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Pep Guardiola is convinced Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will still be the "same player" when he returns from his lingering injury problems. 

The 32-year-old Aguero has been limited to 26 Premier League appearances out of a possible 47 since the start of last season, with a series of fitness problems plaguing the Argentinian. 

In 2019-20, Aguero suffered with thigh issues and a knee injury that had him sidelined for four months, missing the start of this campaign.

Although he returned to the pitch in October, Aguero was soon back in the treatment room with a hamstring strain, and is currently nursing another knee injury. 

Aguero is City's all-time leading goalscorer and his pedigree in the Premier League is significant – since the start of 2015-16, his 102 goals is bettered by only Jamie Vardy (106) and Harry Kane (126). 

Despite his record in front of goal, some are concerned Aguero's injury problems will have caused the former Atletico Madrid player to lose his sharpness, though Guardiola has no such worries. 

"When he will be fit, he'll be the same player," Guardiola declared ahead of Saturday's clash with Fulham.

"Of course, age is age, he has to be fit and will need a bit more time than [Phil] Foden or Raheem [Sterling] would, because the physicality of the body is completely different, but I'm optimistic he will help us this season to do what he needs. 

"For that he must have no pain in the knee; we are working on it and today it feels much better. When he is able to train one week and two weeks in normal conditions, he will come back at his best and his sense of goal is unique in this team. 

"That is why it is so important. We cannot forget we have already played five or six months without him – that's a long time without our striker. 

"But I'm confident as he works a lot, he's a lovely person, I have an incredible relationship with him, better than ever. I like him and we want him back as soon as possible for him and for the team." 

Aguero is in the last year of his contract at City, with some long holding the belief he plans to return to Argentina once his time in Manchester comes to an end.

Chennaiyin registered their first defeat in the Indian Super League 2020-21 season as they lost 0-1 against Bengaluru at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Friday.

Bengaluru talisman Sunil Chhetri scored the only goal of the match from the spot in the 56th minute. 

Chennaiyin coach Csaba Laszlo was infuriated by the actions of Ashique Kuruniyan as his challenge saw Anirudh Thapa eventually leaving the field in pain. The head coach said that Kuruniyan made at least three fouls in five minutes and suggested that the referee could have sent him off. 

"Anirudh Thapa's injury, I think, he will be okay but I'm angry just because it looks like this player No.22 (Ashique) made three fouls in five minutes. This season I'm also angry about what happened because for most of it you can give a yellow or red card. I don't think it was the right decision," Laszlo said after the game.

Laszlo made three changes in the second half and Chennaiyin looked like the better side towards the end of the game. He said that his team played better football due to the change in the system.

"We were the better team (in the second half) mostly because we changed the system. And we tried to run and score. We tried. In the second half I think we played one-way football," Laszlo said.

Cnennaiyin FC will next take on Mumbai City FC on Wednesday.  

Yet again, URA FC and Mbarara City settled for a draw from Friday's Ugandan Premier League (UPL) encounter at Kakyeka Stadium.

The 1-1 result saw the two top-tier rivals share the points as the draw is the sixth between them in as many games. Steven Mukwala scored for URA while Jude Ssemugabi helped the Ankole Lions fight back to salvage the point.

Mbarara City could have opened the score in the 22nd minute but were denied by the post while the Tax Collectors broke the deadlock eight minutes later after they were saved by the woodwork.

Mukwala, who was making his URA debut, was assisted by Joachim Ojera to open his goal account. The scorer could have earned a double in the 48th minute but Muhammad Ssekaba denied him from the penalty spot.

In the 81st minute, Ssemugabi scored the equaliser as the two teams shared the points in their Premier League opener.

Meanwhile, Sports Club Villa and BUL FC recorded a high-scoring draw of the day in the other UPL tie.

Emmanuel Wasswa and Nicholas Kabonge scored for the record UPL champions while Richard Wandyaka and Musa Esenu were the scorers for BUL in the 2-2 draw.

Wasswa scored in the fifth minute before it was cancelled out by Wandyaka’s effort in the third minute past the half-hour mark.

Esenu gave BUL the lead in the 55th minute before Kabonge brought the score at par again in the 78th minute. Ten minutes before the SC Villa equaliser, the Jogoos had been reduced to 10 men after Benson Muhindo was red-carded.

The three minutes that were added was not enough for either side to register a winning goal.

This is the first season for the Jogoos since reverting into a community-owned club in the recent past.

