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Sevilla will look to pile on the misery when they take on Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday afternoon at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Both sides were well beaten in midweek in the Champions League but in wildly different circumstances, with Sevilla already qualified and Real Madrid fighting for their lives in the competition.

In La Liga they sit in fourth and fifth place respectively, but Sevilla have played a game fewer and Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane knows his future is in the spotlight following recent results.

When Is Kick Off? Saturday 5 December
What Time Is Kick Off? 15:15 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? La Liga TV (UK)

Sevilla were battered at home to Chelsea in midweek, but manager Julen Lopetegui was able to almost fully rotate his team in preparation for this clash.

Marcos Acuna and Suso are doubtful with injuries, while Sergio Escudero is definitely out of the game after fracturing his elbow.

Real Madrid have their own fitness concerns with Dani Carvajal, Eden Hazard and Fede Valverde all ruled out of the game with injury. Sergio Ramos has missed the last four games with a muscle injury but could return against his former club if Zidane decides to risk him. Eder Militao has recovered from Covid-19 and could deputise at centre-back.

? They’re back!

?? @Bonoyass and Carlos Fernández test negative for COVID-19 and rejoin the group!

??‍♂️ ⚽ ? #WeareSevilla #NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/6GoW4tiPbf

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) December 3, 2020

Sevilla: Vaclik; Navas, Kounde, Carlos, Rekik; Rakitic, Fernando, Jordan; Ocampos, De Jong, Torres

Real Madrid: Courtois; Nacho, Varane, Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Odegaard; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Sevilla had been in great form, with the defeat to Chelsea snapping a five-game winning streak. They currently sit in fifth place in La Liga eight points off the top of the league, having played two games fewer than league leaders Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have won just once in the last five games, conceding nine goals in the process. They have looked lethargic and slow in their recent games but with Zidane’s job on the line, the players will be keen to step up and show they are still the same group that won the league last season.

Sevilla

Sevilla 1-0 Osasuna (7/11)
Sevilla 4-2 Celta Vigo (21/11)
Krasnodar 1-2 Sevilla (24/11)
Huesca 0-1 Sevilla (28/11)
Sevilla 0-4 Chelsea (2/12)

Real Madrid

Valencia 4-1 Real Madrid (8/11)
Villarreal 1-1 Real Madrid (21/11)
Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid (24/11)
Real Madrid 1-2 Alaves (28/11)
Shakhtar 2-0 Real Madrid (1/12)

A very interesting clash between two sides who will want to be in and around the top of the table come the end of the season. Lopetegui will want to get revenge on his former side, but Madrid have won their last three games against Sevilla including their last visit to Andalusia.

The home side will come into the game with all their starters fresh and ready to play, while Madrid will be loaded with pressure knowing that they must win to keep Zidane in a job.

The Frenchman will be very aware of reports that his job hangs on qualification from the Champions League, meaning he needs a result in Wednesday’s fixture against Gladbach. That could mean he rests some players for that game and with one eye on the fixture, and Sevilla should be able to take advantage.

With their exciting style of football and attacking players in good form, they will be confident they can get the result here. Luuk de Jong will be a constant threat from set pieces and with Madrid shaky defensively, they will concede and subsequently open up even more.

Prediction: Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid

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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he is hopeful that forward Marcus Rashford will recover from a shoulder injury in time to feature against West Ham on Saturday.

Rashford started Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain but was unable to finish the game, instead heading straight down the tunnel in the 74th minute after picking up the injury.

After that game, Solskjaer confessed he did not think the injury was too serious, and he echoed that sentiment in the build-up to Saturday’s game, revealing that the Englishman is already back in light training.

“Marcus has been training this morning, not fully, but he’s joined in with the group,” Solskjaer said (via Manchester Evening News). “His shoulder stopped him finishing the game [against PSG]. He’s getting treatment and hopefully he’ll be part of the squad that travels. He’s having treatment now after training.”

