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      Champions League could be extended to 36 teams and restructured into single table with 10 matches for each side

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      THE CHAMPIONS League could be extended to 36 teams in the group phase.
      The idea is one of a number of options set to be considered by Uefa chiefs who are under pressure to agree a format ensuring more guaranteed games for clubs.

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      The Champions League may be extended to 36 teams in the group stageCredit: EPA

      Euro chiefs have to find a way of appeasing the demands of the influential European Club Association which is pushing for more income when the three Uefa club competitions are restructured from the 2024-25 season.
      In addition to a plan for the current 32 team group stage to be split into four groups of eight, rather than the current eight groups of four, there are two potential 36-team models as well.
      Under one plan, there would be six groups of six in the initial phase, with the top two teams in each group and best four third-placed teams going through to the last 16.

      That proposal guarantees each side 10 matches, four more than under the current format.
      The other, more complicated plan, would see the adoption of the so-called “Swiss-system tournament”, by which the teams would be assigned 10 opponents of varying strengths by a computer programme.
      Under this system – first designed for a chess tournament held in Zurich in 1895 – all the teams would compete in the same league table format, based on the 10 games played – five home, five away.
      The biggest issue with this format would be fans struggling to understand how the games are allotted with suspicions that certain clubs have been favoured with an easier fixture list to get them into the last 16.

      Last week’s Project Big Picture proposals for the Premier League, drafted by Liverpool and Manchester United, sought to create room in the calendar for extra matches by reducing the English top flight to 18 clubs, scrapping the Carabao Cup and abandoning all FA Cup replays.
      But the biggest push for more games comes from outside England, with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, the head of the ECA, determined to extend the number of matches played in the Champions League.
      The 36-team plans, though, could also find favour with Europe’s mid-sized nations who struggled to get teams into the current competition where England, Spain, Germany and Italy have 16 of the 32 group stage slots automatically and France are also handed three slots.

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      Providing room for another four clubs would benefit the likes of Holland, Belgium, Portugal,  Switzerland and Denmark.
      Claus Thomsem, chief executive of the Danish Superliga and who helped draft the proposed “Copenhagen Model” which was discussed by the ECA last year, said: “More teams from non-top five leagues need to have access to the Champions League and the Europa League.”
      Agnelli – who along with PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi is a member of Uefa’s ruling executive committee – and the ECA are pushing for a final decision “by the spring of 2022”.

      Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo AXED from Man Utd’s Champions League squad More

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      PSG star Kylian Mbappe praises Marcus Rashford for fight against child poverty ahead of Man Utd clash

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has heaped praise on Marcus Rashford for his fight against child poverty.
      The Paris Saint-Germain star and his team-mates will go head-to-head with the Manchester United forward in the Champions League group stages tonight.

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      Kylian Mbappe has heaped praise on Marcus Rashford ahead of PSG’s clash with Man UtdCredit: Reuters

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      Rashford has been awarded an MBE for his efforts in preventing child poverty

      Rashford famously kept his cool the last time the two sides met in the competition to score a last-ditch penalty to seal a memorable 3-1 win and a place in the quarter-finals.
      Since then, the English hotshot has continued to blossom on the pitch but has also won wide-spread praise for his work away from the field.
      He forced a Government U-turn on the provision of free school meals to vulnerable children, with his campaign going on to earn him an MBE.

      Mbappe is no stranger to helping those less fortunate than him either, running his own charity in France to help underprivileged kids.

      And he admits he has been blown away by Rashford’s efforts over recent months.
      Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said: “To tackle an issue as important as child poverty is one of the most important things that somebody can do.
      “So I have full respect that he’s been doing that and trying to make a real change.
      “I do think there is a requirement for players to use their position to make a difference in the world.

      “We’ve been given so much and it’s important that we give back.”

