Solskjaer’s silence Cost Him Man United Job – Louis Saha

 

Solskjaer’s silence Cost Him Man United Job – Louis Saha

Ex Manchester United striker Louis Saha says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s mistake was his neglect in ‘calling people out’ after negative results.

The Norwegian’s three-year reign as United boss ended last Sunday after a 4-1 thrashing to Watford.

Solskjaer made significant steps to improve United since replacing Jose Mourinho, having finished second in the Premier League last season and reaching the Europa League final, which ended in a loss to Villarreal.

But a shocking start to the Premier League season, in which United won just once in their last seven matches, condemned Solskjaer to his fate.

According to Saha, who spent four years under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, Solskjaer lacked the ability to speak out when he was unhappy with his playing group.

“I see the staff Ole had, but I didn’t and don’t see an obvious figure to confront the board, to confront the players saying they’re not happy with certain things,” Saha told TribalFootball.com, on behalf of 101greatgoals.com.

“Of course, I’m not at the club every day, I don’t know the specific ins and outs, but they need to have clear leaders who speak the truth. Looking back on his time in charge, I believe the biggest mistake Ole did was not speaking out enough, calling people out.”

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Why Catalan giant seek revenge over Portuguese

Seeking to assure themselves of a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, Barcelona welcome Benfica to Camp Nou on Tuesday evening. The Catalan powerhouse will hope that lightning does not strike twice against Jorge Jesus's side, who sunk Barca 3-0 when the sides met earlier in Group E.

As Bayern Munich ride off into the sunset, Barcelona are performing a slow crawl to the finish line by comparison, but all three points in front of their own fans will guarantee them their rightful place in the knockout stages.

Xavi's reign as Blaugrana head coach officially kicked off with Sunday's visit of Espanyol in the Barcelona derby, during which a Memphis Depay penalty in the 48th minute saw the Catalans get off to the perfect start in La Liga under their legendary midfield maestro.

Barca vs Benfica by 9pm

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Blues More Dangerous without Lukaku says Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri believes Chelsea won't give any reference point to Juventus without Romelu Lukaku and reveals Dejan Kulusevski didn't train this morning because of a dentist appointment.

Lukaku had played the reverse fixture in Turin won by the Old Lady in September but he later picked up an ankle injury which has kept him out of action for over a month. He could make his comeback against the Serie A giants tomorrow (today) night.

Juventus visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow and a victory would allow the Bianconeri to win Group H. 

"Tomorrow (today), we play for first place against the Premier league leaders and the Champions League winners", Allegri said at a press conference.

"Without Lukaku, they have different characteristics differently. They'll have fewer reference points and do more counterattacks.

"Lukaku is a reference point. They gain speed without him and defend differently".

Chelsea vs Juve by 9pm

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Osimhen to miss 2021 AFCON, undergoes surgery - Life sports Blog

 

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been administered down and out for a very long time following the medical procedure on his cheekbone and eye attachment. 

Serie A pioneers Napoli revealed this in an assertion delivered on their authority site on Tuesday. 

With this, the striker will miss the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon one year from now. 

The assertion read, "On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was worked on his cheekbone and eye attachment by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was helped by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico likewise present. 

"Titanium plates and screws were utilized in the activity. 

"The player is progressing nicely and will stay under perception for the following not many days. 

"Osimhen is relied upon to get back to activity in 90 days."

The Nigeria global experienced the injury in Napoli's 3-2 misfortune to champions Inter Milan at the San Siro subsequent to slamming into Inter safeguard Milan Skriniar on Sunday. 

He was taken to the emergency clinic following leaving the pitch and was released on Monday subsequent to being determined to have an orbital and cheekbone injury with the striker planned to go into a medical procedure today. 

The 22-year-old has been Nigeria's best option striker beginning around 2019 after the retirement of Odion Ighalo. He has been in great structure for the public group scoring four objectives in their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying Group C

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Sports Headlines Today

 

Messi, Lewandowski, Benzema nominated for FIFA'S Best Player Award 

Osimhen could miss tourney

Eagles warn NFF not to sack Rohr 

Zinedine Zidane not interested in Man utd 

Carrick prepared for extended spell as Man utd boss 

Bayern prepare huge offer to sign pedri 

 Blues more dangerous without Lukaku says Allegri 

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FRANCE ENDS FINLAND'S HOPES OF PLAYING IN THE 2022 WORLD CUP

 

FRANCE ENDS FINLAND'S HOPES OF PLAYING IN THE 2022 WORLD CUP

France ended Finland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time as a 2-0 win in Helsinki condemned the Nordic nation to third place in UEFA qualifying Group D.

