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In light of Saturday's FA Cup final, GOAL pick an African Dream Team to have won football's oldest club competition

GettyBruce Grobbelaar

Africa has not produced many goalkeepers who have had as much success around the world as Grobbelaar.

The Zimbabwe keeper was very successful during his time at Liverpool, and in a career that spanned over 600 games, he won six league titles, three FA Cup winner’s medals and a European Cup.

He will cherish his 1989 FA Cup medal in particular, as a tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who were killed in the Hillsborough disaster earlier that season. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLauren

Lauren was an outstanding defender and a crucial member of Arsenal’s Invincibles team that went the entire 2003/04 season unbeaten.

The Cameroonian was often referred to as the Gunners’ unsung hero during his time at the club, and walked away with a Premier League double, three FA Cup medals, and two Community Shield trophies.

He also enoyed a superb international career with the Indomitable Lions. 

Getty ImagesKolo Toure

Toure was a defensive stalwart in England for more than a decade, winning trophies with Arsenal and Manchester City.

He won the FA Cup three times, two with the Gunners and one at City, and enjoyed great success in North London as a member of the 2004 Invincibles squad. 

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(C)Getty ImagesJoel Matip

The Cameroon centre-back steps into our African Dream XI of African winners after clinching the cup with Liverpool on Saturday.

He was introduced as a substitute during the contest, and helped the Reds keep the European champions at bay before they won it on penalties.

Here are the top picks for defenders in World Cup 2022 fantasy football

Who are the best World Cup 2022 fantasy football defenders?

FIFA World Cup Fantasy is open and managers are required to select 15 players in their squads, including five defenders.

GOAL takes a look at the top choices among defenders in the World Cup Fantasy Game, including a few bargain options.

GettyVirgil van Dijk | Netherlands | €6m

Virgil van Dijk has made a name for himself as one of the top centre-backs in the world with his performances for Liverpool in the Premier League. He is a solid choice to lead the defence for Netherlands who find themselves in a group that has hosts Qatar, Ecuador and Senegal.

Van Dijk is one of the 10 most expensive defenders who all cost £6m each.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLisandro Martinez | Argentina | €6m

Argentina are considered to be one of the main contenders for the 2022 World Cup.

When a team is touted a favourite, its defence is expected to play a major role and Lisandro Martinez – who has started his Manchester United career strongly this season- will be one to watch out for during the tournament.

Getty ImagesJoao Cancelo | Portugal | €6m

Joao Cancelo has been in stupendous form for Manchester City and he will hope to take it to the World Cup as Portugal aim to make a mark.

Cancelo, who costs €6m, is the most picked defender in the World Cup fantasy football game, with 45.5% of managers selecting the full-back.

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Getty ImagesDenzel Dumfries | Netherlands | €6m

Virgil van Dijk isn't the only Netherlands defender to have takers in the World Cup fantasy football game. Denzel Dumfries has been selected by 25.2% of players – more than have taken up the Liverpool talisman.

He costs the same as his national team partner but provides a greater chance of goals and assists.

The Argentine teenager is ready to kick on after a stunning breakthrough season and must be given a regular place in the starting XI by Erik ten Hag

There were two chants at Old Trafford last season that were heard more than any others. One was "We want Glazers out", a defiant message to the club's despised owners that was aired after every goal. And the other was "Viva Garnacho", an ode to Manchester United fans' latest idol.

Alejandro Garnacho was already well known to supporters for his role in United's FA Youth Cup win and he made a thrilling step up to the first team last season, firing in crucial goals against Real Sociedad, Fulham, Leeds, West Ham and Wolves. Had it not been for an untimely ankle ligament injury, he could have achieved even more.

The forward has just turned 19 but he is already an Argentina international and he is determined to make an even bigger impression in his first full season with the first team. The only problem is he shares a favourite position, on the left of attack, with Marcus Rashford. However, there is an alternative position that could open up and that is as a right forward, and he has a much better chance of unseating its current occupier, Antony, than United's homegrown talisman.

Antony had a handful of great moments last season but ultimately failed to live up to his £85 million ($107m) price tag and ended the campaign with a meagre eight goals and four assists in 44 appearances in all competitions. Garnacho, in 34 appearances and far fewer minutes, managed five goals and five assists.

United should not write Antony off just yet but Garnacho is hammering at the door of the starting XI and deserves far more opportunities this season. He is easily good enough for a regular place in the team and on present form is more deserving of a staring berth than his Brazilian team-mate.

