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Frank Lampard says he's not under "pressure" to play Kepa, and has admitted that Edouard Mendy is now a "permanent fixture" in the net after his bright start to life at Chelsea.

Chelsea spent a then-club record fee of £71 million ($95m) to sign Kepa from Athletic Club in the summer of 2018, having seen previous number one Thibaut Courtois complete his own big-money move to Real Madrid.

The Spanish goalkeeper has since struggled to live up to his hefty price tag, and saw his position come under threat for the first time under Frank Lampard last season due to his erratic form between the sticks.

The Blues boss dropped Kepa for veteran shot-stopper Willy Caballero on several occasions before the club decided to bring in a new keeper in the summer transfer window.

Edouard Mendy was drafted in from Rennes for £22m ($29m) in September, and the Senegalese star has quickly made the first-choice keeper slot at Stamford Bridge his own.

Mendy has started Chelsea's last six Premier League games, while Kepa has had to make do with the odd appearance in the Champions League after losing his place.

Lampard has dismissed any suggestion that the 26-year-old will eventually be restored to his line-up because of how much the club invested in his talent two years ago, insisting he picks his team based on form rather than status.

He also revealed that Kepa will return to his starting XI for the Blues' final Champions League group-stage outing against Krasnodar on Tuesday, telling a press conference: "There’s no pressure [to pick Kepa], and I am not saying it is being spoken about, it is to win games.

"I do that through selections game-by-game and Mendy, of course, has made himself a permanent fixture at this point. 

"The pressure to win games means I pick people in form whether it is a striker, winger or goalkeeper, whoever. At the same time, the game tomorrow is a chance to give Edou a rest and give Kepa a game. 

"He is training well and he deserves it."

Asked how Kepa has reacted to the extra competition for places at the Bridge following Mendy's arrival, Lampard responded: "How he has been with Edou is very supportive with him. I see that and I see it from afar sometimes as they work together with Hilario [goalkeeper coach] a lot. 

"What I do see when I watch from afar and we are in hotel rooms a lot at the moment is that he is someone who is supporting him quietly, which is right. 

"He is also training well which is the main thing that I look at because the training particularly for goalkeepers, because of the one-on-one training nature, there can’t be one that drops their level. 

"They have to all push each other and I see that in the group and I am very pleased with that from Kepa. His reaction has been spot on."

Harry Maguire insists nobody at Manchester United has “even thought about the Europa League” as the Red Devils prepare to enter the Champions League’s last-chance saloon.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are due in Germany on Tuesday for a crunch clash with RB Leipzig. United head into that contest say top of Group H and know avoiding defeat will see them safely through to the last-16.

Coming unstuck, though, could see them tumble into third spot, with Paris Saint-Germain taking on Istanbul Basaksehir in the group’s other game.

Failure to reach the knockout stages would see United have to make peace with the consolation prize of a spot in the last-32 of the Europa League, but Maguire is adamant that elite continental competition remains the target for those looking to maintain “tradition” at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils captain told a pre-match press conference: “We expect to get through the group, no matter who is in our group. That is the tradition and as a group of players we fully expect to get through. We look forward to the game. All we can do is look after the performance.

“You play better teams with better players, that is just a fact. It is a challenge, one we want to be involved in, but we haven't even thought about the Europa League.”

United do not have to turn the clock back far to find the last time they faced an all-or-nothing encounter with Champions League football on the line.

Back in July, as an elongated 2019-20 campaign ended, Solskjaer’s men knew they needed to beat Leicester on the final day in order to finish in the Premier League top four.

They obliged with a 2-0 win secured at the King Power Stadium, and Maguire is looking to put that experience to good use as the Red Devils seek to transfer their fine domestic away form onto a European stage.

He added: “First and foremost, I joined this club to play in the biggest games possible.

“Your big players step up in the most pressured games, so for sure I think that's a statement which shows over the years, that the big players step up in the big games.

“It's a bit similar to the game at Leicester last year where we had to get a result to reach the Champions League and we managed to do that, so we'll take confidence from that, but we feel ready, we feel prepared and we're looking forward to it.”

Kaizer Chiefs would be hoping to end their struggle for goals following news striker Samir Nurkovic will start training this week.

Amakhosi have played 10 matches across all competitions so far this season and of the six goals they have managed, three have come from defenders, two from forward Leonardo Castro and another one from an opposition own goal.

This has exposed the glaring attacking frailties and news of Nurkovic’s imminent return to competitive action comes as the club is desperate to ease their goalscoring shortcomings.

“Samir Nurkovic returns to training this week. His progress will be monitored and further updates will follow,” Chiefs announced on social media.

The Serb was initially slated to start training just after the November Fifa international period but the club has not stated the delay in his comeback.

There is also no update on the time frame of his possible involvement in his first match of the season after getting injured before the start of the term.

The 28-year-old offers hope to Chiefs after ending last season as the club’s top-scorer with 13 Premier Soccer League (PSL) goals.