However, Solskjaer’s optimism was not extended to left-back Luke Shaw, whose four-game absence with a hamstring injury is set to continue.

“Luke’s not ready yet,” Solskjaer added. “Apart from that, we had a big squad training again.”

The PSG defeat put an end to a four-game winning streak for Solskjaer’s side, but there’s no denying that United were more than a little fortunate to come away with three points in each of those games.

A 1-0 victory over West Brom and a 3-2 thriller with Southampton both brought United’s inconsistency to the fore, and Solskjaer admitted that he is confident of putting an end to this mixed form soon enough.

?️ “We won’t have our fans [on Saturday] but we’ll have to try and make their fans quiet and edgy,” says Solskjaer.

“It’s great to see fans back and we want to see it at Old Trafford soon. It hasn’t been the same.”#MUFC #WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/uPZhYsujrC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2020

“Football is a game with human beings who live their own lives, we’ve played some fantastic games, go 40 games back we’re one of the most consistent in the Premier League,” he stated. “You’re disappointed when you lose and it’s fine margins at times that decide if you win or lose.

“The PSG game was miles better than West Brom, but you don’t get three points against PSG, we’re getting more less-bad performances and getting more consistent. You can never control the result in the end, that’s decided by fine margins.”

For more from ​Tom Gott, follow him on ​Twitter!

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To be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, you need to have an aura about you that sets you apart from your competition.

A skillset that few others can match, and a winning mentality that takes you to the very top of the game, no matter the obstacle.

That brief description is more than applicable to Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is without doubt one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.

Ter Stegen made his name as a talented young star at Borussia Monchengladbach, and his sensational shot-stopping abilities soon caught the eye of European giants Barcelona. He made the switch in 2014, but it was followed by an air of cautious optimism.

After all, carrying a plucky underdog like Gladbach to unexpected heights is a far cry from standing as the last line of defence for one of the most demanding and anticipatory clubs in the world.

That’s a different ballgame all together.

So much of a goalkeeper’s performance is in the mind. Many great goalkeepers have earned a move into the spotlight of a top team, only to crumble under the pressure and never recover. Fortunately for Barça, they picked the most headstrong of men to guard their backline.

Happiness. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/07rAgSebc0

— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) November 30, 2020

Ever since becoming the Catalan giants’ first-choice goalkeeper at the beginning of the 2016/17 campaign, Ter Stegen has proven himself as a match-winner. His mind-blowing stops at the back often bear as much significance on the final result as Lionel Messi’s goals at the other end.

In fact, his point-saving antics (along with his natural ease with the ball at his feet) have earned him the tongue-in-cheek nickname ‘Messi with gloves’. While the 28-year-old laughed off this flattering moniker, it speaks volumes of his impact and importance to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Simply to be mentioned in the same breath as the great Argentine is an honour, let alone being directly compared with his talismanic teammate. Not to mention, he did become the first Barça keeper to provide an assist in the 21st century last season. He managed two, in fact.

1 – @FCBarcelona’s Barcelona Marc-André ter Stegen is the only goalkeeper to assist two goals in the top five European leagues this season. Quarterback. pic.twitter.com/YtSAMmEbmB

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 7, 2019

“I’m being called ‘Messi with gloves’? I think he’s had a great level over many years. You shouldn’t compare yourself with that”

– Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Ter Stegen first announced himself on the European scene during the 2014/15 edition of the Champions League, when he pulled off what would later be recognised as the ‘Best Save’ of the tournament in a semi-final clash with Bayern Munich.

He stuck out a valiant left hand to deny a brutal close-range strike from Robert Lewandowski, taking all the sting out of the effort. The immense power of the shot still sent the ball trickling towards the net, but Ter Stegen reacted with lightning speed, charging back to his line and clawing the ball away with millimetres to spare.

