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Lukas Nmecha scored his third goal of the 2021-22 Bundesliga season as 10-man Wolfsburg saw off Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-0 on Saturday evening.

Having lost their last three matches in all competitions, Wolves travelled to BayArena with the aspiration of returning to winning ways.

That paid off as quickfire goals from Nmecha and Maximilian Arnold in the space of two minutes saw them pick all points at stake despite having a man sent off.

Following a goalless first half, Nmecha – who is eligible to represent Nigeria – put his team ahead in the 48th minute before Arnold doubled the advantage two minutes later.

That goal was an eye-opener for the hosts but they were unable to take advantage of the numerous scoring chances that came their way.

With victory already sealed, manager Florian Kohfeldt’s men were reduced to 10 men in the 95th minute as referee Deniz Aytekin gave Maxence Lacroix his marching orders for denying a scoring opportunity.

Elsewhere, at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Taiwo Awoniyi could not prevent Union Berlin from crumbling 5-2 at home to rampaging Bayern Munich.

Still hurt by their 5-0 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach in Wednesday’s German Cup fixture, the Bavarians made their intent known by taking a 15th-minute lead through Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot.

Eight minutes later, the Poland international doubled his advantage after he was set up by Thomas Muller.

Ten minutes before the half-time break, Julian Nagelsmann’s men went three goals up with Leroy Sane taking advantage of a Muller pass.

In the goal-laden first half, the hosts reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute through Niko Giesselmann.

A minute after the hour mark, the Bavarians restored their three-goal lead through Kingsley Coman with Muller completing his hat-trick of assists.

Although Julian Ryerson got the second goal for Union Berlin in the 65th minute, Muller completed the rout 11 minutes from full time with Dayot Upamecano setting him up.

After featuring for 64 minutes, Nigeria international Awoniyi was subbed for Kevin Behrens with a thigh injury ruling out Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from the seven-goal thriller.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Arminia Bielefeld 1-2 Mainz
Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Cologne
Freiburg 3-1 Greuther Furth
Union Berlin 2-5 Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Wolfsburg

Wilfried Zaha is the first player to score 50 Premier League goals for Crystal Palace with his opening effort in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday.

The important away win at the Etihad Stadium helped the Eagles end a five-game winless run in the English top-flight.

Zaha got Patrick Vieira's men off to a flying start in Manchester with his sixth-minute opener, after finishing off an assist from Conor Gallagher.

Things turned to worse for Manchester City towards the end of the first 45 minutes after Aymeric Laporte was shown a straight red card for denying the Ivory Coast international a goalscoring opportunity.

After the restart, Gabriel Jesus put the ball in the back of the net for the hosts but it was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Crystal Palace did not stop pushing to extend their lead and they were rewarded in the 88th minute after second-half substitute Michael Olise assisted Gallagher to find the back of the net.

The England youth star is now tied on three league goals with Zaha as the highest-scoring players in Vieira’s team in this campaign.

Crystal Palace moved up to 13th in the league table with 12 points after 10 games. while Man City are third in the league standings with 20 points.

Zaha rose through Crystal Palace's youth ranks from the age of 12, and has now contributed 50 goals and 27 assists in 254 Premier League matches.

Tusker finally registered their first win in the FKF Premier League after securing a slim 2-0 win over Wazito FC in a match at Ruaraka grounds.

It was new signing Shami Kibwana who scored the opener in the 40th minute before second-half substitute Deogratius Ojok drilled home the second in stoppage time to give the defending champions their first maximum points this campaign.

Heading into their third match, Tusker had suffered two defeats – 1-0 against AFC Leopards in the season opener and 2-1 against promoted side FC Talanta.

Tusker coach Robert Matano made four changes to his starting XI against Wazito with captain Eugene Asike, defender Hillary Wandera, Kevin Monyi, and Rodgers Ouma dropping to the bench.

Matano brought in Daniel Sakari, Jimmy Mbugua, Christopher Oruchum, and Teddy Osok in their positions in a bid to help the team improve their results.

It was the Brewers who could have taken the lead with only four minutes played after Oruchum curled in a free-kick from the edge of the box but goalkeeper Omar Adida punched the ball out for a fruitless corner.

In the 14th minute, Tusker’s Shami Kibwana and James Macharia combined well to put through Boniface Muchiri, and his effort hit the woodwork and bounced back into play but keeper Adisa calmed the situation before Kibwana could pounce.

