FC Barcelona completed their final training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday. The Blaugrana are putting the finishing touches to their tactical preparations before hosting Deportivo Alavés in another crucial league fixture, especially after the heavy blow suffered in El Clásico.
The main news from the training ground was the confirmed absence of Jules Koundé. The French defender did not join the rest of the squad for training and has been ruled out of the match against the Vitoria-based side.
The full-back joins an already lengthy injury list. Players including Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji continue their recovery programmes away from the main group.
With so many players unavailable, the coaching staff have had to reorganise the defence and midfield. Tactical changes to the starting line-up are expected to keep the team competitive.
All eyes now turn to the press room. German coach Hansi Flick will address the media at 13:00 to preview the match and ******* s the squad's fitness.

#training #players

Dejan Kulusevski has revealed how a "change to my nervous system" enabled him to return with Tottenham after a 17-month injury layoff left him fearing the end of his football career.
The Swedish midfielder was introduced to a rapturous reception in the 87th minute of the club's 3-1 home victory against Coventry last week and followed that up with another substitute appearance in Saturday's win at Chelsea as Spurs continued their improvement after a poor start to the Premier League season.
Kulusevski had multiple setbacks after knee surgery in May 2025. But a second procedure in March finally set him on the road to recovery.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's match against Crystal Palace, the 26-year-old Kulusveski told SpursPlay: "It had been like one year and a couple of months and I still can't walk on the stairs. I can't walk on the stairs like a normal guy. I have to play football so in my head I'm not going to give up, but I have to think that if this doesn't work out, what do I do?
"I went to a physio in Sweden. He was able to change my nervous system and then it felt different. When I did the exercises, I said, 'I don't have pain, like this hurt yesterday. Why is this not hurting today?'

#change #year

Gameweek 8 is behind us, and it's time for Fantasy Premier League managers to make their next moves. With another deadline approaching, the transfer market is already heating up, and several players are attracting serious attention ahead of Gameweek 9.
Injuries have also complicated matters. Bukayo Saka, João Pedro, and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the players managers are moving away from, leaving many FPL teams with decisions to make. Fortunately, there are several promising alternatives, including in-form attackers, reliable midfield options, and defenders with appealing upcoming fixtures.
But which players are actually worth bringing into your squad?
Let's consider five players worth bringing into your team for Gameweek 9.
Fixture: Fulham

#gameweek #make #fantasy #premier

Michael Carrick has insisted he is "not surprised" to remain in the Manchester United dugout despite the club enduring their most disastrous start to a league season in four decades. The former England international saw his position come under intense scrutiny this week following a dismal 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth.
Carrick looked certain to face the axe following Sunday's humiliating loss against the Cherries. That result extended an abysmal winless streak to eight matches in all competition, cementing the club's worst start to a league campaign in 40 years.
However, crisis talks were held on Monday between the 45-year-old and the United hierarchy. Despite widespread anticipation of a managerial change, the boardroom ultimately opted to keep him at the helm.
This backing comes just months after Carrick penned a new permanent two-year deal in the summer. He had earned the permanent role by securing Champions League football, having originally taken over as a short-term successor to Ruben Amorim in January.
When pressed on his survival, the former midfielder maintained a defiant stance. He insisted his sole focus remains on rectifying the current crisis on the pitch rather than fearing for his job.

#united #start

The Stillwater girls soccer team's hopes for reaching the state semifinals ended Thursday with a 2-1 loss to Mounds View during a state quarterfinal match at Spring Lake Park high school.
The Panthers struck first with 17 minutes left before halftime after midfielder Ida Wynn sent the ball cross net from the Ponies goalie Elin Hendrickson.
Mounds View took 6 shots on the Stillwater goal, coming up successful once in each half.
The second, and game deciding goal, found the net with 32 minutes left in the second half. Defensive midfielder Molly Nystrom beat Hendrickson at the net.
"It felt really awesome to score. I don't score a lot because I play center back," Nystrom said.