It was one of the most dramatic moments of the season, and a save which ultimately allowed Barça to lift the Champions League a few weeks later. Without that (literal) touch of world class on the goal line, the eventual winners may never have even reached the grand final.

Selected Save Percentage Statistics

Average Top-Five Goalkeeper Save Percentage – 68%
Ter Stegen’s Save Percentage in 2017/18 Champions League Group Stages – 96%

Another of Ter Stegen’s greatest records arrived in the group stages of the 2017/18 European campaign, when a last-gasp low, diving save prevented Paulo Dybala from bagging a winning goal for Juventus in Turin. That stunning parry confirmed la Blaugrana’s place at the top of their group, and not only that, it meant that the shot-stopper had repelled 23 of the past 24 shots on target.

That handed him a whopping save percentage of 96% – almost 30% better than the average top-five goalkeeper. That, is why he’s world class.

Any doubts over his ability on the big occasions were quickly put to bed, too. Atletico Madrid suffered at the ginormous hands of Ter Stegen in the 2019/20 campaign, as he produced two of the best saves of his career against Diego Simeone’s side.

Los Rojiblancos came up against the former Gladbach star in the form of his life in December 2019, as he first somehow deflected Mario Hermoso’s close-range volley wide of the post with the inside of his left-leg. It was pure instinct combined with a touch of fortune – but you make your own luck in those situations.

He then pulled off a brilliant save to turn away a powerful downward header from Alvaro Morata, which caused commentators to draw comparisons with Gordon Banks’ iconic stop against Pele in 1970. Barça pinched all three points in the dying minutes at the Wanda Metropolitano thanks to Mr Messi, but none of it would have been possible without Ter Stegen’s previous miracles.

Ultimately, the German showcased just why he cruises into our prestigious shortlist of world-class goalkeepers in a 2-1 victory over Getafe in February 2020. With the Liga title still at stake, Barça came within a fraction of surrendering a two-goal lead at Camp Nou.

Angel Rodriguez diverted a deep cross towards goal from point-blank range, forcing Ter Stegen into drastic action. His first intervention was effective, but not sufficient. As the ball crept towards the goal line in slow motion, Ter Stegen threw out a second hand to push it to temporary safety, and then catapulted himself to his right, clawing it away for a third time from the onrushing Jaime Mata.

THIS from @mterstegen1. ?#BarçaGetafe pic.twitter.com/Or3gj6Ml20

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 15, 2020

In the space of a second, we witnessed the traits that define an elite goalkeeper: cat-like reactions, a gut-instinct for snuffing out danger and the bravery and tunnel-vision to put victory ahead of his own personal well-being.

That impossible stop visibly sapped the energy and spring from Getafe’s step, as it quickly dawned on the visitors that they weren’t getting Ter Stegen again on that particular day. That’s the power of a truly world-class goalkeeper.

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West Ham play host to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, looking to continue their good home form and make it four wins on the bounce.

The Hammers beat Aston Villa in a tight affair on Monday night, while Manchester United performed reasonably well but were ultimately beaten by French champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

The Reds have been much better away from home so far this season but this will be a very tough fixture at a ground where they are winless in their last three visits.

? Tomorrow…#WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/1nrRo1kJnO

— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 4, 2020

When Is Kick Off? Saturday 5 December
What Time Is Kick Off? 17:30 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? London Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports (UK), NBC Sports (USA)
Referee? Andre Marriner

Manager David Moyes welcomed back striker Michail Antonio for the clash against Aston Villa on Monday night. He looked way off the pace though before being replaced at half-time and could start on the bench in this one.

Winger Andriy Yarmolenko is still ruled out following a positive Covid-19 test, while summer signing Said Benrahma is still yet to break into the starting lineup although he set up the winner in his last appearance.

For Manchester United, rotation is expected with their current packed schedule. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer welcomed back Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial for the midweek visit of PSG but Luke Shaw is still ruled out with a hamstring injury. Marcus Rashford is touch-and-go for the game after a flare up of his shoulder injury, but it’s likely he isn’t risked.

