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Transfer news and rumours are an endless source of excitement for football fans each season as speculation bubbles about which players clubs might buy or sell.

Of course, business can only officially be done during two specified periods, generally known as the January transfer window and the summer transfer window.

Some players are in high demand, so negotiations can drag on and the time constraints can occasionally make for a tense crescendo as the deadline draws near.

With the 2020-21 season approaching its conclusion and the 2021-22 one not far away, Goal brings you everything you need to know about the upcoming summer transfer window.

When does the 2021 summer transfer window open?

The summer transfer window will open on Wednesday June 9, 2021 for Premier League clubs and it will run for 12 weeks until 11pm BST (6pm ET) on Tuesday August 31.

That means transfers deals can be officially concluded before Euro 2020 kicks off on June 11.

Interestingly, the window in England opens sooner than that of its counterparts in Europe's other top leagues, which all align in terms of start date and finish date.

For La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, the summer transfer window is set to open on Thursday July 1, 2021 and will remain so until August 31.

Which players could be on the move?

Following the sudden abandonment of the Super League plans in April, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez warned that there would not be any big-money transfers this summer.

Nevertheless, the stern prediction has not prevented talk of potential moves during the upcoming transfer window. Goal takes a look at some of the players who could be targeted.

Erling Haaland | Borussia Dortmund

Some of the richest clubs in football have been linked with Erling Haaland as the Norwegian striker continues to bedazzle opponents with his pace and power.

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are some of the clubs that have been touted as potential destinations, but Borussia Dortmund wish to keep one of their best players at the club.

Interestingly, despite Dortmund's position and Perez's aforementioned words of warning, Haaland's agent Mino Raiola hinted in May that a deal could happen.

“Today, the official stance of Dortmund is this," Raiola told AS of the German club's desire to keep his client. "But I've got another view, I think that if a good opportunity comes up and everyone would be happy, we'll put it on the table."

Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also among the clubs to have been namechecked by Raiola when discussing Haaland's future options.

Lionel Messi | Barcelona

In 2020, Lionel Messi sensationally reversed course and opted to remain with Barcelona, but the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract is still up in 2021 and he could potentially leave.

New Barca president Joan Laporta is convinced that the Argentine will remain at Camp Nou though, telling Deportes Cuatro: "I will do everything within the club's capabilities to get him to stay."

Despite coming perilously close to leaving last year, Messi retains an affection for Barca, but a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has long been considered.

As well as City, it is no secret that Paris Saint-Germain "have always wanted Messi, every year" and such a move would mean a different reunion - with Neymar.

Kylian Mbappe | Paris Saint-Germain

Realistically, there are only a handful of clubs with the financial might to tempt Kylian Mbappe away from Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid and Manchester City have both been linked with the World Cup winner, whose future with the Ligue 1 side is very much up in the air, especially after PSG's failure to reach the 2021 Champions League final.

Considering the remarks by Madrid president Perez, it looks increasingly unlikely that he will be off to the Spanish capital, but stranger things have happened.

Jack Grealish | Aston Villa

Aston Villa stalwart Jack Grealish suffered injury frustration towards the end of the 2020-21 season, but that is not likely to deter the clubs chasing his signature.

Manchester United favourites Roy Keane and Bryan Robson have spoken in admiring tones about Grealish in the past, while Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked.

The England international's agent Jonathan Barnett said in March that he anticipated a number of deals involving his clients, telling The Athletic that they would "break a lot of records".

Jadon Sancho | Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc recently revealed that the club had a 'gentleman's agreement' with Jadon Sancho that allowed the forward to move on "under certain conditions".

Manchester United are the club most frequently linked with Sancho and a switch to the Red Devils might be a bitter pill to swallow for Manchester City fans if they see a youth product at their rivals.

However, Old Trafford isn't the only potential destination, with Chelsea and Liverpool also spoken of as attractive suitors for the England international.

Eduardo Camavinga | Rennes

Eduardo Camavinga is widely considered one of the brightest prospects in football at the minute - he was runner-up to Ansu Fati in this year's NXGN - and could be on the move soon.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are considered among the frontrunners for the teenager's signature, while there is always a possibility that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could rekindle his interest.

The aforementioned Jonathan Barnett also represents Camavinga and the midfielder could well be among the batch of clients touted for record-breaking moves.

Villarreal manager Unai Emery has tagged Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a ‘killer’ ahead of Thursday’s Europa League game against Arsenal.

