Looking for Soccer News?

Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.

Eze is a ‘talented’ versatile player – Crystal Palace manager Hodgson

The Eagles boss has showered encomium on the midfielder for his ability to adapt to any position in his team

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has hailed Eberechi Eze, describing him as a talented versatile player.

The Anglo-Nigerian has been delivering consistent performances for the Eagles since teaming up with the side from Championship club Queens Park Rangers last summer.

The midfielder has made more than 30 appearances across all competitions since his arrival starring in a number of positions for the Eagles.

Hodgson has showered encomium on the 22-year-old ahead of their Premier League game against Manchester City on Saturday.

“Well, Eberechi's a player that's played in lots of positions. He's a very talented ballplayer, a very good offensive midfielder. We're trying to encourage him to be a good all-round midfield player,” Hodgson said in a pre-match press conference.

“I don't think it's a problem playing him in a position slightly in-field because that's where he spent a lot of his time for Queens Park Rangers. He even spent a lot of time centrally in behind the forward.

“So it's just a different position that we asked him to play on Monday night in terms of giving us the setup to play Leicester that we wanted.

“But it certainly wasn't asking him to do anything that he's uncomfortable with, and if you ask him, of course, he prefers to be further infield than playing out wide.”

Eze will hope to feature against Pep Guardiola’s men and help his side return to winning ways after a three-game winless run, including back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Leicester City.

The midfielder started his senior career with QPR in 2016 and went on to become a key figure for the Superhoops before leaving the side.

He made more than 100 appearances for Queens Park Rangers, scoring a number of breath-taking goals to earn a move to the Premier League side.

Eze is eligible to represent the Nigeria national team despite having featured for England U-20 and U21 sides.

The midfielder recently confirmed to Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr that he is still thinking about the choice to make.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Zaha has not allowed racial abuse to affect his Crystal Palace performance – Hodgson

The Eagles boss has praised the Ivory Coast international for his comportment and backed the social media blackout move

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has revealed Wilfried Zaha has not allowed racial abuse he suffered to affect his Crystal Palace performance.

The forward has received a number of racist messages, including from a 12-year-old before Palace’s defeat to Aston Villa in July.

In an effort to try and stamp out the ignoble act, English football will boycott the social media this weekend and Hodgson has expressed his support to the move ahead of his side’s Premier League game against Manchester City on Saturday.

“He's a strong character, a resilient character. He's never even indicated to me that it's this has hurt me so much mentally that I can't train or play football,” Hodgson said in a pre-match press conference.

“But there's no doubt that all the things that have gone on have had a serious effect on him. I find it very difficult myself to appreciate how much these players are able to take really, and how strong they can be in the face of such vile abuse from anonymous people. It's tough enough if you're confronted by someone who abuses you.

“At least then you've got the person in front of you, and you can argue your case or at least get a better feeling of why am I deserving this abuse. But all these anonymous people - we don't even know who they are.

“The worst thing that's happened in relation to social media for me was before a very important game at the end of last season, an important game for Aston Villa more so than us.

“We weren't fighting relegation, they were. But the morning of that game Wilf woke up to some of the vilest abuse possible, and that certainly did affect him. He was mentally challenged by that level of abuse.

“But what really affected me was when they tracked down the person and they did track them down, it was an 11 or 12-year-old boy.

“It makes you wonder where society's going. But what sort of platforms are these social media platforms that allow a 12-year-old boy who maybe doesn't even know better, maybe he's just aping older people around him - what sort of platform is that that you can get on and do these things? It's frightening, really.

“It's frightening for Wilf, the person who's been abused, but it frightens me as well that the abusers are people of this nature.

“Let's hope this [boycott] has some sort of effect. Let's hope that these companies that run social media and have become extremely wealthy on the back of it they do start thinking that we've got to do more ourselves to regulate our site.

“That it's not going to be quite so simple so that anyone at home in the anonymity of their study can say whatever they like to whoever they like.”

Zaha has scored 10 goals this season and provided two assists in 24 Premier League games, amid other dazzling displays.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Messi willing to take pay cut to land Haaland at Barcelona

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal

Onuachu: Red-hot Nigeria forward scores again as Genk see off Royal Antwerp

The Nigeria international continued his scintillating form in front of goal to help the Blue and White clinch a win at Bosuil Stadion

Paul Onuachu found the back of the net as Genk secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Royal Antwerp in Friday’s Belgian First Division A Championship group game.

The lanky forward has been in blistering form for the Blue and White this season and against the Great Old, he increased his tally to help his side return to winning ways after losing against Antwerp in their last outing in the competition.

Genk started the encounter impressively, scoring as early as the 20th minute when Theo Bongonda got the better of goalkeeper Jean Butez.

Maxime Le Marchand then levelled proceedings for Franky Vercauteren’s men in the 57th minute with a well-taken effort.

Koji Miyoshi handed the Great Old the lead for the first time in the encounter after receiving a brilliant assist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Dieumerci Mbokani.

Onuachu then got his side back into the game in the 73rd minute with a fine strike after he was set up by Bongonda.

With two minutes before the end of the first-half, Bongonda completed his brace after benefitting from Junya Ito’s assist.

Onuachu featured for the entirety of the game, his compatriot Cyriel Dessers was not listed for the match while Mbokani was on parade throughout the contest but ended up with the losing side.

The Nigeria centre-forward has now bagged 29 league goals in 33 appearances, amid other dazzling displays this season.

Onuachu will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when Genk take on group leaders Club Brugge in their next league outing n May 7.

The attacker teamed up with the Blue and White in the summer of 2019 from Danish club FC Midtjylland, where he spent seven years.

Onuachu has now scored more than 38 goals across all competitions for Genk since his arrival and will be expected to continue the fine showings.

The forward recently earned a recall to the Nigeria national team following his terrific club performances.

Onuachu shown in the encounter against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho to help the Super Eagles qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Ted Lasso, AFC Richmond are making their debut in EA Sports FIFA 23

We hope you enjoyed today's coverage. Until next time, goodbye!

Leipzig are through to the final, where they will play either Borussia Dortmund or Holstein Kiel on May 13. Before that, they travel to Dortmund in the Bundesliga next weekend. As for Werder, their attention turns solely to securing their top-flight status; starting at home to Bayer Leverkusen.

Substitute Emil Forsberg was the hero as he climbed off the bench to snatch a dramatic late winner for RB Leipzig, who overcame Werder Bremen 2-1 to advance to the DFB-Pokal final. After a goalless 90 minutes, Hwang Hee-chan broke the deadlock early in extra-time, only for his strike to be cancelled out by Leonardo Bittencourt. The match appeared to be heading for a penalty shootout, but Forsberg struck in stoppage time to keep Julian Nagelsmann's side on course for their first major silverware.

120' + 4' FULL-TIME: WERDER BREMEN 1-2 RB LEIPZIG

118' Leipzig appeal for a penalty as Poulsen goes down under the challenge of Moisander. But the referee is not interested and play goes on.

