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      Is the Europa League group stage decided on goal difference or head-to-head?

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      THE Europa League group stage continues with all eyes on the Thursday-night matches.English sides Arsenal and Manchester United are participating in this year’s tournament which promises to be competitive.
      Arsenal celebrating after scoring against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa LeagueCredit: EPA
      The likes of AS Roma, Lazio, Real Betis, PSV and Monaco are also searching for glory in the European tournament.
      But what happens if teams finish on the same number of points in the group? We’ve got all the answers for you.
      Read More Football
      How are teams that finish level on points sorted in the Europa League?
      The format differs to what Arsenal and Manchester United are used to in the Premier League, where goal difference is used to separate sides which are level on points.
      Teams that finish level on points in the Europa League group stage are sorted by their head-to-head record, with the following criteria.

      Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goal difference in all group matches;
      Goals scored in all group matches;
      Away goals scored in all group matches;
      Wins in all group matches;
      Away wins in all group matches;
      Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
      UEFA club coefficient.

      The same format is followed in all UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and Conference League.
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      How many substitutions at the World Cup?

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      SUBSTITUTIONS have been a topic of discussion in the world of football for several years, with the recent introduction of five changes in the Premier League.The league were torn between whether to increase the numbers of changes allowed after the five substitutions rule was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Manchester United making five substitutions during the Covid-19 pandemicCredit: Getty
      Going back to three substitutes for a season, the Premier League soon voted to increase the number to allow further changes in matches.
      UEFA have stuck with the role, the Premier League reverted back top it and now FIFA have made their decision for the World Cup.
      Read More World Cup
      How many substitutions at the World Cup?
      The expansion took place back in 2020 as a temporary rule, being described as an effort to protect both the physical and mental wellbeing of players before being adopted by leagues around the world on a more permanent basis.
      Qatar hosts the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      Coaches such as former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel praised the idea, while criticising the Premier League when they reverted back to a limit of three substitutes.
      And now, FIFA have made the decision to allow up to five changes for the World Cup, as was confirmed in June.
      Most read in Football
      This rule allowed another change from FIFA, with teams now allowed to bring squads of up to 26 players each.
      More substitutions will allow managers at the tournament to refresh their teams, which is much needed during the World Cup in the winter, taking place midway through the domestic league seasons. More

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      Liverpool vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for massive Premier League match

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      LIVERPOOL take on Manchester City in a huge Premier League clash this weekend at Anfield. The Reds have been in less than stellar form this season and lost their last game 3-2 against Arsenal.
      Erling Haaland has scored 15 goals in the Premier League for Man City this seasonCredit: Getty
      Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered an ankle injury in the loss to ArsenalCredit: Getty
      City, on the other hand, look favourites to retain their title once again, though they’re still sitting a place below the Gunners in the league.
      Erling Haaland has taken to English football like a duck to water, bagging a whopping 15 goals in his first nine games.
      Liverpool will need to be at their absolute best if they’re to keep him from adding to his impressive tally.
      But defensively, Jurgen Klopp’s side have failed to impress this season, though they can find some solace in a 7-1 thumping over Rangers in the Champions League to boost their confidence ahead of the game.

      What time does Liverpool vs Man City kick off?

      Liverpool’s clash with Man City is set to take place on Sunday, October 16.
      The game will get underway from 4.30pm UK time.
      Liverpool vs Man City will be held at Anfield.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Liverpool vs Man City will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Most read in Football
      Team news
      Liverpool are riddled with injuries and will be without some key players for the clash against City.
      Joel Matip, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Trent Alexander Arnold all joing long-term absentee Luis Diaz on the injury table.
      Andy Robertson could return to action for the Reds, with Darwin Nunez and Robebrto Firmino likely to start together.
      Kyle Walker is still out with a groin problem but John Stones could return.
      Odds

      Liverpool 29/10
      Draw – 29/10
      Man City – 4/5

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Why aren’t Italy at the 2022 World Cup?

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      ITALY are absent from the 2022 World Cup and everyone is asking the same question – why?Roberto Mancini’s men were ever so impressive during Euro 2020 and gained plaudits for their performances.
      Italy celebrating after winning Euro 2020Credit: AP
      The Italians ended up winning the tournament, lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating England on penalties.
      However, just a year since the final, Italy are not taking part in the 2022 World Cup.
      Read More Football
      Why aren’t Italy at the World Cup?
      The Azzurri are the most notable absentees from the World Cup along with the likes of Norway and Egypt.
      Most read in Football
      Mancini would have been hoping to build on the foundations he laid after winning Euro 2020 but Italy have now missed two World Cups in a row.
      Italy had been on an impressive run of qualifying for every World Cup between 1962 and 2014, only failing to qualify for the tournament once in their history before missing out in 2018.
      Jorginho was in tears after failing to qualify for the World CupCredit: AP
      The Blues missed out again in 2022, falling to defeat against North Macedonia in a qualifying playoff match.
      The winner went on to face Portugal, who came out on top and earned their place for the tournament in Qatar.
      Facing England, Ukraine and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying, Italy will be hopeful of being present at the next European competition to defend their crown before attempting to make the 2026 World Cup. More

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      Why is the Qatar World Cup stadium called Stadium 974?