      Meanwhile, looking back to that heartbreaking 3-1 loss in March 2019, the 22-year-old Mbappe is adamant it will have no significance when the action starts later on.
      And after coming so close to winning the trophy this summer only to be defeated in the final by Bayern Munich, he insists PSG’s No1 target this campaign is to go one better.
      He added: “What happened in previous seasons is not important anymore.
      “This club has a clear ambition to win the Champions League.”

      Hero Marcus Rashford gets MBE after winning historic free school meals fight More

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      PSG vs Man Utd FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League match

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      MANCHESTER UNITED visit beaten Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain in a fixture full to the brim with subplots.
      The Parisians will be out for revenge after a controversial last minute Marcus Rashford penalty saw United beat them on away goals in the 2018/19 competition.

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      Marcus Rashford will have happy memories of the Parc des Princes after his winning penalty there in 2019Credit: AFP

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      Edinson Cavani will not make his debut after not travelling with the squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      New Red Devils signing Edinson Cavani will not have a fairytale return to the French capital after the Uruguayan was ruled out by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      In the blue corner Man Utd flop Angel Di Maria, who reportedly hates the club so much he turns the TV off whenever they are playing, is fit to start for Paris Saint-Germain.
      18 months ago the Argentine wildly celebrated PSG’s two goals at Old Trafford and taunted the home fans during their 2-0 first leg Champions League win.
      Man Utd will also meet 2017 Player of the Year Ander Herrera, who is likely to receive a much warmer reception from his former team-mates and coaches.

      What time does PSG vs Man Utd kick off?
      PSG vs Man Utd takes place on Tuesday, October 20.
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Paris.
      It will be held at the Parc des Princes, Paris.
      While PSG matches have been held with fans this season, the French capital is now under a 9pm curfew and this match will therefore be played behind closed doors.
      What TV channel is PSG vs Man Utd on and can I live stream it?
      PSG vs Man Utd will be live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage commences at 7pm – one hour before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.
      How do I watch PSG vs Man Utd for free?
      Can I listen on talkSPORT?
      Team news

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      Mason Greenwood is a doubt after being left out of the squad to face Newcastle with an unspecified fitness issue, making it all the more likely Cavani will make an appearance.
      Alex Telles could be in line for a European debut after joining from Porto on deadline day while Solskjaer will need to decide whether to stick with first choice David De Gea or give Dean Henderson European experience.
      PSG have a somewhat lengthy injury list with Mauro Icardi, Juan Bernat, and Thilo Kehrer all out and Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Julian Draxler and Danilo Pereira serious doubts.
      Latest odds
      PSG 3/5

      Draw 16/5
      Man Utd 21/5
      *Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Monday, October 19. More

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      Man Utd can ‘totally rely’ on Edinson Cavani says former boss at PSG Tuchel as striker misses out on facing old club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED can “totally rely” on Edinson Cavani – according to his former boss at PSG Thomas Tuchel.
      The striker will miss out on making his Red Devils debut against his former side after revealing to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he didn’t feel ready to play.

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      Tuchel enjoyed multiple seasons of Cavani’s goalscoring prowess while PSG bossCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Cavani will continue to train and gain fitness while his team-mates head to ParisCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Tuchel did not know that when he spoke highly of his former hitman, who left the club in the summer after seven successful years.
      The Uruguayan joined United on deadline day but was unable to make his debut against Newcastle as he was quarantining for 14 days under coronavirus guidelines.
      And due to a lack of readiness, he will also not feature against Paris Saint-Germain either.
      Nonetheless, Tuchel rates the 33-year-old highly and believes he will bring tenacity and dependability to the Manchester side.

      He said in a pre-match press conference: “He is a polite person. Hard, hard worker. He will be there for every training [session], first minute until last minute.
      “Every game, first second until last second. You can totally rely on him.
      “If you played for so long in a club like ours and if you have such a connection with the fans, it’s clear that you have character and deserve all this appreciation.

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      Cavani was pictured joking around with Paul Pogba and other United players during his first first-team training sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Hopefully he will show – not tomorrow, but from Wednesday on – he can convince all of you, I have nothing against that.