With France's place at Qatar 2022 already secured, attention in the group was firmly on the battle for a place in the play-offs between Finland and Ukraine.

Finland began the night in the box seat, two points ahead of Ukraine, but the situation was turned on its head in the second half.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Artem Dovbyk secured a 2-0 win for Ukraine over Bosnia-Herzegovina while Karim Benzema's deflected strike and a superb individual effort from Kylian Mbappe saw the reigning world champions claim maximum points as Finland fell at the final hurdle.

A long-range Mbappe effort was the most threatening chance France could muster in a first half where both sides had just one shot on target.

France were forced to withdraw Leo Dubois after he was injured late in the opening period, with Benjamin Pavard filling in at right-back after the break.

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CAMERON HEADS TO PLAY-OFFS AT THE EXPENSE OF IVORY COAST

 

CAMERON HEADS TO PLAY-OFFS AT THE EXPENSE OF IVORY COAST

Karl Toko Ekambi was the toast of Cameroon on Tuesday as his first-half goal delivered a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast and a place in the African play-offs for the 2022 World Cup.

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ARGENTINA QUALIFIES FOR WORLD CUP AFTER STALEMATE WITH BRAZIL

 

ARGENTINA QUALIFIES FOR WORLD CUP AFTER  STALEMATE WITH BRAZIL

The reigning Copa America champions came into the match against their arch rivals knowing that a win might not be enough to secure their ticket, but a draw could be.

And Chile's 2-0 defeat at home to Ecuador, coupled with Uruguay's 3-0 loss to Bolivia, sent Argentina through.

It caps a fine year for Argentina and Lionel Messi, who won their 15th Copa America in July with a 1-0 final victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium.

Argentina welcomed back six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to their starting line-up while star forward Neymar missed out for Brazil.

But Messi was unable to inspire his team in a match of few chances, against opponents who booked their ticket to Qatar on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Colombia.

Brazil remain top of the qualifying group, six points clear of Argentina, who took their unbeaten run to 27 matches.

Brazil wasted a two-on-two break when Fred's pass forced Vinicius Junior wide, and his first touch ran out of play.

It summed up a match that never caught fire and in which almost nothing came off from either side.

Quick-thinking Matheus Cunha tried to score the goal of the qualification campaign when attempting to chip Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from inside his own half, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Argentina came alive in the last five minutes of the half as De Paul managed the hosts' first shot on target, although Alisson Becker dealt with it comfortably in the Brazil goal.

Brazil had only managed one shot on target themselves in the first 45 minutes, and that was a weak effort by Fred.

The major talking point was how Argentina center-back Nicolas Otamendi escaped a red card for elbowing Raphinha in the face, drawing blood.

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BAYERN, ROMA AND INTER TARGETS BENSEBAINI FOR A POSSIBLE MOVE

 

*BAYERN, ROMA AND INTER TARGETS BENSEBAINI FOR A POSSIBLE MOVE* 

Ramy Bensebaini has begun to be rumoured as a potential Bayern player. 

The Munich outfit have reportedly already contacted the Borussia Mönchengladbach player's entourage about a possible January move.

 However, Inter Milan and Roma also want him.

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NETHERLANDS SECURES A SPOT IN THE 2022 WORLD CUP

 

*NETHERLANDS SECURES A SPOT IN THE 2022 WORLD CUP* 

Steven Bergwijn and Memphis Depay made sure of the Netherlands' place at the 2022 World Cup with late goals in a 2-0 victory against Norway on Tuesday.

Turkey's 2-1 win against Montenegro kept the pressure on the Netherlands, but they still needed only a point to secure their qualification and got more than that in the closing stages at De Kuip.

Bergwijn netted with six minutes left when he fired high into the net before Depay put the result beyond doubt with a goal on the break in injury time.

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MOORE SEALS HOME WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PLAY-OFFS SEMI-FINAL FOR WALES

 

*MOORE SEALS HOME WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PLAY-OFFS SEMI-FINAL FOR WALES* 

Kieffer Moore secured a home World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final for Wales as Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.

Robert Page's side were already assured of a play-off spot, but they headed into the final Group E game desperate to be among the six top seeds.

Although Kevin De Bruyne put an under-strength Belgium already assured of a place in the tournament in Qatar next year as group winners in front, Moore equalised in the first half.