In his absence, fellow attackers like Khama Billiat, Lebogang Manyama, Lazarous Kambole and Bernard Parker have been battling to get goals.

Also currently out injured for Chiefs is right-back Reeve Frosler who is recovering from a knock on his knee.

Frosler was injured during the MTN8 semi-final, second leg showdown against Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, a match he lasted just 28 minutes.

“Reeve Frosler is recovering well from his knee injury and will remove the brace this week. He is expected back in January,” announced Chiefs.

The 22-year-old defender made four appearances in all competitions this season and stepping into his shoes has been Kgotso Moleko.

Chiefs continue their business without the duo as they now prepare to take on Black Leopards in Wednesday’s league match at FNB Stadium.

After the Black Leopards match, they will face SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic in PSL fixtures, before hosting Angolan giants Primeiro Agosto in a Caf Champions League first round, first leg match on December 22.

Bidco United assistant coach Simon Wagema has openly claimed they lost to AFC Leopards in an FKF Premier League match because of their own mistakes.

The promoted side came up against Ingwe in their second match of the 2020-21 campaign and left empty-handed after a second-half double from Elvis Rupia ensured AFC Leopards won 2-0 at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Wagema, who was standing in for head coach Anthony Akhulia has now revealed to Goal they had matched Ingwe toe to toe in the first half but defensive lapses in the second period allowed their opponents to score two goals and hence the defeat.

“We started very well. In the first half, we created our own chances that we did not utilise but as the game progressed we gave them [AFC Leopards] room to attack and created lapses at the back and we got punished for our own mistake,” Wagema told Goal.

“AFC Leopards is a big team and you should know that if you commit mistakes against a big team then you will be punished, we have to review the game and check what we did wrong and where we can improve before our next match.”

On whether he can pick on individual players that were below par against AFC Leopards, Wagema said: “On my players, I cannot pick on individuals, what I can say is that it was a game of two halves, and the overall performance of my team was better in the first half but poor in the second period, we will have to review the mistakes before our next match.”

Rupia scored the first goal in the 70th minute after completing a through ball to Bienvenue Shaka before the former Wazito Fc striker added the second for Ingwe in the 82nd minute but was withdrawn four minutes later as Hansel Ochieng was given some playtime.

Rupia’s brace enabled Ingwe to pick their second win of the campaign as they had beaten Tusker 2-1 in the season, where he also notched one goal, while Bidco United are yet to win a match, as they drew 0-0 with Western Stima in their first match.

Bidco United will next take on Kariobangi Sharks while AFC Leopards will come up against Sofapaka, both matches will be played on December 12, 2020.

Timo Werner will prove to be “a very good buy” for Chelsea, says Glenn Hoddle, with the German forward considered the pick of the Blues’ summer transfer business.

Frank Lampard invested heavily in a number of household names during the last window.

Werner was among the first to be snapped up, with a man who had been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool ending up at Stamford Bridge.

A deal for Hakim Ziyech was done even earlier, with the talented Morocco international winger lured away from Ajax.

Notable signings were completed on a regular basis from that point, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell acquired in big-money agreements.

Thiago Silva was also brought in to add his vast experience to the Blues’ back line, while Edouard Mendy has replaced the error-prone Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks.

Hoddle admits that Chelsea spent wisely, as they now look to piece a Premier League title challenge together, but he believes a 24-year-old forward with eight goals to his name could prove to be their shrewdest addition.

The former Blues player and coach told the Evening Standard: “It is a tough one. Edouard Mendy could be very important, but by the end of the season I think we will look back and think Timo Werner will be the one.

“He can play down the middle, he can play left and he could have had three or four goals against Leeds on Saturday [in a 3-1 win for Chelsea].

“Hakim Ziyech is a very good player. There will be games where he will be outstanding and I think spells maybe where we will not see him.

“Kai Havertz has got to show more. There is more to come from him, do not get me wrong, he is a very good player.

“But I would go for Werner, I think we will look back and think he was a very good buy.”

Chelsea spent £47.5 million ($62m) on Werner when activating his release clause at RB Leipzig.

His versatility and keen eye for goal made him of obvious appeal to a number of sides across Europe, but Lampard’s desire to get another proven frontman onto his books saw the Blues act swiftly and decisively to get a deal done.

Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world and deserves a big-money contract to reflect that, according to Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta, who has also backed under-fire head coach Ronald Koeman.

The Argentina international was tipped to join Premier League side Manchester City, managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, after handing in a transfer request following a tumultuous 2019-20 campaign.

He opted to remain in Spain, where he has spent his entire career to date, but is out of contract in June and has since been linked with French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Italian giants Inter.

Barcelona's interim president Carlos Tusquets last week made headlines by suggesting the club should have cashed in on Messi due to the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

However Laporta, who is in the running to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu as Barca's next president in January's elections, has taken a different stance and believes Messi is worth every penny he is paid.