The Yellow Submarine head to England for Thursday’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniards hold the advantage after a 2-1 victory over the Gunners at the Estadio de la Ceramica – needing a draw to reach the competition’s final for the first time.

Emery, 49, cited the danger the Gabon international represent in Mikel Arteta’s side, claiming that it would be very difficult to stop when at ‘top level.

“Aubameyang is a killer. He was he is he always will be,” Emery told media per Football.London ahead of Thursday game.

“Aubameyang is there to work, to defend the team and do everything for the team.

“When he performs at the top level it’s going to be very difficult to stop. Like Xhaka I think he’s a great person and behind the great person a great footballer.”

On how his team feels ahead of Thursday’s cracker, the tactician stated that his men are going to be ready for whatever comes their way in England.

“Well, we are at a very beautiful moment it’s a very beautiful moment for us we have been working throughout the year trying to build on confidence results and objectives and in the Europa League we’ve had quite a solid path so far,” he continued.

“We are facing the game tomorrow along the same lines. We are going to keep building on what we did last 90 minutes.

“We are ahead 2-1 but that doesn’t change anything. We are going to try to be ready for whatever comes.

“It’s true as for experience all I know is the end is good. What's really nice is to go along the whole way, the key moments in certain ties and in certain matches. Knowing how to suffer etc. It’s a whole process and that’s what we’re living now.”

Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze is expected to be on parade when hostilities commence, however, Tottenham Hotspur loanee Juan Foyth has been ruled out.

The winner on aggregate will lock horn against Manchester United or AS Roma in the final scheduled for May 26 at the Stadium Miejski, Gdansk.

Safa have announced Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Hugo Broos as the new Bafana Bafana tactician.

The South Africa job is the Belgian’s fourth in Africa after previously taking charge of Algerian clubs JS Kabylie and NA Hussein Dey as well as Cameroon whom he guided to the 2017 Afcon triumph and the Fifa Confederations Cup later that year.  

Hugo replaces Molefi Ntseki who was fitted at the end of March after failing to help Bafana qualify for the 2022 Afcon finals. 

The appointment of the Belgian ends weeks of speculation about who was going to be the next man to take charge of South Africa. 

With the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, Safa had to move faster in their search for a coach after at one time they reportedly got closer to bringing back Carlos Queiroz but a deal could not materialise. 

Pitso Mosimane and Benni McCarthy’s names were prominently mentioned as a possible new Bafana coach while Herve Renard distanced himself from rumours that he had applied.to take over from Ntseki. 

Broos takes over a team whose fans are hurt after failure to qualify for the Afcon tournament to be held in Cameroon next year.  

The formerRSC Anderlecht and Club Brugge coach’s first assignment in the Bafana seat would be taking his team to Harare for the June 5 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in what presents him with a tough test. 

Another stern challenge awaits six days later when South Africa host Ghana in what would be their second Group G match. 

With Bafana having last qualified for the World Cup in 2002, Broos is pressed to help the team to Qatar 2022 and bury the Afcon disappointment.  

Since leaving Cameroon in December 2017, Broos was KV Oostende sporting director between March 2018 and April 2019, including a one month role as caretaker coach within that period.

Ze Roberto has backed Vinicius Junior to become a Real Madrid legend, while also tipping Chelsea to beat his old club and reach the Champions League final.

Vinicius is currently enjoying his best season yet at Madrid, having initially been snapped up from Flamengo for €46 million (£40m/$55m) in 2018.

The 20-year-old has improved his end product and sharpened the rough edges of his game under Zinedine Zidane, leaving Ze Roberto convinced that he will go on to reach the highest level.

What's been said?

Asked if Vinicius, who has scored six goals in the 2020-21 campaign, is capable of becoming a Madrid legend, Ze Roberto told Goal : "Absolutely, yes. He has huge potential and he will show his potential through time and seeking his place at the club.

"In order to fulfil this he will need confidence, and you only get confidence when you're having minutes."

Ze Roberto believes Rodrygo, who also moved to Santiago Bernabeu from Flamengo as a teenager, can follow the same career path as Vinicius.

"This does not apply only to him (Vinicius), but also to Rodrygo, who also has huge potential," he added. "They will need to fulfil this potential without ignoring the psychological aspects.

"They're the next generation, for sure. The last generation of players that have maintained their level during the last ten years - Cristiano Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Robert] Lewandowski - they will not last forever.

"So, we have to welcome this new generation and I put them, Vinicius Junior, [Kylian] Mbappe and Rodrygo, among this new generation of players with massive potential."

