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Chelsea right-back Reece James has revealed he has been the target of racist abuse on social media. 

The England international posted a screenshot on his Instagram account featuring several racist messages sent to him with the caption “something needs to change!" written over the messages.

After James revealed the abuse, Chelsea released a statement condemning the messages the 21-year-old received while echoing his call that "something needs to change."

"Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening. This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it," the club said.

"In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.

"We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.

"Something needs to change and it needs to change now."

James' post came in the same week that Manchester United pair Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were also racially abused following the Red Devils' 2-1 loss to Sheffield United on Wednesday.

After the game, United released a statement condemning the discrimination while also calling for social media companies to better police their platforms.

"Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game," a statement read. "We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.

"Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative. Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic.

"We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour."

Anti-racism group Kick It Out also condemned the abuse in a statement.

Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari said: "We are disappointed that players are continuing to be subject to racist abuse on their social platforms, it is completely unacceptable.

"We will continue to work with the football authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to try and rid football of hateful and discriminatory behaviour."

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s rivalry with Manchester United is not as high-tempered as it once was but, with VAR keeping a tighter leash on players’ on-pitch behaviour, he says it is not a unique phenomenon.

Particularly during Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson’s respective times in charge of the two clubs, Arsenal against United became one of the most heated fixtures in English football.

Events such as the 2003 ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ and Cesc Fabregas’s infamous ‘Pizzagate’ incident fuelled the flames as the two clubs jostled for supremacy under two legendary managers.

Both clubs have, of course, experienced leaner years in terms of on-field success in recent seasons.

Arsenal last won the title in 2004 and United in 2013, so clashes between the two clubs haven't carried quite the same level of season-defining significance.

Yet, Arteta feels that players across the board are now expected to behave differently than in the rivalry's heyday, particularly with the knowledge that any on-field indiscretion will be picked up by VAR.

“It has calmed down, but not only with Arsenal and United fixtures,” Arteta said ahead of the next instalment on Saturday.

“In general, you see the way the derbies used to get played and it’s not the same right now. The game is evolving. We are educating the players in a different way and for sure now they are not allowed to do some of the things they used to do.

“With VAR, even less. You are much more controlled and policed so you know you’re not going to get away with certain things.”

Ten points separate the two sides going into Saturday's game, but Arteta expects his side to bare their teeth in what could yet be an important fixture.

“You need that passion to defend your position and show how much you want to win,” Arteta said.

Arsenal have been on good form in 2021, winning five of their last six league games, while United are licking their wounds after a shock defeat at home to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four games against United, winning the reverse fixture 1-0 at Old Trafford in November through a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has denied suggestions that Manchester United are too reliant on Bruno Fernandes.

The midfielder has become the star player at Old Trafford since he joined the Red Devils last January.

He leads United both in Premier League goals (11) and assists (seven) and has struck four times and set up one more in the Champions League.

Fernandes has been credited as the key figure in his side's rise to Premier League title contenders, but Solskjaer said the 26-year-old relies on his team-mates just as much as they need him.

“Bruno has come in and helped the team, no doubt about that," the Man Utd head coach said.

"He has come in at a time where we needed his type of player, and Bruno came into a team that makes his attributes and skills come to fruition.

"He’s come to a team that suits him and he suits the team. That goes hand in hand. If the players don’t run, Bruno can’t play his passes; if Bruno can’t play his passes, the players can’t run.

"He’s part of a chain here and I’m sure Bruno would say he also appreciates his team-mates and that they help him through games."

He added: "From day one, he’s come in and wanted to affect the environment, the playing environment, the staff. He’s been a great addition.

"He’s such a humble human being, working hard; and I think everyone has seen what he’s done on the pitch. [I’m] very pleased with his first year and long may it continue, because the higher up in the league, the more pressure there will be on us and on him because now the limelight is on him, but I’m sure he’ll handle that pressure fine."

Solskjaer also said the former Sporting CP star is one of the team's more vocal players on the field and praised his desire to win matches.

“He’s got his opinions and he’s a winner. He’s not just going to let a game pass away and talk about it later; he wants to affect it then and there," he said.

