World Soccer Talk: December 2019

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Where to find Arsenal vs. Man United on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Arsenal vs. Man United on US TV in the Premier League, you’ve come to the right place.

For viewers in the US, Arsenal vs. Man United will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below).

Match: Arsenal vs. Man United

Kickoff: Wednesday, 3pm ET

Looking to watch Arsenal vs. Man United online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:

US Only.

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming:

Who: Arsenal vs. Man United
What: Premier League, gameweek 21
When: Game kicks off at 3pm ET / Noon PT; Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Where: Live on NBCSN, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now (free trial)

With fuboTV, you can watch Arsenal vs. Man United and tons more Premier League games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.

Now with fuboTV, you can stream NBCSN, FS1, FS2 as well as beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports Net, RAI Italia, Telemundo, Univision, Univision Deportes, UniMas, Eleven Sports, CBS, CSN, RAI Italia and YES.

Plus fuboTV, the legal streaming service, also streams Serie A, La Liga, Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, Bundesliga, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and Euro 2020 qualifiers.

The fuboTV app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.

Here are the steps to take to watch the Arsenal vs. Man United game with your free fuboTV trial:

1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial.

2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)

3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)

4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below)

5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Arsenal vs. Man United game (see screengrab below)

6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include NBCSN featuring Arsenal vs. Man United (see screengrab below)

SEE MORE: Schedule of Premier League games on US TV and streaming

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/39tvF5Y

Where to find Man City vs. Everton on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Man City vs. Everton on US TV in the Premier League, you’ve come to the right place.

For viewers in the US, Man City vs. Everton will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below).

Match: Man City vs. Everton

Kickoff: Wednesday, 12:30pm ET

Looking to watch Man City vs. Everton online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:

US Only.

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming:

Who: Man City vs. Everton
What: Premier League, gameweek 20
When: Game kicks off at 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT; Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Where: Live on NBC, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now (free trial)

With fuboTV, you can watch Man City vs. Everton and tons more Premier League games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.

The fuboTV app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.

Here are the steps to take to watch the Man City vs. Everton game with your free fuboTV trial:

1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial.

2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)

3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)

4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below)

5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Man City vs. Everton game (see screengrab below)

6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include NBCSN featuring Man City vs. Everton (see screengrab below)

SEE MORE: Schedule of Premier League games on US TV and streaming

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2FbQFQM

Mane set to crowned king of Africa as troubles rumble on

Johannesburg (AFP) – Liverpool sharpshooter Sadio Mane is expected to become the first African football headline-maker of 2020 by winning the Player of the Year award in Egypt next week.

The January 7 ceremony will set in motion a year sure to be full of drama on and off the field with 2022 World Cup and 2021 Cup of Nations qualifiers in the mix.

AFP Sport looks at some of the issues facing the most popular sport in a continent where good footballers and bad administrators often share the media stage.

Awards

Consistent Liverpool scorer and Senegal talisman Mane is favoured to become the second star from his country after El Hadji Diouf to be named Player of the Year.

His rivals are Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian who won the last two editions, and Algerian Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City.

The Player of the Year, and the winners of seven other male and female categories, will be announced at a ceremony in Egyptian Red Sea resort Hurghada.

World Cup

A couple of weeks after the awards banquet, Egypt will host another eagerly anticipated event, the draw in Cairo for the group stage of World Cup qualifying.

The latest FIFA rankings are expected to determine the seedings, meaning Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali and DR Congo will be in pot one.

All those nations except Mali have played at the World Cup, and an Ivory Coast team that can call on the dazzling footwork of Wilfried Zaha could be the most dangerous second seeds.

Cup of Nations

Trouble lies ahead after a change from a January/February to June/July tournament this year to avoid tug of wars between clubs and countries over the services of Europe-based stars.

The first revamped Club World Cup, featuring 24 teams, is set for June 17 to July 4 2021 in China, effectively ruling out a mid-year Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Senior CAF officials say off the record that a return to January/February dates is likely, and with it the possibility that an increasing number of players will put clubs first.

