And prior to our action, nothing concrete had been done by those responsible.

"So we sat down with the coach and felt the better thing to do is to resign."

However, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side is trying to find a solution to keep them at United.

"The management has however refused to let us go saying they are looking for a solution," Yakhama added.

"We have a meeting with management, and we are waiting to see what they are putting on the table. Yes, we love being at this team, but it is tough working without a salary."

Goal contacted Vihiga United for their response to Yakhama's claims but the calls have not been answered yet.

Yakhama and Okoth were appointed as the technical director and head coach in August 2019 respectively.

They were hired to help the team get promoted from the National Super League (NSL) to the top-tier.

Eventually, the team was promoted to the FKF Premier League. They finished third in the abandoned 2019/20 season and had to play Kisumu All-Stars in the two-legged relegation/promotion play-offs.

They defeated All-Stars 5-3 on post-match penalties at Moi Stadium in Kisumu. Despite winning the first leg 2-1, Kisumu All-Stars could not protect the advantage as they lost 2-1 in the return fixture and thus the tie ended 3-3 after the two-legged affair.

This season, Vihiga have played seven games and collected five points after a win, two draws and four losses.

Navigating split and double gameweeks in Fantasy Premier League takes some skill, with careful selections required to get the best possible points return.

Gameweeks 18 and 19 represent something of an anomaly in 2020-21, with just six fixtures being played in Gameweek 18 and a number of games being moved into Gameweek 19, making it a double gameweek.

So why are the fixtures split in this instance?

Scheduling issues associated with delays brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic meant that the Premier League scrapped a winter break in 2020-21, but efforts have been made to reduce the load on players.

To that end, eight clubs will have no fixture to play in Gameweek 18, with those games now taking place in Gameweek 19 - so it will be a double gameweek for some teams.

Which teams play in FPL Gameweek 18?

Arsenal, Burnley, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Tottenham and Wolves are playing in Gameweek 18.

You can see all the Gameweek 18 fixtures in the table below.

That means there will be a blank gameweek for eight teams. They are: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leicester City, Leeds United, Liverpool, Southampton, West Brom and West Ham.

It may be wise to use your Free Hit chip during this gameweek to change up your team if it is heavily populated by players at the above clubs

Which teams have a double gameweek in FPL Gameweek 19?

A total of 12 teams will play a double gameweek in Gameweek 19.

The teams in question and their opponents in the gameweek can be seen in the table below.

If you want to take full advantage of the double gameweek, selecting high-scoring players from clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United could be wise.

Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes are the type of points-getters who are sure to be popular candidates for the captaincy during the double gameweek.

The eight teams that only have one fixture on Gameweek 19 are: Arsenal, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Tottenham, Wolves.

That means you may want to think carefully about choosing players such as Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for this gameweek.

It is worth noting that some teams will play three matches across the two gameweeks. They are: Manchester City, Manchester United, Burnley and Fulham.