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Pep Guardiola has described Manchester City's Premier League title triumph during the coronavirus pandemic as the "hardest one".

City's third title in four years was confirmed on Tuesday when second-placed Manchester United fell 2-1 at home against Leicester City.

It completed a great turnaround for City, who were 11th in November after a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham but secured the crown with three matches to spare.

What's been said?

“This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other," Guardiola said. "This was the hardest one.

"We will always remember this season for the way that we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players.

“They are so special. To come through this season – with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced – and show the consistency we have is remarkable.

"It is relentless. Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient."

The bigger picture

Guardiola believes this title was the toughest to win because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The season kicked off late with his players under-prepared and a shortened schedule meant that they did not have a midweek off until May.

Players were hit by a Covid-19 outbreak around Christmas that shut down the training ground but Guardiola has steered them to another title as well as a Carabao Cup victory, with a Champions League final against Chelsea to come.

“At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us. This is the one where you have to be there every three days, playing all your rivals home and away," the City boss added.

"Only by being the very best, week in week out, can you win this competition. It is a huge success.

“It is so important to say a huge thanks to all our fans. In our toughest moments, we couldn’t hear the crowd get behind us as usual, but we know they are with us everywhere we go and that has lifted us.

"I promise them we sense their love, we appreciate it and we could not have done what we have done without it. I hope we can all celebrate together one day not too far away.”

Further reading:

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer was not pleased with the attitude of his players following the team's draw with Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday afternoon.

The Buccaneers came into the clash having secured a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Black Leopards in a PSL match last week, but they could not replicate the same form as they drew 0-0 with Stellies in another league clash.

Zinnbauer began by discussing how injuries to some of his key players have affected the team's performance with the Buccaneers having won just one of their last six competitive matches. 

"We can always talk about excuses but yes as a coach you have competition at training and more competition in the games," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV. 

"Special players, yes, [Thembinkosi] Lorch, [Thabang] Monare, we have a lot of players and also players who were out for a long time.

"But we cannot change the football, we have to look forward and we hope next week the players come back, we discussed this all week, we're happy the player is coming back."

The German tactician indicated that some of his players are struggling with tiredness and he was forced to substitute Abel Mabaso and Siphesihle Ndlovu, who have been regulars in recent months. 

"But at the moment we have to play, we're strong enough, we're good enough for winning a game like this but if you don't have the attitude before the game," he continued. 

"And you think all is running before the game, I explained this before, it's not possible [to win]. If you have self-confidence before the game like this then go forward, not trap the ball and go back, no go-forward.

Give them the pressure, this was the plan, maybe other players are tired.

"[Abel] Mabaso he had a feeling at half-time maybe tired, [Siphesihle] Ndlovu he had long games now in a row at the moment we'll have to wait for other players then we can change".

"Yes, it's always, you see last week the performance was top and three days later it's bad, this is the question we ask always as a coach, why it's not the same."

Zinnbauer is hoping his charges will produce a better performance when they take on Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca in the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final first-leg game on Sunday.

"It was the same team [that won against Black Leopards], now, in comes [Paseka Mako], he makes a top performance. The same team that played against Leopards, self-confidence, good performance, top final third [entries]," he added.

"But today we missed this but it's football, it changes, we look forward. We look forward to Sunday, we need a win there, it's important we get the head up for the players. They want [to win] at the moment they are always changing the performance."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes Manchester United captain Harry Maguire can still play in the Europa League final despite sustaining ligament damage in his ankle.

The centre-back limped off in his side's 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday, raising fears he could miss the rest of the season.

Solskjaer has suggested Maguire will miss the rest of the Red Devils' Premier League campaign, but believes he could feature against Villarreal in the European decider on May 26.

What has been said? 

“He's obviously had the scans and the good news is there is no fracture,” Solskjaer told MUTV ahead of United's clash with Leicester on Tuesday.

“[There's] ligament damage but hopefully we will see him again this season. Hopefully, he'll be ready for the final.”

When is the Europa League final?

