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Newcastle have been named as one of a number of Premier League clubs monitoring Norwich starlet Max Aarons.

What’s the story?

The England under-21 international has just helped the Canaries to promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and it’s now being reported that he could well be playing his final season at the club.

90min claimed that Steve Bruce’s side have “asked to be kept informed of his situation ahead of this summer”, but will face significant competition from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Everton and West Ham among others.

The report added that Norwich currently value him at £30m.

Could shine in the Premier League

Given that he already has a season of Premier League football under his belt with Norwich last year, Aarons looks ready to make a real step-up this summer.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke has raved about the youngster this season, saying: “Max is outstanding in many topics. I can’t praise him enough for what he has done since his first appearance. You watch some of our games now and the opponents go man-for-man on him. That is crazy for a player who is a full-back but it says a lot about his reputation. He is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future.”

The Magpies could desperately do with some young talent to really freshen up the squad, which is the fifth-oldest in the Premier League at an average age of 28, and 21-year-old Aarons seems to fit the bill perfectly.

Signings like him could provide a real breath of fresh air at St James’ Park and help kick-start a new, more exciting era at the club; and given the level of competition for him, it really would be a major statement of intent if Newcastle could convince him to join the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could finally wave goodbye to this Newcastle liability…

How to watch Blackpool against Millwall in the Championship in the US as well as the kick-off time and team news.

Blackpool and Millwall will be fighting for their own cause at either end of the Championship table when the two sides clash at Bloomfield Road on Friday.

After registering a vital 1-0 win over Birmingham City the last time out, the Seasiders have two games to do what it takes to survive the fall, especially since fellow relegation-threatened sides Reading and Wigan Athletic play each other over the weekend.

On the other hand, Millwall are amid a cluster of teams fighting for a spot in the Championship play-offs. However, Gary Rowett's Lions have made it difficult for themselves after back-to-back defeats by a one-goal margin against Birmingham and Wigan.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the US as well as how to stream the match live online.

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  Kick-off time

  Game:	Blackpool vs Milwall
  Date:	April 28, 2023
  Kick-off:	3pm EDT
  Venue:	Bloomfield Road

  The Championship game between Blackpool and Milwall is scheduled for April 27, 2023, at Bloomfield Road football stadium in Blackpool, Lancashire, England.

  It will kick off at 3pm EDT in the USA.

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  How to watch Blackpool vs Millwall online – TV channels & live streams

  TV channels & streaming options

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  U.S.	N/A	N/A

  The game will not be shown in the United States (USA).

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  Team news & squads

  Blackpool team news

  Interim manager Stephen Dobbie will be sweating on the availability of Jordan Thorniley and Ian Poveda, who had to be pulled off with knocks in the Birmingham win.

  Also doubts for Millwall's visit, Keshi Anderson and Jerry Yates missed the trip to St. Andrew's but their services may be called for on Friday.

  Blackpool possible XI: Grimshaw; Gabriel, Nelson, Thorniley, Lyons; Fiorini, Patino, Bowler, Carey, Hamilton; Rogers

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Grimshaw, Maxwell, Moore
  Defenders	Nelson, Ekpiteta, Goode, Thorniley, Thompson, Husband, Garbutt, Lawrence-Gabriel, Lyons
  Midfielders	Connolly, Dougall, Trybull, Stewart, Bridcutt, Patino, Fiorini, Carey, Rogers, Hamilton, Anderson, Lubala, Bowler, Poveda
  Forwards	Yates, Lavery, Madine, Beesley

  Millwall team news

  Going forward, Rowett may recall Duncan Watmore to the XI, despite Callum Styles making his comeback from a long lay-off in the Wigan defeat.

  Murray Wallace remains sidelined with a muscle injury, as Scott Malone should continue at left-back.