Wazito, led by coach Francis Kimanzi, then started to come into the game and in the 20th minute they almost took the lead but with only Tusker’s goalkeeper Brian Bwire to beat, Fidel Origa shot wide.

In the 25th minute, Wazito’s Dennis Sikhayi was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Mbugua and from the resultant free-kick, Tusker launched a quick counter-attack with Kibwana and Ibrahim Joshua combining again, but the latter's final effort was too weak to trouble Adisa.

However, with five minutes left to the half-time break, Tusker took the lead after a beautiful piece of link-up play between Macharia, Kibwana, and Joshua saw the latter flick the ball back to Kibwana, who volleyed it to the top corner of the net.

In the 50th minute, Tusker almost doubled their lead when the marauding Joshua intercepted a loose ball at the edge of the box, looked at the keeper's positioning, and went for goal but his effort took a deflection which went out a fruitless corner.

Five minutes later, Macharia latched onto a cross from Clyde Senaji and put through goal scorer Kibwana, but the former Kakamega Homeboyz striker fumbled with the ball, allowing keeper Bwire to come off his line and gather the ball.

In the 60th minute, Wazito made three changes, Rooney Onyango, Eli Asieche, Eric Gichimu coming in for Sikhayi, Erickson Mulu, and James Kinyanjui and five minutes later, Amos Asembeka was also rested for Vincent Oburu.

The Brewers then made a double change in the 70th minute when Stewart Omondi and Deogratius Ojok came on for Kibwana and Joshua.

They went close a minute later as Macharia noticed the keeper had come off his line, and he lifted the ball over the onrushing stopper but his effort at goal was cleared off the line.

Tusker then sealed the game in added minutes when the Ugandan striker gathered the ball on the left wing, and after noticing Adisa was yards off his line, he curled in his effort which hit the back of the net.

The defeat leaves Wazito searching for their first win this campaign from four matches.

Wazito started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Talanta, lost 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz, lost 3-1 against Nairobi City Stars, snatched a 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks before Saturday’s defeat to Tusker.

Tusker: Brian Bwire, Daniel Sakari, Jimmy Mbugua, Christopher Oruchum, Kalos Kirenge, Teddy Osok, Shami Kibwana, Clyde Senaji, Ibrahim Joshua, Jackson Macharia, and Boniface Muchiri.

Subs: Patrick Matasi, Hillary Wandera, Eugene Asike, Kevin Okoth, Rodgers Ouma, John Njuguna, Lawrence Luvanda, and Stewart Omondi.

Wazito: Omar Adisa, Levis Adet, Johnstone Omurwa, Maurice Ojwang, Dennis Sikhayi, Amos Asembeka, Fidel Origa, James Kinyanjui, Cliff Nyakeya, Erickson Mulu and Michael Owino.

Subs: Bixente Otieno, Eli Asieche, Rooney Onyango, Erick Otieno, Swaleh Pamba, Tyson Otieno, Vincent Oburu, Erick Gichimu, and Levin Odhiambo.

Gor Mahia remain unbeaten in the 2021/22 Football Kenya Federation Premier League after a 1-0 win over Sofapaka on Saturday at the Moi Sports Complex, Kasarani.

Jules Ulimwengu scored the only goal of the encounter that saw the giants climb the ladder to the top as they now enjoy 12 points from their four engagements.

Sofapaka were unable to utilise a 10th-minute chance that was created by David King'atua as Ronack Elvis headed wide from close range. 

Lawrence Juma - who has been linked with a move away from Batoto ba Mungu in recent days - was yellow-carded in the 12th minute for a foul on Gor Mahia defender Dennis Ng'ang'a.

From close range, Austin Odhiambo - who has established himself as a first-teamer in the Gor Mahia set-up since he signed from AFC Leopards - fired a weak shot in the 20th minute that Kevin Omondi had no big problem collecting.

K'Ogalo took the lead in the 24th minute as Ulimwengu, who made a timely run from the midfield,  fired past Omondi who had not been seriously tested before. 

The 2009 Premier League champions could have equalised in the 32nd minute but a shot hit the crossbar as Gor Mahia's goalkeeper Adama Keita was beaten in the process.