Neither side could fashion a winner, but Wales sealed second place and face a home play-off tie in March when they will hope to have captain Gareth Bale absent here back to full fitness.

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ARGENTINA'S COACH CONFIRMS MESSI WILL PLAY AGAINST BRAZIL

 

ARGENTINA'S COACH CONFIRMS MESSI WILL PLAY AGAINST BRAZIL

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi will definitely play a part in Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

The rival nations meet for the first time since this year's Copa America final, which Argentina won 1-0, when they face off in San Juan on Tuesday.

Both teams have identical records since that final, each winning five of their six qualifiers. A clash between the pair in Sao Paulo in September was suspended due to coronavirus restrictions relating to Argentina's England-based players.

Already-qualified Brazil sit top of the CONMEBOL standings on 34 points, six clear of Scaloni's team, who defeated Uruguay on Friday.

Given the 12-point gap between Argentina and fifth-placed Colombia, who occupy the play-off spot, a win would all but guarantee their place in Qatar next year.

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NEYMAR SET TO MISS ARGENTINA ENCOUNTER DUE TO THIGH PAINS

 

*NEYMAR SET TO MISS ARGENTINA ENCOUNTER DUE TO THIGH PAINS* 

The Paris Saint-Germain star played the full 90 minutes and set up Lucas Paqueta's winning goal as Brazil beat Colombia on Thursday to book their spot at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

But he will not face Argentina, who could also qualify with victory against Brazil on Tuesday.

"After training yesterday morning, Neymar complained of thigh pain," the CBF said.

"Unable to carry out additional tests, the staff decided to rest the player who will not be travelling with the delegation to San Juan."

PSG will hope the 29-year-old Neymar is fit for their Champions League trip to Manchester City next week.

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ITALY IN SHOCK AS THEY HEAD TO WORLD CUP PLAY-OFFS AFTER AN UNINSPIRING OUTING AGAINST NORTHERN IRELAND

 

*ITALY IN SHOCK AS THEY HEAD TO WORLD CUP PLAY-OFFS AFTER AN UNINSPIRING OUTING AGAINST NORTHERN IRELAND*

Roberto Mancini will have to take Italy through the play-offs to reach the 2022 World Cup. 

Italy will have to get through the play-offs if they are to return to the World Cup after a goalless draw at Northern Ireland on Monday allowed Switzerland to pip them on the final day of qualifying.

Roberto Mancini's European champions knew that they needed to match the Swiss' result against Bulgaria if they wanted to qualify directly for next year's tournament in Qatar.

However their uninspiring stalemate at Windsor Park and Switzerland's 4-0 win in Lucerne saw Italy give up first place and Group C's sole guaranteed World Cup spot at the last.

That leaves the Azzurri in the November 26th draw for the play-offs, from which they famously failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a miserable aggregate defeat to Sweden.

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ENGLAND QUALIFIES FOR 2022 WORLD CUP AFTER A 10-GOAL ROUT OF SAN MARINO

 

*ENGLAND QUALIFIES FOR 2022 WORLD CUP AFTER A 10-GOAL ROUT OF SAN MARINO* 

Needing a draw from their last Group I qualifier to reach next year's tournament in Qatar, England went goal crazy on Monday as they scored 10 in a single game for the first time since a 1964 friendly against the United States.

Harry Maguire put Gareth Southgate's side in front early on before Filippo Fabbri's own goal doubled England's lead.

England captain Kane took charge after that, scoring four before the break to rewrite the record books.

Tyrone Mings headed his first England goal after San Marino's Dante Rossi was sent off, before Tammy Abraham and Bukayo Saka completed their country's record-breaking win.

Kane is the first England player to score four times in a single game since Ian Wright against San Marino in 1993.

After bagging a hat-trick in Friday's 5-0 win over Albania, Kane is the first England player to score three or more in successive games since Tommy Taylor in 1957.

Group winners England finished the qualifying campaign unbeaten in their 10 matches.

They will head to Qatar in 12 months established as one of the main contenders to win the World Cup.

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Live Scores now

San Marino 0-6 England

Austria 2-0 Moldova

Switzerland 0-0 Bulgaria

Scotland 1-0 Denmark

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LOUIS VAN GAAL TEMPORARILY IN WHEELCHAIR AFTER BIKE ACCIDENT

 

*LOUIS VAN GAAL TEMPORARILY IN WHEELCHAIR AFTER BIKE ACCIDENT*

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is temporarily in a wheelchair after he fractured his hip during a bicycle accident which could force him to miss the crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway.