"You could argue many reasons for him staying. I prefer to think about what Leo generates, which is a lot – certainly more than his salary may cost," Laporta told  Sport . "I'm not just talking about the sporting level, which is already well known. 

"I consider him the best footballer in history. Leo is so much more than just that. In my opinion all players, when they win many titles and generate so much for the club, deserve to be valued accordingly. 

"At least that's how I'll try to make it happen. Leo is, I repeat, the best player in the world and possibly in the history of football. What you have to keep in mind is that he loves Barca and has shown that repeatedly.

"He is a club man and is comfortable at Barcelona and in the city. That is another factor that leads us to think the best thing for us is for the Messi-Barcelona relationship to continue."

However, reiterating comments he previously made, Laporta acknowledged it will take more than money to persuade six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to sign a contract extension at Camp Nou.

"You have to be imaginative," he said. "Knowing Messi is not guided by money, and I assure you that is the case, we must make a proposal that can convince him Barca has a team capable of winning the Champions League.

"That is essential. It is what will be more valuable to Leo when deciding his future at the end of the season. I am convinced of that.

"Leo and I have a relationship of mutual affection. He knows that whenever I have made him a proposal, it has been fulfilled. Leo knows it and has told me personally he valued that very much. He should finish his career at Barca."

Messi has scored four goals in 10 La Liga appearances this season and seven in 13 overall, with Koeman leaving the forward out of the squad and his starting line-up on multiple occasions this term.

Barca thrashed Dynamo Kiev 4-0 and Ferencvaros 3-0 in their last two games without Messi involved, though Laporta's fellow presidential candidate Victor Font insisted the 33-year-old's ability cannot be questioned.

"It makes me suffer that there are some Barcelona fans who doubt Messi," he told El Iniestazo . "We have to appeal to justice and think about everything Messi has given us. If we stop and look back, we will never see him again.

"You have to wonder how Messi is to not be at the club he loves the most. Some lose confidence in him but he does not deserve that. If I am named president then Messi will renew at the end of the season."

The future of head coach Koeman has been another hot topic of debate at Camp Nou following Barca's worst start to a Liga campaign in 33 years in terms of points accrued after 10 matches.

Koeman is already under increasing pressure, just four months after being named as Quique Setien's successor, but Laporta feels the legendary former player should be given time to get things right.

"He deserves a margin of confidence, not only because of his wisdom at football level, but also because he is a great of Barca," Laporta said. "As part of the Dream Team, Ronald gave us good memories and his famous goal gave us our first Champions League. He knows what he's doing and you have to give him time.

"He and I can see that the team is improving, but nothing has been achieved yet. I appreciate the courage when it comes to betting on younger players, and I see that the players are once again motivated.

"He has had to deal with many delicate aspects since arriving. He is in the process of getting the team that he wants."

In the space of five days, FC Porto fans were treated to two entirely different viewing experiences.

On Tuesday, the record Portuguese champions battened down the hatches, grit their teeth and just about kept Manchester City at bay in Champions League action. The resultant goalless outcome would not have pleased the purists, but it was enough to see Sergio Conceicao’s side through to the competition’s Round of 16.

It was a game, and strategy, to illustrate the rampant inequality that has come to characterize European club football. In their own right, two-time champions Porto are very much the aristocracy, or, at least, they would if the vast financial resources of the likes of Manchester City had not rendered the very idea of an aristocracy obsolete.

However, their pedigree (both at home – where they have won more titles than any other side apart from Benfica – and on the continent) counted for little when faced with the pecuniary might of Pep Guardiola’s slick machine.

Saturday evening, however, presented a different proposition altogether. Tondela, a point off the Primeira Liga relegation zone and with no designs on world domination, rocked up to Estadio do Dragao in domestic competition, and goaded the hosts into a seven-goal thriller.

If there was a common thread running through those two highly disparate performances, it was the output of left-back Zaidu Sanusi, whose brilliance transferred seamlessly from Europe assignment to Portuguese.

The 23-year-old is belatedly becoming one of the revelations of 2020, but is doing with an urgency to suggests he is eager to make up for lost time.

After an impressive 2019/20 season at Santa Clara, for whom he created eight big chances and averaged 0.7 key passes per game over 21 starts, Sanusi was tapped as the prime understudy for the in-demand Alex Telles by Porto this past summer.

While his tally of one goal and two assists over that duration seemed modest, the champions were willing to bet on the young Nigerian's relentless stamina, as well as a whip of a cross that typically sent balls arcing into the corridor between defensive line and goalkeeper. Prime real estate, in other words, for the calibre of centre-forward that Santa Clara did not necessarily have.

Telles would ultimately complete a move to Manchester United for a fee in the region of €15 million, but rather than enter the market for a replacement, Porto elected to keep faith with Sanusi. It is a decision that has been rewarded, on the evidence of some of his recent showings. 