As the second half began, Batoto ba Mungu made three changes with Alex Imbusia, Said Tsuma, and Titus Achesa coming on for Ronack Otieno, King'atua and Wilberforce Lugogo.

The visitors saw another chance dealt with by Keita when Roy Okal - after he calmly collected a pass from Sunday Ikehkhai - came close to finding the back of the net in the 68th minute, with Sofapaka looking a more energised side after the three changes.

From a promising position, Juma - who scored 16 goals for Sofapaka last season - failed to make a conversion from a free-kick in the 70th minute and thus denied his side a golden opportunity to restore parity.

In the 75th minute and with Sofapaka's confidence growing each minute, Gor Mahia's Mark Harrison made three changes as Harun Shakava, Alpha Onyango and John Ochieng replaced Ulimwengu, John Macharia and Peter Oudu.

Ochieng was cautioned in the 90th minute as K'Ogalo resorted to a more physical approach to deal with a resilient rival before the referee added five minutes.

Gor Mahia will be looking for a fifth straight win when they face Police FC on November 6, while Sofapaka will battle AFC Leopards, who have not been grinding out positive results, on November 7.

Gor Mahia XI: Adama Keita, Philemon Odhiambo, Yusuf Mainge, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Frank Odhiambo, Peter Oudu, Austin Odhiambo, John Macharia, Peter Lwasa, Jules Ulimwengu, Benson Omala.

Subs: Gad Mathews, Fred Nkata, Harun Shakava, Victor Ochieng, John Ochieng, Alpha Onyango, John Nyawir, Boniface Omomdi, Yangayay Sando.

Sofapaka XI: Kevin Omondi, Ambrose Sifuna, Ronack Elvis, David Nshirinimana, Roy Okal, Sunday Ikekhai, David King'atua, Wilberforce Lugogo, Joseph Waithira.

Subs: Fredrick Odhiambo, Titus Achesa, Hamdi Mohamed, Hansel Ochieng, Robert Karisa, Alex Imbusia, Sad Tsuma, Dan Guya, Geofrey Ojung'a.

Kaizer Chiefs forward Keagan Dolly is not ruling out his struggling teammates from “showing the whole country what they can produce” as they are currently enduring a lack of game time.

The off-season arrival of Dolly, Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander has seen the likes of Njabulo Ngcobo, Happy Mashiane and Sabelo Radebe suffering from fewer opportunities.

Ngcobo is the better of the struggling trio, having so far made four Premier Soccer League appearances this season. 

After Mashiane displayed promising performances last term, he has found it tough in the current campaign in which he has been on the pitch for just six minutes.

Radebe is yet to play a single league match under coach Stuart Baxter but Dolly has tipped the three players to improve.

“And there are a few youngsters at Kaizer Chiefs. Ngcobo, who is a fantastic player,” Dolly told Thomas Mlambo on the Ultimate Sport Show as per iDiski Times.

“Happy Mashiane, Radebe, they’re all doing very well and I think it’s just a little more time and then they’ll show the whole country what they can produce.”

Mashiane and Ngcobo even started in last season's Caf Champions League final against Al Ahly.

With Dolly himself having dished out star performances to become a key Chiefs player since arriving at Naturena in July, he is back in the Bafana Bafana squad.

He has managed to convince the Belgian to open up a spot for him in the national team.

Despite criticism towards Broos for overlooking the likes of Themba Zwane and Lyle Lakay, Dolly applauds the coach for handing youngsters a chance in the team.

“I’ve been watching Ethan Brooks. Teboho Mokoena has been playing in the PSL for the past few years, Sipho Mbule has been doing well,” said Dolly.

Before returning to the PSL, Dolly had spent five seasons in France playing Ligue 1 football.

Coming back to the PSL was regarded, in some quarters, as taking a step back in his career but the Chiefs star disagrees.

“[PSL and Ligue 1] is more or less the same, to be honest. There are obviously a few good youngsters coming up,” Dolly said.

 “You know new coaches in the game that are trying to change the way we play in South Africa, which is good. But in terms of the style of play and everything, it’s more or less the same.”

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has picked out Ghana international Daniel Amartey as among the players who have impressed in recent weeks for the Premier League side.

Ahead of the team’s home game against Arsenal on Saturday, Rodgers has said the 26-year-old Ghana international alongside Youri Tielemans, have helped the team to post a good run of results in recent weeks.

