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Former France star Mathieu Valbuena insists he bears no hard feelings with Didier Deschamps for having recalled Karim Benzema to the national team fold. 

Benzema, 33, received his first call-up for Les Bleus in six years as he was included in their squad for Euro 2020 this week. 

The Real Madrid star had previously been dropped due to serious allegations regarding him and Valbuena. 

What was said? 

"If [Benzema] can bring more to the France team, so that's good for him. It will be on the field that it will be played," Valbuena explained to RMC when asked about Benzema's inclusion.

"It is the coach's choice. For me, Didier will be a winner in all cases. If the France team works, we will say that he was able to adapt and if it fails we will not blame him.

"He knows how to make his lists. He's very smart about that. Did he call me to let me know about his decision with Benzema? No, I don't expect anything from Didier, nothing from anyone. Today, I make my life and I have fun in the field. I have no further comments to make."

"Don't tell me it was a sporting decision"

The former Marseille, Lyon and Fenerbahce star also saw his international career come to an end in the aftermath of the scandal, which revolved around an alleged blackmail plot engineered by Benzema involving a sex tape. 

At the start of 2021, almost six years after Benzema's initial arrest, French authorities announced that the case was set to go to trial. 

And Valbuena, now 36 and still playing for Olympiacos, admits that he was upset with the way his France exit was handled.

“In 2016, when Didier called me to tell me that I was not taken [to Euro 2016] for sporting reasons ... I would have preferred to be dismissed for sporting reasons," he added. 

"The France team is something very special, and which accepted me a lot. When you have represented the national team, it's hard to accept that. When you see that today there are players who are called up and who play very little in their clubs, you tell yourself that there are rules for some and there are others.

"Don't tell me it was for sporting reasons. That’s what hurt and disappointed me. But then we had to move on to something else."

Further reading

Former Chippa United coach Vladislav Heric says he holds no hard feelings after getting fired by club owner Siviwe Mpengesi despite the departure coming as a shock to him. 

The Serb was shown the exit door on Wedbesday with two Premier Soccer League games to go as Chippa are fighting against relegation. 

Results in their last two games saw the Chilli Boys being held 0-0 by basement side Black Leopards and the defeat by Bloemfontein Celtic, ultimately ended Heric’s third stint at the club. 

He had been appointed as technical director just under a month ago but he was essentially the head coach. 

“Yes it came as a shock. Look I did have good results but the last two results were not on my side. In our last two home games we only had one point instead of six or four so that probably made the Chairman pull the trigger,” Heric told Far Post. 

“I don’t know a little bit of panic, a little bit over-reaction and stuff like that. I just spoke with the Chairman this morning so we are okay. There are no hard feelings or anything like that, life goes on and becomes normal so that’s the way it is.  

“Probably it was not easy for him to do that, it was not easy if you take the fact that the number of points we collected and my knowledge of NFD teams if we go to the playoffs but I didn’t believe that we will go to the playoffs.” 

Despite his unceremonious departure, Heric still believes the Chilli Boys will avoid demotion. 

They are six points better than bottom-placed Leopards and two fewer than Stellenbosch who are on position 14. 

“Yes, I am confident that Chippa will survive relegation. But my message is that I did my best but it was not enough. Sorry for losing the final and sorry for not being here during the crucial time but it was beyond my control and there was nothing I could have done," said Heric. 

The Serb is the coach who helped Chippa gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League in 2014 in what was his first stint at the club, before he retuirned in March 2018.

Chelsea and Leicester City have been charged by the Football Association for failing to control their players during a Premier League clash on Tuesday night.

The Blues exacted revenge over the Foxes after their FA Cup final defeat last weekend by securing a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge to leapfrog Brendan Rodgers' side in the top-flight standings.

However, the contest was marred by ugly stoppage time scenes that saw players from both sets of teams involved in a touchline brawl, with the FA now taking retrospective action.

What's been said?

A statement from English football's main governing body reads: “Chelsea FC and Leicester City FC have both been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture on Tuesday 18 May 2021.

“It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or club officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour during the 93rd minute.

“Chelsea FC and Leicester City FC both have until Tuesday 25 May 2021 to provide their respective responses.”

