TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • We’ve not lost control – GPRTU on high transport fares

    Industrial Relations Director of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Alhaji Abass Imoro, has debunked the notion that GPRTU has lost control over their drivers at a time they unilaterally increase transport fares.

    He nonetheless stated that there is little the association can do under the current circumstance in terms of the inconsistent transport fares.

    “We have not lost control; it is rather those in power who think they can just push anything and run over drivers who have gotten it wrong. The drivers increased the fares themselves and they will take steps to rectify it” he mentioned.

    The current fuel hikes have led to a sharp increase in transport fares and general cost of living in Ghana.

    Transport fares have gone up officially by at least 40% within two weeks, but however, passengers are surprised with inconsistencies in the fares for same route.

    Such inconsistencies have resulted in serious altercation between some passengers and commercial transport operators which is reported to have caused the death of a passenger in Accra.

    The drivers attribute the situation to the incessant increases in fuel prices and blame the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for unceremoniously increasing fuel prices twice outside the agreed pricing window.

    In an interview with Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on Monday 7 November 2022, Alhaji Abass Imoro said that the drivers are charging their own fares on the basis of how they are being hit by the cost of running and maintaining their transport business.

    He added that, the high cost of living and the price hikes of goods and services are compelling the drivers to respond accordingly.

    In his personal view, the Industrial Relations Director of GPRTU stated that it is better the members are working than to park their cars. “If they can charge reasonable and serve Mother Ghana, the better,” Abass Imoro stressed

    “The voice of the people is the voice of God. The drivers themselves have decided and seriously, there is no way we can return it. Unless those who have control over NPA will reason up with them and do something about the fuel prices. The drivers have promised that anytime they increase the fuel, they will also increase the lorry fares.” He said on 3FM Sunrise.

    He added that fuel prices have recently gone up a little over 100% in Ghana whereas other neighboring countries have had relative stability in fuel prices. “I am surprised nobody has spoken anything about that increment of fuel on 26th and 29th of October.”

     

  • Cruyff claims Barcelona’s ‘special’ Man United tie will come too soon

    Jordi Cruyff is relishing a “special” Europa League tie between Barcelona and Manchester United but thinks it is a shame they will not meet later in the competition.

    Barca finished behind Bayern Munich and Inter in Champions League Group C, plunging them into the Europa League for a second consecutive season.

    Monday’s knockout round play-off draw handed the Catalan giants a heavyweight clash with United, which Xavi lamented as the “most difficult” assignment possible.

    Blaugrana sporting director Cruyff, who represented both clubs during his playing days, would like such a mouthwatering tie to have taken place in the latter stages of the Europa League.

    “I think it’s a draw that both teams would have preferred to have further down the line, not so quick, but that’s the beauty of football, you never know what’s going to come,” Cruyff said.

    “It came now, and it’s probably going to be a tough match for both, but also very special as these are two historic football clubs.

    “Barcelona is a club where the pressure is always at the max, everything you start, you always need to win. That’s the pressure that these sorts of clubs have, the same that United will have.

    “For us, it’s a motivation and the fact that we get a team like this so quickly means that this competition isn’t easy at all. It’s difficult, but you know that we’re motivated.”

    Barca have fond memories of their recent fixtures against United, having beaten the Red Devils in four successive meetings – including Champions League final triumphs in 2009 and 2011.


    Source: Livescore

     

  • UK households start to receive £324 cost-of-living payments into bank accounts

    Almost one in four families across the UK will receive £324 from the government this month as the latest Cost of Living Payments are sent out from today (8 November 2022).

    Over 8 million households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who claimed qualifying means-tested benefits during the eligibility period will be automatically paid £324 this month, as part of £1,200 worth of direct help for households.

    The payments, starting today from the Department for Work and Pensions, are made directly into eligible recipients’ bank accounts, with no need for people to apply or do anything to receive it.

    The payment reference on DWP recipients’ bank accounts will be their national insurance number, followed by “DWP COL”. For HMRC recipients the payment reference will be “HMRC COLS”.

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride said: “We understand that people are struggling and that is why we’ve consistently acted to ensure millions of low-income families are supported. We will continue to act with compassion as we navigate challenging global economic circumstances.”

    “As part of a wider £37 billion package of support, this latest £324 payment will help the most vulnerable people in our society who are worrying about their finances through the winter months.”

    The government’s £1,200 support package contains £400 for energy bills that is being paid in monthly instalments to all domestic energy customers between now and March 2023. It also includes a £150 Council Tax rebate for 85% of all UK households and the previous £326 Cost of Living Payment made by DWP in July and by HMRC in September.

    On top of this, nearly one in ten people received the £150 disability payment in September, and a £300 addition to Winter Fuel Payments will go to over eight million pensioner households over the winter.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt added: “Prices are rising across the world as we manage the aftershock of COVID-19 and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. We recognise that families back home are struggling, which is why we’ve taken decisive action to hold down energy bills this winter, and provided hundreds of pounds of cash support for each vulnerable household.”

    “As part of that support, over 8 million vulnerable households – almost a quarter of families in the UK – will automatically receive a second cost of living payment worth £324 in their bank account from today.”

    “And while we can’t completely protect people from rising prices, my priority at the upcoming Autumn Statement will be to protect the poorest in society as we take the tough decisions necessary to fix our public finances.”

    Those eligible to receive the second cost of living payment from today include people on: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support and Pension Credit.

    To be eligible, claimants must have been claiming and entitled to a payment between 26 August and 25 September 2022, with the exception of pensioner households, who may be able to have a new Pension Credit claim backdated.

    They have until 18 December 2022 to submit a valid claim for Pension Credit, which could entitle them to the £324 Cost of Living payment. Anyone can check their eligibility for Pension Credit using the online calculator or by calling the freephone claim line, on: 0800 99 1234.

    Even if you are not on a qualifying DWP benefit you may still be eligible for the £324 payment, as HMRC are also making payments to over a million people who receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit and no other eligible benefits. These will be paid between 23 and 30 November 2022 and customers do not need to contact the government or apply for the payment at any stage.

    The £324 payment and the overall £1,200 package come on top of wide-ranging government support with the cost of living this winter, including an extension to the Household Support Fund, which is providing an extra £421 million between October and March to help vulnerable people with the essentials.

    As well as this, the Energy Price Guarantee is ensuring people across the country pay significantly less for their energy bills, with a typical household saving around £700 this winter.

    Source: Gov.UK

  • Real Madrid miss chance to go top in game against Rayo Vallecano

    Real Madrid missed the chance to return to the LaLiga summit after falling to a 3-2 defeat at Rayo Vallecano.

    Oscar Trejo scored the winner with a contentious second-half penalty.

    Carlo Ancelotti’s side trail leaders Barcelona by two points after losing at Vallecas, where referee Juan Martinez Munuera and the VAR played a significant part on Monday.

    Luka Modric’s penalty and an Eder Militao header had put Madrid into the lead after Santiago Comesana’s opener, before Alvaro Garcia equalised during a breathless first half.

    Yet there was to be more drama when Dani Carvajal was deemed to have encroached as Thibaut Courtois saved a 67th-minute penalty from Trejo, who converted the retake to secure victory.

    Comesana fired Rayo into a fifth-minute lead after angling a first-time left-footed shot past Courtois following Fran Garcia’s whipped left-wing cross.

    Martínez Munuera gave a 37th-minute penalty to Madrid after consulting the touchline monitor following a tangle of legs that saw Marco Asensio felled by Fran Garcia, with Modric coolly converting down the middle from the spot.

    Militao directed a header into the bottom-left corner from Asensio’s inswinging corner to give Madrid the lead, only for Alvaro Garcia to power a left-footed strike past Courtois to equalise three minutes later.

    Courtois saved Trejo’s penalty after Carvajal was adjudged to have handled in the second half – again following a review of the touchline monitor – but the Madrid right-back was penalised for encroachment, allowing the Rayo midfielder to find the bottom-right corner at the second attempt.

    That was to prove the winner, although Madrid almost salvaged a draw when Rodrygo spurned a glorious 89th-minute chance, turning over Asensio’s centre.

    What does it mean? Madrid slip up again

    With Liverpool confirmed as their next Champions League opponents in the last 16, reigning European and Spanish champions Madrid will have to improve both domestically and on the continent after faltering in back-to-back LaLiga games.

    A 1-1 draw against Girona coupled with only Rayo’s second win against Madrid in 21 LaLiga attempts will leave Ancelotti much to ponder with a game to go before November’s World Cup break.

    Andoni Iraola will have much to celebrate, though, despite his second-half dismissal for dissent, after Rayo won three league games in a row for just a second time under his stewardship.

    Classy Comesana

    Comesana appeared to be everywhere for Rayo against Madrid, scoring the opening goal with a coolly taken finish that belied his defensive-midfield position.

    The Rayo man was a dominant force in the middle of the park as well, though, creating three chances and regaining possession eight times – both game-leading figures in just 79 minutes.

    Defensive issues for Madrid

    Madrid often relied on late fightbacks on their way to Champions League and LaLiga glory last season, perhaps masking their defensive issues.

    But Los Blancos have come unstuck this term after keeping just two clean sheets in their first 13 LaLiga games, their lowest tally at this stage of a season since 2013-14 – also under Ancelotti.

    Key Opta Facts

    – Rayo Vallecano have scored three goals against Real Madrid for the second time in their history in LaLiga after October 1977 (3-2 win at home).
    – After drawing at Camp Nou (0-0) and Civitas Metropolitano (1-1), Rayo Vallecano collected points against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the same season in the top flight for the sixth time and first since 1999-2000 (W1 D1 vs Atletico and Barca and D1 L1 vs Real Madrid).
    – Militao has scored six goals for Real Madrid in all competitions, all of them were headers and with a different assistant. Five of those goals were from corners. Since his debut for Los Blancos, no other LaLiga defender has scored more headers than the Brazilian (also with six Gabriel Paulista and German Sanchez).

    What’s next?

    Madrid host Cadiz on Thursday in their last game before the World Cup break, while Rayo are at home to Celta Vigo on the same day.

    Source: Livescore

  • New monogram for Queen Consort Camilla unveiled

    Buckingham Palace has unveiled the new cypher of the Queen Consort, Camilla.

    Designed by Prof Ewan Clayton, it combines Camilla’s initial “C” and “R” for Regina – the Latin word for queen.

    It will be used by Camilla on personal letterheads, cards and gifts.

    Buckingham Palace added that the new symbol will be used on the Queen Consort’s cross which she will lay at the Field of Remembrance on Thursday at Westminster Abbey.

    In September, the palace revealed the new cypher to be used by King Charles III which was personally chosen by him, from a range of designs produced by the College of Arms.

    King Charles’s cypher will be used by government departments and on state documents and post boxes.

    News of the Queen Consort’s cypher comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed an extra bank holiday will take place across the UK to mark the coronation of King Charles III on 8 May, 2023.

    King Charles will be be crowned two days earlier and the Queen Consort will also be crowned on the same date in a similar but simpler ceremony.

    The Queen Consort
    BUCKINGHAM PALACE
    The cypher was designed by Prof Ewan Clayton
    1px transparent line

    But, there won’t be a sudden change on post boxes.

    Almost 70,000 of the current post boxes, about 60% of the total, date from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. But there are still boxes in use from the reign of Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V and VI, and the original cyphers remain until boxes need to be replaced.

    Source: BBC

  • Phillips hopeful of England World Cup inclusion

    Kalvin Phillips hopes to make England’s squad for the World Cup tournament which starts in the next two weeks after “recovering as fast as I possibly can” from shoulder surgery.

    The Manchester City midfielder left Leeds United in the last transfer window to join Pep Guardiola’s side, but he has only played 14 minutes for the Premier League champions this season.

    That has largely been down to a shoulder issue that required surgery in September and left him as a doubt to make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.

    Guardiola confirmed Phillips will be among the substitutes against Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, though, and the 26-year-old hopes a timely recovery will see him make Southgate’s travelling party.

    “The shoulder’s perfectly fine now,” Phillips told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    Speaking on the Monday Night Club, he added: “I have gone through a seven-week process of recovering as fast as I possibly can for the World Cup. Everything is going great.

    “I’ve obviously not done it for quite a long time now, but I’ve kept my fitness up, and I’d like to think I could play 90 minutes.”

    England face Iran in their first game at the World Cup on November 21, but Phillips’ place may be far from guaranteed after making just three substitute appearances since joining City.