Nations Championship

Tunisia have reportedly decided because of fixture congestion to withdraw from the 2020 edition in Cameroon of the tournament for footballers playing in their country of birth.

Traditionally a biennial January/February competition, it is slated for April 4 to 25 this year in three southern Cameroon cities, the capital, Yaounde, Douala and Limbe.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/357dUWI

Where to find Southampton vs. Spurs on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Southampton vs. Spurs on US TV in the Premier League, you’ve come to the right place.

For viewers in the US, Southampton vs. Spurs will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below).

Match: Southampton vs. Spurs

Kickoff: Wednesday, 10am ET

Looking to watch Southampton vs. Spurs online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:

US Only.

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming:

Who: Southampton vs. Spurs
What: Premier League, gameweek 21
When: Game kicks off at 10am ET / 7am PT; Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Where: Live on NBCSN, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now (free trial)

With fuboTV, you can watch Southampton vs. Spurs and tons more Premier League games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.

The fuboTV app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.

Here are the steps to take to watch the Southampton vs. Spurs game with your free fuboTV trial:

1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial.

2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)

3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)

4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below)

5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Southampton vs. Spurs game (see screengrab below)

6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include NBCSN featuring Southampton vs. Spurs (see screengrab below)

SEE MORE: Schedule of Premier League games on US TV and streaming

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2ZFNKZQ

Where to find Brighton vs. Chelsea on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Brighton vs. Chelsea on US TV in the Premier League, you’ve come to the right place.

For viewers in the US, Brighton vs. Chelsea will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below).

Match: Brighton vs. Chelsea

Kickoff: Wednesday, 7:30am ET

Looking to watch Brighton vs. Chelsea online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:

US Only.

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming:

Who: Brighton vs. Chelsea
What: Premier League, gameweek 21
When: Game kicks off at 7:30am ET / 4:30am PT; Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Where: Live on NBCSN, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now (free trial)

With fuboTV, you can watch Brighton vs. Chelsea and tons more Premier League games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.

The fuboTV app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.

Here are the steps to take to watch the Brighton vs. Chelsea game with your free fuboTV trial:

1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial.

2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)

3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)

4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below)

5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Brighton vs. Chelsea game (see screengrab below)

6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include NBCSN featuring Brighton vs. Chelsea (see screengrab below)

SEE MORE: Schedule of Premier League games on US TV and streaming

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2QyO88E

Lampard keen to shield Hudson-Odoi from social media trolling

London (AFP) – Frank Lampard is determined to do all he can to protect Callum Hudson-Odoi after the England forward was criticised on social media.

The teenager struggled during Chelsea’s 2-0 loss at home to Southampton on Boxing Day, his first start since October, and found himself being trolled as a result.

But the 19-year-old turned in an improved display during a brief stint in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Chelsea manager Lampard said it was his job to keep the external criticism at bay and help Hudson-Odoi fulfil his undoubted potential.

“I think it’s a lot at 19 to say with one performance you must produce instantly or you’ll get social media criticism, and I’ll certainly protect him against that,” said the Blues’ boss.

“Little snippets like at Arsenal, coming on and looking bright and going by people, he can do all that.”

Lampard, a former Chelsea and England midfielder, added: “He does need to show more but he absolutely will do and we’re right behind him.

“I’ve not spoken to him about that specifically and unfortunately on social media that’s par for the course.

“That’s something unfortunately that you’ve got to have a very thick skin about.”

Chelsea travel to Brighton on New Year’s Day, with Lampard’s side currently fourth in the Premier League table.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2FaCDPk

Beckham’s Inter Miami names Alonso as first head coach

Los Angeles (AFP) – Diego Alonso has been named the first head coach of David Beckham’s Inter Miami ahead of their inaugural season in the North America’s Major League Soccer.

“In Diego we found a manager that fits our culture and has a strong desire to build a winning club for our fans,” said Inter Miami spokesman Paul McDonough.

