FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick revealed a touching gesture Gavi made in the direction of a teammate throughout Sunday’s brutal 7-1 La Liga thrashing of Valencia.

The Catalans stayed in third and diminished bitter rival Actual Madrid’s benefit to seven factors by way of the goalfest, which some discovered spectacular given the variety of gamers Flick rotated with at the very least 5 modifications to the road up.

For Flick although, “the scenario that impressed me essentially the most was after I spoke to Gavi, who I needed to deliver on within the final quarter-hour”.

Regardless of being one of many benched gamers in favour of shut buddy Fermin Lopez as a CAM, Flick revealed that Gavi mentioned: “No, put Pablo Torre on”.

“And that is wonderful, it is nice. You possibly can see how gamers are linked to one another. It is improbable and for a coach it is wonderful. I like Gavi for his angle and to talk that manner at that second is improbable,” Flick beamed.

Explaining the rotations, nevertheless, Flick remarked: “We wanted recent legs, and everybody was impeccable and really concerned all through the match.”

The German was a fan of how “the staff was from the start, very concerned within the recreation” and burdened that having typically second selection gamers carry out so effectively “is just not an issue for me”.

“It is good to have the ability to select between so many gamers with high quality,” he said.

Scoring two objectives and offering two assists in Gavi or Dani Olmo’s slot, Fermin was complimented for taking part in “a improbable recreation”.

“He was superb with the ball and superb in ending. I like Fermin,” mentioned Flick.

Although he may have simply been the villain of an exhilarating 5-4 comeback win in opposition to Benfica within the Champions League after clattering into Alejandro Balde within the first half and likewise freely giving a penalty – with the Lisbon large scoring in each incidents – Wojciech Szczesny is proving to be an excellent luck allure for Flick.

“Per week with Szczesny within the beginning line-up, two wins. One in opposition to Benfica and one other in opposition to Valencia. It is a troublesome scenario for Inaki Pena, nevertheless it’s one thing that has been mentioned internally and we took this resolution,” Flick commented on his goalkeeper choice dilemma.

Although Barca continues to hit the again of the online at will, “the truth that we scored 100 objectives this season doesn’t suggest something” to Flick.

“We need to placed on an excellent present for the Culers, however our aim is to win titles – to not set aim data,” he concluded on this.

Hansi Flick’s Barça have made a century after racking up seven targets within the La Liga victory over Valencia on the Estadi Olímpic. The determine comes after simply 32 video games and signifies that the blaugranes in 2024/25 have a formidable common of three.16 targets per sport.

Flick: 101 targets 

101 targets in 32 matches in all competitions is the second greatest begin ever for a season in Barça historical past with solely Helenio Herrera arriving on the determine in much less time, 31 matches within the Nineteen Fifties. 

German coach Hansi Flick has reached the landmark determine faster than Barça legends resembling Luis Enrique (34 video games), Tito Vilanova (34 video games), Domènec Balmanya (36 video games), Ladislao Kubala (36 video games) and Josep Guardiola (37 video games).

Lewandowski high scorer 

Of the 101 targets scored, 15 participant have contributed with Robert Lewandowski high scoring with 29 targets. Behind the Polish striker come: Raphinha (23 targets), Lamine Yamal (9), Ferran Torres (7), Dani Olmo (6), Pedri, Pablo Torre (4), Kounde, Fermín López (3), Iñigo Martinez, Gavi, Pau Víctor, Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong (2) and Balde (1), in addition to two personal targets. 

59 targets have come within the league, 26 within the Champions League, 9 within the Copa del Rey and seven within the Spanish Tremendous Cup. 

Valencia and Actual Madrid 

Of the groups Barça have scored in opposition to, Valencia and Actual Madrid come off worse. Each groups have concedes 9 targets in opposition to Hansi Flick’s group: Actual Madrid within the 4-0 loss within the Santiago Bernabéu within the league and the 5-2 defeat within the Spanish Tremendous Cup. Valencia conceded twice within the defeat at Mestalla on the opening weekend of the league season and 7 occasions within the defeat on the Estadi Olímpic on Sunday. 

Stutzle scored, and Anton Forsberg made 28 saves for the Senators (25-20-4), who had been shut out in every of their earlier two video games; they misplaced 5-0 on the New York Rangers on Tuesday and 2-0 on the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

“We performed a workforce sport; caught with it,” Forsberg stated. “We get a bounce there on the finish, however good groups get bounces. We caught with it the entire method. We did not cheat the sport and we got here out with a win.”

Bobby McMann scored, and Joseph Woll made 21 saves for Toronto (30-18-2), which has misplaced two straight.

“It’s a decent sport, I feel, each groups taking part in robust defensively and retaining it shut,” Woll stated. “On the finish of the day, it’s an unfortunate bounce and that’s the distinction.”

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube stated, “[We] defended arduous. I assumed that the fellows dug in. We have been bodily in puck battles and did a superb job. That’s a superb workforce over there. We all know that. They’ve received a whole lot of expertise. We’ve simply received to keep it up and for those who play hockey like that, you’ll win a whole lot of video games. However ultimately, we simply didn’t rating sufficient.”