    When asked about his chances of boarding the plane to Qatar, Phillips said: “I’m not too sure yet. I’m very hopeful that I can be involved. We will have to wait and see.”

    While chances have been limited for the England international at City, battling with the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan for a midfield spot, Phillips praised Guardiola’s management during his injury issues.

    “Pep has been great, and he has spoken to me quite a lot. It is part of football, and he understands that,” Phillips said.

    “After my first full contact session the other day, he said he would hopefully try and get me minutes against Chelsea.

    “[Following surgery] I spoke to Gareth and told him about my situation. I said I understood if he didn’t select me, but he reassured me that ‘as long as you’re fit enough, and you prove you’re progressing well, there’s always a chance you will be called up’.

    “I’ve done everything in my power to be as fit as possible, and hopefully I will be involved.”

    Source: Livescore

  • COP27: Ukraine a reason to act fast on climate change – Rishi Sunak

    UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has told the UN climate summit COP27 that the war in Ukraine is a reason to act faster to tackle climate change.

    “Climate and energy security go hand-in-hand,” he said in his first international appearance since taking office.

    Leaders from 120 countries are meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt to discuss next steps in curbing climate change.

    Key topics are compensation and support for the most-affected countries.

    “Putin’s abhorrent war in Ukraine and rising energy prices across the world are not a reason to go slow on climate change. They are a reason to act faster,” Mr Sunak said.

    “We can bequeath our children a greener planet and a more prosperous future […] There really is room for hope,” he added.

    In a series of speeches, leaders urged rich countries to stay the course in stopping further climate change, despite the war in Ukraine and global financial problems.

    Nations on the front line of climate change laid out the stark impacts of higher temperatures, drought, and floods on people and the environment.

    “We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the summit.

    His stark warning was echoed by former US vice-president and environmentalist Al Gore who said nations must “stop subsiding the culture of death” of fossil fuels.

    In an energetic speech French President Emmanuel Macron urged world leaders to deliver climate justice.

    Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also in Egypt and said countries should not “go weak and wobbly” on climate action.

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said switching to renewable energy was “a security policy imperative”, while Italy’s new prime minister Giorgia Meloni said her country remained “strongly committed” to its climate goals.

    US President Joe Biden is due to arrive at the summit on Friday, while John Kerry, his special envoy for the climate, is already in attendance.

    Though Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg is staying away from the summit, after she accused the UN of “green-washing”, many other youth activists are in Sharm el-Sheikh.

    Xiye Batista portrait in the conference roomXIYE BASTIDA
    Xiye Bastida is an indigenous climate activist from Mexico

    Xiye Bastida, a 20-year-old activist from Mexico, is there to tell decision-makers that “nature must be protected”.

    She told BBC News she’s pleased with progress so far in Egypt – including getting the words “loss and damage” on the agenda. The terms refer to money – as some form of compensation or reparations – for the effects of climate change on developing countries that did little to cause the problem.

    But 24-year-old Mikaela Loach, from Scotland, said she’s worried leaders are not fully committed to climate action that prioritises justice or human rights.

    “Not all climate solutions are good for people. It’s not just about cutting emissions, we must frame all our work about people and the world we are creating,” she told BBC News.

    Barbados PM Mia Mottley spoke of “horror and the devastation wrecked upon this Earth” in the past year.

    “Whether the apocalyptic floods in Pakistan, or the heatwaves from Europe to China, or indeed in the last few days in my own region, the devastation caused in Belize by tropical storm Lisa, or the torrential floods a few days ago in St Lucia. We don’t need to repeat it,” she said.

    The fact that the summit is taking place in Africa, a continent that is extremely vulnerable to climate change, was repeated through the day.

    Kenyan President William Ruto said time is of the essence: “Further delay will make us busy spectators as calamity wipes out lives and livelihoods.”

    Up to 700 million people in Africa will be displaced due to lack of water by 2030, he explained.

    Tuesday will see speeches from the leaders of a number of other developing countries which are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

    They include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, where the recent floods killed over 1,700 people, and Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who will speak on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States.

    COP27 opened on Sunday with a warning from the UN that our planet is “sending a distress signal”.

    A report released by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization reveals that the past eight years were on track to be the warmest on record.

    At last year’s summit in Glasgow a number of pledges were agreed:

    • to “phase down” the use of coal – one of the most polluting fossil fuels
    • to stop deforestation by 2030
    • to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030
    • to submit new climate action plans to the UN

    Developing nations are demanding that previous commitments to finance are upheld.

    The COP27 global climate summit in Egypt is seen as crucial if climate change is to be brought under control. More than 200 countries are attending the summit to discuss further measures to cut emissions and prepare for climate change, and it could lead to major changes to our everyday lives.

    Source: BBC

  • Kotoku Royals coach Seth Ablade blames strikers for Hearts of Oak loss

    Head coach of Kotoku Royals, Seth Ablade has blamed his side for the 1-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak on match week five of the Ghana Premier League.

    Daniel Afriyie Barnieh scored from the spot to give the Phobians’ the maximum points in Cape Coast as they secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

    However, coach Ablade believes the outcome could’ve been different if his strikers had made good use of their chances.

    “I am happy about the way the players played today. I think the only thing we need to do better is the quality upfront that is what killed us today,” he said after the game.

    The defeat sees Kotoku Royals drop to 16th on the league table after five matches played so far.

    Kotoku Royals will travel to Kumasi to take on bottom-placed King Faisal at the Baba Yara stadium on match week six of the on-going Ghana Premier League.

    Source: Football Ghana

  • US confirms ‘communications’ with Kremlin amidst Ukraine war

    US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed that the communication channels between Washington and Moscow remain open.

    It comes as the White House refuses to deny reports that Mr Sullivan has been leading talks with Russia to prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine.

    Speaking in New York, Mr Sullivan said it was “in the interests” of the US to maintain contact with the Kremlin.

    But he insisted officials were “clear-eyed about who we are dealing with”.

    The Wall Street Journal reports that Mr Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, over the past several months.

    Senior officials told the paper the men had discussed ways to guard against the risk of nuclear escalation in the war in Ukraine, but had not engaged in any negotiations around ways to end the conflict.

    Last month, Mr Sullivan said any use of nuclear weapons would have “catastrophic consequences for Russia“. He told the US broadcaster NBC that senior officials had “spelled out” the scope of the potential US response in private discussions with Russian officials.

    US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson refused to confirm the story, telling the paper that “people claim a lot of things”, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Western newspapers of “publishing numerous hoaxes”.

    But White House Press Secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said on Monday that the United States reserved the right to hold talks with Russia.

    And Mr Sullivan – who is said to be one of the most senior advisers to US President Joe Biden still pushing for discussions with Russia – said maintaining contact with Moscow was in the “interests of every country who is affected by this conflict”.

    Last week, the Washington Post reported that senior US officials were urging Kyiv to signal an openness to hold negotiations with Russia and drop their public refusal to discuss an end to the war while President Vladimir Putin remained in power.

    But Mr Sullivan told a public event in New York that the Biden administration had “an obligation to pursue accountability” and pledged to work with international partners to “hold the perpetrators of grave and grotesque war crimes in Ukraine responsible for what they have done”.

    “I was just in Kyiv on Friday. and I had the opportunity to meet with President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and my counterpart Andriy Yermak, with the military leadership and also to get a briefing on just what level of death and devastation has been erupted by Putin’s war on that country,” Mr Sullivan said.

    Concerns have been heightened in recent months that Russia could resort to using nuclear weapons in a desperate attempt to defend four regions of eastern and southern Ukraine that it illegally annexed.

    Meanwhile, Ukraine has invoked its war-time martial laws to take control of the assets of five strategically important companies.

    Some of the companies – which include two energy companies and firms that make engines, vehicles and transformers – are linked to oligarch Vyacheslav Bohuslayev, who was arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Russia.

    President Zelensky said the move would help Ukraine’s defence sector meet the needs of the military, which is currently engaged in counteroffensives in southern and eastern Ukraine.

    Source: BBC

  • GFA reveals benefits of Uber partnership deal

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has disclosed some benefits their partnership deal with Uber will provide football fans.

    GFA has signed a three-year contract with Uber as the official e-hailing partner.

    Per the agreement, Uber is obliged to come up with tailor made services for football fans who travel far and near to watch the domestic Leagues and national team matches in the Greater Accra Region, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale, Takoradi and Sunyani.”Today Uber being a partner of the FA and Uber will be offering mazing transport experience for all our fans across the country who consume our domestic Leagues (Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League) and all our national team matches at very affordable discounted rates,” Okraku said.”What that means is that you can now make money via FootyCash and that money will allow you to pay for your transport which is discounted, safe, available and assured during all matchdays, domestic and International.

    ‘’These services will be available in all the Regions that the Uber service is available i.e., Greater Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Sunyani and Takoradi.

    “It is a happy day because one penny saved is one penny richer by the day. We care about you; we care about who you are and we care about your well-being.

    “We introduced a product to bring money into your pocket and today we are introducing Uber services that would take you to football games, in a safe situation, cheaper and more reliable.

    “So, we have been speaking about Bringbackthelove and this is the love,” he added.

    Source: Football Ghana

  • Millions of Americans to vote with Congress at stake

    Millions of Americans are voting in the midterm elections today, Tuesday, with the balance of power in Congress at stake.

    The entire US House of Representatives, about a third of the Senate and key state governorships are up for grabs.

    President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and ex-President Donald Trump, a Republican, made their closing arguments in competing rallies.

    Mr Biden’s ability to pass laws will be stymied if Republicans take the House, as most projections expect.

    Democrats currently control the White House and – by razor-thin margins – both chambers of Congress.

    The party in power typically sheds an average of two dozen or so seats in the midterms, which fall midway through a president’s four years in office.

    A political thumping for Democrats on Tuesday could embolden murmurs within the party about whether Mr Biden, who turns 80 this month, should run for re-election in 2024.

    He went to Maryland on Monday night to campaign for Wes Moore, who is expected to make history as the third black governor ever elected in the US.

    Wes Moore (centre) would become only the third black governor in the US if electedGETTY IMAGES
    Wes Moore (centre) looks set to become the third black governor ever elected in the US

    “Today we face an inflection point,” Mr Biden told a cheering crowd at a historically black university outside Washington.

    “We know in our bones that our democracy’s at risk and we know that this is your moment to defend it.”

    According to a tally by the BBC’s US partner, CBS News, more than half of Republican midterms candidates have raised doubts about the integrity of the 2020 White House election, echoing Mr Trump’s false claims of widespread fraud.

    While Mr Biden himself is not up for re-election on Tuesday, midterms are often seen as a referendum on a president’s leadership.

    Despite delivering on promises to lower prescription drug prices, expand clean energy and revamp US infrastructure, Mr Biden has seen his popularity suffer following the worst inflation in four decades, record illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border, and voter concerns about crime.

    Mr Trump spent the eve of election day holding a final rally in Ohio alongside Republican Senate candidate JD Vance.

    The former president, who has been teasing a 2024 White House comeback bid, said he would make a “very big announcement” at his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago on 15 November.

    He told the crowd: “If you support the decline and fall of America, then you must, you absolutely must vote for the radical left, crazy people.

    “If you want to stop the destruction of our country, then tomorrow you must vote Republican in a giant red wave.”

    Mr Trump’s party needs to net only five seats to flip the House and a single seat to take over the evenly divided Senate.

    Non-partisan election observers project the Republicans will pick up roughly 15-25 seats in the 435-seat House.

    Supporters of Donald Trump await his arrival for a rally in Vandalia, OhioGETTY IMAGES
    Supporters of Donald Trump await his arrival for Monday’s rally in Vandalia, Ohio

    But the battle for the upper chamber of Congress could go either way, according to most political forecasts, and is expected to come down to hotly fought races in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona.

    Should Republicans win the House, they have vowed to shut down the Democratic-led inquiry into last year’s Capitol riot and launch investigations into the Biden administration.

    Kevin McCarthy, who would probably become Republican speaker of the House – placing him second in line to the presidency – has refused to rule out impeachment proceedings.

    Mr Biden’s power to appoint judges or administrative posts for the next two years would be severely curtailed if Republicans win the Senate.

    More than 43.5m early votes have already been cast, according to the US Elections Project.

    But it might be days or weeks before the outcome of the midterms is clear if races are close, as some states allow ballots to be posted on election day, and there could be recounts.