United will face Spanish side Villarreal in Gdansk on May 26.

Villarreal secured their place in the final with a 2-1 aggregate win against Arsenal in the semi-final, while United beat Roma 8-5 over two legs.

Before that game, however, Solskjaer's team will face Leicester on Tuesday, followed by their rescheduled meeting with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Thursday.

They will then round off their Premier League campaign with games against Fulham on May 18 and Wolves five days later.

How important has Maguire been this season?

Since his arrival from Wigan in August 2019, Maguire had played every minute of Premier League football for United until he was forced off with the ankle injury on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who set a club record with his appearance against Villa, has featured 52 times in all competitions this season.

Further reading

Simba SC have been drawn to face fellow Mainland Premier League side Dodoma City in the quarter-finals of the Tanzania domestic cup.

The draw conducted on Tuesday has also seen Simba's rivals Yanga SC paired against Mwadui FC, Rhino FC to face Azam FC while Biashara United will come up against Namungo FC.

The winner between Simba, who are the defending champions, and Dodoma will then face the winner between Rhino and Azam, while the winner between Biashara and Namungo will book a date with the winner between Yanga and Mwadui in the semi-finals.

Therefore, should they win their respective fixtures, Simba and Yanga could face off in another Kariakoo derby in the final.

Simba coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has acknowledged they have been given a tough draw but insisted their target is to win all the trophies on offer this season.

“If we want to win the FA Cup then we would say Dodoma is a good draw but until now we have to fight against Dodoma, firstly it is a tough team and even if we won against them two times this season, I know they are a tough team and it is not easy to win against Dodoma,” Gomes told Simba Online TV.

“If we qualify we play against Azam, a very good team and you can see their last performance against Yanga they won 1-0, it is a tough draw but we want to win everything, every cup this year, it is very important to be champions of the league and to win the FA Cup, it is the best time to show Tanzanians that Simba is the best team in the country, so we are very ambitious.”

However, before the cup game, Simba have a Caf Champions League quarter-final fixture to think about as they come up against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants have already arrived in South Africa in readiness for the first leg clash scheduled for FNB Stadium in Johannesburg with only midfielder Bernard Morrison missing from the travelling squad owing to his travel paperwork, which was not ready.

Simba SC squad; Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula, Beno Kakolanya, and Ally Salim.

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Ibrahim Ame, Erasto Nyoni, Gadiel Michael, Mohamed Hussein, Kennedy Juma, and David Kameta.

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Rally Bwalya, Mzamiru Yassin, Luis Miquissone, Hassan Dilunga, Clatous Chama, Francis Kahata, and Taddeo Lwanga.

Strikers: Meddie Kagere, John Bocco, Ibrahim Ajib, and Chris Mugalu.

Robert Lewandowski admits to being a fan of Italian football, but the Bayern Munich striker has suggested that no move to Serie A will be made any time soon.

The prolific Polish striker has seen a switch speculated on heading towards the summer transfer window, with it reported that the 32-year-old may be open to taking on a new challenge.

He has, however, shut down that gossip for now, with a man tied to a contract at the Allianz Arena through to 2023 claiming to have no intention of leaving Germany.

What has been said?

Quizzed by Tuttosport on whether a stint in Italy could appeal to him, Lewandowski has said: "I have spoken to a lot of people about Italian football, they told me various things about your league. 

"I know some teams well because I faced them in the Champions League. 

"The truth, however, is that in addition to having a contract with Bayern, I feel great at this club."

The bigger picture

Lewandowski has remained a talismanic presence for Bayern in the 2020-21 campaign, helping them to land a ninth successive Bundesliga title while plundering 46 goals in all competitions.

There is no reason for him to walk away, with a fresh start of sorts about to be presented to him as Julian Nagelsmann prepares to inherit the managerial reins in Munich from Hansi Flick.

"A new chapter will open," Lewandowski added on the changes being lined up in Bavaria.

"But what Flick did will go down in history because it's something epic. In 2020 we raised all kinds of trophies to the sky and broke many records with him. 

