Looking for Soccer News?

Casemiro says Real Madrid head into a crunch Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach in confident mood, with the Blancos adopting the mindset of “you don’t play finals, you win them”.

A meeting with German opponents at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday has become a winner-takes-all contest for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

Continental struggles have left Madrid third in Group B with just one game left to take in.

Victory is required over Monchengladbach in order to book a place in the last 16 and extend another adventure among the European elite into 2021.

Defeat could be catastrophic for Real, with it possible that Inter could climb above them and snatch the consolation prize of a spot in the last 32 of the Europa League.

Casemiro is giving little thought to that outcome, with the Brazil international midfielder adamant that Zidane’s side will collect the result they need on home soil.

He told reporters at a pre-match press conference: “We know that this is the most important game of the year.

“We all know that tomorrow is a final. We have to face it as if it were a final. We’ve been taught at this club that you don’t play finals, you win them.

“We’re not thinking about anything other than winning. We know there is a good opponent and they’re top of the group, so we have to respect that. But, we’re going out to win.”

Casemiro added on the prospect of missing out on a top-two finish: “If we can’t continue in the Champions League, I’d prefer to continue in a competition.

“We’d want to win the Europa League. But, we’re only thinking about winning and going through.”

Real will face Monchengladbach on the back of a much-needed La Liga victory over Sevilla last time out, but momentum has proved difficult to establish this season with the games coming thick and fast.

Casemiro said of those struggles: “I’m not here to give excuses, but we know that this year the pre-season wasn’t normal.

“There are some teams in La Liga who only play at the weekends, whereas we play every three days. We’re not having time to rest and we’re having injuries.

“It’s not just at Real Madrid, but many other teams are having ups and downs. Because it’s impossible to play so many matches together.

“We know that this isn’t a normal season. We have many matches. The pre-season wasn’t normal and we’re not machines. Playing every three days isn’t normal, so there have been many injuries.”

One of those set to return to the Madrid fold from the treatment room is Sergio Ramos, with Casemiro delighted to have the Blancos’ talismanic skipper back.

He added: “He’s a leader and he’s our captain. He’s been here for a long time.

“We also need to praise those who have done things well, like Nacho and [Raphael] Varane. But, Ramos is the best and we’re very happy that he is back with us.”

Marcelo Bielsa is looking for Patrick Bamford to become more like Borussia Dortmund’s Leeds-supporting striker Erling Haaland.

The Whites have seen their No.9 take an impressive step up onto a Premier League stage this season.

Through 11 games in the 2020-21 campaign, Bamford has found the target on eight occasions – with all of those efforts coming in the English top flight.

Questions had been asked of the 27-year-old’s ability to deliver among the elite, with accusations often levelled at him of spurning too many chances.

Bamford is, however, showing that he can be a leading man for Leeds, with his boss looking to take his game to even greater heights.

Bielsa is a coach who leaves no stone unturned, with those at his disposal often asked to complete homework tasks.

For Bamford, that means watching videos of some of the very best in the business and taking important lessons from them.

Haaland has been the focus of Bielsa’s recent assignments, with the Argentine inundating his leading marksman with showreels of the Dortmund star in action.

Bamford told the Ornstein and Chapman Podcast of his manager’s methods: “Throughout the week you get sent various things.

“Sometimes you get clips of the defender you will be playing against.

“The last three weeks I had two or three videos sent every day of Erling Haaland, like 15 minutes each one.

“I had to watch them and see what I could pick out from him.”

Bamford believes some of that inspiration is rubbing off on him, with his latest effort against Chelsea seeing him make the kind of run that Haaland has become famed for.

“To be honest it was quite similar to some of his goal,” added the in-form forward.

“I think I can work on the explosiveness of some of my runs sometimes. Sometimes I make a run without 100 per cent determination or conviction.”

Haaland can rarely be accused of lacking conviction in his game, with the highly-rated 20-year-old – who was born in Leeds and has made no secret of his allegiance to the Whites – racking up 33 goals through his 32 appearances for Dortmund to date.

Ulinzi Stars have finally been included in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) fixtures for the 2020-21 season after endorsing the StarTimes broadcast deal.

The soldiers were among the three ‘rebel’ clubs that were yet to endorse the deal since the season kicked off three weeks ago.

The other two Mathare United and Zoo FC have not been included in the latest fixtures released by the federation meaning they are yet to sign the endorsement.

