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No English team had ever won 20 straight matches before Manchester City's current run, but Pep Guardiola has warned there is still work left to be done.

The manager said his players are able to perform better than they have in recent weeks and "can't relax" even as they sit 12 points clear atop the domestic table ahead of Tuesday's game against Wolves.

Manchester City's objectives have broadened from merely claiming the Premier League to possibly winning the quadruple, an accomplishment that would require unwavering excellence for three more months.

What did Guardiola say?

“We cannot relax for one second,” Guardiola said via the club's website. “Always we can do better… that is the target.

“As much as we win and as much as we get results, we have to demand and be over the players and say we can do better.

“This is the moment and when I feel that every player is thinking the job is done or how good it is, these guys are not going to play.

“I am so intuitive. I know exactly when the guys are not ready to continue what we need to do. I said before the champions are Liverpool so to do it we still have eight, nine or 10 games and it’s a lot.

“They are an incredible team that struggled for four or five games to win games. It happened to us too.

“It happened last season and the beginning of this season and we were unable to win three games in the first two months (of this season) so still I want more and tomorrow [against Wolves] is a good example."

What's next for Manchester City

The Citizens have four more league matches before the second leg of their Champions League bout with Borussia Monchengladbach on March 16. Among those contests, only the one against Manchester United next Sunday poses an obvious threat. 

The bigger picture

The sooner Manchester City make their league title official, the sooner they can focus on hoisting the Champions League trophy, which has eluded them to this point.

Part of Guardiola's motivation, then, is the chance to rotate his squad by the time a potential European semi-final arrives in late-April.

Further reading

Zinedine Zidane has admitted his tactical tinkering may have hurt Real Madrid in their 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, but says it does not affect their bid for the Liga title.

The defending Liga champions required a late goal from Vinicius Junior to cancel out a header from Cristian Portu to secure a point at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.

The draw leaves Real five points adrift of city rivals and league leaders Atletico Madrid, who they face on Sunday.

What has been said?

Zidane switched formations at half-time to a three-man central defence, and Portu ghosted in at the far post to head home on 56 minutes.

"I changed it because I wasn't happy with our pressing," Zidane is quoted as saying by Marca. 

"If you've asked me and that's now three times, then yes, maybe," Zidane replied when asked whether the tactical shift had hurt his side.

"We had to change things because, after an hour, the team was a bit tired. Sometimes we have to change things.

"In the end, you try to find things to change the dynamic."

A derby with much on the outcome

Zidane's side travel to the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, and is happy with the form of his team.

"We have to remain calm," Zidane said. "We had a good game and we had three or four chances [to score].

"Patience, calm and rest. We were up against a team that creates chances against you.

"We have to carry on.

"It doesn't change the way we go into the derby. We have to go there to have a great game."

The battle for the title

Sevilla still have an outside shot, but the race for the title likely lies between Atletico, Barcelona and Real.

Atletico ended a two-game winless run in La Liga with a victory over Villarreal on Sunday, and they hold the balance of power with a five-point lead and a game in hand.

Barcelona have clawed their way back into the picture on the back of an unbeaten run in the league that dates back to early December, and were professional in beating Sevilla at the weekend.

The draw with Sociedad ended Real’s four-game winning run, and there are likely to be further twists in the weeks to come - with the top three still to face each other.

Further reading

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has offered up the country as a solo host for Euro 2020 later this year, as UEFA approach deadline day for decision's over the tournament's format and future.

The latest staging of the European Championship - for what would have been the competition's 60th anniversary - was originally pushed back from its original date last summer amid the coronovirus pandemic and is still slated to take place later this year.

But plans to maintain its pancontinental format, with hosting duties shared by a dozen cities in as many countries, remains under threat and with the UK well ahead in its vaccination programme, Johnson is ready to throw open the country’s doors.

What has been said?

“We are hosting the Euros,” Johnson told The Sun. “We are hosting the semis and the final.

“If they [have[ any other matches that they want hosted, we’re certainly on for that, but at the moment that’s where we are with UEFA.”

A push for the World Cup in 2030

The host nation, or nations, for the 2030 World Cup has not yet been announced, with confirmation set to come in 2024.

England and Ireland have already proposed a joint bid, and Johnson feels riding to UEFA’s rescue - should it be required - could provide their application with plenty of credit.

“We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030,” Johnson said. “I do think it’s the right place.

“It’s the home of football, it’s the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country.”

Who else is in the hunt for the 2030 World Cup?

Morocco was the first to declare an interest, possibly alongside North African neighbours Algeria and Tunisia.

There is also likely to be competition from within Europe, with a joint bid from Iberian neighbours Spain and Portugal - while Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Serbia are planning to throw their hats in the ring.

