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It’s Thomas Tuchel vs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Premier League this weekend, as the new Chelsea boss gets to test his mettle against Manchester United.

Since Tuchel took over at the Blues, the Stamford Bridge heavyweights have been in fine fettle domestically, and will be keen to build on their impressive midweek success against Atletico Madrid when they host United.

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However, the Red Devils also eased past Real Sociedad in their European knockout tie, and having lost just once since January 6, will fancy their chances of getting a result in West London.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Team News

Thiago Silva is the only injury absentee for Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

The veteran defender has no return date set, but Tuchel will be keen to have him back as soon as possible.

United have many more concerns.

Paul Pogba is the most high-profile absentee, and will only return next month as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem, while Edinson Cavani has also been struggling with a fitness problem recently.

Donny van de Beek could be in contention for a place on the bench, while Solskjaer faces an anxious wait to see if Scott McTominay makes it back in time, particularly with Phil Jones ruled out.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Key facts & stats

United have a strong recent record at Stamford Bridge, having won their last three at the venue in all competitions, although it’s worth noting that they’ve never won four on the bounce at Chelsea in their history.

Could they secure an unprecedented success this time around?

Encouragingly for Chelsea, they’ve kept three consecutive clean sheets at home under Tuchel, and are aiming to make that four in a row for the first time in over three years.

However, they face a United side who are in excellent away form, having not lost in their last 19 league games away from Old Trafford.

They began that run away at Chelsea a year ago—winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge—and have never before gone for so long away from home without losing.

The players to watch here could be Mason Mount, who has two in his last three, and Marcus Rashford, who has an excellent record against Chelsea.

The England striker has had a hand in seven goals against the Pensioners in all competitions.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Prediction

Expect a cagey contest where neither side will see a defeat as acceptable as they look to consolidate their spot in the top four.

Chelsea, while impressive against Atletico Madrid in midweek, looked vulnerable at times against Southampton last weekend, and there were vulnerabilities there that the Red Devils could look to exploit.

However, with both of these two in fine form—both forgetting what defeat looks like—a draw appears like the likeliest result.

Prediction: Chelsea 1 -1 Manchester United

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Sofapaka have appointed new captains after the elevation of Willis Obayi into the assistant coach position.

The former Premier League champions have been making technical changes owing to the struggle witnessed since the competition began. 

With Obayi's elevation, Michael Kibwage, signed before the season began from KCB, has been appointed new captain and he will be deputised by Mohamed Kilume.

"Sofapaka Football Club can confirm the appointment of [Michael] Kibwage and [Mohamed] Kilume as new club captains," the club announced.

"Kibwage is the new captain and he will be assisted by Kilume."

“It’s a good feeling to be given such a position at the club, it shows that the team management has trust in me," Kibwage, who also served as KCB captain, said after the confirmation of his new position.

“I look forward to reciprocating the same trust back to the team in terms of performance both as an individual and as a team. I feel so happy and am ready for the task ahead.” 

The need to appoint the new captains was also necessitated by the acrimonious exit of Ellie Asieche who left to join Wazito FC in the ongoing mini-transfer window.

Obayi was appointed Ken Odhiambo's assistant following the departure of Mike Mururi. The former Kakamega Homeboyz member left after John Baraza, whom he served under, had parted ways with Batoto ba Mungu in December 2020 after a 3-0 loss to AFC Leopards.

After his appointment, Obayi revealed his ambition for the club and explained whether he will continue to play as he is registered for the 2020/21 season.

"I am still coming to terms with it. It’s such a privilege indeed, to be honest," Obayi said. "This a new capacity that I am to grow and become better. It’s equally an opportunity to transit and when such an opportunity comes your way, you only have to step up, learn and grow and that’s what I am aiming at moving forward.

"Well, I still feel I have some energy left to go, currently I am eligible to play in the current season and if the need arises to help out then I will step up and give my best on the pitch."

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has singled out two Simba SC players he believes contributed more to the team’s 1-0 win against his side in the Caf Champions League.

The Msimbazi giants became the first African team to beat Mosimane since he left Mamelodi Sundowns for the Egyptian outfit after a 31st-minute goal from Luis Miquissone helped them win the group contest at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium last Tuesday.

