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Chelsea complete Nkunku signing from Leipzig

The Moroccan playmaker praised the former Blues talisman and says he has learned a lot from the Belgian international

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has revealed he takes inspiration from club legend Eden Hazard and examines the Belgium international's style of play.

The Morocco international was part of the Blues side that battled to a 0-0 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, with Jose Mourinho's side going top of the division after the result.

Prior to the Spurs match, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said he didn't want to place the burden of replacing Hazard, who scored 110 goals in 352 games for the club before being sold to Real Madrid in 2019, on any of his attacking players.

However, Ziyech says he is an admirer of Hazard's abilities and admitted he studies the Belgian's game to help improve his own.

"Eden is a world-class player," Ziyech said.

"You always take inspiration from that, how he plays the game. You always look at the small things, how he does stuff - and I can learn a lot from him."

Despite failing to secure all three points against Tottenham, Chelsea remain only two points behind their London rivals on the Premier League table after 10 matches.

Ziyech believes Lampard's Chelsea side are capable of competing for title if they want to work hard enough for it.

"Of course we can make a challenge," Ziyech said.

"You always have to believe in it. It starts from believing in it and then working every day harder. At the need of the day we will see what it brings.

"But you have to believe it is possible and that is what we are doing. We believe it.”

Chelsea enjoyed the majority of possession with 60 per-cent against Spurs and also had 13 shots to five in the stalemate at Stamford Bridge.

Ziyech says he feels like only an individual mistake would break the deadlock and the Blues were disappointed to not pick up all three points at home.

"It felt like whoever was going to make the mistake would lose the game," he said.

"It was not really a game to play football. It was a tactical game. For their attackers and ours there was no space to play. We had much more of the ball than they had, but it was difficult to find space and create chances.

"Our feelings were mixed. A little disappointed because we were at home and we want to win the game but on the other side you have to look to yourself and say you didn’t create enough.”

Original author: Goal

Liverpool, Southampton draw in 8-goal thriller

The Uruguay international scored twice against Southampton and impressed the former Red Devil with his match-winning display

Gary Neville has lavished praise on Edinson Cavani, saying he is one of the best in the business at making near-post runs.

Uruguay international Cavani has been a deadly goalscorer throughout a career which has seen him shine at Palermo, Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United are looking for him to make the same sort of impact after bringing him to the club from PSG earlier this year.

There have been signs of quality, before he burst into life with two goals and an assist to inspire a win at Southampton on Sunday.

Both of his goals were headers where he showed his instincts to get in front of his marker to score.

Neville was deeply impressed and feels that even though Cavani has been pulling the same trick for years, he is difficult to stop because he executes the move so well.

“He had a big impact,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “The interesting thing about his [first] goal, Cavani is one of the best at it, he has been for years. 

“He did it against England in making that run in and around the near post. He does it all the time. He is always there, making that movement across defenders.

“As it comes to [Bruno] Fernandes, Manchester United have four players in this area, but the one that is on the move is the goalscorer, the one with the instinct.”

Neville referred back to Cavani’s debut for United against Chelsea in October as evidence of how he executes the near-post run so well.

“I talked about the near-post run and his first touch in English football is from a corner. He goes across the near post - which he will do every single time, you know it is coming.

"Against Southampton when the ball went out wide to the left, you are thinking Cavani is going to go in. You can’t believe Southampton, with three players around him, have not gone body-to-body to manage the run.

“As he runs in, he is one of the best in the business at it. Cavani has been doing it for years.”

Neville feels Cavani would have thrived at Old Trafford in the team he played for under Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Sir Alex Ferguson used to say as a striker, you have to get across the near post to take the first defender away as he likes to position himself and cement his feet at the near post, but to also affect the goalkeeper and Cavani is the best at it.”

Afcon Qualifiers: Samatta, Msuva in Tanzania squad for Kenya friendlies

Monday saw the latest instalment of the debate around VAR as Ollie Watkins saw a late equaliser ruled out for Aston Villa against West Ham

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville says the current offside and handball rules in the Premier League are “nonsense”, and he increasingly feels most fans hate VAR.

The seemingly never-ending debate around VAR in England added another new chapter on Monday night as Ollie Watkins saw a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out as Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 at West Ham.

Watkins side-footed home from Jack Grealish’s cross but, after a lengthy VAR stoppage, the goal was disallowed. Watkins’ arm was adjudged to be fractionally offside as he jostled with defender Angelo Ogbonna.

Analysing the decision on Sky Sports after the match, Neville said his view was that the current rules on offside and handball are the biggest problem, rather than the VAR system itself – but he is aware fans are growing tired of the video refereeing system.