In the new fixtures obtained by Goal, Ulinzi Stars will now start their season with a match against champions Gor Mahia at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday. The match will kick-off at 3 pm and will also be live on StarTimes TV.

The soldiers have also confirmed they are back in the league: “The dust has settled," Ulinzi Stars wrote on their social media pages. "We start off our season this weekend. Saturday, to be precise...we face off with the reigning champions, Gor Mahia at Kasarani starting 3 pm.”

Both Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars were among the teams which were reluctant to sign the deal but Gor Mahia later signed through their secretary-general Sam Ochola while Ulinzi Stars endorsed the same, hours after FKF had threatened to kick out the ‘rebel’ clubs from taking part in the league.

In an exclusive interview earlier on Tuesday, a source in FKF told Goal the FKF National Executive Committee was set to kick out the teams and that the decision had the blessing of World governing body Fifa.

“The three ‘rebel’ clubs are on the verge of being kicked out of the league by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of FKF,” the source, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Tuesday.

“They will be removed because the FKF has the obligation that every team affiliated to their league must sign the undertaking by StarTimes so that their matches are screened live on TV.

“It is already matchday two and they have refused to sign the endorsement, they have remained adamant despite perusing through the document, FKF has also written to them more than four times, and they are still saying they cannot sign, we cannot keep changing fixtures every week because of their stand, they will be kicked out.”

The source continued: “Something significant will happen this week because the TV rights belong to FKF and not the clubs, FKF have no choice but to crack the whip, we cannot wait for them any longer.

“We have talked to them for the last four weeks [on why they should sign the document], but they have refused, and now a decision has been made and the decision is to kick them out of the league.”

In the revised fixtures, Nairobi City Stars will take on Bandari at Kasarani on ‘Friday, while on Saturday, Western Stima will welcome Tusker in Kisumu, Gor Mahia host Ulinzi Stars, and Kariobangi Sharks battle Bidco United at Utalii Grounds.

On Sunday, KCB will take on Kakamega Homeboyz, Vihiga United battle Nzoia Sugar, AFC Leopards entertain Sofapaka while Posta Rangers will come up against Wazito FC.

Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer says he is not surprised that his former teammate Gregg Berhalter has taken charge of the U.S. men's national team as he added that he believes that the American coach has all the skills required to manage in the Bundesliga someday.

Schafer played next to Berhalter during his time at 1860 Munich, with the USMNT boss featuring for the club from 2006-09 before returning to the U.S. to play for the LA Galaxy.

Shortly after arriving, the then-33-year-old Berhalter was named the club's captain, having previously played for the likes of Crystal Palace and Energie Cottbus.

And, despite having only played one season alongside Berhalter during his playing career, Schafer says that the two developed a friendship during their time together.

When Schafer came to the U.S. to feature for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2017-18, the two former teammates reunited over a steak and have remained in contact in the years since due to their current jobs.

"We talked about the national team, we talked about his time at Columbus and he told me some impressive things," Schafer said. "No, I was not [surprised that he is the USMNT coach].

"He's a very, very good coach. And to be honest, I think, maybe, in a certain time, he's ready for a Bundesliga job. But first of all he has a massive step to do with the U.S. national team."

Schafer left 1860 Munich in 2007 to join Wolfsburg, where he went on to become a Bundesliga champion during his decade-long run with the club.

But he says Berhalter's leadership abilities were already apparent during his time as a player, as the American was a vital piece of 1860 Munich's backline.

Perhaps Berhalter's biggest asset, Schafer says, was his willingness to tell harsh truths, something that helped him grow as a player during that year together.

"He was already a leader at that time, which is not always very good for a young player because the leader is going to tell you, very honestly, the truth," he says. "Some positive feedback, some negative feedback, and he was very clear.

"He was a central defender on the left side and I was left fullback, so we had some conversations, discussions on the pitch, but it was always very good for me because you learn from experienced guys.

"When I made my step towards Wolfsburg, he was the first one who called me and said congratulations and we always were in touch with each other, even in my time in the U.S."

Berhalter has called in several players from Wolfsburg since taking charge of the U.S., including John Brooks, Uly Llanez and Bryang Kayo.

Brooks is a fixture for the club, with Schafer saying that he is Wolfsburg's "Berlin Wall", while Llanez is currently on loan with Heerenveen with the hopes of earning a first-team place down the line.