“Two other players to have impressed over recent weeks for the Foxes are Youri Tielemans and Daniel [Amartey],” Rodgers told the club’s official website

“While Tielemans has scored stunners, requiring entirely different techniques, in his last two league outings, Amartey has proven to be a stable defensive figure for City too.

"From a professional perspective, [Amartey's] been outstanding. He’s obviously been out for a period of time with injury. When I came into the Club, that’s how it was for him, he’d been out for a period of time.

"Of course, the system maybe didn’t allow him to come in, but certainly when you play with a back three, he’s a player that can fit into that. Every time he’s played, he’s never let us down.

"He’s played as a midfield player, as a full-back, and you need your outside centre-halves to be able to have no doubt they can step in and press the game and be aggressive. He’s got all of that. He defends the box really well and then, with the ball, he has a real sufficient level of comfort. He can pass it.

"I’ve been absolutely delighted with him. He’s played in some great performances we’ve had, big wins, and for Daniel, it’s just that consistency to keep playing at the level. As a man, he’s a good man, he wants to train every day. He loves his football.

"He likes to have a bit of fun in there as well, but he’s always focused. He never has a lazy day in his training. He wants to work. He’s very focused in the training, so I’m absolutely delighted.

"That’s how we’ve always worked. We have some players that can come in and play well and he can come in and play at a really consistent level. It’s great to hear the supporters recognise that.”

The Black Star will hope to keep his starting role against the Gunners in the early kick-off fixture at King Power Stadium.

Former Orlando Pirates star Benedict Vilakazi feels the Buccaneers are “not ready” to challenge for the Caf Confederation Cup title and will not go beyond the group stage.

The Soweto giants sneaked into the play-off round of the Confederation Cup after narrowly beating Congolese side Diables Noirs 

They will now have to go past LPRC Oilers of Liberia to reach the group stage.

Vilakazi says they can overcome Oilers but he is not convinced they have what it takes to advance to the quarter-finals and he states the reasons.

“Pirates have just lost Vincent Pule to a long-term injury which he suffered on national duty. Thembinkosi Lorch is already ruled out for the rest of the year due to injury,” Vilakazi wrote in his iDiski Times column. 

“As if that is not enough, Pirates are currently facing a discipline problem within the squad. Gabadinho Mhango was recently in the news after he allegedly left a hefty bill at a nightclub. 

“We are also hearing allegations of Ben Motshwari and a domestic violence situation. I’m mentioning these issues to say that Orlando Pirates are not ready to properly challenge in the Confederation Cup.”

The Buccaneers are currently in the middle of an injury crisis and are without key players.

Goalkeepers Richard Ofori, Wayne Sandilands and Elson Sithole are all injured, leaving them with Diski Challenge gloveman Thuntsane Kopano to deputise for Siyabonga Mpontshane.

Apart from Pule and Lorch, the likes of Mhango, Innocent Maela and Zakhele Lepasa are also battling to regain their fitness.

Mhango has not featured in their last eight games while Maela and Lepasa are expected to be back in December.

Without a substantive coach and having Mandla Ncikazi partnering Fadlu Davids as interim co-coaches, Vilakazi sees it as another reason why Pirates are not serious contenders to bag a first continental title since 1996.

“They are also facing a leadership crisis. They have no coach at the moment. Both assistant coaches are at the helm, and you don’t know who exactly calls the shots between them,” said Vilakazi.

The Buccaneers are also struggling on the domestic front, having failed to win their last four Premier Soccer League matches in a run that has eight points fewer than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have a game in hand. 

Mamelodi Sundowns’ bid to end their long wait for the MTN8 title faces a stern test when they come up against Cape Town City at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Having last won this trophy in 2007 when it was referred to as the SAA Super Eight Cup, Masandawana have been struggling to win the MTN8 over the years.

This is despite their dominance on the local football landscape as well as establishing themselves as a continental heavyweight.

They will now face Cape Town City who were crowned champions of this competition in 2018 and also reached the final the previous year.

A win for the Brazilians on Saturday will see them claiming the MTN8 for the fourth time in the tournament’s history but would still be far from Kaizer Chiefs’ record 15 titles. 

This match will mark the return of fans into stadiums to watch Premier Soccer League teams in action for the first time since March 2020.