  Millwall possible XI: Long; McNamara, Hutchinson, Cooper, Malone; Saville, Mitchell, Burke, Flemming, Watmore; Bradshaw

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Long, Bialkowski, Trueman, Sanford
  Defenders	Cresswell, Cooper, Hutchinson, Malone, McNamara, Mitchell, Evans
  Midfielders	Styles, Saville, Shackleton, Leonard, Flemming, Honeyman, Bennett, Emakhu, Watmore
  Forwards	Burke, Voglsammer, Bradshaw, Burey

  Head-to-head record

  Date	Result	Competition
  September 17, 2022	Millwall 2-1 Blackpool	Championship
  January 22, 2022	Blackpool 1-0 Millwall	Championship
  August 28, 2021	Millwall 2-1 Blackpool	Championship
  March 6, 2016	Millwall 3-0 Blackpool	League One
  October 21, 2015	Blackpool 1-1 Millwall	League One

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  Useful links

  • Championship standings table

  • Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

  • Championship play-offs 2023

Swansea City have been linked with Rochdale striker Stephen Humphrys recently and if he were to make the move to the Liberty Stadium this summer, he could prove to be the ideal long-term replacement for Andre Ayew.

According to The 72, the Swans have joined the race to sign the 23-year-old striker, who has impressed for the Dale this season despite their woes in League One.

However, the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End have also been linked with a move for the former Southend United man, so he will certainly be in demand this summer.

Rochdale signed the powerful striker from Southend in the summer in the hope that his goals could help them stave off relegation to League Two following a summer that saw a number of first-team regulars depart due to the financial impact of the current viral outbreak.

Unfortunately, the young striker has endured long spells out injured which has contributed to the Dale needing a huge turnaround in their final few league fixtures if they want to stay up, although when Humphrys has been fit, he has produced some superb displays.

In 25 league appearances this season, the English striker has contributed 10 goals and three assists, averaging an excellent 7.09 rating, which ranks him as Dale’s second-best performer so far this season.

WhoScored suggests that Humphrys’ best attributes include his ability to dribble with the ball as well as holding it up, which suggests that he could play in a similar role to Ayew at Swansea, with the Ghanaian international often featuring as a target man who is also expected to link up with the midfield.

The 31-year-old has been Swansea’s best performer of the current squad in the league so far this season with 15 goals in 41 appearances, averaging a solid 7.16 rating.

However, his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, so Swansea may have to look for a replacement if he doesn’t commit to a new deal.

Given that Humphrys is currently valued at just £225k by Transfermarkt and will most likely be available if Rochdale go down this season, he could be an affordable replacement for the former West Ham man in Cooper’s side.

[freshpress-quiz id=“532484″]

Certainly, the former Fulham youngster works hard and offers an all-round option up front and Cooper would surely love to have a player of his ilk in his Swansea side next season, so Julian Winter should do all he can to bring Humphrys to the Liberty ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Swansea’s season-defining injury to £3.6m-rated “leader” will leave Cooper worried

The home team were vulnerable throughout and Vinicius Junior could not save them despite his best efforts

Real Madrid's defence collapsed under the threat of Samuel Chukwueze as the Villarreal star scored twice to secure a 3-2 win at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Madrid took control of the game early on through a Marco Asensio-forced own goal from Pau Torres but the Yellow Submarine were never truly sunk as they put the home team under constant threat.

Carlo Ancelotti's back line was never comfortable, with Nacho Fernandez particularly vulnerable against the spectacular Chukwueze, while Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba at no point looked stable, either. The reckless defence even drew a dodgy moment from Thibaut Courtois, who left his goal wide open to come rushing out to stop an attack despite looking strong for most of the game.

With Karim Benzema almost completely absent and Rodrygo unable to have much of an effect, it was all up to Vinicius Junior to provide the spark that Madrid needed. Despite his excellent performance, he could not cancel out the mistakes his team-mates had made at the other end of the park.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

  A safe pair of hands against dangerous opponents for the most part but had a dodgy moment when he came rushing out to give Villarreal an opportunity.

  Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

  Does not look up to the task at Real Madrid as he offered little in defence and attack, but still not as calamitous as his team-mates.