"He’s so passionate about winning and he knows his football, he knows his stuff. I think he watches every single game there is on telly, especially the big games.

"If you ask him: ‘Did you watch that game last night?’, he’s always seen the games. He’s going to make the most of his career, that’s for sure."

Manchester United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that Anthony Martial will recover from a recent poor run of form.

The 25-year-old has been heavily criticised for his recent performances having not scored for nearly a month, and with only two Premier League goals this season. Edinson Cavani has 10 fewer league starts than Martial and twice as many league goals, leading to suggestions the Frenchman should be dropped.

But Solskjaer believes Martial has what it takes to navigate his way through another dry spell.

"His talent will always take him through. I’ve got no doubt about that whatsoever,” Solskjaer explained. “Yes, he's missed a couple of chances but that happens to everyone.

"It’s just being ready when the chance, for example, tomorrow comes. Just be mentally ready. Don’t be frustrated, I've been there myself going through patches when you don't really score goals. He keeps practicing in training so we know how good he is and we know he will come good.”

Martial will no doubt be given a chance against Arsenal this weekend, with Solskjaer hoping his side can get back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat to Sheffield United in the week.

“We've got to be prepared for everything. Footballers should be aggressive, it's a man's game," Solskjaer said.

"We go into this game expecting the best possible Arsenal and hopefully they'll prepare for the worst possible Man Utd so they're not ready for us. 

“It's always been good games, tough games. In that game [versus Sheffield United], we have to be honest to say we didn't play well enough. It could be the same and they could man mark our players like they did in that game. It could be different tactics.

“One thing you have to do is prepare for every eventuality. Mikel [Arteta, Arsenal head coach] is one of those coaches that can change even from the starting 10 minutes.

"We're ready. I think my team is more and more capable of - it's maybe not the right time to say this because we lost the last game - but we've adapted in games better so hopefully we can adapt to this game as well.”

Manchester City turned down the chance to sign Edin Dzeko in the January transfer window, with head coach Pep Guardiola insisting he is happy with the shape of his squad.

The Bosnian striker is set to leave Roma after a breakdown in his relationship with manager Paulo Fonesca and could be involved in a swap deal for Inter’s Alexis Sanchez.

The 34-year-old spent five seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning the Premier League twice, but City ruled out bringing in a new striker despite injury and illness problems hitting Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.

Sources have confirmed to Goal that City were offered the chance to sign the veteran forward, but the club turned down the chance for a reunion at the Etihad.

Guardiola declined to speak about Dzeko, but said he was happy with the number of goals in his side, particularly after their 5-0 victory over West Brom in midweek.

But he suggested that Eric Garcia's potential switch to Barcelona is the only likely movement before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

“I don't talk about the transfer market here - he's a Roma player and I will never discuss this kind of situation,” he said ahead of Saturday’s clash with bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.

“My feeling is that we will finish the season with everyone that we started the season with, except maybe one player that everyone knows may be moving. I don't think anything else will happen. We will see in the final few days.

“Our goal difference is the best in the league right now. If our game is good, we will score goals. if our game is not good, we will not score goals. 

“I never put pressure on Sergio and Gabriel to solve all the problems we have up front. The reason why we score goals and win games is because our game itself is better, nothing more secret.”

City have been playing with a false nine of late, with Ilkay Gundogan taking up the role in recent weeks. 

The Germany international scored twice against West Brom to take his tally to seven goals in his last 10 appearances.

“The quality of his finishing we have always seen,” Guardiola said of Gundogan. “As a holding midfielder the distance to get to the box was difficult but he has a special sense of finishing. 

“There are players who are in front of the keeper and could take a coffee and still have time to finish and the others get nervous. It is a quality in itself.

"The last two goals in the game against West Brom explain perfectly the quality because it shows how quickly he moves and the quality of the shot. It is not easy to find that.”

Aguero will miss the game against Sheffield United as he recovers from Covid-19 but Guardiola has insisted that playing with a false nine is not a permanent option.

“There are games I need a striker and other games I prefer to play without a proper one, but whether you play with a striker or not you have to have six, seven players arrive to the box,” he added. 