Kayo, meanwhile, is one of the brighter stars in the club's academy, which also features Americans Kobe Hernandez-Foster and Michael Edwards.

Having played in the U.S. himself, Schafer says he developed respect for the American player, which he has since brought to his position at Wolfsburg.

"I spent one-and-a-half years in the U.S., made some small internships, and it was a huge benefit for me. It was not only a gift for me, also for my family," he said.

"I learned more about the mentality from the U.S. players, and I was really impressed with the mentality. They were always ready to learn. They asked me a lot of things and they tried to do it in every training session.

"I was really impressed with the passion and the mentality from the American players, and for sure that's why we signed a few more American players in our club and we have had a really good experience with them."

Klopp has insisted Liverpool "would be lost" without the help of their "exceptional" kids amid an ongoing injury crisis ahead of a Champions League clash against Midtjylland.

Liverpool are already assured of being Group D winners before they travel to Denmark to face the team certain to finish bottom of the pool on Wednesday.

This is the third time the Reds have finished top of their Champions League group in the last four seasons, though victory here would mean they have won five matches in the same group stage for the first time.

Ahead of the game, Klopp revealed he was yet to finalise his starting line-up but was contemplating giving many of his younger players an opportunity to shine in Europe, amid a host of injuries in his first-team squad.

"It's the first time we haven't needed a result in the final game," the German head coach told reporters. "We have to consider the general situation but we are Liverpool and we want to win the game.

"Our squad is already very young, five or six players in the whole campaign so far. 

"Yes, they [the youngsters] will travel and then we make decisions. We have a session later. I have a few hours to make decisions. They will all play a part in my thinking.

"Without them we would be lost. Vitor Matos [Liverpool's elite development coach] and Pep Lijnders [Klopp's assistant] are really close with that group and they were well prepared. So that's why we could use them.

"We had some problems for injuries, that is clear. We've lost top-class players but when one door closes another opens up but you need the right kids to use. 

"And how the boys did it... Rhys [Williams] exceptional, Neco [Williams] played two good games in a row. Curtis [Jones] plays like he has for 10 years.

"Caoimhin [Kelleher] - it is a big chance for him - so thank God for these boys. 

"[Getting 15 points] is another reason [to go for the win]. We will try everything but we cannot forget the situation we are in, which means we play on Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. 

"In the next 22 days we play six games. So, we try everything to be prepared. I want to see our way of playing, whoever plays. It's clear for the boys how intense we want to be for the opponent."

Liverpool have won their final Champions League group-stage game in each of the last three campaigns, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.

While he may make changes, Klopp has no plans to go easy on a Midtjylland side he believes are better than the standings suggest.

"Generally, I have a lot of respect for them," Klopp said of the Danes, who they defeated 2-0 at Anfield in October.

"We were lucky to beat them. They have had really good performances and that is how it is. You learn with experience, the hard way. They should be really proud so far of what they have done.

"The bad news [for them] is we go there with all we have. We have all the respect for them. Since Sunday I've thought a lot about them. We will be prepared.

"I am sure they will give us a proper fight. We have to be ready for that."

Although Klopp had no new injuries to report, he did reveal that none of the players already out of action were ready to return for Liverpool's latest European outing.

Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcantara, Joe Gomez and James Milner are among a host of regulars currently out of action.

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu could not deny or confirm that Benni McCarthy is headed to KwaZulu-Natal to replace Ayanda Dlamini as Usuthu head coach.

Dlamini stepped down on Monday, leaving AmaZulu placed 11th on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings following one win, three draws and two defeats.

McCarthy’s name has been prominently mentioned as a possible replacement for Dlamini ahead of other figures like Owen da Gama, Eric Tinkler, Gordon Igesund and Shaun Bartlett.

Following a slip of the tongue during a radio interview when Zungu said that the players are already excited about the new coach, but could not deny or admit if they have been discussing with McCarthy.

“Oh Benni in the 18-area. We haven’t finalised with the coach that we will be bringing to AmaZulu,” Zungu told Marawa Sport Worldwide on Metro FM and Radio 2000.

“It’s probably a few days, if not a week before we sign our deal. It will not be my sole decision, but we will decide as a committee. We are not bureaucratic at Usuthu but we involve people because sometimes many people’s views are better than one person’s view.