The South African tactician has picked out goalscorer Miquissone and Kenya defender Joash Onyango as the two players, who stood out during the first round meeting and also admitted Simba were better than his side on the day.

“Simba managed to play hard and defend themselves well for the entire 90 minutes,” Mosimane said as quoted by Sokalabongo. “They were careful to save all the dangerous balls that came in their goal, dangerous players were number 11 [Luis] and 16 [Onyango].”

The 28-year-old Onyango joined Wekundu wa Msimbazi from Gor Mahia at the beginning of the season and has since been one of the key players at the club in both the league and Champions League campaign. 

According to the statistics provided after the game, Onyango delivered 88 percent of accurate passes during the match against Al Ahly, managed to win 81 percent of challenges, won 90 percent of the ground battles, and managed to win 100 percent tackles.

In an exclusive interview with Goal on Friday, Kenya midfielder Francis Kahata, who also turns out for Simba, conceded Onyango has kept on growing as a player because he has no time for casual mistakes and puts up a consistent shift for the giants.

“I know Onyango is someone who is always in serious business; he makes no casual mistakes at the back and he has been like that from his time at Gor Mahia,” the 29-year-old Harambee Star told Goal on Friday.

“I am happy that he is developing with each game. He has come here in Tanzania, broke into the first eleven, and made the position his by putting solid performances at the back.

“If you look at the individual performance, Onyango has been really helpful.”

Simba are now leading the group with a maximum of six points while Al Ahly are second on three points, the same as AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who beat Al Merrikh of Sudan 4-1 on Tuesday.

Express FC assistant coach James Odoch has explained the strategy they used to hand Wakiso Giants their first defeat in the Ugandan Premier League in this campaign.

The Red Devils hosted Wakiso at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku on Friday seeking to protect their unbeaten run of eight matches and also end the visitors’ run and they did it in emphatic style as they roared to a 3-0 win.

The win also saw Express set a new club record of going 10 league games unbeaten with forward George Senkaaba, midfielder Charles Musiige, and winger Godfrey Lwesibawa getting the goals.

Despite the win, coach Odoch has revealed they had to use the counter-attack to stop their opponents and explained his unhappiness at the missed chances.

“I have to congratulate the boys for the big win, actually I must admit we have been working for it because we knew heading into the match the team we were coming to play was not an easy one, and you can see it's today [Friday] they suffered their first loss,” Odoch told reporters after the game.

“They gave us a good game, but our strategy was to get them on the break because they are very comfortable at the back and when with the ball so we had to counter them on the break, but still I am not happy with our scoring rate and the way we are missing the chances.

“It is something we keep working on every day in training and we will have to revisit that again and work on our scoring rate, we need to use our chances and score goals because, to be honest, we are creating several chances in a single match but we only manage to convert a few.

“We still have time to go back to the drawing board and rectify that, it is the only challenge we have now.”

On his part, midfielder Charles Musiige was elated to score his first goal for the club this season by stating: “I am so grateful to have scored my first goal, I’ve always been creating but finally got my chance.

“For the team, I am glad we’re now top of the table, something we’ve not achieved in a very long time so I am so happy.”

The Red Eagles went all out at the start and were rewarded six minutes in when Lwesibawa cheekily looped the ball over the visitors’ defence to Erick Kambale on the left who calmly crossed for Senkaaba to tap into an empty net, it was also his sixth of the season.

The opener seemed to have disorganised Wakiso as they couldn’t contain the constant attacks from Express’s midfield, Musiige to be exact, the pacey midfielder caught the entire defence napping when he sprinted from the centre line up until when he slotted home to double the lead.

Coach Wasswa Bbosa’s half-time talk seemed to have spurred the team further because it was business as usual at the restart, Wakiso goalkeeper Samson Kiirya was called upon on several occasions to save the day.

Seven minutes into the second half, Lwesibawa slotted home a free-kick to make it 3-0, the winger now counting four goals and as many assists this season.

The win took the Read Eagles top of the table for the first time in as many years, one point ahead of champions Vipers SC who play against Onduparaka FC in Arua on Saturday.

Al Jazira moved to pole position on the league table after they outclassed Sharjah FC 3-0 in a top of the table clash of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) on Friday evening at Sharjah Stadium in matchweek 18. 

