Looking for Soccer News?

Victor Osimhen delivered arguably his finest Napoli performance so far with a brace as the Partenopei dispatched Sampdoria 4-0 on Thursday to move to top spot in the Serie A standings.

The Nigeria striker opened the scoring in the 10th minute when his mis-hit effort was accidentally carried over the goalmouth by Samp stopper Emil Audero after being played in by Lorenzo Insigne.

His second came five minutes into the second half, when he was picked out by Hirving Lozano’s delightful cross from the right flank and finished from close range.

Napoli didn’t have things all their own way despite taking the lead early on, and found themselves under increasing pressure during the first half hour.

Ex-Arsenal stopper David Ospina was forced into a series of fine saves to preserve Napoli’s lead, although Samp’s resolve was diminished when Fabian Ruiz added a second in the 39th minute.

Piotr Zielinski rounded off the victory with Napoli’s fourth in the 59th minute, again following excellent work out wide from Lozano.

This was an eye-catching display from Osimhen, who ought to have had a hat-trick.

Instead, he sent one shot wide despite being clean through on goal, and also had an earlier effort ruled out for offside.

Nonetheless, Osimhen, who spearheaded Luciano Spalletti’s 4-3-3 formation, is enjoying a fine scoring run as he realises the potential he demonstrated in moments for Napoli last term.

He now has five goals in his last three matches, with Thursday’s double following on from last week’s brace in the 2-2 Europa League draw with Leicester City and another strike in Monday’s 4-0 thumping of Udinese.

Thursday’s 4-0 victory takes Napoli up to top spot in the table as they continue their find start to life under Spalletti.

They still have a 100 percent record – and 15 points – after five matches, and have leapfrogged both Internazionale and AC Milan.

“Good win,” Osimhen wrote on his official Twitter handle after the match. “Amazing team spirit and also a brace.

“God is the greatest, we move.”

Next up, Napoli host Cagliari on Sunday, before the visit of Spartak Moscow in Europa League action next Thursday.

Paul Ince has told £73 million ($100m) winger Jadon Sancho that English football "is not FIFA" while also taking aim at Anthony Martial after Manchester United's Carabao Cup exit.

United were dumped out of the competition at the third-round stage on Wednesday after losing 1-0 at home to West Ham, just three days on from their 2-1 victory over the Hammers in the Premier League - which Sancho started on the bench.

The 21-year-old returned to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting XI in midweek but produced another ineffective display on the right flank, and Ince has now criticised him for focusing more on fancy footwork than linking up with his team-mates in the final third.

What's been said?

The former Red Devils winger also felt that Jesse Lingard and Martial were guilty of showboating at times, as he told The United Stand: "I get that Sancho is still learning, he’s still young. But this is not a FIFA game, it’s not all about dribbling and dribbling and trying to beat two, three, four players or little flicks and that.

"Yeah, it’s nice when they come off but the likes of Sancho and Lingard, all these flicks, just play proper football.

"Honestly, it winds me up! If you watch players like [Ryan] Giggs, they get it and they pass, one-twos and get one-on-one… we just want to keep running with the ball, trying little flicks, little backheels.

"That’s what I saw with Martial, I saw it at times with Lingard and with Sancho and that’s where they need to learn that it’s not all about dribbling. Sometimes you can pass your way through players and get yourself in the box."

Ince on Martial

Ince went on to express his frustration over Martial's overall performance, with it his belief that the Frenchman showed no interest in the fixture.

"How many people are ahead of Martial now? Was he going to go in the transfer window? Ole said no and he’s still part of his plans," he said.

"I just looked at Martial’s body language and I was thinking, 'Does he actually want to be out there on a Wednesday night?', and some players do that. When they’re not involved in the first team on a Saturday, they think: 'Why am I playing in the Carabao Cup?!'

"You sense that body language with Martial. He didn’t want to be out there."

Ince felt Martial missed a golden chance to stake his claim for a share of regular minutes alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested for the second game against the Hammers after starting the previous four matches in succession.

"Martial has got to be ready for his opportunity. I don’t think Ronaldo will play every game," he added. "Yesterday was an opportunity for Martial to say to the manager, 'Look at me, I still want to push for a shirt!', and that was the sad thing about yesterday."