Finally, Police FC and Wakiso Giants produced a 0-0 draw at the MTN Omondi Stadium.

Eyes were on Police’s captain Tony Mawejje who returned to the club since he last played for them in 2006. The experienced midfielder was, however, substituted in the 45 minutes as he walked out seemingly injured.

Frank Tumwesigye, Eric Ssenjobe, and Hassan Muhamood were given their debuts for Police as they are among the new signings.

Wakiso Giants gave debuts to Rahmat Ssenfuka and Joshua Lubwama as the draw is the first one between the rivals in three games.

Southampton's summer signing, defender Mohammed Salisu, is in line to make his debut in Monday's Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, club boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed.

The Ghanaian joined the Saints on a four-year deal from La Liga side Real Valladolid in August but has had to bide his time to make an appearance for his new club due to a combination of injury and lack of match fitness.

"Ingsy [Danny Ings] and Reddy [Nathan Redmond] are starting to train now and this week will be part of the sessions and then we will have a look how competitive they are," Hasenhuttl said in his team news on Friday ahead of Monday's fixture away at Brighton, his club's official website reports.

"Sali [Salisu] is also a step further forward in his development, so we have a few more alternatives in the future and this is good.

"All of these players it is possible they are in the squad on Monday. We will have a look for whom it is possible and for whom it is too early.

"Now is the busiest time of the year, and in the beginning of this time we seem to have everybody back and fit in the team and we need everybody now, this is for sure, because now becomes a busy time."

Although Salisu completed his transfer to Southampton in August, he joined the club's pre-season training in the week of their Premier League opener in September.

The Saints have not done badly without the 21-year-old so far as they have overcome a poor start to the campaign to climb to a current sixth position on the league standings.

He caught the eye of Southampton with a run of fine performances for Valladolid, also consequently attracting offers from French side Stade Rennais and reportedly from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.

In what was his first and only season of senior professional football, the centre-back made 31 league appearances involving 30 starts and one goal for the White and Violets.

His injury and fitness situations have prolonged his anticipated debut for Ghana who will be looking to call on him when the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume in March next year.

Former Juventus and AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri says he wants to manage in the Premier League.

The 53-year-old, who has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal among other clubs, has been without a club since leaving Juve at the end of the 2018-19 season.

He won five consecutive Serie A titles in Turin, adding to the singular Scudetto he won at Milan in 2011 – the last time a team other than Juventus won the Italian top flight.

Now, Allegri is improving his English language skills and looking for his next job.

“I would like to experience the Premier League,” told The Times. “In Italy, I was in Milan for four years. Five years in Juventus. Now I expect (to work again) in Italy, but it is difficult, or in England.”

“For me, English football is improving now because there are a lot of foreign trainers. There are more tactics compared to ten years ago. England now is more sophisticated, and more tactical, but is also respecting the tradition of English football.

“It’s a good balance of the spirit of English football and the new quality and new tactical approach of the new coaches.

“The important thing is every country has its own history. England is different from Italy, which is different from Spain, from Germany. It’s difficult to change the history of the country.”

Allegri believes Liverpool and Bayern Munich are the two best teams in Europe right now, and he is a fan of what Jurgen Klopp has achieved at Anfield.

“Every year they improve the team. Liverpool have players who are very fast, technical, are physically stronger, and they have character.

“To win trophies, we need to have character, the technical, the tactical, and the physical. And all Liverpool players work very hard, every match. Liverpool have the right mentality.

“At Tottenham, [Jose] Mourinho has the balance with the pragmatic and the technical. Because Tottenham are a big team, with big players, and Mourinho is about the strategic. The trainer must respect the quality of his players. Mourinho understands his players. He’s doing a great job at Tottenham.

“Manchester City don’t have a big history like United, so [Pep] Guardiola can work with a ‘virgin’ club and has the possibility to work his own way.”

Valencia have announced they have locked down teenage star Yunus Musah to a new contract through 2026. 

The 18-year-old has made the breakthrough into Valencia's first team this season, making 10 La Liga appearances and scoring one goal. 

Musah, who was born in the United States and raised in England, accepted a call-up from the U.S. national team last month and earned his first two senior international caps.

The attacker has represented England at various youth levels and the Three Lions' Under-21 head coach Aidy Boothroyd has said that he hasn't given up hope of eventually bringing Musah back.

Because Musah appeared for the USMNT in friendlies, not official matches, he is still eligible to play for England or Nigeria, his parents' home country.