McMann gave Toronto a 1-0 lead at 3:46 of the primary interval. He scored with a wrist shot from the excessive slot after Marner fed him from under the aim line.

“I feel they have been possibly sitting again actually a bit greater than traditional, sort of letting us come to them,” McMann stated. “Normally they’re just a little bit extra on prime of us. I feel possibly we compelled a couple of too many performs attempting to get behind them there they usually have been sort of simply ready for us.”

Stutzle tied it 1-1 at 10:43 when he one-timed a Jake Sanderson go in the appropriate face-off circle throughout a 4-on-3 energy play. The aim ended the Senators’ scoring drought at 147:53.

“We have been in a whole lot of video games like that, the place it is, like, 2-1, 1-0,” Stutzle stated. “We’ve not been scoring loads, however tonight reveals that if we play the appropriate method defensively and simply sort of keep it up … There’s a whole lot of occasions all year long the place we’d have misplaced these video games, however we caught with it, and received rewarded.”

NOTES: Senators ahead Nick Cousins left the sport halfway via the primary interval with a lower-body damage following a knee-on-knee collision with Maple Leafs ahead Jacob Quillan. Cousins is “going to be out for some time,” Ottawa coach Travis Inexperienced stated. … The Senators have gained 4 straight towards the Maple Leafs courting to Dec. 27, 2023. … Ottawa defenseman Travis Hamonic had two photographs on aim in 22:08 of ice time in his return from lacking 10 video games with a lower-body damage. … Marner has eight assists in his previous six video games and 53 in 50 video games this season. He’s the second participant in Toronto historical past to have 50 or extra assists in his first 50 video games of a season (Doug Gilmour, twice; 1992-93, 1993-94). … Maple Leafs heart Auston Matthews had his five-game aim streak finish. … Quillan made his NHL debut, ending with one hit in 5:21 of ice time.

BOGOTA, Colombia — The White Home claimed victory in a showdown with Colombia over accepting flights of deported migrants from the U.S. on Sunday, hours after President Donald Trump threatened steep tariffs on imports and different sanctions on the longtime U.S. companion.

Lengthy shut companions in anti-narcotics efforts, the U.S. and Colombia clashed Sunday over the deportation of migrants and imposed tariffs on one another’s items in a present of what different nations might face in the event that they intervene within the Trump administration’s crackdown on unlawful immigration. The White Home held up the episode as a warning to different nations who may search to impede his plans.

Earlier, the U.S. president had ordered visa restrictions, 25% tariffs on all Colombian incoming items, which might be raised to 50% in a single week, and different retaliatory measures sparked by President Gustavo Petro’s resolution to reject two Colombia-bound U.S. army plane carrying migrants after Petro accused Trump of not treating immigrants with dignity throughout deportation. Petro additionally introduced a retaliatory 25% enhance in Colombian tariffs on U.S. items.

Trump stated the measures had been obligatory as a result of Petro’s resolution “jeopardized” nationwide safety within the U.S. by blocking the deportation flights.

“These measures are just the start,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Reality Social. “We is not going to permit the Colombian Authorities to violate its authorized obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they pressured into america.”

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a late Sunday assertion that the “Authorities of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s phrases, together with the unrestricted acceptance of all unlawful aliens from Colombia returned from america, together with on U.S. army plane, with out limitation or delay.”

Leavitt stated the tariff orders will likely be “held in reserve, and never signed.” However Leavitt stated Trump would preserve visa restrictions on Colombian officers and enhanced customs inspections of products from the nation, “till the primary planeload of Colombian deportees is efficiently returned.”

The Colombian authorities late Sunday stated it thought of as “overcome” the episode with the Trump administration and Petro reposted the assertion from the White Home on X.

“We now have overcome the deadlock with america authorities,” stated Colombian Overseas Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo. “We are going to proceed to obtain Colombians who return as deportees, guaranteeing them first rate circumstances as residents topic to rights.”

Murillo added that the South American nation’s presidential plane is out there to facilitate the return of migrants who had been to reach hours earlier on the U.S. army airplanes.

Earlier Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio introduced he was authorizing the visa restrictions on Colombian authorities officers and their households “who had been liable for the interference of U.S. repatriation flight operations.” They had been being imposed on prime of the State Division’s transfer to droop the processing of visas on the U.S. Embassy in Colombia’s capital, Bogota.

Petro had stated earlier that his authorities wouldn’t settle for flights carrying migrants deported from the U.S. till the Trump administration creates a protocol that treats them with “dignity.” Petro made the announcement in two X posts, considered one of which included a information video of migrants reportedly deported to Brazil strolling on a tarmac with restraints on their fingers and toes.

“A migrant just isn’t a legal and have to be handled with the dignity {that a} human being deserves,” Petro stated. “That’s the reason I returned the U.S. army planes that had been carrying Colombian migrants… In civilian planes, with out being handled like criminals, we’ll obtain our fellow residents.”

After Trump’s earlier tariff menace, Petro stated in a submit on X that he had ordered the “international commerce minister to boost import tariffs from the U.S. by 25%.”

Colombia has historically been the U.S.’s prime ally in Latin America. However their relationship has strained since Petro, a former guerrilla, grew to become Colombia’s first leftist president in 2022 and sought distance from the U.S.