    Source: BBC

  • Mourinho bemoans Dybala absence after derby defeat but expects World Cup return

    Jose Mourinho bemoaned Paulo Dybala’s absence after Roma slipped to a 1-0 derby defeat against Lazio, but revealed his hope the Argentina international will return before the World Cup.

    Felipe Anderson capitalised on an error from Roger Ibanez as Maurizio Sarri’s team clinched a crucial win over their arch rivals on Sunday, moving to third in the Serie A table.

    While Lazio were without influential duo Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ciro Immobile at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma only managed two shots on target as they toiled in the absence of Dybala – their top goalscorer with five league goals this season.

    “We talked about Milinkovic-Savic and Immobile, we didn’t talk about Dybala,” Mourinho said at a post-match news conference.

    “I think he is more important, because he’s the one that assists us with goals. When certain players are missing, we go into difficulty.”

    Dybala has been absent since October 9 after sustaining a hamstring injury, but Mourinho hopes he will return against Torino next Sunday, in what would also be a boost for Argentina ahead of their trip to Qatar.

    “Obviously he wants to go to the World Cup, it is difficult to say no to that,” Mourinho told DAZN. “If there is a good evolution of his injury, we hope to have him back on Sunday against Torino.”

    Roma have suffered narrow defeats to several of Serie A’s leading lights recently, but Mourinho believes they have not always got what they deserved.

    Asked about the Giallorossi’s poor record against top opponents, Mourinho added: “Roma lost those games, in my opinion, undeservedly.

    “Atalanta made one shot on goal and won 1-0, Napoli had difficulties like never before and won with a great goal from [Victor] Osimhen, and Lazio won with a half-goal.

    “I think the game they played was the consequence of being 1-0 up, in a low block, compact. In our cultures, it is said that this was a cynical, intelligent game. In England, people would go home after 20 minutes.

    “The playing time was definitely very low, the intensity and continuity of the game was very low. We dominated, but there was a lack of creativity.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • CONMEBOL calls for World Cup participants to ‘leave controversies behind’ in Qatar

    South American football confederation CONMEBOL has backed FIFA and called for participating nations to “leave controversies behind” ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

    The decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar has attracted renewed criticism on the eve of the tournament, with critics focusing on the host country’s criminalisation of same-sex relationships and the conditions faced by migrant workers.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura recently wrote to all 32 nations participating in Qatar, requesting they “focus on the football”.

    That letter led Amnesty International to accuse organisers of brushing human rights concerns “under the carpet”, while a UEFA working group of 10 European nations responded by stressing the need to “support human rights”.

    CONMEBOL issued a statement of its own on Monday, outlining a belief in the need for “unity in support” of the tournament.

    “CONMEBOL and its 10 member associations join the call for world football unity in support of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” the statement began.

    “A country eager to show its hospitality and warmth, magnificent sports venues and 32 prepared teams with their greatest potential, ensure a tournament that will undoubtedly go down in history.

    “As few times in history, human society today needs the powerful message of sport in general and football, the most popular of them, in particular.

    “This message is powerful because it is universal, it goes far beyond political or ideological disputes, temporary disagreements and occasional confrontations. It is a message full of optimism, tolerance, inclusion, diversity, union.

    “The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is the best opportunity to consolidate the values on which football is founded.

    “This is especially so in the new generations, in girls, boys and young people, who hope and seek that football is not tarnished or distorted with biased or partial visions.

    “The time has come to leave controversies behind and value and enjoy a true all-embracing party, eagerly awaited by the entire planet.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Alcaraz apologises for melee as World Cup-bound ref dishes out 10 reds

    Carlos Alcaraz apologised to Boca Juniors fans after his celebration for Racing Club sparked a melee in which World Cup-bound referee Facundo Tello dished out seven red cards, taking the tally for the match to an incredible 10.

    The Argentine struck in the 117th minute to earn his side a 2-1 extra-time win in the Trofeo de Campeones final, before stripping his shirt off and dropping to his knees in front of opposition supporters.

    His actions sparked a brawl involving both sets of players, with referee Tello – who will officiate at Qatar 2022 – dismissing five players from Boca and two from racing, including Alcaraz himself.

    Following a further four dismissals earlier in the match, it meant 11 overall, with the contest consequently brought to a close as Boca only had six players on the pitch

    “When I scored the goal, I only thought about celebrating,” Alcaraz said.

    “I apologise to the people of Boca if they were angry because I celebrated there. I would have loved to cross the field and celebrate with the Racing fans.

    “I just knelt down and put my hands up, and they took it badly. It is clear that they did not like it.”

    Alongside Alcaraz, Racing defender Jonathan Galvan was also dismissed during the closing fracas, while Johan Carbonero had already been sent off in the 94th minute.

    For Boca, Luis Advincula, Frank Fabra, and Dario Benedetto were all shown red too, as well as Carlos Zambrano and Diego Gonzalez, both of whom got involved from the bench.

    Alan Varela, Sebastian Villa and manager Hugo Ibarra had all already been shown dismissed amid an ill-tempered encounter.

    Source: Livescore

  • Baresi backs Milan to beat Spurs as they are ‘ripe to go far’ in Champions League

    Franco Baresi believes Milan are “ripe to go far” and must “think big” in the Champions League after they were drawn to face Tottenham in the round of 16.

    The Serie A champions on Monday discovered they will do battle with Antonio Conte’s side for a place in the quarter-finals next year.

    Milan qualified from Group E as runners-up last week by hammering Salzburg 4-0, while Spurs won 2-1 at Marseille to avoid an early exit.

    Rossoneri and Italy legend Baresi is bullish about the prospects of Stefano Pioli’s men. who have won five of their past six matches and are second in Serie A behind unbeaten Napoli.

    Milan’s honorary vice-president told Sky Sport: “Milan will prepare in the best possible way and will be ready to amaze again.

    “I think the team is ripe to go far. We respect Tottenham, they are special matches in the Champions League, but we have to think big.”

    The Rossoneri finished bottom of their Champions League group with just one win from six matches last season, but Baresi says they are a different proposition now.

    He added: “There is enthusiasm and the team is ripe for the knockout stages of the Champions League, last year’s experience was important and now there is a conviction that we can play against anyone. Conte will be attentive to everything but Milan are up to it.”

    Baresi feels Milan have all the ingredients to trouble the best sides in Europe.

    “Milan have risen to a level in general, we are producing incredible performances and the team plays football that they like and that creates [chances],” he said.

    “We have a very strong midfield and a defence that is not afraid. Up front we create a lot and the fact it is essential that the players participate. San Siro will be of great help.”

    Spurs beat Milan 1-0 at the same stage of Europe’s premier club competition 11 years ago, with Peter Crouch scoring the only goal at San Siro to secure a 1-0 aggregate win.

    The first leg will be played either in the week commencing February 15 or 21.

    Source: Livescore

  • ‘It’s going to be difficult’ – Man City not taking familiar foes Leipzig lightly

    Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain believes they face a difficult task in the last 16 of the Champions League after drawing RB Leipzig.

    Pep Guardiola’s men will take on the Bundesliga side in the knockout stages next February, having faced them twice in the group stages last term.

    On that occasion, City opened their European campaign with a 6-3 rout at the Etihad Stadium, before losing the reverse fixture 2-1 at the Red Bull Arena.

    Having dodged heavyweight foes such as Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, City have theoretically one of the easier ties on paper, but Begiristain says they will not take their opponent lightly.

    “Leipzig are not new ones in this competition – they are doing an unbelievable job,” he said. “They are in Europe, always, and they are fighting us in the last 16. They are growing as a club and growing as a project.

    “This is German football – very open, box-to-box, which we don’t like too much, because we like to have the control. It’s going to be difficult, this kind of football.

    “We are going to meet old friends – we played last season against them. They were very open games, and we can be sure they will be very attractive games.”

    In comparison to their rivals, City have indeed been handed a kind draw, with Liverpool facing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich squaring up with Paris Saint-Germain.

    With possibly two of the last four tournament winners set to miss out on the quarter-finals, Begiristain feels it shows the increased competition within the Champions League.

    “Some big names and big clubs are already out – some of them are now not playing in Europe because they were last in the group,” he noted.

    “It shows how difficult it is in this competition. Everyone has to respect their opponent in this competition and that is what we try to do.

    “Liverpool and Real Madrid are two unbelievable clubs, and they were two of the candidates to win, but one will be out.

    “But still the ones who are there in the quarter-finals are going to deserve to be there. We want to be one of them.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Hasenhuttl sacked by Saints after heavy Newcastle loss

    Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl following a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle.

    The Saints lie 18th in the Premier League table having lost six of their last nine games.

    Sunday’s woeful performance against the Magpies proved to be the final game in charge for Hasenhuttl, who was appointed to the South Coast outfit in December 2018.

    The Austrian, 55, maintained the club’s status in the English top flight for four consecutive seasons but his tenure has come to an end with Saints chiefs fearful of a slide into the Championship.

    Hasenhuttl’s time at St Mary’s will be remembered most for two 9-0 losses — at home to Leicester in October 2019 and at Manchester United in February 2021.

    A club statement read: “Southampton can confirm it has parted company with men’s first team manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. First team assistant coach Richard Kitzbichler has also today left the club.

    “Hasenhuttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs having made a significant contribution to the club, overseeing some memorable results and also playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity and playing squad.

    “However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change. Everyone involved with the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Ralph for all of his efforts, as well as the unwavering commitment he has shown throughout his time as manager.

    “First team lead coach Ruben Selles will take charge of the side on an interim basis for our game on Wednesday night. The club will be announcing a permanent replacement in due course.”

    Southampton face Sheffield Wednesday in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie before a trip to Liverpool on Saturday.


    Source: Livescore

  • Dani Alves becomes Brazil’s oldest World Cup star, Martinelli preferred to Firmino

    Dani Alves will become Brazil’s oldest World Cup star after earning a recall for Qatar 2022, while Roberto Firmino has missed out on Tite’s final squad, with Gabriel Martinelli preferred.

    Alves is now 39 and made his international debut in 2006, but he is heading to his third World Cup this year.

    The former Barcelona right-back will make Selecao history, with Djalma Santos – 37 at the 1966 World Cup – previously their oldest player at a finals.

    Alves is not necessarily a hugely popular choice, but Tite responded to the veteran’s critics.

    “I didn’t come here to please people on Twitter, which I don’t even know what percentage of the Brazilian people represents,” the coach said.

    “I respect differing opinions and I’m not here to convince everyone. I just want to give information so that people democratically form their own opinion.

    “Now, everyone has their opinion and everyone has my respect.”

    Alves’ inclusion was the standout news from Tite’s squad announcement on Monday, although the coach also had a big call to make in attack.

    Arsenal pair Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus each made the cut, but Liverpool’s Firmino did not due to the wealth of alternative options at Tite’s disposal.

    Firmino does not return after being named in the Brazil squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, although nine members of that group are included again.

    Alisson and Ederson remain among the goalkeepers, while defenders Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Danilo all return.

    Manchester United pair Fred and Casemiro are unsurprising choices in midfield, as Neymar again joins Jesus up front amid a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain.

    Brazil World Cup squad in full:

    Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Dani Alves (UNAM), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea); Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham); Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

    Source: Livescore

  • Owners FSG ‘fully committed’ to Liverpool amid reports the club is up for sale

    Owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have stated they are “fully committed to the success of Liverpool” following reports they want to sell the Premier League club.

    The Athletic on Monday reported that the Boston-based FSG are “inviting offers” for a takeover of the Reds.

    FSG, who bought Liverpool in 2010, responded by clarifying that they would consider new shareholders, but are not looking to sell up.

    An FSG statement said: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.

    “FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

    “FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”

    Liverpool have made strides under the ownership of FSG, led by John W. Henry, with the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as manager 2015 proving to be a masterstroke.

    They Merseyside club won the Champions League in 2019 and celebrated crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 years in 2020 before pulling off an FA Cup and League Cup double last season.

    Liverpool have made a poor start to the Premier League season, but beat Tottenham to go move into eighth place on Sunday and will face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.

    Source: Livescore

  • Xavi laments ‘most difficult’ draw as Barcelona paired with Man Utd in Europa League

    Xavi said Barcelona had been handed the toughest possible draw after they were paired with Manchester United in the Europa League’s knockout round play-offs.

    Barca will compete in the Europa League after the turn of the year as a result of their failure to advance from a Champions League group containing Bayern Munich and Inter.

    The Blaugrana have now suffered successive group-stage eliminations from the Champions League for just the second time, having also done so under Louis van Gaal in the 1997-98 and 1998-99 campaigns.