By no means is the Nigeria international (he made his debut in the October international window) the complete package. At least, not yet. Look closely enough, and the holes in his game are apparent: he can lack variety and poise at times, and is often guilty of defensive blackouts on occasion. Questions remain over his passing and overall ball retention.

However, to focus on what he cannot do is to miss the point of what he is: a proper wrecking ball of a full-back, with oodles of energy and, as a bonus, the physical dimensions to be a threat in the air on set-pieces. As part of his brilliant performance on Saturday, Sanusi opened the scoring inside four minutes against Tondela, bounding up the pitch on a counter-attack that originated inside the Porto half, and materializing inside the box to coolly slot home Otavio's pass.

It is also apparent work is being done on refining his defensive instincts, as was clear from his brilliant clearance off-the-line against Manchester City.

The presence of mind and the anticipation to drop back and cover the possibility of a shot sneaking past goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin was simply not present a few months ago. Overall, his work keeping Raheem Sterling relatively quiet was exemplary, and probably would have garnered more attention had his profile been higher.

It holds out some hope his bad habits are far from irreparable. In truth, Sanusi may never become the consummate footballer: a lot of his technical shortcomings seem hard-coded, sadly. However, football's present age is very much one that prizes dynamism and physicality from full-back; these, he has in abundance.

Chinua Achebe's flawed hero in the somewhat underrated 'Arrow of God' – Ezeulu – famously preferred “a sharp boy who broke utensils in his haste than a slow and careful snail.”

Modern football is flawed, and within it Sanusi's sharp urgency more than makes up for everything else.

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has described his teammate Eberechi Eze as "a quality and tricky player" after the Nigerian descent helped him score a brace in their 5-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.

Zaha returned to the Eagles' starting XI on Sunday, after recovering from coronavirus which kept him out of action for two weeks, and his return came as a boost for the visitors at the Hawthorns.

The Ivory Coast star fired Crystal Palace ahead in the second half after Conor Gallagher cancelled out Darnell Furlong's own goal for Crystal Palace in the first 45 minutes.

After a while, Eze did a brilliant job to split the West Brom defence but the ball stopped at Zaha’s feet and he slotted home his second goal in the 68th minute.

Speaking after the match, Zaha expressed excitement with the connection he has formed with Eze, who has provided two assists and a goal to his name since his summer-signing from QPR.

"[Eze] is a quality player, he literally glides through people,” he told the club website.

“It’s nice [having] someone on your wavelength and that’s a tricky player as well because I know half of the stuff he’s going to do so I just position myself to get the ball. It’s been a joy."

Zaha was also full of praise for Christian Benteke, who scored two second-half goals in the fixture to seal all three points for the Eagles.

He added: "Chris is as good as he always is really but I feel like everyone’s making noise because he managed to score. So I’m happy for him. He’s worked hard, managed to get his opportunity and he took it today.”

In Zaha’s absence, Crystal Palace failed to win a Premier League game - losing 1-0 to Burnley and 2-0 to Newcastle United.

Sunday's result came as a relief for the 28-year-old as the Eagles bagged an emphatic away victory which moved them up to 11th on the league table with 16 points from 11 games.

"I’m very happy, man. I’m always happy when the team’s winning and obviously I can add some goals as well. A good day in all," Zaha said.

"Obviously it wasn’t nice staying at home away from the team, especially those two games I feel I could have helped. But I’m buzzing to be back and the team’s winning - that’s all I care about!"

Arsenal’s alarming slump at the start of the 2020-21 campaign can be put down to bad luck, claims Rob Holding, with the Gunners needing a slice of fortune to kick-start their season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have found themselves short in that department as they reflect on their worst opening to a campaign in 39 years.

Some of their struggles have been of their own making, with so-called star men failing to sparkle as intended, and that is leaving the Gunners short in the final third of the field, with a lack of firepower meaning that any defensive leaks are proving costly.

Holding believes one fortunate goal, an effort that “trickles into the net”, will be enough to get Arsenal back up and running again.

They are, however, still waiting on Lady Luck to start smiling in their direction, with a 2-0 derby defeat to north London neighbours Tottenham seeing Arteta’s men hit a new low.

Holding told the Gunners’ official website of an unfortunate wobble: “We're going through a bit of a phase where luck isn't really on our side.
 
“We maybe just need one to deflect off someone and trickle into the net to give the forwards the confidence again to score some goals. It's frustrating watching from the back when we're pushing up and trying to get as many chances as we can and we just need a bit of luck.
 
“We had so many chances second half and we just couldn't put the ball in the net. It's been a problem for a few games now.”

Arsenal have scored just two goals in their last seven Premier League outings, with that lack of end product contributing significantly to a 15th-place standing.

It is clear that something needs to be done in order to turn the tide, with the Gunners in danger of seeing their domestic season written off before the end of the calendar year.