With Asian and North American nations not allowed to enter the race under present rules due to hosting the 2022 and 2026 iterations, South America is set to have a strong contender with a joint bid by Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.

The South American bid is reported to be favourite, as there is plenty of backing for Uruguay to host the event - 100 years on from the first World Cup in 1930.

Further reading

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has been arrested by the police as part of an investigation into 'Barcagate'.

Three other arrests were also made as part of the investigation, with documents regarding the case handed over to the police.

So what is 'Barcagate', and why were Bartomeu and Co. arrested? Goal takes a look.

What is 'Barcagate?'

'Barcagate' refers to an ongoing investigation in which the administration of former Barcelona president Bartomeu were accused of secretly paying PR company I3 Ventures to do online work for the club.

Bartomeu, along with three others - Chief Executive Officer of the club, Oscar Grau, former adviser to the presidency Jaume Masferrer, and head legal counsel Roman Gomez Ponti - were arrested as part of a police investigation into the matter.

The investigation first began following a complaint made by a Barcelona fan group, amid speculation that the Liga side paid I3 ventures for work related to social media monitoring. Some of the work included painting a more positive image of Bartomeu while also seeking to disparage the reputation of several players - including Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Xavi.

The case first began in February 2020, with Cadena SER exposing that Barcelona had been contracted to I3 Ventures since the end of 2017.

At the time, Barcelona denied the allegations, though police continued to investigate the situation in the meantime.

They searched the club offices at Camp Nou in June 2020 before making the arrests in March 2021.

The name 'Barcagate' is a nod to the nomenclature trend inspired by 'Watergate'. The 'Watergate' scandal introduced the pattern of using the suffix of '-gate' by those who work in the media to describe controversial matters and events in both the United States and beyond.

Why are the police involved?

According to the report by SER, the police are involved because the investigation potentially includes the criminal misdemeanour of improper management - in this case, paying an inflated price for I3 Venture's services (allegedly up to six times higher than the typical market rate).

Additionally, the police are also allegedly considering the crime of corruption involving several figures.

Those at the centre of the allegations are innocent until proven otherwise.

Who is Josep Maria Bartomeu?

Bartomeu previously held the position of Barcelona president for almost seven years, beginning in 2014 and ending in 2020.

He replaced former president Sandro Rosell, and was named the 40th President of Barcelona.

During his reign, Barcelona won the Liga title four times as well as the 2014-15 Champions League, but he will most likely be known for the club's struggles during the end of his tenure - as well as the Messi transfer saga.

His final years will be immortalised by the lack of success in replacing Neymar, a trophyless 2019-20 season and the infamous 8-2 loss against Bayern in the 2019-20 Champions League.

Bartomeu resigned as Barcelona president in October amid heavy pressure from the club's fan base, who already called for a vote of no confidence to oust him from his post before board re-elections in March.

Messi revealed his own tensions involving Bartomeu, telling Goal: “I told the club, including the president, that I wanted to go. I've been telling him that all year. I believed it was time to step aside.

“I believed that the club needed more young players, new players and I thought my time in Barcelona was over. I felt very sorry because I always said that I wanted to finish my career here.

“I told the president and, well, the president always said that at the end of the season I could decide if I wanted to go or if I wanted to stay and in the end he did not keep his word.”

Bartomeu has denied that he was the figure responsible for leaking Messi's contract.

What is I3 Ventures?

I3 Ventures is a company owned by Argentine businessman Carlos Ibanez.

According to the website, it is a company that uses "data analysis to build knowledge about human behaviour".

They also describe themselves as a "one-stop-shop agency with six years of experience in brand strategy, research and construction. Our experience with online audiences allows us to analyse and predict human behaviour and determine the relevant aspects to focus on".

Pique has previously spoken about his experience being discredited through social media, with I3 Ventures behind the attacks.

“I don't want to get on badly with anyone but there have been times, like the issue of social networks. As a Barca player, I see that my club has spent money, money that went to criticising not only people with a historical relationship with the club, but active players – and that is barbaric,” the centre-back told La Vanguardia in October.

“I asked [Bartomeu] for an explanation and what he told me was: 'Gerard, I didn't know', and I believed it. Then, later, we see that the person in charge of hiring those services is still working at the club."

What has Barcelona said?

Barcelona issued a statement on their official website which read: "Regarding the entry and search by the Catalan Police force this morning at the Camp Nou offices by order of the Instructing Court number 13 in Barcelona, which is in charge of the case relating to the contacting of monitoring services on social networks, FC Barcelona have offered up their full collaboration to the legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which are subject to investigation. 

"The information and documentation requested by the judicial police force relate strictly to the facts relative to this case. 

"FC Barcelona express its utmost respect for the judicial process in place and for the principle of presumed innocence for the people affected within the remit of this investigation."