"I don’t know [if he has made his decision]," Boothroyd said. "I hope he hasn’t because I think if he came here and saw what we are all about that he would really enjoy it."

Speaking to Valencia's website after inking his new deal, Musah said he was happy to commit his future to the club. 

"I'm very happy to have signed for Valencia CF, and to have renewed my contract. I can't wait for what the future holds," Musah said.

"It's a dream come true for myself and for my family. Something that I've dreamed of ever since I was young was to have a first team contract with a big club. For that to happen at Valencia CF is even bigger.

"Valencia CF have shown trust in me and I want to carry on at this club which has helped me to start my career.

"I can't wait for the fans to be back at the stadium, as I haven't experienced that before. I've been to Mestalla to watch a lot of matches as a spectator, but it's going to be a different experience playing there on the pitch."

Valencia have made a slow start to the 2020-21 season and currently sit in 14th place, having won just three of their first 11 matches. 

The club's next match is on Monday when they travel to face Eibar in La Liga.

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘has a different head to everybody else’, according to former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri – who says the Portuguese has the best mentality of any player he has worked with.

Allegri managed Ronaldo during his last year as Juve boss in 2018-19, and the pair enjoyed a fruitful relationship in their short time together.

Ronaldo scored 21 goals to help the Turin giants to another Serie A title, but even the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wasn’t immune to being the butt of the playful Allegri’s jokes when things didn’t go his way.

Having also coached AC Milan to the title in 2010-11, Allegri has worked with his fair share of superstars.

“I had a lot of strong players, with strong mentality,” he told The Times. “Defenders like (Giorgio) Chiellini and (Alessandro) Nesta, midfielders like (Gennaro) Gattuso and (Clarence) Seedorf and strikers like (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic and (Cristiano) Ronaldo.

“Ronaldo is the top player for mentality. Ronaldo has a different head to everyone. He’s won five Ballons d’Or, five Champions Leagues and one European Championship for Portugal, and that is so difficult, and it’s always him being the difference. Every year he has a new objective.”

After some time away from management, Allegri has outlined his ambition to manage in the Premier League – and he explained his methods of working with players.

“A coach should not create anxiety for players. If you start only from your ideas, your credo, and you don’t start from the quality of the human material you have in your hands, I consider that a big mistake.

“The game is decided by players. I agree with other trainers that the team has to have the organisation, and tactics, but it is important that the individual plays well.

“I can see from how a player is running how he feels. “Body language tells you a lot. The same thing when you go to the paddock before a race and you see the horses moving. If you understand horses you can see who’s feeling best. I have this opinion about the similarity of horses and people.

“Racehorses are athletes as well, with the disadvantage that they can’t speak to you! So you have to read the body language.

“The trainer has to be a psychologist. 80 per cent is psychology, 20 per cent is tactics. We need to look in players’ heads because they’re young, they’re ‘children’.

“We need to speak to them every day, know everything about them, understand their problems. The problems of an 18-year-old boy are different from a veteran. When the trainer has to put a player on the bench, it’s important the player has faith in the trainer. The first quality for a coach is psychology.”

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has provided an update on the country's senior women's national team in Santiago, where they have been placed in quarantine.

The Southern Africa side arrived in the Chilean capital last Wednesday for two international friendlies with La Roja in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.

And the Copper Queens had faced off with the Chileans last Saturday in Santiago, where they came from behind to earn a 2-1 win through goals from Barbara Banda and Racheal Nachula.

They were expected to play the second match against their hosts on Tuesday, December 1, when at least four players were initially tested positive for coronavirus before three more tested positive.

The development just hours prior to kick-off forced the cancellation of the game and also resulted in the confinement of the team to 14 days in isolation at Torremayor Hotel in Santiago by local authorities.

While corroborating Goal's earlier report, FAZ moved to douse worries over the safety, welfare and health condition of the team in Chile.

“Individuals with confirmed cases of Covid-19 would typically complete isolation for 11 days inside the sanitary residence, until December 12, 2020," the FAZ statement read on Friday.

"However, to keep the delegation together during their stay in Chile, the decision was made to extend the isolation of all members of the team until December 15, 2020."

Commenting on the situation, FAZ deputy general secretary Joseph Chimpampwe shared details of the efforts made to ensure the delegation's safety.

“On our part, we are in touch with our team and the Chilean Football Federation on the developments in Santiago," he said.

"This is part of the challenges posed by the ‘New Normal’, but we are doing everything possible to ensure that our team returns safely after completing the health protocols.