Further reading

There will be a full fixture schedule this weekend as the Premier Soccer League title race continues to gather momentum.

Eight matches are taking place, with all three traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in action.

The table is slowly taking shape with defending champions Sundowns having taken the lead so far.

The Brazilians are two points clear at the top, ahead of second-placed SuperSport United who have eight points, the same as Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates who trail in third and fourth respectively.

Goal gives you a guide on how to follow PSL action live on television this weekend.

How to watch PSL matches this weekend

SuperSport TV has so far confirmed five matches they will broadcast live on its dedicated PSL football channel.

Live broadcast schedules for the other three games are yet to be updated on SuperSport’s TV guide at the time of writing. 

Matches will also be live streamed on the Dstv app.

PSL Matchday 2 fixtures & TV schedule

Key PSL matches to look forward to

Two games involving some of the league’s most-followed teams could attract massive interest this weekend. 

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns

This is the biggest fixture of Matchday 5.

It is happening at Orlando Stadium between these two traditional giants, who are yet to taste defeat in this campaign.

Both sides go into this match on the backdrop of having won their last two league games.

Masandawana enjoy the lead over Pirates courtesy of three wins and a draw while the Soweto giants have won two games and shared spoils in as many matches.

A win for Pirates would be an opportunity to go top of the table, given SuperSport and Stellenbosch drop points in their respective games. 

Marumo Gallants vs Kaizer Chiefs

There is some considerable amount of attention on Kaizer Chiefs to see how they will respond to defeats in their last two games.

Amakhosi will be at Peter Mokaba Stadium on the backdrop of losing 2-0 to Sundowns, as well as the shock 4-1 defeat to Royal AM last weekend.

The Soweto giants are under pressure, and failing to secure maximum points for a third straight game will further put coach Stuart Baxter’s job at risk.

Chiefs are currently placed 13th on the table with four points earned from the 0-0 draw against TS Galaxy and the 2-1 win over Baroka. 

They will be facing Gallants, who anchor the standings, and are winless in three league matches. 

Gor Mahia head coach Mark Harrison insists his charges are not ready for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League which kicks off this weekend.

K'Ogalo are scheduled to play KCB on Saturday as the 2021/22 campaign kicks off.

On Wednesday, they played their first competitive game, settling to a 1-1 draw with Tusker in regulation time before falling 8-7 in penalties to lose the FKF Super Cup

'We are not ready for Saturday'

"No, we are not ready for the league. Six weeks is a normal pre-season, we have done 10 days, maybe six or four because we have new players coming in and getting sorted," Harrison told Goal.

"Am I ready for Saturday? No, we are not ready for Saturday. We will probably take a few weeks to get ready. We play Saturday and the league breaks for another three weeks, we have Caf games.

"So we take Wednesday's game and the league one on Saturday to prepare for our Caf engagements."

Gor Mahia working on signing more new players

Boniface Omondi, Sando Yangayay, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Peter Odu and Peter Lwasa are among the new players who have been signed by the club. The tactician insists more signings should be expected.

He has further explained plans ahead of the Caf Confederation Cup match against Sudanese outfit Al-Ahly Merowe.

"Obviously we need to play a couple of friendlies after Saturday, and look forward to the Caf and plan our games for that," Harrison continued. "We are trying to bring in a couple of new players, we are working on it.

"We need cover at right full-back because Philemon Otieno is the only one we have, so it is vital to have a cover," he added. "For Clifton Miheso we are discussing but it is up to the executive, and they are doing their job well."

Gor Mahia will play Al-Ahly on October 15 away, before welcoming them in Nairobi a week later.

The Kenyan heavyweights were exempted from the initial round owing to their good ranking in the continent. 

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has warned under-fire head coach Ronald Koeman that he won't be afraid to "make decisions" if the team's fortunes do not improve soon.

Pressure is building on Koeman after Barca's poor start to the 2021-22 campaign, with a 1-1 draw at home to Granada on Monday marking the latest setback for the Spanish giants.

Barca slipped to eighth in the La Liga standings after that result, and it has been suggested that Koeman is now on borrowed time as he struggles to find a winning formula following a summer of wholesale changes at Camp Nou.

What's been said?

