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Alvaro Morata has been recalled to the Spain squad, along with Koke, while Marcos Llorente has earned a first senior call-up.

La Roja have been short of in-form central strikers in recent months but Morata has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Juventus, scoring six goals in seven appearances in all competitions, including three in his past two games.

Morata's last appearance for Spain was in a 5-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Romania in November 2019.

Spain manager Luis Enrique has thrown his support behind Morata on his return, saying the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker has been much improved since his move to Turin.

Enrique told his press conference on Friday: "I am not worried. I call on Morata because since he returned to Juventus he has been confident and his numbers indicate it, and he has an attitude both in attack and defense as I like it.

"Those of us who have watched him can appreciate that in terms of confidence and performance, he is better than the previous Morata, but it is a question for him."

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has also returned, having last played for his country in a 4-1 friendly defeat of Wales more than two years ago. Team-mate Llorente has earned his first call-up, while Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara is out due to problems with a knee injury and Arsenal's Dani Ceballos has been omitted.

With Diego Llorente injured, Inigo Martinez returns, as does Fabian Ruiz. Rodrigo Moreno is left out after testing positive for coronavirus this week.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga keeps his place despite having lost his starting spot under Frank Lampard to new signing Edouard Mendy.

Spain face the Netherlands in a friendly on Wednesday, before Nations League clashes with Switzerland and Germany.

Spain squad:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), David de Gea (Manchester United), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao); Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jose Gaya (Valencia), Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham); Rodri (Manchester City), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), Sergio Canales (Real Betis), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid); Adama Traore (Wolves), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Bertrand Traore will miss their Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

The 25-year-old's first league start since his arrival from Lyon did not go well as he managed 29 minutes of action against Southampton last Sunday before he was forced off with injury.

Traore went down just before the half hour-mark after feeling discomfort around his groin area, and he was subsequently replaced by Egypt’s Mahmoud Trezeguet.

Aston Villa suffered a 4-3 loss in the encounter which was their second consecutive defeat in the Premier League.

Ahead of their trip to the Emirates Stadium, Smith disclosed that the former Chelsea winger will not be back in action until after the international break.

“Bertrand [Traore] came off and he’ll be struggling for Sunday, he won’t make it,” Smith told the club website.

“He’ll definitely be back after the international break.”

Traore has played in five league matches this season, and he also has two appearances in the Carabao Cup with a goal to his name.

The manager also gave updates on goalkeeper Tom Heaton who is recovering from knee ligament tear he suffered last season and forward Wesley.

“Tom [Heaton] is in full training; he needs a few games,” he added.

“He’s got a chance [of playing for the U23s against Burnley], we’re waiting to see if that will go ahead and if it does, I expect him to play.”

On Wesley, he said; “He’s well-liked in the dressing room.

“He had a horrific injury and he’s battling hard to come back from that.”

Marcus Rashford has been picked out as England’s best player by international colleague Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the in-form Everton striker admitting to being a big fan of the Manchester United forward and Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.

Inspiration can be found across Europe for those looking to forge their own successful career in the final third of the field.

Calvert-Lewin falls into that category, with the 23-year-old unlocking the potential in his game that has been apparent for several seasons.

He has become a regular source of goals for his club in the Premier League, with an impressive return of 11 efforts through nine games in 2020-21 earning him a senior England call-up.

The Toffees star has already found the target for his country and forms part of an exciting attacking unit with the Three Lions that boasts the considerable talent of key men such as Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho.

Asked to make his selection as the cream of England’s crop, Calvert-Lewin told FIFA’s official website: “For me, Marcus Rashford. I’d seen a lot of him and he’s an unbelievable player, but I’d never played with him and he was even better than I thought.

“He’s got everything: pace, power, skill. He’s so sharp, clinical in front of goal. He can finish, he can head.

“As a centre-forward, playing alongside someone like that fills you with the utmost confidence you can beat whoever you play against. I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be a top, top player for many years.”

When spreading the net a little wider, Calvert-Lewin named a prolific presence at Bayern Munich as his pick as the finest player on the planet.

He added: “Robert Lewandowski. He scores so many goals.

“As a young centre-forward, if I’m to look along the line of top centre-forwards, I would look at Robert Lewandowski and study his game and see what positions he gets in, because I feel he’s got similar attributes to what I have.”