“For avoidance of doubt, the team was tested prior to their departure for Chile as per requirement for travellers under the new normal and underwent Covid-19 tests upon entry into Santiago which came out negative.

"The situation is part of what we have to endure under the Covid-19 crisis that the world is battling with.”

At it stands, hopes of Zaragoza having Nachula and Hellen Mubanga back before December 15 hangs by a thread, the same as Mary Mwakapila joining Hapoel Beer Sheva for the Israeli league's opener. 

Bernard Mensah and Vincent Aboubakar found the net on Friday as Besiktas defeated Kasimpasa 3-0 in Super Lig action.

The Ghana playmaker opened the scoring in the second-minute of first-half stoppage time against his former club when he reacted quickest after the visiting goalkeeper spilled the ball into his path, firing home with his right foot from close range.

Besiktas’s advantage grew 10 minutes into the second half when Florent Hadergjonaj was shown a straight red card for the visitors.

Atiba Hutchinson doubled the hosts’ lead in the 68th minute after fine work from Algeria wideman Rachid Ghezzal, before Vincent Aboubakar rounded off the triumph seventh minutes later as he continues his return to top form.

Fabrice N’Sakala, the hero against Fenerbahce last weekend, was introduced late on as Sergen Yalcin withdrew Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, and Besiktas comfortably saw out the contest to maintain their excellent recent form.

The victory was their sixth in their last seven matches in all competitions, and takes them up to 19 points after 10 matches.

They’ve moved four points behind unlikely league leaders Alanyaspor, who are away at Genclerbirligi on Saturday morning.

Besiktas’s victory comes on the back of their stunning 4-3 triumph at heavyweight rivals Fenerbahce on Sunday, as Aboubakar netted twice to continue his return to his top form.

It was Besiktas’s first victory away at Fener in 15 years, having not previously defeated their fierce rivals away from home since April 2005.

Including his goal against Kasimpasa, the Cameroon international now has five in eight in the Super Lig this season, a remarkable turnaround considering he failed to score any league goals for FC Porto last term during an injury-ravaged campaign.

The goal was Mensah’s second of the season, and his first since he scored in the win at Trabzonspor in his first league game of the campaign.

“I’m happy for myself,” Mensah said after the match, describing his eagle celebration. “I also made an eagle sign in my joy with the goal, because I know this gesture is valuable to fans.”

The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Besiktas from Kayserispor, having previously spent time in Turkey with Kasimpasa.

He was unable to make the breakthrough at Atletico Madrid after signing for the Spanish giants from Vitoria Guimaraes.

Gor Mahia stand-in coach Sammy Omollo is hopeful the goal scored away against APR will be key for their chances of making it to the next phase of the Caf Champions League.

Niyonzima Seif's strike and an own goal by Andrew Juma gave the hosts the victory while the goal for the Green Army was scored by Kenneth Muguna. The Posta Rangers coach is optimistic the Muguna strike can take the Kenyan giants to the second round of the annual competition.

"We are all motivated with the result and an away goal we scored in Kigali last weekend. And with what I have seen in the team so far, I believe we can qualify to the next round," Omollo said ahead of Saturday's game.

The 51-year-old will also have Benson Omalla back, who was on duty for Kenya's Rising Stars, and the tactician has pointed out what the youngster is expected to bring in the team.

"We know how important that match is to us and the good thing is that Benson Omala is back in the team," Omollo continued.

"We all know what the youngster can bring to the team; energy and lethality. He will be key for us tomorrow.  

"But we need to have a top-class defending and make good use of our chances. When we played in Kigali, we looked dangerous and created several chances and I believe tomorrow will not be different. 

"If we do the right things tomorrow we will win the match."  

APR landed in Nairobi on Thursday ahead of the decisive match on Saturday.

The Rwandan side has arrived with a contingent of 24 players who will face K’Ogalo at Nyayo Stadium behind closed doors.

APR Squad:

Goalkeepers: Rwabugiri Umar, Ahishakiye Heritier,

Defenders: Mutsinzi Ange, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimiwe, Omborenga Fitina, Rwabuhihi Aime, Niyomugabo Claude, Ndayishimiye Dieudonne, Buregeya Prince.

Midfielders: Oliver Niyonzima, Mushimiyimana Mohamed, Ruboneka Jean, Itangishaka Blaise, Bukuru Christophe, Nsanzimfura Keddy.