  Antonio Rudiger (4/10):

  Did not look good for the Villarreal goals. He was flat-footed and ball watching for the second. Too slow to react and his positioning was poor throughout.

  David Alaba (5/10):

  Stepped up too early to leave a huge space for Chukwueze to slip into the box and face the exposed Nacho for the equaliser. No surprise to see him replaced.

  Nacho Fernandez (3/10):

  Had a horrid time up against Samuel Chukwueze, making a goal from the Villarreal star imminent early on. He was demolished for both of the Villarreal star's goals. Simply not good enough defensively.

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  Midfield

  Marco Asensio (6/10):

  Great run forward before lashing in to force the opening goal. Popped up all over the field in the first half and then moved to a new position in the second, where he forced a strong save.

  Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

  Played some gorgeous passes down the channels to send Vinicius and Nacho into dangerous positions. Was strong defensively and made his way into the Villarreal box on occasion, too.

  Dani Ceballos (7/10):

  He was hopeless on the ball in the first half but grew into the game in the second with some smart movement and decent passing.

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  Attack

  Rodrygo (5/10):

  Just not at his best when the ball came to him despite being able to find space around Villarreal's box.

  Karim Benzema (4/10):

  Barely involved for most of the time he was on the field before being replaced by Federico Valverde after 58 minutes.

  Vinicius Junior (8/10):

  A constant threat from the beginning and should have had more goals. Made strong runs to unsettle Villarreal's defence, as shown by his dazzling goal early in the second half.

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  Subs & Manager

  Eder Militao (6/10):

  An improvement on Alaba as he stood up strong and got into sensible positions in the back line.

  Federico Valverde (7/10):

  Immediately a more threatening option than Benzema as he set up Vinicius for a golden chance.

  Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

  Looked lively after coming on and played a role in Madrid being awarded a penalty before the referee changed his initial decision.

  Luka Modric (6/10):

  Fought until the end with a shot sailing wide and then digging in with tackles in midfield.

  Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

  His team looked capable of getting the three points but collapsed against Villarreal. The defence was shaky throughout and it was hardly a surprise to see Villarreal capitalise on their mistakes.

Glasgow Rangers fans are delighted after the club confirmed they will play Arsenal in a pre-season friendly before the start of next term.

The Gers are already planning ahead for the next campaign, and they have chosen to face the Gunners in a match that will help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Ibrox outfit. The game will be played at the home of the 55-time Scottish champions on July 17th.

In the past few days, it seems the two clubs have built up somewhat of a rapport. Arsenal faced Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday – the Gers were defeated by the Czechia champions in the previous stage. Following Ondrej Kudela’s 10-game ban for racially abusing Glen Kamara, Slavia refused to take a knee for the Black Lives Matter movement before the game – that lead to Alexandre Lacazette doing so right in front of them (The Guardian).

The Gunners eventually won 4-0, with the France international on the scoresheet.

As such, the Gers supporters were delighted to be facing the Premier League side. The news was shared on the Gers’ official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers had to say about the news below

“Marvellous. Wish I could be there, what a party that’ll be”

Credit: @newtowngooner

“Tremendous a club who has played a part in our history and a proper football club with great fans”

Credit: @Stephen54840229

“That’s insane. I was just thinking today how great it would be to play Arsenal in a friendly after last night. Wow.”

Credit: @Ricky9Forbes

“Excellent choice given the history between both Clubs.”

Credit: @airman614

“Things you love to see Friendship as strong as ever, especially after Prague where spanked last night”

Credit: @matthewlee67

“Lovely stuff”

Credit: @TremendoHendo72

In other news, Kevin Phillips believes this man will have to take a pay-cut to stay at Rangers beyond this season.

A club legend is back at Stamford Bridge, but while the fanbase revel in the appointment, some players have cause for concern…

In a plot twist that only the Premier League is capable of concocting, Frank Lampard SOMEHOW finds himself back in the Chelsea dugout – albeit on an interim basis.