116' We are into the last five minutes of extra-time. Penalties are fast approaching at Weserstadion. Well, that is assuming we don't see a dramatic winner here.

112' It is worth remembering that Werder entered this tie having lost each of their last seven Bundesliga games. However, they are holding their own during these latter stages of extra-time.

109' You feel it will take a moment of individual brilliance to determine the outcome of this semi-final. Henrichs was not too far away from doing just that a moment ago.

107' Good pace and power from Henrichs, who pounces on the loose ball and bursts into the box. He gets a shot away, but it deflects wide off Moisander.

106' Off we go again!

This tie is finely poised heading into the final 15 minutes. It will be interesting to see how both sides approach this; will they go for the winner, or hold out for penalties?

You wait over 90 minutes for a goal, and then two come along at once! Hwang Hee-chan put Leipzig in front inside the opening three minutes of extra-time. But out of nowhere, Leonardo Bittencourt punished a rare Dayot Upamecano mistake to equalise.

105' + 3' HALF-TIME: WERDER BREMEN 1-1 RB LEIPZIG

105' We are going to have three minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half.

103' Leipzig looking good value for their lead as we approach the end of the first period in extra-time. They have taken their chance when it arrived, while limiting their opponents.

95' It may have taken 93 minutes, but Leipzig will not care in the slightest. In fairness, they have looked the more dangerous side throughout the contest, and finally edge their noses in front.

92' Good early pressure from Werder, who go straight onto the attack. But Leipzig stand firm to deal with the danger.

91' We are back underway as Werder get the ball rolling in extra-time.

Remember, a showdown with either Borussia Dortmund or Holstein Kiel awaits the winner of this tie. Those two sides do battle on Saturday.

It's extra-time at Weserstadion! Following that tremendous save from Pavlenka, we are going to have an additional 30 minutes to determine the winner of this semi-final.

90' + 5' FULL-TIME: WERDER BREMEN 0-0 RB LEIPZIG

90' + 4' WHAT A SAVE! Great reflexes from Pavlenka! Another header for Poulsen, who generates plenty of power into it. But he is brilliantly denied by the Werder keeper.

90' + 3' Just wide! Poulsen almost does it again in this competition. The substitute climbs at the far post, but sees his header creep just the wrong side of the woodwork.

90' + 2' We are into the second of four additional minutes at the end of this game. Leipzig have the chance to pump the ball forward into the Werder box.

90' CHANCE! Gebre Selassie just needed a touch! The defender ghosted in after a corner was flicked on towards the far post, but he could not apply the vital touch.

88' This is a chance for Werder. Strong centre-forward play by Selke culminates in him drawing a foul out of Orban. Can they capitalise here?

85' As the clock continues to tick down, extra-time seems inevitable. Neither side have truly threatened over the past few minutes, with Leipzig losing their impetus.

82' Of course, Leipzig are still in the Bundesliga title race; albeit their hopes of capturing the title are slim. They are currently second and trail leaders Bayern by seven points with three games remaining, so it would take a miraculous set of circumstances for them to eventually don the crown.

80' Just 10 minutes of regulation time remain at Weserstadion. Can either side find a dramatic winner, or are we destined for an additional half an hour?

78' OFF THE POST AGAIN! Once more, the woodwork denies Leipzig! Nkunku is the unlucky party on this occasion. The substitute bursts into the box before his deflected effort is somehow tipped onto the post by Pavlenka.

76' Poulsen is Leipzig's top scorer in this season's DFB-Pokal with five goals so far. Can he continue his impressive run in the competition by finding a late winner here?

72' That was more like it from the hosts. If Kohfeldt's side are to progress here, they must continue to pose a threat in the Leipzig box.

70' Just wide. Almost an immediate impact from Osako, who climbs to meet Augustinsson's free-kick but can only glance his header wide of the target.

68' That is twice that the woodwork has come to Werder's rescue in this second half. They must look to swing the momentum in their favour by trying to create a greater threat at the other end of the field.

65' OFF THE BAR! The woodwork denies Leipzig! An inviting ball into the box is glanced towards goal, only for the crossbar to come to Werder's rescue. Mukiele looks to react quickly and nod home the rebound, but Mbom is alert and clears in the nick of time.

63' The visitors continue to threaten and surely it is only a matter of time before they find the breakthrough. Can the hosts weather the storm?

61' Can Werder gain a foothold in proceedings? Leipzig have dominated the opening quarter of an hour in this second period, while the hosts have struggled to get out of their own half so far.

59' Not far away! Angelino steps up to take the resulting free-kick, but his floating effort drifts just wide of the target.

58' Good opportunity for Leipzig! The visitors are awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the box after Moisander trips Olmo.

56' A slight concern for both sides as Sorloth and Pavlenka stay down following an aerial collision as they contested a high ball into the box. Both players just take a moment to recover, but are soon back on their feet.

54' Leipzig very unfortunate not to break the deadlock there. The goals have flowed more easily for them in the recent history of this fixture. In fact, they have found the net 12 times in the last four meetings, while conceding just once.

52' OFF THE POST! Leipzig's pressure almost culminates in the opening goal! Following a neat move, the ball comes to Mukiele, but he sees his powerful strike tipped onto the woodwork by Pavlenka.

50' Leipzig have been the more lively of the two sides so far; enjoying most of the possession and threatening the Werder goal.

48' Of course, there is still a long way to go, but extra-time and penalties will follow should the goalless scoreline remain. Who will strike first?

46' Leipzig get the second half underway!

The hosts also arguably had the best chance of the half with Josh Sargent shooting wide from close range. The Green-Whites will hope that miss does not come back to bite them.

Nothing to separate the sides so far at Weserstadion. Werder and Leipzig are still seeking the breakthrough in this semi-final. The hosts thought they had been awarded a penalty towards the end of the half, only for it to be ruled out following the referee's consulation with VAR. 

45' + 5' HALF-TIME: WERDER BREMEN 0-0 RB LEIPZIG

45' + 3' The cancellation of the penalty call results in a drop-ball outside the Leipzig area. Werder look to maintain the pressure on their visitors, who stand firm to eventually see out their threat.

45' + 1' NO PENALTY! Following a lengthy consulation with his pitchside monitor, the referee rules that the incident was not sufficient enough to warrant penalisation. A huge sigh of relief for Leipzig.

45' PENALTY TO WERDER! The referee points to the spot after Mukiele is penalised for a trip in the box. But wait... we're going to VAR!

43' An experienced referee, Mr Grafe is a former FIFA-listed official who also boasts experience in the Champions League and Europa League. When he is not refereeing, the 47-year-old works as a sports scientist.

41' Tempers appear to boil over for a moment as a brief altercation ensues between the two sides. However, it is handbags at most and the referee quickly gets everything back under control.

40' Five minutes of the first half remaining at Weserstadion. Can either side find the opening goal before the break?

38' As mentioned earlier, Werder boast a proud DFB-Pokal record with those six titles. They also hold the record for winning the most consecutive home games in the competition with 37 between 1988 and 2019. Their impressive run came to an end courtesy of a 3-2 defeat against Bayern.