Choosing between Garnacho and Antony is Erik ten Hag's biggest selection dilemma although he will also need to decide which defenders will work best with new goalkeeper Andre Onana and whether big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund should start regularly or have a bedding-in process.

As United prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Monday, GOAL looks at how Ten Hag's side should line up this season…

GettyGK: Andre Onana

The Cameroonian was hand-picked by Ten Hag to replace David de Gea and has the ability to transform United's style of play and get them playing exactly how the manager wants. Onana will demand a lot of his defenders and has a huge personality which he will impose on the team. He's exactly what United need after years of standing still in such a vital position. However, he is bound to make a few high-profile errors due to his flamboyant style.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Wan-Bissaka was one of United's most improved players last season and won his place in the line-up back from Diogo Dalot. The pair will have another close rivalry for the position and although the Portuguese offers more going forward, Wan-Bissaka is far more solid and reliable and should be first-choice, especially against the top sides.

Getty CB: Raphael Varane

Varane is unquestionably in the starting line-up but his propensity to pick up small injuries means he will likely miss a number of games and Victor Lindelof will be called into action.

The Frenchman has seen it all after winning a World Cup and five Champions Leagues and his experience and control helped him work up a solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez. He is also fully focused on United after retiring from France duty earlier in the year.

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Getty CB: Lisandro Martinez

The Argentina defender silenced the doubters with an exceptional first campaign with United. He has remarkable passing ability and courage to bring the ball out from the back and play his way out of pressure. He is sure to be an ally of Onana and has already sung the praises of his new goalkeeper.

Martinez's real impact became glaringly obvious when he fractured his metatarsal in April and the team limped over the line towards a top-four finish but he has fully recovered and in pre-season he demonstrated that the injury has not affected his desire to compete and win.

Mauricio Pochettino claims to have no issue with Chelsea’s owners paying regular visits to the dressing room, saying “they can do whatever they want”.

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Blues scratching around for formResults discussed by everyoneCoach happy for owner inputWHAT HAPPENED?

Todd Boehly sparked controversy last season when it was revealed that he had stepped inside the locker room to deliver post-game speeches to an underperforming squad. It has now been reported that fellow co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali faced up to the Blues players following a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pochettino could be forgiven for feeling as though his toes are being trodden on by those from the boardroom, as the dressing room is his domain, but the Argentine insists he is happy for those pumping big money into the club to go wherever they like. He has said: “I like when the owners come, in all my career as a coach, at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, Paris-Saint Germain. It is good that the owner came to the dressing room. The way they approach the players is most important. If they are in a good way and a correct way, they are very welcome.

“After my press conference after the game against Aston Villa, they came and chill with us, like normally. Also against Liverpool, Luton, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, they came with Paul and Laurence and Behdad. We talk about the game. I don't see it in a bad way. It would be different if they came for a speech or something, but with the way they came, of course they are very welcome. They own the club, they can do whatever they want! We are so glad they came and shared with us – even when it's good things and we won the game, but even on Sunday where we lost and we are suffering.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Pochettino is said to be falling under mounting pressure just a matter of weeks into his tenure at Stamford Bridge – with Chelsea currently sat 14th in the Premier League table – but he says the job he has taken on is no tougher than he imagined. The South American added: “It's not worse than I thought. I think we always knew the new project is always difficult. This period is a worse scenario than we can think to anticipate the situation. It looks like all is against us because the performance of the team deserves more points. All teams go through different periods, and I think we have the capacity to turn this.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Chelsea, who have collected just five points from six games this season, will be back in action on Wednesday when facing Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy shared his delight and declared himself "hungry for more" after making his international debut.

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Mendy makes Gambia debutThanks fans for messages of supportEyes African Cup of Nations spotGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The wing-back started for Gambia during their 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in World Cup qualifying on Monday. Despite the result, Mendy was delighted with the experience and has now set his sights on winning a spot in The Scorpions squad for the African Cup of Nations in January.

AdvertisementWHAT JACOB MENDY SAID

"Still processing it!" Mendy told Instagram followers. "Just wanted to thank everyone for the support and the messages I’ve received and I’m still receiving. Really appreciate it. Hungry for more"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mendy's energy down the left flank was a key feature Wrexham's promotion push at the end of last season and was typified by a crucial goal in the epic April showdown with Notts County. That form earned a first call-up for Gambia's summer internationals and a congratulatory message from co-owner Rob McElhenney. Mendy though, had to wait for the most recent round of internationals to finally make his international bow.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JACOB MENDY AND GAMBIA?