Ze Roberto's prediction for Chelsea vs Madrid

Despite the fact Madrid will have a fully fit and firing Vinicius at their disposal in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge in midweek, Ze Roberto thinks Chelsea will end up edging the tie to set up a final meeting with Manchester City.

The Blues earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Spain last week, and the Brazilian feels Thomas Tuchel will have another master plan in place to finish off the Blancos.

"I think Chelsea have one of the bests defensive systems of Europe, if not the best one," said Ze Roberto. "I like the way they're playing, so I'll bet on Chelsea for this one."

Further reading

Hansi Flick "would make an excellent national coach", according to German Football Association (DFB) national team director Oliver Bierhoff, who has described the outgoing Bayern Munich boss as someone who "brings people together".

Flick will step down from his role in the Bayern hot seat at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, having reached an agreement with the club to cut short his contract by two years.

With RB Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann already confirmed as Bayern's next manager, the path has been cleared for Flick to succeed Joachim Low in the Germany dugout, a prospect which has been welcomed by Bierhoff.

What's been said?

Bierhoff, who won 70 caps for Germany between 1996 and 2002, told BILD : "Now the way is free to talk to him.

"You don't have to be a great expert to say that Hansi would make an excellent national coach. 

"First of all, I'm happy that this option has been given. Hansi Flick knows the association. He is someone who creates an atmosphere and brings people together."

What else have the DFB said?

The DFB confirmed its intention to open talks with Flick at the end of April , with Low set to walk away from his post after this summer's European Championship.

Germany football's main governing body said in a statement: "It is well known that Hansi Flick is held in high regard by the DFB. We can confirm that, against this background, we will now hold talks with him and those responsible at FC Bayern."

Flick's credentials 

Flick already has a strong history with the German national team, having served as Low's assistant for eight years before joining the DFB board as a sporting director after their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil.

The 56-year-old became Niko Kovac's number two at Bayern in July 2019, and stepped up to the head coach position on an interim basis after the Croatian's sacking four months later.

Flick went on to guide the Bundesliga champions to an unprecedented treble, earning a permanent contract in the process, before also delivering the DFB Supercup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in the first half of the current campaign.

Further reading

Umar Sadiq is hoping to win the Segunda Division Golden Boot, as well as help Almeria return to La Liga.

The former Nigeria youth international joined the Rojiblancos from Serbian side Partizan on a five-year contract on October 5, 2020.

He has been an instant hit for Rubi’s team by helping them remain in contention for a La Liga place.

Having found the net on 18 occasions, he is behind only Espanyol’s Raul de Tomas (22 goals) and Sporting Gijon’s Djurdjevic (24 goals) in the race for the 2020-21 Golden Boot prize.

Unbeaten in their last three games, impressive results in their last five games could earn them an automatic ticket to the Spanish top flight or a place in the promotion play-off at least.

Nevertheless, the former AS Roma and Bologna star has voiced his preference for achieving both at the end of the current campaign, he maintained the team's needs come before those of the individual.

“I’m satisfied, on a personal level, with the goals that I’ve scored so far, but the important thing is not that,” he told the club website.

“All that matters is that we can win promotion to Primera Division, which is the prime objective.

“I don't look at what the other players who also have scored many goals are doing, although it’s clear that I’d like my team to get promoted and also be the top scorer.

“We, strikers, are here to score goals and help our teams, so in addition to scoring, I like giving assists and contributing as much as I can to the team.”

Manager Rubi penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with Almería on 28 April, replacing Jose Manuel Gomes, who was fired over poor performances.

The 24-year-old also gave his assessment of his boss and likened him to a teacher.

“He’s giving us great ideas both in attack and defence, which we now have to put into action on the pitch. He’s like a teacher,” he continued.

“We did very good things with Jose Gomes. From there, you have to keep growing and improving to reach our goal.”

Sadiq and his team travel to Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez Lopez on Friday for a date with Manu Apeh’s Tenerife.

Having accrued 63 points from 37 games, they occupy the third position on the Spanish second division table.

This week, African Football HQ are celebrating the most outstanding African performances in the Champions League semi-finals.

Some of the continent’s biggest names—including the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane—have made major impacts at this stage of the European Cup.

Riyad Mahrez added his name to that illustrious list this year, as the Algeria maestro put Paris Saint-Germain to the sword across both legs in order to reach their first ever UCL final.