36' The hosts force a corner, from which the ball falls to Veljkovic on the volley. But the defender is unable to direct his effort towards goal.

34' Werder have enjoyed a solid run to the semi-finals of this tournament. However, it is worth noting that Leipzig are the first Bundesliga side they have faced during this run.

32' Sargent is Werder's joint-top scorer in the Bundesliga this season with five goals. Therefore, he would definitely have expected to do better there. That was a big chance for the hosts, who will hope it does not come back to haunt them.

30' WHAT A CHANCE! Sargent has to score! The American is alert to latch onto Selke's flick and demonstrates brilliant strength to hold off the challenge of Konate. However, he can only slot the ball wide with only Gulacsi to beat.

29' Still goalless as we approach the half-hour mark in this game. Leipzig have looked the more threatening going forward thus far, but Werder will grow in confidence the longer the tie remains deadlocked.

27' Konate is back in the thick of the action. The defender has been part of a Leipzig back line that has kept four clean sheets in their last seven games. Can they continue that fine run here?

25' A slight break in play with Konate needing attention following an accidental clash of heads with Selke. It looked painful but thankfully, the defender is soon back on his feet and should be more than okay to continue.

23' Sorloth latches onto a neat Kampl through ball before dragging his shot wide from a tight angle. But had the former Crystal Palace striker scored, it would not have counted as the offside flag had been raised.

21' The hosts look to apply the pressure and Sargent seeks out the run of Mbom. However, Sabitzer makes up good ground to put his body in the way and prevent a clear sight on goal.

19' As for Werder, their run to the semi-finals has provided a welcome distraction from their Bundesliga struggles. In fact, they have lost each of their last seven in the league, and are just one point above the relegation play-off place with three games remaining.

17' It is worth remembering that Leipzig know what it takes to reach the final of this competition, having done so during the 2018-19 season. There, they were beaten 3-0 by Bayern.

15' Not a bad effort! Leipzig look to find a way through the stubborn Werder defence and the ball eventually breaks kindly for Olmo. The midfielder goes for an exquisite chip that floats just wide of the far post.

13' It has been a turbulent week for Leipzig following the announcement that Nagelsmann will replace Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich next season. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old will be eager to end his two-year spell in charge by delivering the first major silverware in the club's short history.

11' Leipzig with a good opportunity to get the ball into the box as Angelino swings over a free-kick. However, Pavlenka is alert and punches the delivery away to safety.

9' The Green-Whites' 2009 triumph came following a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final. Mesut Ozil scored the winner for Werder, whose side also boasted Torsten Frings, Claudio Pizarro and Hugo Almeida.

7' Werder do boast a proud record in the DFB-Pokal with six titles; a tally only bettered by Bayern Munich's 20. Ironically, the Green-Whites most recently lifted the trophy on May 30, 2009; exactly 11 days after Leipzig were formed!

5' At the other end, neat play culminates in Sargent having a sight on goal. But the American's tame effort from a tight angle is easily collected by Gulacsi.

4' Good save! Pavlenka called into action and the keeper demonstrates tremendous reflexes to keep out Sorloth's powerful downward header.

3' Leipzig enjoying most of the possession early on. They have won each of the last four meetings between the sides, including a resounding 4-1 success here three weeks ago.

1' The experienced Manuel Grafe is our referee today. He blows his whistle and Werder get the ball rolling.

The players are making their way out onto the field and kick-off is moments away.

Both sides are yet to concede a goal in this season's competition. Barring a penalty shootout, one of those unblemished records will have to go today, but whose will it be? We are not far away from finding out now!

Julian Nagelsmann also makes three alterations to Leipzig's starting line-up. Dayot Upamecano and skipper Marcel Sabitzer are recalled after missing the 2-0 win over Stuttgart last weekend, while Nordi Mukiele also returns at right wing-back. The visitors have good options on the bench in Emil Forsberg and Yussuf Poulsen, who is their top scorer in this season's DFB-Pokal with five goals.

Florian Kohfeldt makes three changes to the Werder side that began last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Union Berlin. Milos Veljkovic returns in defence and Jean-Manuel Mbom is recalled in midfield, while Davie Selke partners Niclas Fullkrug up front. Omer Toprak, Nick Woltemade and Luca Plogmann remain sidelined through injury.

SUBS: Josep Martinez, Yussuf Poulsen, Emil Forsberg, Hwang Hee-chan, Tyler Adams, Lukas Klostermann, Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer, Benjamin Henrichs.

LEIPZIG (3-1-4-2): Peter Gulacsi; Willi Orban, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano; Kevin Kampl; Nordi Mukiele, Dani Olmo, Amadou Haidara, Angelino; Alexander Sorloth, Marcel Sabitzer.

SUBS: Michael Zetterer, Eren Dinkci, Yuya Osako, Kevin Mohwald, Leonardo Bittencourt, Patrick Erras, Romano Schmid, Julian Rieckmann, Philipp Bargfrede.

WERDER BREMEN (3-5-2): Jiri Pavlenka; Milos Veljkovic, Christian Gross, Niklas Moisander; Theodor Gebre Selassie, Maximilian Eggestein, Jean-Manuel Mbom, Josh Sargent, Ludwig Augustinsson; Niclas Fullkrug, Davie Selke.

The first of the semi-finals gets underway shortly with both sides aiming to book their place in the showpiece on May 13. There, they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Holstein Kiel.

Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the DFB-Pokal semi-final between Werder Bremen and RB Leipzig at Weserstadion.

What Arsenal need to do to win the 2023/24 Premier League title

The Reds boss knows that the soon-to-be-crowned Premier League champions are likely to get even stronger, while new contenders are emerging elsewhere

Jurgen Klopp admits it will be even more difficult for Liverpool to keep pace with Manchester City next season.

Having spectacularly overhauled Pep Guardiola’s side to win the Premier League last year, the Reds have fallen backwards this time around, and now face a battle just to finish in the top four. City, meanwhile, could be crowned champions this weekend if they beat Crystal Palace on Saturday and Liverpool win at Manchester United on Sunday.

It would mean Guardiola’s men will have won three of the last four league crowns, and they are well-fancied to clinch their first Champions League title this season as well, having gained a significant first-leg advantage over Paris Saint-Germain in their semi-final clash this week.

What’s been said?

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Klopp told reporters: "It always becomes harder because City never stops. That is clear. They did not stop and they will not stop.

“Two years in a row they had us on their necks. OK, for one year we were ahead of them, but we never expected that to happen for the next 10 years now in a row.

“Now [Manchester] United is coming up, definitely everyone can see that. Chelsea is obviously in a brilliant place, a top squad, I said it before that Thomas [Tuchel] inherits a present and you can see that they are really good so it will not get easier.

"We're not just talking about City. There will be other teams for sure. Like Leicester - brilliant manager and a top squad dealing with different situations. Nobody should write off Tottenham or Arsenal. Obviously West Ham is now flying.

“How can it be easier? It is not only City. The good thing about City is that you only meet them twice a season! So you have to win all the other games as well and that is tough enough in this league.