What happened at Stamford Bridge?

As Leicester frantically chased an equaliser in the dying moments of the game, Ricardo Pereira was penalised for a foul on Ben Chilwell on the right-hand side of the pitch, sparking an altercation between almost every player from both teams including goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Edouard Mendy.

The coaching staff also got involved while Foxes substitute Daniel Amartey was booked for his role in the incident, having initially caused controversy by throwing a Chelsea pennant across the dressing room while celebrating Saturday's FA Cup final triumph.

Pereira was shown a yellow card too before match referee Mike Dean was finally able to diffuse the situation, with the Blues ultimately holding out for a crucial victory to boost their chances of a top-four finish.

Leicester accused of disrespect by Rudiger 

Rudiger admitted that Chelsea set out to "punish" Leicester in their Premier League encounter while referring to the post-match video of Amartey at Wembley.

"We wanted to show to them because top four was on the line and unfortunately some people from them don’t know how to celebrate," Rudiger told Chelsea TV. "We had to punish them for this.

"Congratulations to them, they won [in the FA Cup final], celebrate and everything. But don’t disrespect the club history. This is a bit bigger than you."

State of play in top-four race

Chelsea will finish third in the Premier League if they beat Aston Villa in their final fixture, but a loss or a draw could allow Leicester to steal in ahead of them.

The fifth-place Foxes are one point behind the Blues as it stands, and will wrap up their season with a home fixture against Tottenham, while fourth-place Liverpool are due to face Crystal Palace.

Further reading

Wolves winger Adama Traore is in talks over a new contract at the Premier League club.

The Spain international was considering his future when he lost his place in the side in the autumn but is now ready to sign fresh terms after becoming a regular once more.

However, any deal is likely to include a gentleman's agreement that allows him to leave should a bigger club bid a certain fee.

Traore contract talks positive

Traore’s current contract doesn’t expire until 2023 but Wolves are keen to tie down the 25-year-old to a long-term deal. Goal understands negotiations over a new contract seem positive, with both parties keen for an agreement.

Things were different earlier this season, however, when Traore often found himself behind Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence in the Wanderers’ pecking order after a dip in form towards the end of the previous campaign.

At that stage the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa man was ready to move elsewhere but having started 14 out of the last 15 matches, he has now changed his stance.

Any deal though would come with the understanding that the player could move on should a big club make a certain bid. This wouldn’t be a formal release clause, which are rare in England, so would be more like a gentleman’s agreement.

N’Golo Kante left Leicester for Chelsea over a similar arrangement in the summer of 2016.

The bigger picture

After selling Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty last summer and losing Raul Jimenez to long-term injury, Wolves will be desperate not to see another key player head through the Molineux exit door.

News of Traore’s desire to stay will therefore be a huge boost to boss Nuno Espirito Santo after a difficult campaign largely spent in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Traore’s dribbling skills combined with his upper body strength make him a handful for opposition defenders and he was one of their star players during the first half the 2019-20 season before the coronavirus shutdown.

Liverpool, Manchester City and former club Barcelona have been linked with a move for Traore in the recent past, so it is little surprise he is pushing for some sort of agreement that would allow him to move should a bid from one of those clubs come in for him in the future.

In return a hefty transfer fee would soften the blow of losing the player, allowing Wolves to bring in a quality replacement.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been included in the Soweto giants' traveling squad ahead of their Caf Champions League quarter-final second-match against Simba SC on Saturday.

Amakhosi will be carrying a 4-0 aggregate lead into the encounter which is set to take place at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in the capital city of Tanzania, Da es Salaam.

Khune missed the first-leg game due to suspension, but the club has now revealed that the Bafana Bafana international was also injured. 

"Amakhosi welcome back Itumeleng Khune from injury, who makes his way into the squad of 23 players coach Gavin Hunt will be taking along with him to Tanzania, along with Daniel Akpeyi and Bruce Bvuma who was in goal during Chiefs first-leg triumph over Simba," a club statement read. 

However, influential attacker Khama Billiat is missing from the traveling squad as he is yet to recover from an injury that he picked up in Chiefs' 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL match last month. 