Whether you think it's a brazen PR stunt from joint-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali as they look to appease a disgruntled fanbase, or a shrewd move to see the Blues through to the end of the season, the club legend's return is sure to make for compelling viewing.

The squad Lampard inherits is in stark contrast to the one he left behind when he was dismissed in 2021; trusted regulars of his first stint in charge such as Tammy Abraham and Jorginho have moved on and Chelsea have spent BIG, with their bloated ranks contributing to predecessor Graham Potter's eventual downfall.

There is work to be done and points to prove on and off the pitch.

Here are GOAL's winners and losers of Lampard's return to Stamford Bridge…

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  WINNER: Mason Mount

  It is remarkable that Mason Mount has gone from Chelsea's best player and a fan favourite to a scapegoat who is highly likely to move on from the club in the summer.

  Mount was unfairly labelled the 'teacher's pet' during Lampard's first spell in charge after they struck up a strong rapport during his loan at Derby County, but the England international was a first-team regular back at Chelsea based on merit.

  The academy graduate enjoyed a breakout campaign under Lampard in 2019-20, and has been on an upward trajectory since, with his output steadily increasing.

  However, things have not gone to plan this season. Though he still has nine goal contributions in all competitions, his form has reflected his team's overall struggles.

  He's become a lightning rod for criticism amid uncertainty surrounding his future as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract, with Liverpool sniffing about.

  Lampard's timely return coincides with Mount's comeback from an injury layoff, and that could well give him the fresh impetus he needs to rediscover his highest level.

  Who knows, he may even be convinced to stay put…

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  LOSER: Kepa Arrizabalaga

  Poor old Kepa.

  No sooner has he regained his starting place than the man who decided to replace him returns to the club.

  It was Lampard who sought an alternative for the struggling Spaniard back in 2020, eventually plumping for Edouard Mendy – a shrewd move given he would go on to help the Blues on their way to winning the 2021 Champions League under his successor Thomas Tuchel.

  Kepa reclaimed his first-team place under Potter earlier this season, keeping a solid 12 clean sheets in 29 appearances despite the odd characteristic lapse in concentration, but he will undoubtedly be looking over his shoulder now that Mendy is fit again and Lampard is back in the dugout.

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  WINNER: Todd Boehly & Behdad Eghbali

  This is a win-win for Chelsea's ownership.

  It is difficult to understand exactly why co-owners Boehly and Eghbali have opted to bring Lampard back on a temporary basis, but one of their motivations is pretty transparent.

  After what has been a farcical 11 months at the helm so far, reinstalling the club legend is an easy PR victory for a hierarchy that was supposedly stunned by the vociferous uproar in the latter days of Potter's reign.

  Within the Chelsea fanbase there has been very little backlash to the appointment, which is perhaps an indictment of Potter's popularity more than anything else.

  They have not committed to anything long-term, and they have bought themselves time to make the right appointment to take the club forward and recover their poor start.

  Lampard can do no wrong in the fans' eyes, with his status as a club legend as secure as can be. If they are merely riding out the rest of the season, one of their favourite sons will be fully backed – whatever happens.

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  LOSER: Marc Cucurella

  Marc Cucurella has already faced plenty of adversity in his brief time at Stamford Bridge, and Lampard's appointment will provide another test.

  The defender had only just regained the faith of former Brighton boss Potter before he was unceremoniously ditched, and now he faces an uphill battle to convince the interim head coach of his pedigree.

  Lampard was in charge when Chelsea signed Ben Chilwell in 2020 and the pair formed a strong bond, with the England international one of his best performers throughout his initial tenure.

  A likely switch to the coach's preferred back-four system could well see Cucurella pushed to the periphery.

Keith Hackett has slammed the Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s (PGMOL) view on why Newcastle United did not get a penalty versus Burnley.