Only 2000 spectators will be allowed at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler will lead his side without worrying about suspensions in his team as none of his players are sanctioned.

Experienced goalkeeper Darren Keet remains out injured and Angola international Hugo Marques is set to continue in goals while being deputised by Bongani Mpandle.

Masandawana welcome back into their squad forward Gaston Sirino.

The Uruguayan attacker has recovered from a bout of flu which saw him miss last Sunday’s Caf Champions League match against Maniema Union.

Midfielder Mothobi Mvala could return according to co-coach Rhulani Mokwena after having been unavailable in their last three games due to injury.

Defender Rushine De Reuck is also expected back together with Divine Lunga.

Lebohang Maboe remains out after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Match Preview

Two coaches from Sundowns and Cape Town City have previously won the MTN8 and one of them will claim it again, a feat which is rarely attained by PSL coaches. 

Masandawana co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi guided Golden Arrows to an MTN8 triumph in 2009 following an emphatic 6-0 victory over Cape Town Spurs in the final. 

He is joined by Tinkler who led SuperSport United to the 2017 triumph which, interestingly, came after a penalty shootout victory over Cape Town City.

Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala has won this competition on three occasions which is the most times.

Jeff Butler, Eddie Lewis and Muhsin Ertugral have each won it twice before.

Sundowns go into Saturday’s match unbeaten in all competitions this season and will be facing a City side that has been blowing hot and cold. 

But the Citizens still remain a big threat to the Tshwane giants as they have become a very unpredictable side this term.

Sundowns resoundingly beat Cape Town City 3-0 the last time the two teams met in June.

The 20th edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup will feature 12 teams from the continent. It has been expanded to 12 teams from eight to make the tournament more competitive. 

The championship will also act as the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Five teams will qualify for the main event directly while two of them will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs. 

Who are the defending champions of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022? 

Japan are the defending champions of the Women's Asian Cup, having won it in 2018.

Which are the venues for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022? 

India, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan submitted their bids to host the tournament. On February 19, 2020, AFC Women's Football Committee recommended India as the host and in June, the country was formally awarded the hosting rights. 

All the matches will be played across three venues: Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. 

What are the groups of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022?

Group A: India, China PR, Chinese Taipei, IR Iran
Group B: Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia
Group C: Japan, Korea Republic, Vietnam, Myanmar

What are the fixtures of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022?

GROUP A Fixtures

GROUP B FIXTURES

GROUP C FIXTURES

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said they are mindful of ‘strong’ Leicester City striker Patson Daka ahead of their Premier League match on Saturday.

The Gunners head to the King Power Stadium with the hopes of extending their eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

Daka has made a promising start to life in England, since he joined the Foxes on a five-year contract in June.

The Zambia international has scored five goals in all competitions so far, after opening his Premier League goal account against Manchester United a fortnight ago and he scored four goals in a Europa League game against Spartak Moscow on October 20.

When asked about Daka in Friday’s press conference, Arteta said: “Yes we’ve been aware of him. I think Leicester have been really strong and clever in their recruitment over the years - that they have been able to build the team that they have. He’s looks a really strong player.”

The draw for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday where 12 teams were drawn across three groups. India find themselves in Group A alongside China, Chinese Taipei, and Iran. 

The tournament kicks off on January 20, 2022, with the final set for February 6, 2022. All the matches will be played across three venues in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune. 

The 2022 tournament has been expanded to 12 teams, with three groups comprising of four teams each. The top two teams will directly qualify for the quarter-final stage, while the two best third-placed teams will also progress. 

This will be India's ninth Asian Cup appearance. This is the second time India are hosting the tournament after the 1979 edition wherein they finished runners-up to Chinese Taipei. India also finished as runners-up in 1983 after losing to hosts Thailand in the finals. 

However, this time around they have a tough challenge in the group stage as they have to face record-winners in China PR and a formidable Chinese Taipei side. But in a recent friendly in Bahrain, India, ranked 57th, managed to edge out the Chinese Taipei side 1-0, courtesy of a third-minute strike from Renu. 

Let us have a look at the FIFA rankings of the three teams and their previous best performances. 

The recovery looks to be on for Leicester City and Arsenal after particularly underwhelming starts to the 2021/22 season, for varying reasons. 