    Barca were beaten by eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight of the Europa League last term, and Xavi said they had been unfortunate once again following Monday’s draw.

    “We will have to compete, going to Manchester against a really tough rival,” Xavi said ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Osasuna in LaLiga.

    “It’s a historic rival that has grown a lot with the arrival of Erik ten Hag, with great individual players. We have been given the most difficult rival, yet again, in the Europa League.

    “There is always a rival who also has the obligation to win, like ourselves. To compete, we have to analyse Manchester. We will try, this club has never won the Europa League.

    “It’s a massive challenge for us, our players will probably be more motivated against a strong team.”

    Barca’s next European tie will see them reunited with their old foe Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 20 goals in 34 games against the Blaugrana, netting against them in LaLiga (nine), the Champions League (two), the Copa del Rey (five) and the Supercopa de Espana (four).

    Xavi refuted suggestions the United striker is in decline despite his struggles this season, adding: “He seems to me to be a great player who has marked an era, and he can still make a difference.

    “I like to win, I hate to lose, whoever is in front of me. I want to win and be competitive.”

    Barca have won their last four games against United, including Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011, having won just one of the sides’ previous eight meetings in European competitions (D4 L3).

    Source: Livescore

  • Halt public funding of National Cathedral, do value-for-money audit – Mahama to govt

    Former President John Dramani Mahama wants the public funding of the National Cathedral project to be put on hold.

    He insists that the construction is currently not a priority for the government, especially in the ongoing economic crunch.

    According to him, a value-for-money audit of the project is crucial as it would “open the way for believers who wish to contribute to its construction.”

    Stop public funding of National Cathedral, do value-for-money audit - Mahama

    “The public funding of the national cathedral, particularly at this time, must stop. Being a Christian myself, and deeply appreciative of the centrality of God in nation building, I agree with most Ghanaians who believe that the project cannot constitute a top priority of government at this moment, warranting further injection of scarce public funds,” he posted on social media on Sunday.

    In the post on Facebook, the former President explained that “because of the non-transparency of the processes and procurements associated with the project, I believe that the cathedral project should be subjected to a value for money audit in other to open the way for believers who wish to contribute to its construction to do so”.

    Controversies

    The populace started questioning the project’s source of financing when the North Tongue MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, put out documents showing that an amount to ¢200 million has been dished out towards the construction of the project.

    These monies, he said, were dished out without recourse to parliamentary processes or strict public procurement practices.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, the Akufo-Addo administration first proclaimed the project as a private and personal pledge; however, public funds are now siphoned to facilitate the task.

    He added that the inclusion of the National Cathedral’s Executive Director on the roll of Presidential Staffers also flies in the face of the law.

    “When you go through the list of Board of Trustees, this gentleman [Dr Paul Opoku Mensah] who has been enlisted here as the Executive Director of the Secretariat, a Secretariat presented as a private entity, has also been enlisted as a Presidential staffer and his position there is an overseer of the National Cathedral.

    “Why is the Ghanaian taxpayer paying somebody who works for a private board of trustees?” he quizzed.

    His revelations has since gotten many influential individuals and pressure groups questioning the transparency and accountability of government.

    Genesis of National Cathedral

    The building of the Cathedral fulfils a pledge President Akufo-Addo revealed he made to God before winning the 2016 elections.

    In 2019, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, said the construction of the National Cathedral is estimated to cost over $100 million.

    It has since been amended to $340 million.

    The government has already demolished all structures on the proposed site to construct the National Cathedral at Ridge in Accra, and work is progressing.

    It is also scheduled to be commissioned on March 6, 2024.

    The 5,000-seater auditorium project will also bequeath to the country a gracious national park for all Ghanaians, bring new skills, technology and jobs, and act as a beacon to national, regional and international tourists.

     

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • CENTSAG, CETAG threaten to strike in 5 days over welfare concerns

    Two major staff associations at the 46 colleges of education across the country have threatened to lay down their tools if government does not prioritize their welfare.

    The groups are the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) and the Colleges of Education Non-Teaching Staff Association of Ghana (CENTSAG).

    They claim to be disappointed at “the way Government has handled issues affecting the welfare of our members in the colleges of education over the years.”

    Some of the issues include non-finalisation of Conditions of Service (CoS) negotiations, unilateral determination of April 2023 by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) as effective date for placing First Degree Holders of CENTSAG on 17H on the SSSS, undue delay by the Ministry of Education in responding to our request for payment of compensation among others.

    In the November 6, the joint communiqué gave the government five working days to address the concerns or risk a strike.

    CETAG and CENTSAG insisted that “by Friday, 11th November, 2022 if our demands have not been met, we shall reactivate our indefinite strike actions which we suspended on January 24 and April 14, 2022 respectively.”

    Teachers strike

    Meanwhile, three striking Teacher Unions have resolved to continue their ongoing industrial action after an inconclusive meeting with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.

    The leadership of the Unions – the National Association of Graduate Teachers, Ghana National Association of Teachers and Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana- declared a strike on Friday, November 4, 2022.

    The industrial action comes after the expiration of an ultimatum the Unions gave government to rescind its decision on the appointment of Dr Eric Nkansah, the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service.

    Following the ultimatum, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations called the Unions to a meeting on notice of the strike on Friday, November 04, 2022.

    The meeting was inconclusive and was thus rescheduled to Monday, November 07, 2022.

    The Reverend Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, said they were hoping to have a favourable response on Monday, November 07, 2022.

    He said they would report to their members on the meeting outcome as they await the next meeting on Monday.

    Rev. Owusu stressed that they were hopeful that their concerns would be considered.

    Mr Bright Wireko-Brobbey, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, said the Ministry was hopeful that the matter would be settled amicably.

    He urged the Unions to call off the strike as they engage.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • Zinchenko urges Arsenal to look beyond top-four battle

    Oleksandr Zinchenko has called on Arsenal to aim higher than a spot in the Premier League’s top four, saying the Gunners’ fans deserve to see them challenge champions Manchester City.

    Arsenal hold a two-point lead over City at the Premier League summit following their 1-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday – their third successive victory in meetings with ‘big six’ rivals.

    Zinchenko collected four Premier League medals before swapping City for Arsenal in July, and wants the Gunners to adopt the mentality of title contenders.

    “It starts in the dressing room and it’s on the pitch as well,” Zinchenko said following the win at Stamford Bridge.

    “We are trying to push each other, we are trying to help each other. I think this is the right way to do it.

    “We have a dream, we believe that we can achieve something this season. Let’s see what is going to happen.

    “I can feel that this group of people, they are special. Starting from our staff and then all the people on our training ground, our fans, we believe in ourselves, every single game.

    “I got used to hearing that Arsenal were top four. I would say that I really want to kill and destroy this stereotype.

    “We need to look further, and I think this team, this group of people, the fans, they deserve more. That’s what we need to do. We need hard work in this and let’s see at the end of season.

    “You ask me if we can challenge Manchester City. Of course, they are an amazing team, but you never know what can happen in football. We need to go step by step with every single game.”

    Arsenal’s return of 34 points from their first 13 games is their highest tally at this stage of a Premier League campaign.

    It is one point more than Arsene Wenger’s famous Invincibles team had managed at the same stage of the 2003-04 season.

    Source: Livescore

  • Xavi says Pique’s retirement won’t change much in Barca

    Barcelona boss Xavi says “not much is going to change” following Gerard Pique’s retirement, with the Blaugrana squad prepared to play their part in filling the void left behind by the defender.

    The veteran centre-back abruptly announced his retirement from the professional game last week, before bowing out on a winning note with a 2-0 victory in LaLiga over Almeria.

    Pique departed in the 84th minute to a standing ovation, bringing the curtain down on a near-decade-and-a-half stay with the club, where he originally began as a junior before moving to Manchester United.

    Asked how Barca intended to alter their side following his exit, Xavi was adamant there would be little difference within the team, noting they will pull together to counter his absence.

    “Not much is going to change,” he stated. “Everyone has their leading role in the team.

    “We’re going to miss Gerard but [the departure of long-term players] has always happened. When somebody has left, the rest have been relocated.”

    Elsewhere, Xavi further touched on the form of Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, two wingers with contrasting fortunes this term at Camp Nou.

    The Brazilian, signed from Leeds United ahead of the campaign, has yielded only one goal in a dozen LaLiga appearances, while the Frenchman looks to have rediscovered his form with four in 13 top-flight games, along with five assists.

    On Raphinha, Xavi added: “He has total confidence on our part. Sometimes things don’t turn out the way you want, but you have to keep working. We believe in him a lot, and I’m sure the goals will come.

    “As for Dembele, he’s making a difference. His numbers have changed. He is being important, and he is feeling that way too.

    “He is happy, and he has grown a lot. He lacks consistency, but because of his talent and skill, he has everything to be the best in the world.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ex-United defender Neville unconvinced by Red Devils

    Gary Neville has said that Manchester United have the worst attack among the Premier League’s ‘big six’.

    Neville remains unconvinced by the Red Devils’ form under Erik ten Hag.

    United saw their nine-match unbeaten run halted by a 3-1 reverse at Aston Villa on Sunday, as goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey punished a lethargic display.

    The Red Devils went two goals down within 11 minutes at Villa Park – the earliest point of a Premier League game at which they had trailed by two goals since October 2018 (v Newcastle United), and they failed to find a route back into the contest.

    Although United are just three points adrift of a top-four spot, they have scored fewer league goals than four of their ‘big six’ rivals this term (all but Chelsea), leaving Neville concerned.

    “Overall, I’m not wholly convinced by this idea that Manchester United are back – they’re not,” Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast.

    “They’re nowhere near Manchester City. They’re more watchable [than before] and have got a bit more fight.

    “[Christian] Eriksen has brought quality in midfield and [Lisandro] Martinez at the back has brought tenacity, but he [Ten Hag] can’t keep a steady pair. That’s a problem.

    “United’s front three are the weakest out of the top six. You think of [Dejan] Kulusevski, [Harry] Kane and Son [Heung-min]. United would take those three.

    “Arsenal have [Bukayo] Saka, [Gabriel] Jesus and [Gabriel] Martinelli. Liverpool have [Darwin] Nunez, [Luis] Diaz, [Diogo] Jota, [Mohamed] Salah and [Roberto] Firmino.

    “You’d definitely choose three of them over what United have got. You’d even take Chelsea’s.

    “United’s front players aren’t as good as they should be, although Erik ten Hag is getting the maximum out of them.

    “I don’t know where the money has gone again, the spend over the past four or five years. There are signs that they are getting better, but they aren’t back.”

    Marcus Rashford is United’s top league goalscorer with four strikes this campaign, while Antony (three) is the only other player to score more than twice in the competition for the Red Devils.

    Source: Livescore

  • Nagelsmann expecting tie between Bayern and PSG

    Julian Nagelsmann feels Bayern Munich’s 100 per cent record in the Champions League group stage was “not rewarded” after being drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

    Nagelsmann’s men won all six group games to finish top of Group C, including home and away victories over Inter and Barcelona, becoming the first side in competition history to be victorious in all of their group matches in back-to-back seasons.

    Despite this, Monday’s draw pitted Bayern against French champions PSG, who boast the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in their squad.

    Nagelsmann believes his team have not received the full benefit for their group-stage heroics, telling reporters: “PSG are a difficult opponent.

    “The perfect group phase is not rewarded with [drawing that opponent] – they have a lot of world-class players just like we do.

    “But this is the Champions League, so it’s normal that there are no easy opponents in the round of 16.”

    PSG themselves went undefeated in the group stage, winning four and drawing two of their matches.

    But a remarkable 6-1 win for Benfica over Maccabi Haifa on the final matchday saw Christophe Galtier’s team have top spot snatched off them by virtue of the Portuguese side scoring more away goals.

    Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn echoed Nagelsmann’s sentiments on the difficulty of the draw, but also spoke of his excitement over watching two of Europe’s elite clubs face off in a repeat of the 2019-20 final, which the Bavarian side won 1-0 thanks to a Kingsley Coman winner.

    “We can look forward to two great games with the best players in Europe,” Kahn told Sky. “I think these will be two highly attractive games.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • NABCo trainees choose to fast over unpaid allowances

    Beneficiaries of the just-ended Nation Builders Corps Programme (NABCo) have chosen to seek spiritual intervention to address the issue of unpaid allowances by the government.