Mendy will be eagerly waiting to hear if he makes the Gambia squad for the African Cup of Nations which begins in the Ivory Coast on January 13. The Scorpions have been drawn in an intimidating group alongside Senegal, Cameroon and Guinea.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he is under no extra pressure following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover of the club.

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Ratcliffe completes partial United takeoverTen Hag says he's not under extra pressureHe and new co-owner have same "targets"GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

United announced the sale of a 25% stake of the club to Ratcliffe's INEOS group in December but it was only this week where the deal was officially approved. With the 71-year-old stating it is imperative the Red Devils are competing for the top honours, manager Ten Hag says the two have the "same ambition" and does not feel under the cosh any more now than he did before.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

The Dutchman told reporters on Friday: "We speak a lot, there are many conversations with him [Ratcliffe], with Dave Brailsford about this club, about this team, about the structures, we are very aligned, it totally fits with ambitions I have, ambitions I had when I came in. I'm 19 months in and I see we are going in the right direction. We have had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming, the squad developing, work hard on the training pitch, work hard during games, it's important to have players fit but also to construct the squad, we will be strong and we will be even stronger when we add to this squad even more qualities."

He added: "Nothing. No more pressure because we have the same ambition, we have the same targets."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Ratcliffe is saying all the right things if you are a United fan, the Premier League giants are a long way from competing for silverware at present. Although they have won four on the spin in the English top-flight, they still sit five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in sixth, and suffered early exits in this season's Carabao Cup and Champions League. Success in the FA Cup and a top four finish are still possible, but United never seem too far away from a "crisis" – and Ten Hag's future may not be that secure if results worsen.

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WHAT NEXT?

Now the £1.3 billion ($1.6bn) takeover is finalised, United return to on the field matters on Saturday when they host mid-table Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League. To round off the month, they travel to Nottingham Forest in round five of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

Graeme Souness has explained why he was so critical of Paul Pogba during his time at Manchester United, and where he went wrong in his career.

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Souness was vocal critic of PogbaLabelled him "selfish" and "lazy"Explains reason for harsh wordsWHAT HAPPENED?

Ex-Liverpool star and manager Souness was a vocal critic of Pogba throughout his six years at Old Trafford following his club-record transfer from Juventus. After calling him a "schoolboy" in 2018, Souness went so far as to label him a "selfish" player and last year said he was a "lazy tw*t". The Scotsman has now explained why he was so harsh on the France international and World Cup winner.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SOUNESS SAID

"He had the equipment to be the best midfielder in the world," he said on . "I saw a young man that was going through emotions a lot of the time, and that frustrated me. With that physique and that technical ability, he just did not have the right attitude to make him a superstar. The worst thing that happened to him was winning a World Cup, because he could turn and say: 'I am a World Cup winner'. I think at that point, it was him going backwards."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pogba left United to return to Juventus in 2022 but his career in Italy has plummeted since then. Injuries restricted him to just 10 appearances in all competitions in his first season back and things got even worse this season when he suspended after failing a doping test. The Frenchman was handed a four-year ban from the game on Thursday after being found guilty for said doping offences.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR POGBA?

Pogba's lawyers will try to get his punishment reduced on appeal in a last-minute attempt to ensure he serves a maximum of two years. If unsuccessful, the 30-year-old may face a devastating decision to hang up his boots.

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Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Watson made his first start since October in his side’s 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic at The City Ground last weekend, and his future prospects are certainly looking much brighter under Martin O’Neill than they were just few weeks ago.

On the chalkboard

Well, despite finishing the 2017/18 campaign in fine form and often captaining the Reds in the early stages of the current Championship season, the 33-year-old fell out of favour under previous manager Aitor Karanka following the 2-1 home defeat by Norwich City on October 20.

The midfielder suddenly found himself behind the likes of Adlene Guedioura, Claudio Yacob and Jack Colback in the central midfield pecking order, and on nine occasions between October and January he didn’t even make the substitutes’ bench for Forest in the league.

That changed following the arrival of O’Neill as Karanka’s successor however, and while he was an unused member of the 18-man squad against Bristol City he was reinstated to the starting XI and even named as skipper against the Latics last time out.