Calvert-Lewin’s claims to joining the global elite should be aided by the added quality being brought in alongside him at club level, with Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez one of those to have joined the ranks at Goodison Park.

“It’s only right that a club of Everton’s size, with where we want to go, attract that calibre of player,” said Calvert-Lewin.

“For me personally, I was just really excited because I was aware of what he was capable of. I’d seen the great goals he’d scored and the big teams he’d played for.

“He’s a top, top player and for me, as a centre-forward, I knew chance creation would be there and it would be down to me to put the ball in the back of the net. It has been and I’m really enjoying playing with him.

“He’s a different level. He dictates games. He takes players out of games by taking touches. The way he manipulates the ball, he’s very hard to get it off – I don’t think I’ve seen him get tackled, even in training.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims facing Manchester City is “the most difficult game in the world of football”, but does not expect the meeting with the Citizens on Sunday to be a Premier League title decider.

Two teams that have dominated the domestic scene in English football over recent seasons are set to rekindle their rivalry at the Etihad Stadium. There will be plenty on the line when they lock horns, with Liverpool looking to take another positive step towards defending their top-flight crown while City are eager to wrestle it back.

Both line-ups will be loaded with world-class talent, which has allowed them to collect an enviable haul of major silverware under their respective bosses.

Big money has been spent by both ambitious outfits on opposing sides of the North West divide, with City having opened their chequebook again over the summer.

Klopp is expecting the toughest of tests when he sends his troops into battle, with Liverpool’s impressive recent record against City counting for little against an opponent that has firmly established a standing among the global elite.

“It is not important whether we play home or away, it is important we are brave, we play football with all we have and then we have a chance,” Klopp told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “This is the most difficult game in the world of football I would say, to play against Manchester City.”

The outcome of meetings between two title hopefuls has often determined the destination of a top-flight crown down the years, with many suggesting that Sunday’s fixture could have a big say in the 2020-21 race.

Klopp is not buying that, with the German tactician adding: “It looks like even you think it is not a decider, so come on. It is a very, very difficult game and hopefully for both teams, both will perform on a high level but that is it. So many things are different this year, nothing is comparable to last year. 

“Everything is different so we just have to make sure we go through very intense periods, line up with the fittest players we have and take on Manchester City, one of the most difficult opponents in the world. 

“I enjoy these games but it doesn't make it easier.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish as "a top player" who can win a game and be dangerous "in any area of the pitch".

The Gunners take on Villa this Sunday at Emirates Stadium, where England international Grealish will be aiming to continue a strong start to the season for him and his team.

Grealish was linked with several leading Premier League clubs in the summer, most notably Manchester United, but has stayed at his childhood club where he continues to impress, and Arteta picked out the forward for special praise.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of Grealish: "He is a top player, great talent, he is player who can make a difference at any moment in the game.

"He has this personality against any opponent, at any ground, to take the ball in any area of the pitch and he can make the difference, so we have to look after him."

While Grealish is the danger man, the Villa player most familiar to Arsenal is goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who moved to the Midlands from the Gunners in the summer after a decade on their books.

Having spent the majority of his Arsenal career out on loan or as a back-up, Martinez burst into the spotlight at the end of last season following an injury to Bernd Leno. He deputised superbly and played in their FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

Arteta said of Martinez: "He had a career of 10 years here. It wasn't just the last six or eight months. You have to look at everything he did through his time at the club.

"Obviously, it wasn't in my plans to sell him, but we gave him the chance because he deserved it. He performed really, really well but we have to balance the books. We have to make the right choices in the market and obviously, I couldn't guarantee him to be the number one.

"He's a very ambitious person, he has been working really hard and he can see now that the opportunity is there. He's got the opportunity to play with Argentina and when a player asks you to do that I think you have to be open enough and tell him what you think about him.

"If he makes the decision to leave, you should try to support him because he deserves it for the way he has served the club over the years."

Arteta feels Villa, who only survived Premier League relegation on the final day last season, will be a much more potent force in 2020-21, as he also picked out former Manchester City midfielder Douglas Luiz as a player he admires.

He said: "I think they have a better understanding with the players. They've worked with the manager for longer.

