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Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has lamented his side's poor discipline after Gabriel's red card damaged his side in their 1-1 draw against Southampton on Wednesday.

Theo Walcott put the Saints ahead with a first-half goal against his former club before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang levelled the match early in the second half. 

With Arsenal poised to chase a winner, the complexion of the game was changed when Gabriel was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Walcott on 62 minutes. 

The Gunners were forced to hold on for a point, and although they did snap a three-match losing streak in the Premier League, Arteta was disappointed with yet another game-changing red card from his side. 

In Arsenal's previous match, Granit Xhaka was shown a red card in the second half of a 1-0 defeat at home to relegation-threatened Burnley.

"We didn't have time to think, we adjusted two or three things to try and win the game," Arteta told the BBC. "The boys came out like we did three days ago, we scored a really good goal, on top in the game, and again we shoot ourselves in the foot.

"Very [disappointed] because in that moment I was thinking to change the centre-back straight away - we didn't even have time to do that. In the end we got a point that, considering the circumstances, we have to accept."

Discipline has been a problem for the Gunners since Arteta took over. Since the Spaniard's first Premier League game in charge, on Boxing Day 2019, Arsenal have been shown seven red cards, four more than any other Premier League side during that period.

In addition, Gabriel's red card means Arsenal have had players sent off in successive Premier League games for the first time since August 2011, when Emmanuel Frimpong (versus Liverpool) and Carl Jenkinson (versus Manchester United) were red carded in back-to-back matches. 

Arteta was happy to see Aubameyang score what was his first goal from open play since the opening game of the season, and only his third league strike of the campaign. 

"Aubameyang needed that confidence boost, he is very critical with himself, hopefully he can move and be more optimistic in the future," Arteta said. 

Arsenal will look to secure their first Premier League win since November 1 when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Saturday.

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores  has reached its quarter-final stage, as the delayed 2020 competition nears its end.

And Wednesday promises to be a memorable evening as Santos and Gremio, two sides with enviable track records in South America's biggest club tournament, go head to head.

Santos hold a slight advantage going into the second leg after taking a 1-1 draw away from home in last week's opener. 

But it could have been much better for the visitors, who led until the 101st minute when Diego Souza equalised from the penalty spot, leaving the tie wide open.

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What has happened to Santos and Gremio so far in the 2020 Copa Libertadores?

With five Libertadores titles between them, Brazilian pair Santos and Gremio are invariably considered among South America's elite teams.

Indeed, neither the Peixe nor Gremio, who lifted the crown in 2017, encountered too much trouble on their way to the quarter finals. 

Santos finished top of Group G with a near-perfect 16 points from 18, although they then faced a potential banana skin in the last 16 in the shape of Ecuador Liga de Quito.

The Brazilians pulled off a major coup in prevailing 2-1 in the altitude of Quito, a result that meant they could afford to lose a bad-tempered return and still progress on away goals.  

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Gremio also clinched first place in their group, beating out arch-rivals Internacional after two typically fierce Porto Alegre derbies - the first, which finished 0-0, included no less than eight red cards 

The last 16 saw Renato Gaucho's troops meet Guarani of Paraguay, who proved no match for the Tricolor. 

Both ties ended 2-0 in Gremio's favour, setting up a tantalising tie with their compatriots as the club seeks a fourth consecutive appearance in the Copa semi-finals.

Santos and Gremio team news and preview

Santos will be without Diego Pituca at Vila Belmiro after the midfielder received a 90th-minute red card in the first leg for a second bookable offence.

Venezuela international Yeferson Soteldo and young midfielder Vinicius Baliero are also unavailable for the hosts due to positive Covid-19 tests.

The Peixe will be able to call on Arthur Gomes, who has been cleared to rejoin the squad following his own positive.

Having played the first leg with veteran Diego Souza as his sole forward, Renato Gaucho is likely to take a more attacking approach to the second leg. 

The Gremio coach will push Cesar Pinares and Pepe up alongside Souza, while Argentine Diego Churin remains on the bench. 