Colombia accepted 475 deportation flights from the U.S. from 2020 to 2024, fifth behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, in line with Witness on the Border, an advocacy group that tracks flight information. It accepted 124 deportation flights in 2024.

Colombia can also be among the many nations that final 12 months started accepting U.S.-funded deportation flights from Panama.

The U.S. authorities did not instantly reply to a request for remark from The Related Press relating to plane and protocols utilized in deportations to Colombia.

“It is a clear message we’re sending that nations have an obligation to just accept repatriation flights,” a senior administration official informed AP. The official spoke on the situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t licensed to debate problem publicly.

Rubio in an announcement stated Petro “canceled his authorization” for the flights when the plane had been within the air.

Colombians emerged lately as a significant presence on the U.S. border with Mexico, aided partially by a visa regime that enables them to simply fly to Mexico and keep away from trekking although the treacherous Darien Hole. They ranked fourth with 127,604 arrests for unlawful crossings throughout a 12-month interval by September, behind Mexicans, Guatemalans and Venezuelans.

Mexico hasn’t imposed visa restrictions on Colombians, as they’ve on Venezuelans, Ecuadoreans and Peruvians.

Petro’s authorities in an announcement later introduced that the South American nation’s presidential plane had been made obtainable to facilitate the return of migrants who had been to reach hours earlier on the U.S. army airplanes and assure them “dignified circumstances.”

As a part of a flurry of actions to make good on Trump’s marketing campaign guarantees to crack down on unlawful immigration, his authorities is utilizing active-duty army to assist safe the border and perform deportations.

Two U.S. Air Pressure C-17 cargo planes carrying migrants faraway from the U.S. touched down early Friday in Guatemala. That very same day, Honduras acquired two deportation flights carrying a complete of 193 folks.

Colombia is the U.S.’s fourth-largest abroad provider of crude oil, delivery about 209,000 barrels of oil per day final 12 months, though booming home manufacturing has lowered the U.S.’ dependence on international oil. The South American nation can also be the U.S.’s largest provider of recent reduce flowers.

Unofficial reviews surrounding the actions of Babak Zanjani, as soon as Iran’s richest man and a determine synonymous with corruption and sanctions evasion, have reignited public and media curiosity.

Latest reviews in Iranian media counsel that Zanjani, regardless of being formally incarcerated, could also be laying the groundwork for formidable financial tasks, together with ventures in cryptocurrency, aviation, and oil transport.

The conservative Khorasan each day just lately questioned reviews about Zanjani’s involvement in launching a cryptocurrency financial institution named Bit Financial institution. Social media customers have mentioned {that a} signal bearing the financial institution’s title has been noticed on a constructing in Tehran, fueling hypothesis about Zanjani’s return to financial actions.

“Are the claims concerning Babak Zanjani’s new actions true? In that case, will he be launched from jail, granted conditional freedom as beforehand talked about by his lawyer, or will he launch a brand new spherical of financial actions from inside jail?” Khorasan requested in a current editorial.

A video uploaded to a YouTube account in December attributed to Zanjani detailed plans for a blockchain-based financial initiative, describing Iran’s economic system as fertile floor for such improvements.

The timing of those actions raises eyebrows, given the Trump administration’s potential return to a most stress coverage in opposition to Iran. Cryptocurrency, notably tasks pegged to secure property just like the greenback, might function a instrument for evading sanctions. Nevertheless, no concrete proof hyperlinks Zanjani immediately to those developments past the circulating social media claims.

Including to the intrigue are notes attributed to Zanjani on social media suggesting the institution of an airline, Dot One, which guarantees to rework Iran’s aviation business.

One other report mentioned that Zanjani intends to launch a large-scale oil transport operation involving 1000’s of tanker vans. Whereas the authenticity of those statements stays unsure, the formidable tone mirrors the daring tasks Zanjani was related to throughout his heyday.

Conservative media retailers in Iran have referred to as on judiciary officers to make clear Zanjani’s authorized and operational standing.

In response to hypothesis about Zanjani’s launch from jail, judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir earlier mentioned: “Babak Zanjani has neither been launched neither is he on depart.” The official mentioned that no current developments help claims of Zanjani’s launch.

However, Zanjani’s lawyer, Rasoul Kouhpayeizadeh, fueled hypothesis by posting a photograph on Instagram displaying Zanjani with a person dressed as somebody from a Persian Gulf Arab nation, tagged at a location in Tehran. The submit’s ambiguous nature has solely added to the thriller surrounding Zanjani’s actual standing and whereabouts.

A Legacy of Controversy

Zanjani’s rise and fall stay one of the vital contentious episodes in Iran’s current financial historical past. As soon as valued at $13.5 billion, Zanjani was seen as a key participant in circumventing sanctions underneath President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His networks laundered billions by advanced schemes spanning Turkey, Indonesia, and Central Asia. Arrested in Iran in 2013, Zanjani was convicted of embezzling $1.9 billion in oil revenues, incomes him a dying sentence later commuted to twenty years in jail. The federal government charged that he pocketed cash from oil exports insted of returning it to the treasury.

Whereas some officers have praised Zanjani for ultimately returning the property, many argue that his in depth operations have been enabled by high-level complicity. The secrecy surrounding his dealings and cooperation with authorities have led many to view him as a determine too well-connected to face the total penalties of his actions.