It took just 14 minutes to break the deadlock after Moroccan defender Mohammed Rabii jumped the highest to steer in a header floated by Khalfan Mubarak. 

Al-Jazira's marquee player Ali Mabkhout joined the party and moved ahead of Fabio Lima of Al Wasl in the Golden Boot race with a strike that not only doubled his team's lead but also ended his 465-minute goalless streak against Sharjah. 

The league leaders were reduced to 10-men when Abdalla Ramadan were given the marching orders around the hour-mark. However, that did not dent their morale and they scored their third through Mabkhout converting a penalty in injury time. 

Bani Yas 'two good' for sluggish Ajman

Bani Yas emerged triumphant over Ajman in their AGL encounter courtesy of a goal in each half at home on Friday. 

The hosts were on the front foot right from the first whistle and their efforts were rewarded when Ahmed Abunamous scored the opener in the 23rd minute.

Ajman tried to get back in the game but Bani Yas' defenders held their fort with grit and determination.  Their comeback attempts were thwarted when Mohamed Ismail was shown a red late in the match. 

To add salt to injury Joao Pedro scored from the spot late in injury time to seal the three points for Bani Yas who continue to be in third place with 33 points from 18 matches. 

Al Ahli edge out Khorfakkan 4-3 

Al Ahli continued their fine run of form as they downed Khorfakkan in a 4-3 thriller on Friday evening. Al- Ahli twice took the lead but, on both occasions, Khorfakkan managed to score the equalizer.

Paulo Melo put the away side in front in the 76th minute only to see his side concede twice in the final 10 minutes to Yahya Al Ghassani and Carlos Alves.
 
This was the fourth straight defeat for Khorfakkan and coach Caio Zanardi would hope that they at least end the season on a high with three more matchdays to go.

Al Ahli’s quest to finish in the top three is on track as they have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five outings.

Al Nasr seal comfortable 2-0 over Hatta

Ramon Diaz’s side huffed and puffed to a 2-0 win over bottom-placed Hatta thanks to two late goals from Jassim Yaqoob (85’) and Ryan Mendes (90+4’).

Yaqoob got on the end of a Ryan Mendes cross to open the scoring while Mendes put his name on the scoresheet with a close-range effort.

Al Nasr are on the fourth position with three matchdays to go while Hatta continue their poor run of form as they only have five points to show for their efforts this season.

On October 17, 2020, Hugo Boumous signed a two-year deal with Mumbai City FC that fetched FC Goa an Indian Super League (ISL) transfer fee of around INR 1.6 crores.

The Frenchman scored 16 times and recorded as many 17 assists during his time with Goa since he came to India back in January 2018. He won the Hero of the League award for scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in 15 matches in the last campaign.

Moving over to the City Football Group (CFG) owned outfit, Boumous didn't disappoint as he raced off to four assists in his first five games. He eventually scored two goals and had seven assists in 13 games until his two-match ban was further extended by another two games that ruled out the medio for the remainder of City's league games. He will also miss the crucial game against ATK Mohun Bagan on Sunday, the result of which will determine whether Mumbai finish the league on top or not.

Earlier in the season, an injury kept Boumous out for a couple of games - when the Mumbai-based outfit dropped points for the first time since their opening day defeat to NorthEast United, in the 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur, besides the 2-0 win over a Hyderabad side who had just two foreigners at their disposal back then.

Mumbai City have registered two wins in the six games played without Boumous, with a win percentage of 33.3 per cent. Meanwhile, the Islanders have won nine of their 13 games with him, reaching a win percentage of 69.2 per cent.

Sergio Lobera's team have looked more threatening with Boumous in the side. They averaged 2.2 points per game with him, and 1.3 points per game in his absence. In fact, if not for the six goals in the 6-1 win over Odisha on Wednesday, they would have also averaged just a goal per game without him (now 1.8) than with him (1.7).

Despite missing a total of six games this season, the 25-year-old also has the most carries ending with a chance created in the ISL after MD21 this season (14). This should probably explain the dip in the team's passing accuracy in the final third as well as in the opponents half when Boumous is missing from the line-up.

Hugo Boumous will be available for the play-offs after him being out of action from February 8.