No club, however, have benefited from African stars in the semi-finals as much as Chelsea, who relied on some major African performances as they reached two finals and fell short on other occasions.

2021 provides another opportunity for the Pensioners’ African stars to make a big impact in the tournament and reach the final, their first since 2012, with Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech on course to oust Real Madrid.

They are following in the footsteps of giants, and on this week’s AFHQ Unplugged, Ed Dove reviews and celebrates some of Chelsea’s biggest and best performances in the UCL semis.

Didier Drogba’s showing in 2008 was particularly memorable, as he scored twice against Liverpool to help the Blues win a tempestuous showdown 3-2 on the night to progress 4-3 on aggregate.

On that occasion, the Londoners were defeated in the final by Manchester United.

A year later, it was Michael Essien who stole the show in the semi.

The Bison netted a wondergoal—a left-footed volley from outside the box—to breathe hope into Chelsea’s campaign in the ninth minute of the semi-final second leg.

However, a horror refereeing display—the Blues were arguably denied three clear penalties—ultimately cost them the chance of making the final.

Essien’s goal—while breathtaking—ultimately amounted to nothing.

The same can’t be said, however, for John Obi Mikel’s performance against Barcelona in the 2012 semi-final. It was a mammoth display by the midfielder, as he delivered a commanding display to ensure the Blues progressed.

This set the stage for Drogba to down Bayern Munich and bring the UCL to Stamford Bridge for the first time in the club’s history.

Mikel Arteta believes it will be ‘great’ to see Arsenal fans lining the streets outside Emirates Stadium on Thursday night to cheer the Arsenal team coach into the stadium ahead of the Europa League semi-final against Villarreal.

Supporters are once again planning to protest against the ownership of Stan Kroenke before the second leg of the semi-final, which Arsenal go into trailing 2-1 following defat in Spain last week.

But, mindful of the importance of the game, there are also plans to welcome to team coach into the ground when it arrives approximately two hours before kick-off.

And Arteta says that would be a big boost to his squad ahead of a tie that will define Arsenal’s season.

What has been said?

When asked if he felt the players would be lifted by fans welcoming them into the ground, the Arsenal boss said: “I think that would be great.

“We’ve been missing them so much. We need them and for the players and the team to feel that they are right behind them supporting them.

“I think it is the 10th time the club has played a European semi-final, so it’s a big moment for us. Hopefully we can have them closer than we have already in the last few months.”

Arteta’s message to supporters

Arteta was also keen to make it clear that he felt the Arsenal fans had every right to stage another protest against the club’s owners, following on from the large gathering that took place before the Everton game last month.

But he urged those planning on attending to ensure the protest was done in a peaceful way, given what went on at the weekend when Manchester United fans got into Old Trafford and forced Sunday’s match against Liverpool to be postponed.

“I think that they have to be able to express themselves,” Arteta said. “If it is done in a specific way they have the right to do it.

“We will try to prepare for the game in the best possible way. I wouldn’t like to use any excuses if something happens with that.

“I know that the only purpose of the fans is to defend the club and they want the best for the team and we will try to do the same.”

Further reading 

Former Cameroon head coach Hugo Brooks has confirmed contact from the South African Football Association regarding the Bafana Bafana coaching job.

Safa is looking to find a replacement for Molefi Ntseki, who was dismissed after Bafana failed to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon last month. 

Broos, who has been jobless since he parted ways with Belgian First Division A club KV Oostende in 2019, is among the coaches which have been linked with the vacant coaching job.

The Belgian tactician has now revealed that he was approached by Safa with the 69-year-old having led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title.

“We had contact one week ago,” Broos told Sowetan. 

According to the publication, Broos also confirmed on Tuesday night that he was still in Belgium, but he did not give details of his discussion with Safa.

"The only thing I am willing to say for now is that there was contact with me one week ago. I don’t know what is going to happen in the next day or the coming days," he said. 

"Nothing has happened between me and the federation [Safa] and I don’t want to comment too much on this matter."

Broos, who has also been linked with the DR Congo coaching job, coached Algerian clubs JS Kabylie and NA Hussein Dey between 2014 and 2015. 

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as South African tacticians Benni McCarthy and Pitso Mosimane have also been linked with the Bafana job in recent weeks.

Having both coached Bafana in the past, Queiroz and current Al Ahly head coach Mosimane are reportedly not interested in the national team job.

While Bafana legend McCarthy is currently in charge of AmaZulu FC and he has confirmed his interest in the Bafana job, but the KwaZulu-Natal giants are keen to keep the retired striker.