“It is another way to read the game. Sometimes I need one, sometimes two, sometimes I need a striker to drop to play with the midfield players - it depends on the opponents and the skills of my players. It is what I feel. Some games I need it, some games I don’t.”

Jurgen Klopp has admitted it would be a surprise if Joe Gomez can play again this season, as the Liverpool boss looks to make a late January signing to alleviate the club’s defensive crisis.

Gomez has not featured since suffering a serious knee injury during a training session with England back in November, with Klopp revealing on Friday that the 23-year-old was still “far away” from a return to action.

“Joe Gomez is actually in a pretty good place, but far away from being back,” Klopp told reporters. “So he walks round, looks completely normal, is not yet out on the pitch running, or even out of the gym. It’s just a really tough injury as well. 

“Will he be available this season? When does the season end, May? It will be close at least I would say. I don’t expect ... well, I would be positive surprised if he would be back this season, to be honest.”

Klopp had revealed earlier that Liverpool will look to bring in a new centre-back ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, with the Reds awaiting news about the ankle injury suffered by Joel Matip during the win over Tottenham on Thursday.

With Fabinho also set to miss Sunday’s trip to West Ham and likely the home game with Brighton on Wednesday, and with Virgil van Dijk, like Gomez, sidelined with a long-term knee injury, the need for a new defender is clear.

A host of names, naturally, have been linked, though Klopp has admitted it will be difficult to find the ideal solution so quickly, in terms of both cost and playing style.

“In an ideal world, it would be that the short-term solution is the long-term solution as well,” he said. “Wow, that would be great! I don’t know if we can do that, but we will see.

“You know the situation with centre-halves out there. You know the clubs where the centre-halves are playing. You know the clubs where they are obviously interesting because everyone is talking about them. Tell me if one of these clubs needs the money and needs to sell a player?

“And if they need money then they want crazy money! I don't understand it. As a football fan you can sit at home and think, 'they have to do something'. But that's not how it works.

“We see the situation. We lost probably two of the best centre-halves in the whole market in a period of six or seven weeks. For the whole season. That's massive. And then you have to find solutions in that moment.

“The winter transfer market opens and everyone says, 'now you can do something'. We try. We see the situation. We don't close our eyes. But while we are doing that we have to find solutions and play football and that is what we do.

“We have played some good football, maybe some less [good] football too. To play your best season you need to be lucky. You need luck with injuries. For us the situation is like this. We are not lucky in these moments but still everyone expects us to play our best season.

“That's OK, but we also have to find the solution to win the next football game and make the season as special as possible. That is what we try to do.”

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has fired another shot at Paris Saint-Germain over their pursuit of Lionel Messi, saying the French club may be able to afford him – “if they continue to break Financial Fair Play rules.”

Laporta, the former Barca president hoping to be re-elected to the post in March, hit back angrily this week at comments made by PSG’s sporting director, Leonardo.

“Great players like Messi will always be on PSG's list,” Leonardo told France Football. “But this is of course not the time to talk about it, or to dream about it.

“But we are seated at the large table of those clubs who are following the matter closely. In fact, no, we are not yet seated, but our chair is reserved just in case.”

Laporta has repeatedly claimed he will be able to keep Messi at Camp Nou as part of his election bid.

He accused PSG of being disrespectful in their public comments about Messi and threatened to report them to FIFA over the matter.

Now, he has doubled down on his criticism in explosive fashion.

"I find it inappropriate. It shows their lack of experience at this level,” Laporta told l’Equipe. “They still have a lot to learn in the world of football.

“I don't know if this reaction is instinctive or if it's a communication error. For my part, I have always respected other clubs.

“I don't know if they can sign him. Maybe yes if they continue to break Financial Fair Play rules … from what I know, they had significant losses last year. I would be curious to know if they will ignore the rules of FFP to recruit him.

“If that happens, I hope that UEFA and FIFA will react firmly and that the Court of Arbitration for Sport will not hold back when it comes to delivering its verdict.”

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked about a possible move for Messi on Thursday but was more diplomatic in his response.