The stats used in this article are provided by Opta and are correct till the game between Odisha and Mumbai City on February 24.

In just the second minute of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) match between NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters, Dylan Fox missed a big chance from close-range off a Luis Machado delivery into the box. Five minutes later, Bakary Kone missed a free header at the other end of the pitch from a corner-kick.

After missing one big chance each in the opening 10 minutes, both sides went in completely different directions for the rest of the 80 minutes. And at the end of the 90 minutes, there was one deserved winner. 

The Highlanders, who needed a point to confirm their entry into the playoffs for the second time in the club's history, punished a poor Kerala Blasters team 2-0 and grabbed three points. Khalid Jamil, who is unbeaten with his team since he took over from Gerard Nus (eight games and counting) became the first Indian coach to lead a team into the ISL play-offs. It has been quite a remarkable turnaround for a team that had gone seven games without a win before Nus was sacked in the second week of January. 

There is now a fighting spirit in the team that has helped them cross the finish line with ease. And they were helped by an opponent who was terrible and had only pride to play for.

Khassa Camara and Lalengmawia were just too good in the middle of the pitch against their counterparts and made sure that Blasters were never really in the game. Camara's through-ball after the half-hour mark took a deflection off a completely out-of-sorts Kone and fell perfectly for the lethal VP Suhair who rounded Albino Gomes to break the deadlock. 

If Kerala Blasters had plans to think about an equaliser or a comeback, their hopes were doused when Lalengmawia decided to launch a rocket from outside the box at the stroke of half-time. His thunderous strike hit the underside of the crossbar and went in. 

Imran Khan has been doing a decent job of acting as a backup option for Federico Gallego who is expected to return to full fitness for the play-offs. VP Suhair has been a threat from wide areas all seasons and has continued his impressive form from his title-winning Mohun Bagan days. Former Bengaluru FC striker Deshorn Brown looks dangerous and a totally different player at NorthEast United. And Luis Machado has been excellent and unpredictable with the ball at his feet. 

With full-backs Ashutosh Mehta and Provat Lakra injured (the former was unavailable for the game and the latter was forced off the field in the 20th minute), Blasters attempted to threaten from wide areas but neither Rahul KP nor Prasanth Karuthadathkuni could deliver good quality crosses into the box. 

The Blasters defence has been absolutely shambolic all season. And against the NorthEast their attack was also not too different. They couldn't register a single shot on target in the entire game. Some of those players have to take up the responsibility for their extremely shoddy displays which would have attracted vituperative outbursts if they were playing in front of their supporters in Kochi. 

The two teams will now go in two different directions. NorthEast United will wait for the results of the matches on Sunday to know who they will be up against in the semi-final. Blasters, meanwhile, will pack their bags and say goodbye to Goa. 

Sacramento FC's lead investor Ron Burkle has pulled out of plans to acquire an MLS franchise due to the coronavirus pandemic, thrusting the league's Northern California expansion agenda into doubt.

MLS said Friday night that it would continue to evaluate its options in the fertile market. Sacramento had originally been slated to start play in 2022 after being awarded a place in the U.S. top-flight, a date that was pushed back earlier in the Covid-19 crisis.

The Sacramento Bee has reported that "although Burkle signed a preliminary agreement in 2019 with MLS, the two sides never came to a formal long-form agreement."

What did MLS announce about Sacramento FC?

"Earlier today, Ron Burkle informed the league that based on issues with the project related to Covid-19, he has decided to not move forward with the acquisition of an MLS expansion team in Sacramento," MLS wrote in a statement on its website.

"After working for many years to bring an MLS team to Sacramento, the league continues to believe it can be a great MLS market. In the coming days, the league will work with Mayor Darrell Steinberg to evaluate possible next steps for MLS in Sacramento."

MLS commissioner Don Garber extended an additional note to the franchise.

"I want to thank [Sacramento mayor Darrell] Steinberg for his continued efforts to bring MLS to Sacramento," Garber said. "His commitment to the city and delivering for its passionate soccer fans should make all citizens of Sacramento proud.

"Interest in owning a club in Major League Soccer has never been higher. And I remain incredibly optimistic about finalizing expansion plans for our 30th team."

What comes next for the city?