    The Nation Builders Corps Trainees Association of Ghana (NABTAG) has declared a one-day prayer for God’s intervention to change the heart of government officials over their unpaid allowances.

    The former NABCo trainees have, therefore, set Wednesday, November 9, 2022, for fasting and prayers over their unpaid allowances.

    A statement issued by the trainees said: “[Because of] the suffering, NABCo trainees are to fast and pray on Wednesday, November 9th 2022, [for] God to touch the heart of our leaders to hear our cry and pay us…NABCO trainees sacrificed their lives for Ghana for 46 tough months (3 years, 10 months).”

    The statement added that “Unfortunately for us, after 46 months of sacrifice, we were just told to go home sadly. By that time, the government owed us 10 months’ stipends.”

    “We pleaded for a long time [but] the government insulted us with one month stipend. It is only God who knows the hardship these innocent trainees went through for these 46 months and still going through.

    “Therefore, we are turning to God for his intervention by fasting and prayers on Wednesday, 9th November 2022 for God to change the heart of these leaders towards us in this difficult time for them to pay what is due us.”

    “It is written in the book of Psalm 61:1, (Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.) and in Proverbs chapter 21:1 that (The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases).

    “We implore every trainee to be part of this one-day fasting and prayers. We believe by the end of this fasting and prayers, God will pave the way to where there seems to be no way.”

    NABCo was introduced in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led government as part of measures to address graduate unemployment in the country.

    The initiative was run under seven modules, namely Educate Ghana, Heal Ghana, Feed Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Digitize Ghana, Enterprise Ghana, and Civic Ghana.

    Source: Citinews

  • Offinso North DCE David Kwasi Asare is dead

    District Chief Executive (DCE) for Offinso North in the Ashanti Region, David Kwasi Asare Boakye, has passed away.

    According to sources, the DCE affectionately called “Adwuma Wura”  allegedly died on Monday morning, November 7, 2022, after battling a short illness.

    The cause of his death is yet to be determined.

    On May 5, 2017, David Kwasi Asare took over as the DCE in Offinso North after President Akufo-Addo selected him to serve as his representative in the District.

    Having received 24 out of the 33 total votes cast, representing 69.9%, the Assembly approved him.

     

  • Anas Aremeyaw Anas to release new exposé

    Ace investigative Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has hinted at releasing a new exposé.

    Anas Aremeyaw Anas, touching on corruption in Ghana, has been out of action since 2020 after an expose on the coronavirus and matters arising.

    However, in a Facebook post on Monday, 7 November, 2022, the journalist posted “Are you ready?To show or not to show ?I need the answers quickly so we can decide”.

    His latest post sparks a lot of diverse comments especially at an era where there have been several corrupt allegations and other matters that are yet to be unraveled.

    Anas Aremeyaw Anas has over the years released series of under cover works that exposes corrupt acts of leaders that have adversely affected the development of the country.

  • PEF calls for import licensing key to boosting local patronage

    Chief Executive Officer of the Private Enterprise Federation, Nana Osei Bonsu, has called for import licencing in the country as part of efforts to promote and boost local patronage.

    He said the situation wherein some products are imported into the country and leave local producers stranded and unable to compete due to price differences is worrying.

    “People look at import licencing as a barrier, but an import licence justifies why we need to allow you to spend our valuable foreign exchange on importing that commodity or product. It is needed in the country. A situation exists wherein we have things available and people are still bringing them and cutting the prices so that the local people cannot even compete, that’s why it’s necessary to put import licencing in place for some areas. We don’t have to impose it on all things, but we have to limit our exposure,” he said.

    He added that though the economic situation is gloomy, it requires partnership, employing the technical competence of businesses, monitoring and evaluating circumstances and finding ways to scale up.

    He said this during an interview with the media in Accra, where his outfit and partners launched the 2022 Youth Entrepreneurs Summit & Expo slated for December 7-11, 2022 in Kumasi.

    Role of the youth

    For his part, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE), Sherif Ghali, reiterated that the country’s success depends mainly on how well the youth are positioned to steer its affairs in contributing to development.

    “Considering the nation’s target of becoming an entrepreneurial nation, this event will bring together various stakeholders – including young entrepreneurs, policymakers, the private sector and researchers – to explore, ideate, collaborate and generate new approaches which respond to the ever-changing needs, challenges and dreams of young entrepreneurs.

    “As we all may be aware, our country is faced with the unbearable and worrisome phenomenon of unemployment and its attendant consequences of high dependency, low productivity and a general decline in the outlook of our economy,” he said, urging policymakers, governments and technocrats to fashion strategies and policies to deal with the situation.

    Themed ‘Empowering Youth Enterprises for Sustainable Industrialisation’, the summit seeks to among other things bring together a minimum of 200 young entrepreneurs with established and existing businesses from across the country.

    It is aimed at providing leverage for them to build successful business brands and models that can contribute to primarily cutting down the rate of unemployment, as well as impacting the economic outlook positively through the value chain.

    The four-day event will comprise presentations by carefully selected technocrats and professionals, panel discussions, focused group discussions, and question and answer segments.

    “The summit will mobilise and empower Ghanaian young entrepreneurs for sustainable industrialisation, discuss lessons and share success stories of youth trade activities with the AfCFTA in perspective, and promote green business concepts.

    “It will also promote knowledge-sharing as an essential driver of policy dialogue, good policy planning and implementation, while serving as a platform for policymakers and private sector operators to meet and accelerate youth inclusiveness in sustainable development.”

    The summit will also serve as a platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, services and innovations.

    The launch also saw the opening of a Help Desk at the PEF, where individuals can get information on businesses and assistance in line with their business operations.

    Source: thebftonline.com via Myinfogh

  • Dangote’s net worth increases by $700 million – Report

    Bloomberg in its Billionaires Index has revealed that Aliko Dangote’s net worth has increased by $700 million in the last week, rising from $17.6 billion on November 1 to $18.3 billion on November 7.

    The significant uptick in his net worth above $18.3 billion can be attributed to the performance of his 86 percent stake in publicly traded Dangote Cement, as the share price of the leading cement company recovered strongly after falling to a one-year low near the end of October.

    The $700-million bump in his wealth figures was fueled by an 8.8 percent increase in the company’s share price on the Nigerian Exchange from N220.5 ($0.502) on November 1 to N240 ($0.546) at the time of writing this report, as investors on the local bourse renewed buying interest in the company’s shares, which continue to trade below their fair value.

    The Bloomberg Billionaires Index tracks and compares the fortunes of the world’s 500 richest people.

    According to Simply Wall St, a Sydney-based research firm, the company’s shares are trading below analysts’ calculated fair price-to-earnings ratio, a financial ratio that compares a company’s valuation to earnings and tells investors how much a company is worth.

    The Australian company also revealed that the cement maker’s earnings are expected to grow by 18.83 percent per year and that analysts are unanimous in their prediction that the company’s stock price will rise by 38.8 percent in the short to medium

    Leaving aside these estimates, Dangote Cement is struggling to outperform last year’s financial results, with profits falling by double digits at the end of the first nine months of its current fiscal year due to lower demand and rising energy costs.

    The group’s earnings dropped by 23.4 percent to N213.1 billion ($486.5 million) at the end of the first nine months of its 2022 fiscal year, from N278.25 billion ($635.2 million) the previous year, according to figures contained in the group’s recently published financial statement, as rising energy and distribution costs ate into its earnings.

    In light of the drop in earnings, the billionaire businessman, who is not only Nigeria’s richest man but also Africa’s richest billionaire, may receive a lower dividend next year than the N293 billion ($704.1 million) he received this year.

    Source: billionaires.africa via Myinfogh

  • Ghana has a 50% chance of defaulting on its debt repayment – Fitch

    Fitch, a leading provider of credit ratings, has stated that there is a prpbability that Ghana could default on its debt repayment.

    The agency said that Ghana’s sovereign credit rating may yet face another downgrade closer to default.

    Fitch, according to a report by myjoyonline.com stated that this could become an even more definite thing should Ghana’s talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion package bring about a restructuring of the country’s debts.

    It will be recalled that in September 2022, Fitch downgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Local and Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to CC.

    Following the economic challenges faced by the country, Ghana began its formal negotiations for the extended credit facility programme with the IMF in September 2022.

    It has been the hope of the government that this move would bring some stability in the economy, amid the rapid depreciation of the Ghana cedi and soaring inflation rates.

    This was after cutting its 2022 discretionary expenditure by as much as 30%. However, this did not deter investors from dumping Ghana’s Eurobonds.

    According to Bloomberg, Ghana was considering restructuring part of its 190.3 billion ($13.6 billion) of local debt, as part of the talks with the International Monetary Fund.

    A committee was formed in October 2023 to solicit views from bondholders for a debt management strategy.

    Source: Ghanaweb via MyInfogh

     

  • Mahama never taxed cutlasses, condoms – Seth Terpker tells Anyidoho

    Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper has debunked the notion that cutlasses and condoms were taxed under the NDC government led by John Dramani Mahama.

    The former minister said he had serially challenged anyone with evidence that cutlasses and condoms were taxed or any evidence of same being repealed by the current government to make them available; but it has yielded no response.

    Anyidoho had tweeted: “Who taxed condoms and cutlasses in this country when he was President?” reference to claims that Mahama had at a point taxed the two products.

    “Wrong!! My good brother. I have been challenging anyone to cite the provision in the Customs Act and relevant Tariff # that imposed such taxes. He or she can also cite the “amendments” by the current administration. None to date but still on standby,” Terkper hit back.

    Was Bawumia the first to make cutlass, condom tax claim?

    In the run up to the 2016 elections, the then running-mate of the flagbearer of the then opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, accused the government of undermining economic growth by overburdening businesses with taxes.

    Speaking on Accra-based Joy FM, Dr Bawumia said the government had mismanaged the economy to a point where it had to rely desperately on raising taxes to generate revenue.

    He said: “You have a government where you have cutlasses being taxed; condoms being taxed…. When you become desperate, this is what happens; and when you mismanage the economy into this hole then, anything sounds great to you. You don’t have any option and this is the problem.

    “Anything that is taxable and that can feasibly be taxed, they are trying to impose tax on them. All of these are hurting the economy and therefore you are not going to get the growth, and when you don’t get the growth, you will not get the revenue, and when you don’t get the revenue, you go back to increasing taxes to get the revenue, and then you are in a cyclical downward spiral. So they have it wrong and we’ll change that particular policy.”

    Source: Ghanaweb via Myinfogh

  • Kill Akufo-Addo for us – Kumepreko protestors sing to God

    A section of Ghanaians who joined the ‘Ku Me Preko Reloaded’ demonstration on November 5, have called on God Almighty to end the life of the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, should he refuse to resign.

    According to the aggrieved individuals who were clad in red and black, the President is to blame for the country’s economic woes

    They argued that even though life has become so unbearable, the President has failed to dismiss the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, said to be his cousin.

    The ‘Ku Me Preko Reloaded’ demonstration was led by private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu who is pushing for the resignation of President Akufo-Addo over Ghana’s current economic woes.

    The protestors who massed up at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange held placards with inscriptions such as: Adinkra Symbol of failure, Boo the President, Sika mpɛ mismanagement, Protect Journalists, impeach the President, the battle over the Lord sef, among others.

     

  • Inzaghi hopeful of Inter title push despite falling by 11 points

    Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi is hopeful of a title charge despite Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Juventus, which leaves them 11 points off the pace in Serie A.

    The Nerazzurri were downed in the Derby d’Italia by second-half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Nicolo Fagioli, snapping their four-game winning run.

    The Bianconeri climb above Inter into fifth, while Inzaghi’s side slid down to seventh on 24 points from 13 games, well behind leaders Napoli.

    “There are 25 games to go from now to the end,” Inzaghi told reporters about their title prospects.

    “This is a defeat that slows us down a lot with the progress of this championship but we must be good at putting this defeat behind us immediately.

    “We have to improve in these matches, the performance has been there but we have to be better.”

    Inzaghi added to DAZN: “At this moment, Inter must focus on becoming more consistent. We were coming off four consecutive victories, we are back on the field in a couple of days and a defeat like this can leave some psychological scars, as it was an important match.

    “We had been able to score in 24 consecutive Serie A matches, this time unfortunately we were unable to.”

    Scoring goals has not been an issue for Inter, but conceding them has, shipping 19 from 13 games this campaign, which is the equal sixth worst in Serie A.

    The Nerazzurri have conceded 16 of those 19 goals away from home which is the leakiest record in Serie A, having managed only nine points from seven away league games this term.