Safa recently released a statement dismissing reports linking them with McCarthy and the association is expected to announce a new coach this week.

The nation's football governing body is looking to bring in a new Bafana coach before the national team starts its 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign in June.

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila head coach Dylan Kerr has faulted the decision by the match referee to award a penalty to Kaizer Chiefs after he consulted with the fourth official.

The Soweto giants were awarded a penalty after Samir Nurkovic went down under a challenge from Ayanda Nkili, but referee Victor Hlongwane took his time to make a decision and needed the help of his fourth official before pointing to the spot.

The decision has irked Kerr, who has told Goal he was disappointed about how a fourth official, who was a long way away from the incident, convinced the referee that it was a penalty.

“The fourth official was 60 yards away but he gave out the penalty while the referee was ten metres away,” Kerr told Goal on Wednesday.

“In the first instance, the referee had said no, then he consulted the fourth official and the furthest linesman who told him it was a penalty.

“The referee needs help I agree but if he’s closest and does not see a foul how does the assistant or fourth official so far away give the decision?”

“I’ve lots of respect for officials but sometimes they get it wrong but that’s part of the game, as they say.”

On the team’s win against Kaizer Chiefs, Kerr explained: “We followed the game plan, keeping the ball from them, and we could have scored more had we used our chances.”

Goals from Thabo Rakhale and Thabo Mnyamane earned Vhadau Vha Damani a narrow win, while Lebogang Manyama grabbed Amakhosi's second-half equaliser following the penalty.

Vhadau Vha Damani were looking to return to winning ways after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Black Leopards last weekend, and also avenge their first-round 3-0 loss to Chiefs in January.

Kerr adopted an offensive approach with attackers Thabo Rakhale, Thabo Mnyamane, Celimpilo Ngema, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and Lerato Lamola all starting. 

On the other hand, Amakhosi were determined to snap their two-match winless run having let a two-goal lead slip in their 2-2 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday.

Amakhosi were reduced to 10 players in the 38th minute after Njabulo Blom was red-carded with the Chiefs midfield maestro having picked up his second yellow card of the game following another foul on Ndlondlo.

The hosts then took advantage of their numerical superiority over Chiefs in the 42nd minute when Rakhale controlled a cross from Mnyamane, before scoring to make it 1-0 to TTM heading into the half-time break. 

Chiefs piled pressure on TTM with Manyama dribbling past two defenders on the edge of the box, before unleashing a low shot which was well-saved by TTM goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty after Samir Nurkovic was fouled in the box by Ayanda Nkili and Manyama scored from the rebound to make it 1-1 in the 66th minute, after Arubi had blocked his initial shot from the penalty spot.

The win enabled Tshakhuma to move up to 14th place on the league table as they climbed out of the relegation zone and they will face Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, while Chiefs remained ninth on the standings as their hopes of finishing in the top eight took another knock.

Next they take on Swallows FC in a PSL clash on May 12.

Express FC goalkeeper Denis Otim has stated they are ready to be paired with any team in the Uganda Cup after sealing their place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The Red Eagles made it to the last eight of the domestic cup after a 0-0 draw against URA FC in the Round of 16 return leg at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje and thus qualified 2-1 on aggregate, having won the first leg at Wankulukuku Stadium.

Otim has praised his teammates for a job well done against the Tax Collectors and maintained they are not afraid of any team in the next stage.

“We have had a huge game today [Tuesday], the surface wasn’t favourable for us due to the heavy rain but I thank the team for a good job done,” Otim, who managed another clean sheet, told the club’s official website after the game.

“We have made it to the quarters and we are ready for anyone coming up, we now go back home to correct our mistakes and bounce back stronger.”

Asked about the latest clean sheet, Otim was quick to appreciate his teammates and technical team by stating: I am really excited, three clean sheets in five games is a huge job, I thank my fellow goalkeepers and the goalkeeping coach for guiding me and the head coach for trusting me.”

On his part, coach Wasswa Bbosa said the most important thing was to reach the last eight of the competition and was delighted the team had achieved the feat.

“The most important thing is we prepared well, we knew we needed a draw or win and the boys played as a unit to deliver,” Bbosa told the same portal.

“We have now advanced and we shift our focus to whoever we shall play in the quarter-finals.”

The game which was delayed for 20 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch, started off slowly as both teams traded cautiously on a very wet and slippery surface, and it was Express who got the best chance to take the lead through Charles Musiige but his shot was brilliantly saved by URA goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo.