Holding believes Arteta’s side can rediscover a spark, with there positives that can be taken from a reversal at Spurs despite the disappointing end result.

He added: “We stayed together and kept pushing right to the final whistle. We got men in the box and we just need to stick together and not let anyone pull us apart.

“We need to keep going and, hopefully, things will change for us.”

Arsenal will be back in Europa League action on Thursday away at Dundalk, with progress to the last 32 already secured there, while their next Premier League outing will see them play host to Burnley.

Kylian Mbappe's father has given an update on the Paris Saint-Germain star's future after seeing him reach 100 goals for the club at the weekend.

Mbappe has established himself as one of the best players in Europe since completing a move to PSG from Monaco in the summer of 2017.

The 21-year-old has helped the French champions win eight major trophies and reach their first Champions League final, scoring 100 goals in 137 appearances across all competitions.

The France international brought up his century when he rounded off a 3-1 win for PSG at Montpellier by tapping in a Layvin Kurzawa cross in stoppage time.

Mbappe continues to attract plenty of admirers with his electrifying form at Parc des Princes, not least 13-time European Cup winners Real Madrid, who have been tipped to launch a world-record bid for the forward in 2021.

The World Cup winner's current deal is due to expire the following year, however, PSG sporting director Leonardo has confirmed that the club have already opened talks with the talismanic forward over a possible extension.

"We talk, we talk," Leonardo told Canal Plus. "We want to talk, I think he too wants to discuss. It's normal. The time comes to have a clearer idea about his future.

"We are talking quietly, things are progressing well, we have taken steps forward compared to 10-15 days ago. We will continue."

Mbappe's father has now also offered a positive update on the contract negotiations, insisting his son is very much open to committing to fresh terms in Paris.

Quizzed on the possibility of transfer rumours becoming a distraction for the PSG striker, Mbappe Sr told Telefoot: "It cannot disturb him because he plays in a great team, and is surrounded by great players. It allows him to get closer to his dreams and his ambitions."

Mbappe will be back in contention for a place in Thomas Tuchel's line-up when PSG play host to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Ligue 1 giants will book their place in the round of 16 if they pick up a victory, having moved up to second in Group H with an impressive 3-1 win at Manchester United on matchday five.

SC Villa coach Edward Kaziba has claimed he feels sorry for his player Benson Muhindo, who was sent off during their Ugandan Premier League (UPL) match against BUL FC on Saturday.

The Jogoos started off the 2020-21 campaign with a 2-2 draw against their bogey side in a match played at Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe-Jinja City.

However, the sending off of Muhindo for alleged unsporting behaviour is what caught the eye of coach Kaziba, who insists the red card was not deserved because the incident did not look intentional.

“It is unfortunate for Benson [Muhindo] the team for being sent for an incident which did not look intentional but I know it will not affect the player psychologically,” Kaziba said as quoted by the club’s official website. “[Muhindo] will come back stronger.”

During the match, Kaziba handed debuts to new signings Meddie Kibirige, Goffin Oyirwoth, and Isaac Ogwang and they took a deserved lead in the third minute when Emmanuel Alex Wasswa found the back of the net after side-stepping past BUL defenders to stab the ball home.

But with a host of missed chances, the Joogos were punished after Richard Wandyaka levelled matters for BUL in the 55th minute and then Musa Esenu gave them the lead shortly after.

Villa then suffered a blow when Muhindo was sent off and they had to fight for a point with ten men.

Thereafter, it was midfield dynamo Nicholas Kabonge who swung a good delivery into the box and it was met by substitute and debutant Ronald Ssekiganda, who managed to level the game at 2-2 in the 78th minute.

Three minutes were added on but it was not enough for either side to register a winning goal. This is the first season for the Jogoos since reverting to a community-owned club in the recent past.

In a recent interview, Kaziba said his target is to see Villa play entertaining football and score beautiful goals.

“The club’s target this season is to entertain and win with style,” Kaziba said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“We finished third last season, an improvement from the previous season, and as a progressive club, we must aim higher this season, we are Sports Club Villa.”

The Jogoos will next host Mbarara City on Wednesday, December 9.

Paul Scholes has compared Liverpool's front line to Manchester United's strike force under Sir Alex Ferguson, while backing the Reds to retain their Premier League crown.

Liverpool have emerged as one of the strongest teams in Europe since Jurgen Klopp's arrival as head coach in 2015.

The German manager delivered the club's sixth Champions League crown in 2019 and followed up that triumph by leading the Reds to their first league title in 30 years last season.

The Merseyside outfit are on course for more silverware after a strong start to the 2020-21 campaign, with a 4-0 home win over Wolves on Sunday ensuring that they sit second in the top-flight standings behind Tottenham on goal difference heading into the Christmas period.

Mohamed Salah notched his ninth goal of the season while Sadio Mane forced a late own goal from Nelson Semedo and Roberto Firmino served as the focal point of Liverpool's attack.