"I think they recruited really well. They got Emi, they got a striker, they got Ross [Barkley] and Douglas Luiz who is a player who is starting to show us he is capable. He is a player that I know really well from my time at City and I think the time is benefiting them together. You can see what they are trying to do and they look really strong."

Ronald Koeman has hit back at suggestions Lionel Messi is not working hard enough for Barcelona following criticism of his efforts against Dynamo Kiev.

Messi scored a penalty to help the Catalan giants to a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou on Wednesday, a result that left them three points clear at the top of Champions League Group G.

A clip of the Argentina star failing to press the Dynamo defenders in second-half injury time went viral after the match, though, as viewers called the forward's work rate into question.

Messi had more shots (six) and created more chances (four) than any other player in the match, but he also lost possession more frequently than anyone else (20 times) without once winning it back.

His form has been scrutinised ever since he failed to engineer a transfer away from Barca in August and September. Despite attempting more shots (28) than any other player in La Liga, he has yet to score from open play in the competition in 2020-21 or provide an assist in his six appearances.

Koeman, however, says out-of-context footage is no way to judge a player's effectiveness and insists Messi remains an essential player.

"I didn't seem him [walking] and I'm not interested in this because I don't see him walking," the Barca head coach said on Friday. "If you want to start a controversy around this point, it's your problem.

"Messi is mentally good, enjoying this sport. He's a winner and sometimes you go through moments when the ball doesn't go in, but he looks really focused on that subject.

"I think Messi still has so many qualities. He's very important in our game. He scored the penalty and we're used to him making the difference here, and he's still a very decisive player.

"You said [the footage was from] the 93rd minute - there are pictures of anyone, of me when I'm sitting down, or annoyed. It seems we should be more aware of our image than our work. I don't agree with that. 

"I think these players, like those of my era, have the same effort as us. They work in training, they want to win and it annoys them when they don't win. If it were not like this, it'd be because my work isn't working."

Barcelona are 12th in La Liga having failed to win in their last four league games, but Koeman says people should stop obsessing about poor results so early in the season.

He said:  "Teams like Barca have to be at the top, if you are not there there are criticisms, but we must not obsess over it. The season is very long and you have to work game by game. It is necessary to win, but it does not guarantee tranquility. In this club many things happen, we must be prepared for everything."

Barca face Real Betis at Camp Nou on Saturday, looking to record just their third league win of the season.

Veteran winger Joaquin caused a stir this week when he claimed he would not even hire Koeman "as kit man" after a difficult spell working under him at Valencia.

Asked about those comments, Koeman said: "I understand it's a really interesting topic for you. If he speaks, it's his problem. I'm focused on the game and not individual things that happened many years ago."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still determined that he is the right person to lead Manchester United back to the top, despite recent results.

His long-term future has been brought into question in recent days following back to back defeats against Arsenal and Istanbul Basaksehir.

United travel to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime sitting 15th in the Premier League table having won just two of their opening six games, and while pressure is mounting on the United boss he is still backing himself to get the club out of their current slump.

“If I don't trust my belief and values, and my staff’s quality and players' quality, who else should? I don't look at one or two results and fall like a house of cards,” Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference.

“It's a setback, definitely, but there's been too much made of not scoring against Arsenal and Chelsea, there have been nothing in those games and it's not long ago we were the best thing since sliced bread against Leipzig and PSG.

“You have to have that belief, club have been very positive and shown me their character and strong leadership, I'm looking to Saturday morning, that's another matter we can talk about.”

It is understood Solskjaer’s job is not under immediate threat, despite poor start to the season with just two wins from the opening six games, and the Norwegian says he continues to have the backing of the board.

“I've always had a very good, open and honest and positive dialogue with the club. They've shown strong leadership since I come in and with me,” he explained. “Today it's sunny in Manchester, I don't expect the wind to turn, always pressure and expectations on us.

"I became a man at Manchester United and have learnt how to deal with good and bad times. You're a top coach or manager when you win and bad when you lose because that's the last game you played. Every game of football becomes history quickly and we need to go into Goodison Park in a positive frame of mind.”

Nevertheless, the former striker is under no illusion as to the mounting pressure and knows it is something he has to accept as manager of United.