West Ham United: Fabianski; Ogbonna, Balbuena, Cresswell; Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku; Fornals, Haller, Bowen

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; Fred, Van de Beek; Greenwood, Fernandes, Martial; Cavani

The Hammers have won their last three games on the bounce after an insanely tough run of fixtures to start the season. They fought back from 3-0 down to draw with Tottenham before holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw too, and were unlucky to be beaten by Liverpool prior to this run.

Manchester United had won four in a row prior to the midweek defeat and have currently won eight away games in a row in the Premier League, which is a club record. Bruno Fernandes has scored in the last five of those away wins and a goal in this game would see him break a club record during the Premier League era.

West Ham United

West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa (30/11)
Sheffield United 0-1 West Ham (22/11)
West Ham 1-0 Fulham (7/11)
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham (31/10)
West Ham 1-1 Manchester City (24/10)

Manchester United

Man Utd 1-3 PSG (2/12)
Southampton 2-3 Man Utd (29/11)
Man Utd 4-1 Istanbul Basaksehir (24/11)
Man Utd 1-0 West Brom (21/11)
Everton 1-3 Man Utd (7/11)

This should be an entertaining game of football played out in front of 2,000 fans after London was moved into Tier 2 in the latest review.

The extra fans could really help West Ham as they will likely sit deep and look to counter Manchester United, who have often struggled against low-block defences.

Solskjaer’s side will need to score early to avoid letting West Ham grow in confidence, although the predatory instincts of Cavani inside the penalty area will bring a different threat to what Manchester United usually offer.

It will be a tightly contested affair but Manchester United should be able to extend their record of consecutive away wins.

Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested that he will continue with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal ahead of Adrian, with Alisson Becker unavailable for the match against Wolves on Sunday.

Alisson picked up a slight hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend, an issue that Klopp revealed would keep him out of action for up to two weeks.

To some surprise, 22-year-old academy product Kelleher was selected ahead of regular back-up Adrian to start the Champions League group stage fixture against Ajax on Tuesday – his first senior game for the Reds outside of domestic cup competitions.

Cork-born Kelleher excelled in the 1-0 win, making four saves, while Klopp was seen running to congratulate the young keeper after the final whistle.

Many have called for Kelleher to continue as first-choice back-up to Alisson ahead of Adrian, who has been error-prone in recent outings, while Klopp seemed to indicate a change in the pecking order with his remarks after beating Ajax.

He said: “I really think Adrian did for us an incredible job but now, in this game, we needed the natural football-playing ability of Caoimhin and because he is a really good shot-stopper as well we made that decision.”

“Yeah jeez my phone’s been hoppin'” ?

Caoimhín Kelleher with a night he will never forget ?

? @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/oeHauTigod

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020

Answering questions in his Friday press conference ahead of the weekend’s home clash with Wolves, Klopp spoke highly again of Kelleher and seemed to intimate that the Irishman would get the nod for Sunday.

Klopp said, via the journalist Paul Gorst: “In life you have to prove things. Caoimh is a sensational talent but keepers have to wait for their chance. If a keeper plays ten years then another wonderful keeper isn’t showing it. Caoimh has convinced everyone. Adrian doesn’t deserve to be written off now.

“[Kelleher] has done enough to convince me [to start Sunday].”

Klopp: “In life you have to prove things. Caoimh is a sensational talent but keepers have to wait for their chance. If a keeper plays 10 years then another wonderful keeper isn’t showing it. Caoimh has convinced everyone. Adrian doesn’t deserve to be written off now.”

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) December 4, 2020

Klopp also revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita will resume full training on Friday with a view to taking part in the match in some capacity on Sunday.

“There’s a chance Naby and Trent are in the squad but if they can play, start and play 90 minutes I don’t know,” he added.

Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain out of contention with longer-term injuries.

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