"Lines on screens are not the problem. What's happened is that the referee's credibility has been threatened and now they're even doubting themselves,” Neville said.

“The referee going over to the screen is not a problem. The referee going over to the screen and not sticking with the decision if it's right is the problem. It's the application of the technology that's the big problem, or the rule itself.

“The handball rule is a nonsense. The offside rule about the arm is a nonsense. Those two rules need changing. At that point, VAR would become more acceptable.

“The problem at the moment is that they (referees) look like they've been briefed, they look like they've been programmed like robots. They need to relax and chill out and go over to the screen and say 'I'm comfortable with my decision.' They're not. They're briefed like mad. They're programmed to the nth degree. They're frightened to death.

“Their authority has been taken away and the biggest problem is that the fans hate this thing. They've got to change it."

West Ham eventually prevailed through goals from Ogbonna and Jarrod Bowen, either side of a consolation from Grealish.

David Moyes' side rose to fifth in the Premier League table, while Villa remain firmly mid-table in 10th.

Umotong explains Brighton's role in Nigeria's Women's World Cup miss

The A-League side recovered to snatch their first-ever result in the competition after giving up a two-goal lead

Perth Glory have secured their first point in the Asian Champions League after a 3-3 thriller against Shanghai Shenhua in Qatar on Tuesday morning.

The Australians established a two-goal lead by mid-way through the second half after a pair of magnificent free-kick goals from Bruno Fornaroli and Carlo Armiento.

But Shanghai hit back with a quick-fire double from Giovanni Moreno and Yu Hanchao's go-ahead goal to put the Chinese Super League side in front with 17 minutes to play.

However, Glory dug deep snare a late equaliser with veteran Neil Kilkenny converting from the penalty spot in the 86th minute to earn Richard Garcia's side a point.

Shanghai Shenhua's Cao Yunding was sent off after the final whistle as his team missed an opportunity to put themselves in the box seat for qualification.

The highlight of the match was undoubtedly the two stunning free-kicks from Fornaroli and Armiento, which gave Glory a shock two-goal lead.

Fornaroli's 25-yard scorcher into the top corner was his first goal in Asian competition, while Armiento scored with his first kick of the ball, as his curled shot crept in despite the goalkeeper getting a hand on the ball.

Perth Glory have already been eliminated from the competition and have a dead rubber against FC Tokyo on Thursday to come.

Original author: Goal

Phil Neville vs. Wayne Rooney: Complete head-to-head record

ISL 2020-21: Mumbai City vs East Bengal - TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview

Robbie Fowler will be looking for a positive result after a promising display in the 0-2 loss against ATK Mohun Bagan in East Bengal's ISL debut...

Mumbai City will have to surpass the East Bengal challenge at the GMC stadium in Bambolim, on Tuesday evening, as Sergio Lobera looks to return to winning ways in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL). 

Game Mumbai City vs East Bengal
Date Tuesday, December 1
Time 7:30 PM IST (GMT +5:30)
 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

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

India (English) TV channels Online streaming
Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV


Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Hindi TV channels Marathi TV channels
Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3, Star Gold 2 Star Sports Marathi
 
Malayalam TV channels Kannada TV channels
Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies Star Sports Kannada
 
Tamil TV Channels Telegu TV channels
Star Sports Tamil Star Sports Telugu

 

TEAM NEWS

Mumbai City Possible XI:   

Injured - None
Doubtful - None  
Suspended - None  

Key Players - Ahmed Jahouh, Adam le Fondre     


East Bengal Possible XI: 

Injured - None  
Doubtful - None  
Suspended - None  

Key Players -  Anthony Pilkington, Jacques Maghoma     

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

Mourinho unsure of Roma future amid PSG links

Luis Suarez could be a late addition to the Atletico Madrid squad for the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich despite returning another positive coronavirus test.

The Uruguay international has missed Atletico's last three matches, including a reunion with former club Barcelona, after contracting COVID-19 while away with his country.

Despite Suarez not featuring on the 22-man squad list published by Atletico on Monday, however, head coach Diego Simeone is not completely ruling out the striker.

"This virus is strange. It is possible that tomorrow he tests negative and is fit. He has been training and wants to help the team," Simeone said at his pre-match news conference.

"We will have to wait and see what happens and then inform you. I spoke to him yesterday and he felt good, wanting to be with the rest of the team.

"The most important thing is he is well. If he doesn't play tomorrow he will play on Saturday."

Suarez had been in fine form for Atletico before being ruled out, scoring five goals in his first six La Liga appearances after joining from Barca for a nominal fee in September.