Express will now shift their focus to the Ugandan Premier League where they will face Police FC on Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to keep their PSL title defence on track when they lock horns with Maritzburg United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

Masandawana ended their three-match winless run in the league when they thrashed Orlando Pirates 3-0 away on Sunday and the win saw them return to the top of the PSL standings.

The defending champions will now take on an improving Maritzburg side which is looking to move further away from the relegation zone having drawn 1-1 with Swallows FC at home last week Friday. 

The Team of Choice are unbeaten in their last three games and they are currently placed 12th on the league standings - a point above the relegation zone. 

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Sundowns, who are under the guidance of co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, could be without striker Kermit Erasmus and left-sided player Aubrey Modiba.

The duo picked up injuries in Masandawana's win over Pirates, but the Tshwane giants have enough depth to cope without the two Bafana Bafana internationals.

Mngqithi and Mokwena could bring in Gift Motupa and Lyle Lakay with the duo having grabbed an assist and a goal, respectively, after coming on as substitutes against Pirates.

A win over Maritzburg will see Sundowns open a four-point lead at the top of the standings and they also have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Maritzburg have not reported any new suspensions or injuries ahead of their encounter with Sundowns in the country's administrative capital city, Pretoria.

Team of Choice head coach Ernst Middendorp will look to midfield maestro Travis Graham, who has stepped up his performances after the club parted ways with Keagan Buchanan in January 2021.

In-form striker Thabiso Kutumela has netted nine goals in his last 10 competitive games and the Bafana international will pose a threat to the Sundowns defence.

Maritzburg will climb up to 11th place on the standings - four points behind eighth-placed TS Galaxy - if they secure a win over Masandawana.

Match Preview

In head-to-head stats since the 2005/06 season, Sundowns and Maritzburg have clashed in 29 league games. 

Masandawana have registered 18 wins compared to three for the Team of Choice, while eight games have been drawn.

Looking at Sundowns' home record against Maritzburg, the Tshwane giants have recorded 10 wins, three draws and one defeat from 14 matches as the hosts. 

The first round encounter between Sundowns and Maritzburg ended in a 1-1 draw at Harry Gwala Stadium in December 2020. 

Maritzburg defender-come-midfielder Kwanda Mngonyama's second-half goal cancelled out Sundowns forward Themba Zwane's opening goal.

Manchester United will have full control in the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg clash against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico stadium on Thursday night, as the Premier League outfit registered a 6-2 win over the Italian side in the first leg at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes (9', 71' pen) and Edinson Cavani (48', 64') nabbed doubles, while Paul Pogba (75') and Mason Greenwood (86') completed the tally, even though Lorenzo Pellegrini (15' pen) and Edin Dzeko (33') had put Roma up by a goal at one stage.

With the second leg set to take place soon, here's how you can watch AS Roma vs Manchester United in India.
 

Contents

Where to watch or stream the Europa League match

Europa League in India is telecast on Sony Networks 

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Europa League Preview

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are expected to feature in the final on May 26 as they have a 6-2 lead from the first leg of the last-four tie. United will be in Premier League action again in the next two Wednesdays before their domestic campaign wraps up on May 23, but there is yet no confirmation of when the called off match against Liverpool will go ahead following Sunday's postponement.

One can expect United to make as little changes as possible with Edison Cavani starting up front and Paul Pogba on the left of midfield while Phil Jones and Anthony Martial continue to miss out due to injuries.

Roma, in all probabilities, will be looking to salvage some pride in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals but it will be interesting if the Giallorossi can keep it compact in the middle and sufficiently hit out on the break with players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Edin Dzeko to count on.

Semifinal 1

Road to Semifinal

Manchester United joined the Europa League 2020-21 campaign from the round of 32 after finishing third in the Group H of the UEFA Champions League behind PSG and RB Leipzig. The Red Devils had defeated Red Star Belgrade (4-3 aggregate) in the round of 32 and then got the better of AC Milan in the round of 16 (2-1 aggregate). In the quarterfinal, they had beaten Granada 4-0 over two legs.

AS Roma were in Group A alongside Young Boys, CFR Cluj and CSKA Sofia. Roma had topped the group stage with 13 points. In the round of 32, they defeated Braga 5-1 on aggregate and then beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 16 5-1 over two legs. In the quarterfinal, they defeated Ajax 3-2 on aggregate.