"But that is next year and who cares about that at the moment. We will give our absolute everything again next year but for now we are concentrated on Sunday."

What else did Klopp have to say?

The Reds boss was also asked if it had hurt watching the likes of City, Chelsea and United competing in the latter stages of the Champions League and Europa League this week, while his own team continues to struggle.

He said: "Yeah, but that would be really weak. We are responsible for the things that happen to us. We were involved in the last few years constantly in semi-finals and fighting for league titles. I don't know if other teams felt bad because of us but I wish for them not and I don't do that. I'm not like that. I'm not a person like this. 

"They deserve the situation they are in. That is football, that is fair. They won an awful lot of games. We will challenge them again next year but this year we can only finish our season as good as possible, and we have nothing to do with semi-finals and finals.

"We know that but I don't feel bad because of that. I had my bad moments in the season for other reasons, not because other teams are winning more games than us. That's not my problem, my only problem is with the opponent of the specific weekend and not think, 'Oh my God, City again and United are back on track' and all these kind of things.

“Life is too short for these kind of worries or thoughts."

Further reading

Original author: Neil Jones

Cincinnati storms back to ease past Chivas

The Blues manager feels like he is in the loop when it comes to doing business this summer but accepts that he can't have it all his own way

Thomas Tuchel insists that he won't be causing any issues over transfers at Chelsea despite his reputation for being a disruptive force at previous clubs.

At Paris Saint-Germain, Dortmund and Mainz, Tuchel has had disagreements with senior staff over their recruitment plans.

Those issues helped accelerate his exit from PSG in December, ahead of taking over as Blues manager in January. But, as Chelsea begin to discuss their summer transfer plans, Tuchel has said he likes what he is hearing.

What was said?

"I have opinions about what we can add to the group to get better," Tuchel told reporters. "This is my job. I will give my opinion when I am asked my opinion. We will do this and sometimes your opinions change and this is also a process.

"I have my ideas, of course. I have my ideas for certain profiles. It is not about me wishing for player A and player B and if they don't come, I will get angry. It was never like this in my whole career and it will never be like this.

"I understand that there are issues to solve with the agents, the players and the interests of the club. It is not only about me and my wishes. This is the baseline for all talks that we have here. Of course, we talk about it.

"I talk with the club, I give my opinion and talk about it with the scouting department. I am involved and I should be involved. I have the feeling that I am involved. The players that we have all have fantastic personalities and right now is even a moment where we get to know each other better and better.

"We have big games and crucial times ahead of us, so we will have a very clear picture of our group. The stronger they perform then the harder it is to improve this squad from the outside. But there's always room and ideas that we will find out.

"I have a strong feeling that we are not in a rush and we are not in a big need. We are very relaxed. Everyone is fully focused and it is not the time to get distracted with any of that."

Who do Chelsea want to sign?

Chelsea are looking to sign a marquee striker with Olivier Giroud likely to depart and the club increasingly open to letting Tammy Abraham go.

Dortmund's Erling Haaland and Inter's Romelu Lukaku are both considered good options for the west Londoners, but their clubs seem keen to hang onto them at all costs.

The Blues will also consider adding a central defender with Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule among the leading candidates. Chelsea also like Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez.

What's next for Chelsea?

Chelsea are back to Premier League action this weekend after their 1-1 away draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

Fulham visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, before the second leg against Madrid on Wednesday.

Further reading

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella

#UCLfantasy: Internationals in the spotlight

The Nigeria international made a key contribution for his side to help them avoid a defeat at St. Mary's Stadium

Kelechi Iheanacho provided an assist as Leicester City played out a 1-1 draw with Southampton in Friday’s Premier League game.

The Nigeria international has been in fine form for the Foxes this season and against the Saints, he was handed his 12th league start and shone.

The forward paired Jamie Vardy in Leicester’s attack and set up the only goal of his side in the encounter to ensure they extended their unbeaten run to four games.

The Foxes had a slow start in the match will Southampton dominating the opening 10 minutes and could have opened the scoring as early as the eighth minute.

Anglo-Nigerian Nathan Tella fired a fine shot at goal but goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was at the right place at the right time, saving the effort with ease.

The Saints then suffered a blow in the 10th minute when they were reduced to 10 men after Jannik Vestergaard was shown a straight red card for tackling Vardy from behind.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl replaced Tella in the 15th minute for Ghana international Mohammed Salisu following the one-man deficit. 

Both sides continued to push for the opening goal and Iheanacho’s compatriot Wilfred Ndidi made two key passes but his efforts were not well utilized. 

The Saints then broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when James Ward-Prowse converted from the penalty spot after Iheanacho was adjudged to have handled the ball in his area.

The Super Eagles striker made amends for his error when he set up Jonny Evans to level proceedings in the 68th minute with a fine header.

Iheanacho featured for the duration of the game along with his compatriot Ndidi, who made one tackle and won three aerial contests as part of his contribution in the encounter.

The Nigeria attacker has now scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.

With the draw, Brendan Rodgers’ men remain in the third spot on the Premier League table after gathering 63 points from 34 games.

Iheanacho will hope to continue his impressive performances when Leicester take on Newcastle United in their next league game on May 7.

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Copyright

© UEFA

Wright-Phillips, Red Bulls unveil "Two Nines" collection of hats, apparel

The central defender has not played since March due to a calf injury sustained while on international duty

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has regained full fitness and is in line to feature in his side's Champions League crunch match against Chelsea, coach Zinedine Zidane revealed. 

Ramos has been out of action for a month after suffering an injury setback while on international duty with Spain. 

But he is set to return in the nick of time with his side needing a big result to turn the tables on the Blues at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. 

What was said? 

"[Ramos] is training with us and that means he's able to play too," Zidane told reporters on Friday ahead of Madrid's Liga clash at home to Osasuna.

"We'll see what we do when we name the squad, but Sergio is fit and ready to play."

Nevertheless, Ramos will not be risked on Saturday, as Zidane left him out of his matchday squad to face Osasuna.

The bigger picture

The Blancos captain, 35, remains hugely influential in the middle of defence, with results suffering in his absence over the past month as he has battled a calf injury and also tested positive for Covid-19.

Madrid have drawn four of their last five games in all competitions and will be obliged to score at least once to keep their Champions League dreams alive in the second leg after being held 1-1 by Chelsea in the semi-final first leg. 

Of course, it is not just Ramos' defensive prowess that his team has missed. 

The veteran has a talent for scoring goals, having netted no less than 128 for club and country over the course of his career - making him one of the most prolific defenders in the history of the game. 

And, as his strikes in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 Champions League finals against Atletico Madrid show, Ramos is also adept at hitting when it most matters for Madrid. 

Further reading 

Original author: Goal

Copyright

© UEFA

A detailed look at how MLS exports are faring at clubs around the world

The Kasasiro Boys fell to the league rivals and the tactician feels the forwards failed the team

Kampala Capital City head coach Morley Byekwaso has blamed his strikers for the Uganda Premier League loss to Brights Stars on Thursday.

