Can Manchester United pull off something special? That’s the talk in everyone’s mouth as the Red Devils head into the Parc des Princes staring at an impossible mission ahead. Well, if one club is going to do it… 

However, they’ve made the impossible possible so many times over the few years and this is also Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s biggest opportunity to prove himself as Sir Alex Ferguson’s worthy successor.

That being said, even if United can’t pull off the win, not all is lost for them. They headed into the fixture as heavy underdogs due to Paris Saint Germain’s firepower and are not properly equipped to oust them.

While being knocked out of the Champions League really and truly stings, the Red Devils’ schedule will be cleared up.

They’ll be able to focus completely on reaching a top-four finish in the Premier League and with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal being busy with European commitment, United could surge ahead.

Indeed, with all the mounting injuries, a lighter schedule also helps ease the fatigue of players, allowing them to continue playing “The United way” without repercussions.

The Red Devils can also focus on winning the FA Cup, where they face Wolves later this month. Considering their disastrous start under Jose Mourinho, a top-four finish and winning the FA Cup would be considered as a successful campaign by many.

Knowing their mentality, United will give their all to defeat PSG even with an injury-depleted team.  However, they shouldn’t be heart-broken if progression isn’t attained, as there’s still much to play for in the coming months.

Manchester United fans, do you think getting knocked out will help the top-four charge? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

A 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend has surely alleviated fears of relegation for Southampton fans, right?

The arrival of Ralph Hasenhuttl in December has undeniably led to a marked improvement for the Saints following a dismal start to their Premier League campaign under former boss Mark Hughes.

Impressive displays against the likes of Spurs and Arsenal at St. Mary’s Stadium have been backed up by promising performances on their travels against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks.

Yet despite their results against the Premier League’s traditional top six sides, Southampton have struggled to replicate their form against teams who are also threatened by relegation as illustrated by their recent 2-1 loss at home to Cardiff City.

With his side currently 16th in the league standings and just two points above the relegation zone, Hassenhuttl will know that a defeat on their travels against Brighton & Hove Albion on March 30th could see them fall back into the danger zone.

Although the Championship is hardly unfamiliar territory for the Saints giving the fact that they have spent five of the last thirteen seasons in the second level of England’s footballing pyramid, a return to that level could see the departure of a whole host of players.

The only way that Southampton could realistically keep a hold of the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand is by remaining in the Premier League and so the next eight games are crucial for the club’s immediate future.

36 points were enough for the Saints to stay up last season yet Hasenhuttl will be aiming for the magic total of 40 which should easily secure survival this year. With his side currently 10 points away from this mark, the former RB Leipzig boss will be targeting games against Brighton, Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town as key clashes to achieve their goal.

Whereas a defeat to the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium at the end of March may not prove to be a defining result in Southampton’s season, it could put a big enough dent in their confidence to cause concern amongst supporters.

Hassenhuttl’s future with the club may also be defined by the outcome of this season as relegation to the Championship could bring about the real possibility of him departing from his role at St Mary’s.

What do you think Southampton fans? Do you think your club are too complacent when they face sides outside of the top six? Will you stay up this season? Let us know below…

غادر سبعة لاعبين مقر نادي يوفنتوس صباح، الاثنين الماضي، وقد يواجهون غرامات قوية بسبب كسرهم قواعد الإجراءات الاحترازية بفيروس كورونا المستجد، كوفيد 19.

وتم اكتشاف حالتين مصُابتين بفيروس كورونا يوم، السبت الماضي، لذلك فرض يوفنتوس عزلة داخل معسكره في كونتاسا.

كشفت عدة تقارير في إيطاليا أن، جيانلويجي بوفون وميريح ديميرال، قد قررا مغادرة المعسكر والعودة إلى ديارهما صباح، الاثنين، في حين انضم خمسة آخرون إلى منتخباتهم الوطينة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ديمبلي رفض مانشستر يونايتد من أجل يوفنتوس

ورحل رودريجو بنتانكور، خوان كوادرادو، دانيلو، باولو ديبالا وكريستيانو رونالدو من أجل الانضمام إلى معسكرات منتخب بلادهم التي بدأت منذ أيام.

تزعم التقارير أن يوفنتوس لم يستطع منعهم من المغادرة وعندما غادر اللاعبون مقر النادي، أصبحت مسئولية إصابتهم فردية.

وسيقوم نادي يوفنتوس بإخطار الصحة العامة بأسماء اللاعبين المغادرين لمعسكره وسيقومون بإبلاغ مكتب المدعي العام، ليخلوا مسئولية النادي من إصابة أي لاعب منهم بفيروس كورونا.

ويواصل يوفنتوس التدريبات تحت قيادة المدير الفني، أندريا بيرلو، في عزلة تامة، حتى الاطمئنان على حالتهم الصحية ومدى سلامتهم من فيروس كورونا.