That trio's contribution in the final third has been crucial to the Reds' recent success, and Klopp was able to add even more firepower to his ranks by signing Diogo Jota from Wolves for £41 million ($54m) in the summer transfer window.

Jota has hit the ground running in the early stages of his Anfield career, scoring nine goals in his first 16 appearances, with Scholes now seeing similarities between Liverpool's forward line and the one he sought to provide for during his time at Old Trafford.

"I go back to my playing days at Man Utd - we always had four centre forwards," the United legend told Amazon Prime when discussing the Reds' strength in depth. "If two of them weren't doing it for an hour there were always two on the bench to come on and make the difference. That's what they built here.

"OK they're playing in a different way, I know that, with the three, but having Jota in the wings it has to sharpen you up. Whether Jota's playing and Firmino's on the bench or whoever's on the bench it does liven you up.

"You're having a little look across all the time just keeping you on your toes. Is he going to bring me off? You have to perform to make sure he doesn't."

Scholes went on to admit that Liverpool are well placed to win the Premier League trophy again this term, as he added: "It took a long time for Liverpool to achieve what they did last year.

"Great credit to them, they were fantastic, they deserved it.

"It was a shame for them that the fans weren't involved. I'm sure there would have been week-long celebrations, parades, there would have been all sorts. It's a shame, but the fans are coming back now. I won't say I hope they win it again for their fans, but I think they're well on their way to doing that anyway."

Cameroon's Ajara Nchout is pleased with her Norwegian Toppserien top-scorer award and league title win following Valerenga's 4-0 victory over Arna-Bjornar in Sunday's final match of the season.

Sherida Spitse, Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir, Celin Ildhusoy and Catherine Bott all scored for Jack Majgaard's team to win the league diadem for the first time in nine years in the top flight.

Despite not finding the back of the net on the day, 27-year-old forward had another impactful display as her fine assist created the third goal of the match.

Before the contest, the Cameroonian held a one-goal lead over Rosenborg's Marit Clausen and Lyn's Camilla Linberg on nine and she eventually snatched the coveted prize with 10 goals.

And the 2019 Africa Women's Player of the Year runners-up took to social media to express her joy after winning a maiden career title and top-scorer prize with one goal fewer than last term's feat.

"Norway champions and best scorer. Thanks for your prayers, Thanks for your support. The best still To came," she wrote on her official Instagram page.

The Cameroon international joined Valerenga on a two-year deal from Sandvikens in December 2018 and helped the Oslo-based club to two domestic runners-up medals in the 2019 season. 

At Sandvikens, she scored 18 times in the 2018 season, including 15 league goals, before netting 15 goals in her first season in the colours of Valerenga to bag two silver medals.

Besides her 10 league goals this campaign, Nchout has scored thrice in the Champions League to reach 13 in all competitions and could add more in the coming games against Brondby and Lillestrom.

With her contract running out this month, Goal understands big money offers are pouring in from top clubs in Europe, including Spain's Atletico Madrid, as well as from Chinese clubs.

While her future remains undecided, Nchout will hope to sum up her memorable season with a double when Valerenga face holders Lillestrom in the Norwegian Women's Cup final next Sunday.

Before the Cup final, she will hope to continue her impressive form in their Champions League campaign as her side battle Danish giants Brondby on Wednesday.

Azam FC head coach George Lwandamina has revealed how his contract with Prison Leopards allowed him to negotiate a new deal.

Azam appointed the Zambian as head coach following the sacking of Aristica Cioaba over a run of poor results. Lwandamina had signed a one-year deal with Prison Leopards to serve as the technical director.

The former Zesco United coach had only served for three weeks before he was appointed by the Tanzanian side.

“It’s hard for both parties but I signed a soft contract which had a clause for such,” Lwandamina told Zambian Soccer Magazine. “I have a lot of respect for them [Prisons] but you see it’s important to take on new challenges.

The Tanzanian Premier League winner with Young Africans (Yanga SC) also talked about his new job and the prospects of a successful time with them.

“Coach’s job is always challenging, I wouldn’t say this time around it will be different, it will stay the same,” he added.

“I can’t say much about the team but I follow Tanzanian football, so in short that can give me an insight into what is happening here in Tanzania.

"They started very well until lately, they haven’t done that well. I am sure for obvious reasons we are going to pick up from there. We will be able to sit and analyse and come up with a strategy that will see us compete favourably.”

After he was appointed, Lwandamina, who left Zesco United after failing to retain the league title and missed on the Caf slots, explained how he is ready for the huge task at Azam.

“That is a mammoth task [title challenge], and a good challenge for any given coach,” Lwandamina said after he was appointed.

“In this job, we do not go to just participate but we compete.

“They have an objective, I have mine too and a name to protect. So we will put our hands together and move forward.

“As I say, football has five factors. If you want to perform and become champions you need the player, the coach, the executive, the sponsors, and the supporters as the 12th player.”