Zanjani’s resurgence coincides with Iran’s ongoing financial disaster. As sanctions persist, limiting oil exports and entry to worldwide banking, the federal government struggles with funds deficits and hyperinflation. Cryptocurrency tasks and privatized oil transport ventures, if materialized, might provide different income streams for Iran’s beleaguered economic system.

But, the anomaly surrounding Zanjani’s actions and the shortage of official acknowledgment depart extra questions than solutions.

Out of 32 NFL groups, solely 4 have been left standing Sunday as they hoped to earn a spot within the upcoming 2025 Tremendous Bowl.

The playoffs got here to an finish Jan. 26. The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles confronted off within the NFC championship earlier than the Buffalo Payments and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, who’ve been going head-to-head for the previous few years, battled to symbolize the AFC.

The Eagles defeated the Commanders 55-23 within the first recreation of the day to turn into the NFC champions and safe their spot within the NFL championship recreation. Then, the Chiefs received their fifth AFC championship in six years, defeating the Payments 32-29.

The Eagles and Chiefs will meet at Tremendous Bowl 2025, a repeat of 2023. The sport’s date, time, location and famous person halftime present performer have already been introduced. Learn on to study extra about Tremendous Bowl 2025.

When is Tremendous Bowl 2025?

The most important soccer recreation and sports activities occasion of the yr, Tremendous Bowl 2025, will happen on Sunday, Feb. 9. The sport shall be held two weeks after the NFC and AFC championships, giving the successful groups an prolonged break earlier than the matchup. 

What time does the sport begin?

The official kickoff time for Tremendous Bowl 2025 is 6:30 p.m. ET. 

However, followers ought to tune in early to catch among the first Tremendous Bowl adverts and see the pregame leisure. The NFL confirmed in November that Jon Batiste will sing the nationwide anthem, musician Trombone Shorty will carry out “America The Stunning” with Grammy-winner Lauren Daigle. Fellow Grammy-winner Ledisi will sort out “Raise Each Voice and Sing.” 

The place is Tremendous Bowl 2025 being held?

Soccer followers will quickly make their technique to Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, for the sport. The stadium is the house of the New Orleans Saints, who didn’t make the playoffs this season. 

Who’s performing on the Tremendous Bowl 2025 halftime present?

The NFL revealed in September that Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Apple Music Tremendous Bowl halftime present. Lamar shared the information by merely tweeting, “Tremendous Bowl LIX. New Orleans” on Sept. 8 and posting a hyperlink to a YouTube video. 

Within the clip, the “Not Like Us” rapper stands in entrance of an enormous American flag on a soccer area as he masses footballs right into a launcher machine. 

“What the deal, everyone? My title’s Kendrick Lamar, and I’ll be acting at Tremendous Bowl 59. Will you be pulling up?” he asks. “I hope so. it’s just one alternative to win a championship, no spherical twos.”

He provides, “I received’t need you to overlook it. Meet me in New Orleans. February 9, 2025. Put on your finest dressed, too, even if you happen to’re watching from residence.” 

On Jan. 23, Apple Music introduced on X a particular visitor who will be part of Lamar on the sphere. In one other video, Lamar is proven strolling on a soccer area as he talks on the cellphone. “I’ve been excited about a visitor performer…” he says as SZA surprises him by dumping a bucket of Gatorade on his head. 

SZA and Lamar have teamed up earlier than. They beforehand collaborated on the track “All The Stars,” which appeared on the soundtrack for “Black Panther.” The track was later nominated on the 2019 Grammys and 2019 Academy Awards. 

The best way to watch Tremendous Bowl 2025

Tremendous Bowl 2025 shall be televised nationally on Fox. It’ll additionally stream on the NFL app and the platform Tubi.

Tubi’s protection features a pre-game present hosted by Olivia Culpo that begins at 3:30 p.m. ET. 

If he digs again by means of the archives, Khusanov will discover he isn’t the primary January signing to endure a tortuous bow at Etihad Stadium.

Certainly, he lasted longer on this sport than former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, who was changed at half-time 19 years in the past in a derby away at Metropolis.

He did not do too badly after that.

However, at simply 20 years outdated, with an expert profession that extends to simply 70 video games of senior soccer and little grasp of English, Khusanov goes to want time.

“It was not one of the best begin after all however he’ll take a lesson,” mentioned Guardiola. “He’s so younger and has come for a few years. He did not make one coaching session with us. We got here from Ipswich and PSG, so it was simply restoration, restoration, restoration.

“I must be taught Russian or Uzbek to speak with him as a result of he would not communicate English fluently however in that type of scenario, there may be nothing a lot to say. He is aware of he made a mistake. So I take him to 1 facet and say what? Do not make a mistake?”

Khusanov’s preliminary mistake was to move the ball straight to Nicolas Jackson, deep within the Metropolis half, who squared for Noni Madueke to complete.

When Chelsea subsequent attacked, he misplaced possession in his personal half once more and, determined to make amends, chopped down Cole Palmer and was booked. It was the earliest yellow card for a participant on their Premier League debut since Lee Peltier for Cardiff towards Bournemouth in 2018.