“To be very honest, a few hours after we announced Ayanda’s departure we received about 70 calls just about from everyone. We will be following processes with my support team to review who we need to go with.

“There is a couple of great names in the soccer fraternity who have extreme experience with the South African environment who have raised their hands. So we are spoilt for choice which is very flattering because it then means that there is something good about us.”

Since Zungu took over AmaZulu proprietorship from Patrick Sokhela in October and found Dlamini already on the permanent role as coach, the next tactician will be the first to be appointed by the new owners.

In a statement that insinuates Dlamini was not to their expectations, Zungu emphasised on bringing in a coach who matches their huge investments in new signings for this season.

“We have to do it right first time. It will be our first appointment of a head coach and we have to do it correctly,” said Zungu.

“Going by the quality of signings we have made, then there are expectations that we do the right thing when we sign the coach. I am absolutely sure that whoever we will bring to the team, the players will be happy with him but I am not sure who it is because we have not finalised anything.”

AmaZulu host Durban rivals Golden Arrows in their next league match on December 16.

David Okereke believes Club Brugge can make history in the Champions League by advancing into the knock-out stages of the competition.

The Belgian First Division A champions will take on Italian side Lazio in their last group game on Tuesday night.  

The Blue and Black are currently third in Group F with seven points from five games, three behind leaders Borussia Dortmund and two adrift of Lazio.

Club Brugge must secure victory over Simone Inzaghi’s side to they seal a place in the next stage of the European competition.

Okereke is optimistic his side can stun the Serie A club to ensure they realize their target of making history in the tournament.

“Whether we were already focused on Tuesday? We take one match at a time and always prepare ourselves for our next opponent,” Okereke told the club website.

“We want to win every match and are professionals. We have to do our job every time we play.

“We are full of energy right now since we won [against Zenit St. Petersburg]. We have nothing to lose in Rome and can write history. We will go for it on Tuesday."

Okereke teamed up with Club Brugge in the summer of 2019 after signing a four-year contract and has been consistent for his side.

In the current campaign, he has made 12 appearances across all competitions, including two in the Champions League.

The Nigeran forward has scored two goals this season, including his match-winner against Sint-Truiden last Saturday.

Okereke is delighted with how he adapted at the club since his arrival and promised to play anywhere he is needed. 

"I feel good and enjoy the matches. Soccer is no table tennis. It is a sport with eleven players,” he continued.

“Club Brugge are a good team. I also adapt myself as a player and play wherever the coach needs me."

Okereke will be expected to make his third appearance for Club Brugge in the Champions League against Lazio.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has revealed that he played a small part in luring Donny van de Beek to Manchester United with a “biggest club” transfer pitch.

The Red Devils added another Dutchman to their ranks during the summer window when Van de Beek was snapped up from Ajax, with the highly-rated Netherlands international opting to head for Old Trafford over the other options available to him.

Fosu-Mensah sought out a familiar face before that big career call was made, with the Red Devils defender selling the prestige of representing United to a fellow countryman.

The 22-year-old, who once spent time playing alongside Van de Beek in the academy ranks at Ajax, told the Red Devils’ official website: “I told him United is a big club, if not the biggest club.

“I said it's good if you have the opportunity to come here. We have got very good team-mates, the quality is very good here.

“I said, 'It’s up to you because I can’t make the decision for you but it’s a very good club'. At the end of the day it was his decision.”

Van de Beek has made a slow start to life in England, with regular game time proving hard to come by amid fierce competition for places.

Fosu-Mensah is, however, confident that the classy playmaker will come good once fully up to speed.

He added: “He’s a good player, a player with a lot of qualities and I think he’s also a good guy so he’ll bring a lot of positive things to the club.”

Fosu-Mensah, who has taken in two appearances for United this season, went on to say of having another compatriot in Manchester: “It feels good.

“It’s special also because we’ve seen each other since we were so small, growing up and then I left when I was 16. He was still at Ajax but we always had good contact with each other.

“When I left for United, I still played for the national youth teams in the Netherlands, the Under-17s, Under-18s, Under-19s, Under-21s, and he was always there. So it’s very special to see him now at Manchester United.”

Van de Beek was handed a started berth in United’s last Premier League outing against West Ham, but he was hauled off at half-time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer asked Bruno Fernandes to provide a spark in what proved to be another productive afternoon for the Red Devils away from home.