Midfielder Maicon is unavailable for the Tricolor but Jean Pyerre is back in action and likely to take his place in the engine room.

Probable Santos XI: John; Para, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Felipe Jonatan; Alison, Sandry, Jobson; Marinho, Kaio Jorge, Lucas Braga.

Probable Gremio XI:  Vanderlei; Victor Ferraz, Pedro Geromel, Kannemann, Diogo Barbosa; Darlan, Matheus Henrique, Jean Pyerre; Pinares, Diego Souza, Pepe.

When does the 2020 Copa Libertadores finish?

The 2020 Copa Libertadores was originally scheduled to conclude with a single final in a neutral ground, the system which replaced the old format of home and away legs last year, at the end of November. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the tournament suffered almost six months of interruption, meaning that the final phases had to be pushed back into the South American summer months of late December and January. 

Boca Juniors and Racing Club additionally suffered a further week's delay when the former's last-16 first leg match against Internacional was suspended due to the death of Diego Maradona. The Argentine pair play the opener of their quarter final shortly after Santos-Gremio comes to an end, with the return taking place at the Bombonera on December 23. 

The rest of the quarter-final ties conclude this week, with the last four taking place between January 5 and 13 following a short break for the festive period. 

The final proper is scheduled to be held at Rio de Janeiro's landmark Maracana Stadium on January 30.  

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Benni McCarthy's first match in charge of ambitious Durban club AmaZulu ended in a 2-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at the Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday evening.

AmaZulu 0-2 Golden Arrows

After a quiet start to the match, proceedings livened up midway through the first half and there were chances for both sides, but Seth Parusnath for Arrows and Luvuyo Memela for AmaZulu were unable to capitalise.

Then after a sustained period of pressure from the visitors, they earned a penalty after a hand-ball in the Usuthu box. Nduduzo Sibiya made no mistake as he stepped up to beat Veli Mothwa from the spot in the 45th minute.

Five minutes after the restart, Sibiya turned provider as he combined nicely with Velemseni Ndwandwe before the latter slotted home Abafana bes'Thende's second goal.

The game became increasingly physical in the final 30 minutes as AmaZulu upped their efforts to try and get back into the game.

Arrows, though, were resolute in defence and held on relatively comfortably for the three points to make it two wins and five draws from their seven league matches this season.

Black Leopards 1-1 Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila

In an afternoon game at the Thohoyandou Stadium, Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) played out a 1-1 draw.

Tshakhuma's Washington Arubi was the busier of the two goalkeepers early on as he made a few saves, while Leopards stopper King Ndlovu had to be replaced by Jonas Mendes after picking up an injury in the 27th minute.

Then after Rhulani Manzini missed a good chance for TTM, Lidoda Duvha took the lead in the 45th minute through a penalty by Rodrick Kabwe.

TTM came out and played with intent after the break and after Manzini had missed a couple of further chances, he had his team back on level terms with a well-struck free kick in the 69th minute.

Manzini also came close with a late free-kick, while Edwin Gyimah failed to win it for Leopards when he missed with a header.  

The Free State side left it late at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium as they scored twice in the final 10 minutes to snatch victory.

Both goals were scored by substitutes - Tumelo Mangweni netted in the 81st minute, just two minutes after coming on - before Tumelo Ntjoti wrapped up the game in the 91st minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty as Juventus were held to a 1-1 Serie A draw by Atalanta in Turin on Wednesday. 

Andrea Pirlo's side had looked well on their way to a fifth consecutive win in all competitions when Federico Chiesa scored his first league goal for the club since joining on loan from Fiorentina after 29 minutes. 

Remo Freuler pulled the visitors level with a sumptuous strike in the 57th minute, though, before Ronaldo's dismal spot-kick was kept out by the impressive Pierluigi Gollini four minutes later.

A point lifted the champions up to third, but they could finish the day six points behind leaders Milan should Stefano Pioli's men overcome Genoa. Atalanta, meanwhile, moved up to eighth ahead of Wednesday's late fixtures.