Byekwaso praised Dennis Iguma and Jurua Hassan but claimed his strikers were not good enough in front of goal as they conceded the 2-0 defeat away from home.

“The team that played first half played well, they pressed because we knew Bright Stars were going to be compact as usual but we lacked that effectiveness in finishing and it really cost us the game,” Byekwaso said as per Sports Nation.

“For me, [Dennis] Iguma played well though he lost a few balls. He was doing all the donkey work to serve the offensive players going forward.

“Jurua [Hassan] also played his role and although we lost this game, I can’t blame those two. I only blame the forwards who weren’t clinical enough.”

The tactician said they have to grow strong if they are to end the season at least with a trophy.

“It is a tough result and we are playing Maroons FC next in the Uganda Cup, a team that has always troubled us,” he added.

“If we are to win any trophy this season, we need to change our character because we have players whose character is very weak.

“The mentality and fighting spirit are really down so, if we are to win anything this season, we need to change the approach and character of some players.”

Byekwaso, however, has not lost hope in winning the Premier League title despite the loss.

“The league is a marathon,” he concluded. “We’ve lost against Bright Stars and if the others also lose, we still have that confidence to come back and win it because we still have many games to play.

“If we changed our character and approach, I believe we shall still make it.”

On his part, Bright Stars’ coach Baker Mbowa revealed what won them the game against the Kasasiro Boys.

“Our win against KCCA FC wasn’t accidental,” Mbowa stated. “KCCA FC are a strong team which we gave a lot of respect and prepared well that’s why we got positive results.

“The difference was in the substitutions I made. I started with young players and brought on Joseph Janjali and Joseph Akandwanaho and that’s the difference that changed the game.”

Bright Stars will face Sports Club Villa next.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Copyright

© UEFA

Bayern Munich Deny Receiving Bid From Man Utd for Kingsley Coman

The teenager been adjudged the best player in the Danish Superliga in April 
Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Caf Super Cup clash dream still alive

The Champions League and Confederation Cup quarter-final action will take centre stage next month with both legs taking place

Soweto Derby clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the Caf Super Cup remains a possibility after the inter-club quarter-final draw was conducted on Friday.

This comes after Mamelodi Sundowns avoided Chiefs in the Caf Champions League quarter-final draw with Masandawana being pitted against Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly.

While Amakhosi, who recently defeated Sundowns 2-1 in a PSL encounter, were drawn against Tanzanian giants Simba in Africa's biggest club competition.

Chiefs' arch-rivals Pirates will go head-to-head with reigning Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca in the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final tie.

The two Soweto heavyweights would meet in the 2021/22 Caf Super Cup if Chiefs and Pirates go all the way and win this season's Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively.

These were the hopes of a local fan on Twitter after Pirates thrashed Libyan side Al Ahli Benghazi 3-0 in the Confederation Cup Group A game earlier this month. 

Chiefs and Pirates still have a long way to go in the continental tournaments before they can make this dream a reality.

In Simba, Chiefs have an opponent with little continental pedigree, but Amakhosi know that they cannot afford to underestimate the Reds of Msimbazi in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. 

The reigning Tanzanian champions pulled off a surprise when they finished at the top of Group A having secured impressive wins over much-fancied opponents Al Ahly and AS Vita Club of DRC.

On the other hand, Pirates got a tough draw against Casablanca, who were dominant in the group stage as the three-time African champions won all six of their Confederation Cup games in Group D. 

The Soweto giants will be the underdogs against Raja with the Green Eagles having defeated Pirates both home and away in their previous competitive meetings which were in the 1997 Champions League group stage.

Meanwhile, Sundowns have a score to settle against Al Ahly, who eliminated Masandawana from last season's Champions League quarter-finals after securing a 3-1 aggregate win.

However, Al Ahly looked unconvincing in their group stage campaign as they succumbed to surprise defeat to Simba and dropped points at home against Vita Club under former Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.

While Masandawana sailed through Group B winning their first four games in order to book their place in the knockout stage early and this sent a warning to the rest of Africa.

Mosimane's former assistant, Rhulani Mokwena, who is now Sundowns' co-coach, has already made it clear that they would relish facing the defending champions.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

City leave it late in 4-1 Wolves rout

In front of the watching Jurgen Klopp, the young Reds ran out 3-1 winners at Anfield to set up a meeting with Ipswich in the last four

Liverpool booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup after a 3-1 win over Arsenal at Anfield.

In front of the watching Jurgen Klopp, goals from Max Woltman, James Norris and Mateusz Musialowski did the damage for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side, who will now be away to Ipswich in the last four.

Miguel Azeez pulled a goal back from the penalty spot for the Gunners, but this was a professional performance from the young Reds, who will fancy their chances of going all the way again, having won the competition under Barry Lewtas in 2019.

How did the game pan out?

After a low-key start, Liverpool took control of the game midway through the first half, with the lively Woltman notching his 13th goal of the season, and his 10th in his last eight appearances.

It was a fine finish too, steered home calmly on his left foot after James Balagizi had nodded down Conor Bradley’s back-post cross, after a spell of sustained pressure from the home side.

Arsenal had started brightly, but they looked vulnerable whenever Liverpool attacked and the Reds doubled their lead from the penalty spot on 35 minutes.

Tyler Morton was the man fouled, upended by Gunners midfielder Azeez, allowing Norris to convert with authority from 12 yards for 2-0.

The third came just six minutes into the second half, the silky Balagizi able to carry the ball through midfield and feed Musialowski, who twisted his defender inside out before finishing clinically on his left foot.

Arsenal pulled one back when Billy Koumetio fouled Khayon Edwards, with Azeez smashing home from the spot, and Ken Gillard’s side came on strong in the closing stages, dominating the ball without finding another breakthrough.

Who stood out for Liverpool?

Bridge-Wilkinson’s side came into the game in excellent goalscoring form, and it was hard not to be impressed by their attacking trio here.

Woltman’s sharpness and touch stood out, and he took his goal superbly, while the gifted Balagizi finished with two assists, playing with awareness and composure throughout.

Musialowski, meanwhile, looks one to watch closely. The Polish youth international’s first touch and speed with the ball is of an extremely high level, and like Woltman he took his goal with real class.

Liverpool undoubtedly benefited from the presence of Koumetio at centre-back, with the Frenchman showing why Klopp and his staff are so enthused by his potential. Koumetio was penalised for the Arsenal penalty, but generally looked a class apart with his passing, and was dominant in the air throughout. Alongside him, captain Jarell Quansah defended his box well, particularly in the second half as Arsenal pushed.

There were other lively performances, with Norris classy at left-back and the unfussy Luca Stephenson performing an important role screening in midfield. Goalkeeper Harvey Davies, too, did everything that was needed of him.

Further reading

Original author: Neil Jones

History for Haaland but the Premier League's new single-season goals king isn't done yet

The French tactician has been reprimanded for neglecting his duty and will also not be paid during the duration he is serving his punishment

Madagascar coach Nicolas Dupuis has been suspended for "investing more time on his commercial interest" at the expense of the national team.