      “But tomorrow it is not necessary to prove me right.”
      Tuchel will no longer need to fear Cavani’s presence with the player not travelling with the rest of the United squad.
      Boss Solskjaer told RMC Sport: “We wanted him to be there too, but he went without playing for a long time.
      “We thought it was better for him to continue training. To better prepare.
      “Edi knows what he wants and what he needs. He didn’t feel ready enough.”
      Captain Harry Maguire, Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly will also not feature against PSG.
      French fans will miss an opportunity to welcome a club icon back to the Parc des Princes.

      In his long spell there, he notched up a tremendous scoring record which endeared him to supporters.
      In 200 appearances, he netted 138 goals.
      This includes an extraordinary 35 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances in the 16/17 season, and then 28 in 32 in the following campaign.

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time More

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      Chelsea vs Sevilla FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League match

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      CHELSEA host Sevilla as Frank Lampard’s men look to put their domestic troubles behind them and take the scalp of the Europa League champions.
      The Blues have won just two of their first five Premier League games and threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton on Saturday.

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      Timo Werner’s goal was not enough to earn Chelsea victory over SouthamptonCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Visitors Sevilla had put themselves among the early LaLiga frontrunners but will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss at Granada over the weekend.
      What time does Chelsea vs Sevilla kick off?
      Chelsea take on Sevilla on Tuesday, October 20.
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time.
      While some European ties will be played with fans, this game at Stamford Bridge will be behind closed doors in accordance with current UK law.
      What TV channel is Chelsea vs Sevilla on and can I live stream it?
      Chelsea vs Sevilla is live on BT Sport 3.
      Coverage commences at 7.15pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Chelsea vs Sevilla for free?
      Team news

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      How Chelsea will likely line-up to take on Sevilla
      With Edouard Mendy still injured, Kepa should get the chance to make amends for his horror show against Southampton as he takes on the club he could have been playing for this season.
      Sevilla were interested in taking the Blues’ goalkeeper on loan but couldn’t reach an agreement over the player’s £150,000-a-week wages.
      Thiago Silva is available after missing the Southampton game with jet lag while Hakim Ziyech could get his opportunity to impress after coming off the bench against the Saints.

      For the visitors, Luuk de Jong and Lucas Ocampos will be expected to return after being left out for the game against Granada.
      Karim Rekik could make his Sevilla debut following a summer transfer from Hertha Berlin.
      Latest odds
      Chelsea – Evens
      Draw – 5/2

      Sevilla – 13/5 More

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      Barcelona vs Ferencvaros FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League group game

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      BARCELONA begin their Champions League group stage campaign with a home clash against Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
      Lionel Messi and Co are looking to put a dismal European showing last season behind them but have started the new La Liga seasons lowly.

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      Messi drew a blank as Barcelona crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Getafe last time outCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      The visitors meanwhile were unbeaten in the qualifying stages and are appearing at this stage of the tournament for the first time since 1995/96.
      When is Barcelona vs Ferencvaros?
      This Champions League group stage clash will be held on Tuesday, October 20.
      Kick-off at the Nou Camp is at 8pm BST.
      Sadly no fans will be in attendance.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch this game live on BT Sport ESPN.
      Coverage begins at 7.30pm.
      If you’re a BT Sport customer, download the BT Sport app to stream wherever you are.

      EE phone subscribers can also get a FREE three-month trial to BT Sport mobile, allowing them to watch all of the group stages without paying a penny.
      Simply test SPORT to 150 – you can cancel at any time.

      What is the team news?
      Both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jordi Alba are out for the hosts as they look to get back to winning ways.
      Samuel Umtiti has an ongoing knee issue and is a huge doubt, while Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho could come back into the starting XI.