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Phil Foden was in scintillating form for the England Under-21 side on Tuesday evening and his outstanding performance has prompted Owen Hargreaves to make a stunning comparison.

What’s the word?

Manchester City have been crucified at regular intervals for failing to start Foden on a regular basis, and his latest performance is only likely to intensify the prominence of that theme.

The 18-year-old was a class above yesterday, showcasing his immaculate ball control and wonderfully crafted technique within an advanced playmaker role.

It was the type of performance to get fans salivating over what the future holds for Stockport’s answer to Andres Iniesta, and Owen Hargreaves’ post-match comments will certainly add to that feeling.

Indeed, the BT Sport pundit was overwhelmed by the individual display, leaving viewers with little uncertainty about his level of appreciation for the rising star’s ability.

“I think Phil is just one of those types of players – a bit like Paul Scholes – he is one or two steps mentally ahead of everyone else.

“He makes the game look easy, he’s silky smooth, got a wand of a left foot, but his intelligence and smartness is what sets him apart”

Similarities to Paul Scholes?

There is something enigmatic about Foden’s development which suggests he possesses the talent to climb to the highest reaches of the game.

Hargreaves’ comparison appears sensationalist on the surface but the basis of his argument is valid: like Scholes, Foden has a footballing brain which is reserved for the elite players in world football.

He does not require any dominant physical quality to thrive in central midfield; his technical ability and awareness ensure that he will always drift into pockets of space unmarked before casting that left wand of his.

Scholes is one of the greatest technicians English football has ever seen, but Foden, valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt, could be the next midfield wizard to blossom into a legend in Manchester.

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According to a report in The Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers are continuing to monitor Charlton Athletic centre-back Patrick Bauer ahead of the summer transfer window, and if they get him they will be answering manager Tony Mowbray’s prayers.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Championship outfit were keen on the 26-year-old last summer as per The Lancashire Telegraph, but the Addicks didn’t want to lose one of their star defenders as they attempted to return to England’s second tier.

However, the German is now into the final few months of his contract at The Valley, and The Lancashire Telegraph report that he hasn’t changed his previous stance of not wanting to commit his future to the south London outfit.

That means he could leave Charlton for nothing this summer, and his future may depend on whether Lee Bowyer’s men go up or not – they look set to finish in the play-offs.

Answering Mowbray’s prayers

The Lancashire Telegraph says that experienced manager has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his backline this summer, with their poor defensive showings on the road ultimately costing them a shot at a top-six finish this term.

Of the 60 goals they have conceded, 42 of those have come on the road and they have seriously lacked height in the backline ever since Darragh Lenihan picked up an injury last month.

Bauer would certainly bring that given he stands at over 6 ft 3, and he has shown consistently with his performances for Charlton that he is ready to star at Championship level.

If they could get a quality centre-back for nothing this summer, Mowbray would be thanking his lucky stars.

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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could be tempted to stick with the same starting XI that beat arch-rivals Birmingham City 1-0 in the second city derby at St Andrew’s on Sunday, but one player is really pushing for a start.

On the chalkboard

Following a two-game absence through suspension, key midfielder John McGinn was only named among the substitutes against the Blues with Smith choosing to stick with the trio of Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane and Jack Grealish in the centre after the 4-0 win against Derby County previously.

The scoreline was 0-0 when McGinn entered the fray as a 62nd minute substitute against Garry Monk’s men, and he made a clear difference in the final third as the visitors eventually ran out 1-0 victors to boost their play-off hopes.

Their trip to Nottingham Forest – whom they are two points adrift of in the Championship standings – on Wednesday night will be another key test of their promotion credentials and they need their best players on the pitch.

McGinn to start?

In a word, yes.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation following his summer arrival at Villa Park, and while the Midlands outfit impressed without the Scot when they thrashed the Rams, he is the sort of player you want in your ranks – on the road especially.

He has that grit, determination and willingness to put his foot in that will be needed against Martin O’Neill’s hosts in midweek, and the only thing Smith needs to decide is who drops out of the XI to accommodate him.

Grealish looks to be a certain starter given the magnitude of the game, and the easy option would probably be to leave the ageing Whelan on the sidelines.

However, the 35-year-old’s experience could be key against Forest, and therefore it is Hourihane who should drop out.

The former Barnsley man may have got on the score-sheet twice against Derby, but he was far more subdued at the weekend even if he was unlucky to hit the woodwork with a fine effort from just outside the penalty area.

Rafa Benitez spoke to the media today for his usual pre-match press conference, and, predictably, had to answer questions about the stories that emerged (as per L’Equipe), suggesting he had signed with an agency to find him a job in France.

He was alleged to have signed with Score Agencies, a Lyon-based company, on March 6, to enlist their help in finding him a management position at a Ligue 1 club next season.