"We are Bayern, so we will give our all to try to win everything also with Nagelsmann. 

"For me it will change little: I have to score with Flick and I will have to do the same with the new coach to help the team. 

"Scoring goals is something I love. When I succeed and we win, everything seems more beautiful to me."

Further reading

Mauricio Pochettino has addressed the rumours linking Sergio Ramos with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, admitting "we want to improve in all positions".

Ramos' future is the subject of much debate heading into the summer transfer window, with his current contract at Real Madrid set to expire at the end of June.

The Blancos have yet to reach an agreement with their club captain over an extension, and PSG are one of several clubs reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.

What's been said?

Pochettino refused to confirm whether the French champions will try to bring in Ramos, but did concede that they will be in the market for high-quality reinforcements after a turbulent 2020-21 campaign.

"Sergio Ramos to PSG? I'm not going to answer because everything can be misinterpreted ... Sergio is a Real Madrid player," the PSG boss told reporters.

"But what I can say is that, like any team, we want to improve in all positions."

What have Madrid said about Ramos?

Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has said that he wants to see Ramos remain at Santiago Bernabeu in the long term, with it his belief that the 35-year-old is capable of playing at the top level for at least another five years.

However, the Frenchman was unable to give any news on a possible renewal for the Spaniard in March as he told the media: "I want to be honest and I have to say I don't know what's going to happen with him.

"We want him to stay here. He's always going to be an important player and I want him to remain here, that's what I'll say as a coach."

Club president Florentino Perez was equally vague when quizzed on Ramos during an interview in April.

"I love Sergio Ramos, but we are in a very bad financial situation at Real Madrid," he said." Nobody puts money into this club. Will he leave the club? I didn't say that... many things can happen."

Pochettino on Mbappe

Pochettino went on to reveal that talismanic striker Kylian Mbappe will be available for PSG's French Cup semi-final clash with Montpellier on Wednesday after recovering from a calf injury.

"You have to be careful with this kind of injury but he trained well and he is available for tomorrow's match," said the Argentine coach.

Pochettino wasn't able to shed any new light on Mbappe's future, though, with it reported that the World Cup winner is stalling on signing fresh terms at Parc des Princes amid interest from Madrid and Liverpool.

"The stats put Kylian in a position as a defining player for the team," he said of a forward who is contracted to remain at PSG until 2022. 

"It is therefore difficult to do without him… He is an important player in the squad. We are counting on him. We hope to have him for many years to come."

Further reading

Wilfried Zaha has reflected on his contribution for Crystal Palace in the 2020-21 season and hopes to score more goals and assists for the club.

The forward has been playing a significant role to help Palace maintain their Premier League status over the years, scoring a number of decisive goals.

In the current campaign, he has found the back of the net 10 times and provided two assists, amid other dazzling displays.

Ahead of Crystal Palace's encounter with Southampton on Tuesday night, Zaha hopes to get on the scoresheet and make other key contributions.

“If you watch me play and not just at 10:30 on Match of the Day, you will realise that I’m not really a ‘stats’ player,” Zaha told the club website.

“I try to do a lot for the team, but obviously for me now, as I’m getting older, I look at my game and I feel like I try to just be more effective.

“I’ve managed to reach 10 goals again and I’m trying to push on and score more goals. At the end of the day it’s all about numbers, no one’s going to go through 50 of your games watching 90 minutes of what you’ve done - they just need that sheet of paper that says ‘how many goals did he score? How many assists does he do?’

“That’s what I’m trying to add to my game. I'm happy this season that I managed to score 10 - I’d like to get more goals but at this moment I can’t complain.”

Zaha also praised the togetherness and cooperation of Palace, which he believed have helped the club stand out in the Premier League.

“I feel like the thing that sets Palace aside from all the other clubs for me is how family-orientated the club is, how close they are to the fans. I feel like that’s what makes it so different,”  he continued.

“I feel like at Palace, the fans, the people here genuinely care about each other. That’s the difference. They genuinely care about how your day’s been, how you are, how your mentality is. Obviously, with COVID, everyone’s going through it in their own little spaces, but when you come in here people genuinely care.