Juan Mata says he's not ready to walk away from the "emotional roulette" of professional football, with the Manchester United star hopeful he has "plenty of years left" in the game.

Mata has enjoyed an illustrious career at the highest level spanning 14 years, which began with La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The midfielder left Santiago Bernabeu after one season in their Castilla side to join Valencia, where he quickly emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Spanish football.

Mata's impressive performances at Mestalla earned him a regular spot in national team, and he formed part of their star-studded World Cup-winning squad in 2010, before moving onto bigger challenges at club level the following year.

Chelsea snapped the ex-Madrid starlet up for £24 million ($32m), and the investment paid off 10-fold during the 2011-12 campaign, which ended in Champions League and FA Cup glory for the west London outfit.

Mata went on to make 135 appearances for the Blues across all competitions while adding a Europa League winners' medal to his silverware collection, but ended up being deemed surplus to requirements after Jose Mourinho's return to the club.

The Spain international joined United in a £37m ($49m) deal in January 2014, and has since enhanced his reputation as one of the best playmakers in the Premier League.

Mata has scored 50 goals in 263 appearances for the Red Devils, while also providing 47 assists, helping the club win three major trophies in the process.

However, the 32-year-old has gradually fallen down the squad pecking order at Old Trafford, and is currently having to make do with a bit-part role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the start of the 2020-21 season.

Despite the fact he is no longer guaranteed regular minutes in Manchester, Mata is optimistic he can continue playing at the highest level for a while yet having grown accustomed to the intense nature of the job.

“I’ve thought about retirement, what it will be like, but I have no idea," the United ace told The Guardian. "Football is an emotional roulette, every three days, short-term goals, the pace of life, suffering defeats, facing objectives, and it’s hard to find a role after.

"I don’t know what I’m going to do. I really hope I have plenty of years left, that an ex-footballer’s life is a few years away.

"You have to find a meaning to your life, not just live off what you were.”

Mata also stressed the importance of savouring every moment he gets on the pitch ahead of the Red Devils' crucial Champions League showdown against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.

"We have to win,’” he added. “Well, draw in this case. Truth is, there are elements of professional football that make it harder to enjoy: the demands to get a result, to play well or lose your place, to perform in front of 80,000, not with your friends in front of no one.

“And when you win, because that’s your duty, it’s more relief than happiness. Why? Because in three days you have another game you have to win. It’s so constant that it’s hard to savour victory.

"But however high the demands it’s important to think: yes, there’s an objective, a plan, responsibility, but I’m going to enjoy this, on this perfect pitch, with this ball. And the more you remember that, the better you’ll play."

Caoimhin Kelleher has revealed how a text from Alisson Becker capped off his dream Champions League debut for Liverpool.

With Alisson, the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper, sidelined with a hamstring injury, Kelleher was a surprise pick for last week’s crucial group clash with Ajax.

Preferred to the more experienced Adrian, and making just his fifth professional club appearance, the Irishman repaid Jurgen Klopp’s faith with a faultless performance, making a series of crucial saves to give his side a 1-0 win which secured qualification for the last 16.

It also meant Kelleher kept his place for Sunday’s Premier League win over Wolves, and he is expected to start again as Klopp’s side complete their Champions League group campaign with a dead rubber away at Danish champions FC Midtjylland on Wednesday.

Kelleher was selected for pre-match media duties at Kirkby on Tuesday, and smiled as he reflected on a whirlwind seven days.

“Yeah it’s been a decent week!” he told reporters. “What can I say? Two debuts in one week, it’s been a bit of a mad one.

“I’ve just been trying to take my opportunities when I’ve had them. I’ve had two games, and felt I did well in them. That’s all I can do.”

Looking back on the Ajax game, Kelleher revealed his phone had been “buzzing” for days afterwards, and said that Alisson was among those to have sent a message.

“My phone was buzzing for about three days afterwards, just from friends, family, former coaches, everyone really,” he said.

“Alisson texted me as well just to say well done, and that he was proud of me. The messages were all nice and supportive, so it was good to get them.”

Klopp is expected to make wholesale changes for Wednesday’s game, though he told his own pre-match press conference that his line-up is undecided as of yet.

There should be places for the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi, though, while youngsters Rhys Williams, Billy Koumetio, Luis Longstaff, Jake Cain and Leighton Clarkson are all expected to travel.

Liam Millar, captain of Barry Lewtas’ U23 side, is also in contention, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita should play some part as they work their way back to full fitness.