Strikers: Danny Usengimana, Byiringiro Lague, Jacques Tuyisenge, Manishimiwe Djabel, Yves Mugunga, Bizimana Yannick.  

The trailers for the next generation of FIFA on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have shown the improved realism off the field as thousands of fans descend on Anfield to watch Liverpool in action.

A lot of games have advertising videos like this that do not reflect the true gameplay of the game itself, but FIFA 21 attempts to be more realistic than ever on the pitch thanks to the new GameCam.

Looking to reflect television broadcasts of matches by showing both the field of play and the crowd at once, GameCam utilises the processing power of the fifth generation of consoles in ways that were impossible before.

FIFA 21 Creative Director Matt Prior is a huge fan of the new camera angle, which is the default setting in FIFA 21 on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

He believes that GameCam allows people to connect with the game better than they could previously and makes it feel much more like watching a real-life game on television.

"We think it's a gamechanger in terms of the believability of the experience," Prior tells Goal.

"One of the main things we want to do is have people connect to our game the way they would the real world of football.

"The more powerful processing power of Gen 5 allows us to show more of the stadium. Previously, if we were showing a lot of the crowd, it would hit framerate.

"GameCam is much more of a reflection of how people interact with football. Most people digest football by their television and one of our main goals is to make our game look as close to the reality of a broadcast as we can.

"It really adds an extra layer of dimension and immersion to it because you get to see a lot more of the field, a lot more of the off-ball play and a lot more of the crowd, who are such an important part of the atmosphere of football."

GameCam is currently only available on new consoles and was not part of FIFA 21's initial release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Those previous consoles did not have the processing power to show the crowd in such detail as framerate would struggle to keep up with the on-field and off-field animations.

All the traditional camera angles and camera settings are still available, but Prior hopes that having GameCam as default will cause more people to use it despite the fact they can switch to one of the older angles in a few seconds.

"Some people will want to change back to the original camera as they've grown up with it and that's what they're used to," Prior admits.

"The majority of users when we tested it, liked the new look and feel. But we don't want to limit it and everyone is different, so all the old camera options are still in there if you want to change it.

"But for us, GameCam is a real step forward and the big difference from Gen 4 and Gen 5.

"The reason we wanted to make it the default is because it shows off the power of Next Gen and for any returning users, they know they can change the camera angle, but any new users, if we hid this one, maybe they might not know they could change it."

Showing the crowd is one of the key features of the new camera angle and EA Sports worked on ensuring that the crowds were more varied than in the past, with previous games often duplicating fans to fill stadiums.

The crowd react better to in-game actions, but Prior's favourite aspect of GameCam is how scoring feels in FIFA 21 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

The new camera angle brings users closer to the action and makes some goals look "more spectacular," according to FIFA 21's Creative Director.

"Football is a lot about atmosphere and that's what makes it the best game in the world. The chanting, the colours, the tifos. That whole atmosphere is part of the experience, so the more we can bring that into the gameplay experience, the better. Previously, once you were in gameplay, you saw very little of the crowd.

"This now allows us to bring the crowd into the gameplay much more," he adds.

"Some of the changes are subtle, such as if you hit a belting shot and it goes over the bar, you'll see the crowd try to get away from it now.

"Or if you score a goal and run behind the net to your fans, they'll swarm towards the front and cheer.

"Overall, we've improved the textures of the crowd. We struggle to get them to the fidelity of the players because there's 50,000 of them, but we have made big improvements. There's less duplication in Gen 5 and much more reactive stuff, they can cheer more accurately and do the Mexican wave for example.

"The stadiums will now feel much fuller and more alive. There's more cameramen, more stewards, etc. It's much more of a living environment due to the extra horsepower that Gen 5 gives us.

"You can score some incredibly satisfying goals from the angle of the camera, because you can see the ball arc and curve much more than you could with the previous cameras.

"It feels really good. In a lot of instances, it makes scoring goals more rewarding because they look that much more spectacular."

Training at Serie A side Bologna has taken on the look of a spy thriller with manager Sinisa Mihajlovic searching for a mole in his squad – and promising "things will get ugly" when he does find the culprit.

Bologna are 10th in Serie A but Mihajlovic is convinced somebody is leaking his tactics to the press.

In a press conference ahead of his side’s trip to second-placed Inter on Saturday, Mihajlovic said he had tried some new tactics in training in order to see whether it would end up in the news – and, sure enough, it did.

The former Yugoslavia defender had a chilling promise for the perpetrator, whose prospects at the club may have taken something of a hit.