Also missing from the traveling party is Dumisani Zuma after the 25-year-old attacker picked up an injury in the first-leg clash against Simba at FNB Stadium last weekend. 

It will be Chiefs' second game in East Africa in the Caf Champions League having faced Rwandan club Kiyovu Sports in Kigali in March 1993. 

The Soweto giants emerged 4-2 winners in the first round first-leg match and they advanced to the second round after winning the tie 9-3 on aggregate. 

Burundian match referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana is set to officiate the game between Simba and Chiefs.

The Soweto giants confirmed they will depart South Africa on Thursday to fly to the East African country. 

Chiefs 23 man squad for Simba Clash

Goalkeepers:

Bruce Bvuma, Daniel Akpeyi, Itumeleng Khune

Defenders:

Njabulo Blom, Reeve Frosler, Daniel Cardoso, Anthony Akumu Agay, Happy Mashiane, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kgotso Moleko, Yagan Sasman, Siphosakhe Ntiya- Ntiya, Siyabonga Ngezana

Midfielders:

Philani Zulu, Kearyn Baccus, Lebogang Manyama, Willard Katsande, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo

Forwards:

Bernard Parker, Samir Nurković, Leonardo Castro, Lazalous Kambole

Arsenal’s African fans have reacted to the Gunners’ signing of 10-year-old wonderkid Leo Messo.

Formerly with West Ham United, the Kenyan joined the North Londoners on a scholarship on Wednesday.

There, he would be hoping to continue his development while hoping to emulate the likes of Nigeria international Alex Iwobi and England youth international of Ghanaian origin Eddie Nketiah, who all graduated from the respected Hale End.

Messo’s move to the Emirates Stadium has got football fans talking on social media with some suggesting his brother’s name would be ‘Cristiano Ronaldi’. Some feel the Premier League outfit should add Mbappi and Neymir to their squad.

Alexander Isak has called for "calm" at Real Sociedad as questions continue to be asked of his future and talk of interest from the likes of Barcelona refuses to go away.

The 21-year-old forward has seen his stock soar since arriving in Spain from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2019.

A 16-goal return last season has been matched in the current campaign, with all of those efforts coming in La Liga this time around, and admiring glances are being shot in the Sweden international's direction.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the speculation that he continues to generate, Isak has told El Diario Vasco: "[The fans] need to be calm, I am.

"My objective is to finish the season is the best way. There is one game remaining and I have said that I feel very good here. No one knows what will happen in the future. Neither you nor I.

"I take everything calmly. I have a contract with Real Sociedad and [returning after the summer] is the plan."

The bigger picture

Isak is tied to a contract through to 2024, meaning that Real Sociedad are under no pressure to sell.

The highly-rated youngster does not appear ready to push for a switch elsewhere, with his focus locked on the present.

He said when reflecting on his 2020-21 campaign as a whole, with momentum established after stumbling out of the blocks: "It has been a good season, for me and also for the team.

"Now, let's see if we finish fifth, qualify for the Europa League and achieve the objective. If we finish sixth, I believe that it won't change anything because we will still be in the Europa League. To be honest, if we finish seventh it will not be good for us.

"We also won the Copa del Rey, which was historic for Real Sociedad and we are very proud of that."

Isak added: "In the first half of the season I found it a little more difficult, I was not very good and I only scored three goals.

"But I knew the quality I have and that I could turn it around. I believe that I have done that because I have scored 13 goals this year, so I am super happy.

"Did I change anything? I don't think so. That is the way. Sometimes you are in form and other times not."

Further reading

Cardiff City centre-back Sol Bamba has confirmed he is free from cancer after completing his chemotherapy.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January and immediately started treatment.

The Ivory Coast international returned to action for Cardiff City against Rotherham United on May 8 after receiving the all-clear to play football again.

Bamba has taken to social media to appreciate all his supporters during his trying time and hopes to make an appearance for the Bluebirds again soon.

“Hey everyone, just a quick message to inform you that I'm now cancer-free! It is of course incredibly heartwarming news for my family and me, we are over the moon right now,” Bamba posted on Instagram.