#mounds

Count Jake LaCava among the New Mexico United players who figures to have less of a strenuous weekend.
And it has little to do with what could happen on the pitch in the club's Western Conference quarterfinal playoff match against rival Phoenix Rising FC at 4 p.m. Sunday. It's more so about what New Mexico will — or won't, rather — be doing beforehand to get there.
No traveling to the airport. No getting on a plane. Just a short drive to Isotopes Park.
"I'm personally afraid of flying," the defender said Thursday. "... I sit there and grip on for dear life, and pray for a landing. … So it takes a lot of stress off me."
Such is the benefit of being the No. 1 seed in the West and the home-field advantage that comes with it, something United secured with last Saturday's 1-0 win at El Paso Locomotive FC in the regular-season finale on midfielder Valentin Noël's fourth-minute stoppage-time goal.

#united #phoenix #rising

What looked like it would be a back-and-forth game between the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, but the Packers have run away with it, scoring 21 unanswered points since mid-way through the second quarter.
They added to their lead with a four-yard receiving touchdown from running back Josh Jacobs on their opening drive of the second half. Jacobs now has two touchdowns in the game, one rushing and one receiving. This is his first game with multiple touchdowns since Green Bay's loss to the Denver Broncos last season.
Here is a look at Jacobs' receiving touchdown, courtesy of the NFL's official social media:
The Panthers had not scored since their touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Since then, they have punted the ball twice, and quarterback Bryce Young has thrown an interception. Their opening drive of the second half ended in a turnover on downs at midfield. However, the Panthers were able to get a field goal on their next drive, making Green Bay's lead only 14 points.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: WATCH: Jacobs scores 2nd TD vs Panthers to give Packers 17-point lead

#panthers #touchdown

Manchester United is finding wins hard to come by at the moment. Indeed, Michael Carrick's team is currently on a run of six matches in all competitions without a victory. Sunday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United was the latest underwhelming performance and result by the Old Trafford outfit.
There were, however, some positives for Carrick to pick out of the display, not least the performance of Carlos Baleba. In his first Premier League start as a Manchester United player, the Cameroonian was a commanding presence in central midfield, helping his new team on both sides of the ball.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Carlos Baleba of Manchester United controls the ball whilst under pressure from Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Carrick reshuffled his midfield unit for the trip to Elland Road, deploying Baleba and Andrey Santos at the base. This gave United a strong foundation to build from. Ahead of the pair, Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans were positioned in an advanced role where they could influence the attacking play in front of them.
It was a midfield set up that gave Manchester United greater control of the match even if it still struggled to create good enough opportunities to find the back of the net. In Baleba, Carrick might finally have a two-way midfielder to build around with Santos also demonstrating his potential.

#united #leeds #michael #league

Jordan Henderson says it is an "absolute privilege and honour" to be playing in this Chelsea team, after the midfielder helped the Blues record back-to-back wins for the first time since his arrival.
Henderson's introduction to Chelsea supporters was delayed by an arm injury he picked up with England at the FIFA World Cup in the summer. He has made up for lost time since returning, marking his home debut with two goals and an ****** ist in the 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, with his first goal arriving with just one minute on the clock.
He followed that up on Saturday as Chelsea beat previously unbeaten Everton 2-0. Pedro Neto scored both goals, handing Everton their first defeat of 2026/27Premier League season, giving Chelsea a first-ever win at the Hill ****** inson Stadium and lifting them to fourth in the Premier League, the club reported.
Henderson was a surprise signing at Chelsea in the summer, with the veteran arriving from Brentford on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old has added vital experience to the Chelsea dressing room, and says he is relishing a leadership role in a talented group.