The city of Sacramento needs new investment sources to salvage its hopes of hosting an MLS side, but the financial challenges of the pandemic might deter a cash influx.

A "very disappointed" Steinberg, the mayor of California's capital, blasted Burkle as disloyal to the community but maintained hope of a positive outcome.

“We will still bring MLS to Sacramento, and we will work with the league to find a new lead investor,” Steinberg told The Bee. “We are not starting from scratch by any means. We have an approved stadium plan and an approved plan to build and pay for infrastructure. We also have the best fan base in the country - one that has shown time and time again that it can support an MLS team.

“We have only begun to fight for what our city deserves.”

Amine Gouiri scored and provided an assist in Nice’s 2-1 victory over Rennes in Friday’s Ligue 1 game.

The 21-year-old has earned rave reviews for his performances for Adrian Ursea’s men since teaming up with the club from Lyon last summer.

The French-born Algerian forward was afforded his 24th league start and shone in the encounter to help his side return to winning ways after three consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Metz.

Nice took the game to their hosts and came close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute when Gouiri fired a fine shot but the effort narrowly missed the target.

The moment eventually came for the Eagles when they were awarded a penalty after Algeria international Hichem Boudaoui was brought down in the box by Damien Da Silva as he attempted to dribble his way towards goal.

Gouiri was given the opportunity to take the resulting penalty kick and the Algerian attacker did not make a mistake in sending Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis to the wrong side of the net as his effort sailed into the back of the net.

Rennes levelled proceedings in the 39th minute when Martin Terrier unleashed a ferocious shot from outside the area into the back of the net.

Moments before the hour mark Flavius Daniliuc scored what turned out to be the matchwinning goal when he headed home Gouiri’s cross.

The 21-year-old Algerian featured for the duration of the game while Boudaoui played for 67 minutes before making way for Pierre Lees-Melou.

Senegal international Gomis was on parade for the entirety of the game along with Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd and Mali’s Hamari Traore.

With the victory, Nice have now moved off the bottom three to the 17th spot after gathering 24 points from 26 games.

Gouiri has scored 14 goals across all competitions in 32 appearances, including 10 strikes in Ligue 1 and provided six assists.

The forward will hope to continue his impressive performances for Nice when they take on Nimes in their next league game on March 3.

Gouiri has featured for France at various age-graded competitions but he is also eligible to represent Algeria if he chooses.

Jose Mourinho continued his week of praise for Tottenham fringe players by claiming Gareth Bale is "happier than ever" and deserving of full trust following a strong mid-week Europa League showing against Wolfsberger.

Bale, on loan from Real Madrid, has been a non-factor much of the campaign but fired in a goal in the second leg of an 8-1 aggregate victory after scoring in the first leg the week before. Fellow squad outcast Dele Alli also shined in the continental round of 32 and was similarly backed by his manager.

Mourinho's positive spin on Bale (and Alli) comes as Tottenham tries to reverse a slump that has dropped them to ninth in the Premier League, suggesting the manager is ready to invite previously overlooked players into his domestic lineup.

What Mourinho said about Bale

"He looks happier than ever, he looks confident," Mourinho told reporters. "In training, you can see he has his confidence back, the way he hits his shots.

"You could see from his goal on Wednesday. It was a confident shot. A player with fear or negative feelings would never have hit that type of shot. To strike the ball that way, I think that strike means a lot.

"It means freedom in relation to the brain muscle. For this, you need to be in a good condition. He is in the best condition since he arrived."

Because of that uptick in Bale's conditioning and confidence, Mourinho isn't afraid to increase the forward's workload.

"We trust him. We trust his experience and analysis. And everything with him is done with a great participation of everyone. Because everyone wants the best for him because in the end, the best for him is the best for Tottenham.

"So to have him giving us important contributions is doing that bit by bit. Of course, we want that in a more continuous way.

"Of course we have very important Premier League matches, a crucial final, and crucial every minute of every game in the Europa League, so the more that we have Gareth, a player with his quality and confidence and experience and his know-how of big moments, the better."

What comes next for Spurs?

Tottenham have a chance to continue their good form in the coming weeks, with their next three Premier League matches against Burnley, Fulham and Crystal Palace. They will play Dinamo Zagreb in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the first leg coming on March 11.