“I only tried out a new formation to find out who the f*ck is talking to journalists,” Mihajlovic revealed. “I did it on purpose because no one was expecting it, so now I’m investigating.

“I swear, if I find who’s been speaking with the media I’m sticking him to the wall. I’ll make sure he doesn’t play again.

“I’m not actually thinking of changing the tactical set-up, I only did it because we were alone, and today everything’s come out in the papers. So there’s someone on the inside who is talking, and I promise that I’ll find him. And when I find him, things will get ugly.”

Bologna have won their last two games against Inter, but Mihajlovic is aware of the threat posed by forward Romelu Lukaku, whom he says he couldn’t have stopped when he was a player – unless they were in a boxing ring.

“As a footballer, I wouldn’t be able to stop him, he is stronger, quicker, bigger than me.

“Maybe I could stop him inside a boxing ring but in a football pitch where you can’t give illegal blows, I would not know how to do it.

“As they say there's never two without three. Let’s see tomorrow if it is true or if it is an exception that proves the rule. We need to score one goal more than them.”

Bologna could rise as high as seventh with a win, while Inter are looking to close the five-point gap to rivals AC Milan at the top of the table.

Manchester United have revealed their plans to bring fans back to Old Trafford, as they aim to have supporters at the ground for their match against Leeds United on December 20.

Greater Manchester is currently in Tier 3 with regard to coronavirus restrictions, which means that matches must continue to be played without fans. 

Other areas of the country, such as London, have entered Tier 2, meaning matches can take place with a limited number of fans – including Sunday's north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Four days before Man Utd take on Leeds at Old Trafford, the UK Government will meet to revisit coronavirus restrictions and could move Greater Manchester to Tier 2, which would allow 2,000 supporters to attend the Premier League match. 

In preparation for the return of fans, United have developed a plan that will allocate the majority of tickets to season ticket holders. The club will also ask fans to agree to a code of conduct that "encourages respectful behaviour and social distancing, and includes the practical rules that will be applied at Old Trafford to ensure the safest possible environment for everyone."

Man Utd's chief operating officer Collette Roche told the club's official website: “It is important to present these conditional plans for the return of our fans to allow preparations to be made.

“We are eager to welcome them back and thank them in advance for their patience and co-operation with our new operating policies that are in place to keep everyone safe. Responsible behaviour will help build trust and confidence, helping us move back to greater capacity numbers in the future once Manchester’s restrictions are reduced. 

“We know we are asking a lot from our fans in terms of the adjustments to their usual match day routines. In return, we are committed to making the experience as safe as possible for them and their families and have also kept ticket prices low.  

“A word of caution: fans must consider their own health before applying for any provisional ballots and pay attention to the local restrictions which are in place wherever they live. They should also carefully read all the detailed information which we will be sending to those who are successful in future ballots. 

“We also thank the ongoing support of Trafford Council, our local suppliers and staff who have worked hard to develop these plans.”

Man Utd still have four matches before the visit of Leeds, including next weekend's derby against Man City at Old Trafford. 

Anglo-Nigerian forward Dominic Solanke was among the goals as Bournemouth romped to a 4-0 victory away at Clarke Oduor’s Barnsley on Friday.

Midfielder Philip Billing, who remains eligible for Nigeria despite making his Denmark debut earlier this year, opened the scoring for the Cherries in the 12th minute before Solanke added their second in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.

The contest got away from Barnsley in the second period, as Diego Rico added another seven minutes after the break and Sam Surridge scored their fourth in the 68th minute.

Kenya international Oduor was withdrawn in the 58th minute of the contest, having struggled up against opposite man Smith, and Barnsley drop one place to 15th with the defeat, as a result of their goal difference taking a significant hit.

The win moves Bournemouth back above Norwich City into top spot in the second tier, with the Cherries having now amassed 30 points from 16 appearances to date as they look to make an immediate return to the Premier League following last term’s relegation.

Solanke has impressed in the second tier so far this season, finally finding a measure of consistency in front of goal after struggling to ignite during his first two seasons at Bournemouth.

His goal on Friday takes his tally up to six goals and three assists in 16 Championship appearances so far this term, with the forward already netting more league goals this term than in his previous four campaigns combined.

There’s hope yet, that at 23, the one-time England international can realise the potential he demonstrated at youth level, when he was a champion both at the U-17 European Championships in 2014 and the U-20 World Cup three years later.