The foot of James Tarkowski appeared to be very high and in a dangerous position when Sean Longstaff was about to head the ball in the box, but nothing was given in the end after a check by VAR, after both Stuart Atwell at Stockley Park and Anthony Taylor on the field decided that the incident was not worthy of a penalty to the St. James’ Park faithful.

The PGMOL have since come out and explained their decision, stating (via Mark Douglas) that Tarkowski had ‘played the ball first’ and that Longstaff had ‘stooped and put his head into that area’.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett, who is a former referee in the Premier League, slammed the statement given:

“The most outrageous and stupid comment.

“I suggest whoever made it needs to examine the laws of the game.

“It’s just ridiculous, I just want to know who these people are who are making these statements.

“In football, in the laws of the game, you cannot use the ball as an excuse for a foul change.

“I don’t know who makes it. I shuddered when I listened to it.

“My emails and social media was going crazy with referees from around the world saying ‘Who is this person at the PGMOL making this statement?’”

Newcastle won in the end

It was lucky that Steve Bruce’s team managed to end up winning the game, otherwise a lot more may have been made of the controversial decision and subsequent explanation.

It begs the question over whether the officials are using the technology given to them correctly if a former referee in the top flight is strongly disagreeing with them, and luckily the on-field decision did not cost the North East club any points in the end.

Still, the explanation itself may be the most worrying aspect of the whole ordeal, even more so than the original decision, given that Hackett seems to suggest it doesn’t even abide with the laws of the game.

In other news, find out what inside claim Liam Kennedy has dropped on James Pallotta and the potential takeover here!

Chelsea hit rock bottom as they slipped to another Premier League defeat against Fulham, with new signing Joao Felix seeing red on his debut.

Life, death, taxes – and Chelsea beating Fulham in the Premier League. That's the way it's supposed to be. That's the way it's been ever since the Cottagers last avoided defeat against their dominant, less sophisticated neighbours all the way back in 2012.

But this isn't the Chelsea of old. This Blues team has a soft underbelly, don't know how to finish their chances and now look at their lowest ebb in recent history.

The 2-1 loss didn't always feel inevitable. The inclusion of new signing Joao Felix gave Graham Potter's team something resembling a fresh impetus in the opening exchanges, and even with Fulham entering half-time 1-0 up – thanks to a goal from former Stamford Bridge hero Willian – it felt like they could recover.

Those hopes increased when Kalidou Koulibaly bundled home, but things went very wrong very quickly after that. Clearly infected by the virus that is Chelsea's recent malaise, Felix left his brain in the dressing room and flew into a studs-up tackle on Kenny Tete. It resulted in him becoming the first Chelsea player to be sent off on his Premier League debut.

It was Fulham's game to win from there and they delivered – with Aleksandar Mitrovic stand-in Carlos Vinicius losing his man and powering a header home.

Defeat for Chelsea then. Just their eighth ever against Fulham, and their second in the Premier League era. We think you call that rock bottom.

Below, GOAL takes a look at the Chelsea winners and losers from a damaging night at Craven Cottage.

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  The Winners

  Willian:

  In the early exchanges of the derby a packed-out away end serenaded the former Blue, who won a pair of Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, but the affection they still hold for the Brazilian did little to soften the blow of him opening the scoring for Chelsea fans. After becoming a bit of a punchline during his Arsenal spell, Willian has enjoyed a wonderful renaissance by the River Thames, with the strike bringing his goal involvement tally up to five for the season.

  Benoit Badiashile:

  If Chelsea's new £34m signing from Monaco can't get in defence he may as well hang up his boots. Again, the Blues looked mightily uncomfortable whenever they were put under any form of pressure, while Chalobah and Koulibaly seemed to be competing to see who could make more individual errors in the first half. Whether Potter sticks with a back three or reverts to a back four, you'd have to expect Badiashile to feature in some capacity against Crystal Palace.

  Liverpool, West Ham & Everton:

  There always has to be at least one crisis club in the Premier League. That's just the way it works. And right now, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton will be delighted that the Blues are stealing that honour away from them. Another disastrous evening ensures Chelsea will be dominating the back pages once again and incredibly leaves them in an even weaker position than when they entered the game. It'll take some disasterclass to take the crisis-club crown away from them.