Further reading

Rose Lavelle looked to play down her SheBelieves Cup MVP award after winning the prize on Wednesday, saying she felt there were more deserving players. 

Lavelle was given the award after the U.S. women's national team defeated Argentina 6-0, clinching the SheBelieves Cup for the second straight year. 

The Manchester City midfielder scored the winner in the USWNT's tournament opener against Canada before assisting Megan Rapinoe's opening goal against Argentina. 

What did Lavelle say?

"Honestly I don't know how I won that. I don't know who picks that. I think there were a lot better options," Lavelle said with trademark modesty.

"I guess it's always nice to be recognized but I think there were other people that deserved it more."

Who were other candidates for the award?

Lavelle received 31.7 percent of the total vote, barely edging her teammate Christen Press, who received 30.9% of the vote.

Brazil’s Debinha (21.7%) and Adriana (15.7%) were the other finalists.

Aside from Lavelle and Press, Rapinoe could have also been a candidate from the USWNT, having led the team with three goals in the tournament.

How did the USWNT fare in the SheBelieves Cup?

The USWNT won all three of their matches in the tournament, though their first two games were not nearly as easy as the rout against Argentina. 

Lavelle scored a late winner in the team's opener against Canada, a 1-0 win, while the USWNT then defeated Brazil 2-0 behind goals from Press and Rapinoe.

What's next for Lavelle?

The 25-year-old will head back to England to rejoin Man City, who are currently five points behind WSL leaders Chelsea.

City, who have a game in hand on Chelsea, will take on Birmingham City on Sunday before facing Fiorentina in a Champions League last-16 first leg three days later.

Further reading

Ilkay Gundogan revealed that he was the subject of talks between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United a few years before he made his move to Manchester City.

Gundogan was with Dortmund from 2011 to 2016 before sealing a £20 million move to City.

But fate nearly brought him to the other side of Manchester, although making that deal happen would have proven difficult for Manchester United.

What did Gundogan say?

"There were talks. I think it was two or three years before I joined City when I was playing for Borussia Dortmund," he told Sky Sports.

"One team-mate of mine, Shinji Kagawa, went to Man Utd and someone told me that they came to a few games to watch him before they bought him. I took their attention.

"It never really went into advanced talks because Borussia Dortmund made it quite clear that they were not willing to sell me and I also had a few years left on my contract, so there wasn't really a point to talk to anyone at that point. So yeah, it didn't happen."

Europe's most in-form midfielder?

Gundogan has been key to Manchester City's 19-game unbeaten run, firing nine goals in as many games during the heart of that run.

As a result, Manchester City sit atop the Premier League and are odds-on favourites to claim the league title.

They currently have a 10-point lead over second-place Manchester United ahead of this weekend's meeting with West Ham.

In addition, City have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, having topped Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Further reading

Paul Onuachu scored his 25th goal of the season to inspire Genk to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Charleroi in Friday’s Belgian First Division A game.

The forward has been delivering sparkling performances this season and against the Zebras, he was handed his 26th league start.

The 26-year-old made the most of the opportunity to score his 24th league goal and take his tally to 25 strikes across all competitions in this campaign.

Onuachu’s efforts helped John van den Brom’s men return to winning ways after losing to KV Oostende and Beerschot last time out.

Genk started the game impressively, dominating proceedings and were rewarded for their displays when they were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute.

Nigeria international, Onuachu, was afforded the chance to take the penalty kick and swiftly dispatched his effort into the back of the net to hand his side the lead.

After the restart of the game, Charleroi made a spirited effort to try and avoid defeat in the encounter and levelled matters in the 52nd minute through Ali Gholizadeh.

With seven minutes to the end of the game, Kristian Thorstvedt scored the matchwinning goal after receiving a timely assist from Gerardo Arteaga.

Onuachu featured for 80 minutes before making way for his compatriot Cyriel Dessers, who was making his 22nd league appearance this season.

Senegal’s Mamadou Fall was on parade for 19 minutes after replacing Jordan Rolly Botaka but could not help his side to avoid defeat.

Fall’s teammate and Ivory Coast international Cedric Kipre was an unused substitute along with Morocco’s Amine Benchaib.