    “We played the most complicated games away,” Inzaghi said, having travelled to Lecce, Lazio, Milan, Udinese, Sassuolo, Fiorentina and Juventus this Serie A season.

    “Clearly we need to improve in the big matches and in the goals scored. Juve shot three times on goal and scored two goals and one hit the post. We shot eight, nine times, with clearer chances and we didn’t score.

    “This is a defeat that slows us down, that hurts and for what we have seen on the pitch it is not deserved. It’s regret having ended the first half at 0-0.”


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Arteta praises Arsenal after win against Chelsea puts them top

    Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal as “phenomenal” after they returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 derby win at Chelsea.

    Gabriel Magalhaes capitalised on poor Blues defending to score the only goal of the game in the second half, tapping in a Bukayo Saka corner that evaded everyone and gifted the defender a chance he could not miss.

    Chelsea did not pose a threat as their 12-match unbeaten home run came to an end, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starved of service in his first match against his former club before he was hauled off in the second half.

    Arsenal comfortably saw out a third consecutive win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1974, moving two points clear of Manchester City at the summit.

    Gunners head coach Arteta expects another outstanding display to give his players even more belief that they can last the pace in the title race.

    He told BT Sport: “We wanted to get back to the top, but the competition is so difficult in this league. The challenge for us was to come to this stage and play against a top team to perform and win the game and the boys did that.”

    Asked what impressed him the most, the Spaniard replied: “I think for such a young team the maturity they showed, the composure, the resilience and the courage to play the way we wanted to play it was phenomenal. It’s easy to say it before the game but to do it against these opponents it’s a different story.

    “Winning against these opponents in this stadium I think is another step for these players to keep believing that they can do it under pressure against big opponents and we have to enjoy it.”

    Gabriel Jesus headed wide from close range when he was presented with a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the first half and is now without a goal in nine games.

    But Arteta felt the Brazil striker gave another demonstration of how to lead from the front.

    He said: “The energy that he transmits to the team is just phenomenal, that to me is his biggest quality. His all-round play I think it was phenomenal how he competes, how he holds the ball, the movement, the anxiety and uncertainty he gives opponents.

    “It is something that has taken us to a different level, we’ve said that from the beginning. He’s done it again and while he didn’t score, I thought he was outstanding.”

    Source: Livescore

  • FA appeals against sanction imposed on Klopp for red card against City

    The Football Association (FA) will appeal against the sanction imposed on Jurgen Klopp for his red card during Liverpool’s win over Manchester City last month.

    Klopp was shown a red card for furiously charging towards assistant referee Gary Beswick and berating the official late in a 1-0 Premier League win for the Reds at Anfield on October 16.

    The Liverpool manager admitted he “lost it” after he also confronted referee Anthony Taylor for not awarding a foul for a challenge on Mohamed Salah by Bernardo Silva.

    Klopp was fined £30,000 by an independent regulatory commission but avoided a touchline ban.

    He apologised for his actions and accepted the initial FA charge before discovering what his punishment would be, but the governing body on Friday revealed it will appeal against the commission’s decision.

    “The FA can confirm that it is appealing against the independent regulatory commission’s sanction in relation to the recent case involving Jurgen Klopp after reviewing its written reasons,” an FA spokesperson said.

    “The independent regulatory commission fined Jurgen Klopp £30,000 for breaching FA rule E3 during Liverpool’s Premier League game on Sunday 16 October 2022 against Manchester City.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Conte fumes at pre-World Cup schedule as Son adds to Spurs’ injury woes

    Antonio Conte accused football’s organisers of demonstrating a lack of care for players after Heung-Min Son joined Tottenham’s mounting injury list ahead of the World Cup.

    Tottenham have the chance to move 13 points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table when they host the Reds on Sunday, but have been beset by fitness concerns in recent weeks.

    With Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski already sidelined, Spurs suffered a huge blow on Tuesday when Son sustained a fracture around his left eye in their Champions League win at Marseille, throwing his chances of featuring in Qatar into doubt.

    Defender Cristian Romero, meanwhile, has missed Tottenham’s last two games with a calf problem, and will not be fit to return against Liverpool.

    Speaking at Friday’s pre-match news conference, Conte said the game’s organisers were paying lip service to concerns over player welfare.

    “It’s better to start with a smile. We need to face this situation, we need to try to finish these three games in the best possible way,” Conte said.

    “We have these injuries; Richarlison is not available for the game, it’s the same for Romero.

    “About Romero, I can tell you if he has the possibility to play with one leg, he will play with one leg. I tell the fans that we have players really committed to the club.

    “Maybe Romero has an injury because he wanted to take a risk, but for sure, many teams are having big injuries, because we are playing every three days.

    “We are seeing this situation is impossible for the future. Many times, I hear about the welfare of the players, but [talking] is only a polite way of showing they care.

    “They’re not really worried about the welfare of the players if the schedule is this, if the most important thing is that the show must go on.

    “In the future, I don’t want to hear or speak about the welfare of the players, because this is not true.”

    Conte offered more positive updates on the conditions of Rodrigo Bentancur and Kulusevski – the latter having not featured since September after sustaining a hamstring injury – but Lucas Moura’s participation against Liverpool appears uncertain.

    “Bentancur is much better and was part of a training session,” Conte said. “It was the same for Kulusevski, he had half a training session with us.

    “The problem is Lucas Moura is having different phases with his pain. Today it was really bad, and they told me he was really worried about this. I asked him to try to be available.”

    Sunday’s match will represent the first time Tottenham have hosted Liverpool while above them in the Premier League table since October 2017, when they posted a 4-1 win over the Reds.

    That, however, remains Spurs’ most recent league victory against Liverpool, who are unbeaten in the teams’ nine subsequent meetings in the competition (W6 D3).

    Source: Livescore

  • Emery sets ‘personal challenge’ to win silverware with Villa

    Unai Emery preached patience as he met the media for the first time as Aston Villa coach on Friday, but that did not stop him setting a “personal challenge” to bring silverware to Villa Park.

    Emery started work as Villa boss this week having left former club Villarreal, where he achieved Europa League success in the 2020-21 season.

    But initial ambitions will have to be more modest at Villa, with the side 16th in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

    If results go against his new team on Saturday, Emery could find himself in the relegation zone by the time of his first match in charge.

    For that reason, Emery had a dash of realism to go with his optimistic plans for the future on his return to the Premier League.

    “My dream is to win a trophy with Aston Villa,” said the former Arsenal manager, who was asked if Villa could qualify for Europe this season.

    “It’s my personal challenge at the beginning. And my second dream, my objective could be to play with Aston Villa in Europe.

    “But now we have to start thinking only [about] the next match because we are not in a good position in the table now, and each match is going to give us a lot of information from the players and I want to test, to check individually and collectively the players.

    “The next match is my only focus now, Sunday against Manchester United, and, of course, playing here at home.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Xavi says Pique retirement is ‘law of life’ as he prods new generation

    Xavi described Gerard Pique’s retirement as “the law of life” and confirmed it could prompt Barcelona to dive back into the transfer market in January.

    At the age of 35, and with a reduced role this season, Pique has taken it upon himself to call time on his career, rather than see out a contract that was due to run through to 2024.

    Head coach Xavi has accepted his decisions have led to this point, having made it clear to Pique in pre-season he would not be a regular starter.

    Pique will play his final Camp Nou game on Saturday, providing he is involved against Almeria, and has told Xavi he will also be available to face Osasuna in an away game on Tuesday.

    The season then goes on hold as the World Cup takes over, and Pique will say his farewells to his boyhood club, for whom he has played over 600 games.

    Barcelona will move on without him, and Xavi said: “Now we need to build a new generation. A lot of young players are gaining importance. It’s a new era.

    “We hope this is a new generation that gives a lot to the club. It’s a shame when you see great team-mates and friends who are saying goodbye to football.

    “It’s a sad thing to see, it makes you nostalgic, but it’s the law of life, and it will happen to everyone.”

    Xavi believes Pique, who already has substantial business interests, could be a future Barcelona president.

    “Gerard can be whatever he wants,” said Xavi, when that notion was put to him. “For the ability he’s got, the leadership, the personality he transmits, he can be whatever he wants. He’s got abilities without doubt.

    “He’s super competitive, intelligent, he’s got an amazing intellectual capacity, much more than normal.”

    With Pique on his way out, Barcelona will be one defender short of where Xavi would like them. He had hoped Pique would stay on, but instead he confirmed talks will take place about the possibility of making a new signing.

    “We’ll see. Now Gerard’s leaving, yes maybe,” Xavi said in his press conference on Friday.

    “We’ll have a meeting after the match against Osasuna to plan a little bit. We’ll have time to plan with Mateu [Alemany, sporting director] and the president [Joan Laporta].”

    Xavi played in the same team as Pique for seven years from 2008 to 2015, winning three Champions Leagues together and abundant domestic honours. They were also Spain team-mates for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs.


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Carragher claims players are being treated ‘like cattle’ ahead of World Cup

    Jamie Carragher has accused FIFA of putting players in a “disgusting” position by planting the Qatar World Cup slap bang in the middle of the club season.

    For most players involved, the tournament will be taking place while their domestic leagues are put on hold, after it was decided Qatar would not be able to host in the usual June-July time slot, due to its climate.

    It means the leading lights of the game are playing important club games just days before the opening matches of the World Cup, knowing an injury, even at a minor level, could scupper hopes of being involved.

    Former Liverpool and England defender Carragher said a World Cup in November and December is “absurd” and “has succeeded in compromising every major football competition this season, including their own showpiece event”.

    He said there would “almost be a perverse sense of justice” if stars of the game suffer minor injury blows in the coming weeks that rule them out of the World Cup, due to the tournament’s “indecent timing”.

    But Carragher suspects those that pushed for Qatar to host would not feel responsible, saying: “To them, elite footballers are like cattle. They get well paid and should get on with it, regardless of the psychological and physical consequences.”

    Carragher pointed to the example of Raphael Varane coming off in tears for Manchester United against Chelsea last month, putting his France prospects in doubt.

    He wrote in the Telegraph: “It is disgusting that players are being put in such a position, and they are at their most vulnerable right now as they are expected to go full throttle in the final weeks before joining their national team.

    “In normal circumstances, the squads would already be at the pre-tournament training camp, the fine-tuning under way before the opening ceremony.”

    Carragher added: “The decisions at the top have materially enhanced the risk of injuries. That was inevitable when the World Cup was arranged in mid-season. Everyone with even the slightest understanding of the demands upon a top-level footballer knew that.”

    The 44-year-old Carragher spent a decade in and around the England squad, at a time when John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were usually ahead of him in the pecking order.

    He still won 38 caps and went to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and believes the upcoming tournament taking place in Qatar casts shame on the game.

    Carragher argues football’s authorities made a major error by voting to give the World Cup to a country with a widely criticised human rights record. Critics have pointed to Qatar’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people, and the death of many migrant workers on construction sites ahead of the tournament.

    “Qatar must be the tipping point,” Carragher added. “This can never happen again and there are already signs of professional players mobilising to ensure it never will. FIFA and other national bodies must be forced to act as well as listen.

    “The 2022 World Cup symbolises FIFA’s ultimate power. They pushed ahead, ripping up the football calendar knowing nothing could stop them.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Howe says Almiron motivations ‘greater than’ Grealish jibe

    Eddie Howe does not believe Jack Grealish’s criticism of Miguel Almiron in Manchester City’s title celebrations contributed to the Newcastle United winger’s remarkable upturn in form.

    In a clip that went viral, Grealish said in the aftermath of City’s dramatic Premier League triumph he had welcomed the substitution of Riyad Mahrez against Aston Villa on the final day as his team-mate “played like Almiron”.

    It was a harsh jibe but one that spoke to Almiron’s frustratingly ineffectual performances in a Newcastle shirt.

    The former Atlanta United star too often lacked an end product prior to the start of this season.

    But Almiron has spectacularly turned his Newcastle career around in 2022-23, scoring seven goals from chances worth just 4.2 expected goals (xG).

    After netting his first of the campaign against Grealish’s City in August, Almiron hit six in six in October – several of his strikes of stunning quality as Newcastle ended the month unbeaten.

    Many have pondered whether there is a direct correlation between Grealish’s criticism and Almiron’s improved performances, although Callum Wilson this week said his team-mate “just shrugged his shoulders” at the incident.