Manchester United have brought Edison Cavani to the club too late to reap his best form, says ex-attacker Mark Hughes, but the Welshman feels he remains the type of attacking focal point worth targeting.

The Uruguayan moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer last October following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain, and has impressed  with his contributions for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

But at 34, he is very much in the twilight of his career - and while Hughes feels that he still has plenty to offer, he regrets that the Red Devils were not able to bring him onboard half-a-decade ago.

What did Hughes say?

“United have got good quality at the top end of the pitch,” Hughes told Sky Sports. "[Marcus] Rashford and [Mason] Greenwood are highly thought of, but maybe they need Cavani five years ago when he was in his pomp.

'They probably got him at the wrong time, but he is still an outstanding centre forward. When I see him playing in this team I think he gives them more focus, and they have confidence of giving the ball to his feet and things happen around him.”

United’s need for a number nine

Rashford, Greenwood and Anthony Martial are other attacking options for Solskjaer, but Hughes does not believe they are suited to playing down the middle and wants to see the club sign a forward in the mould of Cavani.

“The reality is, the other players I have mentioned, Martial included, they want to play in any other position than down the middle,” Hughes said. 

“Rashford and Martial would prefer to be on the left-hand side, Greenwood prefers the right-hand side, and while they have all been tried down the middle, you get the sense than none of them want to be there.

"They need someone with that quality to play down the middle to give them that focus.”

Hughes feels Tottenham forward Harry Kane and Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland are likely types, but does not know if United have the financial muscle to compete in the transfer market.

“They (Haaland and Kane) are certainly the type of player they need to be in the market for,” Hughes said. “How much ability they will have in the market to be able to go and attract those players though, who knows, because there are lots of clubs that will covet them.”

Further reading

Kylian Mbappe is already among "the best in the world" but the Paris Saint-Germain star still has the potential to succeed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. says coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The France international bagged a brace this weekend in his side's 4-0 rout of bottom-place Dijon to extend his lead atop the division's goalscorer charts, further cementing his red-hot form in 2021.

Attention has turned at the Parc des Princes now to ensuring that the 22-year-old signs a new extension beyond his current 2022 end date, but while discussions continue, the club's new manager has nothing but effusive praise for his star striker, stating that he can match the modern game's two undisputed greats if afforded the space to thrive.

What has Pochettino said

"He has the potential," the Argentine stated when asked by AFP whether Mbappe could succeed Messi and Ronaldo at the top of the sport. "He lacks nothing but time.

"We cannot speed up the process. I think he's already among the best in the world.

"It will take time for him to flesh out his CV, to get the recognition he deserves and will get.

Mbappe looks to write further history

The former Monaco youngster further burnished his already flourishing legend with a hat-trick against Messi and Barcelona last month in the Champions League last-16, ensuring a comfortable 4-1 lead for the Ligue 1 side to bring back from Camp Nou.

Another such performance for the attacker - already a World Cup winner, one of the few honours to elude both Messi and Ronaldo across their career - in next week's second leg could prove to be a torch-passing moment, but Pochettino has warned his side to avoid a repeat of 2017's famous comeback win for the Blaugrana.

“In football, anything is possible," he continued. "The most incredible things can happen, both positive and negative.

"Sometimes the unthinkable can happen. But we are positive. We prepare every game the same way, always thinking that we have to win yet another time to go to the next round."

Further reading

U.S. U-23 men's national team coach Jason Kreis says that Efrain Alvarez could commit to the program as the LA Galaxy star continues to mull over his international future.

Alvarez is eligible for the U.S. and Mexico, and was named in both countries' preliminary roster ahead of CONCACAF's Olympic qualifiers.

However, Alvarez was left off Kreis' pre-tournament training camp squad, although the U-23 manager says that he believes the U.S. still has a chance of luring the midfielder.

What did Kreis say about Alvarez?

"Efrain's a player that we were working with, talking with, about making a, as we said from the beginning, a very, very difficult and personal decision," Kreis said on Monday. "He's decided to not make that decision yet. He's decided that he wasn't ready to commit to one team or another, which puts us in a very hopeful position.

"We continue to let Efrain know that we support him, that we would like him to be a part of the U.S. men's national team program, but ultimately we understand that this is a very personal decision. We want to respect that."

Atlanta's decision

While there were a trio of Atlanta United players in Kreis' 31-player squad, they will not be joining up with the team after the club opted not to release their players.

Atlanta did so as the club look ahead to a CONCACAF Champions League campaign under new manager Gabriel Heinze, who takes over after Frank de Boer was dismissed last season.

The club opted to not allow their players to travel to Guadalajara as a result, depriving Kreis of Miles Robinson, George Bello and Brooks Lennon.