“Whatever I say will be misunderstood, and I love what I have here,” Pochettino told Marca. “Great footballers fit in any league and any team

“I respect players who belong to other teams, because [the teams] can get angry and I understand why.

“We understand that in the world of football there are no saints; nobody can complain that each club does its best to improve their team. But this does not hide a hidden message on our part.”

Ahmad Ahmad has returned as the Confederation of African Football president after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 61-year-old was banned for five years and handed a $200,000 fine by Fifa in November for contravening the governing body’s codes of ethics.

Ahmad was accused of disloyalty, offering and accepting gifts, abuse of office and misappropriation of funds. However, the Malagasy administrator denied the allegations and appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has now ruled in his favour.

Cas made a preliminary ruling on Friday, restoring the administrator back to his post, and a final decision will be made before the Caf presidential elections on March 12.

"Due to a risk of irreparable harm for Mr Ahmad if the disciplinary sanction is maintained during the period prior to the Caf elections, the Cas panel has upheld the request to temporarily stay the effects of the [Fifa ban]," Cas, said in a statement.

The court, however, rejected a request from Ahmad to prevent the world football governing body from disallowing him from participating in the Caf elections.

“The arbitral Panel has rejected the request for provisional measures filed by Mr Ahmad seeking that an order be imposed preventing Fifa from taking any decision aimed at preventing Mr Ahmad from participating in, or aimed at making it difficult for him to participate in,the election for the Caf presidency scheduled for 12 March 2021.”

Jacques Anouma [Ivory Coast], Patrice Motsepe [South Africa], Augustin Senghor [Senegal] and Ahmed Yahya [Mauritania] have been cleared to contest for the elections, although the reprieve for Ahmad opens the door for the current timescale for the voting process to be altered.

Ahmad secured a landmark victory in the 2017 elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to emerge as the Caf president, defeating Issa Hayatou, who had been in the position since 1988.

The Malagasy has overseen the organisation a number of competitions since becoming the president including the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt which was won by Algeria, however, even before he was found - initially - to have breached Fifa's code of ethics, his tenure had been marred by allegations of mismanagement and rumours of corruption.

Mumbai City have picked just one win in their last three matches as they take on a revived NorthEast United who are looking for their third win on the trot. The 2020-21 fixture will be staged at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

Mumbai City Possible XI:

Injured - None 
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Rowllin Borges

Key Players - Hugo Boumous, Adam le Fondre

NorthEast United Possible XI: 

Injured - Ashutosh Mehta
Doubtful - Dylan Fox
Suspended - Gurjinder Kumar

Key Players - Luis Machado, Federico Gallego

Raul Jimenez has been backed by Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo to return to his very best when he recovers from his fractured skull.

The Mexico star was involved in a sickening clash of heads with David Luiz during Wolves’ 2-1 win over Arsenal in November.

It had been feared Jimenez could be ruled out for the whole season, but with the forward making positive steps in his recovery of late, Nuno recently suggested he could return to action before the end of the campaign.

At the time of the incident, the Wolves boss called on the Premier League to introduce concussion substitutes in the interests of player welfare.

Nuno’s call has now been answered, with trials of a new system to begin in early February, but the memory of his star player’s injury is still a painful one.

“The first moment was very tough, when you see that so close and with the silence in the stadium and you realise how serious the situation is,” Nuno said in an interview with The Times.

“Raul is a lovely person. To see someone that you love so much like that, and then you start questioning: 'Is he going to be back as the same man?' Is he going to be able to continue doing what he does so good and enjoys so much?”

Despite these worries, Nuno says he believes Jimenez will “be back to the same player and person he was”.

Wolves have struggled badly in his absence, winning only one of their 10 Premier League matches without him so far and dropping to 13th in the table.

Striker Willian Jose has now been signed from Real Sociedad to ease the burden on the 18-year-old Fabio Silva, who has been thrown in at the deep end following his £35 million ($47m) move from Porto over the summer.

Silva became Wolves' youngest ever Premier League goalscorer in December but he has only scored twice so far this season, with both goals coming in defeats.