    Newcastle coach Howe was asked about the comments on Friday, and replied: “I’ve never discussed it with Miggy, because I don’t see it being relevant at all.

    “He’s never discussed it with me. Personally, I don’t think it would have any part in his thinking.

    “I think Miggy’s motivations are much bigger than that and greater than that.

    “Any comment that anyone in the world would make – whether it’s about me or someone else – I think you have to have a bigger picture.

    “And the bigger picture for Miggy is being the best he can be for Newcastle. He loves the club, the supporters love him, he loves the supporters back.

    “I think his motivations are greater than any comment from any individual. He’s proud to play for his country, as well, so he’s got huge positive things in his life that have driven him more than that.”

    Almiron initially thrilled after joining Newcastle in January 2019 but failed to score his first goal before the end of the season, belatedly ending that wait in December of the same year.

    Until this term, he had never tallied more than four goals in a single Premier League campaign, underperforming his xG in three of four seasons.

    It was expected then that Newcastle would seek to replace Almiron in the transfer window, but they instead focused their attentions elsewhere, buying goalkeeper Nick Pope, centre-back Sven Botman, left-back Matt Targett and striker Alexander Isak.

    “I think the key thing is not to listen to outside speculation,” Howe said. “For me, the targets we had in the summer were clear; we recruited in those positions.

    “I’ve always said: if there’s an area that we feel or players that we feel can improve the squad, we’ll always look at that, regardless of who we have internally. That will never change.”

    He added: “Certainly the players that are here and have done well for us will be respected.”

    More recently, comments coming out of City in Newcastle’s direction have been more positive, with Grealish’s manager Pep Guardiola describing Howe’s fourth-placed side as “contenders”.

    “I’d much rather people said nice things about us than not, but I’m not in control of that and it doesn’t really change anything,” Howe said.

    “It’s nice to hear people’s opinions of us if they’re positive, and if they’re not, that’s up to them.

    “It doesn’t change anything about what we’re doing; only we can prove whether we’re contenders or not. We have to do that on a weekly basis.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Aubameyang relishing Arsenal reunion as Chelsea boss Potter says World Cup puts players in ‘tricky position’

    Chelsea boss Graham Potter admits every player with World Cup aspirations is in “a tricky position” as domestic football continues just days before teams fly to Qatar.

    The Blues are waiting on news of Ben Chilwell’s hamstring injury, as he headed for a scan on Friday amid fears the muscle is torn, which would rule him out of England’s plans.

    Potter understands players have concerns about suffering injuries at such an unfortunate moment, but will demand his squad hold nothing back in Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.

    Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is poised to face his former club, and unlike many of his team-mates does not need to worry about the World Cup, which starts on November 20, having retired from international football within months of Gabon failing to qualify.

    Asked about possible fear of World Cup hopefuls getting hurt, Potter said in a press conference: “I don’t think it’s fear. I just think it’s part of the challenge.

    “It’s very difficult to play Premier League football or Champions League football and go at it half-hearted. That’s pretty much impossible. At the same time, there’s a World Cup a couple of weeks away, so it’s a tricky position for everybody.”

    Chelsea needed to wait for swelling to reduce before sending left-back Chilwell to be assessed, and Potter did not sound positive about the defender’s England prospects.

    “We all saw the nature of the injury,” Potter said. “I can’t say it looks positive, but until we get the scan it’s difficult to say. At the moment we’re just hopeful and fingers crossed, and from there we see how to get him back fit and strong. It’s disappointing, of course.”

    Aubameyang’s exit from Arsenal in February, when he moved to Barcelona, came after an apparent falling-out with head coach Mikel Arteta, as the former Gunners captain lost his first-team place.

    After a short stint at Barcelona, Chelsea jumped at the chance to bring Aubameyang back to England, and Potter concurred it would be “an interesting one” for the 33-year-old this weekend.

    “I don’t think we should make it about him,” he added. “I think it’s about the team. He’s an important part of the team and for us to get the result we want takes everybody, not just one person.

    “I understand the interest is about him because it’s Arsenal and there’s a narrative about that. But as a team and a group we have to do well ourselves.”

    As for whether Aubameyang has anything to prove to Arsenal, for whom he scored 92 goals across all competitions, Potter suggested not.

    “I don’t think so. I think he’s looking forward to the game, excited for it,” Potter said. “He’s been pretty normal from what I’ve seen, he’s quite a quiet guy, but I’m sure come matchday he’ll be determined.”

    Potter praised Arsenal’s support for Arteta, who came under pressure in the early stages of his tenure, describing the backing the Spaniard has received as “a really good example of how success can come”.

    Former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Potter is still learning the ropes at Chelsea, but he had success against Arsenal during his time with the Seagulls, winning three of his six Premier League games against the Gunners (D1 L2).

    Chelsea will hope that boosts their prospects, given they have lost three of their last four league games against Arsenal, more defeats than they had experienced in their previous 17 in the rivalry.

    Moreover, Arsenal have won on their last two league visits to Stamford Bridge, as many victories as they achieved in their previous 16 visits.

    League leaders Arsenal have not won three in a row at Stamford Bridge since April 1974, but that could change on Sunday.

    Source: Livescore

  • T20 World Cup: Black Caps primed for semis after downing Ireland

    New Zealand earned a 35-run win over Ireland to move into prime position for a spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

    The result sends the Black Caps top of Group 1 and, although England and Australia can both move level on seven points, Kane Williamson’s men are in a position of strength due to their superior net run rate.

    It was captain Williamson’s 61 from 35 balls that set the tone for his side’s innings of 185-6, with Josh Little (3-22) the pick of Ireland’s bowlers as he claimed a hat-trick in the 19th over.

    Still, there was little the underdogs could do to limit the damage, as Finn Allen (32), Devon Conway (28) and Daryl Mitchell (31 not out) also made valuable contributions.

    Ireland, who stunned pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the Super 12s, were 68 without loss in reply at one stage but crumbled to 150-9 in the face of a fine New Zealand bowling attack and are now out of the competition.

    Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi accounted for Ireland’s top four between them and there was scant resistance lower down the order, with George Dockrell’s 23-run cameo ended by the impressive Lockie Ferguson (3-22).

    Williamson leads by example

    Skipper Williamson was back to his best for New Zealand with an aggressive knock that included five fours and three maximums.

    He laid the foundations to set a daunting total for Ireland, who were not to be taken lightly after also overcoming West Indies amid an impressive campaign.

    Reflecting on the victory, he said: “It was a good team effort really, that Ireland team has been playing beautifully, they’ve got a really well-rounded side, and it was a good match and good to get the win.”

    Josh’s Little moment of joy

    It may ultimately have come in a losing effort, but a hat-trick is always a thing of beauty and Little’s was a joy to behold.

    In three consecutive deliveries in the penultimate over he accounted for Williamson, James Neesham and Santner, becoming only the sixth man to rack up a World Cup treble.

    That feat further enhanced the fast bowler’s already glowing reputation and franchises around the world will certainly have taken note.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • NLA’s Godmother money-making machines heads to Anlo

    Hundreds of people are expected to throng the forecourt of the Anlo District Assembly Office this weekend, to witness the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) godmother moneymaking machine, in action.

    The NLA Draw machine is making its next stop in the Volta Region in the third of the series of the NLA’s famous Community Draws, to spread some good fortune to celebrants of this year’s Hogbetsotsoza.

    Amid heavy security of combined military and police personnel, the draw machines were crane lifted from their secure place, the Brennan Hall on Friday morning.

    According to the Head of Corporate Affairs, Ms. Judith Kormle, the NLA Community Draws are the Authority’s way of bringing the draw closer to its cherished patrons and the general public, dispelling the myth and rumors that ordinarily typify the draw and the draw machines.

    “Holding Community Draws also gives NLA the opportunity to educate our patrons and the general public on the integrity of the Draw Process, the mandate, and operations of the Authority. We also use such platforms to enlighten our patrons on giving back to the community through our Good Causes and the activities of fraudsters who purport to give out leaked winning numbers on WhatsApp and Facebook,” she said.

    Additionally, Community Draws add to the thrill of patrons who have never witnessed the draw to get a firsthand view of it, and also interact with the Draw presenters, Ace Actor Akrobeto, Comedian Kalybos, Actress, Jessica Williams, Beryl Adom and Nancy Darko.

    This year’s draw will be even more exciting as musicians, Praye and other artists will entertain fans while they make money with their stakes.

    This is the first time in sixty years, the National Lottery Authority (NLA) is taking its draw to the Volta Region in celebration of the Hogbetstso Festival and the third in the series of festivities, after Kwahu-Obomeng and the Oguaa Fetu Afahye.

    Saturday 5th November 2022’s National Weekly Lotto, will also be live on United Television at 7:15 pm.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • T20 World Cup: Australia staying in Adelaide to support Sri Lanka

    Australia’s narrow win over Afghanistan on Friday sent New Zealand through to the T20 World Cup semi-finals and set England a straightforward target to join them.

    England need only a victory against Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final Group 1 match to be sure of a place in the last four.

    Hosts and defending champions Australia had been facing an uphill battle to improve their run rate ever since an 89-run thrashing at the hands of the Black Caps in their opener.

    With their meeting with England rained off, the margin of victory in other matches was going to prove pivotal.

    Although Australia survived a scare in beating Afghanistan by four runs, that tight affair left their net run rate at -0.173, below England’s mark of +0.547, which will improve further with victory over Sri Lanka.

    The home nation therefore need Sri Lanka to defeat England and keep them in the top two on seven points.

    Stand-in Australia captain Matthew Wade said: “We’ll stay the extra night here and watch that game. We’ll be hoping for a little bit of an upset there, obviously.

    “That’s tournament play – we put ourselves in this situation straight from the get-go this time. Although we’ve been trying to chase a little bit of run rate, it just hasn’t really gone our way.

    “We’ve been a little bit slow getting out of the blocks in this tournament. Hopefully it doesn’t cost us.”

    Glenn Maxwell struck a similar tone, saying: “We’ll certainly be following it. We’ve obviously put ourselves in this situation, but hopefully Sri Lanka can do the job for us.”

    Although Maxwell scored an unbeaten 54 off 32 against Afghanistan, he added: “It was quite hard to press the issue.

    “We probably got to about the 12-over mark, where we just had to put a total on the board to make sure we gave ourselves a chance of winning the game.

    “Even though we were trying to go hard at the back end, they bowled extremely well.”

    If Sri Lanka can do Australia a huge favour, Wade is “very hopeful” skipper Aaron Finch and all-rounder Tim David will return for the semi-finals.

    David was “really, really close” but failed a late fitness test on Friday, Wade added.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • T20 World Cup: Black Caps primed for semis after downing Ireland

    New Zealand earned a 35-run win over Ireland to move into prime position for a spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

    The result sends the Black Caps top of Group 1 and, although England and Australia can both move level on seven points, Kane Williamson’s men are in a position of strength due to their superior net run rate.

    It was captain Williamson’s 61 from 35 balls that set the tone for his side’s innings of 185-6, with Josh Little (3-22) the pick of Ireland’s bowlers as he claimed a hat-trick in the 19th over.

    Still, there was little the underdogs could do to limit the damage, as Finn Allen (32), Devon Conway (28) and Daryl Mitchell (31 not out) also made valuable contributions.

    Ireland, who stunned pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the Super 12s, were 68 without loss in reply at one stage but crumbled to 150-9 in the face of a fine New Zealand bowling attack and are now out of the competition.

    Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi accounted for Ireland’s top four between them and there was scant resistance lower down the order, with George Dockrell’s 23-run cameo ended by the impressive Lockie Ferguson (3-22).

    Williamson leads by example

    Skipper Williamson was back to his best for New Zealand with an aggressive knock that included five fours and three maximums.

    He laid the foundations to set a daunting total for Ireland, who were not to be taken lightly after also overcoming West Indies amid an impressive campaign.

    Reflecting on the victory, he said: “It was a good team effort really, that Ireland team has been playing beautifully, they’ve got a really well-rounded side, and it was a good match and good to get the win.”

    Josh’s Little moment of joy

    It may ultimately have come in a losing effort, but a hat-trick is always a thing of beauty and Little’s was a joy to behold.

    In three consecutive deliveries in the penultimate over he accounted for Williamson, James Neesham and Santner, becoming only the sixth man to rack up a World Cup treble.

    That feat further enhanced the fast bowler’s already glowing reputation and franchises around the world will certainly have taken note.