Juve started brightly and should have scored twice inside the opening 15 minutes, but Ronaldo blazed over from close range and Alvaro Morata inexplicably scuffed a backheeled attempt wide with the goal at his mercy. 

Chiesa made up for his team-mates' profligacy shortly before the half-hour mark, collecting Rodrigo Bentancur's pass and whipping a sublime strike into Gollini's top-left corner from 22 yards. 

Wojciech Szczesny denied Duvan Zapata and Ruslan Malinovskiy soon after as an improved Atalanta ultimately fell short of restoring parity before the interval.

Morata fired straight at Gollini immediately after the restart when clean through before Freuler thundered home a spectacular equaliser after 57 minutes, the Switzerland international firing in from 25 yards for his first goal of the season. 

Ronaldo then squandered a golden opportunity to restore Juve's lead, clipping a tame penalty into the arms of Gollini after Chiesa had been fouled in the area, while the Atalanta goalkeeper did wonderfully to deny Morata shortly after.

Kenya international custodian Farouk Shikhalo is among the players reportedly set to be released by Yanga SC during the mini-transfer window.

The window opened on December 16 and will run until January 15, and according to reports in Tanzania, Shikhalo, who signed for the Jangwani giants from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Bandari, is among the players who will be dropped.

According to reports, Yanga is planning to release Shikhalo and go for another foreign keeper who will be able to challenge first choice Metacha Mnata for a starting role as the team strengthens for the second round of the Mainland Premier League.

"Yanga are planning to make a small change of registration in the small window and have planned to register only three players out of which there are midfielders and defenders who will join the team this season,” Sokalabongo reported as quoted from the Champion.

“That’s after the coach made recommendations for the registration of new players and there are those who will be taken on loan while others will be released altogether after failing to show competition in the team.

“Among the players who may be left out is keeper [Shikhalo] who has failed to challenge Metacha for the starting role since joining the side and thus warming the bench.

“So his bosses may leave him out so as to get a chance to sign an international player, Shikhalo is a good goalkeeper but he has failed to give Metacha opposition.”

Yanga have already signed Burundian striker Said Ntibazonkiza in the mini-window and he was in action on Tuesday as they beat Singida United 3-0 in a friendly.

Ntibazonkiza announced his arrival with two goals during the match as Deus Kaseke grabbed the third to seal the win.

In a recent interview, Shikhalo revealed the coaching style of new tactician Cedric Kaze will make the team better in no time.

“Kaze is a very good coach and I now understand why he has been abroad for a long time,” Shikhalo told Mwanaspoti.

“There are some tactics he is bringing on board that will make Yanga play modern football ahead of all the other teams in Tanzania.

“The team is now having defensive discipline which starts with the strikers. But it is done tactically; defensive midfielders are not solely relied on to stop the opponents from getting to the ball in the danger zones.”

The Harambee Stars goalkeeper also revealed how Kaze wants his team to play.

“He likes us to possess the ball, and when the opponents get it, he wants us to press fast and regain possession. If you are keen, you will realize these are the tactics used by most teams in Europe," he added.

Yanga are topping the 18-team table with 37 points from 15 matches.

A concussion substitutions trial has been approved for January in the wake of David Luiz and Raul Jimenez's nasty clash of heads last month.

Football's lawmaking body IFAB announced on Wednesday the planned trials were approved after "less than a year of detailed consultation with relevant stakeholders, medical concussion experts, team doctors, player representatives, coaches, competition organisers, refereeing and Laws of the Game experts".

Under the proposed protocols, players with an actual or suspected concussion will be "permanently removed from the match to protect their welfare", with the team allowed to bring on a replacement.

IFAB hopes the approach will reduce the risk of players sustaining multiple head injuries in a single match while also ensuring that teams are not put at a disadvantage should a player be told to leave the pitch.

It said the planned protocols send "a strong message that, if in doubt, the player is withdrawn but there is no numerical or tactical disadvantage by prioritising the player's welfare".

Concerns around head injuries have risen in recent weeks after some high-profile incidents in Europe's elite leagues.