Laporta says Koeman still enjoys the full backing of the board for the time being, but the Barca chief has also signalled that he won't be afraid to wield the axe should the Dutchman fail to deliver a swift upturn in results.

"We are responsible for managing the club," Laporta has told El Chiringuito. "We have more information when it comes to making decisions and we have to consider everything much more.

"It is not a problem for us to make decisions of any kind, and if we have to take them at a certain time, we will take them, [either if they are] economic, sporting or social.

"We are behind the coach. [Koeman] is the coach of Barcelona's first team and what we want is for things to go well for him.

"The coaches, not only Koeman, depend a lot on their results and in the case of Barcelona, [they are judged] every game. But Koeman is our coach and we are behind him now."

Barca's recent decline

After seeing Lionel Messi lead a summer exodus amid the club's well-documented financial crisis, a new-look Barca side managed to kick off their latest season with a bang to temporarily lift the mood of gloom among supporters.

Koeman's men beat Real Sociedad 4-2 on the opening weekend, with new signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia among those to impress in a thrilling attacking display, but a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club brought them crashing back down to earth the following week.

Barca then secured an unconvincing 2-1 win over Getafe before a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League that served as fresh evidence of just how far they have fallen behind the elite.

The draw with Granada then compounded the Blaugrana's misery, but they will have the chance to get back on track when taking in a trip to Cadiz on Thursday night.

Further reading

Emmanuel Amuneke has suggested why Kelechi Iheanacho failed to shine during his spell at Manchester City.

Following his exploits at the 2013 U-17 World Cup - where led Nigeria to a fourth title and walked home with the Golden Ball and Silver Boot – the striker was signed by the Citizens on a five-year deal.

However, he struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded team which led to his move to Leicester City in 2017 for a reported £25 million fee

Before leaving the Etihad Stadium, he scored 21 goals in 64 appearances for the Citizens in all competitions.

Three years on, 1994 African Player of the Year, Amuneke - who worked with him as coach of the Golden Eaglets - opens the lid while he failed to justify his ratings.

"His move to Man City was a good one for him and also for Nigeria," the former Barcelona star told Tribal Football. "Probably, there were lots of expectations because of his performance in the Fifa U17 world cup in the United Arab Emirates. He tried his best at Man City and now playing in Leicester City.

"I think it wasn't easy for him because of the kind of football they play in England. It is good that over the years, he has been able to adapt and today he's one of the key players in the Premier League.

"So, all that he needs to do is to work hard and continue to see how he can improve on his game."

In the 2020-21 campaign, Iheanacho showed his best form in England yet – scoring 19 goals in 39 matches across all tournaments – while playing a key role in the Foxes’ FA Cup triumph.

As the Super Eagle hopes to re-enact his blistering form this term, Amuneke pointed out what he needs to do to sustain the tempo.

“He should not allow the success of the today to overwhelm him because what is good today in football is outdated tomorrow, so he just needs to continue to realise that and continue to work hard,” he added. "He's a player with talent, but of course there are other aspects a player needs to try as much as he can to improve especially when he is not with the ball.

“It is more important to know how to play without the ball and that will justify how to rate a player totally."

Iheanacho was on target as Brendan Rodgers’ team defeated Millwall 2-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round fixture.

Eddie Nketiah gives Arsenal a lesson every day on how professionals should live, according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Despite reports linking the Anglo-Ghanaian out of the Emirates Stadium next summer, the 22-year-old put in a fine performance in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup game against Wimbledon.

Nketiah was among the goal scorers as the North London side silenced the Dons 3-0 to qualify for the competition’s fourth round.

Ask how enthralled he has been by the former England youth international, the Spaniard told Arsenal website: “I think Eddie gives us a lesson every day on how professionals should live in this job.

“There's been a lot of speculation around him, a lot of debate but he's got his head down and trained harder than anyone else.

“He looks after himself and he supports all his team-mates in any circumstance.

“So, I am so happy for him, and it's no coincidence that he's able to perform at that level and physically how he manages the game because he trains the best every day, so I am delighted for him.”

After a notable performance against the League One side, Nketiah was replaced by Folarin Balogun with 17 minutes left on the clock.