Redknapp added: “I felt [playing Abdukodir Khusanov] was a little bit of a threat. It is much less of a threat for [Omar] Marmoush, however whenever you’re enjoying as a centre-back it is much more tough.

“I believe Pep proper now will probably be pondering ‘I should not have performed him’. It was a very tough debut. Hopefully he’ll be a stronger participant for it.”

Metropolis’s gamers noticeably supplied their help and when Khusanov was changed by John Stones 9 minutes into the second half, an appreciative crowd responded.

“I did not make the substitution for the error,” mentioned Guardiola. “I did it for the yellow card. Additionally, I want John Stones on Wednesday.”

Wednesday is when Metropolis play their last Champions League first-phase sport, needing to beat Membership Brugge to qualify for the play-offs.

Their different new recruits, Omar Marmoush and Vitor Reis, should not allowed to play in that match both.

Whereas teenager Reis watched the sport from the dugout, Marmoush additionally began and seemed a menace, having a objective disallowed for offside and displaying loads of indicators that his mixture with Haaland could possibly be worthwhile.

“I’ve seen him within the Bundesliga,” Haaland advised BBC Match of the Day. “You possibly can see he has one thing particular and it will be improbable enjoying with him.”

Shearer added on BBC Match of the Day: “I used to be impressed with Marmoush. He was a menace, introduced some power and had tempo and a willingness.

“He was vivid, full of life and acquired good balls into the field. I appreciated the best way he wished to get into the field and he did his shift defensively. His understanding with Haaland confirmed promise as properly.”

Manchester Metropolis vs Chelsea LIVE

Manchester Metropolis bounced again after conceding an early aim to beat Chelsea 3-1 on the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, sparing the blushes of their debutant defender Abdukodir Khusanov whose error gifted the guests the lead.

The win lifts Pep Guardiola’s aspect to fourth within the desk on 41 factors, 12 adrift of leaders Liverpool, who’ve a recreation in hand, and one level forward of Chelsea, who slip to sixth.

Uzbek Khusanov, signed this week from French aspect Lens, received his Metropolis profession off to the worst doable begin when his mistake within the third minute allowed Nicolas Jackson to steal the ball and sq. it for Noni Madueke to place Chelsea in entrance.

Metropolis struck again although, with defender Josko Gvardiol levelling three minutes earlier than halftime and Erling Haaland placing the hosts in entrance after 68 minutes earlier than Phil Foden’s breakaway aim within the 87th wrapped up the three factors.

Man Metropolis vs Chelsea newest updates

• GOAL! Foden seals the win two minutes from time

• GOAL! Haaland takes benefit of Sanchez error

• GOAL! Gvardiol ranges it up after Nunes denied

• GOAL! Khusanov howler presents Madueke early aim

Full-time!

19:24 , Alex Younger

95min: There’s the whistle!

A deserved win for the champions.

19:21 , Alex Younger

92min: Madueke tries his luck from the angle however his shot flies out for a throw in.

19:20 , Alex Younger

91min: 5 minutes added on.

19:19 , Alex Younger

89min: Sanchez will rightly be criticised after the sport, however Chelsea have barely laid a glove on Metropolis since their third-minute aim.

GOAL!

19:17 , Alex Younger

88min: They’re not nervous anymore!

Foden runs by means of a slots previous Sanchez to seal all three factors.

19:16 , Alex Younger

86min: Into the ultimate 5 minutes and a way of nervousness has enveloped the Etihad.

19:13 , Alex Younger

83min: Now Kovacic booked for a foul on Palmer. The Metropolis man seems bewildered, however he ought to see the replay.

19:11 , Alex Younger

81min: Chalobah does effectively to carry off Haaland on the midway line. Chelsea attempting to push Metropolis again.

19:08 , Alex Younger

79min: Bernardo booked for a late lunge on Fernandez.

19:03 , Alex Younger

73min: De Bruyne is on for Marmoush.

James and Sancho changed by Gusto and Neto.

19:02 , Alex Younger

72min: Madeuke tries to drift a cross in direction of the again put up, however he’s offside.

19:00 , Alex Younger

69min: How lengthy can Maresca hold defending Sanchez?

GOAL!

18:58 , Alex Younger

68min: Metropolis lead and it’s Haaland and it’s one other shocker from Sanchez!

The keeper goes walkabout, comes out for the lengthy ball however then adjustments his thoughts and Haaland simply lobs him from 25 yards.

18:57 , Alex Younger

67min: Marmoush with an excellent likelihood to open his account, however blazes over from the sting of the realm.

18:54 , Alex Younger

64min: It’s all very cagey for the time being. Metropolis maybe edging it.

18:50 , Alex Younger

60min: Jackson changed by Nkunku.

Malik Ouzia studies

18:48 , Alex Younger

Nicolas Jackson’s decision-making – other than the quite simple one in passing for the aim – has been a bit muddled in the present day. Maybe feeling a little bit of strain on this scoring drought.

18:48 , Alex Younger

58min: One other likelihood for Jackson as he stands up Stones however then goes for aim on his personal quite than await Fernandez.

It’s a weak shot. Straightforward for Ederson.

18:45 , Alex Younger

55min: In the meantime, Chalobah continues to be requiring some remedy after a conflict. He’ll be positive to proceed, it seems like.