“In [tough] situations, you’ve got each other. That’s it. You don’t have crazy owners that would come in and put however much money, you just have each other and you just have to work together.

“When that’s all you have you’ve just got to deal with it every day. I feel like we prefer it this way to be honest. We understand each other and [we] know that once we get on that pitch [each] person’s going to sacrifice a 100% for you. We go through ups and downs together and that’s what makes the team stronger.”

Zaha has been with Crystal Palace since he was eight years and was promoted to the first team in 2010, the forward has since developed into one of the exciting wingers in the Premier League and praised the club for his growth. 

“The club has grown me by just giving me the opportunity to have the experience that I have had. I’ve played so many games in the Premier League, not everyone gets the opportunity to play as many games, so that’s why I’m so thankful,” he added.

“Through those games I’ve managed to analyse my [own] game and now I can sit here and speak about me trying to fixate on numbers and being more effective on the pitch. If Palace didn’t give me that opportunity I may not be here, so that’s the main thing that I’m grateful about.”

Adriano wants to see the "dream" pairing of Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola reunited at Barcelona, with "doors open" to make that a possibility.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner at Camp Nou is in the process of running down his contract, with no extension agreed as yet by the legendary one-club man.

Fresh terms are being mooted for Messi, along with talk of new challenges being taken on elsewhere, but any decision on his future will be delayed until the summer.

What has been said?

Ex-Barca star Adriano told RAC1 of efforts to get his former team-mate tied down on a new deal: "I don't know anything about Leo, all I know is that he has three games left and we don't know anything else, but hopefully Messi stays." 

Could Guardiola return to Camp Nou?

The current Manchester City boss, who has seen a move for Messi floated, has stated on a regular basis that he hopes to see the iconic Argentine stay put.

It has been suggested that he could rejoin him in Catalunya at some stage, with Adriano of the opinion that Guardiola would be willing to retrace steps back to his roots.

The Brazilian added: "It would be a dream for Pep to return to Barca, a dream of the fans and the people of the club. 

"When Pep left he needed a change of scenery, to try other things, but now his doors are open, without a doubt. 

"He is one of the best coaches I have ever had and in the world of football. I hope he comes back and that people enjoy it."

Has the door closed for Neymar?

Another of those to have seen a second spell at Barca speculated on is Adriano's fellow countryman Neymar.

He has, however, committed to a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain through to 2025 and appears to have closed that transfer door.

"I do not know if Neymar was right to go to Paris, it is not easy to leave Barcelona," Adriano said.

"He was able to choose between staying or leaving and the moment he left I wished him well, as I do with my friends. 

"If he has renewed it is because he will be comfortable there.

"It's a shame that Messi and Ney don't get together again. They are two of the best players we could have, along with Luis Suarez. 

"They marked an era at Barca and in football. It was unbelievable. I would never have wanted to be an opposition defender with those three in front of me. 

"If you mark Leo, you set Ney and Luis free. That was unstoppable. It has been one of the best tridents I have ever seen play, because there was also a personal connection."

Further reading

Mikel Arteta has spoken of the big changes needed at Arsenal this summer - saying that his team now has to evolve into challengers.

The Gunners have endured a hugely disappointing season and go into Wednesday night’s game with Chelsea out of Europe and sitting ninth in the Premier League.

Arteta accepts that results under his watch have not been good enough and believes what happens off the pitch this summer will be key to getting the club back on track.

What has been said?

Speaking about the scale of the job Arsenal are facing this summer, Arteta said: “There is so many things to do because we already have a lot of players on loan, a lot of players with contracts still that we have to sort and it will depend what happens with a lot of those players.

“And what we are able to recruit to improve the team is going to determine where we are.

“We have already had an incredible amount of changes throughout the club in the last year or so. More than ever.

"We are looking to be much closer than where we are at the moment. In order to do that there are certain things that we have to improve.