"Atlanta was an interesting situation," Kreis said. "There are two to three players I would say would have been very, very big contributors for us in this camp. We've been working for the past couple of weeks on trying to come to a solution that would be beneficial for both parties.

"Obviously, as I said, these are going to be big, big players for us in this qualification process. Atlanta wanted to keep the players because they're in the CONCACAF Champions League, and they're also dealing with some Covid stuff and so we thought we had moved to solution that was going to work and over the weekend we found out that Atlanta ultimately decided to not make players available to us.

"Unfortunate situation for us, an unfortunate situation for the players but ultimately, as a former MLS coach, I think we have to respect the decision."

Ebobisse's absence

Another player left off Kreis' roster was Jeremy Ebobisse, the Portland Timbers striker who has long been a part of the U-23 plans.

Ebobisse was named on Kreis' roster last March before the qualifying tournament was postponed, but was left off this time around.

"Coach's selection," Kreis explained. "We know that ultimately we're going to end up with a roster with probably two number nines.

"He's a player that I felt in the past was a player that could play winger and could also play nine, but through working with him in the January camp I walked away from that camp feeling very strongly that he is in number nine. And for us at the moment we have two number nines that we prefer to him so that's the decision."

While Ebobisse was one player to miss out, Kreis did bring in several individuals currently plying their trade for clubs outside of MLS.

Sebastian Soto, Uly Llanez, Johnny Cardoso and Sebastian Saucedo all made the squad despite playing abroad as Kreis and U.S. Soccer were able to get them released despite the lack of obligation for their clubs to do so.

"We tend to think that you tend to want to cover things with a blanket and say that any player that's involved with the European club isn't gonna be allowed," Kreis said, "but that's not necessarily true. As we stated in January, we made all the requests of all the players that we wanted.

"Obviously, we got a lot of noes back when we got some yeses and we understand that different players have different moments it depends on whether or not they're being used a lot for their first teams or not.

"These are guys that have been in multiple full-team camps and are guys that are familiar with how to play so we feel very fortunate to get guys like that into this window, for sure."

Further reading

Rio Ferdinand has hit out at referee Stuart Attwell for his failure to award Manchester United a penalty against Chelsea on Sunday.

During the first half of the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge, Callum Hudson-Odoi handled the ball in his own area.

Attwell waved play on, but when the game was stopped a short while later he was urged to look at the situation again by VAR, only to stick with his original decision.

What was said?

Ferdinand was asked for his take on the incident on his Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE podcast, and did not hold back in his assessment.

"We should have had a penalty," the former Manchester United defender said. "I don't know what's going on with these rules, these referees and stuff like that.

"I don't know how you go to the screen and look at the screen and don't give the penalty. It doesn't make sense.

"I saw it the first time in real time and shouted 'penalty!' in my front room. How he's not seeing it and giving it and the people at Stockley Park aren't going 'give that penalty now'. 

"There’s nothing they can tell me that will change my mind that it should be a penalty. It's a disgrace.”

Ferdinand offers up a solution

The lack of explanation from the officials on why they came to the decision - and other instances earlier in the season - is concerning to football fans.

Ferdinand believes the solution would be to follow rugby’s lead and have the officials wearing microphones that are audible to those watching on television.

"What would clear this up is if they put mics on the ref, put mics on the people at Stockley Park so we can hear them having a discussion about the situation,” he said. “It would clear a lot of this up.

“We would then be able to say 'I know why they made that decision now'. But because we don't hear anything, and just get the decision.

"The confusion comes because we don’t know how they got to the decision.

“The problem with this one is we need to know why he came to that decision, because he saw it was a handball.”

Man Utd's record against the big boys

The 0-0 draw with Chelsea saw United's winless run against the top six extended to seven games. 

Ferdinand is not concerned about that stat, with a bigger worry being the failure to beat Sheffield United.

"United against the top six, we have played seven and won zero, drawn five and lost two," Ferdinand said. "I don't think it is as bad as people make out.

"Where we are dropping points is Sheffield United at home. That's more concerning. 

"Dropping points like that where you are expected to win, they are the ones where I sit and think 'you bully the lesser teams in the league and don't lose against the big boys.'

"Man Utd have still got games to play against the big six so this table of played seven won none could look very different by the end of the season."

Further reading

South Africa striker Hildah Magaia believes that she has what it takes to lead Moron's attacking line to Elitettan promotion in the 2021 campaign.

Moron narrowly missed out on a promotion ticket to Damallsvenskan after they finished behind AIK and Hammarby in third last season.

Besides missing out on a top-flight place last term, Patrik Nilsson's side lost the services of striker Hayley Dowd, who netted 48 times in her last two seasons, to elite side Djurgardens.

For a replacement, Nilsson secured Banyana Banyana star Magaia from the South African club Tshwane University of Technology on a two-year deal and she is ready to deliver goals.