The 33-year-old's 1.2 goals per 90 minutes is the highest of any player in the division to have played at least three matches, with Valencia's Manu Vallejo (1.02) next best.

His six league goals have come from 22 shots, eight of those on target, both being the most of any Atleti player this season.

Bayern are also without key players for the Group A clash, meanwhile, as Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso have not made the trip to the Spanish capital.

Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich are unavailable for a Bayern side already assured of top spot, but Simeone insists the competition holders cannot be taken lightly.

"The squad selection is a decision made by the Bayern coach," he said. "This Bayern side understand how to compete in each game they play.

"They have very good players and have almost all of their attackers available, with lots of goals in the side. That is a great strength that they have."

Atletico have picked up five points from four games and are two ahead of third-place Lokomotiv Moscow, who host Salzburg on Tuesday.

Bayern won the reverse fixture with Atleti 4-0 last month but Simeone wants to see his side take the game to their opponents and remain on course for a place in the last 16.

"In football you need forcefulness," he said. "After two draws, one loss and one victory, our margin is short. We are in need of points.

"Whatever the results have been in the previous games, we have to look at where we can do damage against Bayern."

ISL 2020-21: Ashutosh Mehta and VP Suhair - Unsung heroes of NorthEast United this season

The almost-completely MLS-based squad features an average age of 22 years, 201 days old

Brenden Aaronson, Efrain Alvarez and Mark McKenzie headline the U.S. men's national team roster for an upcoming match against El Salvador.

The USMNT will take on El Salvador on Dec. 9 at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, marking the team's first visit to the home of the first-year MLS club.

It will mark the team's third game in a month, having previously been out of action since January as a result of the pandemic.

The U.S. recently battled Wales in a 0-0 draw in Swansea before then smashing Panama 6-2 in a friendly held in Austria.

Those games were played by an almost-entirely European-based squad, with Sebastian Lletget the only player from that camp set to join up with the team as the upcoming clash with El Salvador will feature a young, domestic-based side.

The match falls outside of a FIFA international window, which means players still in season have been excluded, although additional players may be added following the completion of the MLS Western Conference semifinals.

“Since returning to the field, the focus has been on continuing to build on our foundation and preparing the team for important competitions in 2021,” head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “We have utilized these opportunities to work with our core group while evaluating young talent in an effort to strengthen our overall player pool.”

Berhalter's squad features fifteen players are eligible for the 2021 Summer Olympics, with nine under the age of 20.

A total of 11 players could earn their first cap, with nine players attending their first USMNT camp.

Among those players is Alvarez, who has spent time with both the U.S. and Mexico youth national teams. The LA Galaxy youngster would need to file a one-time switch in order to be able to play for the United States after featuring for El Tri at the U-17 World Cup in 2019.

Fellow newcomers include Orlando City attackers Daryl Dike and Chris Mueller, Toronto FC striker Ayo Akinola, FC Cincinnati midfielder Frankie Amaya, Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa and defenders Julian Araujo, Kyle Duncan and Marco Farfan of the LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers, respectively. 

Benfica goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos is the only European-based player called into camp, while Aaronson is set to join up with RB Salzburg in January after sealing a move this summer.

In total,  the roster holds an average age of 22 years, 201 days with Paul Arriola, Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman headlining the list of veterans in camp.

Here's a look at the full squad:

GOALKEEPERS: CJ Dos Santos (Benfica), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), David Ochoa (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS: Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy), Kyle Duncan (New York Red Bulls), Marco Farfan (Portland Timbers), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union), Mauricio Pineda (Chicago Fire), Sam Vines (Colorado Rapids), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

MIDFIELDERS: Brenden Aaronson (Philadelphia Union), Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), Frankie Amaya (FC Cincinnati), Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy)

FORWARDS: Ayo Akinola (Toronto FC), Efrain Alvarez (LA Galaxy), Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Daryl Dike (Orlando City SC), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire), Chris Mueller (Orlando City SC)

Gervinho’s double inspires Parma to victory against Genoa

The 33-year-old scored twice to help the Crusaders clinch their second consecutive win at Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Gervinho bagged a brace to inspire Parma to a 2-1 victory over Genoa in Monday’s Serie A game.

At 33, the Ivory Coast international is not looking to rest on his oars as he delivered yet another impressive display for the Crusaders at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The forward was handed his eighth league start and found the back of the net twice to help his side secure their second win in the 2020-21 season.

Gervinho opened the scoring with only 10 minutes into the game, hitting his effort beyond goalkeeper Alberto Paleari after receiving a through ball from Juraj Kucka.

The former Arsenal star then completed his brace with a well-taken strike in the 47th minute of the encounter after capitalizing on a poor defensive display from Genoa.