Brendan Rodgers’ men had to battle with injuries and illness at the start of the campaign, forcing the Northern Irishman to rejig a side at the back multiple times in the opening weeks. 

The upshot of that slowed the integration of Patson Daka into the fold at the King Power Stadium, while Kelechi Iheanacho surprisingly found himself on the periphery yet again following a storming run in the second half of the preceding season.

Maybe the Zambia star was always going to bide his time as he acclimatised to English football, although the aforementioned challenges and the Foxes’ mixed results meant the former Red Bull Salzburg marksman wasn’t thrown in the deep end. 

Slowly, the Central African has started to gain the trust of his manager, combine better with teammates and become a favourite of the fans since October’s international break. 

He put paid to any potential Manchester United equaliser in that rip-roaring 4-2 success over the beleaguered Red Devils and set up James Maddison for what turned out to be the winner at Brentford last week, opting for a sensible pass when others might have chosen to go it alone. 

How about the storming Europa League showing in-between the aforementioned games?

A four-goal haul against Spartak Moscow turned the game on its head as the East Midlands side roared back from two goals down to win 4-3 in Russia. 

A defeat was going to leave Leicester playing catch-up in the group, staring Europa League elimination in the face. Daka’s intervention was timely. It was just what the doctor ordered!

His understanding with Iheanacho has developed, too, since Rodgers observed budding signs in a pre-season fixture against Queens Park Rangers. 

The Nigerian had a hand in two of the summer arrival’s European quartet, the latter particularly showing his rationality in squaring to the Zambian when he could have easily gone for goal himself. 

Statistics reveal Iheanacho is so far having a greater involvement in moves and is shooting at a lower frequency compared to last season, although this comes with a caveat of a small sample size of games. 

He, however, leads the way for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.09) for teammates averaging three games or higher, while no colleague outranks his 1.02 goal-creating actions per 90. Notably, the West African is exceeding his mean in both categories from the last four campaigns, but this could change with additional games. 

While the ageless Jamie Vardy arguably remains the main man at the King Power, Daka’s upswing and Iheanacho’s multi-faceted nature mean Rodgers could trust the pair against Arsenal if the Englishman hasn’t made a recovery from the issue that forced him out in Sunday’s hard-fought 2-1 win at Brentford. 

The Leicester man does enjoy a game against Arsenal, evidenced by his 11 goals against the side from North London. They are his favourite Premier League opponents and only Wayne Rooney (12) has ever netted more in the competition than the 34-year-old. 

Undoubtedly, the marksman will relish the opportunity of moving level with the former Manchester United man as the Foxes chase a third PL win on the trot for the first time since January.

Standing in their way are the resurgent Gunners who’ll look to capitalise on a perceived soft underbelly despite a reversion to a back three. 

The Foxes have failed to keep a league clean sheet since the opening day win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, conceding a staggering 15 times in those eight games, a statistic Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will look to continue on Saturday lunch-time. 

Hindered by illness at the start of the campaign, the Arsenal captain has looked to be decisive in continuing the club’s recent upswing in performances and results.

Four goals and an assist in his last six appearances point to an improvement, but he’s due a big away performance after appearing subdued on the road to date. 

In the opening games this season, the accuracy of his shooting betters last year’s significantly which bodes well for a man who endured undue criticism at times in 2020/21. 

Again, the seeming upturn comes from a small sample size of games, yet the fact the Gabon superstar’s underlying numbers in front of goal beat his opening 18 months in North London and is just short of his impressive 2019/20 ought to elicit optimism after last season’s drop off.

At this stage last season, the frontman had netted a solitary strike. Heading into the 10th gameweek in the current one, he’s already found the back of the net on four occasions. 

Mikel Arteta will look to the frontman to be decisive as the three-time Premier League champions strive to produce a strong showing on their travels to finally match impressive home showings seen in their derby success over Tottenham Hotspur and last week’s convincing victory over Aston Villa. 

Neither Leicester nor Arsenal had encouraging starts to their seasons, but the pair find themselves only three points off the final Champions League spot in an embryonic PL table. 

If any of the African forwards likely to be involved on Saturday helps to take his side closer to these clubs’ eventual target, it further strengthens their belief after the negativity that accompanied respective low-key starts. 

As links continue between Barcelona and the club's legend, Al Sadd insist that Xavi is focused on leading the club going forward.