“You have to be mentally strong,” Solskjaer said. “There are demands on Manchester United players, coach and manager and also an expectation, we are at the best and biggest club in the world and you don't expect anything but criticism then, it is how you deal with that setback and from what I've seen from the boys they've been very focused.”

Christian Pulisic continues to face injury frustration at Chelsea, with Frank Lampard ruling the American forward out of a Premier League clash with Sheffield United on Saturday.

The United States international has endured a wretched run on the fitness front over recent months.

He was forced out of the 2020 FA Cup final after suffering a hamstring problem, with recovery from that ailment delaying his start to the current campaign.

Pulisic returned to action in early October, but has taken in just five appearances across all competitions.

Chelsea were forced to leave the 22-year-old out of their plans for a Champions League win over Rennes in midweek, and will be without him once again when playing host to the Blades.

Further hamstring trouble was picked up during the warm-up ahead of a meeting with Burnley and Lampard has revealed that Pulisic is yet to return to training.

The Blues boss told reporters when offering a fitness update: “[Pulisic] not fit to play, still suffering with his hamstring.

“He's not training at the moment. Kepa [Arrizabalaga] is recovered. Slight bit of pain but in the squad.”

Lampard added when delivering more detail on the problem that is holding Pulisic back: “He trained at a low level in midweek and wasn't comfortable. We have to keep looking for the right solution.”

While disappointed to have Pulisic stuck on the sidelines, Chelsea do boast plenty of alternative options within their ranks.

Kai Havertz is not among those at present, as he self-isolates following a positive Covid-19 test, but Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham caught the eye as a front three against Rennes.

Another clean sheet was collected in that fixture, with the Blues plugging the defensive leaks that have been holding them back.

Momentum has been established by the west London giants, but Lampard is reluctant to rule them into a Premier League title race just yet.

He said: “We have to wait. A long way to go. The start has been open, some unexpected results but it may level itself out. I won't jump ahead too much at the moment but it is open.”

Sergio Aguero has lost his race to be fit for the crucial Premier League clash with leaders Liverpool, with Pep Guardiola confirming he is “not ready”.

The Manchester City striker had hoped to have recovered from a hamstring injury in time to face the champions in Sunday’s game at Etihad Stadium.

Aguero missed the start of the season with a knee injury and then suffered a muscle setback just a week into his return.

He was back on the training pitch earlier this week but is not fit enough to face Liverpool, although there is better news about Gabriel Jesus, who is available.

The Brazilian returned in midweek, scoring in the Champions League victory over Olympiacos and could start against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Meanwhile, Guardiola agreed with Jurgen Klopp that the fixture between City and Liverpool is “the most difficult game in the world of football”.

The two sides have dominated English football over recent seasons and will rekindle their huge rivalry at the Etihad Stadium.

Asked whether he agreed with the Liverpool manager’s statement, Guardiola said: “Absolutely. Not all the time - but 90 or 95% of the time - I agree with Jurgen.”

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League and five points clear of City having played a game more, but Guardiola denied it was a must-win game so early in the season and says the two clubs are not the only title challengers.

“It’s an important game but, like the presidential election in America, all the votes must be counted. [There are] a a lot of points to play for,” he joked.

"Of course it is important, we cannot deny it but it is just the seventh game and there are a lot of points to play for. We know we have to do a good performance to beat them, we won and lost in the past. We are going to do our best to beat them."

The City boss believes Liverpool remain the favourites to win the title but says Leicester, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have shown in their early season form that they are capable of mounting a challenge.

"They are the biggest favourite but I think with what happened with the pandemic the situation is a bit different," he said.

"I see other teams strong: Leicester maintained the level from last season apart from the last month and a half of it when they dropped points but now have incredibly solid results from their starting XI and substitutions.

"Arsenal made a big step forward to be contenders; at Tottenham, Mourinho has the team what he wants; Chelsea are so stable now, not conceding goals and scoring a lot and have a huge squad for rotating top players.

"Manchester United in this moment is not in terms of results but we saw the quality they had last season, we suffered a lot in results and up front they are incredibly fast and clinical.

"They are top class. I think this season will be a lot of teams being there. The last five to 10 games will be important to arrive being there to fight for the title. Hopefully we can be there and arrive at the end with a chance to fight for the title."

Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Mamelodi Sundowns have parted ways with their technical director Jose Ramon Alexanko.

The 64-year-old tactician's exit comes five weeks after head coach Pitso Mosimane resigned and left the club. ahead of the current 2020/21 season.

Mosimane has since taken up a vacant coaching role at Egyptian football powerhouse, Al Ahly. 

The Tshwane giants announced that former Spain international Alexanko has left due to personal family matters in Spain.

"Mamelodi Sundowns today announced that due to personal family matters in Spain, Jose Ramon Alexanko will not continue as the Head of Technical at Mamelodi Sundowns," a club statement read.

"Mamelodi Sundowns is thankful and expresses its gratitude to Jose Ramon Alexanko for the good work he did at the Academy and at the Senior Club."

The FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao legend has left the Chlooorkop-based giants along with his assistant Zigor Salcedo. 

Sundowns have expressed their gratitude to Alexanko for his contributions to the first team and academy.

"The President of Mamelodi Sundowns, Dr. Patrice Motsepe thanked Alesanco for his dedication, hard work, professionalism and for his contribution to Mamelodi Sundowns," another club statement read.

"Sundowns wishes Jose Ramon Alexanko and Zigor Salcedo everything of the best and will continue to be in contact with Jose Ramon Alexanko and Zigor Salcedo."

Alexanko had joined Masandawana in September 2019 after serving as the director of football at former Spanish La Liga champions Valencia CF.

During his time with the Tshwane giants, the team clinched its maiden domestic treble in the PSL era by winning the league title, Telkom Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup.

He was part of the Barcelona team which won the Champions League title for the first time in 1992 thanks to a Ronald Koeman's goal in extra-time.

Koeman is now in charge of Barca's first team as the manager and it remains to be seen whether Alexanko will return to the club where he served as the assistant manager between 2000 and 2002.

Vipers Sports Club forward Milton Kariisa has revealed what inclusion in Uganda's final squad will mean for him.

Kariisa is among the 22 local players head coach Johnathan McKinstry picked for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan on November 12 and 16.

From the 22 players, only six would be finally picked to join their foreign-based counterparts.

“The competition is very high at the moment because everyone is working hard to be included,” Kariisa said as per Football256.

“But just like in any other team, there’s always competition for places, you just need to be focused and pray that things work your way.

“If at all I get the chance and the coaches select me among the six players, obviously I will be glad to receive such a big opportunity and I will use it efficiently."

The 27-year-old signed for the Venoms again in January after a failed stint in Morocco with Mouloudia Club of Oujda.

He was part of the squad that would have participated in African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament which was to take place in Cameroon but it was later postponed due to the emergence of the coronavirus.

Kariisa’s teammate at Vipers Karim Watambala also expressed his wish to make into the final squad that will face the Bright Stars at St Mary’s Kitende before travelling to Nairobi for the return leg.

"I pray that if I make it to the final squad, I just wish to have a goal for the senior team or at least make an assist and am not scared of the competition because it happens everywhere and I am prepared,” Watambala said on Thursday.

"I am looking forward to making it to the senior team because I want to make it to any professional team outside Uganda at an early age and that is why I am working harder because this team contains a number of professional players which prepares for professional football and am using every opportunity available on Cranes to see that I achieve my goals."

The 22-man local-based players' squad;

Goalkeepers: Alionzi Nafian (URA FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume FC)

Defenders: Derrick Ndahiro (SC Villa), Disan Galiwango (Vipers SC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Denis Iguma (KCCA FC), Samuel Kato (KCCA FC), Murushid Juuko (Express FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Patrick Mbowa (URA FC)

Midfielders: Tony Mawejje (Police FC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), David Owori (SC Villa), Bright Anukani (KCCA FC)

Forwards: Ibrahim Oriti (Vipers SC), Milton Kariisa (Vipers SC), Steven Mukwala (URA FC), Brian Aheebwa (KCCA FC).

Barcelona and Real Madrid are institutions of Spanish football, with the reverberations of their bitter rivalry felt across the world each year in El Clasico.

Between them they have won over 50 league titles, dominating the domestic landscape, and each year on the continent they are inevitably in the mix in the fight for European supremacy.