Arsenal have now won their last three games in all competitions after losing their first two matches of the 2021-22 campaign – a reason why Arteta is now feeling more positive.

“Absolutely, but winning football matches is what brings that connection and belief, and fans happier,” he added.

“They are here to support the team and they want to see the team winning. It is a natural thing.

“They have always been with the team and now they are at a different level, and we need them at an even higher level on Sunday because we're going to need them and hopefully, we can enjoy a beautiful day together.”

The North Londoners will now shift focus to Sunday’s English Premier League match against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Victory for the Gunners would see them climb out of the 13th position they occupy at the moment. For the Lilywhites, they are hoping to return to winning ways after losing 3-0 to Chelsea their last time out.

Neymar has expressed his sadness at seeing Brazil international team-mate Lucas Paqueta pick up a booking for an attempted rainbow flick, with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar claiming "Joga Bonito is over".

A South American nation with five World Cup wins to its name has always embraced the "beautiful game" mentality, with football as much about entertaining for them as it is winning.

Paqueta did, however, ruffle the feathers of Ligue 1 rivals Troyes and match referee Stephanie Frappart during his latest domestic outing, with a yellow card flashed in his direction after opening up a box of tricks.

What did Paqueta do?

Paqueta, who has 23 caps for Brazil, had already been on target in a 3-1 win for Lyon on Wednesday when he decided to have a bit of fun in stoppage time.

His antics did not go down well, though, with his opponents or the match officials, and he was left baffled when going into the book.

How did Neymar respond?

Neymar, another Samba star currently plying his trade in Ligue 1, caught up on the action in Lyon after helping PSG to a dramatic 2-1 win over Metz.

He was left disappointed at the actions of Frappart and posted on social media: "This episode is very, very sad, receiving a yellow card for a dribble.

"The technical gesture is a solution, no matter where it takes place and no matter what minute it is performed.

"The same thing happened to me last season. This year, it's happened to Paqueta. Honestly, I don't understand the reasons. The famous 'Joga Bonito' is over. Enjoy while it lasts."

Neymar was booked by Jerome Brisard in February after trying the same move in PSG's 5-0 victory over Montpellier.

He confronted officials in the tunnel at half-time and posted on Instagram afterwards: "I just play football."

Further reading

Gor Mahia head coach Mark Harrison insists referee Anthony Ongwayo played a part in his team's loss to Tusker in Wednesday's FKF Premier League Super Cup at Thika County Stadium.

In regulation time, Samuel Onyango scored for K'Ogalo from the penalty spot, with Joshua Ibrahim replying for the Brewers from the spot as well. The league champions then went on to win the trophy after prevailing 8-7 in a penalty shootout.

Daniel Sakari, Boniface Muchiri, Ibrahim Joshua, Clyde Senaji, Brian Bwire, Jimmy Mbugua, Kalos Kirenge, and Christopher Oruchum scored for the Robert Matano charges, while Humphrey Mieno and Kelvin Monyi saw their penalties saved by Gad Mathews.  

K'Ogalo scored their respective penalties through Sydney Ochieng, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Frank Odhiambo, Sando Yangayay, Benson Omala, Mathews, and Philemon Otieno while Alpha Onyango, Fred Nkata, and Ernest Wendo were unable to beat Tusker's Bwire.

The former league champions had to finish the game with 10 players after Harun Shakava was sent off after two bookable offences. 

'Referee did not have to send off Shakava'

"I am disappointed with the referee, I felt he influenced the game big time, he gave them a soft penalty," Harrison told Goal.

"I don't think it was; then he sent off [Harun Shakava] he didn't have to do that, he ruined the game at the end of the day. It is an exhibition game, not a World Cup final, he is playing to the rules, but he did not have to send him off and he is ruining the game.

"But it was going to be difficult, [Tusker] have been training right through, they played in Caf competitions so the battle hardened, they are match-fit, they are very fit; we have been training for 10 days. We have not played any game, this was our first competitive game.

"We never got into the game properly, we never controlled the game properly or held on to the ball or even kept it and it is due to lack of training time and lack of matches."

'New signings did not excel'

Yangayay, Ng'ang'a, and Peter Lwasa are some of the new signings that made their debut for the FKF Shield Cup champions. Harrison believes they struggled and at the same time insisting his players were not ready to play the Ruaraka-based charges.