The victory moved Genk to the third spot on the league table after gathering 46 points from 29 games behind Royal Antwerp FC and leaders Club Brugge.

Onuachu will hope to continue his blistering performances for the Blue and White when they take on Mechelen on March 4.

The 26-year-old has struggled to replicate his club performances with the Super Eagles, having only scored one goal since making his debut in 2019.

Onuachu will be expected to make the list for Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in March.

Thomas Tuchel has admitted that PSG's defeat to Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League was the most difficult loss of his career so far.

In March 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side came to Parc des Princes 2-0 down after a first-leg home defeat and amid an injury crisis, but overturned defeat in the final moments for a famous European victory. After the match, current Chelsea manager Tuchel admitted he entered a "dark place."

Tuchel faces Solskjaer again with Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday in a match that will have implications in the battle to finish in the top four.

What Tuchel said

"I can be very honest after that match I was two days in a very dark place and I can tell you I was not able to speak to anybody and to think about anything else [other] than this defeat," Tuchel told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash.

"That was maybe the worst defeat that I experienced because it came from nowhere. In the circumstances that it arrived, I was for two days in a dark place for a coach to be at.

"There is no way you can compare these two games with each other. I told you how I felt after this defeat in the Champions League. We all know that defeats are hard to digest.  Am I a good loser? So so. Maybe not so much, but show me a good loser on this level.

"I would love to turn it around. We love the competition and we love to win and we love a good fight for it, and this is what we will hopefully get on Sunday."

What kind of shape are Chelsea in ahead of kick-off?

Chelsea have everyone fit except Thiago Silva as they aim to climb back into the Champions League places after dropping to fifth place through a 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend.

Kai Havertz returned to action after three weeks on the sidelines in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid. Tuchel explained that only injury has held back his progress in west London.

“For me, it’s easy to explain. Since I arrived, the only thing that kept him from making a big impact is his injury, nothing else," Tuchel said.

"I see a committed guy, I see a guy who made a brave decision to move abroad at a young age and to go out of his comfort zone and accept a big challenge in a big team, in the biggest league.

"I see a totally clear guy who is totally aware of that, full of talent, unlimited talent and I see a play who will have a big impact in Chelsea, I’m absolutely convinced because the mix gives me that feeling that he can have a big role in this club and he is absolutely determined to fulfil his role.

"He is a unique player. It’s not so clear where he needs to settle. Does he need to settle on one special position? Or is he kind of a hybrid player? Today, I would say he’s in between a nine and a 10, something in between.

"He’s very comfortable in the box; he’s very comfortable in high positions, he’s very good at offensive headers, he has good timing to arrive in the box, good finishing, good composure in the box, around the box, and very comfortable in high positions so between nine and 10.”

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp insists his Liverpool squad does not require a summer rebuild, despite their miserable Premier League campaign.

The Reds’ title defence has veered badly off course after a promising start, with injuries and loss of form catching up with the 19-time champions. At present, they sit sixth in the table, five points off even a top-four spot. They have lost their last four league matches, three of them at Anfield, and won just two of their last 11 since Christmas.

They travel to Sheffield United, the league’s bottom club, on Sunday knowing anything less than a win would prove costly, and with questions surrounding the make-up of Klopp’s injury-hit squad growing louder and louder.

What’s been said?

Speaking on Friday, Klopp told reporters: “What is a rebuild? Ten out, 10 in? Changes to the [starting] XI? Which XI?!

“I don’t think it’s a time for a massive rebuild, like six or seven out, running contracts but trying to get rid of them and bring in all new faces.

“This squad, this year, didn’t have the chance to play together once, really. I think it would make sense to have a look at that!

“But on top of that yes, little readjustments will happen. Reacting to the situation but at the same time planning for the future. I’m not sure if we can do that in the summer, to be honest, but that’s what we will try.”

What else did Klopp have to say?

Klopp was also asked about the challenge facing his side as they look to secure Champions League football for next season.

He said: “There is no lack of motivation. Difficult situations always fired me up, as opposed to the other way round.

“It’s clear that winning game after game after game is nicer, absolutely, but this is a different time, a different season for us, for plenty of reasons. We have to fight through this and we will.