“Now it’s about how we evolve. There are a lot of things that had to be done and they have [been] done. A lot of changes [we had] to make and they have been made.

“And now it’s time to evolve and to evolve you have to take things once they are a little bit more settled and establish them to the next level.”

Progress has been made

Despite admitting results haven’t been good enough this season, Arteta remains adamant that his side has made progress during the campaign.

“We have made progress in many areas,” he said. “I would say performance included and that’s supported by many factors that we have looked at.

“Results-wise, to where we want to be, it has to be improved.

“We have to do better, that we have be much more consistent, to win more games. And in order to do that there are certain things we have to improve.

“We will see what happens in the summer.”

Summer plans

Arteta says plans have long been put in place for the summer transfer window and that he and technical director Edu talk regularly about what needs to be done.

Several players are expected to leave at the end of the season, but Arteta does not believe the club will find themselves in a similar position to January, when they had to pay the likes of Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi to move on.

"Hopefully we are not in that position anymore," the Arsenal boss said. “We (Edu and Arteta) have been sitting down the whole year, we have been in constant communication.

“Some things will stick to the plan that we already have and some other things will come out.

“But we sit down very, very regularly to talk about those things, obviously.”

Further reading 

Pavel Nedved has boldly claimed that "Andrea Pirlo and Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Juventus" as speculation continues to rage regarding the respective futures of two prominent figures in Turin.

The Bianconeri have suffered a humbling fall from grace in 2020-21, with the Serie A title ripped from their grasp by arch-rivals Inter to leave them scratching around for a top-four finish.

Such struggles have led to inevitable questions being asked of Pirlo's ongoing presence in a demanding managerial post, while there have also been suggestions that five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo could move on without honouring the final year of his contract.

What has been said?

Vice-president Nedved has sought to shut down said gossip, telling Striscia La Notizia: "Pirlo and Ronaldo will stay at Juventus."

Will Pirlo and Ronaldo stick around?

Goal has learned that Juventus have no plans to make a change in their dugout before the end of the season.

That means Pirlo will be given a chance to wrap up Champions League qualification and possible Coppa Italia glory.

Various options are, however, being mooted when it comes to bringing in a new boss for 2021-22, with Massimiliano Allegri seeing a return to the Allianz Stadium speculated on.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is approaching the final 12 months of his current deal.

The iconic Portuguese forward is now 36 years of age and has been unable to deliver the European success that he was drafted in from Real Madrid to help bring about.

He has seen a return to Spain discussed, while there has also been talk of a second spell at Manchester United being taken in or a move to MLS in America being made.

The bigger picture

For now, Ronaldo and Pirlo are focused on helping Juve end a testing season as positively as possible.

They have slipped to fifth in the Serie A standings, but still have three league games left to take in and a Coppa Italia final outing against Atalanta on May 19.

Nedved added on Juve's efforts from this point: "There are some difficulties, but we’ll fight until the end."

The Bianconeri will be back in action on Wednesday away at Sassuolo, before then playing host to newly-crowned champions Inter on Saturday.

Further reading

Nordsjaelland attacker and Ajax target Kamaldeen Sulemana has revealed he will want to pursue a new challenge this summer as he confirmed interest from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.

The 19-year-old has become target of transfer discussions following a run of fine performances in the Danish Superliga.

On Monday, with Ajax director of football affairs Marc Overmars in the stands, the winger was on target as FCN held Copenhagen to a 2-2 draw.

“My agent heard from both of them,” Kamaldeen told reporters after Monday's game when asked if he had offers from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.

“I just want to play for a very good club, I want to play in the Champions League, I want to have playing time in the next team I go. And every other club that can give me that, I’d love to go.

“Right now, I’m just trying my best to channel my vision here and focus on my task here at FC Nordsjaelland because I have not finished. I have got few more games to finish.

“After that, I have a vacation, and the [transfer] window is not [yet] open, so that’s where I can really put my focus to say clubs and [start] talking to clubs. I haven’t personally spoken to any club because I am more focused on doing my job here. “

Monday’s strike has taken Kamaldeen’s goal tally in the league to 10, having also contributed three assists.