Three minutes later, Eldor Shomurodov reduced the deficit with a fine strike, leaving goalkeeper Luigi Sepe no chance.

Despite efforts from Rolando Maran’s men, the Crusaders held their nerve to secure all three points at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Gervinho featured for the duration of the game in his eighth league appearance for Fabio Liverani’s side in the current campaign.

The victory ensured Parma climbed to the 16th spot on the Serie A table after gathering nine points from nine games.

The Ivory Coast international has been with the Crusaders since the summer of 2018 when he returned to Europe after leaving China, where he featured for Hebei China Fortune.

The forward has played more than 65 games for Parma and last season he helped them finish in the mid-table.

Gervinho will be expected to continue his blistering performances for the Crusaders when they take on Benevento on December 6.

 

 

 

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Frappart takes charge of Juventus game to become first female to referee in Champions League

Having taken charge of the UEFA Super Cup in 2019, Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to officiate a Champions League match.

Stephanie Frappart has been appointed as the referee for Juventus' clash with Dynamo Kiev, making the French official the first woman to oversee a Champions League match.

Frappart refereed the 2019 Women's World Cup final between the United States and the Netherlands, before going on to take charge of Liverpool's meeting with Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup.

Speaking ahead of the Super Cup, Frappart was asked about the difference between taking charge of men’s and women’s matches.

"I think there is not a lot of difference because football is the same,” she said. "For me it is the same because refereeing is the same. Football is the same, there are the same rules so I will referee the same as in women leagues.”

In taking charge of the Super Cup match, It made her the first woman to officiate a game in a major UEFA men's competition, and now the 36-year-old – a regular Ligue 1 referee – is set to make history once again.

Juve face Kiev in Turin on Wednesday, with progress to the last 16 already secured for Andrea Pirlo's side.

The Turin giants are second in Group G with nine points from four games, eight clear of Dynamo Kiev and three behind Barcelona, who face Ferencvaros - also on Wednesday.

Frappart refereed her first Europa League fixture in October, when Leicester City took on Zorya Luhansk at the King Power Stadium, and last week ran the rule over Granada against Omonoia Nicosia.

Following the Super Cup clash in Istanbul last year, which Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp hailed the performance of Frappart and her all-female team of officials.

"I spoke to the refereeing team after the game [and said] that if we would have played like they whistled, then we would have won 6-0," Klopp told reporters.

"They played a brilliant game. They were good, they were really good. There was pressure on them like hell. It was an historic moment and they stayed themselves, stayed calm and did what they had to do in a very difficult and intense game.

"I couldn't have more respect, it was a really brilliant performance."

Dapena reveals death threats after refusing to stand for Maradona minute's silence

The player of Viajes InterRias FF sat down and turned her back during the tribute to Maradona

Paula Dapena has no regrets over failing to stand to honour Diego Maradona, but admitted she and her Viajes InterRias FF team-mates have been subjected to threats of violence.

Argentina great Maradona died of a heart attack last week, and football matches around the world have paid tribute with minute’s silence and minute’s applause.

There was a minute’s silence ahead of the game between Viajes and Deportivo La Coruna, for which Dapena sat down and turned away from the tribute.

Dapena claims she took her stance on account of Maradona being accused of domestic abuse, following the emergence of a video in 2014 which appeared to how him striking his then girlfriend Rocio Oliva.

Maradona died on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and Dapena said: "For the victims, there was not a minute of silence, so obviously I am not willing to keep a minute of silence for an abuser.”

Dapena’s actions drew plenty of attention, and not all of it was positive.

“Not only have I received harassment through social networks, but also my team-mates,” Dapena said in an interview with As. “Not only have we suffered harassment, there have been death threats and threats such as 'I'm going to find your address and I'm going to go to your house and break your legs.'”

Expanding on her views on Maradona, Dapena added: “Maradona, in football terms, it seems to me that he had spectacular skills and qualities. But, as a person, he left a lot to be desired. 

“So, keeping a minute of silence and paying homage to him goes against myself. I could not do it.

“To be a good athlete you have to have values ​​and be a good person. A footballer is a person before a footballer, much more so if he is an idol of many people as he is. 

“You cannot unlink one thing from the other. There are things that can be unlinked, but others cannot.”

Dapena is hopeful the threats of violence and death are not serious, but is considering taking action to have the abusers’ accounts shut down.

“Maybe I will expose those people on social networks to have their accounts deleted,” she said. “If you can, I will report it, but I doubt that will come to anything. I'll give it a spin to see what can be done.”