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Related links

Arsenal have a vital away goal against Villarreal to take into the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals at the Emirates, on Thursday. However, the Spanish side holds the advantage after a 2-1 victory at Estadio de la Cerámica in the first leg.

Villarreal led 2-0 at the break courtesy goals by Manu Trigueros (5') and Raúl Albiol (29') before Nicolas Pépé converted from the spot for Arsenal in the Spanish leg.

Here's how you can watch Arsenal vs Villarreal in India.
 

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Where to watch or stream the Europa League match

Europa League in India is telecast on Sony Networks 

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Europa League Preview

Both teams ended the first leg game a man down - Dani Ceballos was sent off for Arsenal with Étienne Capoue also shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Bukayo Saka.

It's up periscope for The Yellow Submarine who ran out winners, to leave Arsenal looking down the barrel of a potential Europa League exit as Unai Emery showed his former employers just what they missed out on when they got rid of him, the man who took them to the final of this tournament two years ago.

Mikel Arteta's side were improved after the break though - and that away goal by Nicolas Pépé could prove to be absolutely vital. For Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will hopefully be back to full fitness and Alexandre Lacazette could also be available.

Semifinal 2

Road to Semifinal

Villarreal topped Group I of the Europa League with 16 points to reach the knock out stage. In the round of 32, the Spanish club defeated RB Salzburg 4-1 on aggregate and then got the better of Dynamo Kyiv in the round of 16 whom they thrashed 4-0 on aggregate. In the quarterfinal, Villarreal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 over two legs.

Arsenal were in Group B of the Europa League alongside Molde, Rapid Wien and Dundalk. The Gunners had topped the group stage with 18 points. In the round of 32, they defeated Benfica 4-3 on aggregate and then beat Olympiacos in the round of 16 3-2 over two legs. In the quarterfinal, they defeated Slavia Prague 5-1 on aggregate.

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Hapoel Ra’anana secured a 3-2 victory over Hapoel Umm al-Fahm with Peter Olawale and Bede Osuji among the goalscorers.

In Tuesday’s Liga Leumit relegation play-off, the Nigeria youth international and his compatriot got a goal in each half to power Eldad Shavit’s team past the visitors.

Having failed to win any of their last three fixtures, Ra’anana welcomed Avi Sabag’s side to the National Stadium Ramat Gan – with the ambition of picking all maximum points – which would enhance their survival chances.

Four minutes into the encounter, however, they took the lead courtesy of Guyana international Emery Welshman.

Their advantage was doubled through Nigerian winger Osuji in the ninth minute as he converted from the penalty spot. That was the 25-year-old’s first goal for the Israeli outfit since he joined them from Slovenian side Nova Gorica.

Umm al-Fahm had their opportunities but their attacking forays met strong resistance from the hosts’ defenders.

A minute into the second half, Olawale extended the lead for Shavit’s men. After controlling a pass from a teammate, the 18-year-old scooted through the visitors’ backline before sending the ball past goalkeeper Tomer Livitanov.

Not willing to go down without a fight, Umm al-Fahm fought back and pulled a goal back through Levan Kutalia in the 52nd minute.

Twelve minutes later, the Georgian striker completed his brace after taking an advantage of Ra’anana’s sloppy defending.

Needing a goal to ensure that the game finished on a no winner, no vanquished note, they continued their pouring attack, albeit, they were unable to get the much-needed goal. Consequently, they returned home with heads bowed low.

With his latest effort, Olawale has now scored seven goals in 13 league games in the ongoing 2020-21 campaign.

“Yes! We did it against Hapoel Umm al-Fahm although we almost bottled our impressive start towards the end of the game. To my wonderful fans, I can feel your love for me, and I promise to keep scoring for you,” the former Tripple 44 Academy star tweeted.

Hapoel Ra’anana take on Kafr Qasim in their next outing on Friday before travelling to Hapoel Kfar Shalem on May 14 for their last game of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino has said Paris Saint-Germain "deserved better" than their Champions League semi-final exit on Tuesday, insisting his players did enough across two legs to advance.

Even though Manchester City finished with a 4-1 aggregate advantage after their 2-0 second leg win, the manager claimed that PSG "dominated a very difficult team to control".

The Citizens held Pochettino's group without a shot on target in the second leg, however, and pulled away behind a Riyad Mahrez brace with PSG eventually going down to 10 men when Angel Di Maria was dismissed in the second half.

What has been said?

“If we analyse the two games, we dominated a very difficult team to control," Pochettino said to RMC Sport. "You need a small percentage of luck to score in key moments.