At the latter tournament, in 2017, he won the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition, but has shown precious little of that immense potential in the subsequent years.

Solanke, who remains eligible for Nigeria, has represented England at every youth level from U-16 to U-21 before making his debut for the senior side in 2017.

Norwich will retake top spot if they defeat Sheffield Wednesday at home on Saturday.

Nicolas Tagliafico has signed a new contract that will keep him at Ajax until 2023. 

The 28-year-old left-back's previous deal was due to expire in 2022, thus the extension seemingly secures his value to Ajax for a further season. 

However, the Daily Mail suggest the contract includes a clause that will allow the defender to leave the club next year should a major foreign side show an interest. 

Tagliafico has been linked with a host of big clubs in recent years, including Manchester United, Inter, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester City.

Hakim Ziyech, now at Chelsea, was said to have had a similar agreement written into his contract before he left Ajax for Stamford Bridge earlier this year.

Earlier this year Goal confirmed Atletico's interest, with Diego Simeone's side joining the race for the Argentina international. 

At the international level Tagliafico has earned 27 caps for his country since his 2017 debut, playing every minute of his side's four matches at the 2018 World Cup.

Man City have been strongly linked in recent weeks, with Chelsea having cooled their interest after signing Ben Chilwell from Leicester City this summer.

Tagliafico joined Ajax in January 2018 from Argentina's Independiente and helped them to reach the Champions League semi-finals against the odds in his first full season. 

Since the start of that campaign, 2018-19, only five defenders have featured more regularly in Europe's premier club competition than Tagliafico (21), while Juan Bernat and Raphael Guerreiro (five each) are the only two to have more goals than the Ajax defender (four). 

But he has also proven himself shrewd defensively.

His total of 39 successful tackles is second only to team-mate Noussair Mazraoui (40), while Mats Hummels (50) is the sole defender with more than Tagliafico's 45 interceptions. 

The Argentina international comes out on top for overall duels (286) and duels won (165), however, highlighting the fearlessness Ajax would lose were he to leave. 

Nevertheless, Friday's news should at least ensure Ajax secure a healthy profit if he does depart in 2021.

Ajax, who are currently atop the Eredivisie table after winning nine of their first 10 league matches, are back in action on Saturday when they host Twente. 

Nuno Espirito Santo says it is ‘obvious’ that concussion substitutes should be introduced in the Premier League following the injury to Wolves star Raul Jimenez.

Jimenez suffered a fractured skull after a clash of heads with David Luiz, five minutes into Wolves’ 2-1 win over Arsenal last Sunday.

The forward required 10 minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken straight to hospital. Luiz, however, was bandaged up and sent back on for the rest of the half, with Mikel Arteta later saying the Brazilian had been “uncomfortable” after the collision.

Arteta’s decision not to take Luiz off straight away was criticised by many but it once again raised the debate over concussion subs – where a player could be taken off without it counting as one of the team’s three changes as a safeguarding measure. The idea has already been introduced in some other sports such as cricket.

"There should be concussion substitutes," Nuno told a press conference. "It is obvious everyone in the game supports this and I am positive this is going to happen."

Jimenez released a statement saying he was hoping to be back in action soon, but at this stage it is unclear just how long he could be out.

The impact on Wolves’ prospects is clear. Since joining from Benfica in 2018, Jimenez has proven one of the most consistent and complete forwards in the Premier League, scoring 48 goals and registering 18 assists in 110 games for the club.

Wolves fans have pooled their money to have a new banner of the Mexico international to be displayed at Molineux.

"I am not surprised about the reaction," said Nuno. "Raul means a lot to this city.

"All the things you can say about Raul is not enough because he is an amazing person.

"Everything goes through your mind when you see someone you love and appreciate in a tough situation. He means so much to us. It is like when someone in the family gets ill.

"It was serious. We were afraid at first but now we are moving to a more normal situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with him."

"There should be concussion substitutes," said Nuno. "It is obvious everyone in the game supports this and I am positive this is going to happen."

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids has made it clear that they are targeting nothing but a victory over Cape Town City. 

The Buccaneers are set to travel to Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch where they are scheduled to face the Citizens in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after they saw their four-match winning run across all competitions come to an end when they drew 1-1 with Baroka FC last weekend.

Davids lauded City, who are coached by Jan Olde Riekerink, as a well-structured team, with the Western Cape side undefeated in their last two matches.

“We travel to Cape Town, it’s always a tough match, especially against Cape Town City," Davids told Pirates TV on Friday afternoon. 