#first #league

OLD LYME — Vivian Boller was a freshman already playing regularly for the Lyme-Old Lyme girls soccer team when she brought a request to her coach.
"She was playing outside midfield and she wasn't taking any throw-ins," coach Caroline Wallace said. "And she came up and said, 'Caroline, I want to take the throw-ins,' and I was like, 'Go for it.'"
It may seem like a simple request from a young soccer player, but there was a little more to it. Boller was born without a left arm, and in soccer, throw-ins are done with both hands on the ball.
"I have a vague memory of it," Boller said, "but it's still in the back of my mind. Playing for my (youth) team, I remember going up for a throw-in because my coach really liked to play quick, once the ball goes out, you grab it and play it immediately. I went to grab it and the other coach said something along the lines of, 'She can't do that. That's not legal.'"
No one, though, can tell Vivian Boller, now a junior, she can't do something and expect it to stick. It hasn't been an issue in high school, where Boller now plays center midfield with a traditionally powerful girls soccer program. She also plays guard for the basketball team and competes in sprints and jumps for the two-time state champion girls track team.

#boller #throw #vivian

Jose Mourinho may have found the answer to Real Madrid's midfield problems after Arda Guler delivered an outstanding performance in a deeper role.
The Portuguese manager started the Turkish international in defensive midfield against Sevilla, and Los Blancos produced their best performance of the season, securing a 4-1 victory.
According to Diario AS, Guler is now emerging as a genuine long-term option alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, with his influence in central midfield transforming Madrid's attacking play.
Mourinho made several tactical adjustments against Sevilla, deploying Guler alongside Tchouameni, moving Federico Valverde to right-back and placing Yan Diomande on the left in Vinicius Junior's absence.
However, Guler's presence in midfield proved particularly influential.

#midfield #alongside #jose

Atlético de Madrid have officially announced Diego Pablo Simeone's squad for the trip to Germany. The Rojiblancos face VfB Stuttgart in a decisive match on the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase, with the Argentine coach taking a squad offering a range of tactical options.
The main news in Atlético's travelling squad is the return of Johnny Cardoso. The midfielder is back after missing the last league fixture against Espanyol through injury, providing a key defensive option to strengthen the midfield against the German side.
As for absentees, alongside captain Koke Resurrección, Cuti Romero will also be unavailable, joining Atlético's injury list for this Champions League clash. The defender has a muscle problem and will not be available to Simeone.
In goal, Jan Oblak heads a list of goalkeepers that also includes Juan Musso and academy product Salvador Esquivel. Meanwhile, the defensive options include Dávid Hancko, Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand and Alejandro Grimaldo, who will underpin the structure set out by the coaching staff.
The squad is rounded out by creative talents such as Álex Baena, Lee Kang-in and Morten Hjulmand, alongside an attacking line led by Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth and Giuliano Simeone. With this squad, Atlético will look to secure three vital points at the Neckarstadion.

#league #tico #injury #alongside

Alex Scott has been one of Liverpool's main targets ever since Andoni Iraola was brought in.
The Spaniard managed to turn despite him only being 23 years old.
Scott knows Iraola's system like the back of his hand and, during their time together at Bournemouth, the two often spoke highly of one another.
At the moment, one of Liverpool's main issues is their midfield so, if Iraola can bring someone in who already knows his system, it would make things much easier.
That's why, of all the recent midfielders linked with an Anfield switch, Scott has been the most talked-about.

#scott #iraola #system

After the false start and the worst start, Michael Carrick ******* ounced it a fresh start. Manchester United have their fewest wins in their opening seven league games of a campaign for 40 years – just the one – and have not tasted victory in six matches in all competitions. Their manager nevertheless emerged from consecutive away games that brought defeat to Atletico Madrid and a draw at Leeds appearing more upbeat about their prospects.
"I understand the situation doesn't look too good if you look at it from a certain way, but I got no doubts that we can go on a good run," he said. That certain way could involve referencing results or the league table; seven games in, the club who finished third last season are already nine points adrift of the top three.
Carrick believes he has detected a good feeling around his squad, whether or not it stems from Lisandro Martinez's public criticism of director of football Jason Wilcox. "I felt like [it was] a bit of a fresh start today and where we're at, and accepting it and doing something about it," he said. Perhaps not doing enough about it, given the result was exactly the same – a 1-1 draw – as in their previous two league games.
Michael Carrick thinks Man United's new-look midfield, including Youri Tielemans (pictured), can lead their rebuild (Reuters)
If there is improvement in Carrick's camp, it has come from a low bar. And, in fairness, the performances in the intimidating atmospheres of the Metropolitano and Elland Road are not among United's four worst this season – Hull, Manchester City, Brighton, Tottenham – but, again, that is scarcely a compliment.