Following training on Sunday, van Gaal cycled back to the team hotel with his players and coaching staff but fell when putting away his bike.

He was unable to physically attend Monday's news conference but told reporters via Zoom: "I am in a lot of pain. That is why I was in a buggy during training.

The former Manchester United manager was taken to hospital following the accident but was discharged after the injury didn't require surgery.

The 70-year-old suffered a similar situation in 2007-08 campaign as AZ Alkmaar manager when he was in the dugout on a wheelchair after breaking his ankle and fibula.

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BARCELONA KEEPS AN EYE ON AZPILICUETA FOR A POSSIBLE DEAL

 

*BARCELONA KEEPS AN EYE ON AZPILICUETA FOR A POSSIBLE DEAL* 

Cesar Azpilicueta is at a great level both at Chelsea and in the Spanish national team. The Spaniard is the captain of the team, is a first-choice defender and is vital for Thomas Tuchel.

However, the deal for his contract renewal has not yet been finalised and doubts are being raised among fans. According to 'ESPN', Chelsea are in negotiations with the player and are confident they will come to a successful conclusion.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are interested in the Spanish defender's situation. The Chelsea player has reportedly been expressly requested by Xavi Hernandez. The coach values his ability to play as a right-back in a back four or as a centre-back in a back three.

The Catalan giants consider him to be a good option in the market. A player who would arrive on a free agent and who would bring experience and leadership to the Catalan backline. A strategy that has already been implemented with the return of Dani Alves.

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FORMER LIVERPOOL FORWARD ANDY CARROLL JOINS READING ON SHORT TERM CONTRACT ON MONDAY

 FORMER LIVERPOOL FORWARD ANDY CARROLL JOINS READING ON SHORT TERM CONTRACT ON MONDAY

Carroll left Newcastle in the close-season after his second spell with the Tyneside club produced only eight Premier League appearances in two years.

The 32-year-old was without a team at the start of this season but has now agreed to link up with second tier Reading until at least mid-January.

Carroll was Liverpool's then record signing for £35 million from Newcastle in 2011.

But he endured an injury-plagued spell at Anfield, scoring only six goals in 44 league appearances.

He could make his Reading debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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DANI ALVES TRAINS FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH FC BARCELONA SQUAD IN SECOND COMING

 

*DANI ALVES TRAINS FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH FC BARCELONA SQUAD IN SECOND COMING* 

Barcelona trained on Monday with the presence of Dani Alves, who was back in the Barcelona kit after his return to the club. 

The Brazilian is already under Xavi Hernandez's command, but will not be able to make his debut until January 2022.

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SPAIN DEFEATS SWEDEN TO QUALIFY FOR 2022 WORLD CUP

 

SPAIN DEFEATS SWEDEN TO QUALIFY FOR 2022 WORLD CUP

Spain are headed for their 12th consecutive World Cup after a 1-0 win over Sweden saw them finish top of European qualifying Group B.

Spain qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a tense 1-0 victory over Sweden that was secured by Alvaro Morata's late winner.

Sweden needed to win in Sevilla on Sunday to top Group B but will go into the play-offs instead after Luis Enrique's home victory. 

​The Swedes' shock 2-0 defeat to Kazakhstan on Thursday had handed Spain pole position in Group B, meaning La Roja just needed a point to qualify.

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BELGIUM QUALIFIES FOR THE 2022 WORLD CUP

 

BELGIUM QUALIFIES FOR THE 2022 WORLD CUP

Belgium clinched their spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a 3-1 victory over Estonia in their penultimate qualifier.

Roberto Martinez's men were in total control throughout the Group E encounter, Christian Benteke scored the first goal. 

In their quest for a convincing victory, Yannick Carrasco having played a part in the opener, thrashed home a second in the 53rd minute.

Erik Sorga reduced the deficit for the group's second-bottom side but Thorgan Hazard, after replacing brother Eden, restored Belgium's two-goal advantage, their five-point lead at the summit ensuring they will be at the Finals in the Middle East, which begin next November. QUALIFIES FOR THE 2022 WORLD CUP* 

Belgium clinched their spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a 3-1 victory over Estonia in their penultimate qualifier.

Roberto Martinez's men were  in total control throughout the Group E encounter, Christian Benteke scored the first goal. 