The former league champions will play Gwambina FC on Monday.

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna is confident the team can still get a positive outcome in league assignments despite the fact that they are not 100% fit.

The Kenyan champions have not yet opened their campaign in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League owing to continental assignments.

The soft-speaking midfielder is optimistic the season will be fruitful for the club despite stiff competition from other teams.

"We are looking forward to our first league game since we are psychologically set," Muguna told Goal.

"We are ready for the premier league even though we are not 100% fit. I am confident we can still get positive results once we start our campaign in the next few days.  

"As usual, the competition will be stiff since many teams are prepared, but we know we will still get a positive outcome by the end of the season."

The 24-year-old played a crucial role in helping Gor Mahia eliminate APR of Rwanda from the Caf Champions League. In the first round of the preliminaries, Muguna was on target as K'Ogalo fell 2-1 away in Kigali during the first leg.

In the second leg, he was directly involved in one goal and created an assist for the winner scored by Nicholas Kipkirui in the 3-1 win.

"The team cohesion is good, we managed to get the victory and qualify for the next round. We still need to train harder," Muguna continued.

"The job is not finished, we have just qualified from the first round. We still need to win the second round to make history. 

"Even when APR scored the equalizer, we had belief that we would get something from the match. So we did not give up. The two subs worked hard to give us the two goals and it was a plus to the team."

Gor Mahia have not been doing well financially and prior to the APR game, players refused to train for about three days protesting for their pay. The skipper, however, was not keen to speak on the issue.

"The chairman can talk about it or any other official. My job is to play; I don't control the financial issues at the club," he concluded.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be in line for another contract extension at AC Milan, with the club’s sporting director Frederic Massara revealing that the Rossoneri want to keep the Swede for “a long time”.

The enigmatic frontman returned to San Siro in January after spreading his wings outside of Europe at MLS side the LA Galaxy.

He has passed his 39th birthday while back in Italy, but is showing no sign of slowing down.

An unfortunate injury is keeping Ibrahimovic on the sidelines at present, having already contracted Covid-19 this season, but he will be welcomed back at some stage in the near future.

Milan have cemented a standing at the top of the Serie A table in the absence of their talismanic striker, with Stefano Pioli’s side chasing down a first title triumph since 2011.

Ibrahimovic, with 11 goals to his name this season, will have a key role to play heading forward.

He is, however, only tied to terms through to the end of the current campaign, as he continues to work on short-term agreements, and extension talks need to be lined up in order for him to remain in his current surroundings.

Massara says those plans are being pieced together, telling Sky Sport Italia of Ibrahimovic’s future: “Ibra is now with us and we have not yet talked about a renewal.

“We will do it at the right moment. It will depend a lot on him, on his state of mind and on his desire.

“So far he has shown that he wants to stay here. I think Milan are also giving him a lot in terms of desire. We hope to have him with us for a long time.”

Ibrahimovic has already revealed that he plans to play on beyond the age of 40, saying: “I’m not going to stop next year, I’ll play either at Milan or elsewhere.”

The Rossoneri are determined to keep him on their books, with there a chance that the Serie A giants could also tie up permanent deals for loan stars Brahim Diaz and Diogo Dalot.

Both men have caught the eye since completing moves from Real Madrid and Manchester United respectively, with Massara adding on Milan’s plans there: “The current market has changed a lot, these loan formulas are very much in vogue in this period.

“We are happy with Diaz and Dalot, in due course we will sit at the table with the respective clubs and evaluate what to do.”

Chelsea "can't afford" to let Olivier Giroud go in the winter transfer window, according to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who has urged Frank Lampard to block the in-form striker's exit.

Giroud has enhanced his reputation as one of the most consistent centre-forwards in the Premier League since joining Chelsea from Arsenal for £18 million ($24m) in January 2018.

The Frenchman has scored 35 goals in 99 appearances in all competitions for the Blues despite largely serving in a back-up capacity, while also getting his hands on the FA Cup and Europa League.

Frank Lampard initially opted to use summer signing Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham ahead of the 34-year-old at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, but the veteran frontman has forced his way back into contention with a string of eye-catching displays.

Giroud scored all four goals in the 4-0 Champions League win at Sevilla last week after being handed a rare start, and retained his place in the team for the home fixture against Leeds United on Saturday.

The World Cup winner, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, opened the scoring during Chelsea's 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, leaving Lampard with a welcome selection headache ahead of the congested festive period.

Giroud has admitted he may have to seek a move away from west London in the new year to boost his chances of playing for France at the next European Championships, but Hasselbaink says the Blues must do everything possible to ensure that they retain his services.

"I don’t think they can afford to let Giroud go,’" the former Chelsea striker told Premier League Productions. "Even if he’s not number one. Coming off the bench and making something different. I know that he is going to want to leave but I think Frank has to be very selfish there and say no.