Silva recently spoke exclusively to Goal about the challenge of filling in for Jimenez, but Nuno says it would be too much to expect from the youngster to reach the same heights straight away.

“How you replace Raul?” he said. “He’s irreplaceable. If you want to play short with Raul you can play short. If you want to go with crossing you are comfortable with Raul. It’s been very difficult to find the right solution.

“I will not be fair if I ask Fabio to do the same things. When Raul was the age of Fabio, he was playing his first game. OK, Fabio cost a lot of money, sure, but we believe that he’s going to become a fantastic player. He has that ability to instinctively know where the ball is going to be.”

Wolves travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday before their return fixture at home to Arsenal on Tuesday evening.

Jesse Lingard has joined West Ham on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

Lingard has racked up 210 appearances for United across all competitions since graduating to the senior squad at Old Trafford back in 2011, scoring 33 goals and laying on 20 assists.

The 28-year-old has picked up four major trophies during that period, including the FA Cup and Europa League, while also earning 24 caps for England.

Lingard's career has stalled significantly over the past year, with increased competition for places in Manchester leaving the midfielder on the fringes of the action under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He has yet to feature in the Premier League for United this season, and the club have ultimately decided to sanction his departure before the end of the January transfer window.

Lingard will see out the remainder of the campaign at West Ham, with the final deal set to be worth a total of €3 million including his wages and loan fee.

"I’m excited. It’s another new chapter in my life. Nothing is guaranteed but I’ve come here to work hard and help the team and bring my experience," Lingard told West Ham TV after confirming the switch.

"That’s the main aim. I just want to enjoy my football and get back playing again and get my feet back on the pitch.

"There were lots of clubs involved but, for me personally, I felt this was the right move. I’ve obviously had a previous relationship with the manager as he was at Man Utd and I’ve played under him before, so he knows my qualities and what I can bring to the team.

"I know a couple of the players as well – I know Dec [Rice] very well from the England side – and I feel I can really settle in here quickly."

Solskjaer alluded to a possible transfer for the Red Devils playmaker after a 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round win over Liverpool last weekend, telling reporters: "He wants to play football, we will have to see and I will sit down with Jesse and make a decision on what we're going to do."

Newcastle and West Brom also reportedly contacted Lingard's representatives to discuss his availability.

He will reunite with former United boss David Moyes at the London Stadium, and will be tasked with helping the Hammers secure a top-six Premier League finish.

Lingard continued: "It’s important that a player and manager have a good relationship. [Moyes has] got really good morals, he gets his team working hard and I’ve had a chat with him already and there are no guarantees – it’s down to me to put the work in and put the graft in, to get into the team and play well week-in, week-out."

Lingard was signed too late to make his debut against Liverpool on Sunday, when West Ham will be aiming to extend their recent winning run to five matches.

He is also ineligible to feature against United when the two sides meet at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup in February.

Should he impress during his six-month stint with Moyes' side, he could re-emerge as a contender for a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas says he is eagerly awaiting his Premier League debut for the club, having been held back by injuries since his arrival from Olympiacos.

The 24-year-old joined the Reds in August in a deal worth £11.75m ($15m) and has featured in three Champions League matches and one Carabao Cup tie.

But knee and ankle injuries have disrupted the Greece international's first season at Anfield, and he is hoping to get the chance to make his top-flight debut soon.

"Every beginning is difficult but for me this one was very, very difficult and frustrating because I had never had injuries before in my previous team," Tsimikas said to Sky Sports.

"I was unlucky, this happens in football, but okay, I am always looking forward. I am a positive guy and I keep going. I fell down two times but I'm here again, 100 per cent fit and ready to help my team."

He added: "The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world. I haven't had the chance to play yet because I was injured but there are very good players here and that's why I was interested in coming.

"I am waiting for my chance. I just want to be as fit as I can be every day and give everything in training when I am on the pitch - and hopefully not get injured again."

Tsimikas has been impressed by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and says he is learning from him every day.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard about the interest until I spoke to the manager and he said: 'We want you here'," he said.