Olympique Lyon and Club Brugge have also been said to be interested in the services of the teenager, for whom Ajax reportedly had a first bid of €9 million turned down in January.

“Yeah, I personally feel ready to leave but then if there’s no right bid and negotiations don’t go well, then I’m still happy to stay here,” the winger said when asked if he prefers to leave FCN this summer.

“I’ve got a lot to learn. I still believe I can learn a lot here. [FCN head coach] Flemming [Pedersen] is helping me a lot and I learn [from] him every day.

“This league, you play against some very good players and it’s also a competition, so I like it here [at FCN] and I still think I can improve a lot.”

According to reports, Ajax are asking for €14 million for their prized Ghanaian asset.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the 2020-21 season due to a hamstring injury.

Wilson scored twice in Newcastle's impressive 4-2 victory at high-flying Leicester City last week which ultimately ensured their Premier League safety, with 18th place Fulham's relegation confirmed after their 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Monday.

However, the Magpies have now revealed that the 29-year-old picked up a knock during the clash at the King Power Stadium that will keep him out of their final three fixtures.

What's been said?

A statement on Newcastle's Twitter account reads: “Callum Wilson will miss the final three games of the 2020/21 season after injuring his hamstring during Friday's win over Leicester City. Speedy recovery, @CallumWilson.”

What games will Wilson sit out?

Newcastle could finish as high as 12th in the Premier League standings if they pick up maximum points in their next three matches, starting with a home fixture against champions-elect Manchester City on Friday.

Steve Bruce will have to look at alternative options up front in the absence of Wilson, though, with the experienced forward also set to miss a clash with Sheffield United at St James' Park seven days later and a final day trip to Fulham on May 23.

How has Wilson performed for Newcastle this season?

Newcastle forked out £20 million ($28m) to sign Wilson from Bournemouth following the Cherries' relegation from the top-flight last summer, and he has quickly established himself as a fan favourite on Tyneside with his prolific form in the final third.

The England international has hit 12 goals in 26 Premier League outings to date for the Magpies, while also laying on five assists, and might have made an even greater contribution were it not for another hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for the first two months of 2021.

Further reading

Manchester United will host Leicester City for a Premier League Tuesday encounter having won each of their last four league games at Old Trafford.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has lost 10 matches in all competitions against Manchester United in his managerial career; three more than he has against any other club.  

Manchester United vs Leicester Latest Odds

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League matches against Leicester City (W8 D4) and another win on Tuesday is tipped to occur at (2.45) with ZEbet.

Leicester City have won one of their last 22 away top-flight visits to Old Trafford against United (D5 L16) and the second win in 23 matches is valued at (2.85).

A draw between the Premier League rivals is primed to happen at (3.35).

Manchester United vs Leicester City Team News

The Red Devils could face the Foxes without captain Harry Maguire who was substituted against Aston Villa with what is thought to be an ankle issue. Daniel James, Anthony Martial and Phil Jones are the other players who will be absent for the midweek clash.

Rodgers, on the other hand, will miss James Justin, Wes Morgan, Harvey Barnes and Jonny Evans.

Manchester United vs Leicester City Preview

Manchester United have won all three of their Premier League games on a Tuesday this season, scoring 11 goals and conceding none.

United's Mason Greenwood has scored four goals in his last four home games in all competitions, more than he had in his previous 22 at Old Trafford (3).  

Since losing at home to Everton in December, Leicester are unbeaten in five midweek games - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - Premier League games (W3 D2).

Leicester have scored in 15 of their 17 Premier League away games this season, with no side finding the net in more games on the road. However, the Foxes have gone back-to-back in away league games without winning for the first time this season (D1 L1).  

Manchester United vs Leicester City Tips and Predictions

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has scored more Premier League goals against Leicester than he has against any other side in the competition (5).

Leicester's Kelechi Iheanacho has been directly involved in five goals in five starts against Manchester United in all competitions; 3 goals and 2 assists. Punters can take an offer of both teams to score at (1.65) with ZEbet.