The French tactician has been in charge of the Barea since March 2017 and qualified the side for their first Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019, where he led them to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The 53-year-old, however, failed to help Madagascar qualify for the 2022 edition of the continental competition after they finished third in Group K below Ivory Coast and Ethiopia.

Dupuis has combined his role as the national team of the Barea with that of technical director of French club FC Fleury 91 since January 2019.

Madagascar have revealed several reasons why the French tactician has been suspended and will not be paid for the duration he is serving his punishment.

"You invested more time on your commercial interests for personal publicity and therefore neglecting your main role of managing and your duty of supporting par excellency the Malagasy football,” read a statement from the Malagasy Football Federation.

"Your publicly denigrating the FMF through social media or media outlets caused international football bodies to react, namely Caf and Fifa."

During the time of Dupuis’ suspension, Eric Rabesandratana will be in charge of the national team as head coach.

The former Paris St-Germain defender will lead the Barea for the 2022 World Cup qualifying games against the Republic of Benin and Tanzania.

Dupuis started his coaching career with AS Yzeure in 1996, a club he featured for during his active playing years.

The Malagasy Football Federation extended the French tactician’s contract in 2019 which is expected to end in 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Mason claims top-four finish not required to keep Kane at Tottenham

The 27-year-old says he wants to compete for major titles but his manager does not fear losing him at the end of the season

Tottenham do not need to qualify for next season's Champions League to convince Harry Kane to stay, interim manager Ryan Mason says.

There has been a lot of speculation around the striker's future amid reported interest from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Kane added to the uncertainty surrounding his future this week when he reiterated his desire to win major trophies.

What has been said?

But Mason is confident that the England international is committed to Spurs and is in no hurry to leave, even if they miss out on a place in Europe's premier club competition next season.

Asked if the north London side need a top-four finish this season in order to keep their star man, Mason told reporters: "I don’t think so. Harry Kane loves this football club. That’s been proven over the last seven or eight years. He’s one of the best strikers in the world.

"Everyone knows that, we know that and I’d like to think Harry knows that as well.

"The most important thing right now, and our attention right now, is this weekend. We can’t disrespect any opponent and we can’t be investing our energy into anything else.

"That’s all I have to say on the matter. Our attention, Harry’s attention, the attention of this whole football club is on this Sunday."

No talks between Mason and Kane

Although Kane's future seems uncertain, Mason says he has not spoken to the attacker about his future and expects him to keep shining for the club.

"I’ve not spoken to Harry. Harry is a constant professional," he said.

"There haven’t been and there won’t be any conversations with me and him regarding anything apart from the training day or the match ahead.

"He’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever met in my life so Harry Kane has been training excellently this week. He’ll be training excellently tomorrow, I know that, and he’ll be ready for the weekend."

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie

Klopp insists Liverpool scoring woes aren't caused by players being too selfish

The Reds have had serious problems taking their chances in recent months, causing concern for their manager

Jurgen Klopp acknowledges that his Liverpool side have had problems finding the net this season, but does not believe his forwards have been too selfish in front of goal. 

The Reds attack has suffered a significant drop in potency compared to their brilliant efforts in 2019-20 to wrap up the Premier League title. 

Klopp has taken a special interest in the issue, leaving no stone unturned to find the source of Liverpool's attacking malaise.

What was said?   

"We did have a look to see if we are too selfish," he explained to Sky Sports. "We are not. They are not more selfish now or less selfish. That is not the case.

"It is always like this when you miss chances. You look whether he could have passed. There are one or two situations where that could have happened but it is not as easy as telling the boys not to be selfish. One thing is clear, the selfish thing we can put off the table.

"We had a really detailed look at all the situations that we created over the last seven or eight games just to get an overview. It is not unlucky. There are moments where we are unlucky. But if you are unlucky so often there must be something else.

"Sometimes it sounds a little boring but we know we have to improve. The one thing we have to keep working on is the finishing. We have to finish the situations off. We have created 36 chances in the last three games and scored twice. That is obviously not enough.

"The performance around that, creating the 36 chances, shows you that something was right in the game. We had really good spells but the important moment is the last moment. We cannot expect it to change overnight but we will not stop working on it.

"It is not exactly the football of last year, maybe, but it is all fuelled by that one moment. Either you score or you don't score. We have to keep working. We don't have to change inside out, 360 degrees or whatever. We only have to improve and to make it click."

The bigger picture

Liverpool have managed to score 55 goals in the Premier League to date this term, the fifth-best record in the top flight. 

That number is far down from 2019-20, though, when over 38 games the Reds smashed 85 goals - a strike-rate of 2.23 per game compared to only 1.6 per game this time round. 

And the Merseysiders suffered similar problems in the Champions League, managing just one strike over 180 minutes as they went out in the quarter-final stage to Real Madrid. 

Klopp believes the issue is first and foremost psychological: "It is about talking to them, helping them to find solutions. You can do that in training," he added.

"All that is fine but then the game starts and the first ball does not go in, the second ball does not go in and the third ball does not go in. It is like a wound that is bleeding again."

Further reading 

Original author: Goal

Ronald Koeman Already Fearing for Barcelona Future

The ex-footballer has rejected reports of living in difficulty after losing assets to his former wife 

Former Arsenal and Cote d'Ivoire star Emmanuel Eboue has laughed off talk of being led into poverty after his divorce, adding that he owns properties in multiple places including Ghana.

In 2017, the former defender was involved in a legal battle with ex-wife Aurelie, where he found himself on the losing side and ultimately had to give up some of his assets.

He was later quoted by Sunday Mirror, where he described himself as poor and homeless, a publication which made major headlines.

Now, however, he suggests he may have been misunderstood.

“When [people] say Emmanuel Eboue lost everything, it’s not nice," the 37-year-old said, as reported by Citi Sports.

“Because I had a divorce [case] and they [court] said my wife won, they gave her all my properties – my two houses, money and the cars that I had in England.

“I wasn’t worried about it because I expected that she was going to use it to take care of my children.

“When they [court] said that, I was very disappointed… To be honest, for the first time, I was very down but after that, I prayed and forgot about all of that.”

Ebou's divorce occurred when he was trying to pick himself back up from a one-year football ban for failing to pay a former agent.

“After that [divorce case], I left and returned back to Africa. I have my own properties in Africa and so I live with that," the former player added.

“When I hear people say Emmanuel Eboue lost everything, I laugh. I have properties in Ghana, I have properties in my home country [Ivory Coast].

“I live very comfortably and I thank God. So when people keep talking and say Emmanuel Eboue doesn’t have anything, he can’t eat, doesn’t have a place to stay, it’s not true."

Eboue played for Arsenal between 2004 and 2011 after leaving Belgian side Beveren.

He went on to join Galatasaray in Turkey before moving back to England to sign for Sunderland.

The deal was, however, cut short after just one month as he copped the one-year ban and had to stay away from the beautiful game.