Five Chippa United players Orlando Pirates need to be wary of

Thomas Partey's bid to return to full fitness is taking time, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saying the midfielder is likely to miss “the next few games” with a "significant injury."

The Ghana midfielder has not featured for the Gunners since picking up an injury during the 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League on November 8.

Arsenal issued a fitness bulletin at the end of last week, saying Partey was “progressing with his rehabilitation,” but it appears progress is slow as he is not close to a first-team return.

"He had an injury very early in the game [against Aston Villa], he wanted to continue the second half,” Arteta said.

"We knew it was a significant injury. He's done very well and he's working very hard, he wants to be available.

"Hopefully we can get him back soon but it's an area we need to be careful and we need to be protective with the player.

“I don't think he will be with us in the next few games.”

The news will come as a blow to Arsenal, whose form has been poor since Partey went off injured against Villa, but Arteta will not use the player’s absence as an excuse.

“We have many different issues but I don't like to use that excuse,” he said . “At the end of the day, we are always really close to winning football matches and we have ended up losing them in the last few games and this is only in our hands with the players that we have. It's what we have to do, we cannot change that. It is in our hands.”

Following the loss to Villa, they drew 0-0 with Leeds, looking toothless in the process, and were beaten at home by Wolves on Sunday.

As a controlling presence in midfield, Partey is not responsible for Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal. But his dynamic style allows others to express themselves knowing they have cover, and he will be sorely missed in the upcoming north London derby.

Tottenham sit atop the Premier League, while Arsenal are down in 14th - and facing a tough slog over the next month.

The Gunners face Rapid Vienna and Tottenham this week, followed by matches against Dundalk, Burnley, Southampton, Everton and Manchester City before Christmas.

Bitesize Prediction: Atlanta United vs Colorado Rapids – 18/05/23

The Nigerian forward and the Cameroon international helped the Craven Cottage outfit return to winning ways

Ademola Lookman found the back of the net and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa provided an assist in Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Kelechi Iheanacho’s Leicester City in Monday’s Premier League game.

Lookman continued his fine start to life with the Cottagers at the King Power Stadium, netting his second league goal of the season.

The Nigerian forward was afforded his seventh Premier League appearance since his summer arrival at Craven Cottage from RB Leipzig.

Cameroon international Zambo-Anguissa also impressed in the encounter while Iheanacho’s effort was not enough to help Leicester avoid defeat at home.

Lookman opened the scoring for Scott Parker’s men at the half-hour mark after a fine combination with Zambo-Anguissa.

Ivan Cavaleiro doubled Fulham’s lead eight minutes later, converting from the penalty spot after Christian Fuchs was brought down in the area by Bobby Reid.

Leicester made a frantic effort to level proceedings and brought on Nigeria international Iheanacho in the 70th minute.

All they could get, however, was a consolatory goal four minutes before full time through Harvey Barnes, who fired past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after receiving an assist from Jamie Vardy.

Lookman featured for 90 minutes before he was replaced by Joe Bryan while Zambo Anguissa was on parade for the entirety of the game.

Nigeria’s Ola Aina and Tosin Adarabioyo also lasted for the duration of the match for Fulham while Gabon international Mario Lemina played for 77 minutes.

The victory moved the Craven Cottage outfit off the bottom three after gathering seven points from 10 games.

Leicester, meanwhile, dropped to the fourth spot on the Premier League table after failing to add to their 18 points.

The African stars will be expected to continue to make significant contributions to their respective clubs in their subsequent games.

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Mthembu inspires AmaZulu FC to Caf Champions League second round

The lower-league club will play the Premier League leaders after winning their second-round tie

Tottenham will take on non-league Marine in the third round of the FA Cup as the draw was completed on Monday.

Jose Mourinho's Premier League leaders will face the eighth-tier club after their second-round victory over Havant & Waterlooville.

A total of twenty Premier League teams and 24 Championship teams will enter the competition during this round, joining the 20 winners from the second round. to play 32 fixtures.

One of the more interesting fixtures of those 32 involves Liverpool, who will travel to Aston Villa, where they lost 7-2 in the Premier League this season.

Holders Arsenal also face Premier League opposition, meanwhile, as Mikel Arteta's side will host Newcastle.

Manchester United and Manchester City have home games against Championship clubs, with the Red Devils hosting Watford and Pep Guardiola's team playing Birmingham City.

Chelsea are at home to League Two side Morecambe, Leeds United head to Crawley Town and fifth-tier side Stockport County will host West Ham.

The matches are scheduled to be played over the weekend of January 9 and 10. Due to the impact on the schedule of the coronavirus pandemic, extra time and penalties will be used to settle any ties that are level after 90 minutes, with the traditional replays scrapped.