He gave a short, sharp and unequivocal reply, and then wanted to focus on the task at hand — Crystal Palace later.

The Newcastle Chronicle report Rafa said: “I read the story.

“On March 6 I was here training, having lunch, then I left at 7pm or 8pm.

“The only club I am talking to about my future is Newcastle and I am waiting for an answer.

“When? I don’t know.”

That answer puts two things out there, for everyone to be absolutely sure about.

There is now absolutely no doubt that Rafa wants to stay at St James’ Park. He is not even considering any other club… for now.

So any further speculation, rumours, or fantastical stories that arise, about where he is going to be next year, who have made approaches to him personally, and what his plans are this summer, should be taken with less than the proverbial pinch of salt they would usually be afforded.

The second thing, however, is his clever ploy of making it known publicly, that he has told Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley what he wants, what his vision is, and what needs to be done to keep him.

His comment of “I am waiting for an answer” suggests that negotiations — from his side at least — are complete, and it is now up to the owner to agree to his conditions.

It was a shrewd move by Benitez, as he has now placed all the emphasis about a deal on those above him.

He has also made it clear, and Newcastle fans are smart enough to see it, that any failure to come to an agreement will be the fault of Ashley and Charnley alone.

He probably did not need to do so, of course, as almost every Newcastle fan holds the Spaniard in such high regard, they would always be likely to side with him, over their distrusted and disliked owner anyway.

One thing everyone knows about Benitez, is that he is a clever man, and never does or says anything by accident.

He knew these questions would be asked, and he could have straight-batted them away with an “I don’t want to talk about my future” comment.

But he chose not to, and in turn has made a public statement and let everyone know where he, and the drawn-out contract saga stands, and that is a significant move on his part.

What do you think about Rafa’s comments at the press conference today? Will Ashley and Charnley take note? We want to hear your thoughts…

كشف مصدر بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، النقاب عن قرارات جديد اتخذتها اللجنة الخماسية المكلفة بإدارة الجبلاية.

وأوضح المصدر لـ”بطولات” أنه تقرر عدم السماح لأي ناد بالدوري بقيد لاعبين جُدد إلا بعد تسوية مستحقات اتحاد الكرة.

وتتحمل الأندية الـ١٨ بالدوري مديونات لاتحاد الكرة من نسبة البث التلفزيوني.

طالع أيضًا | الانضباط تغرم أمير مرتضى 50 ألف وتستدعي ممثلي الأهلي والزمالك للتحقيق

كما أن جميع أندية الدوري مديونة بأجور الحكام التي يسددها اتحاد الكرة نيابة عن الأندية ثم يتم تسويتها معهم ماليًا.

وشدد المصدر على أن الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وجميع أندية الدوري والكأس ممنوعين من القيد لحين تسوية ديون الاتحاد.

وكان اتحاد الكرة قد أعلن عن لائحة القيد الصيفي لهذا الموسم وفتح الباب منذ العاشر من الشهر الجاري، والمنتظر أن يستمر حتى الرابع من نوفمبر باستثناء الأندية المشاركة في بطولتي إفريقيا.

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Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was involved in a shocking incident during Sunday’s derby clash with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s when a pitch invader attacked him from behind, and we have all now seen plenty of images of the perpetrator and what he did.

However, there are some photos in the aftermath of the altercation that have gone under the radar, including the following one that shows Blues players gathering round the 23-year-old to ask if he is ok and to help the Villans captain to his feet.

On a day where one individual brought shame upon the game of football, it was good to see that even though it was a hostile occasion between two teams desperate for the bragging rights, the hosts were able to instantly react in the right way – as you would expect.

Who has been the Championship’s best player this season? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video below…

Of course, Grealish went on to score the decisive goal in a crucial 1-0 win for his team, which took them one point above Garry Monk’s side in the league standings and just four adrift of the top six.

With one point separating the two and 10 fixtures remaining, it is still very much all to play for during the run-in.

Liverpool continued their march towards a first Premier League title with a narrowly fought win over Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend.

The Reds had a late penalty from James Milner to thank for handing them all three points, and the pressure is now back on rivals Man City to keep putting points on the board in what is sure to be an exciting finish to the Premier League season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful of landing that title and bringing success to Anfield, but we here in the Tavern also feel that the club need to be planning for the summer and making some big name signings to keep enhancing their squad.

And one man we feel would be a shrewd addition for the Reds is current Norwich City starlet, Max Aarons, who has been in fine form for the Canaries this season as they sit atop the Championship table.

While Norwich might well see themselves promoted come the end of the season, Aarons would be hard pressed to turn down a move to a club the size of Liverpool.

Despite playing at right back in the main, a position Liverpool do have options in, Aarons is a future star, and his ability to bomb down the wing, gold delivery, and adept defensive ability make him someone who is going to be a target for many top clubs.

Liverpool should therefore ensure they are at the head of that queue of clubs.