"I know she [Dowd] played here and did well, but it was time for her to move on," Magaia told Swedish tabloid Express Sports.
 
"Yes, I think I have that level. I think the club wants me here so that I can come and fill the place she left. 

"As a striker, you always feel pressure to score goals. I want to do well so that we as a team can take the step up to the highest league."

Magaia netted 36 goals to help TUT to a runners-up spot in the SWNL top-flight season and later led Banyana to a Cosafa Women's Cup triumph, winning the Player of the Tournament award.

She featured for the final 45 minutes on her Moron debut in their 6-0 defeat to Pitea in a friendly on Sunday and is keen to fire on all cylinders when the new season gets underway. 

"My main goal is to score many goals for the team, which in the end can be a reason why we go up," she added.

"I scored 36 goals in the league last season and led the shooting league together with another player. 

"Due to covid we could not end the season but we had scored as many goals with one match left and would face each other."

Despite making her maiden professional move, the 25-year-old is gradually adapting to life and coping with the playing style of her new side.

"It seems to be high quality and I think I can learn a lot from the team. When I landed here, at first I did not think it would work for me with the weather, but now I have started to adapt," she concluded. 

"It's a different culture and a different type of football but I see an opportunity to learn things. And I have a good feeling that I should be able to have a good season."

Ghana coach Abdul Karim Zito believes their approach to Monday's 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final clash denied Gambia room to operate, culminating in a win for his side.

The Black Satellites booked a place in Saturday's grand finale by a 1-0 triumph at Stade Olympique in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott, thanks to a Precious Boah first-half free-kick.

The victory was a good comeback for Ghana who succumbed to the Gambians in a 2-1 defeat when the two teams first met during the group stage of the championship.

"In all, coaching is putting your thinking into action," Zito explained during the post-match press conference, as reported by Footballinghana.

"Now, I studied them and revisited the match they played against us, then I saw that we gave them enough space to operate because they are full of technique, that is the No. 14, 20, 10, 8 and 12.

“We tried something called tracking and getting free - track them, get free and play - so denied them the space to operate. You can't deny them for the whole 90 minutes but where it mattered, were able to make a case.

“That was what I saw and we planned against that. Psychologically, the attitude was different and we were more determined to win than Gambia.

"Even though they were here to win but because of the previous result, I didn’t want them to slap me twice.”

Unlike previous editions of the tournament in recent times, there is no World Cup qualification reward for the semi-finalists following the cancellation of the global gathering slated for Indonesia this year due to health and safety concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Ghana, who beat Tanzania 4-0 in their tournament opener and drew 0-0 with Morocco before bowing to Gambia in the group stage, will face the winner between Uganda or Tunisia in the final, in their quest for a fourth continental title.

Champions in 1993, 1999 and 2009, the Black Satellites reached the quarter-final stage of this year's competition as one of the best third-placed sides after finishing behind Morocco and Gambia in Group C.

The Championship play-offs are among the most lucrative and exciting games in English football, with a coveted place in the Premier League at stake.

Taking place after the league phase has concluded, the mini-tournament makes for a compelling end to the season, with only one team going up, while the remaining sides face another year in the second tier.

Goal brings you everything you need to know about the competition phase, when the games were, what TV channels they are available to watch on and more.

Contents

What are the Championship play-offs?

The Championship play-offs in England are knock-out games which occur after the regular Championship season with the aim of deciding which team takes the final promotion to the Premier League.

Two teams - first place and second place - earn automatic promotion, but the teams which finish third, fourth, fifth and sixth enter a play-off series.

A merit system is in place to pair the teams for the semi-finals. Third place plays sixth place in one semi-final and fourth place plays fifth place in the other semi-final.

The Championship semi-finals are traditionally two-legged affairs, but the away goals rule does not apply. The semi-final winners progress to the play-off final.

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Which teams qualified for the Championship play-offs in 2021?

The teams that will make up the Championship play-off have not yet been confirmed, but there are a number of contenders.

Norwich City appear to be on course for automatic promotion, while Brentford, Watford and Swansea City are all chasing a top-two finish as well.

Championship table 2020-21

Last updated: Games played on February 28, 2021 | Key: (P) - secured promotion | (Q) - qualified for play-offs

Reading will be eager to end a near-decade-long absence from the Premier League and are certainly in the mix for the play-offs, while Bournemouth are seeking an immediate return to the top table.

Barnsley, Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Stoke City are also in the mix, but they will need their form to be consistent in order to secure a place.

Wayne Rooney's Derby County are some way off the running, but could potentially claw their way into the reckoning with a good run of form.

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When are the Championship 2021 play-offs?