Barcelona are expected to hire Xavi as the club's newest manager following Ronald Koeman's dismissal this week

Goal can confirm that the club's legendary former midfielder has been offered the job, although the club insists that his mind isn't set on Barca.

What was said?

"In response to what's been circulating recently, Al Sadd management reaffirms that Xavi has a two-year contract with the club," Al Sadd said in a statement..

"Xavi is fully focused on the team’s upcoming matches, to maintain our lead at the top of the league and to defend the title."

The current situation

 The club have named Barcelona B manager Barjuan as interim boss, and confirmed that he will take charge of their next Liga match, against Alaves this weekend.

As things stand, Barca sit ninth in La Liga, nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad.

Al Sadd, meanwhile, are set to face Ahli as they set atop the Qatari League.

Further Reading

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino says Lionel Messi was substituted “as a precaution” after the striker was withdrawn at half-time of Friday’s match with Lille.

Eyebrows were raised when Pochettino opted to replace the Argentine superstar with Mauro Icardi at the break with PSG trailing 1-0, meaning Messi has yet to hit the target in Ligue 1 for his new club.

PSG managed to turn the game around in the second half but only just, with Marquinhos levelling on 77 minutes before Angel di Maria hit the winner with two minutes left.

What was said?

Speaking about his decision to take off Messi, Pochettino told Amazon Prime:  “We have to wait. We spoke with the doctor. It’s a precaution. He couldn't go on, but it's not a big issue. He will be available for the next game."

Asked whether playing with a number nine like Icardi suited the team batter, Pochettino added: “I don't think that was the problem in the first half. It's just that Lille knows us well. We weren't good enough to feed our offensive players and have control of the game. But I don't think it's a single player or a position that changes everything.

"Overall I think we deserved to win. It's an option to play (a three-man defence next time), to find different ways to play. We can adapt to this system. But it's good to be flexible. Sometimes the starting plan doesn't work and I'm happy to have that option for players with different characteristics. But we have to keep working on it.”

The bigger picture

There were understandably sky-high expectations when Messi made the dramatic move to Paris following his release by Barcelona over the summer.

But Friday’s blank against Lille has made it five league appearances without a goal for the 34-year-old, even if injury curtailed his evening on this occasion.

The only goals so far have come in the Champions League – a double in the 3-2 win over RB Leipzig and the critical second goal in last month’s win against Manchester City.

Pochettino does not seem to concerned with Messi’s form and it has certainly has not hampered their ability to pick up results. Despite not being at their fluent best at times so far, PSG have won 10 out of their 12 league matches to open up a 10-point lead at the top the table.

Further reading  

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he has sympathy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and says Manchester United managers come under twice as much pressure.

The under-fire Norwegian is facing increased speculation over his future after the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool and with United struggling in seventh in the Premier League.

Guardiola, who took a year out after leaving Barcelona, knows about the intensity surrounding coaching top clubs.

What's been said?

"At United, everything that happens is doubled," he told a news conference ahead of City's game with Crystal Palace on Saturday. "The influence of them, like Liverpool, they are the greatest teams in England for many years. When it happens, their victories are double, defeats are double, of course, it’s not a surprise.

"If I don’t have good results, I’ll be treated the same. Every manager. Nobody can survive bad results, no one. So expectations are so high at United, you have to win.

"For a long time the team didn't win the Premier League, they do and they work to get results in terms of titles because their history demands it. When I took over Barcelona, I knew it, I had to win otherwise another manager will be in this position.

"I’m saying the most obvious things that everyone knows. And in that moment that it happened I’m pretty sure Ole is surrounded by people, family, the staff to be close to them and try to win the next game. There are no more secrets than that."

The bigger picture

United's board has been consistently strong in their backing of Solskjaer and club sources maintain that while the situation hasn’t changed for now there is an acceptance that there is ‘a lot to do’ to turn the season around.

Guardiola's side travel to Old Trafford just before the international break and a win for City would increase the pressure on Solskjaer even further.

However, he has one of the best records of any manager against Guardiola, having won four and drawn one of their eight encounters.

Ahead of that though, United have difficult trips to Tottenham in the Premier League and Atalanta with their Champions League group stage qualification far from certain.

A win for City at home to Club Brugge would leave them on the verge of reaching the last-16 for a ninth successive season.

Further reading