"I think it is quite frightening being told like a week ago that you are going to play. I don't think it is only Gor Mahia, there are a lot of teams out there that have not had enough preparations," he stated.

"It is what it is; I feel for the players, they gave out everything but they did not really perform as I know we can and will do. And losing on penalties is also a nasty way of losing a game.

"For the players, it is a big fitness exercise, it is the only positive I can take out of it. The fact that the boys worked hard, they gave everything and we needed the game in that respect but I didn't need it to be against Tusker in a cup game.

"The news signings played well but did not excel, I didn't really expect anybody to excel. Coming into this game I expected us to be beaten two or three goals because we were not ready. So at the end of the day coming out with 1-1 [in regulation time] is okay."

K'Ogalo will be playing KCB in their first league assignment of the new season on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe has been warned that he "needs to behave better if he wants to be loved", with Metz coach Frederic Antonetti looking for the Paris Saint-Germain forward to back up his ability by being "more humble".

At 22 years of age, the star of a World Cup winner at Parc des Princes continues to rise, with a stunning return of 136 goals recorded through 178 appearances for PSG.

Mbappe drew a blank on his most recent outing, though, and incurred the wrath of rival players and coaches when celebrating Achraf Hakimi's dramatic winner in a 2-1 victory over Metz by goading opposition goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja.

What has been said?

Antonetti was among those left less than impressed by Mbappe's antics, with the Metz boss telling reporters afterwards of a talented performer: "Kylian Mbappe needs to behave better if he wants to be loved.

"I love this player, he is very, very strong but he'd benefit from having a more humble side."

Watch: Hakimi's goal & Mbappe's reaction

Will Mbappe be sticking around at PSG?

PSG have not been at their best so far this season, but they still top the Ligue 1 table with a 100 per cent record through seven games.

Mauricio Pochettino is the man charged with the task of finding the right formula for a star-studded outfit - particularly in the final third.

Mbappe forms part of those plans, along with Neymar and Lionel Messi, but serious questions remain in the French capital.

A superstar trio have failed to sparkle when named in the same XI, with the likes of Hakimi and Mauro Icardi having to provide inspiration in the club's last two outings.

Uncertainty also continues to reign when it comes to Mbappe's long-term future at Parc des Princes, with one of world football's hottest prospects now into the final year of his contract.

A move to Real Madrid has been mooted for some time, with the Blancos bidding for his services again over the summer, but PSG remain determined to tie a prized asset to fresh terms.

Further reading

Tusker FC coach Robert Matano is sweating over the fitness of some key players ahead of the 2021/22 Football Kenya Federation Premier League start this weekend.

The Brewers have so far played three competitive matches inside three weeks, winning two and drawing one. They played Arta Solar 7 in Caf Champions League's first preliminary round, winning 4-1 on aggregate. On Wednesday, they defeated Gor Mahia 8-7 in penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

With the league kicking off this weekend, the veteran tactician has given updates on his squad, and his preparations.

Who is out injured?

"Currently we do not have Charles Momanyi, he was injured on Tuesday, Boniface Muchiri also picked a knock and we don't know the extent. Wellington Ochieng is also healing and slowly coming back," Matano told Goal .

"I am not sure of what I will do differently this season but my main objective is to ensure the momentum is retained. Although the league is long and is a marathon, we must be ready. Every player should be ready to be involved to ensure we win the game.

"Yes, we are playing AFC Leopards on Sunday in league assignment, but I don't want to say anything, my sentiments will come after the game. We are just preparing for the game and the FKF Super Cup is one of the preparations."

'Super Cup triumph now behind us'

The tactician insists the victory over K'Ogalo is now the past and they are focusing on the league. He has further explained why he signed Tanzanian Protus Kalos Kirenge for his team.

"Winning the league and the Super Cup inside one year is not new to me, I have done it before with Sofapaka in 2009, and in 2012 when I was with Tusker. This is the third time," Matano continued.

"But it is now over, we are not concentrating on it. Our main objective is the league that kick's off this weekend.

"Kalos Kirenge is a good player who is rapidly developing. I brought him from Tanzania knowing his potential; remember even Azam FC were in the race to sign him. I spoke to him, he understood me and joined me."

Leopards are currently actively recruiting for the new campaign after losing most of their key players.

Jesse Lingard has been told that he acts differently as a Manchester United player to how he did when on loan at West Ham, with Mark Noble joking that the England international was "diving" and "screaming" during a Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday.

The talented 28-year-old playmaker has been absorbed back into the fold at Old Trafford after rediscovering his spark at the London Stadium during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

Lingard hit a dramatic winner against the Hammers during his last Premier League outing, but was unable to replicate those heroics in domestic cup action as David Moyes' men claimed a 1-0 win in Manchester.

What has been said?

Lingard did his best to get United going in that contest, with one penalty appeal waved away in the first half, but Noble claims his former team-mate was more theatrical in midweek than he ever was in the capital.

The Hammers captain, who made the challenge on Lingard that led to him taking a tumble inside the box, told Sky Sports: "That’s football, he dived and I told him off for screaming, funnily enough he didn’t really do it at our place but he does it here!"

Noble added on a player that he rates highly: "We had a laugh on the pitch today, I love Jesse. He’s a great character and I’m so pleased he’s come here and getting his chance.

"He’s scored some fantastic goals, obviously the one against us was hurtful, he’s a great lad and he deserves everything he gets."

What was Lingard's record at West Ham?

Having found competitive game time hard to come by with his parent club, Lingard was allowed to link up with West Ham in January.

He hit the ground running in new surroundings, netting twice on his debut, and registered nine goals in total through 16 appearances.

Those efforts were enough to earn an England recall, but he missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's final squad for Euro 2020.

A decision was taken not to push for a permanent move elsewhere over the summer, when entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handed Lingard five outings this season across Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup competition.

Further reading

Samuel Kalu came off the bench to score his first Ligue 1 goal of the season as Bordeaux came from behind to hold Montpellier to a 3-3 draw in Wednesday's Ligue 1 game.

The Nigeria international replaced Javairo Dilrosun immediately after half-time and he went on to score an 85th-minute equaliser for the Girondins.

It was Kalu's first goal since he scored the opening goal in Bordeaux's 2-1 loss to Metz in a Ligue 1 encounter back in February.

Earlier in the encounter, Cameroon midfielder Jean Onana scored his second goal for Vladimir Petkovic's side since his permanent signing from Lille in August.

Onana put the visitors ahead at the Stade de la Mosson nine minutes after Hwang Ui-Jo grabbed their equaliser in the 18th minute.

After grabbing the vital point on the road, Bordeaux leaped to 16th in the Ligue 1 table with six points from seven matches while Montpellier sit in the 10th spot with nine points.

A sad incident occurred prior to the game with Bordeaux fans' bus attacked on arrival in Montpellier by people who reportedly threw stones at the visitors' coach and it resulted in many injuries with windows shattered.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux boss Vladimir Petkovic rued the mistakes that cost his team maximum point as they settled for their third draw in seven matches.

"It was a game to watch from the outside but not as a coach,” Petkovic said after the match, via Girondins Web. “There were too many defensive errors. I'm happy to see the progress of the team but we could have brought back the 3 points.

"I think we could have folded the game before but I see that we react well. Against this kind of opponent, you have to be 100% to win, otherwise he exploits the weaknesses."

Last season in their return to the Premier League after a long absence, Leeds United produced a stirring season but still suffered the ignominy of West Ham United doing the double over them in the league.

A 2-1 win at Elland Road in December 2020 was followed by a 2-0 win at London Stadium in March 2021 which will give David Moyes’ side plenty of confidence going into this fantastic clash this weekend.

However in the overall scheme of things, Leeds still hold dominance over West Ham in the Premier League having 14 wins from 22 games played over the years with eight of those victories coming at home.

This interesting match can be viewed via LIVENow where the much praised and admired Marcelo Bielsa will be looking for his first win of the 2021/22 campaign against West Ham.

It has been a difficult start to the new season for the Whites, who are perhaps cautiously aware of what happened to Sheffield United following their impressive form upon returning to the Premier League.

Two draws and three defeats from their opening five fixtures means that Leeds are occupying 17th spot in the standings and need to strain their necks to see their opponents perched up in 8th spot.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase the online match pass for this match that kicks off on Saturday, 10pm for just S$10 and with no additional cost of monthly subscriptions.

Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper will need to be at their best for West Ham’s visit with Michail Antonio back in the mix again for the Hammers after sitting out of the Manchester United game on suspension.

Even without their all-time Premier League top scorer, West Ham proved to be a stubborn opposition to Manchester United before a late Mark Noble penalty miss gave all three points to the Red Devils.

With LIVENow, you have the flexibility to stream this Leeds vs West Ham game on various devices from PC to Mac, Chromecast to dedicated iOS/Android applications and many more.

There will be plenty of exciting battles across the pitch, not least in the wide areas where the rapid duo of Raphinha and Daniel James will be looking to put Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal in all sorts of trouble on the flanks.

Newly capped England striker Patrick Bamford played a crucial role in helping Leeds gain a point against Newcastle United last time out but could find Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma to be a far tougher proposition.

CLICK HERE now to sign up and stream the Leeds vs West Ham so you don’t miss out on what will surely be an enthralling match to witness!

Timo Werner has explained why he didn't take a penalty for Chelsea in Wednesday's shootout win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.

The German forward scored Chelsea's only goal in the 54th minute, prompting the home fans to sing his name in celebration.

Often criticised for his struggles in front of goal, Werner acknowledged how special it was to hear the fans honour him following his second-half strike and said his absence from the shootout triumph was pain-related.

What happened?

Werner scored in the second half on an assist from Reece James, giving Chelsea the 1-0 lead.

But Villa countered just 10 minutes later on a goal from Cameron Archer, eventually pushing the game to a shootout.

Once there, Chelsea made four of their five spot kicks, with Ben Chilwell the only player to miss. Meanwhile, Villa saw misses from Ashley Young and Marvelous Nakamba in their 5-3 shootout defeat.

What did Werner say?

Speaking to the Chelsea Fifth Stand App, Werner said: "I feel good [hearing people sing my name]. It is good to be back on the scoresheet of course.

"We needed to keep winning and get into the next round of the Carabao Cup and we are happy with the game.

"A goal opens the game, the first half, both teams were passive and struggled with all their changes. I think when we scored in the second half we were under a lot of pressure and lost control, went to 1-1 and after that we showed a good reaction. We wanted to win in 90 minutes and were lucky to win on penalties."

Asked why he didn't take a penalty in the decisive shootout, Werner responded: "First of all, I had pain in my calf and couldn’t go out. When you have fit players on the pitch, it is better they shoot than I do today."

Next up for Chelsea

Chelsea will take on Southampton in their next Carabao Cup match.

Prior to that, though, the Blues will look towards the Premier League and the Champions League over the next week.

They'll face Manchester City on Saturday in a clash of Premier League title hopefuls and will then turn their focus towards a trip to Juventus on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Further reading

Karim Benzema played a part in four Real Madrid goals during a 6-1 win over Mallorca on Wednesday, bringing his season tally to 15 goal involvements in six La Liga matches.

The French forward also reached the 200-goal domestic milestone for his club with a second-half finish to further his outstanding Santiago Bernabeu legacy.

Real Madrid moved ahead of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga with their victory, remaining unbeaten in the division this term.

Benzema's historic pace

Benzema's 15 goal involvements (eight goals and seven assists) are the most for a player in La Liga through six matches this century.

As a team, Real Madrid have more goals at this stage (21) than they have had at this point in a campaign since 1987-88.

Ancelotti admires his 'complete' forward

“The fact he’s scored so many goals might make you forget that he also combining well and coming deeper to play assists," head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.

"He’s a forward who doesn’t only score goals. He’s complete in every sense.

"When he does get tired, we’ll put Luka Jovic in because he’s doing well I think. It’s tough for Jovic because he’s got such tough competition. But, the little he is playing he’s doing well. He came close twice tonight and played well in Valencia too. When Benzema needs to rest, he’ll play.”

Bigger picture

Real Madrid are in a transition period as they look to balance their finances and get younger, however Benzema remains a crucial steadying force who could make them title contenders despite significant squad departures this past summer.

Plus, his in-game intelligence could prove a major factor in the developments of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, among others.

Further reading