Both teams to score at (1.65) with ZEbet.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has warned that a lack of progress at Emirates Stadium is becoming a "massive concern", with there a very real threat that the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe will soon be targeted by other clubs.

The 2020-21 campaign has become another forgettable one for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta's side stuck in mid-table and set to finish the season empty-handed after bowing out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage.

Impressive development from a number of academy graduates has offered some cause for optimism heading forward, but Wright fears stagnation as a collective could result in promising talents being lured to pastures new.

What has been said?

Former Arsenal striker Wright has told Premier League Productions: "Talking about him [Smith-Rowe] and Saka, you’re hoping Arsenal can match their progression because if they don’t, then clubs will try and take them off of us.

"It is a massive concern. It is a massive concern that are Arsenal are able to sort out whatever is going on upstairs, with the manager, with the players that are going to come in, whoever he is going to bring in to try and execute whatever game plan he wants to do, because these guys are going to be a major part of that.

"If they continue to play well, if we do not progress as quickly as these guys progress, then you have to be worried about their ambition and what they want to do because they’re fantastic players."

How have Smith Rowe and Saka fared this season?

Saka has become an important part of Arteta's plans in the 2020-21 campaign, with the versatile 19-year-old earning a new contract and 43 appearances across all competitions.

He has hit seven goals through those outings, provided a further seven assists and become a senior England international.

Smith Rowe, at 20 years of age, is not yet at that point, but he has emerged as a potential successor to Mesut Ozil in a playmaking No.10 post for Arsenal.

He broke a Premier League goal duck in his last outing against West Brom, with the hope being that a promising playmaker can kick on from here and become a more productive asset in the final third.

Wright added on Smith Rowe's development: "It’s the one thing he wants to do. He wants to add more goals. He has been playing really well.

"The only thing left for him to do for his game – because he has got everything, one touch, two touch, round the corner, pace – is to add more goals to his game."

Further reading

In his first interview since arriving in South Africa, newly-appointed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has elaborated on how he plans to get the best out of the team.

Broos' previous experience in Africa came with Cameroon, with whom he won the 2017 Afcon.

Having played against Bafana Bafana in the qualifiers, he's not a complete stranger to football in this country but did admit that he does not know very much about South African players.

This he believes is not necessarily a bad thing as he will have no preconceived notions and there will be a blank slate as far as team selection is concerned.

"I have to be honest, that for the moment, I need some more information to know this team better than I know it for the moment," Broos told SABC Sport.

"Everything is about results. And tomorrow if there are no results, you can tell what you want, it's finished.

"I can make my choices, I don't have to look to anybody. When everybody knows you and you know the players already. Sometimes the choice is difficult to make, I'm clean for the moment. That can be a favour for me."

Broos spoke also about injecting more energy into the team, although it's not only on the physical aspects that he will be focussing on.

"Football on that level is very tough. When you see in Europe the Champions League games it's very tough," he said. "And all over the world when you are playing at that level, you have to be physically okay, mentally okay, tactically okay, otherwise you can't have results, so there's huge work to do.

"Plan is first to have a team for the next games. How we are going to do that. I will need my South African assistant because he knows the team better and we will take some decisions then. This is very important to do."

Key to success, Broos believes, will be a strong team ethic. He also favours attacking football.

"My philosophy is I like offensive football. For me very important is the team, I like to see the team on the pitch, not three or four individuals, a team," he said.

"And I achieved that with Cameroon. There were better teams than us, but we won Afcon. Because we had a team, and not only 11 players but 23 players as a team. And that made us win the Afcon in 2017.

"The captain of the team of Cameroon said after winning the final, 'you came here on your first day, you told us how you are going to work. And you followed two years the same thing, you never changed. Everyone knows what the coach wants today and also tomorrow and also one week later and also a month later."

Safa is yet to announce Broos' technical team.

Orlando Pirates have a chance to get into the Premier Soccer League top-three when they clash against Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday.