#carrick

Real Madrid rediscovered their sparkle with an emphatic rout of Sevilla in a match that saw Arda Güler take charge, while Madrid fans celebrated Kylian Mbappé's clinical finishing and Yan Diomandé's emergence. However, the victory was not without controversy, as Sevilla were left furious with the officiating.
Rounding out the football action are a domestic transfer market stirred by Getafe's interest in Sergio Ramos, a struggling ***** nal's resilience in the Premier League, and Nico Paz's unstoppable form under Cesc Fàbregas in Italy.
Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance with a 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu, inspired by a stellar display from Arda Güler. José Mourinho's side showed a dramatic improvement in their fluidity to set up a comfortable win, sealed by a brilliant Kylian Mbappé brace and another standout goal from youngster Yan Diomandé, establishing the Turkish midfielder as a cornerstone of Madrid's midfield for the immediate future.
The defeat left the Sevilla camp deeply aggrieved, with outrage spreading from the dressing room to the press room and the club's official channels as they left Madrid's ground. Coach Luis García Plaza and players including Kike Salas and Juan Iglesias openly argued that Güler should have been sent off for a heavy challenge on Peque, directing their criticism squarely at the handling of VAR.
On the transfer front, Getafe once again grabbed the headlines after president Ángel Torres surprisingly confirmed in public that Sergio Ramos is among the club's potential signings. Having already secured Dani Carvajal—who is ready to make his debut immediately—the Coliseum club's board is seeking another historic, headline-grabbing coup in Spanish football by bolstering its defence with the veteran former Real Madrid centre-back.

#kylian

Liverpool's midfield is probably going to be their main area of focus in the January transfer window.
At the moment, the Anfield outfit only have four central midfielders among their ranks with one of them being 19-year-old Trey Nyoni.
And, although each player is good, this season, only Alexis Mac Allister has really met expectations.
Indeed, Nyoni has done well when called upon but, since he's still so young, he can't be relied upon for every game.
Others, such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have failed to make their mark which is why so many midfielders have been linked with a Liverpool switch.

#nyoni #midfielders

Real Madrid rediscovered their sparkle with an emphatic thrashing of Sevilla in a clash where Arda Güler took charge, as Madrid fans celebrated Kylian Mbappé's clinical finishing and Yan Diomandé's emergence. However, the victory was not without controversy, with Sevilla furious over the officiating.
The football roundup also features a domestic transfer market stirred by Getafe's ambitions to sign Sergio Ramos, a struggling ******* nal's resilience in the Premier League, and Nico Paz's unstoppable form under Cesc Fàbregas in Italy.
Real Madrid delivered an impressive performance with a 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu, inspired by a stellar display from Arda Güler. José Mourinho's side showed dramatically improved fluidity to secure a comfortable win, sealed by a brilliant Kylian Mbappé brace and another eye-catching goal from youngster Yan Diomandé, with the Turkish midfielder staking his claim as a cornerstone of Madrid's midfield in the immediate future.
The defeat left the Sevilla camp deeply frustrated as they departed Madrid's home ground, with outrage spreading from the dressing room to the press room and the club's official channels. Coach Luis García Plaza and players including Kike Salas and Juan Iglesias openly argued that Güler should have been sent off for a heavy challenge on Peque, directing their criticism squarely at the handling of VAR.
In transfer news, Getafe once again grabbed the headlines following a surprise admission from president Ángel Torres, who publicly confirmed that Sergio Ramos is on the club's list of potential signings. Having already secured Dani Carvajal—who is ready to make his debut immediately—the Coliseum club's board is seeking another historic, headline-grabbing coup in Spanish football by strengthening its defence with the veteran former Real Madrid centre-back.