      Despite El Clasico later in the week, Ronald Koeman is expected to field a strong side including Messi.
      Former Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan looks set to be in the visitors squad, but Denes Dibusz will likely get the nod between the sticks.
      Match odds
      Barcelona to win – 1/14
      Draw – 10/1
      Ferencvaros victory – 40/1
      Both teams to score – 6/4
      *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing for Juventus against Dynamo Kiev, and when will he return to action?

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      JUVENTUS begin their Champions League campaign with a difficult trip to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kiev.
      The Old Lady are desperate to end their long wait for a European trophy, which their last triumph coming way back in 1996.

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      Juventus are without Ronaldo for their trip to UkraineCredit: Reuters

      But they will have to find a way past the Ukrainian champions without Cristiano Ronaldo who sits this Champions League opener out.
      Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Juventus?
      Ronaldo will hope this is finally the year he can inspire the Turin-based side to end their long wait to lift Big Ears again.
      Juventus have been runners-up in the Champions League three times since the turn of the century.
      And this year they’ve been put in a group with Barcelona, Ferencvaros and Dynamo.

      Ronaldo played for Portugal in their draw with France during the international break and was expected to feature against Sweden.
      But the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star returned a positive test for Covid-19 and left Portugal’s training camp.
      He is currently self isolating and has reportedly displayed no symptoms.

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      The superstar posted a picture on Instagram of him relaxing by his pool during isolationCredit: instagram.com/cristiano
      Ronaldo travelled from Portugal to Turin on a private air ambulance – but hit back at suggestions he’s broken protocol in the process.

      CR7 said: “I did not break any protocol.
      “They’re saying that I broke Italian laws but it’s all a lie.
      “I spoke with my team and we have the responsibility to do things right.
      “Everything was done with authorisation. Principally for the Italian man (Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadaforo) whose name I’m not going to say, it’s a lie, I abided by all the protocols.”

      When will he return to action?
      Ronaldo is definitely out for the game against Dynamo Kiev after returning a positive test on Tuesday, October 13.
      It looks likely that he will also miss the Serie A clash against Verona on October 25.
      And his long-awaited meeting with Barcelona and Lionel Messi could also be in doubt, as Uefa protocol requires a player to test negative seven days before a game. 
      To therefore play in the clash with the Catalan giants, Ronaldo will need to test negative for coronavirus by Wednesday, October 21.
      If he doesn’t, he’s likely to make his Juventus return at Spezia on November 1. More

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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer reveals Cavani ‘didn’t feel ready to play’ as he misses emotional return to PSG

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Edinson Cavani ‘didn’t feel ready to play’ against Paris Saint-Germain and will miss out on an emotional return.
      The Uruguayan striker left Ligue 1 champions PSG this summer after seven years in the French capital.

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Edinson Cavani ‘didn’t feel ready to play’ against PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He signed for United on a free during transfer deadline day, but will not play against his former club in the Champions League opener.
      Manager Solskjaer told RMC Sport: “We wanted him to be there too, but he went without playing for a long time.
      “We thought it was better for him to continue training. To better prepare.
      “Edi knows what he wants and what he needs. He didn’t feel ready enough.”

      Captain Harry Maguire, Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly will also not feature against PSG.
      With Maguire out, Bruno Fernandes will inherit the armband for the game.
      And Fernandes praised Cavani for his opening impression at the club.
      He said: “It’s normal that he isn’t here, with only two days of training he needs to feel better.

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      United signed Cavani on a free transfer this season Credit: PA:Press Association

      “He’s settled down well. We did only one training session together. He likes to train hard.
      “He has qualities to be a leader for us, the way he trains. He’s going to be important to us.”
      In the pre-match press conference, Fernandes appeared surprised when finding out the news he would captain United.
      He said: “I was not expecting this, for me it’s an honour to be captain of Manchester United.
      “It is an important achievement for me but I think everyone is the captain, everyone needs to help and be a leader in their own way, leadership is different in every player.
      “The game will not be about me but the team but leading is every day on the training ground, every game and everyone is doing their job to lead the team in the way they think is best.”

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time
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