He made 79 appearances for Cote d'Ivoire at senior level, representing the side at the 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Chelsea eye Lukaku as Haaland alternative

That's all for today, goodbye! 

Leicester stay in third, five points clear of Chelsea below them and next up for them is Newcastle United who they face in a weeks time. Southampton move up into 14th above Burnley, and their attention turns to Liverpool next Saturday.

Leicester are held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Southampton. The hosts had Vestergaard sent off just 10 minutes in when he lunged in on Vardy as the last man. Ward-Prowse gave them the lead from the spot in the second half though after Iheanacho blocked a shot with his arm. He made up for that just seven minutes later as his cross that set up Evans' equaliser. Leicester kept pushing, but couldn't find a late winner.

90' + 4' FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 1-1 LEICESTER CITY.

90' + 3' Perez lays the ball off to Maddison before continuing his driving run into the box. He gets it caught under his feet when the pass is played back to him and ends up fouling Ward-Prowse in his attempt to control it.

90' + 1' CHANCE! Leicester are throwing everything at Southampton as they look for a late winner and Tielemans curls in a cross from the right this time. It's over everyone and falls for Castagne at the far post, but he volleys it wide.

89' IHEANACHO! Castagne, in space on the right again, whips another dangerous cross into the box. Iheanacho flicks it on towards goal and McCarthy rushes off his line, managing to get a touch to the ball to help it over the crossbar.

87' CLOSE! A heavy touch from Vardy gives Ward-Prowse a chance to get back for Southampton, so he squares it to Ndidi on the edge of the box. The midfielder hits it first time but ends up drilling his shot just wide of the near post.

85' Perez wins a free-kick on the right after Armstrong slides in late on him and Tielemans curls the ball into the box. Evans rises highest for it, only for the offside flag to go up against him.

83' GOOD SAVE! Maddison has space for a shot but he chooses to lay it off to Vardy on the left of the box instead. He steps away from Walker-Peters as he slides in before going for the near bottom corner, but McCarthy sticks out a leg to deny him.

82' Leicester are still keeping Southampton penned back in and around their own box as Perez pulls away from Salisu to swing a cross into the far post. He's looking for Vardy, but Bednarek is there to cut it out this time.

80' Castagne gets away from Stephens down the right and swings yet another dangerous cross into the far post. Vardy is rising for it but Walker-Peters gets there just ahead of him to make an important interception.

78' Soyuncu finds himself high upfield and nicks the ball off Diallo on the left before curling a good cross into the box. He picks out Vardy at the near post, but he can only flick his header against Bednarek.

74' Since the start of March, only Lionel Messi and Simy (12 each) have been directly involved in more goals than Iheanacho (11) across the top five European leagues.

72' Ward-Prowse takes the free-kick, sending it long to Walker-Peters on the right. Soyuncu is tight to him and there's a bit of confusion at the near post as he squeezes a cross past Schmeichel, but Adams can't get a shot away.

71' Southampton are pushing upfield a bit quicker when they win the ball back now as they try to regain their lead, but Perez ends up catching Armstrong on the halfway line and giving away a free-kick.

67' GOOD SAVE! Tielemans' corner is headed against Bednarek by Soyuncu and the ball ends up bouncing out to Perez just inside the box. He lets it drop before hitting the shot on the half volley and McCarthy tips it over the crossbar.

65' Minamino misses his clearance which allows Vardy to pull the ball back for Maddison on the edge of the box. He debates having a shot before floating a cross into the middle, but it's cleared by Salisu.

63' Iheanacho tries to knock it back for Maddison and it looks like Bednarek has dealt with it until his heavy touch takes it through to the midfielder. He hits the shot first time, but it's a wild effort that sails high and wide of the target.

59' PENALTY TO SOUTHAMPTON! Ward-Prowse pulls the free-kick back for Armstrong on the edge of the box and he hits his shot first time. Iheanacho makes the block but throws his arm up to do it and the referee is in no doubt as he points to the spot.

58' Adams' pressure pays off as he wins the ball back off Ndidi and he touches it back to Ward-Prowse, who instantly plays in Armstrong. He drives forward down the left before being caught by Castagne next to the byline.

56' Yet again, nobody is there to pick up Castagne's run down the right and he swings another deep cross into the box. This time, he picks out Thomas at the far post, but his header loops straight into McCarthy's gloves.

54' It's better from Leicester now and Maddison does well to turn past Ward-Prowse before drilling a good throughball into Tielemans. His first touch lets him down though and Bednarek is there to intercept it.

52' Tielemans takes a corner short to Maddison who then touches it on to Castagne. The visitors take too long to put the ball into the box and Stephens is quickly out of the area to win it back for the hosts.

48' Leicester have made a bright start to the second and are still exploiting the space Castagne is getting down the right. He curls another cross into the near post towards Iheanacho, but McCarthy comes off his line to collect it.

46' Leicester get us back underway for the second half! 

Southampton have coped well with Leicester's pressure despite being a man down and have still managed to create a couple of chances, but Hasenhuttl will be hoping for more of the same. Leicester have been slow to get into the final third though and they need to move the ball a lot quicker if they want to cause Southampton any real problems.

It's goalless at the break between Southampton and Leicester. Walker-Peters thought he'd given the hosts an early lead only to be denied by the offside flag. 10 minutes in, they were down to 10 men after Vestergaard lunged in on Vardy as the last man. Redmond saw a shot parried away by Schmeichel, while at the other end, McCarthy denied Tielemans with a good save, while also keeping out Maddison's and Iheanacho's efforts.

45' + 4' HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 0-0 LEICESTER CITY.

45' + 2' Ndidi sweeps it out to Castagne, who is unmarked down the right and he swings a good cross into the near post for Iheanacho. He sends a header looping towards goal, but McCarthy holds onto it.

45' Leicester are asking for a free-kick after Maddison chips the ball forward for Vardy, but the forward goes to ground after a nudge by Bednarek. There wasn't much in it though and the referee waves the claim away.

43' Tielemans swings another corner into the box and he's looking for Evans again, but Salisu rises highest to clear it. Maddison reaches the loose ball and knocks it onto Thomas, but his cross is blocked.

41' Castagne is still finding a lot of space down the right and Maddison switches it out to him when Leicester can't get through the middle. He fizzes it in for Maddison, but it's Bednarek that meets it and hooks it clear.

39' Armstrong drills a low shot from the edge of the box which Evans blocks, but Southampton keep hold of it. Walker-Peters squares it to Adams, who tries to tee up Armstrong again, but he stumbles over the ball and the chance is gone.

37' GOOD SAVE! Leicester are starting to find their rhythm now and Ndidi picks out Iheanacho, who touches it onto Tielemans. He pulls away from Salisu and drills a shot across goal which McCarthy keeps out with his feet.

36' Another shot from range from Leicester now after Ndidi wins the ball off Armstrong and tees up Maddison. He drills his shot on goal, aiming for the far post, but it's another comfortable save for McCarthy.