In the Premier League, there was controversy when Arsenal defender Luiz was allowed to continue only to be substituted at half-time after a clash of heads with Jimenez that left the Wolves striker with a fractured skull.

The Football Association (FA) tweeted to confirm head injury substitutions would be trialled "at the earliest practical opportunity" in the FA Cup, the Women's Super League, Women's FA Cup and Women's Championship.

Separately, the IFAB board also approved the extension of the law that allows competitions the option of granting up to five substitutions in a single game.

Domestic competitions can now use the rule until December 31, 2021, with the extension applying to international competitions until July 31, 2022.

IFAB also agreed that "further clarification" over the interpretation of handball incidents should be discussed at the Annual General Meeting in March, as officiating has "not always been consistent".

Jose Mourinho has a “magic touch”, according to former Tottenham man Darren Anderton, who feels that his old club might never have a better chance of winning the Premier League title due to the erratic form of the other big hitters in England's top tier.

Spurs currently sit at the head of the table, level on 25 points with reigning champions Liverpool, and their consistency in grinding out results has seen them emerge as one of the pundits' favourites to lift the trophy for the first time.

Mourinho's predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino, enjoyed five fine seasons with the club, going as far as the Champions League final before being replaced by the Portuguese.

And while Anderton feels that the Argentine's brand of football was easier on the eye, he feels that Mourinho's experience and solid defensive style can propel the north London side to glory while other sides struggle for form.

“Watching the other teams, there may not be a better chance of winning the Premier League,” Anderton told Marca. “They have to try to win it.

“Mou has brought his magic touch. The difference is the way they play. With Pochettino, it was nice to watch. He did a great job in his five years, reaching the Champions League final – that was fantastic.

“Mourinho has a different style. It's not as pretty but it's more effective and reliable. He has a lot of experience and knows how to win the Premier League.”

Tottenham arguably have more squad depth than ever before, with the club considered to have signed wisely when bringing in Steven Bergwijn, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Sergio Reguilon and former Spurs favourite Gareth Bale on loan.

And while Bale is undoubtedly the biggest name on that list, Anderton asserts that others are currently better suited to playing in Mourinho's system.

“Bergwijn, despite not having the quality and finishing of Bale, plays ahead of him because he defends very well,” he said. “The mentality has also changed. When Mourinho says something, you should listen to him because he has won trophies everywhere.

“They have signed very well. Hojbjerg is the type of player he likes, he works a lot for the team in the middle. And Reguilon is fantastic – everyone talks about Bale and they forget Sergio. We're lucky that he came to Tottenham.

“Bale isn't at the top of his game and with Mou you have to be 100 per cent to play. We still haven't seen the best Bale. Let's hope he arrives.”

Tottenham travel to Anfield on Wednesday evening to take on second-placed Liverpool in a highly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is the twelfth main installment in the Assassin's Creed series developed by Ubisoft.

Valhalla arrives just two years after the release of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, propelling us forward from the Peloponnesian War in Ancient Greece into the ancient world of the Vikings, and challenges the player to take control of Eivor, a Viking who fought in the Norse invasion of England. From the graphics to the clever world-building features and the game's ties to the broader Assassin's Creed lore, Valhalla is an intriguing game into which the player finds themselves immediately immersed.

The World of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla

Driven from Norway by endless wars and dwindling resources in the ninth century AD, players will lead Eivor's clan of Norsemen across the icy North Sea to the rich lands of England's broken kingdoms. Players must carve out a new future for their clan, reliving the ruthless fighting style of Viking warriors with a revamped combat system that includes the ability to dual-wield weapons against a greater variety of enemies than ever before.

To secure resources, players can lead raids to select locations using their longship to earn much-needed riches and resources. As the Vikings begin to settle in their new home, they encounter resistance from the Saxons, including King Aelfred of Wessex, who denounces them as heathens as he attempts to establish himself as the sole ruler of a civilized England. Against all odds, Eivor must do what is necessary to keep Valhalla within reach.