"A well-structured team, well organised in attack and defence. We really have to go there give the maximum to get the three points."

Pirates and City have already met this season with the Buccaneers securing a 1-0 win in the MTN8 quarter-final match courtesy of Terrence Dzvukamanja's goal at Orlando Stadium two months ago.

The former Maritzburg United head coach explained that they are prioritising consistency in the league as the Soweto giants look to mount a serious challenge for this season's PSL title.  

“We have to get our league form on track. Getting that league form on track is picking up three points in Cape Town," he added. 

"We are not thinking about anything else but to pick up that league form and that starts with three points."

Pirates are currently placed third on the league standings and they are still undefeated having played five matches - registering two victories and three draws. 

Bucs will be without left-back Bongani Sam and forward Thembinkosi Lorch, who are both nursing injuries.

While defender Innocent Maela and midfielders Ben Motshwari and Thabang Monare are expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Baroka.

City boast of an unbeaten home record against Pirates across all competitions having recorded two wins and three draws since the Citizens' establishment in 2016. 

Ghana striker Yahaya Mohammed believes international colleague Asamoah Gyan must change his ways to succeed in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Seventeen years after leaving Liberty Professionals for Italian Serie A side Udinese, the forward has made a return to his homeland by putting pen to paper on a one-year deal with Legon Cities.

He made his return for his new club as a 70th-minute substitute in a 0-0 draw with Medeama last week.

“His style of play can change because he is coming from a different place," Yaya told Topical Radio.

“If Asamoah Gyan wants to succeed in the local league now, he should come down to the level of those he is playing with.

“You can’t take anything away from Gyan. He has the respect but he has to let his colleagues respect him more.

“If training starts at 15:00, he has to be there at 14:20 or 14:30 to serve as an example for his colleagues. No matter what, the coach cannot talk to Gyan anyhow before the young ones.

“So you don’t push the coach to do so, so that the respect will remain. If he does come down to their level, some players might like him but others will not.

“You can’t have everyone liking you but you have to show a good example for all to like you.

“He must teach the young ones on the field and lead by example. Gyan must also be patient because a lot of things can go right or wrong from players to the fans.”

Since last leaving Ghana in 2003, Gyan's career has also taken him to French side Stade Rennais, English outfit Sunderland, United Arab Emirates (UAE) clubs Al Ain and Al Ahli Dubai, Shanghai SIPG in China, Kayserispor in Turkey and Indian Super League fold NorthEast United.

At international level, the 35-year-old has featured at three World Cup tournaments, six Africa Cup of Nations competitions and the Olympic Games, standing as the West Africans' all-time top scorer (51 goals) and most-capped player (106 games).

He is also Africa's highest scorer at the World Cup (six goals) and Ghana's all-time second-top scorer at Afcon (eight goals).

The 'Baby Jet', as he is nicknamed, is rated among Ghana's richest footballers ever. 

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has been left of the team's squad for the La Liga clash with Sevilla on Saturday. 

The defender has returned to training following the hamstring injury he sustained while on international duty with Spain in November. 

Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane, however, told a media conference prior to the squad announcement on Friday that the 34-year-old would only make the trip if he was fully fit. 

"We're not going to take any chances with Sergio Ramos," Zidane said. 

"I don't want to play a player who has a problem and then he makes it worse. We want all the players back". 

Ramos will miss the clash against his former side, having developed in Sevilla's academy and become a first-team regular before being sold to Real Madrid in the summer of 2005.

Without Ramos, Madrid have drawn 1-1 with Villareal and lost 2-1 to Deportivo Alaves in league action.

In the Champions League, Zidane's side managed a 2-0 away win over Inter but suffered a defeat by the same scoreline at Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, putting their progression to the knockout stages in the balance. 

Serbia striker Luka Jovic is also not included by Zidane, despite having recently recorded a negative test for Covid-19. He had a positive test while away with his national team, requiring him to spend a period in isolation.

Madrid sit fourth in La Liga on 17 points - seven behind leaders Real Sociedad and six behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, who they face in the derby next weekend at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

The team's struggles in the league and Champions League have put Zidane's position under threat but after this week's defeat to Shakhtar, the Frenchman insisted he won't be stepping down.

“I am not going to resign – not at all," Zidane said.

“We have always had delicate moments. It is true that it is a bad streak in terms of results, but we must continue. Today was a final, we prepared very well, but we know there is a game to go and we have to win and that's it."