The final is due to take place on May 15.

FA Cup third-round draw:

Huddersfield Town v Plymouth Argyle
Southampton v Shrewsbury Town
Chorley v Derby County
Marine v Tottenham
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Stockport County v West Ham
Oldham Athletic v Bournemouth
Manchester United v Watford
Stevenage v Swansea City
Everton v Rotherham United
Nottingham Forest v Cardiff City
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Barnsley v Tranmere Rovers
Bristol Rovers v Sheffield United
Canvey Island or Boreham Wood v Millwall
Blackburn Rovers v Doncaster Rovers
Stoke City v Leicester City
Wycombe Wanderers v Preston North End
Crawley Town v Leeds United
Burnley v MK Dons
Bristol City v Portsmouth
QPR v Fulham
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Brentford v Middlesbrough
Manchester City v Birmingham City
Luton Town v Reading
Chelsea v Morecambe
Exeter City v Sheffield Wednesday
Norwich City v Coventry City
Blackpool v West Brom
Newport County v Brighton and Hove Albion
Cheltenham Town v Mansfield Town

U20 Afcon: Ghana happy to defy penalty hoodoo once again 

The Catalan giants confirmed an agreement with players and staff has now been ratified to help the club save money during the coronavirus pandemic

Barcelona have officially announced the club has ratified an agreement over a reduction in salary for players and staff, as well as confirming the schedule for the upcoming presidential election.

Goal understands the salary reduction will come in the form of a deferred payment of €122 million (£110m/$146m) . Barca were hoping to save as much as €190m (£170m/$227m) following significant losses to revenue in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. 

"The managing commission would like to publicly thank the footballers, coaches and employees for their understanding, their commitment and their help to the organisation to make possible this fundamental agreement to guarantee the club's immediate sustainability," a club statement said.

"The managing commission considers this to be a great step on the road to dealing with the extraordinary circumstances in which the organisation finds itself due to the global pandemic which has affected everyone since March of this year."

Meanwhile, Barcelona's presidential election will take place on January 24.

The date means the new president will only have one week to act before the end of the January transfer window. Lionel Messi, however, is free to negotiate with clubs from January 1, with his contract set to expire in the summer.

Incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu and the board of directors resigned in October just days before a scheduled vote of no confidence .

Former president Joan Laporta announced earlier on Monday he will stand as a candidate, describing his attempted return to office as "the great challenge of my life".

The other candidates expected to stand are Jordi Farre, Toni Freixa, Lluis Fernandez Ala, Agusti Benedito, Pere Riera and Victor Font, who is considered the favourite.

Former vice president Emili Rousaud, ex-director Xavi Vilajoana and former Girona president Jordi Roche are also said to be considering running.

Barca confirmed on Monday the electoral campaign will be held from January 15 to 22 before the election day takes place two days later.

As per an agreement with the regional Catalonian government, polling stations will be located in Tarragona, Tortosa, Lleida, Girona, Andorra, Madrid, Seville and Palma, for those who cannot vote at the Camp Nou offices.

Usually, the election takes place only at Camp Nou, but changes have been made to help comply with coronavirus protocols.

Original author: Ignasi Oliva Gispert

Arsenal to consider allowing Hector Bellerin summer transfer

The 35-year-old striker talks about early life with the Royals and his expectations in the Ghana Premier League

Legon Cities star Asamoah Gyan is positive about soon finding his scoring boots in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) after making his debut for the club on Friday.

After 17 years away from the domestic championship, the veteran striker, who is Ghana's all-time top scorer with 51 goals, made a comeback as a second-half substitute in a 0-0 draw with Medeama.

By the result, Legon remain in search of their first win of the season, having lost one and drawn two of the three games played thus far.

“I’m just enjoying my football, I just want to enjoy myself, I want to help Legon Cities. This is my new club so I just want to be playing football,” Gyan said, as reported by Footballghana.

“As a striker, of course, people might be expecting goals from me but the goals will come.

"We are still working, if you watch Legon Cities I think 85 per cent of our players are new, we are still getting to know each other.

"Tactically we are working but I think now we are understanding what we want to do. The technical team have done a great job.

"It’s been a short while but now they are beginning to understand what is at stake. So, we just hope the next game goes well.”

In 2003, Gyan netted 10 goals for Liberty Professionals in the GPL before moving to join Italian Serie A side Udinese.

He has since gone on to grace the pitch for Stade Rennais in France, English side Sunderland, United Arab Emirates sides Al Ain and Al Ahli Dubai, Chinese Super League team Shanghai SIPG and Kayserispor in Turkey.