34' Iheanacho spins away from Armstrong and finds himself in a pocket of space just outside the box. He has a go from range, curling it down the middle, but it's straight at McCarthy, who holds onto it.

33' Tielemans threads a great pass into Maddison, but Bednarek is staying tight to him in the box. He can't turn to get a shot away and when he returns it to the Belgian, he catches Armstrong and gives away a free-kick.

31' For all of Leicester's possession in the last 10 minutes or so, they haven't been able to get in behind Southampton. It's slow from the visitors and they're struggling to mount an attack.

29' Redmond wins a free-kick on the halfway line and Bednarek sweeps it out towards Walker-Peters on the right. He touches it into Minamino ahead of him, but he can't find a way past Soyuncu.

27' Southampton just can't get on the ball at the moment and Leicester are keeping them penned deep in their own half. Castagne gets it on the right again and curls a deep cross into the box, but Thomas can't keep it in at the far post.

25' Maddison plays a great throughball into Iheanacho, but he can't control it and it ends up rolling into Castagne on the left. He squares it to the forward but Bednarek sticks out a leg ahead of him to intercept it.

23' Tielemans first two attempts to swing a cross in from the left are blocked by Minamino, but he wrongfoots him to open up space for a third. He's looking for Evans at the far post, but Stephens heads it clear ahead of him.

21' Southampton have had more red cards against Leicester (seven) than against anyone else in the Premier League.

19' Leicester are keeping the ball well at the moment and stopping Southampton from getting out of their own half. The hosts have dropped deep which is making it difficult for Leicester to move into the final third.

17' GOOD SAVE! Walker-Peters cuts inside from the right and picks out Redmond in a lot of space just outside the box. He takes a touch before drilling a powerful shot on goal and Schmeichel has to parry it away.

14' CLOSE! It takes a while for Southampton to sort out their wall, but eventually, Maddison is able to step up and take the free-kick on the edge of the box. He curls it around the outside of the wall, looking for the near post, but it's just wide of the target.

12' Vardy has stayed down holding his ankle and the medical team are on to give him some treatment. He's back to his feet after a couple of minutes and is moving gingerly, but it looks like he's going to try and carry on.

8' CHANCE! Soyuncu ends up overrunning the ball and gifts it to Adams just outside Leicester's box. The forward chooses to lay it off to Tella and he goes for goal first time, but scuffs it and it's a comfortable save for Schmeichel.

6' The referee plays an advantage after Thomas fouls Tella but Redmond latches onto the loose ball and drives forward down the left. He's trying to pull it back for Adams near the penalty spot, but Evans steps across to clear the danger.

4' Southampton have made a good start to the game and are keeping the ball well in the opening minutes. It's patient build-up from the hosts and they're trying to draw Leicester out of their shape.

2' OFFSIDE! Leicester are caught out with a simple long ball over the top from Vestergaard into Walker-Peters down the right and he cuts into the box before keeping his composure and lifting his shot over Schmeichel. The flag goes up as soon as it hit the net though, and Southampton don't have an early lead.

1' Ward-Prowse gets the game underway for Southampton!

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away.

Leicester won the reverse fixture 2-0 in January, but haven't done the double over Southampton in the Premier League since the 1999-00 campaign.

Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, names an unchanged side for the third game running as they look to keep building their momentum in the race for a top-four finish.

Ralph Hasenhuttl makes three changes to the side team that lost to Tottenham last time out as he brings in Stephens, Minamino and Redmond. Salisu and Walcott drop to the bench, while Danny Ings misses out with a hamstring injury he picked up in that match.

LEICESTER CITY SUBS: Nampalys Mendy, Marc Albrighton, Danny Ward, Ayoze Perez, Hamza Choudhury, Ricardo Pereira, Daniel Amartey, Cengiz Under, Dennis Praet.

LEICESTER CITY STARTING XI (3-4-1-2): Kasper Schmeichel; Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu; Timothy Castagne, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, Luke Thomas; James Maddison; Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy.

SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Will Ferry, Daniel N'Lundulu, Mohammed Salisu, Ibrahima Diallo, Moussa Djenepo, Fraser Forster, Alexandre Jankewitz, Kayne Ramsey, Theo Walcott.

SOUTHAMPTON STARTING XI (4-4-2): Alex McCarthy; Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Jack Stephens; Nathan Tella, James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong, Takumi Minamino; Che Adams, Nathan Redmond.

The two sides meet for the second time in just under two weeks, with the last game ending in a 1-0 victory for Leicester that saw them get through to the FA Cup final. The visitors are on a three-match winning run in all competitions and are back at St Mary's for the first time since their 9-0 win here in this fixture last season. As for Southampton, they've lost their last three outings, but their last win did come at home when they beat Burnley 3-2.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Premier League meeting between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium!

The Best 5 Centre-Backs in the World - Ranked

Mwadui also defeated Coastal Union to make it to the latter stages of the competition

Yanga SC have sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup competition after their 1-0 win over Tanzania Prisons at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Friday.

Yacouba Songne was the hero for Timu ya Wananchi as his goal secured the quarter-final berth for his side.

With the competition being Wananchi's most realistic chance of winning silverware in this season after their inconsistency handed rivals Simba SC top position in the Tanzania Mainland League campaign.

However, it was not easy as the administrative side gave their best and ensured the first half ended goalless.

In the second half, Wananchi upped their tempo hoping to break Prison's stubborn defence. 

They managed to get a breakthrough in the 55th minute when Songne managed to get behind the back four before converting a precise effort after Saidi Ntibazonkiza's pass.

It was a goal that lowered the pressure on the players and fans in equal measure.

In the 72nd minute, Jeremia Juma was brought down in the danger zone by Lamine Moro. It looked a clear penalty and many expected the referee to hand Prisons a spot-kick, but it was not the case as the referee waved play on amid protests by the Administrative side's players.

Despite late pressure, Yanga held on to advance, albeit controversially.

Mwadui also made it to the last eight after defeating Coastal Union 2-0 at Mwadui Complex.

Rashid Roshwa opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute when he capitalized on poor defending at the back. Wallace Kiango had played a good ball from the right flank but the clearance went as far as the forward, who did not hesitate to convert.

The provider became the scorer 10 minutes later, this time around beating his marker with pace before shooting past the custodian.

Yanga SC XI: Metacha Mnata, Kibwana Shomari, Adeyum Saleh, Abdallah Haji, Lamine Moro, Zawadi Mauya, Ditram Nchimbi, Carlos Carlinhos, Piston Abdul, Saidi Ntibazonkiza, Yacouba Songne.

Tanzania Prisons XI: Jeremia Kisubi, Michael Ismail, Benjamin Asukile, Vedastus Mwihambi, Nurdin Chona, Jumanne Nimkaza, Salumu Kimenya, Ezekia Mwashilindi, Mohamed Mkopi, Jeremia Juma, Lambart Sabiyanka

Original author: Seth Willis

Sources: West Ham open talks with Lingard

Wekundu wa Msimbazi are aiming at reaching the last four of the annual competition with a victory over Amakhosi
Original author: Seth Willis

FutPost.com