Klopp confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns after Sunday’s game, but said the likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Xherdan Shaqiri and Thiago Alcantara would not be able to return for this game.

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Themba Zwane believes that the current Brazilians crop can become the best ever domestically by smashing their record 71-point Premier Soccer League (PSL) tally from the 2015/16 season.

Since the PSL switched from being an 18-team league to 16 teams ahead of the 2002/03 season, Downs hold the record of amassing the highest number of points.

Now Zwane feels that they can surpass their own record they set in 2016 when they romped to the champions podium, 16 points clear of second-placed Bidvest Wits.

The Brazilians star believes that they have “quality” material to outdo themselves.

“We can do it. Why not? With the quality we have and the way we’ve started, it’s really possible to go beyond 71 points. If we can remain consistent we can do it,’’ said Zwane as per Sowetan Live.

“It’s very difficult [to always play] at Sundowns. You can see the quality players that are there. So as a player you always have to work hard. Consistency books you a ticket to play the next game.”

Apart from holding the record number of points in a 16-team PSL, Downs and Kaizer Chiefs already boasted of the highest tally when there were 18 teams participating.

Masandawana and Chiefs each tallied 75 points at the end of the 1998/99 season but Sundowns beat the Soweto giants to the league title on goal difference.

Sundowns then again reached 75 points the following season to claim another league crown.

As Zwane now eyes breaking their own records, it looks promising judging from how they have started their season.

Also, an attacking combination of Zwane, Peter Shalulile and Kermit Erasmus is already a menace to PSL defences.

The Downs stars have managed six league goals in as many matches so far in the campaign.

After managing four wins and two draws, the Tshwane giants have 14 points from six games and avoiding dropping points in the upcoming games can help them go past 71 points.

“My aim was to start on a high note…try to help the team to win games,” Zwane said about his start to the season.

Olivier Giroud may have seen questions asked of his ongoing presence at Chelsea heading towards the January transfer window, but Pat Nevin says there is no way the Blues are going to part with a striker who has hit an “astonishing” run of form.

The ability and value of a World Cup winner has never been doubted by those at Stamford Bridge.

There is, however, fierce competition for places in west London, with Timo Werner joining Tammy Abraham in an attacking talent pool over the summer.

Giroud has often found himself being the odd man out, with Frank Lampard using him sparingly despite the 34-year-old being a proven Premier League performer.

The France international has always delivered when called upon, though, and plundered a stunning four-goal haul during a recent Champions League outing against Sevilla.

He followed those efforts up with another in a 3-1 win over Leeds, with the former Arsenal star forcing Lampard’s hand by making himself indispensable.

Nevin believes that will bring any exit talk to a close, despite Giroud admitting that he may have to mull over his options, with the only headache facing Chelsea now being how to avoid burning out an in-form frontman.

“The phenomenal week Olivier Giroud has had contains another bunch of reasons to be cheerful,” former Blues winger Nevin told the club’s official website.

“Just a few weeks ago I had people asking me whether Olivier would stay with the club after the January window. This question is asked before nearly every January window to be fair, but I think we all know what the answer is after his five-goal haul in four days.

“His form is astonishing and after wondering for a while how he was going to get enough game time, the question is suddenly reversed, because he is so important to the cause. How do we now make sure he is not overused?

“I did some analysis on him before the Sevilla game. I have talked for many years, without embarrassment and even when he was at Arsenal, about him being the best near-post striker in the world. Well, the hat-trick goal against Sevilla and the first goal versus Leeds just underlined this point for about the 100th time.”

While Giroud has been dominating the headlines of late, Nevin is looking for Werner and Abraham to raise their respective games and become the prolific marksmen that Chelsea are going to need in order to sustain challenges for silverware on multiple fronts.

He added heading into a Champions League clash with Krasnodar on Tuesday that is expected to see Lampard shuffle his pack: “We know the attitude will be good and the chances will flow, but I just hope some of those chances fall to Timo Werner or Tammy Abraham this time.

“We are the top scorers in the Premier League but amazingly our individual top league scorer is Timo with just three, way behind [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin with 11, [Heung-min] Son 10 and then [Mohamed] Salah and [Jamie] Vardy on nine.

“Timo has eight goals in all competitions, so it is still an exceptional start. But for all that spreading the goals around is a good thing, we will eventually need someone who is up there with the top scorers in the league if we are going to be competitive all the way through to May.” 

