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November 26, 2019

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019 IFMSPORTS

UEFA CL: Brugge’s Emmanuel Expected To Start Galatasaray

Nigeria International Emmanuel Dennis is expected to return to Club Brugge’s starting XI against Galatasaray at the Türk Telekom Stadium in tonight’s UEFA Champions league.

The 22-year-old was a second-half substitute, coming in for compatriot David Okereke, in Club Brugge’s 2-0 win over KV Oostende in the Belgian Pro League last Friday.

Leicester City are being linked with a move for Dennis as a long term replacement for veteran forward and club legend Jamie Vardy.

Club Brugge make the trip to Turkey to take on Galatasaray knowing that they require three points to maintain their slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.

Given the current Group A standings, Brugge need to beat Galatasaray to stand any chance of catching second-placed Real Madrid.

A defeat would mean Europa League football at best for the rest of the season, so this is effectively a mini-final for the Belgians in Istanbul.

The two sides have met three times in the Champions League.

Back in the 2002/03 group stages, Brugge drew 0-0 in Turkey and won 2-1 in Belgium. Their last meeting was in this year’s group stage, with a goalless draw in Bruges.

On the domestic front, Brugge sit six points clear at the top of the standings while Galatasaray’s 1-0 loss at home to Istanbul Basaksehir has left Fatih Terim’s side down in seventh place in Turkey’s top flight.

November 26, 2019

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019 IFMSPORTS

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed striker Sergio Aguero will be out “for a few weeks” with the thigh injury he sustained in Saturday’s win against Chelsea.

Argentina striker Aguero, 31, hobbled off after 77 minutes of the 2-1 victory.

Aguero – who missed five games last term with a groin problem – has scored 13 goals in 16 games this season but has failed to score in his past three

“Sergio will be out for a few games,” said Guardiola.

The manager added Aguero will “need a miracle” to be fit for the Manchester derby on December 7.

Gabriel Jesus, who has featured mainly from the bench this season, is expected to feature more prominently during Aguero’s absence.

The Brazil international, who has scored five goals in 16 appearances, said, “I am not happy Sergio is injured.

“I don’t like it when my friends are injured, but every day I work hard and I am ready.”

Jesus is likely to lead the line when Manchester City host Shakhtar in the Champions League on Tuesday.

November 26, 2019

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019 IFMSPORTS

RONALDO DECLARED FIT AGAINST ATLETICO

Atletico Madrid will not be spared the spectre of Cristiano Ronaldo when Diego Simeone’s side travel to Turin to take on Juventus in the Champions League after the Serie A side confirmed the Portugal captain has fully recovered from his recent knee issues.

The Juventus forward has played 32 games against the Rojiblancos and scored 25 goals with eight assists. His record is 16 wins, nine draws and nine losses – testament to the work of Simeone since he took over at the Calderon and ended the 14-year curse – but the devastation he can wreak is still fresh in the mind for the Liga side.

Last season, a 2-0 victory in the Champions League last 16 first leg at the Metropolitano seemed to be enough to guarantee progress.

Atletico were scoring freely and had never lost a Champions League tie after winning the first leg. Juventus had never overturned a two-goal deficit in Europe either home or away. But Ronaldo came, Ronaldo saw and Ronaldo conquered.

Juve are already through to the knock-out stages but will be looking to ensure they finish as group winners, while Atletico are four points clear of Lokomotiv Moscow and Bayer Leverkusen and host the Russian side in the final round of fixtures.

November 26, 2019

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019 IFMSPORTS

ARSENAL REVEALS UNAI’S POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly a leading candidate to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal, should the North London club choose to sack him.

The Gunners needed a late equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette to salvage a point at home against Southampton, extending their current run to just two wins from their last 11 Premier League games.

Emery is now thought to be under increased pressure and while Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi and technical director Edu are thought to want to give the Spaniard more time, the Daily Mail reports that other board members are unconvinced and are considering his future.

The report states that a three man shortlist of potential replacements has been drawn up, with Pochettino joined by Massimiliano Allegri and former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta.

However, Pochettino, who was sacked by North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday after five years with the club, is a heavy favourite because of his knowledge of the league and the style of football he implemented at Spurs.

It is believed, though, that Arsenal are reluctant to replace their manager mid-season and that were they to let Emery go, club legends Steve Bould and Fredrik Ljungberg would take charge in the interim.

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