Championship play-off final

The EFL has confirmed that the Championship play-off final will be played at the end of May 2021. Saturday May 29, Sunday May 30 or Monday May 31 are the potential dates and will be confirmed in due course.

Championship play-off semi-finals

The final day of the Championship regular season will be May 8 or May 9 and the play-off semi-finals usually kick off a week after that.

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When & where is the 2021 Championship play-off final?

The 2021 Championship play-off final is scheduled for the end of May 2021, but a precise date has not yet been fixed.

It will be played on one of the following dates: Saturday May 29, Sunday May 30 or Monday May 31.

Wembley Stadium in London will host the Championship play-off final and it is the traditional venue for all EFL promotion deciders, including those for League One and League Two.

It is possible that fans will be allowed into the 90,000-seater stadium for the final, but it will depend on the public health situation in England as the UK government continue to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Championship play-offs TV channel & live stream

Sky Sports has exclusive broadcasting rights for the Championship in the UK and the play-offs will be shown live on Sky Sports Football. In terms of online streaming, Sky Go is the network's dedicated service.

In the US, the ESPN / BAMTech network and its online streaming platform  ESPN+ are the sole outlets broadcasting the Championship play-offs.

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Who won last year's Championship play-offs?

Fulham won the 2020 Championship play-offs to book their place in the 2020-21 Premier League.

They overcame Cardiff City in the semi-final to set up the winner-takes-all tie against Brentford, who had beaten Swansea City.

Managed by Scott Parker, the Cottagers defeated the Bees 2-1 in the final, with all three goals coming in extra time. Joe Bryan scored both of Fulham's goals, including a spectacular 40-yard free kick.

Henrik Dalsgaard nabbed a consolation goal for Brentford in the final minute, but Parker's side held on to clinch promotion.

The game was played behind closed doors due to public health concerns related to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Fulham joined West Brom and Leeds United in moving up to the top flight for the 2020-21 campaign.

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Odion Ighalo was on target twice as Al Shabab defeated Damac 2-1 in Monday’s Saudi Pro League encounter.

The Nigerian had failed to find the net in his last two matches, however, he rediscovered his scoring form to lead Carlos Inarejos’ men past their relegation-threatened hosts.

The White Lion travelled to the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on the back of their 3-0 victory over Al Ahli their last time out.

Just 12 minutes into the tie, Ighalo put his team ahead thanks to an assist from Saudi Arabian defender Abdullah Al Zoari. Profiting from some disjointed defending by the hosts, the former Manchester United man headed home an Al Zoari cross past Algerian goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba.

The lead lasted for just eight minutes as Emilio Jose Zelaya levelled matters for Noureddine Zekri’s side - left unmarked in the visitors’ goal area, his header from Saleh Al Haydar’s well-taken cross sailed past goalkeeper Zaid Al Bawardi.

The former Super Eagles talisman restored Al Shabab’s lead in the 39th minute with another headed goal. This time, it was on-loan Braga midfielder Fabio Martins who supplied the assist. With that, Ighalo now boasts of three goals in five matches played since joining the Saudi top-flight side.

Despite a more purposeful attacking display by Damac, they were unable to level matters as the first half ended in favour of the six-time Saudi Premier League winners.

In the second half, the hosts came out stronger, albeit, their major undoing was failing to convert the few chances that came their way.

They came close to equalising in the 79th minute, nonetheless, Sergio Vittor’s bicycle-kick kissed the upright with goalkeeper Al Bawardi beaten.

Inarejos’ men were contented to sit back in their half while relying on counter-attacks. Even at that, their advantage was threatened in the closing minutes of the game as Igor Lichnovsky was given his marching orders by referee Turki Al Khudair for serious foul play.

With the win, they cruised to their sixth away triumph of the 2020-21 campaign. After an impressive shift, the 31-year-old Nigerian was substituted in the 90th minute for Hassan Altambakti.

Algeria’s duo of Zeghba and Farouk Chafai were in action from start to finish for the Knight of the South, yet, could do nothing to prevent the defeat.

Thanks to this result, Al Shabab remain at the submit with 44 points from 21 fixtures - five points ahead of second-placed Al Hilal.

Sports Club Villa head coach Edward Kaziba has explained the injury mitigation measures they have undertaken ahead of their Ugandan Premier League tie against Kyetume FC at Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru on Tuesday.

Kaziba will miss Emmanuel Wasswa and Francis Olaki, who are out due to various injury issues, but Andrew Kiwanuka may feature after recovering from a knock.

The coach said they have been forced to change their training programme in order to avoid more injuries.

“Since we nearly play three games a week, our main training drills are recovery sessions and correcting mistakes from the previous game. This is to avoid further injuries as you’re well aware that we average an injury a game lately," the Ugandan tactician said.