One of the widely publicized new features included in Valhalla is the ability to choose Eivor's gender and switch between them, playing as either male or female. The world of the Vikings is one where men and women went into battle together, and women were just as valued as men in the community. In this sense, it is refreshing to have the option to choose Eivor's gender and explore the world of Valhalla through a different lens. However, because this is an older world and efforts have been made to adhere to the constructs of the time period, there is no distinct "gender-neutral" option for Eivor.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Story, Gameplay and Graphics

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla picks up where the previous two games - Origins and Odyssey - left off. No longer set in dense, city environments, we switch to large open worlds, navigated on horseback or by boat.

The writing in Valhalla is breathtaking. Its characters compelling, its tone strikes the right balance between grit and humor, and the stories are enticing. There are also funny moments.

The actual gameplay in Valhalla is just as good as the writing. Vikings are not known for their subtle approach and sneaky tactics, and Valhalla does not force you to play that way either. Like all previous games in the series, you can still sneak around and assassinate silently if you want; but barging in axe-swinging is just as viable a tactic.

The map is scattered with settlements to raid, and your character is now equipped with a horn that lets you summon your clan to help you. The game’s excellent combat system makes these moments a joy to play, and the new combat abilities you will unlock during these raids make them a worthwhile distraction from the game’s main storyline.

Graphically, Valhalla is the prettiest game in the series. Both England and Norway look stunning, and so do the characters.

Assassin’s Creed is available On Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Store on Windows PC, as well as on Ubisoft+, and Stadia.

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Al Ahly have announced that their head coach Pitso Mosimane has tested positive for the coronavirus.

This comes after the experienced tactician masterminded a 3-1 win over Misr Lel Makkasa in the opening match of the 2020/21 Egyptian Premier League season last weekend.

The Egyptian champions stated that Mosimane will self-isolate after testing positive for Covid-19.

"Al Ahly's head coach Pitso Mosimane tested positive for Covid-19‚" the club statement read on Wednesday afternoon.

"Mosimane will follow the Ministry of Health’s protocol for Covid-19 and will be self-isolated at home."

This means Mosimane will now miss the Red Devils' league encounter against Ghazl El Mahalla which is scheduled to be played on Friday.

In his absence, the team will be under the guidance of Mosimane's assistants, Cavin Johnson and Samy Komsan. 

Mosimane has had a great start to his tenure as Al Ahly coach having ended the club's seven-year wait for the Caf Champions League title last month.

The 56-year-old masterminded a 2-1 win over Egyptian rivals Zamalek in an enthralling final at Cairo International Stadium. 

The man nicknamed Jingles then guided the Red Devils to a 3-2 victory over El Geish on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Egyptian Cup final earlier this month.

As a result, Al Ahly completed a treble in the 2019/20 season with the club having also clinched the Egyptian Premier League title under Swiss coach Rene Weiler.

Weiler was replaced by Mosimane with a few matches left in the league and the South African mentor added the Egyptian Cup and Champions League title to Al Ahly's trophy cabinet. 

Prior to joining Al Ahly, Mosimane won a domestic treble with Mamelodi Sundowns as the Tshwane giants clinched the Premier Soccer League (PSL) trophy, Telkom Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup.

Tusker FC defeated Gor Mahia 2-1 in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League tie at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani on Wednesday.

David Majak, and Nicholas Meja ensured the champions tasted defeat for the first time in the season as Jules Ulimwengu scored his second goal for K’Ogalo.

Majak, who scored a brace against Western Stima in Tusker’s first season win, opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The former Kakamega Homeboyz star received a good cross from Boniface Muchiri and the Bright Star did not waste the chance as he drove the ball into the bottom right corner.

It was the fourth goal for the South Sudan international after opening the season with a goal against AFC Leopards before the two against Stima and now one from the Gor Mahia game.

Gor Mahia threatened in the 31st minute but goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure was alert to deny Kenneth Muguna a goal as he stopped the curling effort by the midfielder.