"Maybe he can call Deschamps and have that conversation with Deschamps saying, 'Okay, what does he need to do to be in your team? How much does he need to play?' and have that conversation with Giroud, 'Okay, you’re going to play this amount of matches for sure so you can go to the European Championship'.

"I don’t know but maybe Frank has to be a little bit creative to just keep him because I think he’s important for the team. His team-mates love him. They love him. So to keep that together is also important.

"In the beginning he hardly played but then Chelsea became a little bit in trouble with the forward players. He started playing and he saved them, I think, to get that fourth place because he was crucial.

"He was scoring important goals, that’s why he got a little extension and then this year it’s a little bit the same. Abraham started, scoring goals and he has come from the bench, but at the moment, at the right time, he’s making the difference and I don’t think that Chelsea can afford to let him go."

Hasselbaink added on Giroud's ability to bring the best out of his team-mates: "He’s not been scoring regularly but he’s been doing other things well, making other people play better and letting other people score more goals.

"When you have a successful team we always look at the striker scoring 30 goals, but he is not that kind of person. Yes, he scored in midweek four goals but it hasn’t happened that often.

"If you look how many hat-tricks he has, I don’t think he has a lot of hat-tricks but he does make other people around him play better.

"I don’t think he is that kind of player [who should be judged on how many goals he scores]. We all have our strengths and I think that is his strength, making other people play better.

"Of late he’s scoring also more and important goals. Today, 1-0 - he scores a lot of 1-0s, 1-1s, 2-1s and not a lot of strikers do that. The strikers that score 1-0 and important goals, those are the strikers that you want."

Express FC captain Enock Walusimbi admits he was gutted to have been sent off against Onduparaka FC in a Ugandan Premier League (UPL) match which ended 1-1, but was happy to have picked up a point from the fixture.

The Red Eagles were targeting a perfect start to the 2020-21 campaign and they indeed took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Frank Kalanda converted from the penalty spot.

However, despite holding onto the lead for most of the game, they were denied maximum points as Kabong Livingston levelled matters for the home team in the 68th minute, also from the penalty spot, after Walusimbi was sent off for deliberately handling the ball inside the box.

The 22-year-old, who started at the back partnering Murushid Juuko in the club’s first league game, has now said he was disappointed to be sent off but remained hopeful the team will come good.

“I was so disappointed because it’s always sad to be sent off yet you want to play the entire game and help the team to win,” Walusimbi said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“I think as a team we gave our all and we shall take a point but there’s always room for improvement and am sure we shall come good going forward.”

Express, who have vowed to fight for the title this season, started the game on a high note and saw Kalanda miss a clear chance in the fifth minute after rounding Onduparaka's backline but shot wide.

Kalanda was, however, provided with a chance to score when he was fouled inside the box by Joven Mahad, and he gladly took the honours to send the keeper the wrong way for the opening goal.

Despite taking the lead, Express still looked vulnerable at the back and it needed the experience of Uganda international defender Juuko to deny Onduparaka, as he raced to clear a ball that was rolling into an empty net in the 18th minute.

In the 68th minute, drama ensued when Express skipper Walusimbi was sent off for handling the ball deliberately in the box, and Kabong made no mistake sending Mathias Muwanga the opposite way for a 1-1 draw.

The Red Eagles will next take on Bright Stars on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Wankulukulu.

Angers manager Stephane Moulin said Sofiane Boufal might have suffered a muscle strain or a tear in his thigh after he was stretchered off in their 2-0 win over Lorient.

Boufal could only play 55 minutes of football before he broke down on the field with an injury at the Stade Raymond-Kopa.

Shortly after the Morocco international was taken off on a stretcher, Cameroon-born Ibrahim Amadou also picked up an injury and he was taken off immediately.

While assessing the duo’s injuries, Moulin described the incidents as "bad news" for Angers on a day when goals from Angelo Fulgini and Pierrick Capelle sealed their second straight win in the Ligue 1.

The French coach stated that the injuries could be a consequence of their late signing to the team as they both joined the Black and Whites in October.

“It's hard to tell before the exams, but it looks like it's a muscle strain or a tear,” Moulin was quoted by Foot Mercato.

“This is the bad news of the evening. Especially because just after, it was Ibrahim Amadou who also came out with an injury. He felt discomfort in the ischium.

“It’s less serious [than Sofiane Boufal], but it makes sense. These are players who arrived late. They pay for their lack of preparation.”

Boufal returned to Angers on a free transfer two months ago after finding it difficult to secure a regular playing spot at Premier League club Southampton.

The 27-year-old has returned a goal in five matches for Moulin’s side who are seventh on the Ligue 1 table with 22 points after 13 games.

Amadou, meanwhile, joined the Black and Whites on a season-long loan from Sevilla and he has played in seven Ligue 1 matches so far.

Prior to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, the Douala-born defender was among the seven players who snubbed an invitation to the Indomitable Lions' set-up.