"We spoke about the team and about my abilities. He said he liked my abilities and what I'd done in the games I'd played for Olympiacos. When you hear this manager speak about you positively, you just want to come here and give your best for the team. I was very excited and very happy."

He continued: "We speak a lot about the positions to be in and how he wants me to play and contribute.

"He is the best coach in the world and every day in training I am always learning. Whatever he says to me, I have to listen and learn from it."

The weekend begins with a very intriguing match between Real Valladolid and Huesca. The Pucelanos have had 11 first-team squad members absent from their past two La Liga Santander fixtures yet they still managed to achieve a couple of draws thanks to the performances of their backups. They still have many absences as they face bottom-of-the-table Huesca, but the team from Aragon have looked much improved under new coach Pacheta. It’s anyone's guess what the result will be in this Friday night fixture.

Saturday’s action begins with in-form Sevilla travelling north for a tough fixture away at Eibar. As much as the Andalusian side have been playing well in recent weeks, a trip to Ipurua is always daunting and Sevilla have only won on one of their past five visits there. What’s more, Eibar won 1-0 when these two teams met earlier in the season. The big cause for optimism for Sevilla, though, is the form of striker Youssef En-Nesyri. He has the joint-most goals in the division so far this season, with 12, and he has five goals in his previous four matches against Eibar. There is no other opponent who the Moroccan has scored against more frequently over his young career.

Real Madrid vs Levante is the next game, taking place at 16:15 on Saturday. With the reigning champions having had a rare midweek of rest and having earned a big 4-1 win over Alaves last weekend, they’ll be raring to go against an opponent that scores a lot and that concedes a lot.

Next up is a derby in the Valencian Community as Valencia host Elche. The newly-promoted side haven’t won in any of their past 13 La Liga Santander matches. However, their last victory was against this Valencia side, a 2-1 win back in October. They’ll be looking for further joy against their neighbours.

The final one of Saturday’s La Liga Santander fixtures is Villarreal vs Real Sociedad, a clash between two teams who like to have the ball and play attacking football. While Villarreal have several players missing for this game, Real Sociedad come into the match in poor form, with just one win in their previous 10 league matches. La Real were also knocked out of this season’s Copa del Rey in midweek, even if they’ve still got last season’s final to play. This, then, is another very difficult fixture to predict and it should be a lot of fun when the ball gets rolling on Saturday night.

The first of Sunday’s fixtures sees Jose Bordalas take on his former club, as his Getafe side host Deportivo Alaves. The visitors have a new coach in the dugout as they recently re-hired Abelardo, but his first three matches have all ended in defeat and the Basque side are desperate for points. Getafe, meanwhile, were thrashed 5-1 by Athletic Club in their last outing and will be looking to get back on track.

The league leaders Atletico Madrid are in action after that as they visit Cadiz, a team they thrashed 4-0 earlier in the season. However, Cadiz have delivered some big results in some of their biggest fixtures this season and this might be one of the trickier trips remaining for Atleti as they aim to win their first La Liga Santander title since 2014. Furthermore, if second-placed Real Madrid win on Saturday then the pressure will really be on the league-leading Colchoneros in this one.

Yet another evenly matched fixture follows as Granada welcome Celta Vigo to the Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes. There has been one win each and one draw in the three matches played between these sides since Granada’s 2019 promotion and they’re just four points apart in the table too. Celta are hoping that Iago Aspas can return from injury in this game and, if he does, then that’ll be a huge confidence boost for the Galician outfit.

On Sunday night, Spanish football fans will be able to enjoy a rematch of the Spanish Super Cup final as Barcelona and Athletic Club face off again. This will be new Athletic coach Marcelino’s sixth match in charge of the team from Bilbao and third encounter against Barca. Already this January, these sides met in La Liga Santander as Baraa earned a 3-2 win at San Mames and then they faced off in the Spanish Super Cup final in Seville where Athletic won 3-2 after extra time. It’s exciting that these two classic sides will meet again, with this also to be Lionel Messi’s first match back since he was sent off in their previous meeting.