18:43 , Alex Younger

54min: Khusanov’s debut is over, changed by Stones.

The Metropolis followers applaud him, which is nice to see.

18:41 , Alex Younger

51min: Chelsea survive as Haaland will get the higher of Colwill to check Sanchez with a fierce drive.

The following aim is big, right here.

18:38 , Alex Younger

48min: James lastly makes some headway down the suitable, sprinting throughout the midway line, however there’s Gvardiol to cease him.

18:37 , Alex Younger

47min: No adjustments, by the best way.

18:34 , Alex Younger

46min: Again underway for the second half.

18:31 , Alex Younger

Does Maresca make adjustments on the break? Madueke could be in danger.

18:25 , Alex Younger

Madueke scored an early opener however the hosts appeared the extra harmful thereon, ultimately scoring a deserved equaliser.

Metropolis actually doing a job on James, and Madueke isn’t serving to out his captain.

Half-time

18:18 , Alex Younger

48min: Loads for each managers to ponder.

18:17 , Alex Younger

45min: Two minutes added on.

Malik Ouzia studies

18:15 , Alex Younger

An instance there of what I used to be speaking about with Madueke.

He was ball-watching and didn’t make any form of pressing try and get again in entrance of Gvardiol whereas Nunes was bearing down on aim. When the free ball broke, it was too late.

GOAL!

18:14 , Alex Younger

41min: It’s been coming!

Gvardiol lastly will get his aim, tucking dwelling the rebound after Sanchez saved Nunes’ first effort.

18:12 , Alex Younger

40min: Oh, Gvardiol is inches away once more!

Makes a unbelievable run, loses James with ease, however can’t direct a shot on the transfer on the right track.

18:11 , Alex Younger

39min: Much more time-wasting by Chelsea. Colwill is admittedly treading a tightrope.

18:08 , Alex Younger

36min: Marmoush could be very energetic on that left-hand aspect. James is having a proper outdated time attempting to comprise him and Gvardiol.

Malik Ouzia studies

18:07 , Alex Younger

An enormous let-off for Robert Sanchez, who is correct within the highlight once more after his flap towards Wolves on Monday after which a not precisely bullish defence by Maresca yesterday.

NO GOAL!

18:06 , Alex Younger

34min: Marmoush thinks he has opened his Metropolis account, however he’s offside.

Sanchez’s blushes saved.

Malik Ouzia studies

18:04 , Alex Younger

Levi Colwill must be a bit cautious right here. Referees are likely to shirk the second yellow for timewasting however the dwelling crowd are ensuring John Brooks is effectively conscious of it.

18:04 , Alex Younger

32min: It’s whipped into Foden by Marmoush, however the cross is just a little over his head so can not direct a header on the right track.

18:04 , Alex Younger

31min: One other free kick for Metropolis, this one about 30 yards out, after Marmoush is fouled.

18:01 , Alex Younger

29min: Jackson twists and turns inside the realm, however fails to beat Ederson, after which the offside flag.

Chelsea an actual menace.

Malik Ouzia studies

17:59 , Alex Younger

One other alternative missed there by Chelsea to play Jackson in behind early. There’s a lot house past a jittery Metropolis back-four.

17:59 , Alex Younger

27min: A very good likelihood for Chelsea as Madueke drives the ball into the realm however waits too lengthy to discover a team-mate.

17:57 , Alex Younger

26min: Colwill booked for time-wasting already. Deary me.

17:56 , Alex Younger

25min: Gvardiol picks up the ball on the again put up, cuts onto his proper however blazes a shot over.

An enormous, enormous likelihood.

17:55 , Alex Younger

23min: James offers away a very sloppy free kick on the sting of the realm. Marmoush fancies this… however hits the set-piece straight into the wall.

Malik Ouzia studies

17:54 , Alex Younger

You’ve seen the distinction when it comes to defensive consciousness from Chelsea’s two wingers already on this recreation. Jadon Sancho is monitoring these Nunes runs from deep however Madueke hasn’t realised the Gvardiol menace.

17:54 , Alex Younger

21min: As I typed that, once more Gvardiol has acres of house down the left and nearly places it on a plate for Marmoush… who stretches however can’t attain.

17:52 , Alex Younger

20min: Metropolis bossing possession, however doing little with it. Chelsea comfortable to allow them to have it, they give the impression of being able to pounce.

17:50 , Alex Younger

17min: Kovacic seems for Nunes with a ball ahead however the latter fails to beat the offside flag.

Play has calmed.

Malik Ouzia studies

17:47 , Alex Younger

Chelsea need to reap the benefits of Khusanov’s apparent nerves right here. They want Nicolas Jackson operating off the again of him at each alternative.

17:45 , Alex Younger

13min: Gvardiol having loads of luck down the left for the time being. James struggling to trace him.

17:42 , Alex Younger

10min: Straight up the opposite finish and Foden cracks the put up from inside the realm.

A blistering shot.

Assault vs assault for the time being.

17:41 , Alex Younger

9min: Why didn’t Palmer shoot?!

He runs by means of and has simply Ederson to beat, however goes to search out Jackson as an alternative and the cross is just too heavy so the transfer breaks down.