"I am disappointed, because we deserved better. But Manchester City have been more clinical than us. They scored the goals we needed, we played the game we wanted with the plan we wanted. It's a bit disappointing obviously, because the objective was to go to the final.

“We have to be positive, it's difficult after an elimination, you have to have this process in mind, stay calm, analyse the situation ... We arrived here having beaten Barcelona and Bayern. It's a shame not to make it to the final, but the team never gave up, they fought to the end.

"We also played 10 against 11 for [30] minutes, which is a big disadvantage. It wasn't for us. We will go back being strong, the club and the players will be ready to win the remaining matches. We will be ready."

Mbappe's absence

PSG were without star forward Kylian Mbappe, who has been hampered by a calf injury, but Pochettino didn't want to use that blow to explain the loss.

"That cannot be an excuse," he said. "We are a team. Of course, it's unlucky he was not ready to help the team, but that's not an excuse. We cannot use that excuse because the performance from the team was good."

Further reading

Riyad Mahrez has now had a hand in six goals in his last five Champions League games for Manchester City, having scored twice as the Citizens defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Of the six contributions, four of them are goals while the remaining two are assists.

With just 11 minutes into the semi-final second leg encounter at the Etihad Stadium, the Algeria international put his team ahead with a cool effort.

Goalkeeper Ederson Moraes had picked out Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left and he pulled it back for Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgium international’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Marquinhos in the middle, but the defender played it straight to Mahrez who drilled it across goal, past Keylor Navas and into the far bottom corner.

That strike saw him match Sadio Mane’s record as the second Premier League player to score in both legs of the competition’s semi-final tie.

Despite an improved effort after the conceding first, Mauricio Pochettino’s Parisians tried in vain towards getting an equaliser as they went into the half-time break a goal down.

Mahrez completed his brace in the 63rd minute thanks to an assist from Phil Foden. In a brilliant counter-attack that caught PSG unawares, the Englishman drilled a dangerous ball across the six-yard box while the African lifted past the goalkeeper.

The former Leicester City star has now overtaken Yacine Brahimi to become Algeria’s top scorer in the history of the Champions League with ten goals.

Overall, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner has been directly involved in 21 goals in the 2020-21 campaign across all competitions for the six-time English kings.

PSG’s ambition of launching a comeback proved abortive as Argentine superstar Angel Di Maria was given the marching orders in the 69th minute by referee Bjorn Kuipers for a thoughtless challenge on Fernandinho.

Manchester City are now through to the Champions League final after a 4-1 aggregate win over Pochettino’s side.

Their attention turns back to the Premier League where they face Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea on Saturday with Mahrez expected to play a crucial role in that blockbuster fixture.

Pep Guardiola was delighted with how his Manchester City side progressed to their first-ever Champions League final on Tuesday - and now hopes fate smiles on him and his troops in the decider. 

The Premier League leaders ran out comfortable winners at Etihad Stadium in their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, having taken a 2-1 lead from the first leg. 

Riyad Mahrez netted both the hosts' goals as they clinched a 4-1 aggregate victory against the French side, who finished with 10 men when Angel Di Maria saw red in the second half. 

What was said? 

"It is for all of us and the club. I'm incredibly proud and my first thoughts are with the players who didn't play today," Guardiola told BT Sport after the final whistle. "They all deserved to play, everyone has made a contribution and now it is time to enjoy it. We have to win the league and we have two or three weeks to prepare for the final.

"People believe it’s easy to arrive in the final of the Champions League. Getting to the final now makes sense of what we have done in the past four or five years. Every day these guys have been consistent and this is remarkable.

"We scored a goal through the hips in the first game, and today Marquinhos hit the bar in the first half - you can be out for little details.

"United won a title because of John Terry's slip and in the last minute against Bayern Munich and Real won a title against Atletico in the 93rd minute. It’s a competition that is so difficult and something in the stars is involved in that."

The bigger picture

While FA Cup defeat to Chelsea may have ruined City's chances of a quadruple in 2020-21, the treble is still a distinct possibility. 

Guardiola's men beat Tottenham to retain the Carabao Cup in April and could wrap up the Premier League title this Saturday with victory over Chelsea. 

They must now wait to find out the identity of their rivals in May 29's Champions League final, with Real Madrid and Chelsea clashing at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday having drawn the first leg 1-1.

Guardiola meanwhile returns to the showpiece fixture for the first time since 2011, when his Barcelona team downed Manchester United to take the crown.

Further reading