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been going head-to-head in football for over a decade and their magnificence at the very top of the game means both are firmly in the GOAT category. Since Ronaldo left Real Madrid, this will be for the first time that the two legends will play against each other. 

There was a small win for Messi when he netted from the penalty spot in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Juventus in Turin earlier in the group phase, which Ronaldo missed because he was infected with Covid-19. 

But this time the tables could turn as Juventus head into the game at the back of a stunning win over Torino whereas, Barcelona fell 2-1 to Cadiz. 

Messi's form is also a concern for Ronald Koeman as he has scored just twice from open play and has four from 10 appearances in La Liga. Whereas, Juventus operate around Ronaldo, and he has eight goals in six games this season in Serie A. 

But Barcelona’s positive form in Europe, in stark contrast to their struggles on the domestic front, is a relief for the Blaugrana faithful. Juventus trail Barca by three points and the Catalans have a vastly superior goal difference - meaning the Serie A side need a big win to top the group.

Andrea Pirlo is aware and with progress to the next round already secured, he will give his side the green light to go on the attack at Camp Nou.

"We have nothing to lose,” Pirlo said. “We can play an open game. We are aware of the mistakes we made in the first leg. It will be a very difficult game because we will have to suffer, but we will have our chances and we have to take advantage of them," stated the coach. 

Watch Barcelona vs Juventus LIVE from India

The Sony network has the rights to show UEFA Champions League matches in India. The match will be broadcasted in Sony Ten 2. 

Matches will also be available on streaming mobile application Sony Liv, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches.

When is Barcelona vs Juventus LIVE in India: Time and Date

The Messi vs Ronaldo showdown will kick-off at 1:30 am IST on Wednesday morning in India

Manchester United don't need to take "silly risks" against RB Leipzig, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who says the Champions League decider is a "test of character".

United are sitting top of Group H on nine points after five fixtures, having recorded comfortable home wins over Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir while also earning an impressive victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes.

However, Solskjaer's men still have work to do after a 2-1 defeat away to Istanbul on matchday three and a 3-1 reversal against PSG last week, with a trip Red Bull Arena up next on Tuesday night .

The Red Devils must avoid defeat against Leipzig to book a place in the round of 16, with PSG now favourites to win the group heading into their final fixture against Istanbul in France.

United thrashed last year's semi-finalists 5-0 at Old Trafford, and Solskjaer thinks another win over Julian Nagelsmann's side would serve as proof of how much his team have progressed over the past year.

Asked if he is relishing the prospect of a do-or-die encounter in Germany, the Norwegian head coach told MUTV : “Definitely. That’s what the Champions League should be – and is – about. It’s a test of character, a test of how far we’ve come.

"Football is all about performing when it matters and it’s one of those tests. We’ve got to the last game. We’ve done really well to get there and, of course, we need a point.

"We want to go there and put our authority on the game and hopefully win.”

Solskjaer insists United will be going for all three points against Leipzig despite only needing one, but has warned his players not to allow complacency to creep in.

“It’s in your mind, of course it is. We know we don’t have to take silly risks. You just have to make good decisions," he said.

"The mindset has to be to go out there and try to win the game, in a way that is sensible. That’s what we’ll do.”

The Red Devils boss added on the challenge Leipzig will pose: “They’ve got good players, a good team and the way they’ve risen up the ranks has been impressive.

"It is all about Man Utd and how we perform. When we are at our best, I think any side will struggle against us.”

Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed former Brazil international Nelson Dida as his idol and named Ajax stopper Andre Onana as the best African goalkeeper ahead of Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy.

The Nigeria goalkeeper has been delivering convincing showings for the Eredivisie side recently and is gradually becoming the club’s first-choice.

The 21-year-old has played six games in the 2020-21 season after joining the Dutch club from Fortuna Düsseldorf II in the summer.

Okoye’s recent showings for his club has also convinced Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr to trust him in goal for the Super Eagles.

The German-born goalkeeper was in action when the three-time African champions played out back-to-back draws with Sierra Leone in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

Okoye has revealed where he gets his inspiration from and rated the Cameroon and Senegal goalkeepers, who are turning heads in Europe.

"Nelson Dida was my idol, for me, he was the greatest, I love his style but nowadays it is Marc-Andre ter Stegen," Okoye told Voetbal Rotterdam.