“I really want to thank each and everyone that has been supporting me, whether it has been with a comment, a message, a like, or whatever, that definitely gave me extra strength to go through this.

“Above all, I want to thank the family at the NHS who took such good care of me, I will always be grateful for your job.

“Thank you to all my family, my friends and of course the club and everyone in the football industry that has helped me face this challenge. I wish you all a blessed day and will see you soon again on the pitch.”

Bamba has been with the Bluebirds since 2016 when he teamed up with the side from Leeds United and was a key performer for the side before injury limited his playing time.

The centre-back was rock solid for Cardiff as they gained promotion to the Premier League in the 2017-18 season.

He was consistent for the Bluebirds before suffering an injury in July 2019 and could only look on as the club were relegated to the Championship.

Bamba has made more than 100 appearances for Cardiff since joining the club and now since he will be returning fully to action, he will be expected to continue with his impressive defensive showings.

The defender will be expected to use the pre-season to gain his fitness and make more impact for Cardiff next campaign.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unable to explain why he has been overlooked so frequently at Liverpool of late, but he remains happy at Anfield as questions start to be asked of his future.

The England international midfielder has endured his fair share of injury struggles since completing a move to Merseyside from Arsenal in 2017.

He has taken in 103 appearances for the Reds, becoming a Champions League and Premier League title winner, but only 16 of those outings have come this season as a summer switch is now mooted for the versatile 27-year-old.

What has been said?

Discussing his situation with LFC TV after registering his first goal of the season in a 3-0 win over Burnley, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "I’ve felt pretty good for a while now, but for whatever reason it’s not been so easy with opportunities.

"Sometimes that’s part of football, it’s not what you like.

"I’ve been kicking myself, trying to push and ask questions, but sometimes it doesn’t always go your way.

"The main thing is I stay focused. I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of this team and play for this football club, and that’s what I want to do.

"That’s all I've been focusing on really, trying to make sure that I work as hard as I can for the boys. Keep training well, keep giving the manager decisions to make, as the other lads have in a similar position to me at the minute.

"That’s all we can do, keep our heads down and whenever we get the opportunity, like tonight, I went on there and did something positive.

"I’d have liked to have done that a few more times coming on this season, but you have these spells in football sometimes and the main thing is I’ve been through difficult moments in my career.

"Just being fit and healthy for a start, that’s always a good thing and gives you a base to work off.

"I’ve tried to work as hard as I can, keep my head down and keep believing in what we’re all trying to do here which is qualify for that top four.

"Any time I get the opportunity to help, I’ve got to make sure I’m ready to do that."

Oxlade-Chamberlain's record in 2020-21

The all-action midfielder has started only two Premier League games this season and taken in just 243 minutes of game time across 12 outings in the English top-flight.

His first appearance of the campaign did not come until December 19, with another serious knee problem keeping him out of 20 games.

He had previously suffered ligament damage in April 2018, with that injury seeing him miss almost a year of competitive football.

There have been further niggling knocks since then, preventing Oxlade-Chamberlain from nailing down a role in Klopp's plans.

He now faces fierce competition for places and has seen a move speculated on alongside the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri in what is shaping up to be a busy summer for Liverpool.

Further reading

Manchester United icon David Beckham has been confirmed as the final inductee of the Premier League Hall of Fame for 2021, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard also getting a nod.

Beckham, who formed part of the Red Devils' fabled Class of '92, won six league titles during his time at Old Trafford, as well as two FA Cups and the Champions League.

He was famed for his pinpoint passing and crossing ability, with 18 top-flight goals recorded from trademark free-kicks - a record at the highest level in England that still stands to this day.

What has been said?

On being voted into the Hall of Fame, Beckham has told the Premier League's official website: "It's an honour to be inducted into the inaugural Premier League Hall of Fame alongside these legends of the game and league.

"The Premier League was such an important part of my career and life and I'm delighted to be recognised alongside these icons who I played with, competed with and looked up to.

"This is made even more of an honour for me knowing that it was down to the fans. This past year or so has shown just how important fans are to the game and it's so great to see them slowly being able to come back to stadiums because they make football truly special.

"I've always said that throughout my playing career and beyond, I'm so lucky to have incredible fans who support me no end so thank you to everyone who voted."