Success is second nature to these clubs, but even the biggest teams endure peaks and troughs over the course of time.

So, have Barca and Real ever experienced relegation? Goal brings you everything you need to know.

No. Barcelona and Real Madrid have never been relegated from La Liga.

The Clasico rivals have been permanent fixtures in the competition for nearly a century, having been a part of the competition since its foundation in 1929.

A total of just three teams have not suffered relegation from Spain's Primera Division, with only Athletic Club joining Barca and Real in the exclusive club.

The three sides were among the 10 original founding members of the league, which also included: Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Europa, Racing Santander, Getxo and Real Union.

Atletico Madrid follow Barca and Real as the third most successful club in the country in terms of league titles and they have been a fixture of La Liga for most of its history.

However, the Rojiblancos were relegated in the league's second season in 1929-30.

Atletico returned to the Primera Division in 1939-40 after the Spanish Civil War (winning the first two editions after the conflict) and remained there until the year 2000, when they were relegated for the second time.

They were promoted again after just two terms in the Segunda and have been part of the top division since.

Valencia are another long-standing institution of Spanish football and they were only ever relegated from La Liga once.

That moment occurred in 1985-86, but they immediately bounced back, winning the Segunda in 1986-87.

Other popular Spanish clubs, such as Real Sociedad, Deportivo La Coruna, Sevilla and Real Betis have all endured multiple relegations.

Maintaining status in the top national league of a country is an impressive feat and not one that is easily achieved, with even the biggest clubs enduring relegation over time.

For example, just one Italian club (Inter) has never been relegated from Serie A and none of England's top clubs can claim an unblemished league record (though Arsenal have not been relegated since 1919).

Zoo FC coach Herman Iswekha has pointed out his side's defence needs more training ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

On Thursday, the Rift Valley-based side welcomed Wazito FC at the Kericho Green Stadium and came from a goal down to win 2-1 in a pre-season friendly game.

Boniface Omondi scored the lone goal for the visitors with Collins Neto and Anami Derrick scoring for the tea farmers. 

"I am happy with the spirit we showed especially after conceding the first goal," Iswekha told Goal on Friday.

"The spirit was there despite being a friendly match; you could see the players wanted to win the game and they eventually did.

"My problem was at the back, we have not had enough time to create an understanding especially in central defence. Pascal [Ogweno] is new and has not trained with others, so before the league starts, we need several sessions with my defenders."

The 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League is scheduled to start on November 20 with the Kericho-based side playing a day later away to Bandari FC. 

"It is definitely going to be a tough game for us, but we want to give our best and start on a high," Iswekha added.

"Last season, we struggled to get off the bottom, but this time around we want to avoid such. It is all about having good preparations and by the time the league starts, we will be ready."

The top-tier teams have until Friday, November 6 to conclude their transfer deals as confirmed by the FKF.

"Due to the impact of Covid-19 that has seen a delay in the resumption of footballing activities and in particular, the end of season play-off matches between Kisumu All-Stars and Vihiga United ... we wish to inform the primary registration and transfer period initially slated to close on November 2, 2020, has been extended to close on Friday, November 6., 2020," the Federation said in a statement.

Eventually, Vihiga United were promoted to the top-tier after a 5-3 post-match penalty win in the playoffs against Kisumu All-Stars.

The two teams had played to an aggregate 3-3 scoreline over the two legs.

If Manchester United were to part with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then Wolves boss Nuno would be a leading contender for the managerial post at Old Trafford, claims Kevin Doyle.

Pressure is building on the man currently filling that role.

An inconsistent start to the 2020-21 campaign from an expensively-assembled Red Devils squad is seeing their coach face plenty of uncomfortable questions.

Speculation has suggested that change could be in the air, with United said to be mulling over their options at a crucial stage of the season.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to head the list of possible Solskjaer replacements, but Doyle believes a man impressing at Molineux will come into the mix.

The ex-Wolves striker told Ladbrokes: “I think I'd be a bit worried if I was a Wolves fan at the moment about Nuno.

“He's a contender for the Manchester United job, of course he is. Why wouldn't he be?

“Mauricio Pochettino is probably their number one choice but Nuno, definitely, would be up there as well for me.

“His link with [Jorge] Mendes and their ability to sign players, he would be a contender. I'm a Man United fan and I'd have no problem with him being the manager.