"Andre Onana is also a great goalkeeper, I love to watch him. Definitely, he's the best African goalkeeper at the moment. The second one is Mendy from Chelsea."

Okoye has made five appearances for the Super Eagles since his debut against Brazil in a friendly in October 2019.

The 21-year-old also spoke of his delight to watch former international Vincent Enyeama and named him as the best Nigeria goalkeeper in history.

"I have definitely watched more of Enyeama because he's more of my generation, I go with Enyeama,” he continued.

"For me, he is definitely the greatest Nigerian goalkeeper ever and also one of the best to play in the French League.

"Of course I know Peter Rufai but not as a person, I think he was the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles but I know more of Enyeama."

Okoye will be expected to be in goal when Sparta Rotterdam take on Willem II in their next league game on December 13.

Manchester rivals United and City should be looking at investing £100 million ($133m) in Jack Grealish rather than Jadon Sancho, says Kevin Phillips, with the Aston Villa playmaker expected to smash the British transfer record at some point in 2021.

Transfer talk continues to rage around the talented England international on the back of his efforts for club and country.

Grealish has shown that he can cut it among the Premier League elite, while also slotting seamlessly into the Three Lions fold under Gareth Southgate.

His obvious qualities continue to attract admiring glances from afar, with United and Tottenham among those to have been heavily linked with a move to acquire his services in the past.

City are said to have come into that mix, with Pep Guardiola forever in the market for ball-playing options, and it could be that Villa’s resolve to keep their club captain is tested at some point in the near future – despite fresh terms having been agreed over the summer.

Phillips believes Grealish is destined to become the most expensive British player of all-time, with that standing snatched from Gareth Bale, with it easy to argue that he would be a better option for “the wealthiest clubs” than Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho.

Former Villans striker Phillips told Football Insider: “It is crazy - £100 million, but he is a player that is just getting better and better. At times he is theatrical but technically he is an outstanding player. He is one of the best players in the Premier League.

“Would someone be willing to pay £100m? I think they would. I do not think it will happen in January but at some point soon I think someone will.

“He is still young and he could play at the top for five, six, seven years.

"Only the wealthiest clubs could afford to sign him, the likes of United or City. Sancho is worth over £100m and, for me, I would rather have Grealish.

“I cannot see him leaving in January, he is committed to the club this season but I think he will reassess next summer.”

Grealish has continued to catch the eye for Villa in the 2020-21 campaign, with the 25-year-old boasting six goals and as many assists through 10 appearances in all competitions.

New Simba SC midfielder Taddeo Lwanga has conceded he will have to give his best to be considered in the first team.

The Ugandan joined Wekundu wa Msimbazi in a deal where the details are not yet public. This is after he ended his association with Egyptian Premier League side Tanta SC.

He was signed to add experience to the team especially in the midfield department. 

"At Simba, there are many quality midfielders and getting a chance to play in the first team is a challenge," Lwanga told Mwanspoti.

"For example, in the game against Plateau [United] the defensive role was played by Jonas Mkude and Mzamiru Yasin who played really well. Apart from the two, we have players like Said Ndemla and Larry Bwalya who were not used despite their undoubted quality.

"Everyone knows the quality in the Simba midfield is good but I am ready to battle with them for playing time. I will try to be unique but effective in order to get a chance to play in the first team."

The 26-year-old has also shed some light on the game against Nigerian champions in the Caf Champions League played on Saturday. Simba were held to a goalless draw but advanced 1-0 on aggregate after the first leg win.

"There was some tactical discipline instilled in the team in the game against Plateau and it is the reason why we had a few scoring chances," Lwanga continued.

"We wanted to defend the goal we got away and ensure we also finish the game without conceding.

"However, our opponents had a late chance and it put us under pressure. It was a tough situation but the coach [Sven Vandebroeck] saw it and I am sure he will rectify it."

The Crane has been signed as Simba face an injury crisis in the midfield department.

Gerson Fraga, who is in Brazil recuperating, suffered a long-term injury and that forced Sven Vandenbroeck to ask for reinforcements. Simba feel the Ugandan will help boost the team that is engaging in the Caf Champions League and hope to advance into the knock-out stages.

Lwanga is expected to partner Jonas Mkude as Said Ndemla and Yassin Mzamiru play second fiddle in both the domestic and in continental assignments.