“He brings a lot of experience and championship-winning mentality as we begin our drive to be among the best clubs in the Americas.

“We have big aspirations for our club and believe Diego has the right drive, passion and leadership to accomplish our goals.”

Inter Miami, which opens the season March 1 against Los Angeles FC, is owned by five people, including Beckham.

Alonso, the only coach to win the CONCACAF Champions League with two different teams, reportedly beat out former New York City manager Patrick Vieira and former DC United midfielder Marcelo Gallardo for the job.

The 44-year-old Alonso most recently served as head coach for Monterrey in Mexico.

He was fired three months ago after a 2-0 loss to rival Tigres.

Before being sacked he led Monterrey to the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League title.

Two years earlier he guided Pachuca to the CONCACAF Champions League crown.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2SOfCdb

Guardiola adamant City are England’s ‘team of the decade’ despite slump

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Pep Guardiola has insisted Manchester City are English football’s team of the decade, despite his side heading into 2020 some 14 points behind runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Statistics appear to prove him right given City have won 13 domestic trophies since 2010, with only Chelsea (nine) within touching distance of that mark.

City have clearly benefitted from the financial clout they have enjoyed since being taken over by Abu Dhabi ownership in August 2008.

City manager Guardiola reached the peak of his powers when he oversaw an unprecedented treble in the 2018/19 season that saw the club win all three major English trophies — Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup — in the one campaign as well as the Community Shield.

Even though their league form has been a disappointment in the first half of the current season, Guardiola is in no doubt City are “the” team of the decade in England.

“I think this in the last decade was the best team in terms of points, in terms of goals, in terms of everything, titles even. So congratulate Manchester City for that,” he said.

“When we analyse every single day here, what happened day-by-day gives us perspective in what happened in the last 10 seasons, especially when people from Abu Dhabi took over the club and bought good players, interesting managers.”

– ‘Huge elephants’ –

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, who joined City in 2016, added: “I think we did it incredibly well.

“People say ‘how was 2019?’ Now people are saying it is a disaster. We won four titles in 2019, so it was an incredible year for us, we enjoyed it a lot.

“In some games in this last part of the year we have struggled a bit but it was an incredible year for us. Congratulations for all the people working here.

“They were fighting with huge elephants here in England, big, big clubs with the biggest history. For the past decade we were part of them. That is amazing.”

Despite their current ‘troubles’, City could still win any, or all, of the three cup competitions in which they are involved and Guardiola expects the club to remain a major player in the English game in the decade ahead.

“The big clubs here in England are always looking forward, we are going to try and analyse not just in terms of the squad but as a club how we can do better,” he added.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2F8JXuX

Tottenham’s defence leaves Mourinho sympathising with his forwards

London (AFP) – Tottenham Hotspur’s leaky defence has left Jose Mourinho admitting he feels frustrated on behalf of the club’s forwards.

Tottenham’s bid for a top four place in the Premier League has been hampered by several poor displays at the back since Mourinho took over the north London outfit in October.

Scoring goals, however, has not been a problem with the likes of England’s Harry Kane and South Korea star Son Heung-min in fine form.

Spurs, however, remain five points off the top four heading into their New Year’s Day clash away to Southampton.

“The problem is the way we concede the goals and the way we play,” Mourinho said on Tuesday.

“But we have to improve. We concede too many goals and it is very frustrating.”

The Portuguese added: “If I was one of my attacking players I would be very frustrated that behind we are not able to stop it.”

Nevertheless, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager insisted he had no intention of spending his way out of Spurs’ defensive problems in the upcoming transfer window.

“January we have a little bit more time to work and with work we are going to try to improve,” he said.

Tottenham face a tricky trip to a revitalised Southampton but they have at least gone some way to curing their trave sickness, having not won on the road since January prior to his arrival.

“Four matches away, we won two, we drew one and we lost one,” he said.

“Is that better than before? Yes. Is it perfect? No.