Does he have a big role to play now?

He does, but only one condition.

In the 4-4-2 system that O’Neill employed in his first match at The City Ground there should be no spot for the 33-year-old, as he no longer has the legs and box-to-box ambitions to only have one teammate alongside him.

It is no coincidence that Watson impressed as part of a midfield trio in a 4-3-3 against his former club last Saturday however, and while he did his job defensively well he could also advance forward too, knowing that he potentially had two players that would cover him if needed.

Watson looked destined for the exit door either this month or in the summer had Karanka remained with the east Midlands outfit, but with a contract not due to expire until the summer of 2020 he now must grasp the new opportunity he has been handed.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video below…

Real Madrid will travel to Camp Nou hoping to beat Barcelona and complete El Clasico league double…

Barcelona will take on Real Madrid up next in yet another exciting 'El Clasico' clash at Camp Nou on Sunday.

📺 Watch El Clasico live on Viaplay Sports in the UK💻 Watch El Clasico live on ESPN+ in the U.S.⚽️ Where to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Xavi's team has a comfortable nine-point lead at the top of the table over their arch-rivals from Madrid. However, when the two teams met in La Liga earlier this season, it was Real Madrid that triumphed 3-1.

Barcelona will want nothing less than to deny Madrid a Clasico league double and also extend their lead at the top of the standings even further.

Getty ImagesTeam analysisBarcelona team news

Recent form

Following back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Almeria in the Europa League and La Liga, respectively, Barcelona have bounced back with three wins in a row. Out of their last three wins, one came against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey.

Key players

With 15 goals and five assists to his name from 21 matches, Robert Lewandowski is thriving in the league for Barcelona. The former Bayern striker is loving life in Spain and will be the one to look out for in El Clasico on Sunday.

Injuries & suspensions

Ronald Araujo is set to return for Barcelona as he has served his one-game ban for a red card. Pedri and Ousmane Dembele remain unavailable due to injuries.

Tactical approach

Barcelona's watertight defence has only let in eight goals from 25 matches this season, 11 fewer than Real Madrid's tally. They will be expected to control the possession and would continue to be hard to score against, even in such a big game like El Clasico.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Ter Stegen, Pena, TenasDefenders:Christensen, Alonso, Alba, Kounde, Garcia, Balde, AraujoMidfielders:Busquets, Gavi, Kessie, Roberto, De Jong, TorresForwards:Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Torres, Raphinha, AlarconReal Madrid team news

Recent form

Real Madrid have only lost once in their last 10 outings but that defeat was against Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final. Carlo Ancelotti's team will take confidence from their last two games which was both wins. In their last outing, they confirmed progress to the next round of the Champions League with a win over Liverpool.

Key players

Karim Benzema has been in fine form in front of goal for Madrid and will be expected to play an important role in the crucial clash against Barcelona. He has missed games this season due to injuries but boast a slightly better scoring rate (0.73 goals per game) than league topscorer Lewandowski (0.71 goals per game).

Injuries & suspensions

David Alaba is Real Madrid's only unavailable player due to injury ahead of El Clasico. Ferland Mendy returned to the squad after a successful recovery from his injury.

Benzema picked up an injury against Liverpool but is expected to be fit for El Clasico.

Tactical approach

Real Madrid were the victors during the last three Clasico fixtures at Camp Nou and they will have to take confidence from that to threaten the strong Barcelona defence. With the team already nine points behind the league leaders, Ancelotti will want his team to be efficient in order to grab maximum points in this must-win clash for Los Blancos.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Courtois, Lunin, Luis LopezDefenders:Carvajal, E. Militao, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola, Lucas Vasquez, Rüdiger, MendyMidfielders:Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, D. Ceballos, TchouameniForwards:Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Alvaro, MarianoHead-to-head record

Date Result Competition

Mar 2, 2023Real Madrid 0-1 BarcelonaCopa del ReyJan 15, 2023Real Madrid 1-3 BarcelonaSuper CupOct 16, 2022Real Madrid 3-1 BarcelonaLa LigaMar 20, 2022Real Madrid 0-4 BarcelonaLa LigaJan 12, 2022Barcelona 2-3 (aet) Real MadridSuper Cup

Barcelona have enjoyed the upper hand on Real Madrid in their most recent meetings, with victories in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, but Madrid won when they last met in La Liga, recording a 3-1 triumph.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesBarcelona vs Real Madrid match previewVenue, date & kick-off time

The Clasico game between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be played at Camp Nou on Sunday, March 19. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8pm GMT (4pm EDT).