“Wasswa finished the first period of the UPDF game with discomfort in his ankle and he couldn’t continue. Olaki was injured in yet another aerial duel and both are doing individual training sessions and are out of this fixture. Derrick Ndahiro is also out because of yellow cards.

"But on a brighter note, Kiwanuka is fit for Tuesday’s game.

“The injury list remains the same, it’s only Kiwanuka who is now off it. In the meantime, we are working with the available players. They’re also good players and well equipped to finish the job [vs Kyetume].

“The boys went through the required recovery process on Sunday, on Monday we have worked on the errors from our previous two fixtures. Our aim is to overcome them if we are to come out of Njeru with maximum points."

Kaziba oversaw his first competitive game for SC Villa against Kyetume and this season's encounter serves as a memorable event for him. He will now have an opportunity, during the 11th match of the season, to help the Jogoos end a winless run that has stretched to two games.

“This fixture is very memorable to me," Kaziba added.

"The game against Kyetume was my first as a Villa head coach. It did not go as expected but it was a wake-up call for my team and me. Between the last time, we met and now is a very long time and very many things have changed with both sides.

"Playing against Kyetume on Tuesday is a chance for us to return to winning ways and also collect maximum points, a fate we, unfortunately, did not achieve last season."

Other players who Kaziba will miss in Njeru include Mohammedi Nsereko, who is ill, Nasser Lukwago, who has his knee injured, Moses Kiggundu with a hamstring problem and Abdalla Ssekandi, who is out due to a knee issue too. 

Benson Muhindo is ruled out with a tibia strain, Olaki is out after a concussion while Alex Wasswa is out due to an ankle injury.

SC Villa's matchday squad:

Goalkeepers: Saidi Keni, Meddie Kibirige,

Defenders: Fred Agandu, Joseph Nsubuga, Andrew Kiwanuka, Asuman Harisheh,

Midfielders: Derrick Ssekiranda, Muhammed Ssenoga, Sadam Masereka, Amir Kakomo, Ronald Ssekiganda, Goffin Oyirwoth, Nicholas Kabonge,

Strikers: Isaac Ogwang, Faizah Muwawu, Faizo Kazibwe, Abdallah Salim,

Liverpool could be without star forward Mohamed Salah for the start of next season after Egypt confirmed their intention to include him in their squad for this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The rescheduled event's football competition is typically between national under-23 sides, with the caveat that countries can call up three players over the age limit as senior party members.

With the Olympics slated to run from July 23 to August 8, and the 2021-22 Premier League scheduled to get underway on August 7, Salah would likely miss both pre-season and the opening weeks of the new campaign with the Reds if selected.

What was said?

“Egypt U-23 team’s preliminary squad will be led by Mohamed Salah and Mohamed El-Shennawy alongside another goalkeeper,” Egypt’s U-23 coach Shawky Gharib is quoted as saying by Ahram Online. “Salah is currently one of the most important players in the world and it’s normal to call him for Egypt’s Olympic squad.

“We will start the official talks with Liverpool after the international break next March.”

Salah’s importance to Liverpool

The forward tops the Premier League’s goalscoring charts this term with 17 strikes, while his totals in the previous three seasons were 19, 22 and 32.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said recently that Salah was vital to Liverpool and felt the 28-year-old would remain an integral cog for some time to come.

Salah is part of Liverpool’s brilliant three-pronged attack alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino - and his fitness record is excellent. As such, should he miss out in the early weeks of the season, Klopp would need to find a replacement or a shift in formation.

Who would fill in for Salah?

It’s tough to find a candidate to replicate the all-round attacking threat Salah offers Liverpool, but Diogo Jota would be the obvious starting point. The Portuguese hit a rich vein of form through October and November, before suffering a knee injury that has sidelined him since December.

Firmino was the player believed to be most under threat from Jota, but the versatility of the Portuguese means he could slot in for Salah on the right of an attacking trio.

Further reading

Simba SC defeated JKT Tanzania 3-0 in a Tanzania Mainland League assignment at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Monday.

Chris Mugalu, Luis Miquissone, and John Bocco were on target for the hosts.

The reigning champions came into the match full of confidence after wins against Al Ahly and African Lyon, in the Caf Champions League and FA Cup, respectively.

It took Wekundu wa Msimbazi just nine minutes to get their first goal. Congolese Mugalu, who was preferred ahead of John Bocco and was making a return to the team after being out for close to two months owing to an injury, was at the end of a good move by the team.

With 20 minutes gone, goalkeeper Aishi Manula collided with an opponent and had to be rushed to hospital after a long time receiving first aid on the pitch. Beno Kakulanya took his place in goal.

The hosts had to wait until the 37th minute to double their advantage courtesy of Mozambican Miquissone. Since his arrival in the team midway through last season, the forward has been directly involved in 24 goals.