Malik Ouzia studies

17:38 , Alex Younger

A dream begin for Chelsea, although. Noni Madueke has scored in back-to-back video games with two of the only finishes you can ever want to see.

17:38 , Alex Younger

6min: Metropolis desperately have to calm issues down. Chelsea have their tails up.

Malik Ouzia studies

17:36 , Alex Younger

I’ll degree with you, I’ve not watched Abdukodir Khusanov play earlier than. There’ll, presumably, be 1000’s of others in the identical place and on his first 4 minutes right here he seems like a pub participant.

17:36 , Alex Younger

4min: Oh expensive, Khusanov is struggling right here. Is now booked for a foul on Palmer.

GOAL!

17:35 , Alex Younger

3min: Oh, effectively then!

Khusanov’s cross again to Ederson is poor, and Jackson is readily available to place it on a plate for Madueke to faucet into an open aim.

17:33 , Alex Younger

2min: Appears like Marmoush off the left, then.

Kick-off!

17:31 , Alex Younger

1min: Underway on the Etihad.

17:29 , Alex Younger

A tribute to Denis Regulation earlier than we get underway.

17:25 , Alex Younger

Right here they arrive!

17:22 , Alex Younger

Not lengthy to go now. Groups again of their dressing room.

17:17 , Alex Younger

That is the primary time James, Colwill and Chalobah have all began a Premier League recreation for Chelsea.

Guardiola on Marmoush and Khusanov debuts

17:14 , Alex Younger

“They have not skilled a lot, however they carry vitality as they arrive having performed frequently [at their former clubs].”

17:05 , Alex Younger

Chelsea haven’t crushed Metropolis, Arsenal or Liverpool for the reason that begin of the 2022-23 season.

That’s a really poor report.

16:59 , Alex Younger

Liverpool and Arsenal have each received.

Time for deal with the Etihad.

Man Metropolis remorse apparent as Palmer returns once more as key Chelsea chief

16:49 , Alex Younger

The battle of fourth and fifth on the Etihad on Saturday may show an important chapter in deciding which of the 2 sides seals Champions League soccer for subsequent season. It’s, for each Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis, a vital match certainly.

However it’s also a ‘right here’s what you can have received’ second for Pep Guardiola and Metropolis — Cole Palmer’s return to his former membership a subplot that’s unimaginable to miss.

The contrasting fortunes of the 2 sides’ attacking midfielders is little question a contributing issue to their diverging seasons. Chelsea are having fun with a comparatively blissful first marketing campaign underneath Enzo Maresca, definitely when in comparison with the earlier two; Metropolis are champions 4 seasons on the trot however this time period can so usually be discovered taking part in like they’ve collectively seen a ghost.

Whereas Phil Foden is simply now starting to point out indicators of life this season by complementing Erling Haaland’s aim provide, Chelsea followers are being handled to a different season of scintillating creativity from their very own playmaker, Palmer. That, Metropolis, is what you can have received.

Following 25 objectives and 15 assists in his first season at Chelsea, the 22-year-old has 20 aim contributions from 22 league video games for the Blues this time period. The presence of Foden was the primary impediment between Palmer and the portions of recreation time he longed for at Metropolis. Already, Palmer has usurped Foden as one of many Premier League’s really nice skills.

As he returns to face the membership that so bizarrely sanctioned his sale in September 2023 for simply £40million plus £2.5m in add-ons, it needn’t be stated that he may have the deciding say in how Saturday’s assembly pans out.

“I don’t assume so,” stated Maresca on Friday after a pause and a ponder, when requested whether or not Metropolis would possibly remorse having ever offered Palmer to Chelsea.

Learn extra right here!

16:45 , Alex Younger

Will probably be actually attention-grabbing to see how Marmoush will get on in the present day. Comes with an enormous status after some blistering kind in Germany.

An enormous step up, this, although.

16:34 , Alex Younger

One other massive recreation for this man.

16:25 , Alex Younger

Manchester Metropolis hand debuts to new signings Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov for tonight’s dwelling go to o Chelsea within the Premier League.

Marmoush arrived this week in a deal wroth £64million and goes straight into Pep Guardiola’s assault, and is joined by Khusanov within the beginning XI. Fellow new arrival Vitor Reis is on the bench.

Chelsea welcome again captain Enzo Fernandez from damage, as Noni Madueke retains his place and Jadon Sancho is available in for Neto.

Confirmed group information

16:19 , Alex Younger

Man Metropolis XI: Ederson, Nunes, Khusanov, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Marmoush, Foden, Haaland

Subs: Ortega Stones, Grealish, De Bruyne, Reis, Savinho, O’Reilly, Lewis, McAtee

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Subs: Jorgensen, Gusto, Acheampong, Disasi, Tosin, Dewsbury-Corridor, Neto, Nkunku, Guiu

Chelsea XI

16:16 , Alex Younger

…and the guests!

Man Metropolis XI

16:15 , Alex Younger

Two debuts for Metropolis!

16:13 , Alex Younger

Appears like Gundogan begins for the hosts.

15:57 , Alex Younger

Crew information to return in quarter-hour.

15:49 , Alex Younger

It’s a chilly, however lovely, day in Manchester.