Beckham's greatest achievements

A man that would go on to become England captain burst onto the scene as a talented teenager and announced himself to the world with a stunning strike from the halfway line during a meeting with Wimbledon in August 1996.

He said of that effort: "That Wimbledon goal from the halfway line was an amazing moment.

"Looking back now and seeing photos of it where you can see my mum and dad behind the goal celebrating, that makes it even more special.

"It was a great strike and I’m lucky it went in otherwise I’m sure the manager would have had something to say about it!"

He added on the many trophies that he won and what they still mean to him, having grown up as a United supporter: "Every title is special and I cherish the memories of every single one. That being said, the win in 1999 was definitely one of my favourites.

"Considering what we were able to achieve that season when so many people wrote us off, it was an incredible moment and one of the proudest moments in my career."

Who else is in the Hall of Fame?

Alongside Beckham in the final round of voting, ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard has also made the grade.

The all-action midfielder spent 17 memorable years as part of the first-team fold at Anfield, helping the Reds to FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League glory.

The Premier League has said of another all-time great: "As the driving force in Liverpool's midfield for 17 years, Gerrard inspired his team-mates with surging runs, pinpoint passes, talismanic tackles and spectacular strikes, scoring 120 goals and providing 92 assists in the competition.

"Gerrard made 504 PL appearances between 1998 and 2015, all for Liverpool, and is one of only two players to make at least 500 appearances for the club in the competition, along with Jamie Carragher (508).

"The midfielder's qualities were highlighted by the fact he won the Premier League Player of the Month award six times."

Gerrard and Beckham now sit alongside Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dennis Bergkamp and Frank Lampard in the Hall of Fame.

Further reading

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew wants the club to remain focused ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final second leg encounter with Barnsley.

The Jack Army go into Saturday’s game with an advantage after picking a valuable 1-0 away triumph in the first leg fixture at Oakwell.

Swansea are looking to earn a return to the Premier League after suffering relegation in 2018.

“The first leg was a very difficult game and we know the second leg will be too, we already knew how tough a team they are and that they deserve their place in the play-offs,” Ayew said, as reported by his club’s official website.

“We will have to be ready. The most important thing is to try and get to Wembley and do everything we can for the fans and the club.

“Everyone plays a part. [goalkeeper] Freddie [Woodman] made a great double save in the first game, and if you want to get results in these games everyone has to be ready to give a bit more.

“We have to be ready to do that again, we will stay calm, prepare well and look to try and play better again.”

Ayew has been Swansea’s danger-man this season, not only because he scored the crucial goal in the first leg fixture.

In the regular season, he netted 16 times in 43 matches, finishing as the club’s top scorer, same as he did in the campaign before.

“We have our fans back for this one and I cannot wait, that’s a fact,” the Ghana star added.

“It was noisy at Barnsley, but we know how noisy our fans can be and we want to experience that and give them a trip to Wembley.

“But there’s a lot of work to be done, the first game was won on fine details and we know we need to do more than we did in the first leg.”

Victor Lindelof has delivered an "okay season" assessment of Manchester United's efforts in 2020-21, with the Swedish defender all too aware that the Red Devils "haven't won anything yet".

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will get an opportunity to bring their four-year wait for major silverware to a close when facing Villarreal in the Europa League final on May 26.

Tangible success would see them end a productive campaign on a high, with a runner-up finish secured in the Premier League, but Lindelof admits that long-term sights need to be set much higher at Old Trafford.

What has been said?

On United's efforts this season, Lindelof has told the Red Devils' official website: "It’s been a lot of games, a very tight schedule.

"It’s been [taxing], not just for your body but for your mind as well. It’s been a mentally tough season. 

"I think we have been performing some really good football. Obviously, we maybe could have won some more games but, overall, it’s been an okay season. Hopefully we can finish strong and win some silverware.

"That would be great, but, you know, I don’t want to say it’s a great season. 

"Obviously we haven’t won anything so it’s difficult to say that, but as a team I think we have grown a lot and I think we have become even better. 

"Hopefully we can take that with us into next season and perform even better, but I can’t say it’s been a great season because we haven’t won anything yet."