His goal took his tally for the club to 11, as well as 13 assists which makes him one of the key players at the club.

Despite the many chances created, the champions did not score another goal in the first half.

It seemed the Msimbazi-based charges will not add another goal, but it changed with just minutes to go as substitute Bocco ended his 51-day absence with a goal in the third minute of injury time.

The result ensured the 21-time champions are just four points behind rivals Yanga SC -  who lead the race with 49 points from 21 matches - and with two games in hand.

The latter have managed to get 14 wins, three draws and two losses, scoring 45 goals in the process and conceding just eight.

On their part, JKT are placed 11th on the table with 24 points.

Simba SC XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Erasto Nyoni, Pascal Wawa, Kennedy Juma, Clatous Chama, Tadeo Lwanga, Mutshimba Kope, Mzamiru Yassin, Luis Miquissone

Subs: Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Ibrahim Migomba, Meddie Kagere, Perfect Chikwende, Rally Bwalya, John Bocco

JKT Tanzania XI: Patrick Muntary, Saady Abubakary, Paulo Ngalema, Edson Katanga, Hamad Wazir, Nurdin Mohamed, Kelvin Nashon, Hafidh Mussa, Daniel Lyanga, Edward Songo, Mgandila Shaban

Subs: Khomeini Abubakar, Hassan Twalib, Richard Maranya, Jabir Stima, Kigi Makasi, Rashid Mandawa, Mussa Said

Everton’s triumph over Liverpool last month was like winning the Premier League title, says former Toffees striker Yakubu Ayegbeni, who is still savouring the victory at Anfield.

The Goodison Park giants had not won at the Reds’ home ground since October 1999. Nonetheless, Richarlison’s early strike and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s late penalty did the damage for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who are three points behind their neighbours – with two games in hand – courtesy of the 2-0 win.

Everton went into the February 20 clash.on the back of two successive defeats, and the former Nigeria international, who starred for the club for four seasons – following a move from Middlesbrough for a fee of £11.25 million - likened the result to lifting the English top-flight diadem.

“We’ve been waiting for so long to win at Anfield, it has not been easy,” Ayegbeni told Goal.

“The last time we defeated them was at Goodison Park in 2010 when Mikel Arteta scored; I still remember I played in [that game].

"I got messages from my friends even on Instagram, everyone was buzzing – it was like we won the league.

“It was a great feeling when you play for Everton for so long, once you are Blue, you’re always a Blue. So, I still support, I still check their results.”

Everton have a realistic opportunity of finishing above the reigning English champions for the first time since 2012-13 campaign, while Champions League qualification is also still up for grabs.

When asked if the result against Liverpool would boost his former team’s aspiration of finishing in the top four, ‘the Yak’ - who is an awe of Ancelotti’s impact on the team - feels a top-six finish at the end of the 2020-21 campaign is a more realistic ambition.

“It’s a great job Carlo Ancelotti is doing in the team,” the 38-year-old continued.

“He bought in some quality players like James [Rodriguez] – who is doing very well. Hopefully, they can finish in the top six and play in Europe next year.

“We have a great manager who understands the players. This season is not going to be easy because with the way it’s going now, everyone is talking about Manchester City.

“As an Evertonian, I still believe the top four is not for us this season but finish in Europe will be a great season.”

Everton welcome Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton side to Goodison Park on Monday evening and victory over the Saints would see them steer four points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur.

Reading youngster Omar Richards is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer, Goal understands.

Reports in Germany have stated that Richards has passed a medical with Bayern and agreed a four-year contract which will see him remain at Allianz Stadium through to 2024.

Goal can confirm that a deal is close to being finalised, with the 23-year-old set to join the German champions when his current deal at Reading expires at the end of June.

Why have Bayern made a move for Richards?

Bayern have been linked with a number of different players in recent weeks as they seek to bolster their defensive ranks, including Richards and Norwich star Max Aarons.

Richards looks like he will be the first man through the door at the Allianz, with the England U21 international likely to be used in a back-up role behind Alphonso Davies at left-back.

Davies was sidelined by injury in the first half of the season which left Bayern short on options in that position, and with David Alaba leaving the club at the end of the campaign they have made a move for Davies in order to increase their squad depth.

How has Richards performed for Reading?

Richards graduated to Reading's senior squad back in 2016, and has since racked up 115 appearances for the club across all competitions.

The talented full-back has also provided four goals and three assists while establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Championship.

Richards is currently playing a key role in Reading's promotion bid, with the Royals on course to qualify for the play-offs after rising to fifth in the table after 33 matches.

What's next?

Richard's will be back in line to feature for Reading when they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

Bayern, meanwhile, are readying themselves for a huge Der Klassiker clash against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Further reading