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  The Losers

  Joao Felix:

  Goodness gracious me, that was quite the eventful debut. A surprise inclusion in the starting XI before he'd even had time to drop his wash bag at Cobham meant all eyes were on Felix on Thursday night. And after a spritely but wasteful start to his Chelsea career, Felix's Premier League bow descended into farce. The forward's wild flying lash out was ironically a challenge that his arch-nemesis, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, would have been proud of. His current manager will be less pleased. Felix has just given Potter yet another selection headache to deal with.

  Graham Potter:

  Fulham fans revelled in informing Potter that he was "being sacked in the morning" throughout proceedings. While that is probably not true, there is now a genuine argument that he has guided Chelsea to their post-Abramovic nadir. This defeat leaves them a humiliating 10 points shy of fourth-placed Manchester United, with their Champions League prospects now fanciful. A battered and bruised Crystal Palace are next up for Potter and Co. Lose that, and parroting lines about the club being in transition simply aren't going to cut it.

  Kepa Arrizabalaga:

  Another Chelsea game, another appearance in the losers section for the most expensive goalkeeper in the world. My oh my Kepa, we thought you were past this? It would appear not. A second piece of game-changing goalkeeping – and not in a good way – on the bounce will have fans yearning for the return of Edouard Mendy between the sticks, but the Senegal international was in similarly shaky form pre-injury. Whatever way you spin it, it's not good news for Chelsea.

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  Chelsea Ratings: Defence

  Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

  Made a few good stops, but spilled one on the stroke of half-time and might have been punished. All at sea as Fulham took the lead.

  Trevoh Chalobah (4/10):

  A slip, which allowed Bobby Decordova-Reid to rattle the crossbar, sent the tone for a nightmarish first half. Lost Vinicius for the goal.

  Thiago Silva (6/10):

  Emerged with some credit. Chelsea could really do with finding the fountain of youth so he can play for another five years.

  Kalidou Koulibaly (5/10):

  Guilty of some seriously sloppy moments in the opening exchanges. Partially redeemed himself by bundling Chelsea's equaliser over the line.

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  Midfield

  Cesar Azpilicueta (5/10):

  Had a few uncomfortable moments against the more athletic Antonee Robinson. Offered very little going forward.

  Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

  Usually one of the most accurate passers in world football, but tonight more than a few of his attempts failed to find their man. .

  Denis Zakaria (6/10):

  Fired up. He wasn't perfect, but it's that sort of intensity that'll help Chelsea out of their current funk. His injury is another big blow.

  Lewis Hall (4/10):

  Should have scored inside three minutes. Never looked comfortable and a tricky situation risks killing his confidence.

Manchester City knocked defending champions Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup but James Milner's injury will be of greater concern to Jurgen Klopp.

Never mind the World Cup, the Carabao Cup is where it's really at.

After a break of 40 days, domestic football returned with a bang at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City edged out Liverpool, their great rivals, 3-2 to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Nathan Ake's header tipped a thrilling contest the way of Pep Guardiola's men, on a night when Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne all shone.

Haaland fired City into an early lead with his 24th goal of the season, only for Fabio Carvalho to draw Liverpool level.

Riyad Mahrez restored the home side's advantage early in the second half, but Salah equalised within a minute for 2-2.

City, though, would have the final say, De Bruyne picking out Ake to secure a rousing win for the Premier League champions, although the Reds were left to rue a trio of missed chances from Darwin Nunez, as their defence of the trophy came to an end.

Here, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from a pulsating night in Manchester…

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  Winner: Erling Haaland

  It’s terrible when you come back rusty after a break, isn’t it?

  It didn’t take long for City’s main man to pick up where he left off prior to the World Cup. Less than 10 minutes, in fact, as Haaland collected his 24th goal of a remarkable campaign in familiarly clinical fashion to open the scoring.