Jules Uliwmengu, who won Gor Mahia the game against Ulinzi Stars, equalised for the champions in the 35th minute. The goal is K’Ogalo’s 100th one in this fixture since the teams faced off for the first time in 1970.

In the 61st minute, Robert Mtano made two changes as he brought on Humphrey Mieno for Apollo Otieno and Luke Namanda for George Odhiambo.

Matano waited for another 12 minutes to ring more changes as he withdrew Jackson Macharia and Majak, with their places going to Kevin Okoth and Henry Meja, respectively.

The change worked almost immediately as Namanda won the ball on the edge of the box and played in Meja, who slotted home to regain Tusker’s lead in the 79th minute. The goal was enough for the Ruaraka side to win the second game in a row.

The result means only AFC Leopards and KCB are the sides yet to drop a point so far.

Gor Mahia XI: Gad Mathews, Kelvin Wesonga, Joachim Oluoch, Michael Apudo, Andrew Juma, Ernest Wendo, Kenneth Muguna, Philemon Otieno, Tito Okello, Benson Omalla, Jules Ulimwengu.

Subs: Boniface Oluoch, Geoffrey Ochieng, Frank Odhiambo, Bertrand Konfor, Kennedy Owino, Sydney Ochieng Nicholas Omondi, Samuel Onyango, Nicholas Kipkurui, Andrew Malisero.

Tusker XI: Emery Mvuyekure, Kevin Monyi, Eric Ambunya, Rodgers Aloro, Euegene Asike, Hashim Sempala, Apollo Otieno, Jackson Macharia, Boniface Muchiri, George Odhiambo, David Majak.

Subs: Robert Mboya, Christopher Oruchum, Gilbert Wandera, Michael Madoya, Luke Namanda, Henry Meja, Humphrey Mieno, Jimmy Mbugua, Kevin Okoth, Faraj Ominde.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt is frustrated that similar problems are playing themselves out in his team every week with no remedy appearing in sight.

This follows Chiefs’ 2-1 defeat away at SuperSport United on Tuesday which was their fifth straight winless game as they remained 12th on the standings.

Hunt bemoaned their bluntness in front of goal and inability to capitalise on a good start, which makes them end up pressing for a comeback, a problem he says his side endures regularly.

After a strong early showing against SuperSport, Chiefs missed some “unbelievable chances” and were duly punished by Bradley Grobler and Sipho Mbule, who found the target for the hosts.

A late Lebogang Manyama goal from the penalty spot was a result of Chiefs pushing to level, but that was not enough to earn at least a point.

“We had three or four unbelievable chances before they even had a chance. Then in the second half same error again, bad error, we had enough chances to win the game,” Hunt told the media.

“Well, obviously we are all frustrated because every week we are giving away a good start and then we try to come back from that. It is something that I don’t think I am used to. It is what it is and we have to stick together and try to soldier on.

“We created enough chances to win the game but we can’t be giving away goals like we did. We have the players, we have the means to soldier on with the players.”

Hunt is not worried that Chiefs fans might be slowly losing trust in him as he says the situation at the club is clear for anyone to understand.

“The supporters obviously stay with the team in the good times and the bad times and obviously this is a bad time,” said Hunt.

“But we all know what the situation is and if you understand and if you look at football you know what is happening. It couldn’t happen in the beginning of the season but we have to believe in the players, we have to get the players up their game.

“They had a huge fall off last season, they were way in front and they had a huge drop-off. We need to stick with the players and try to get through this rough period.

"Anyone who understands football will know what is happening. That is what it is. We got the players that we got and we need to soldier on with the players we have.”

Chiefs will now seek to improve their fortunes when they host Bloemfontein Celtic in their next match on Saturday.

Barcelona can keep hold of Lionel Messi despite their current financial problems, according to Joan Laporta, who insists the club captain is "not only focused on money".

Laporta was previously president at Camp Nou from 2003 to 2010, overseeing the early years of Messi's career, and is now seeking a further term at the helm. 