#sevilla #arda

Liverpool are still trying to figure things out under Andoni Iraola.
The first couple of months under the Spaniard have shown promising glimpses of what could be at Anfield, but the side lacks consistency and still looks some way off competing on all fronts.
Several issues still plague the squad, but two of the most prominent have come in the midfield and on the right wing.
The Reds midfield has lacked balance this campaign and has often been the weakest area on the pitch, whilst the right side of the attack is left with no natural option following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Luckily, there is one man who could fix both problems for Liverpool.

#spaniard

Sevilla manager Luis Garcia Plaza has strongly criticised the refereeing after his side's 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid, arguing that Arda Guler should have been sent off following an alleged elbow on Peque during the first half.
The Sevilla coach believes the decision deprived his team of a fair opportunity to compete at the Santiago Bernabeu, insisting the match should have continued with Real Madrid down to ten men from around the 25th minute.
Although Garcia Plaza acknowledged that Real Madrid deserved to win with both teams at full strength, he questioned how the contest might have unfolded had the Turkish midfielder been dismissed.
The incident involving Guler and Peque became the central issue in Garcia Plaza's post-match ****** sment.
The Sevilla forward appealed after being struck while the two players were running towards goal, but the referee did not send off the Real Madrid midfielder.

#guler #peque

Enzo Maresca had predicted Phil Foden would score, and he did score. For much of Foden's career that would scarcely have seemed an outlandish prediction. Not now. Foden's had struck 27 times for Manchester City alone in 2023-24. Yet when Ipswich arrived at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, his drought spanned 35 games for City, plus two for England that may have cost him a place at the World Cup.
But there are two Fodens. Maresca remembered the teenage prodigy, the player who had won the individual awards, the seeming generational talent before he became the goal-shy City substitute. "With Phil I said many times, I know him from years ago, for me he's one of the best Premier League players," said the City manager, who had worked with Foden in his previous times at the Etihad Stadium. "And since day one it's my duty to help him to again be one of the best players."
That process got off to something of a false start. By the time City kicked off against Ipswich Foden had, in effect, sat out four-and-three-quarter games. His first-half red card in the Manchester derby was followed by a three-match domestic suspension. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Even before being banned, he had been usurped, and under successive managers. In first Pep Guardiola's valedictory season and then Maresca's first in charge, Rayan Cherki has been the No 10 who has starred and sparkled. Foden has provided less magic. Perhaps it says something for the luxuries Maresca enjoys that Foden has felt the more prosaic player in his position.
Perhaps it is an added complication, too, that in Enzo Fernandez he has costly competition emerging, with the £125m signing spending the second half against PSG operating as the most advanced of the midfield trio. A lesson of that defeat may be that, against elite opposition, Maresca requires both Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson to anchor the midfield, perhaps meaning Fernandez is the most advanced of the trio.

#perhaps #enzo #phil

Gary Neville is hugely impressed with what he's seen of Carlos Baleba over the last week.
The midfielder has now overseen his first three appearances for Manchester United since making a £70 million move from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Baleba endured a delayed start to the campaign due to an ankle ligament injury that he sustained in pre-season with the Seagulls, meaning his debut only came on October 10 during the draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
His first start then came three days later against Atletico Madrid, which also marked his maiden appearance in the Champions League, and he was also deployed from the off at Elland Road yesterday.