“He'd definitely be inspirational. You watch him on the side of the pitch and he's the total opposite to Solskjaer.

“I don't think he's going to go anywhere just yet, and I think Pochettino is probably the more suitable option - he's had more success and has more experience in the Premier League at a top club so he's rightly the favourite.

“Wolves fans are probably safe for now but there's no reason at all that I can see why he wouldn't be considered for the Man United job.”

Nuno has been in charge at Wolves since 2017, with the former Porto goalkeeper enjoying considerable success during his time in England.

He oversaw a successful promotion push in his debut campaign, before going on to cement a standing among the Premier League elite.

Wolves have also forced their way into continental competition, with a productive run through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League enjoyed in 2019-20.

Former Orlando Pirates coach Kosta Papic says he would be very surprised if Kaizer Chiefs manage to overcome the Buccaneers and earn a spot in the MTN8 final.

Chiefs meet with Pirates on Sunday at the FNB Stadium and will need to turn around a three-goal deficit, having lost 3-0 last weekend in the first leg semi-final encounter, at the Orlando Stadium.

It would seem that Bucs have all but booked their spot in the final, which will be against either Bloemfontein Celtic or SuperSport United.

But with that said, football has a knack of surprising, and Chiefs can draw inspiration from several great comebacks in world football - for example, Liverpool's 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona in the Champions League in 2019, the Reds having won the second leg 4-0 after losing 3-0 in Spain.

Key for Amakhosi will be to keep a clean sheet, as Papic has pointed out.

“You know in football everything is possible. They [Pirates] scored three, and Chiefs can score three as well,” the Serbian, who coached at Pirates and also had a short stint at Chiefs, told the Sowetan.

“But if Pirates score a goal, that’s it, and it will be difficult for Chiefs to score five goals.

"I don’t remember in the last 20 years when anyone scored four goals in one derby. In my opinion, Pirates are through to the final.”

Papic warned the Buccaneers not to take anything for granted, although he remains confident that it will be the black and white side of the Soweto divide which will be celebrating on Sunday evening.
 
“Complacency is a major problem for everybody around the world," he said. "When you win the match 3-0, you think you are already gone. I don’t think Pirates will fail to score the goal on Sunday.”

While Chiefs are looking to end a five-year-long wait for a trophy, the Buccaneers have not won silverware in six seasons, since they claimed the Nedbank Cup in 2014.

Pirates last won the top eight competition in 2011.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Nairobi City Stars have appointed Brian Otieno Odongo as their new physiotherapist ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

The Nairobi-based charges sealed their promotion to the top tier after finishing top of the table in the abandoned 2019/20 season. They have been aligning their team to ensure they offer stiff competition and after finishing signing players, they have strengthened their medical department.

"Brian Otieno Odongo, 26, has joined Nairobi City Stars to serve as a physiotherapist," Simba wa Nairobi confirmed on their website on Friday, November 6.

"In the past year, Brian served Gor Mahia Youth in the same capacity while at the same time acting as an apprentice with the senior team."

City Star CEO Patrick Korir exuded confidence the new physio will be a valuable asset to the team.

"Brian has shown good professionalism since coming to City Stars and we are happy to engage his services for the upcoming season," the administrator said.

"Since his arrival, a long list of players have since been attended to and have fully recovered from various concerns. We are happy at how they were attended to and are confident he will deliver from his corner."  

The new staff is delighted with getting the opportunity stating he has what it takes to help the team move forward.

"I take this time to thank Nairobi City Stars for giving me this opportunity to serve as the club physiotherapist," Otieno stated after being confirmed at the club.

"I have seen them play in the past and liked how the club is organized. I, therefore, bring with me my vast knowledge and experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment [rehabilitation] of various sports injuries that players pick from the game.

"I am an inspiring clinician with a committed and passionate approach to my work."

On Friday, Simba wa Nairobi concluded their business by signing defender Heritier Mungai Atariza and winger Rodgers Okumu.

City Stars have also signed midfielders Ronney Kola Oyaro from Kenya School of Government, Timothy Ouma of Laiser Hill and, Vapor Sports' Rowland Makati.