“So it is frustrating, but it is also a great feeling to know that the team never gives up, it is also a great feeling to know that even in the most difficult circumstances we go and we go and we go.

“I want to praise that fantastic spirit.”

Spurs will be without left-back Danny Rose, who could be sidelined for at least two more weeks with a muscle injury, but both Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko are available after suspension.

Mourinho, asked how long Rose would remain out of action, replied: “I don’t know. I would guess, but maybe I am wrong, a couple of weeks.

“But honestly I cannot tell you. We have Winks and Sissoko back from suspension and I don’t think we are going to have anyone back from injuries,” he added.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2SNVgAq

Arteta wants Xhaka to stay at Arsenal

London (AFP) – Mikel Arteta hopes Granit Xhaka will stay with Arsenal as the new manager looks to revive the Gunners’ fortunes.

Swiss midfielder Xhaka was ruled out of Sunday’s 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea with illness amid speculation he could leave the Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window.

Xhaka was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in October by former manager Unai Emery following the player’s angry reaction to being booed by Gunners fans.

He has since been linked with a move to Hertha Berlin in the German Bundesliga but Arteta, asked if he wanted the 27-year-old Xhaka to leave north London club Arsenal, replied: “I hope not. He played at Bournemouth, he played really well, he was very committed, he played a really good game.

“After the game he started to feel ill. He had a temperature and he wasn’t feeling good. The last two days he was in bed. That’s why he hasn’t been selected.”

Arsenal let slip a winning position in the closing stages against Chelsea after a goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had them leading into the last 10 minutes.

But a mistake by goalkeeper Bernd Leno, flapping at a cross, gave Jorginho the chance to equalise into an empty net before Tammy Abraham scored a late winner.

Arteta said it was the job of the whole squad to boost Leno’s morale.

“He will be down. When an error costs the team points, it’s harder,” he explained. “We have to lift him.

“He’s done a really good job since he joined this football club and we have to respect that.

“We just need to bring the confidence back in and that’s it.”

Arsenal could be without Calum Chambers for the New Year’s Day visit of Manchester United after the centre-back suffered a knee injury in the defeat by Chelsea.

The Gunners, for so long one of the Premier League’s leading clubs, are currently in 12th place, just six points above the relegation zone.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/39x6wHI

EPL commentator assignments on NBC Sports, Gameweek 21

NBC Sports concludes its Premier League “Festive Fixtures” coverage this week, highlighted by a New Year’s Day quadruple header. Coverage begins this Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 7 a.m. ET on NBCSN with Premier League Mornings, followed by live match action at 7:30 a.m. ET as fourth-place Chelsea, who scored two late goals in a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Arsenal, visit Brighton & Hove Albion.

Wednesday’s NBCSN matches continue at 10 a.m. ET with Harry Kane and Tottenham visiting Southampton. Then at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo, third-place Manchester City host Everton, who are unbeaten in their last five league matches. Clive Tyldesley and former Manchester City and Everton defender Andy Hinchcliffe call the match on NBCSN.

Capping the January 1 matches, Arsenal host Manchester United at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. Arlo White and Lee Dixon call the match from Emirates Stadium.

NBC Sports Gold presents exclusive live coverage of five matches on Jan. 1 – Burnley v. Aston Villa (7:30 a.m. ET); Newcastle v. Leicester City and Watford v. Wolverhampton Wanderers (10 a.m. ET); and Norwich City v. Crystal Palace and West Ham v. Bournemouth (12:30 p.m. ET).

Weekday matches conclude on Thursday, Jan. 2, as league-leaders Liverpool, who are unbeaten in 19 league matches this season, host Sheffield United at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. Coverage begins on NBCSN at 2 p.m. ET with Premier League Live.

Rebecca Lowe hosts Goal Zone, Premier League Mornings, and Premier League Live, joined by former USMNT player Kyle Martino, and former Premier League footballer Robbie Mustoe.