#baleba #gary #neville #carlos

Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled at Real Madrid, and his career at the club could take another unwanted turn after Jose Mourinho overlooked the right-back for Sunday's victory over Sevilla.
Real Madrid secured an impressive 4-1 win against Sevilla, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, Arda Guler finding the net, and Yan Diomande continuing his fine run.
However, Alexander-Arnold's absence from the starting XI for the second game stood out. He didn't even get minutes off the bench.
Mourinho opted to deploy midfielder Fede Valverde at right-back, leaving actual right-backs Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries on the bench.
The decision raises further questions about Alexander-Arnold's standing in Madrid.

#sevilla #trent

Barcelona look to continue their history-making perfect start to the season and make it three wins out of three in the Champions League as the La Liga leaders travel to France for a massive league phase clash against two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Here's how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday's battle:
Flick is dealing with a defensive injury crisis as Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen have all been ruled out through injury.
Gerard Martín was also a doubt after a knock against Real Betis at the weekend, but he should be good to go as Pau Cubarsí's center-back partner in this one. Xavi Espart will likely move to right-back with Eric and Kounde out, and João Cancelo is expected to start ahead of Alejandro Balde at left-back.
Rodri was a candidate to start at center-back with all the injuries in defense but Martín's presence will allow the Spain captain to remain in his best position, with Fermín López and Pedri expected to round out the midfield trio for this one.

#start #champions #injury

Utah Royals FC fell 2-0 at America First Field against the Kansas City Current on Saturday evening in front of 10,809 fans, the club's second-highest attendance this season. Unable to secure the victory, the squad will now be forced to wait yet another week to officially clinch its first playoff berth in club history.
While the Royals were unable to earn the result in the battle at home, Real Salt Lake traveled to Kansas City, earning a 3-1 victory to lift itself to a second road win in the 2026 season. The victory earned the visitors an important three points to keep the push for the postseason alive in the doubleheader evening for Utah professional soccer against Sporting Kansas City.
As the Utah Royals took the pitch on Saturday evening the home side was without the heartbeat of its midfield as **** anese star Mina Tanaka was out due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty. URFC captain Paige Cronin earned an impressive milestone Saturday against the Current, starting in her 100th NWSL match.
Iron woman Kate Del Fava returned to the pitch following her USWNT debut as a second-half substitute in Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Spain. The defensive wall not only leads the Royals in possessional passes and clearances but, made her 80th consecutive start today, the longest active streak for a single club. Del Fava has played 7,661 straight minutes, the second longest streak in club history while also having played every one of the 7,211 minutes Utah has played as a team in 79 games since the Return to Royalty in 2024.
Real Salt Lake got off to a near perfect start against Kansas City to earn just its second road win of the 2026 MLS season with goals by French attacker Morgan Guilavogui and Spanish Rookie Sergi Solans in under 15 minutes. The score by the Frenchman in the 12th minute marked his third of his first MLS season, while 2026 RSL Golden Boot leader Solans netted an impressive 12th MLS goal of his rookie season to double the visitor's lead.

#Royals

The Georgia Bulldogs entered Saturday's matchup against the Auburn Tigers ranked No. 1 in the country after earning a road victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
However, after jumping out to a 14-0 lead against the Tigers, Georgia watched Auburn storm back with 24 unanswered points to pull off a shocking 27-24 upset. Kicker Alex McPherson sealed the win with a game-winning field goal.
Georgia had the ball near midfield with the score tied 24-24 and a chance to drive down the field for the win. However, quarterback Gunner Stockton fumbled, and Auburn recovered before driving into field goal range.
After the game, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart made it clear that he trusts his quarterback more than anyone in the country with the ball in his hands, and the late turnover didn't change that.
"We wouldn't have been in the position we were if it wasn't for Gunner … I thought he did a good job keeping us in the game," Smart said. "Very unfortunate on the fumble. If there's anybody I'd pick to have the ball in their hands, it'd be him."