United's away record

The Red Devils' remaining two fixtures this season are both due to be staged away from Old Trafford.

That could work in their favour, with Wolves and Villarreal still to play, as Solskjaer's side have fared better on their travels in 2020-21 than they have in their own backyard.

All six of their Premier League defeats have come on home soil, with the potential there for them to complete an unbeaten domestic campaign on the road at Molineux on Sunday.

Quizzed on that record, Lindelof said: "Especially in the Premier League it’s very, very hard.

"Every game is tough and to go and win, or not lose, away is a great accomplishment. It also shows, like I've talked about, as a team the way we have improved.

"If we concede a goal, we know we can come back and win the game. I think if we just keep working hard and doing the things we’re doing, we can do some great things."

Further reading

Simba SC spokesperson Haji Manara has claimed an intense 10-minute attack by Simba SC will turn the game around against Kaizer Chiefs in the Caf Champions League second leg.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi will welcome Amakhosi at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday, looking to eventually overturn the first leg 4-0 loss in the quarter-finals.

“If Simba are going to attack seriously and intensely in the first 10 minutes, Kaizer Chiefs are going to fall because no team in Africa can stand furious attacks from Simba under 10 minutes,” Manara told the club’s Online TV.

“In 10 minutes, we will have scored the first goal and that is when Chiefs must forget about everything because the match will be over by then. With attacks by Luis Miquissone, Clatous Chama, and Bernard Morrison, the opponent must collapse.”

Manara also revealed their slogan ahead of the meeting against the Premier Soccer League side in Dar es Salaam.

“We have prepared but to get results we will depend on the feet of Joash Onyango and his company. 'Do or Die Season Two' is our slogan,” he added. “They will not get out of Mkapa Stadium with any meaningful result.

“I am going to sleep at the camp and I have already told my wife because we must push our players. We must show how Simba are big. In fact, Simba were among three clubs that had been tipped to be African champions then we lost to Kaizer Chiefs. How?”

He also stated they are aware of how their opponents have arranged to travel to Tanzania even though Kaizer Chiefs have not made such information public.

“Kaizer have not announced when they are coming but we have got big ears so we know when they will come and all the arrangements they have. You cannot plan to come to Tanzania and we fail to know,” he stated.

“We know where they will reside, where they will eat and how many they are. We know all that stuff and we also know how rival fans in Tanzania have planned to welcome them. All they are doing thinking it is secret, we know more even 10 times than what they think.”

Manara further said they have been allowed to have 10,000 fans to witness the showdown.

“We have been given the green light to allow 10,000 fans but through TFF has asked Caf to increase the number. We hope our prayer will be accepted because we have seen even in Europe fans have been allowed to attend games,” concluded the outspoken official.

Talismanic Indian forward Sunil Chhetri is looking forward to play in Doha, Qatar as the Indian national team is all set to play their remaining 2022 World Cup qualifying matches next month.

The Blue Tigers under the tutelage of coach Igor Stimac have already reached Qatar and will begin their campaign against the hosts on June 3.

The last time India toured Qatar was back in September 2019 when they faced the reigning Asian Champions in the first leg of the qualifiers. The Blue Tigers had held the mighty Qataris to a goalless draw. Unfortunately, Chhetri did not feature in the matchday squad owing to an injury.

However, Chhetri is no stranger to playing in Qatar, having featured in the 2011 Asian Cup and 2016 AFC Cup final. 

Speaking to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Chhetri reminisced about playing the 2011 Asian Cup and the 2016 AFC Cup final with India and Bengaluru FC respectively in Doha.

What did Chhetri say?

"Doha has always had an emotional connection with me. It was there that I played in the 2011 Asian Cup, and also the AFC Cup final for my club Bengaluru FC," said Chhetri on going back to Qatar after a gap of five years.

"Personally, I am eagerly looking forward to being in Doha. The last time I was in Doha, I couldn't be a part of the match against Qatar owing to illness," added Chhetri.

'The matches in June are extremely tough'

India will take on Qatar on June 3 followed by facing Afghanistan on June 7 and in their final group stage match they will lock horns against Bangladesh on June 15.