There’s even more football to come on Monday, as Real Betis and Osasuna round off the weekend. These are two teams whose form has improved a lot in recent weeks, and they’ll aim to keep that up in this clash at the Benito Villamarin. That’s yet another evenly matched encounter, one of many to come this matchday.

Watch La Liga Santander live this weekend on SuperSport La Liga on DStv Channel 204.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag revealed the club is keen to secure the long-term future of young striker Brian Brobbey.

A product of the Ajax youth system, the 18-year-old's continued stay at Johan Cruijff Stadium has been cast in doubt following a lack of agreement over a contract renewal.

On Thursday, he reminded the Lancers of his worth with a game-changing performance to ensure a 3-1 home win over Willem II Tilburg in the Eredivisie.

A minute after replacing Noussair Mazraoui in the 82nd minute, the teenager scored to take his side 2-1 up before setting up Dusan Tadic for the final goal three minutes to full-time.

''That went very quickly. It is clear that he did very well. He brought exactly the effect you want," Ten Hag told ESPN on Brobbey's super-sub impact in Thursday's league game.

When asked about the situation of the club's rather prolonged contract negotiations with the striker, the manager responded: "You will have to ask [Ajax director of football] Marc [Overmars] about that.

"We really want to keep him. He can sign a nice contract here, a bright future. He showed that today. He is young, eager and has all the qualities. you wish for an Ajax striker."

Thursday's match was Brobbey's fourth senior league appearance for Ajax, the goal his second.

He made his debut in a 5-2 win over Fortuna Sittard, scoring on his big day as a second-half substitute.

In fact, the young striker is yet to start in a league match for the Lancers.

He has been linked to a move to a host of top European clubs including AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, owing to his unsettled situation at Johan Cruijff Stadium.

Born to Ghanaian parents in Amsterdam, the 18-year-old has been approached by the Ghana Football Association for a possible switch of international allegiance.

He currently plays for his country of birth at youth level.

The 18-year-old is among a list of dual nationals on the radar of the GFA, some others being Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly signed Maritzburg United central defender Rushine De Reuck. 

The highly-rated player was expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the last transfer window with Sundowns and their Gauteng rivals Orlando Pirates credited with an interest in De Reuck.

De Reuck was an ever-present for Maritzburg in the PSL last season, starting all 30 of the Team of Choice's matches in the competition and he played an instrumental role in helping the team finish in the top eight.

However, the Cape Town-born player stayed put at the KwaZulu-Natal side after it was reported that Chiefs and Pirates had reportedly cooled their interest in him ahead of the current season.

De Reuck struggled with injuries this season which have seen him make just 10 appearances across all competitions for Maritzburg and it is believed that he has now joined Sundowns during the current mid-season transfer window.

What's been said

"Rushine De Reuck has joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Maritzburg United," Far Post reported on Friday. 

"The 25-year-old centre-back had been on Sundowns’ radar for some time."

"The Brazilians’ interest escalated following the untimely death of Motjeka Madisha recently, as they looked for a replacement."

Why does it matter & what's the bigger picture?

Further reading

West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight with the opportunity afforded him to feature for the Nigeria national team.

The centre-back had represented the West Africans at U20 and U21 level before his call-up to the Super Eagles in 2018 after his fine displays for Rotherham United.

The 27-year-old was a consistent performer for the Millers during his two-year stay and at the end of the 2018-19 season, he was awarded the club’s Player and Goal of the Season accolade. 

The defender, however, left Rotherham at the end of the campaign to team up with Premier League side West Brom in the summer of 2019.

Ajayi made his Super Eagles debut against Seychelles in 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers and has since played 14 times for the African giants.

The versatile defender has recalled his excitement when he got an opportunity to represent the three-time African champions.

 "When I was at Charlton, I had already represented Nigeria at under-20 and under-21 level. I'd always envisioned myself progressing to the first team," Ajayi told BBC Sport Africa.

"When I got promoted with Rotherham, I was playing week in week out in the Championship. That season I got a call from the Nigeria team saying that they had been monitoring my progress and they would like to offer me an invitation to the first team.