Currently placed fourth on the PSL table, victory for Pirates will see them occupy third spot where they would dislodge Golden Arrows.

It would be a huge step for Josef Zinnbauer and his men who would now have the task to preserve that position in their remaining four league games for them to play in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

Pirates might then also entertain hopes of removing AmaZulu from second spot, a task which, however, appears very hard given Usuthu's good form.

They face a Stellenbosch side whose PSL status is under threat as they are just a point above the relegation zone and if Stellies win on Tuesday, they will climb two places up to position 11.

Coming up against such a team fighting against demotion might make the Buccaneers' trip to Western Cape a difficult one.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

No Stellenbosch player has been confirmed as being suspended for this match.

Coach Steve Barker would need all his best players available at this crucial stage of the season as they fight against relegation.

Africa Cup of Nations-winning midfielder Nathan Sinkala, veteran defenders Robyn Johannes and Marc van Heerden, as well as Granwald Scott, are some of the players Barker would be relying on.

Pirates welcome back defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza who is returning from suspension after missing last week's 3-0 win over Black Leopards at home.

Also back from suspension is midfielder Fortune Makaringe whose return widens Zinnbauer's selection options in the middle of the park.

The German coach recently revealed that Thembinkosi Lorch has started training after a long spell on the sidelines due to injury and the Bafana Bafana star could make the matchday squad.

Striker Jean-Marc Makusu whose season has been blighted by injuries could also be selected after regaining fitness.

Match Preview

Pirates have been struggling for consistency this season and it is yet to be seen if they will manage to make it two wins in a row after posting victory in their last match.

The Buccaneers have not posted successive league wins since March when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 and then Chippa United 3-0 in consecutive games.

Since then, their results have not been consistent in their last five matches in which they have recorded two wins, a draw and two defeats.

They cross swords against a Stellenbosch side which has gone seven straight league games without tasting victory, a run which has thrown them into the relegation battle.

Stellies welcome Pirates on the backdrop of two consecutive defeats by equally relegation-haunted Maritzburg United and Chippa United.

While Stellenbosch's troubles make them dangerous, it would still pile pressure on Zinnbauer if Pirates lose to such a struggling side.

The last time The Soweto giants met Stellies, the two sides canceled each other to a 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium in what was both sides' second match of the season in October 2020.

Jack Grealish's agent, Jonathan Barnett, says Manchester United are not at the top of a transfer list for his client, with there "many clubs" mulling over bids for the Aston Villa midfielder.

A move to Old Trafford has been mooted for a talented 25-year-old in the last two windows, with another now fast approaching as the 2020-21 campaign comes to a close.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to still be in the market for added creativity, but he is not the only coach to have cast admiring glances in the direction of an England international at Villa Park.

What has been said?

Barnett has told SNTV of the speculation surrounding Grealish: "The truth is we don't know [what will happen].

"There are many clubs [interested] and I wouldn't put Manchester United at the top of that [list].

"But he could stay.

"He could stay as well so it's a conversation the club, Aston Villa, will have with Jack and ourselves then we'll see where we go."

Where will Grealish be next season?

The Villa captain has remained fiercely loyal to his boyhood club, with a new contract signed on the back of helping them to Premier League survival in 2019-20.

Dean Smith's side have kicked on towards the top half of the table this season, although injury struggles endured by their skipper over recent weeks have stunted their progress somewhat.

Grealish must now decide where his ongoing development would be best served, with Barnett expecting some big decisions to be made this summer - one that could see the classy playmaker put in a European Championship shop window.

Barnett told Sky Sports recently: "He loves Villa, but I think we just have to wait to see how things pan out.

"At the moment he is a Villa player and he has had no thoughts about anything else.

"We have to do what is best for Jack and for everybody else.

"I think he is a very special player. I think he maybe should have been playing for England a little earlier.

"It is unfortunate that he has got this injury at the moment but that will be fine. He has got a great mentality.

"On the field, he knows exactly what he wants to do, how to do it.

"I think he could be a big star in the summer. Only hope that he is given a chance and that will be great."

Further reading