The Blue Tigers did not get much preparation time owing to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India and Chhetri opined that it will be a tough test for the Indian team in Doha.

He said, "The matches in June are extremely tough and we need to take them one at a time. Given the fact that we don't have much time, the preparatory camp will add immense value helping all to gel together, and strike that chord ahead of the first match."

Th 2020-21 season of the Premier League is all set to experience a thrilling final matchday as three teams Chelsea, Leicester City and Liverpool are in contention for the two remaining top-four slots which guarantee Champions League football next season.

Manchester City have already won the title and their city rivals Manchester United are guaranteed of second place which means only the third and fourth places are up for grabs. 

With Chelsea beating Leicester City on Tuesday night and Liverpool picking a comfortable 3-0 win over on Wednesday night, the Blues and the Reds currently occupy the third and fourth positions on the points table and Leicester City are placed fifth. 

Who are Chelsea, Leicester and Liverpool playing next?

The Blues played their final match away from home against Aston Villa, while Liverpool host Crystal Palace at the Anfield. Leicester City have the toughest fixture of the lot as they play host to Tottenham Hotspur in their final match. All the matches will be played on May 23 and the kick-offs will be simultaneously held at 8:30 PM (IST).

What does the Premier League table look like?

How can Chelsea qualify for the Champions League?

If Chelsea win their tie against Villa they go through irrespective of what happens in the other two fixtures.

If they draw the tie then they will have to hope that either Liverpool or Leicester City drop points. If they lose then also they stand a chance of making the top-four but in that case either of the two sides have to lose their respective match as well. 

However, if Chelsea lose and Liverpool and Leicester draw their games, then it will come down to goal difference between Chelsea and Leicester to determine who goes through. 

Now, if Chelsea do drop out of top four after the final matchday, they can still qualify for the Champions League next season if they can win the upcoming Champions League final where they are set to take on Manchester City on May 29. 

How can Liverpool qualify for the Champions League?

A win more or less guarantees Liverpool a top-four finish unless Leicester manage to overhaul Liverpool's superior goal difference (GD). Liverpool have a better GD (24) than Chelsea (23) and Leicester (20). If Liverpool draw their next game, they will hope either Chelsea loses or Leicester draw or lose their game which would be enough for the Reds.

If Liverpool lose their next match, then they will hope Leicester also loses so that they can go through. 

How can Leicester City qualify for the Champions League?

Defeat is not an option for Brend Rodgers' side if they want to achieve the Champions League slot. If they win their fixture, then they will hope that either of Chelsea or Liverpool drop points or ensure they win so big that they overhaul Liverpool's superior goal difference (+4). 

If they managed to draw, then they have to hope that Liverpool lose their tie or Chelsea to suffer a heavy loss (by three goals or more). 

Further reading

How to watch Premier League in India

Football on TV in India

Atletico Madrid are on the verge of winning their first domestic crown since 2013-14 as they sit two points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid with one game left to play.

Goals from Renan Lodi and Luis Suarez in the final 10 minutes saw Atletico come from behind and claim a deserved 2-1 victory against Osasuna to remain at the top of the table last Sunday, and Nacho's solitary strike at Athletic Club was enough to keep Real Madrid in the hunt for the La Liga crown.

Barcelona were in contention until Celta Vigo came from behind to win 2-1 and end Ronal Koeman's title hopes after Lionel Messi had given Barca the lead in the penultimate round.

Who will win La Liga?
 

Contents

What does the La Liga table look like?

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Who will win La Liga?

With a two-point lead at the top, it's Atletico's title to lose as Madrid will be hoping for the former to drop points on Sunday. 

Diego Simeone's men travel to face relegation-threatened Real Valladolid in what could be their title-winning last game. If Atletico lose of even draw, it would offer Real a chance to pick three points and win the league on account of a superior head-to-head record.

Hence, if it is to be Zinedine Zidane's last throw of the dice, then it couldn't get to be much more of a dramatic domestic finale than this when they face fellow European hopefuls Villarreal.

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Where to watch or stream the La Liga

La Liga in India is available to be streamed Live on  Facebook . 

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La Liga fixtures

Matchday 38

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