In their quest for a convincing victory, Yannick Carrasco having played a part in the opener, thrashed home a second in the 53rd minute.

Erik Sorga reduced the deficit for the group's second-bottom side but Thorgan Hazard, after replacing brother Eden, restored Belgium's two-goal advantage, their five-point lead at the summit ensuring they will be at the Finals in the Middle East, which begin next November.

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Spain's top flight players stage protest in women's league

 

Spain's top flight players stage protest in women's league

Players in Spain's women's top division began staging 30-second peaceful demonstration at the start of every game this weekend to highlight the delay of the beginning of their professional football league.

Players at Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Barcelona were among the clubs playing on Saturday as they declined to play for 30 seconds at their start of their respective matches.

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YOUNG PITCH INVADER ESCAPES FINE

 

YOUNG PITCH INVADER ESCAPES FINE

A young girl who was fined for invading the pitch to grab Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt after Portugal's draw with Republic of Ireland had her €3,000 penalty waived by the country's football association.

Addison Whelan evaded security at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Thursday before advancing for Manchester United forward Ronaldo. The Portuguese captain then told the stewards to stand down and gave the young lad his shirt.

But on Saturday, the Football Association of Ireland released a statement saying she would not have to pay.

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NETHERLANDS IN A TIGHT ANGLE AS THEY MISSES GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP

 NETHERLANDS IN A TIGHT ANGLE AS THEY MISSES GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP

Netherlands conceded two goals after the 80th minute to draw 2-2 with Montenegro.

A win would have sent the Dutch side to the global fiesta for the first time since 2014.

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KYLIAN MBAPPE SCORES HAT-TRICK FOR FRANCE IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

The Paris Saint-Germain striker needed just 32 minutes to grab France's first competitive hat-trick in 36 years.

Mbappe got the ball rolling in the sixth minute of the match when he scored from Theo Hernandez's assist.

It was 2-0 not long afterwards. In the 12th minute, Kazakhstan's goalkeeper went walkabouts and Kingsley Coman found Mbappe, who slotted the ball into the open net.

Coman also assisted Mbappe's third goal. The Bayern Munich winger sent in a wonderful cross from the right in which Mbappe scored.

This Victory means that Didier Deschamps' side secured top spot in qualifying Group D.

Starting line-up against Kazakhstan included the aforementioned names alongside the likes of Dayot Upamecano, N'Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann.

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NIGERIA CRUISE PAST LIBERIA IN A WORLD QUALFIER ENCOUNTER

 

NIGERIA CRUISE PAST LIBERIA IN A WORLD QUALFIER ENCOUNTER

Liberia hosted Nigeria in a blockbuster game on Saturday evening.

The away side went ahead to put up an impressive performance which lead to the unassailable victory for the visitors.  Penalties from Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa saw the Super Eagles secure an impressive 2-0 win.

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OFFICIAL: DANI ALVES JOINS FORMER CLUB

Official statement from @fcbarcelona confirms the agreement reached with Dani Alves.

Contract until June 2022 with option to extend the agreement until June 2023, signed and done. 

The deal has been approved by Xavi who wanted Dani back at Barcelona as right back and key player also for young team-mates.

Dani Alves’ only dream was to join Barcelona and now it’s official and confirmed, he’s back!

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Rangers manager favourite for Aston Villa job - Steven Gerrard l Life Sports

 Aston Villa presently can't seem to make a conventional way to deal with Rangers for director Steven Gerrard however he stays the firm top choice to succeed Dean Smith. 

Estate are utilizing the global break to think about their best course of action yet hope to have a supervisor set up for the home game against Brighton on 20 November. 

Belgium mentor Roberto Martinez is one more who has figured in conversations alongside the ex-England commander, 41. 

Smith was sacked on Sunday after a run of five progressive association routs. 

Gerrard's work in rejuvenating Rangers and recapturing the Scottish title from Celtic following 10 years has intrigued Villa's chain of command and has prompted his name being at the bleeding edge of their considerations, with progress on an arrangement prone to strengthen in the following 48 hours. 

He is appreciated by Villa CEO Christian Purslow, who knows Gerrard well from his time as Liverpool overseeing chief. 

While he has for some time been viewed as future chief at Anfield, the draw of a move back to the Premier League with a steady, goal-oriented club is probably going to be enticing to the previous Liverpool commander. 

Officers would be relied upon to contend energetically to keep Gerrard should an authority Villa approach show up after he had a vital impact in upsetting Celtic's homegrown matchless quality.

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