#however

The Denver Broncos drive was derailed by a really bad holding call on Pat Bryant. The hold was just the Kansas City Chiefs player falling down, but that's how it goes in today's NFL. They would punt it back to the Chiefs after gaining most of the yards back.
Denver's defense would come up big on the Chiefs' next drive with Malcolm Roach tipping a third down pass near midfield to force another punt.
Starting from their own 12 yard line, Bo Nix and the Broncos offense opened things up with a checkdown to Adam Trautman for a six yard gain and a quick toss outside to Pat Bryant was an easy first down but he took his eye off the ball just long enough to drop it. On third down and four, Nix hit Jaylen Waddle finally but was immediately hit and tackled a yard short of the first down marker.
After a short two yard run for the Chiefs, Que Robinson exploded off the edge and nearly sacked Patrick Mahomes who threw the ball into the dirt to avoid the sack. On third and eight, Mahomes was pressured again and somehow picked his way through the line and gained just enough for the first down. That would be all they would get and would be punting a few plays later.
A nice punt return by Marvin Mims Jr. finally got the Broncos starting position outside of the 20 yard line for a change. An end around by Troy Franklin picked up five, then an outstanding spin move by RJ Harvey picked up four yards. On third and one, Nix from an empty backfield was immediately pressured and had to scramble to throw it away for yet another punt.

#first

Rory McKenzie "can feel the pain" of fellow Kilmarnock fans, especially as the 32-year-old midfielder fears Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat by Aberdeen "could be the last chance I get" to play at Hampden Park again.
Having held the Dons to a goalless draw in their previous game in the Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock failed to take advantage of the visitors being reduced to 10 men and exited after a penalty shoot-out.
"I'm a fan, I feel it," McKenzie, who made his debut for the Ayrshire club in 2011, said. "One of the best days I've ever had was going to Hampden. I'm getting on in my career and it could be the last chance I get.
"Believe me, I feel their pain. I know how it feels.
"We won't get a better chance of getting to a semi-final than that. It was on a plate for us, 1-1, man sent off. We just failed to capitalise and didn't play with enough intensity.

#chance #mckenzie #kilmarnock #play

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says he wants his players to follow the example of tireless midfielder Robbie McKenzie.
The 27-year-old former Hull player remains a key cog in the centre of the park for the Gills, and is closing in on 250 appearances for the club.
"We've had chats, me and Robbie, and I'm loving seeing the way he's playing at the moment," Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent.
"He's coming off because he's got nothing left. That's what I want all my players to do, empty the tanks.
"That's my sort of team. We've got to be fit in this league, but organised and also defensively solid."

#gillingham

Three games, three starts – and already a major presence in the side: Neil El Aynaoui has settled in quickly at RB Leipzig.
The 25-year-old has only been at the club since the start of September, but our deadline-day signing has wasted no time establishing himself in the team – and showing just how valuable he can be in central midfield.
After Monday morning's training session, Neil reflected on his first few days in Leipzig.
The joy and relief from the 5-0 win over HSV were still clear to see. "I'm not just really happy with the result, but with the team's performance as well," said the Morocco international.
He was particularly pleased with the way the team responded to the defeat in Como: "It was really important for us to show a response."

#leipzig #three #team #aynaoui

While the transfer window may be shut, Ajax are not quite done yet in reinforcing the squad. According to De Telegraaf, Ajax are just one of a number of sides keen on signing now former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma. The 30-year-old is a free agent, having left Tottenham this summer. Other sides from top five leagues are interested in the former Tottenham man, so it is by no means guaranteed that Ajax will land the Malian international.
Yet Ajax have shown an ability to pull in some big named players this summer. Julian Brandt left Borussia Dortmund for Ajax during the recent transfer window and is already proving to be a good signing for the Dutch side.
Bissouma, when fit, would certainly add some quality to the Ajax midfield. Last year the Malian only managed 11 games for Tottenham. Overall, he played 111 games for Tottenham, scoring twice. Prior to that he excelled with Brighton after coming through the Lille system, having moved to France from Real Bamako as a teenager.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

#ajax #year