“Maybe the important message is; we are still Liverpool. That’s what we feel. You are not only Liverpool when you win 20 games in a row or don’t lose a home game for ages. No, we are still Liverpool, and that’s exactly what I know, what I live, what I love, and what gives me the energy.

“I’m not only here for the big celebrations or whatever. I’m here to do the work, and if it’s necessary then the dirty work, the hard work. No problem.”

Further reading

Ademola Lookman has revealed he is enjoying his football with Premier League side Fulham.

The forward teamed up with the Cottagers on a season-long loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and has been delivering eye-catching performances.

The23-year-old has bagged four spectacular goals and provided three assists in 22 Premier League appearances this season.

Lookman’s performances have helped the Cottagers’ quest to try and avoid relegation as they are now three points below 17th-placed Newcastle United and a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday could see them climb off the bottom three.

Lookman joined RB Leipzig permanently from Everton in 2019 and now looks forward to continuing his learning and improvement at Craven Cottage.  

"I'm enjoying my football here, that's the most important thing," Lookman told the club website.

"For me, it's just all about improving every single day I can, learn as much as I can off the gaffer and off the coaching staff.”

Lookman has urged the Craven Cottage outfit to give their best when they square off against Roy Hodgson’s men at Selhurst Park.

"We need to be at the top of our game also but we'll definitely be going there to get the three points like in any game that we are going to play this season," he continued.

Lookman will hope to make his 24th appearances across all competitions for the Craven Cottage outfit against Palace.

The forward started his senior career with Charlton Athletic before he was snapped up by Everton in 2017, where he spent two years.

The Nigerian forward moved to RB Leipzig after struggling to establish himself at the Goodison Park, where he found game-time difficult to come by.

The 23-year-old forward impressed on loan with the Bundesliga club before he was handed a permanent five-year contract.

Lookman has previously represented England at the U19, U20 and U21 levels but he still eligible to feature for the Nigeria national team.

The forward is awaiting ratification from Fifa to confirm his switch to the West African country, having submitted the necessary paperwork to the world football governing body.

Marseille have confirmed that former Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli will take over as the club's new coach, while also revealing changes in the board room. 

Sampaoli had been expected to be named as Andre Villas-Boas' replacement after he resigned from Brazil's Atletico Mineiro. 

And he will get to work immediately under a new president, as director of football Pablo Longoria was promoted to the top job by l'OM owner Frank McCourt. 

What did Marseille say? 

"Frank McCourt announces profound changes, opening a new chapter for Olympique de Marseille," the club revealed in a statement published on Friday .

"Pablo Longoria is appointed president of the management board of Olympique de Marseille. Internationally renowned coach Jorge Sampaoli is appointed head of the first team."

“I've been told all my life that l'OM is a passion. Let the Orange Velodrome light up when the team goes to the stadium," the Argentine told Marseille's official website. 

“Marseille is a people's club and I feel myself in this heat. We are not here to hide: we will play hard.

"When I received this proposal, I dreamed of being able to party in the city. In the world, there are quiet places and intense places. These are the ones I want and I accepted without hesitation. This club has a soul that's why we are here. We are ready. "

The story so far for Sampaoli

The 60-year-old has enjoyed a long, well-travelled career in coaching, which began in his early 30s after injury put paid to his hopes of playing professionally.

Sampaoli achieved moderate success in the lower reaches of the Argentine football pyramid and during several spells in Peru, Chile and Ecuador, but his breakthrough moment on the bench came at the helm of Universidad de Chile, whom he led to three league titles and the Copa Sudamericana crown. 

That impressive record caught the eye of the Chile national team, who hired him to replace Claudio Borghi at the end of 2012. Under Sampaoli's stewardship the Roja won their first ever major title at the 2015 Copa America and also achieved qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. 

The trainer went on to coach Sevilla in the 2016-17 season before taking up the Argentina job. Despite high expectations, however, the Albiceleste failed to click, scraping qualification for Russia 2018 before going out to France in the last 16 having won just once in four games. 

Sampaoli bore the brunt of fan and pundits' criticism amid accusations that he lost the dressing room in Russia, but bounced back to record two successful seasons in Brazil. He took Santos to second place in the 2019 Serie A and then led Atletico Mineiro to third the following term.

Further reading