Most recently, he featured for Indian club NorthEast United, with whom he parted ways in January after a short spell.

“I am very much excited to be back home. This is where the name, Asamoah Gyan started and it feels great to play in the league again after 17-years, ” Gyan said after Friday's landmark appearance.

“I am very much satisfied with the game tonight. It’s a positive one. We need to approach the next game with this same mentality and I believe soon the wins will come.”

Gyan could make his first start for Legon in their match week four encounter with Dreams FC. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Abdulai brace redeems Ghana U20 women against Morocco

The West African hosts finally subdued the Atlas Lionesses on Monday following back-to-back defeats earlier this year

Mukarama Abdulai bagged a brace as the Ghana U20 women's side claimed 4-0 victory over Morocco in Monday's friendly match.

Prior to the match, the Black Princesses had suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Atlas Lionesses thanks to Safa Banouk's solitary effort for the visitors at the Accra Sports Stadium last Thursday.

To avoid a third defeat in a row in 2020 since March's 3-2 loss in Morocco, the 2018 U17 Women's World Cup top scorer put up a fine display to lead the revenge mission for Yusif Basigi's side.

The hosts got the contest off to a flying start when Abdulai, who could not rescue her side from last week's defeat to Morocco, opened the scoring after just 16 minutes of action at the same venue. 

The Black Princesses continued to attack and doubled their lead through Abdulai 10 minutes later.

The ruthless hosts continued their search for more goals and Doris Boaduwaa scored a third of the tie nine minutes from half-time.

After the break, the hopes of a fightback were dashed when Suzy Dede Teye netted a fourth 15 minutes from full-time.

With the win, the Princesses have managed to redeem themselves against the Morccoans after earlier back-to-back defeats this year.

Basigi will be glad as his side wrapped up their 2020 campaign on a fine note despite the cancellation of the U20 Women's World Cup.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

PSG suffer double injury blow ahead of Man Utd trip with Icardi & Sarabia ruled out of Champions League fixture

The pair have joined long-term absentees Julian Draxler and Juan Bernat on the sidelines despite playing in Ligue 1 at the weekend

Paris Saint-Germain will be without four first-team players for their game with Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Ligue 1 champions travel to Old Trafford looking for revenge for United’s 2-1 win in Paris in October, and likely needing a result to keep hold of second place in Group H.

With four games played, United top the group with nine points. PSG and RB Leipzig have six points each, with PSG currently ahead with more away goals in the two games between the sides. Istanbul Basaksehir are bottom of the group with three points.

PSG have been boosted by the return to action of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in recent weeks, but Thomas Tuchel has found himself under pressure with form stuttering in recent weeks. His side have taken just one point from their last two games in Ligue 1, throwing away a two-goal lead to lose to Monaco before drawing 2-2 with Toulouse.

Now, it has been confirmed that Mauro Icardi and Pablo Sarabia will miss the trip to Manchester, as well as Julian Draxler and Juan Bernat.

Forward Icardi came off the bench against Toulouse but felt pain in his right thigh during training, so on-loan Everton forward Moise Kean will likely keep his recent starting place.

Sarabia also came on as a substitute in that game but he, too, has been feeling muscle pain in training since.

Draxler and Bernat are both longer-term absentees, and PSG provided brief updates on their return to fitness.

Draxler has been out for just over a month with a hamstring injury but is progressing well in his recovery and has resumed training with the rest of the squad.

Bernat suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in September and isn't expected to return until well into the new year. PSG's statement says he is continuing his rehabilitation.

Neymar has called on PSG to play as a team when they travel to Manchester following their disappointing defeat in the reverse fixture.

"We know the importance of the Champions League game on Wednesday," he told Canal+. "This is decisive. We didn't play well against Leipzig (in a 1-0 victory), but we managed to win.

"On Wednesday we are going to try to have our best game, play well, but we need to improve certain details, play more as a team, be more organised, otherwise it is going to be difficult."

Hazard is having a tough time but he has support of Real Madrid, says Zidane

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane believes Eden Hazard will return stronger following his latest injury setback.

Zinedine Zidane has acknowledged Eden Hazard is experiencing a "hard time" but insists Real Madrid will do everything they can to help their record signing. 

The Belgium international has been blighted by ankle and leg problems since joining the Spanish giants from Chelsea nearly 18 months ago.

Last season he started just 14 games in La Liga, playing a minor role as Madrid won the title in his first campaign at the club.

He has continued to struggle this term and suffered an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh in just his third league start of the campaign against Alaves on Saturday.

No timescale has been put on his return but he has not been named in Madrid's squad for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Zidane said it is Madrid's responsibility to look after the 29-year-old and the Frenchman hopes the forward can return stronger than before. 