The Catalan giants were plunged into a financial crisis by the coronavirus pandemic and it has meant pay levels have been closely examined, re-thought and restructured. 

Messi is the club's top earner, but as he approaches the end of his contract, which expires in 2021, there are doubts over whether he will renew. 

The club's all-time record scorer wanted to leave before the 2020-21 season and may again tell Barcelona he intends to depart, although Laporta dearly wants the Argentine forward to stay. 

Laporta says other clubs may have more money to tempt Messi, but they do not have the kinship with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner that would make a split so difficult to bear. 

"We will use all our skills to keep Messi with us," Laporta told Radio MARCA. 

"Leo is not only focused about money. It will be a good economic proposal, but we will not reach what other clubs can offer. 

"I have a very good relationship with Leo. He wants Barcelona. I am convinced that he is looking forward to a proposal from the new president. 

"It is going to be based mainly on a competitive squad that can win the Champions League. If I make this proposal, I will fulfil it; I am lucky to have Leo's credibility. 

"Now is not the time to talk about Messi, and for that I have to be president."

Inevitably, however, it is Messi's future which is dominating the elections, because of the clamour among supporters for him to re-sign. He has been linked with a host of teams, most recently Paris Saint-Germain. 

In January, Messi will be free to negotiate with other clubs. For the elections to fall in the same month is a savage twist, and means each candidate will be expected to have not only a stance on Messi's future, but a stance that appeals to club members and to Messi himself. 

It is far from the only matter for each candidate to address, yet it is an unavoidably seismic topic. 

As Laporta told the radio station, Cristiano Ronaldo's move from Real Madrid to Juventus was different because he had already played at Sporting CP and Manchester United, but Messi is a one-club player. 

"Leo's case is singular. He would be one of the few players like Pele who has only played for one team," Laporta said, setting aside Santos legend Pele's time at the New York Cosmos. 

Laporta's campaign took a theatrical turn on Tuesday when he unveiled a giant poster of himself next to Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu home. 

The poster features an image of Laporta and bears the caption: "Looking forward to seeing you again." 

It was a creative stunt that drew the global attention Laporta craved, and he explained it by saying: "Madrid is an electoral zone and we had to come. It was a nice move, from the point of view of good faith. It has a point of irony, it is nice." 

Edinson Cavani looks set to sit out another Manchester United game as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t want to risk the forward against Sheffield United.

The striker was brought off during the comeback win against West Ham and subsequently missed both the Champions League defeat in Leipzig and the Manchester derby at the weekend. 

In his 10 appearances, of which he has only started three times, he has managed three goals and an assist and has already proven his killer instinct in front of goal.

However, Solskjaer looks set to be without him for the third game in a row as he continues to step up his recovery ahead of a busy festive fixture schedule.

“We have to be mindful of little strains and niggles and decisions have to be made from kick-off of Sheffield United to kick-off against Aston Villa. It's 15 times 24 hours, so it's going to be very tight,” Solskjaer said about the amount of games lined up in just over a two-week period.

“Edinson has done well in rehab, but I still have to make the decision if we should risk him. It's a little bit [dangerous] to risk him too early, so I'd doubt he will be available to pick tomorrow.”

Even without Cavani, Solskjaer has a strong squad to pick from ahead of Thursday night’s trip to Bramall Lane and it is likely he will go with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. 

The United manager came under scrutiny after his side’s Champions League exit last week for changing his system too often, but the Norwegian seemed to refute those claims on Wednesday afternoon.

“What was the change in formation [against Manchester City]? It was a 4-2-3-1 and coming into that pocket is probably Paul [Pogba]'s favourite position,” Solskjaer responded when it was put to him that his players have to keep adapting to the team’s changing shape. 

“Paul did well, the team's shape was as it normally is. Twice we have played three at the back - we beat PSG and unfortunately lost to Leipzig. 

“We played a full game with a diamond and two half-games with a diamond, so that’s four out of 22 games. [That] isn't bad for consistency of a normal shape, some details change. 

“Sometimes we look at the opposition and where we need players with different qualities and the players are coping well with it.”