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Premier League Matchday 15: Leaders Arsenal head to London foes Chelsea

    An action-packed Premier League weekend sees Chelsea face off with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham host Liverpool on Matchday 15.

    Elsewhere, Manchester City are up against Fulham while Manchester United head to Aston Villa in Unai Emery’s first game in charge of the Villans.

    Read on as we run the rule over all 10 matches in the English top flight.

    Leeds vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)

    Leeds host Bournemouth at Elland Road on a high after ending an eight-game winless streak with a thrilling late victory at Liverpool last Saturday.

    Scoring the winner for Jesse Marsch’s men at Anfield was Crysencio Summerville, who also netted against Fulham the week before.

    The Dutchman can become the youngest player (21 years and six days) to score in three straight Premier League games for the West Yorkshire club since 20-year-old Alan Smith in August 2001.

    After going unbeaten in six matches under caretaker boss Gary O’Neil, Bournemouth have lost their last three — most recently letting a two-goal lead slip to lose 3-2 to Tottenham.

    Manchester City vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)

    Champions Manchester City remain two points behind Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League ahead of the penultimate weekend before the World Cup.

    In Saturday’s opponents Fulham, they face a side they have beaten in all of their past 12 meetings, including last season’s 4-1 FA Cup fourth-round clash.

    But the Cottagers can take a glimmer of hope from the fact that all of their last three wins against the Citizens have come at the Etihad, though they have not earned three points against Saturday’s hosts since April 2009.

    Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has created 34 chances in the Premier League this term, second only to City’s Kevin De Bruyne who is on 40.

    Andreas Pereira has been a revelation since joining Fulham last summer
    Andreas Pereira has been a revelation since joining Fulham last summer

    Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)

    Nottingham Forest host Brentford in the first top-flight meeting between the two sides.

    Despite a 1-0 win against Liverpool in their most recent home outing, Forest remain at the foot of the table thanks to a 5-0 loss at Arsenal last Sunday.

    Brentford, who are in 11th place, have won five of their last seven away games against the Reds.

    Goals look likely in the East Midlands, with Forest’s goal difference of -20 the worst in the Premier League this term while the Bees have just one clean sheet in their last 22 league games on the road.

    Wolves vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

    Wolves look to be edging closer towards appointing Julen Lopetegui as their new manager but they must negotiate the visit of Brighton with caretaker boss Steve Davis still in charge.

    The Seagulls head to Molineux fresh from an exceptional 4-1 win over Chelsea last Saturday but are up against a team they have beaten just once in the last seven meetings — though that victory did come last season.

    Wolves have won just two of their last 20 Premier League games, failing to score more than once in any of their last 16 matches.

    Brighton pair Danny Welbeck (25) and Solly March (24) are the two players to have had the most shots without scoring so far this season in the Premier League.

    Danny Welbeck is without a goal in 25 shots in the Premier League this term
    Danny Welbeck is without a goal in 25 shots in the Premier League this term

    Everton vs Leicester (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

    Saturday’s late kick-off sees Everton take on Leicester, who remain in the bottom three despite a recent revival of sorts.

    The Foxes narrowly lost 1-0 to Manchester City last Saturday but won their previous two to boost their survival hopes, while the Toffees are also without defeat in their last two.

    Frank Lampard has certainly tightened things up, with the Merseyside club keeping four clean sheets in their last eight games including shut-outs in their last two.

    Only De Bruyne (nine) has registered more league assists than Everton’s Alex Iwobi’s five this term, creating an average of 1.72 chances per 90 minutes.

    Chelsea vs Arsenal (Sunday, 12pm, BT Sport 1)

    Arsenal continue to sit pretty at the top of the Premier League but they know a trip to London rivals Chelsea will be no easy task.

    The North London side have enjoyed recent trips to Stamford Bridge, though, winning the last two top-flight meetings — as many as they had in the previous 16.

    But Blues boss Graham Potter seems to have Arsenal under his spell, having masterminded victory in three of his six games against them — against no side in the division has he won more often.

    Former Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be looking to torment his old club. The Gabonese striker can become just the second Premier League player to score for both sides in this fixture after Cesc Fabregas.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to face former boss Mikel Arteta for the first time on Sunday
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to face former boss Mikel Arteta for the first time on Sunday

    Aston Villa vs Manchester United (Sunday, 2pm)

    Unai Emery has a challenging first game as Aston Villa boss as Manchester United arrive on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

    If he does engineer three points, he will end the hosts’ run of 23 home league matches without a win against United.

    Villa won four points off the Red Devils last term but they will have to watch out for United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored more goals (eight) against them than any other Premier League team.

    Southampton vs Newcastle (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

    Newcastle continue to ride the crest of a wave as they head into Sunday’s trip to Southampton occupying fourth spot in the table.

    The Magpies have won five of their last six games, in stark contrast to the form of the Saints, who have just a single victory in eight outings.

    Only Chelsea (11) have had more different goalscorers than Eddie Howe’s men (10) this term, while only Brighton (seven) and Arsenal (10) have made fewer changes to their starting XI (17).

    Miguel Almiron is in particularly sensational form after netting six goals in his last six games, including all of his last three. He can become the first non-Englishman since Papiss Demba Cisse to score in four consecutive games for the Tynesiders.

    Miguel Almiron has been in fine form for Newcastle
    Miguel Almiron has been in fine form for Newcastle

    West Ham vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm)

    Three days after topping their Europa Conference League group with six wins from six, West Ham host fellow London side Crystal Palace.

    The Hammers are unbeaten in their last four against Palace and are aiming for consecutive victories against them for the first time since January 2017.

    Current form points to another success for David Moyes’ men, who have won their last three Premier League home outings. In contrast, the Eagles are winless in seven top-flight away trips.

    Michail Antonio has been involved in 15 goals in his last 19 London derbies, while all nine of Odsonne Edouard’s Palace goals have come in the English capital (eight at Selhurst Park, one at the Emirates).

    Tottenham vs Liverpool (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

    Rounding off the weekend is a mouth-watering clash between third-placed Tottenham and inconsistent Liverpool.

    Spurs have won just one of their last 21 matches against the Reds and have failed to emerge victorious from any of the 10 most recent meetings.

    This is the first time Spurs face the Merseysiders above them in the table since December 2020, with Jurgen Klopp’s men winning 2-1 at Anfield on that occasion.

    Starting slowly has been an issue for both sides this term but particularly for the visitors, who have conceded the first goal in eight of their 12 league games — behind only Southampton and West Ham (both nine).

    Source: Livescore

  • Neuer set to make Bayern return at Hertha Berlin

    Manuel Neuer is expected to return from his seven-match injury absence for Bayern Munich‘s trip to Hertha Berlin on Saturday, according to Julian Nagelsmann.

    A shoulder injury has kept Neuer sidelined since Bayern’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund last month, causing concern for both club and country.

    While the goalkeeper’s absence led to speculation he could miss Germany’s World Cup opener against Japan on November 23, Nagelsmann repeatedly dismissed those concerns while urging caution over his return.

    That approach looks to have paid off, with Nagelsmann revealing on Friday that Neuer was likely to replace Sven Ulreich between the sticks in the German capital.

    “If the final training session goes well, Manu will come along and also play,” he said at a pre-match news conference. “I assume it will, but we’ll see how the shoulder reacts. This week went well.

    “We didn’t consciously wait longer, we just waited until he was pain-free. When you start again after an injury, there is always some risk, but I don’t calculate that, it’s the doctors.

    “If they give the clearance, [the risk] is obviously so small so that he can play, but anything can happen when you have a bruised shoulder. Football is a contact sport, so you can never rule everything out.”

    While Neuer’s return is a huge boost for Bayern – who are one point adrift of surprise Bundesliga leaders Union Berlin, they will be without Thomas Muller and Matthijs de Ligt at the Olympiastadion.

    “Thomas and Matthijs are still out. Matthijs’ knee reacted again, so we could not increase [his workload],” Nagelsmann added.

    “It was originally the idea [for De Ligt to return], but unfortunately it doesn’t work. That’s why he won’t be flying to Berlin, the same with Thomas. The plan is for them to come back during the week.”

    Bayern finished their Champions League group-stage campaign with maximum points by beating Inter 2-0 last time out, becoming the first side to achieve that feat in consecutive seasons.

    That means Bayern will be paired with one of Liverpool, Club Brugge, Milan or Paris Saint-Germain in Monday’s last-16 draw, and Nagelsmann believes none of those sides will want to face them.

    Asked about the prospect of meeting Liverpool, he said: “There are easier draws, but you can also turn the tables. There aren’t too many teams who want to play against us.

    “It’s all very hypothetical, the next Champions League game is in a few months. The current form of Liverpool, or us, or Milan, or PSG or Brugge is not decisive.

    “Until then, a lot will happen. I also read all of this, I know who our potential opponents are and I have an opinion on all of them. But I’m not making the choice, so we’ll wait and see.”


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Serie A Matchday 13: Top two face off as Atalanta host Napoli

    Unbeaten league leaders Napoli could be set for their toughest test of the season — a trip to second-placed Atalanta.

    Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s Roma host Lazio in the first Derby della Capitale of 2022-23.

    Juventus face Inter Milan in yet another titanic clash as the pair look to maintain their recent strong form and climb up the table.

    Elsewhere, reigning champions AC Milan host Spezia, while relegation-threatened Lecce travel to Udinese.

    Game of the week: Atalanta vs Napoli (Saturday, 5pm)

    Napoli are flying high and sit five points clear at Serie A’s summit.

    Luciano Spalletti’s side have won eight league games in succession, including each of their last four away from home.

    Additionally, the Partenopei have trailed for the fewest minutes of any team this term (46).

    However, their next opponents Atalanta have only been behind for 84 minutes themselves — the fourth-best record in the division.

    Furthermore, the Bergamo-based outfit have found the net in each of their last eight league games against Napoli, so will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet this Saturday.

    Roma vs Lazio (Sunday, 5pm)

    No Serie A player has registered more assists than Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's seven in 2022-23
    No Serie A player has registered more assists than Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s seven in 2022-23

    Roma and Lazio head into this derby separated by just a point and a place in the table.

    Encouragingly for the Giallorossi, they have only lost twice at home to their rivals in their last 24 Serie A meetings (14 wins, eight draws).

    In the era of three points for a win, this fixture has produced more red cards than any other in Italy’s top tier (35). However, only one of those has come in the last six clashes.

    Juventus vs Inter Milan (Sunday, 7.45pm)

    Nicolo Barella has been a key creative figure for Inter Milan this term
    Nicolo Barella has been a key creative figure for Inter Milan this term

    Both these teams come into this heavyweight clash in excellent form after disappointing starts to their respective seasons.

    Juventus have won each of their last three Serie A games without conceding, while Inter Milan are on a four-match league winning streak — scoring at least twice in each of those victories.

    Sunday’s hosts have been much more solid at the back than their counterparts, though. In Europe’s top five leagues, only Barcelona have shipped fewer goals (four) than the Bianconeri’s seven, while the Nerazzurri have conceded 17 times.

    However, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has beaten Juventus seven times in 18 games as a manager since April 2016 (two draws, nine defeats) — more than any other head coach in that period.

    AC Milan vs Spezia (Saturday, 7.45pm)

    Spezia shocked AC Milan when they visited the San Siro last season
    Spezia shocked AC Milan when they visited the San Siro last season

    Third-placed AC Milan have made a solid start to their title defence.

    In 2022, they have kept nine league clean sheets at home. Only Liverpool and Real Sociedad (both 10) have managed more in Europe’s top five leagues.

    Spezia, meanwhile, have lost each of their six Serie A away games in 2022-23 without scoring — Sampdoria are the only other side in the competition who have failed to score in half their league outings this term.

    Udinese vs Lecce (Friday, 7.45pm)

    Udinese have failed to win any of their last four Serie A outings after a strong start to the campaign — though a clash with struggling Lecce offers a good chance to end that run.

    Le Zebrette have won 11 of their 14 home league encounters with Friday’s opponents (three defeats) and the Giallorossi have taken fewer shots (101) than any other side in the division.

    This fixture has a lower percentage of draws than any other Serie A clash to have been played at least 12 times (3.6% — one out of 28).

    The weekend’s other games

    Empoli vs Sassuolo (Saturday, 2pm)

    Salernitana vs Cremonese (Saturday, 2pm)

    Bologna vs Torino (Sunday, 11.30am)

    Monza vs Verona (Sunday, 2pm)

    Sampdoria vs Fiorentina (Sunday, 2pm)

    Source: Livescore