Match predictions & expected outcome

It has only been two weeks since the last El Clasico fixture and the fans have the chance to see Barcelona and Real Madrid go head-to-head again. Their previous meeting was in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi final and it was won by Barcelona, courtesy an own goal by Eder Militao.

The upcoming fixture Real Madrid's last realistic chance to bring down Barcelona's nine-point lead and have any hope of a title race in La Liga this season. It would be a surprise if Real Madrid don't go all-in to claim a victory and make it three wins in a row at Camp Nou. Barcelona, however, remain the favourites to win, thanks to their current league form and their unbeaten home record in the league this season.

Key battles to watch out for

Benzema is wearing his scoring boots this season, but he will have his task cut out against Ronald Araujo and co. who have only let in eight goals from 25 matches in La Liga. At the other end of the field, Antonio Rudiger will have to be on high alert against the league's top scorer Lewandowski.

Vinicius Jr gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a torrid time in Madrid's last game and Araujo will be tasked with keeping him quiet – keep an eye on that one.

Potential game changers

With 15 goals and five assists in 25 league games, Lewandowski has led the front line brilliantly for Xavi's team and Real Madrid's ability to keep him quiet can decide the game. The same applies to how Barcelona deal with Benzema at the other end, since Madrid's chances will depend on how the Barcelona defence is outwitted over the course of ninety minutes.

GettyOur final thoughts on the matchBarcelona go into the game as favourites due to their impressive league form and unbeaten record at home this season.Lewandowski and Benzema have big roles to play in the final third for their respective teams if they are to get a positive result.It is must-win clash for Real Madrid, who are nine points behind leaders Barcelona after 25 matchdays in La Liga.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesUseful links

Barcelona team page

Real Madrid team page

Live football on TV in the UK

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Who has the better Clasico record?

Barcelona to wear special kit for El Clasico

The managers will go head-to-head for the final time in the league this week. Goal looks back at the fierce words they have exchanged over the years

As Jose Mourinho paid respect to Arsene Wenger after his imminent Arsenal exit was announced, it seemed to confirm a recent shift in the relationship between the managers.

The Manchester United boss spoke of his "respect" for his Gunners counterpart  when asked for his reaction to the news the Frenchman's reign in north London will come to an end at the end of the season.

At first, it sounded like a rare moment of diplomacy from Mourinho as one of his favourite verbal sparring partners bows out of the Premier League. However, having heard Wenger admit his "support" for the Portuguese and parise his team earlier this season, it could be that the animosity that has separated them over the years has died down.

United host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday in a game that will see the legendary managers go head-to-head on the field for the last time.

Here, Goal looks at the finest moments off of it.

Getty ImagesWenger's whatabouteryFacing criticism for fielding an all-foreign team against Crystal Palace in February 2005, Wenger hit back with a dig at Chelsea's policy under Mourinho: "Take what Arsenal and Chelsea have won in the past eight years. I go with reality, with the football we play and the challenge we have ahead. I don't see especially that Chelsea play more English players than we do. Who have they produced, homegrown? Just one, John Terry."AdvertisementGetty Images‘Mourinho is a danger!’

The following August, a more subtle hint was directed towards coaches of the Portuguese’s ilk, when Wenger took a stand against more defensive approaches in football.

"I know we live in a world where we have only winners and losers, but once a sport encourages teams who refuse to take the initiative, the sport is in danger."

Getty ImagesWenger The Voyeur?

Two months later, Mourinho sniped back, suggesting Wenger had a rather ominous obsession with the Blues.

“Wenger has a real problem with us and I think he is what you call in England ‘a voyeur’. He is someone who likes to watch other people. There are some guys who, when they are at home, have a big telescope to see what happens in other families. Wenger must be one of them – it is a sickness. He speaks, speaks, speaks about Chelsea.”

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BEN STANSALLThat’s stupid!

The Frenchman was irked by such a suggestion and hit out at Mourinho as "stupid", even considering taking legal action against him.

"I find it out of order, disconnected with reality and disrespectful. I will see if I take any action. I don't know yet but I will leave that door open. I don't know what I said that was malicious.

“When you give success to stupid people, it makes them more stupid sometimes and not more intelligent.”