Asked at a media conference if Hazard might experience some psychological impact after yet another injury, Zidane responded: "No. Sometimes injuries happen and we have to endure. He is strong, I have no doubt. 

"He is having a hard time lately. We are going to help him to get better soon.

"It is a complicated situation for Eden. He has never been injured in his career and now has more misfortunes. He will surely come back stronger. We look forward to seeing him with us again."

Despite a largely indifferent Champions League campaign so far, which has seen them win just two of their four Group B games, Madrid can seal a last-16 spot for a record 24th time with victory against Shakhtar.

Luis Castro's side have failed to win any of their three games since beating Madrid on matchday one, but Zidane is preparing his players for what he describes as the most important game in the group. 

"It is up to us to get through," he said. "Tomorrow is another final, there are two left. It is surely the most important game because it can take us to another phase."

Since scoring the third goal in their 3-2 win over Madrid, Shakhtar have failed to score with each of their last 23 shots in the competition.

However, Los Blancos defender Nacho Fernandez still anticipates a challenging fixture in Kiev.

"We need to try to be much more attentive," he said. "They are a very fast team, very dynamic. We will try to get ahead on the scoreboard and be attentive defensively."

Andres Iniesta: Remembering the Spaniard's First Year as a Professional

The Gaurs manager did not want to reveal details of the fight he had with opposition manager Gerard Nus during the match…

Juan Ferrando’s FC Goa are winless in the first three matches in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) after a 1-1 draw with NorthEast United on Monday.

The Gaurs came back from behind to register a point against the Highlanders but the Spanish coach is not too worried about his team's poor start. 

“The team is working and I am so satisfied. We have some problems but the team is working hard. We are finding the best playing elevens and we are helping the players. They gave grown in some aspects but it is necessary to change some details,” said Ferrando.

Ferrando made three changes to the starting lineup from their last match as he decided to drop Australian defender James Donachie and fielded an extra foreign player in the attack.

When asked if the coach had finally zeroed down on the best possible starting lineup for his team, the Spaniard said, “I selected the best players for today's match. It is necessary to change systems and we have changed the system three times. In this case, today we decided not to use James (Donachie).”

The Barcelona-born manager suggested the Highlanders had a defensive approach in today’s game and also alleged that they wasted too much time.

“NorthEast United are a very compact team. They concentrated more on defending and they wasted time, committed too many fouls. But that is okay, everybody has their own style,” said the 39-year-old coach

Ferrando was involved in a verbal spat with opposition manager Gerard Nus during the game but he did not want to reveal the details. “I spoke to him face to face and I prefer not to talk about these things,” the Spaniard signed off.

Original author: Goal

LIVE: Manchester City vs Real Madrid

The veteran Uruguayan showed his goalscoring pedigree against Southampton and Brown thinks he can take his younger team-mates to another level

Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood can improve their game by studying the movement of new team-mate Edinson Cavani, says former Manchester United defender Wes Brown.

The former PSG forward made a stunning impact for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on Sunday, coming on at half-time with United 2-0 down to Southampton and turning the game on its head.

Cavani assisted Bruno Fernandes to halve the deficit before levelling the game himself and scoring a stoppage-time winner.

Brown says the 33-year-old Cavani has been brought in to provide a short-term impact rather than to replace Martial long-term, but that the younger forwards should take the opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most consistent goalscorers over the last decade.

“Martial is still a top young lad. Cavani has come in to help, if anything, he is not the long-term solution for Man Utd,” Brown told BT Sport.

“He has come into the squad and not started many games. He came on as a sub here and there. At the weekend, he produced the goods in coming back from 2-0 and getting the goals. It shows the character he is.

“Martial didn’t start that game but that’s why you have squads. If something isn’t happening right then he will try and make it right. His qualities will help Martial, Rashford and Greenwood. He possesses the positioning of a striker that those three lads haven’t got to yet where he is always making the right runs in the box.”

Brown also believes that United will need to sign another striker in the near future but, as long as Cavani continues to perform, there is no need to write him off as past his best.

“Eventually yes, but we have three young strikers alongside Cavani who is showing his experience already. If you score goals, it doesn’t matter how old you are.

“I am sure he will start more games as well but every season you need new players in your squad, to improve and to have more competition.

“He has not started so many games, you can see he is still getting back to 100 per cent fitness. But there’s the experience he can give to the younger lads up there in the positions he takes up.

“It is definitely a bonus that he is there because at times United have struggled. He takes up positions in the box that you need from a No.9. He has been doing that all his career and he will help get Ole’s team where he needs it to be.”

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