  You’ve seen this goal before, I’m sure. A bit of space for De Bruyne out wide and a dangerous delivery, a bit of front-post movement from Haaland and a devastatingly effective finish, as the visiting defenders stand and wonder how it all happened.

  If the hope from City’s rivals was that the mid-season pause might check some of their No.9’s momentum, then it looks like it was misplaced. Haaland’s first chance here arrived inside 20 seconds, and though he skewed that one wildly off target, it was no surprise to see him on the scoresheet soon after. 

  It was more surprising when Nat Phillips, a first-half substitute for Liverpool, stopped his advances with a supremely-timed tackle before half-time, but then you can’t score every chance. 

  It’s just that Haaland makes you feel as though he might…

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  Loser: James Milner

  Club football is back, and so are Liverpool’s injury woes.

  Less than 45 minutes into the Reds’ return to action, Jurgen Klopp was grinding his teeth and looking to the heavens. Down was James Milner, captain for the night and his makeshift right-back. Not another one, surely?

  Yes, another one. Liverpool, already without Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Arthur Melo and Curtis Jones, had lost Roberto Firmino to a calf issue suffered in training on Tuesday too. Not that serious, said club sources. Serious enough at this time of year, pointed out Klopp.

  This just looks a fragile squad, and a fragile squad is the last thing Liverpool need when they are already playing catch up after a poor start to the season. However talented their young players are, they need their senior men to stay fit.

  Here, they lost the most senior of them all. Still, at least Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are back.

  For now.

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  Winner: Kevin De Bruyne

  He might have flopped in Qatar, but stick a sky blue shirt on him and there are few who can touch City’s creator-in-chief.

  De Bruyne, as ever, was instrumental in everything good that Pep Guardiola’s side did here. It was his cross that set up the opening goal for Haaland, and an even better delivery from the left which allowed Ake to settle the game once and for all at the back post.

  He really is some player, some sight in full flow. His ability to find space, usually on the right, is unmatched, and the way he strides with the ball through midfield leaves opponents terrified, for they know he will invariably, and inevitably, find the right pass when he does.

  He did so here. Twice. For City, it was enough to secure them the win.

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  Loser: Darwin Nunez

  On another night, Nunez would have been the hero, but you have to take your chances in a game like this, against opponents like this, and unfortunately for Liverpool, their big-money summer signing failed to do so here.

  The Uruguayan finished with an assist, and a fine one at that for Mo Salah, but he should really have had a hat-trick. Once, twice, three times he found himself in front of goal, just to the right. Once, twice, three times he failed to hit the target, dragging his effort wide of the far post.

  At 23, it’s hard to fault Nunez in most areas of his game. His movement and anticipation is first-class, and he works as hard as just about any centre-forward in the business. He is strong, quick and continuously gets himself into scoring positions.

  And in fairness, before the World Cup he was starting to capitalise on those positions. He had seven goals in 10 games prior to the break, but he drew a blank here. 

  It wasn’t for the want of trying, but it was costly, as far as Liverpool were concerned.

The North Africans face-off with the five-time champions who have progressed from seven of their nine Afcon semi-final matches 

Egypt's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has revealed his starting XI to face Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final game on Thursday at the Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde.

Here is how they line up:

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  Goalkeeper: Mohamed Abou Gabal 

  After he was injured during the Morocco game, Gabal returns as Mohamed Sobhy drops to the bench.

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• Right-back – Omar Kamal

  Kamal has been a solid figure for Egypt at the back and his ability to add numbers upfront when they are in attacking mode should give the record giants an added advantage.

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  Centre-back – Mohamed Abdelmonem

  Abdelmonem keeps his place as the Pharaohs face Cameroon for what will be the 11th Afcon encounter between them.

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  Centre-back – Mahmoud Hamdy

  Hamdy replaces Ayman Ashraf, who has a yellow card from the Morocco quarter-final game.

  Together with Abdelmonem, they need to be careful enough when dealing with in-form Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi.