FOOTBALL
How EPL’s travel Ban will affect its South American stars
The Premier League has announced that it will not release any of its players during the international break whose national teams will play in red-listed regions.
CONMEBOL nations have taken most of the blow because of this decision since almost the entire continent of South America belongs to the covid red zone of the UK government.
As per BBC, the UK has fully vaccinated almost 78% of its 16+ population.
Therefore, it has enjoyed great success in taming the pandemic in recent times and open up its economy.
Premier League clubs are now also allowed to fill up the stands in the stadiums since the pandemic situation is mostly under control.
Boris Johnson’s administration is still wary of a new surge, so the travel bans on countries with high covid-19 cases continue to be in effect.
South America experienced one of the worst outbreaks in the world six months ago.
All nations were posting record numbers of daily infections, which prompted the UK authorities to restrict travel to the area.
However, the continent has recovered from the crisis in recent times.
There have been sizable declines in daily cases all across South America.
On top of that, the countries have accelerated their vaccination programs. Uruguay, for example, has provided two doses of vaccines to more than 72% of its eligible population.
But, the UK government believes it’s still too early to lift the travel restrictions on South American countries.
So, the Premier League has strictly refused to release any South American players for the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in September.
Brazil, Uruguay affected
Brazil will not have nine of their Premier League stars, including Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Allison for their matches against Chile, Argentina, and Peru.
So, Brazil head coach Tite had no other option but to select ten players who had never played for the Selecaos before.
Uruguay, despite their impressive covid control achievements, will not be able to ask Edinson Cavani to report for duty.
The two-time world champions will be also without Atletico Madrid star Luis Suarez.
Man United denying Cavani permission to join his national team camp means Uruguay will be without both of their premium strikers against Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
Some respite for Argentina
Argentina, however, has some good news.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso have decided to defy Premier League regulations and cross the Atlantic to play for their country.
Aston Villa say the club have agreed to let Martinez and Buendia leave for the first two qualifiers, but they want both players back before the third match takes place.
The players will have to quarantine for 10 days upon their return, so they will not be available for Premier League matchday 4 selection.
FOOTBALL
Pep Guardiola Shoulders Responsibility for Manchester City Loss to United
Pep Guardiola blames himself! Pep Guardiola took full responsibility for Manchester City’s disappointing 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, admitting he “was not good enough.” The loss came in a closely contested derby that saw United capitalize on critical moments, leaving City to rue missed opportunities. Guardiola’s tactical decisions have come under scrutiny, with some analysts suggesting changes in formation or lineup may have been necessary to counter United’s gameplay.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola emphasized that the blame for the defeat lies with him. “I’m not good enough. I didn’t make the right decisions today,” he said, reflecting on the team’s performance. City started strongly, controlling possession and creating early chances, but United’s resilience and counterattacking strategy ultimately sealed the match in their favor. Pep Guardiola blames himself!
The result leaves Manchester City trailing in the league standings, with increasing pressure to secure consistent wins to stay competitive in the title race. Guardiola, however, remained optimistic, urging his squad to learn from the loss and focus on upcoming matches. Meanwhile, United celebrated a crucial victory that solidified their standing as strong contenders this season.
Fans and pundits alike are debating Guardiola’s admission, as City look to bounce back in their next fixture.
FOOTBALL
Bengaluru FC Aim to Leverage Home Advantage to End FC Goa’s Winning Streak
In the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) fixture, Bengaluru FC is set to host FC Goa at the Kanteerava Stadium, hoping to end Goa’s impressive unbeaten streak and claim a crucial three points. With Bengaluru’s strong home record, they look to exploit the advantage of playing in front of their passionate supporters to halt Goa’s momentum.
Bengaluru FC, who have been inconsistent this season, will be aiming to regroup and put their best foot forward in this clash. Their attacking options, led by the experienced Sunil Chhetri, will be key as they face one of the most solid sides in the league. Despite their inconsistency, Bengaluru will be looking to ride the wave of support from their home crowd and create the chances needed to break down Goa’s defense.
On the other hand, FC Goa comes into this match riding high on confidence, having remained unbeaten for a considerable stretch. Their well-balanced squad, with notable players like Edu Bedia and Jorge Ortiz, have been a force to reckon with. Goa’s fluid passing game and lethal counter-attacks have made them a tough opponent this season, and they will be keen to extend their winning run.
Bengaluru FC’s defense will be tested as FC Goa’s potent attack looks to exploit any gaps in the backline. Bengaluru’s defense, led by the experienced Juanan and the dynamic Sandesh Jhingan, will need to remain sharp and organized to limit Goa’s chances. If Bengaluru can shut down the creative outlets of Goa, they stand a good chance of taking the upper hand in this high-stakes encounter.
With both teams needing points for different reasons, this match promises to be a thrilling contest. Bengaluru FC is looking to put their recent struggles behind them, while FC Goa is keen on extending their unbeaten run. As the match approaches, the battle between Bengaluru FC’s home advantage and FC Goa’s unstoppable momentum is sure to capture the imagination of fans.
FOOTBALL
‘They have to be favourites’ – Liverpool ‘perfect’ in Champions League
Liverpool’s impeccable start to the season has made them strong contenders for the Champions League. After securing a place in the knockout rounds with a win over Girona, they’ve maintained a perfect European record.
Rio Ferdinand praised their momentum, highlighting their position as favorites based on form, though he cautioned that freshness, particularly for key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, will be crucial. Stephen Warnock echoed this sentiment, noting that Liverpool is a formidable opponent in both the Premier League and Champions League.
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