Maresca: Palmer could be our Salah

15:41 , Alex Younger

Enzo Maresca stated Cole Palmer could be Chelsea’s reply to Mohamed Salah.

The pinnacle coach reiterated his reward for Palmer’s show throughout Monday’s 3-1 victory over Wolves which ended a five-match winless run, specifically the best way during which the 22-year-old took cost of a doubtlessly hazardous state of affairs to assist his aspect see out a much-needed end result.

“He’s enhancing lots however not simply when it comes to numbers of objectives and assists,” stated Maresca. “The second half towards Wolves for me was among the finest moments since I arrived right here. He was exhibiting character, he was asking for the ball in any second that the group wanted it.

“Liverpool once they have some (troublesome) second, Salah is asking for the ball. Arsenal once they have some downside, (Martin) Odegaard is asking for the ball.

“We want that type of participant after we are in some troublesome second, who is popping to his team-mates and saying ‘give me the ball, don’t be concerned, I will probably be in cost’.

“This sort of character that we’ve got to point out in a troublesome second. Towards Wolves within the second half he was high.”

Pep: Groups now not afraid of Metropolis

15:35 , Alex Younger

Guardiola says groups have modified techniques as a result of they’re now not intimidated by Manchester Metropolis.

“Everybody got here to the Etihad and stayed again,” he stated on Friday. “The primary group I noticed man-marking was Neil Warnock at Cardiff. Now everyone does it. Everyone comes right here, it would not matter, man-to-man.

“They only leap on (Metropolis’s goalkeepers) Ederson or Stefan (Ortega). It’s important to adapt, it’s important to be higher with the ball, in any other case you’ll not qualify for the Champions League.

“Pace is vital, however towards PSG we ran greater than they did. Our downside is with the ball. That’s what we’ve got been missing this season.

“When you may have the ball and you do not cross it correctly to your accomplice, every thing is so troublesome.”

Match odds

15:29 , Alex Younger

Regardless of their struggles, Man Metropolis are the clear favourites to win in the present day.

They haven’t misplaced to Chelsea for the reason that 2021 Champions League last.

• Man Metropolis to win: 11/10

• Draw: 29/10

• Chelsea to win: 9/4

Rating prediction

15:23 , Alex Younger

This needs to be a very entertaining recreation underneath the lights on the Etihad. Neither group are recognized to place the brakes on, particularly Metropolis at dwelling, so Chelsea will sense a possibility towards their leaky defence.

Chelsea, too, have struggled to maintain clear sheets of late, so objectives needs to be a assure. Can Enzo Maresca get one over on his former mentor? Will Metropolis be boosted by their trio of January signings?

Draw, 2-2.

Chelsea group information

15:15 , Alex Younger

Chelsea will probably be with out Romeo Lavia and Joao Felix in the present day.

Belgian worldwide Lavia, who endured a torrid first marketing campaign at Stamford Bridge final time period resulting from damage, has a muscle downside.

He picked up the problem towards Bournemouth final week and missed Monday night time’s 3-1 win over Wolves.

On Friday, Blues boss Enzo Maresca revealed Lavia has didn’t recuperate from that damage and will probably be out for weeks, however that Levi Colwill (knock) and Enzo Fernandez (muscle fatigue) are each in line to return towards Metropolis after additionally lacking the Wolves win.

There will probably be no Felix for Chelsea on the Etihad, with the Portuguese ahead having flown dwelling after being granted compassionate go away following a latest household bereavement.

Trevoh Chalobah may begin once more after his man-of-the-match show towards Wolves, which was his first look for Chelsea upon returning to the membership following his early recall from a season-long mortgage spell at Crystal Palace.

Fellow centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are each nonetheless sidelined, whereas winger Mykhailo Mudryk stays unavailable.

Man Metropolis group information

15:10 , Alex Younger

Manchester Metropolis may hand new signing Omar Marmoush a swift debut this afternoon.

The Egyptian ahead accomplished his £64million switch from German aspect Eintracht Frankfurt this week and is anticipated to go straight into the matchday squad, with fellow new arrivals Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov additionally in rivalry.

Ruben Dias requested to return off throughout Wednesday night time’s chaotic 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League.

The Portuguese defender had solely simply returned from a muscle damage however will miss out towards Chelsea on Saturday night, alongside winger Jeremy Doku.

John Stones is match once more, though none of Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb or Rodri are anticipated again for Metropolis at this stage.

watch Man Metropolis vs Chelsea

15:03 , Alex Younger

TV channel: The sport will probably be broadcast reside within the UK on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion, Sky Sports activities Premier League and Sky Sports activities Extremely HDR. Protection begins at 5pm GMT forward of a 5:30pm kick-off.

Reside stream: Sky Sports activities subscribers will even be capable of watch on a reside stream on-line through the Sky Go app.

Welcome

14:58 , Alex Younger

Good afternoon and welcome to the London Customary’s LIVE protection of the Premier Leauge conflict between Manchester Metropolis and Chelsea.

Two giants of English soccer however, at the moment two very unpredictable sides meet on the Etihad.

Will we see one, two, three or zero debutants for Metropolis in the present day? Will Palmer flip up towards his for former aspect?

Kick-off is at 5.30pm. Stick to us.