They also raided Wazito FC for goalkeeper Steve Ngunge Ndungu alongside Elvis Ochoro, formerly with Hakati Sportif.

Others who have been signed by the team include Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa, who was playing for Ugandan outfit Proline FC, and Kennedy Onyango of Kakamega Homeboyz.

FC Goa have a relatively tough start to their ISL (Indian Super League) campaign, playing a couple of strong teams in the first two games. They will lock horns against former champions Bengaluru FC in their first game followed by an encounter with former manager Sergio Lobera's Mumbai City FC. 

Bengaluru have been a bogey team for Goa as they have won only once against the Blues so far. Whereas the presence of former manager Lobera in the Mumbai dugout adds more spice to their second fixture. 

But Ferrando is not concerned about the schedule and he wants to take one step at a time. 

"I'm happy that now we are working on the pitch. That is the most important thing. The time is very short. We didn't have a lot of time in pre-season but I have been telling our coaching staff to prepare the team and our medical team has been working hard on recovery training. I hope we will have a good idea in the training games as the boys have not been in action for many months.

"Our target is to prepare the team for the first game. After Bengaluru first, it is Mumbai. The target is to progress week by week and day by day. Of course, we want to win the championship but right now it is about taking small steps. The new players have to get accustomed to the ideology of the team. Every game is important. Our mentality all the time is the same - to win three points. We don't lose sleep that we play Bengaluru and Mumbai first," stated the Spaniard during an online interaction. 

Ferrando is focussing on the tactical nuances as he searches for the best system that will suit his team and his own principles. At the same time, he is concerned about the challenges the players face while staying in a bio-bubble for such a long period.

"We are working a lot on the tactical part followed by physical conditioning. We have to try to find the best system. Tactically it is important to know how to respond to what happens during the course of a game. Of course, set -pieces are very important. Our focus is to find out what happens with the ball and without the ball and in other situations as well. 

"I am happy that the coaching staff is helping a lot and the players have a very positive mentality. But in two weeks, it is very difficult to say how the players will control stress. But we are a professional team. It is necessary to talk to players. It is very important to believe in the team and the staff. We are in the hotel for 24 hours, but we can play and train, and these details are very important for us."

The 39-year-old manager is looking forward to their upcoming friendly against ATK Mohun Bagan to gauge the preparations of his team. 

Ferrando has a lot of young blood in the squad in the likes of Saviour Gama, Makan Chote and Phrangki Buam and he is ready to gamble on these youngsters. He also feels that it is necessary to rotate and have an alternative plan as games are set to arrive thick and fast.

"I'm not thinking about the new or inexperienced played. I am trying to find the best first XI. If a player understands the tactical part, he is good to play. If players like Phrangki and Chote are ready, they play in the first XI. It's a new chapter. We decided to find the best players who can help the team. It is very important to prepare a plan B with the medical staff because I don't know if all the players will be ready for every game."

FC Goa have not filled their overseas contingent as they have only signed six foreigners. But the coach asserts that he is happy with his squad.

"I think I have the best squad. I am not afraid about foreign players and substitutions (if the league allows five substitutions). The moment of substitution is very important. It's not necessary to use all the places for foreign players. In future, we could change a few players," signed off the former Volos FC manager. 

Ahead of Friday's Cosafa Women's Cup game against South Africa, Eswatini head coach Bongumusa Mdluli has set his sights on guiding his side to an upset against the champions.

The Super Falcons impressed in their outing at last year's edition in South Africa, beating against Angola and Mozambique before eventually losing 7-0 to Zimbabwe in their final group match.

This time, they made a fantastic start to the campaign, coming back from two goals down to defeat Comoros 4-2 and will face Desiree Ellis' team in their second match of Group A at Wolfson Stadium.

And the tactician expects a tough game for both teams but remains hopeful about his side's chances of coping against regional giants Banyana Banyana.

"It's a very big game against the champions and the tournament's favourites," Mdluli told Cosafa TV.

"We are taking it seriously and we're going for it. Comoros surprised us and we had to push extra harder.

"It's everything at stake but not so much pressure. It's just a game and we are taking it like any other game. Although, it's a big game."

The match will be the first competitive meeting between both teams in the tournament's history and the visitors are aiming to build on their winning start in Nelson Mandela Bay.