Here’s the schedule of soccer commentators for the midweek Premier League matches (all times Eastern):

Wednesday, January 1

Brighton vs. Chelsea, 7:30am, NBCSN, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now — Martin Tyler and Matthew Upson

Burnley vs. Aston Villa, 7:30am, NBC Sports Gold — David Stowell and Matt Jackson

Southampton vs. Spurs, 10am, NBCSN, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now — Gary Taphouse and Efan Ekoku

Newcastle vs. Leicester, 10am, NBC Sports Gold — Kevin Keatings and Danny Higginbotham

Watford vs. Wolves, 10am, NBC Sports Gold — Jonathan Beck and Clive Allen

Man City vs. Everton, 12:30pm, NBCSN, Universo, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now — Clive Tyldesley and Andy Hinchcliffe

Norwich vs. Crystal Palace, 12:30pm, NBC Sports Gold — Tony Jones and Matt Holland

West Ham vs. Bournemouth, 12:30pm, NBC Sports Gold — Rob Palmer and Michael Gray

Arsenal vs. Man United, 3pm, NBCSN, Universo, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now — Arlo White and Lee Dixon

Thursday, January 2

Liverpool vs. Sheffield United, 3pm, NBCSN, Universo, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling Blue and AT&T TV Now — Jim Proudfoot and Jim Beglin

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2MZoNUr

Benfica sign Dortmund midfielder Weigl

Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Julian Weigl will join Portuguese champions Benfica in the January transfer window, the Bundesliga club said on Tuesday.

In an official statement, Dortmund confirmed Weigl, 24, had put in a transfer request amid interest from the Lisbon club.

“Julian came to us with this request and we granted it, partly because of all he has done for the club,” said sporting director Michael Zorc.

The transfer is still subject to a medical check, and the fee remains undisclosed.

According to Bild newspaper, Benfica could pay around 20 million euros ($22.5m) for the former Germany youth international.

The defensive midfielder, who doubles up as a centre-back, shot to fame after joining Dortmund from 1860 Munich as a teenager in 2015.

He quickly established himself as a first-team regular under then coach Thomas Tuchel, and made five appearances for Germany in 2016 and 2017.

Yet in recent years, he has struggled to hold down a place in midfield due to competition from the likes of Belgium veteran Axel Witsel.

Weigl will be only the third German ever to play for Portugal’s most decorated club, and the first outfield player to do so after goalkeepers Hans Joerg Butt and Robert Enke.

Benfica currently sit four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga.

Dortmund are hoping to launch another assault on the Bundesliga title this spring, having won the race to sign Norwegian starlet Erling Braut Haaland earlier this week.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2SD9S5T

Farke relying on a miracle to keep Norwich up

London (AFP) – Norwich will fight until the last game of the season but need a miracle to retain their Premier League status said the bottom side’s manager Daniel Farke on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old German guided the Canaries to promotion last term but despite a stunning win over defending champions Manchester City they have struggled.

They go into Wednesday’s match with Crystal Palace six points adrift of safety but on the back of an encouraging 2-2 draw in their last game with Tottenham Hotspur.

“Each and every game we have to prepare to win some points,” said Farke at his eve of match press conference.

“We were the biggest favourite for position 20 (bottom) in this league before the season started and we had bad luck in so many topics in the first half of the season.

“Topics like VAR decisions, topics like injury crisis and unlucky results.

“To be there after the first half of the season with 13 points out of 20 games, let’s be honest it will be a miracle to stay in the league for next season.”

Farke, whose side have been praised for its free attacking style but the defence has been their Achilles heel conceding 40 goals in 20 league games, said his squad would certainly do their utmost to make that miracle happen.

“But one thing is for sure, don’t underestimate the attitude and the spirit of my lads,” he said.

“These lads will work their socks off in order to create that.

“I can’t guarantee we will stay in this league but I can guarantee we will fight until the last game.

“It is another great opportunity against Crystal Palace to win some points here at home.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2QcfIJB

Injured Laporte gives City welcome boost

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Aymeric Laporte is close to a return to Manchester City’s line-up as Pep Guardiola hopes to have the influential defender back ahead of schedule.

The 25-year-old centre-back has not played for the defending Premier League champions since injuring knee ligaments on the last day of August.

His absence has been cited as a key reason for City falling so far behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who hold a 14-point advantage over Guardiola’s team.

City originally expected Laporte to be unavailable until February but he is now back in training, albeit on his own, and Guardiola expects him to join in with the full first team squad within the first fortnight of 2020.

“He (Laporte) is getting better,” said Guardiola on Tuesday.

“He is training alone but already on the pitch and I think, yeah, it is the last part.

“I think in one week or maybe 10 days he can come back and can start to train with us.”

The City manager would not speculate on a potential return date for Laporte but, with his club competing in three cup competitions, Guardiola is hoping he will be in contention before the end of January.

City still have to negotiate Wednesday’s clash with Everton before facing fourth-tier Port Vale in the FA Cup on Saturday and Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

Guardiola admitted the run of games had left him contemplating the risk of more similarly damaging injuries.

“We think about that, yes,” said Guardiola.

“We have five games in 12 days so it is quite similar for the other teams but in this period they have one more day or two more days to recover.

“It is a lot but it is what it is.

“Yes, we take a risk.

“We played 80 minutes with 10 against 11 in a difficult test against Wolves and then after two days we come back and play again.”

City are able to welcome back John Stones and David Silva from injury for the upcoming period.

Guardiola is looking forward to a reunion with his friend Carlo Ancelotti when the Italian’s new club Everton visit the Etihad.

“Everton is Everton, one of the biggest and traditional and historical teams in England, with incredible quality in these players.

“Carlo is one of the smartest guys he is always able, it doesn’t matter the team he takes, to make them work, so it’s a difficult test for us.”

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/36bdkbS

City clash will be good barometer of Everton’s progress: Ancelotti

London (AFP) – Manchester City will provide a test of see how genuine Everton’s revival is, Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday, despite the Premier League champions’ shaky campaign.

Everton coach Ancelotti, 60, has guided Everton to two wins in his first two matches in charge since replacing Marco Silva, who was sacked in early December after they slipped into the bottom three.

However, Ancelotti — one of only three managers to have won the Champions League three times — says City will provide a more realistic barometer on where Everton stand despite the welcome wins over Burnley and Newcastle.

“Against City this is a fantastic test to see where we are at,” Ancelotti said at his pre-match press conference.

“They are a really strong team but we can have confidence to do our best.

“I think at this moment it is good to have this kind of test.”

Ancelotti, who in his previous stint in England won the domestic double with Chelsea in the 2009/10 campaign, said City remained a formidable opponent even if their defence of the league title has gone awry and trail leaders Liverpool by 14 points.

“Maybe City aren’t at the same level as last year but they still remain a fantastic team with fantastic players and a fantastic manager,” he said.

“It will be really tough to compete with them, but we need to have the confidence to compete and to be focused on our football.

“We don’t have to look too much to the opponent because they are really strong so it’s better to be focused on our idea of football.”

Ancelotti, a two-time European Cup winner as a player with the outstanding AC Milan side of the late 1980’s and early 90’s, heaped praise on City manager Pep Guardiola, who he replaced as Bayern Munich manager when the Spaniard left to take over City in 2016.

“Pep is a fantastic manager,” said Ancelotti.

“We’ve met some times, not a lot in games, but I have a really good relationship (with him) and a lot of respect for him.

“He is a genius; he’s always tried to do something special on the pitch.”

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2sCTR57

Monday 30 December 2019

Eyes turn to Premier League relegation dogfight

London (AFP) – Liverpool appear to have the Premier League title wrapped up with a 13-point advantage over second-placed Leicester but the fight to avoid relegation looks like being a down to the wire tussle.

Just nine points separates ninth-placed Crystal Palace and third from bottom Aston Villa.

Here AFP Sport picks out three pivotal matches in Wednesday’s action:

Arteta needs to get Gunners firing

The old adage ‘too good to go down’ should apply to Arsenal, who have been a fixture in the top tier since 1919/20. However, they are just six points above the drop zone and new boss Mikel Arteta would probably have preferred an easier opponent than Manchester United as he bids to win his first game after a draw and defeat in his opening two matches in charge.

The United attack will be licking their lips at the thought of giving the weak Gunners defence a thorough test with goalkeeper Bernd Leno and defenders Skohdran Mustafi and David Luiz far from reliable. Arteta will want to see more of what his side produced in the opening half hour of the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea if they are to avoid a fifth successive home loss in all competitions — their present run of four is their worst since 1959.

“Individual errors cost you games but I can’t fault the effort, commitment and for putting in place what we practised,” said Arteta.

However, with confidence at a low ebb defeat for Arsenal on Wednesday and victory for third from bottom Aston Villa at Burnley would suck them deeper into the relegation battle.

Hammers pray Moyes delivers in second coming

David Moyes may not be welcomed back universally by West Ham fans but if the 55-year-old saves them from relegation for a second time like he did in the 2017-18 season, before being dispensed with, then all will be forgiven. A home game for the side fourth from bottom against Bournemouth, who are just a point above them in 16th, represents a seemingly ideal first challenge.

However, their home form has been as woeful as Arsenal’s with four successive defeats — equalling their worst run in the Premier League since November 2005 — and it would not be a surprise to see Moyes energise their attack by selecting both Michail Antonio and Sebastien Haller.

The Cherries have largely escaped attention in their terrible run — just one win in nine — but the pressure may begin to mount on Eddie Howe with a defeat.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2Qempv3

Rooney gets starting nod from Derby boss

London (AFP) – England’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney will make his debut for second-tier Derby against Barnsley on Thursday, the club’s manager Phillip Cocu confirmed.

Rooney, 34, joined Derby as a player-coach from MLS side DC United but has been ineligible to play for his new side until January.

“If a player with the qualities, career and the experience of Rooney (is available) you have to be very happy and glad he is here,” said Cocu after Monday’s 2-1 home win over Charlton in the Championship.

“He’s fit, he can start but he will need a few games. Expectation will be high when he starts playing but we have to give him a few games to build up his minutes and get in the team.

“So maybe not perfect from the start but it’s important he will get in the team as soon as possible so we get a certain shape in our team.”

Rooney’s debut can’t come soon enough for Derby.

Their win on Monday moved them into 17th place in English football’s second-tier.

However, they are still nine points shy of the play-off spots and 21 behind the two automatic promotion places.

On Monday, teenage midfielder Jason Knight scored his first goals in professional football to give Derby the three points, ending a run of seven games without a win.

Victory came despite the Rams playing most of the match a man down after Krystian Bielik was sent off for a crude challenge on Conor Gallagher.

Knight put Derby ahead in the 10th minute at Pride Park when he forced the ball in at the back post only for Bielik to see red soon afterwards.

But 10-man Derby still doubled their lead 13 minutes from time when Knight scored his second following a cross from Max Bird.

Charlton ensured a nervous finish for the home side when the south London club pulled a goal back seven minutes from time thanks to Lyle Taylor’s successful penalty, awarded after Curtis Davies brought down Gallagher in the box.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/355M9ha

Colombia footballer Quintero wants answers to mystery of missing father

Bogota (AFP) – Colombian international footballer Juan Fernando Quintero on Monday demanded answers from the country’s new army chief over the fate of his father who went missing almost 25 years ago.

“I don’t want to take advantage of the new General of the Army (Enrique) Zapateiro…. taking office, but I hope to be able to start a dialogue very soon and find out what happened,” Quintero, who plays for Argentine club side River Plate, wrote on Twitter where he has 1.6 million followers.

“I have the right as a son to know what happened to my father because I have suffered and I have seen my family suffering from psychological problems,” added Quintero, who was only two when his father Jaime disappeared in 1995.

General Zapateiro, who was a captain in the unit in which Jaime Quintero served, was cleared of any wrongdoing by the courts in 2001.

However, relatives have continued to push for answers over the disappearance.

Jaime Quintero went missing in 1995 while carrying out his military service at an army base in Carepa, in the north-east of the country.

According to his family, Zapateiro ordered Jaime Quintero to travel to Medellin after an alleged altercation between the two men over bouts of indiscipline, but he never arrived at his destination.

“There is no proof of the responsibility of the captain commander… Eduardo Enrique Zapateiro Altamiranda, now the designated commander of the army, nor against any member of the national army,” said the army in a statement posted on its website.

In Colombia, 83,000 people disappeared in more than 50 years of civil war, according to the National Center for Historical Memory — nearly three times more than under dictatorships in Argentina, Brazil and Chile in the second part of the 20th century.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/39vt8ID

Moreno happy to be ‘number one’ at Monaco after Spain split

Monaco (AFP) – Robert Moreno was unveiled as the new coach of Monaco on Monday, admitting his bitter bust-up with Spain boss Luis Enrique had paved the way for him to become “number one”.

Moreno, 42, takes over at 2004 European and 2017 French champions Monaco after Leonardo Jardim was sacked for the second time.

However, he arrives at the Ligue 1 outfit having been accused of “disloyalty” by Enrique.

Moreno was previously Spain assistant coach but was promoted to the top job after Enrique resigned to take care of his nine-year-old daughter Xana, who died in August of cancer.

“I had nine extraordinary years at his side,” said Moreno on Monday.

“But that is all in the past. Today is my presentation as Monaco coach. I have coached since I was 14 and obtained my UEFA licence at 25.

“I always wanted to become the number one. This is the start of that stage,” added Moreno who guided Spain through qualifying for Euro 2020 in the absence of Enrique.

He arrives at the Russian-backed principality club with the team in seventh place in Ligue 1 and 17 points behind leaders and defending champions PSG.

Jardim, who took Monaco to the league title in 2017, was fired at the weekend, just over a year since he was previously sent packing.

Moreno said he had been considering a range of offers since his acrimonious November departure from the Spanish national team.

“The Monaco project had the best guarantees and conditions,” he said after signing a deal until June 2022.

“I knew that I wanted to work at a high level and I wanted a project that matched this desire. Coming here means growing as a coach and a person.”

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2SFcjoz

Ibrahimovic set for AC Milan presentation on January 3

Milan (AFP) – Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be officially presented as an AC Milan player on January 3, the Italian club confirmed on Monday.

Ibrahimovic returns to the side on a six-month deal, promising to help rescue the struggling Serie A outfit’s season.

The 38-year-old will undergo his medical on Thursday, January 2 and will hold his first press conference the following day.

“AC Milan announces that Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s press conference is scheduled for Friday January 3rd at Casa Milan at 10 am.” (0900GMT),” they said in a statement.

The six-month deal is reported to be worth around 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) plus bonuses, with the option of a further year.

It will mark the Swede’s second stint with Milan, seven years after he left for Paris Saint-Germain.

He played for the Rossoneri from 2010-2012 scoring 56 goals in 85 appearances and helped the club win their 18th and last league title in 2011.

One of the most successful clubs in the world, AC Milan are 11th in the table just seven points above relegation.

“I’m coming back to a club I hugely respect and to the city of Milan I love,” the former Sweden forward said after the announcement of his return.

“I’ll fight together with my teammates to change the course of this season. I will do everything to make it happen.”

Milan have come up short in their attacking options with just 16 goals in 17 games so far this term.

Ibrahimovic left Los Angeles Galaxy last month after a two-year stay having scored 52 goals in 56 games, allowing to sign with another side for free.

He had previously won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with Juventus, which were revoked following the match-fixing scandal.

Milan’s first game after the winter break will be at home against Sampdoria on January 6.

Ibrahimovic started his career at Malmo in his native Sweden.

He went on to play for Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Milan, PSG and Manchester United, winning trophies with all these clubs but never the Champions League.

from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/36bLmwy