"I was buzzing, I was over the moon. Then I made my debut a couple of weeks later against Seychelles. It's a surreal feeling pulling on that jersey and knowing that you are representing 200 million people.

“I'm blessed to be part of the 18 or 23 people selected to represent the country. It's something I don't take for granted."

Ajayi revealed he always spent his summer holiday in Nigeria along with his family before becoming a professional footballer.

"Before I started playing football full time, I used to go there every other summer with my family," he continued.

"Now that my time off in football is different to the time my mum gets off from work, I don't go as often. I still go back four times a year for the internationals and then sometimes in the summer."

Ajayi will be expected to feature prominently in Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games in March.

Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their quest for the Women’s Super League title, with winger Tobin Heath ruled out for 10-12 weeks with an ankle injury.

The 32-year-old will also miss the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, with the United States women’s national team set to begin the defence of their crown against Canada on February 18.

Heath was injured in the lead-up to United’s top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea on January 17.

United surrendered top spot to the Blues with a 2-1 defeat but bounced back last weekend with a home win over Birmingham.

Casey Stoney takes her side to fifth-placed Everton on Sunday, level on points with Chelsea but behind on goal difference and having played a game more.

In her press conference ahead of the trip to Merseyside, Stoney confirmed that United would also be without defender Martha Harris after she went off injured against Birmingham.

“We have got a few injuries,” Stoney said. “Unfortunately, we took a knock to Martha last week and she is still sore, so she won’t be available for the weekend. It is a rib injury so we have to go off how she feels at the moment.

“Unfortunately, the results have come back for Tobin and she has hurt her ankle and she is going to be out for around 10-12 weeks.

“It is a longer one. She is a big loss for us but she has still been great in the [team] environment and like I always say with injuries, it gives somebody else the window of opportunity.

"We will work hard to get her back as safe and as quickly as possible."

Earlier in January, Heath opted to stay in Manchester rather than return home to the United States for a training camp with the USWNT.

The 32-year-old missed a pair of international friendlies against Colombia, which Vlatko Andonovski’s side won 4-0 and 6-0 at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando.

Heath joined United from the Portland Thorns on a one-year deal over the summer, and has been perhaps the key figure in their excellent season so far.

Her most recent appearance for United came in a 6-1 WSL thrashing of Bristol City on December 20, a game in which she scored twice.

Al-Hilal have defeated their counterparts from Congo, Tout Puissant Mazembe, 2-1 in the Simba Super Cup game played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

Vinny Bongonga and Mohamed Musa scored for the Sudanese outfit while Moustapha Kouyate scored for the opponents. 

The Congolese outfit started the game on a high, pressing for an early goal to stand a chance of winning the game. It took the Ravens 11 minutes courtesy of Kouyate to put the ball in the back of the net after a good move.

Al-Hilal fought back for an equalizer and they managed to get it in the 29th minute through Bongonga. 

The two teams created many chances in search of a second goal, but the attackers were not clinical in front of the goal. The first half ended level, but TP Mazembe, in particular, would blame themselves for the chances they wasted.

After the break, Al-Hilal came back stronger, using the wings to break down the resilient opponents.

The match looked set to end in a draw, but with seconds to go, the Sudanese heavyweights managed to get the winner. The Congolese charges lost concentration, and the ball was played into the danger zone. Mohammed was in a good position and did not hesitate to guide it in for the winning goal.

It was a good response for Al-Hilal who had lost their first game against Wekundu wa Msimbazi 4-1 on Wednesday at the same venue.

The game was the first one for coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa. The 51-year-old Frenchman was named the coach to replace Belgian Sven Vandenbroeexk, who left the club immediately after guiding them to the group stage of the Caf Champions League.

Simba scored through Larry Bwalya, new signing Perfect Chikwende, and Bernard Morrison, who notched a double, as they beat the visiting Sudanese side, who pulled one back courtesy of Abdallah Salim.

Simba will play TP Mazembe on Sunday.

The Super Cup tournament was organised by Simba to help them prepare for the Champions League group stage matches where they have been drawn to play defending champions Al-Ahly of Egypt, AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh in Group A of the competition.