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      QATAR are hosting the 2022 World Cup over the winter months in a first of its kind tournament.Due to the severe hit in the Middle East, a decision was made for the tournament to take place during November and December as the top domestic leagues take a break to facilitate this.
      Stadium 974 has already attracted tourists in QatarCredit: Rex
      Stadiums have been constructed and several are unique as Qatar prepared for the tournament
      Much like the 2022 World Cup, Stadium 974 is unique and has never been seen before.
      Read More World Cup
      Why is the Qatar World Cup stadium called Stadium 974?
      Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, the stadium is constructed on the waterfront in Ras Abu Aboud.
      Most read in Football
      The modern stadium will first host Mexico against Poland on Tuesday, 22 November and will then host the likes of France, Brazil and Argentina throughout the tournament, as well as a round of 16 clash.
      The unique name is due to its never before seen design as the stadium incorporates 974 recycled shipping containers. This number is significant as 974 is the dialling code for Qatar.
      The stadium was previously called the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium before the change of name.
      Inside Qatar’s sustainable Stadium 974 ahead of the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      These containers will contain amenities such as bathrooms and concessions, and will be dismantled after the World Cup.
      Once taken apart, the 40,000 seater sustainable stadium will use the seats and containers to assist other under-developing countries. More

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      Why is Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

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      QATAR are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is taking place during the winter months.England will be looking for glory, hoping to push on from their semi-final defeat in the 2018 tournament in Russia.
      Gareth Southgate was in attendance at the 2022 World Cup draw, with England facing Iran, USA and WalesCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s men finished runners up in Euro 2020 also, and will be looking to bring home the World Cup in Qatar.
      Top domestic leagues take a break in order for the World Cup to take place in November and December this year, the first of its kind.
      Read More World Cup
      Why is Qatar hosting the World Cup?
      Back in 2010, Qatar clinched the rights to the World Cup in 2022 despite controversy surrounding their bid.
      Most read in Sport
      The Arab nation were up against USA, Japan, Australia and South Korea as they all bid to host the tournament in 2022.
      Qatar were seen as outsiders when the bidding process occurred but their public message based on attracting new football fans to the Middle East was in line with FIFA’s aim to expand world football.
      Qatar has been hit by World Cup fever ahead of the 2022 tournamentCredit: AFP
      Despite claims that Qatar had paid FIFA officials £3 million in bribes, they were cleared after a two-year investigation.
      Therefore, the Middle East nation are the host country for the 2022 tournament as 32 teams search for the trophy. More

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      Why is the 2022 FIFA World Cup in winter?

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      QATAR host the 2022 World Cup, and it will be the first of it’s kind – taking place in WINTER.Kicking off on November 20, Qatar will host Ecuador in the first game of the first ever World Cup in winter.
      England fell to defeat against Croatia in the semi-final of the 2018 World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      England will start their campaign on the second day of the tournament when they face Iran before playing Wales and the USMNT in their group.
      Gareth Southgate’s men will be hoping to return from the tournament with the trophy after falling to defeat in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      Read More World Cup
      Why is the World Cup in winter?
      The World Cup will break up the 2022/23 season, taking place over the winter months in Qatar.
      Most read in Football
      This will be the first tournament to not be held in May, June or July.
      Being reduced to a timeframe of 29 days, FIFA confirmed the decision to play during the winter period back in 2015.
      Gareth Southgate will be looking to lead England to gloryCredit: AFP
      Due to the intense summer heat in Qatar, it would have been impossible to have players playing in such conditions.
      Therefore, the decision to play the tournament during a cooler period in the Middle East was confirmed as domestic leagues will be shut down for several weeks until the tournament is concluded. More

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      Is Leeds vs Arsenal on TV? Channel and live stream info, kick-off time, team news for Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL travel to Leeds this weekend aiming to extend their run at the top of the Premier League.With Manchester City taking Liverpool in the following game, the Gunners could open up a four point lead before the match at Anfield.
      Arsenal stunned Liverpool last time out
      Though should Arsenal fail to pick up all three points at Elland Road, City could finish the day top of the league.
      Leeds, on the other hand, have failed to win in their last five Prem games after a solid start to the campaign.
      The Gunners sealed a stunning 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates in their last Premier League game, with Bukayo Saka netting twice and Gabriel Martinelli scoring within ONE minute.
      Arsenal face a tricky Europa League tie against Bodo/Glimt over in Norway before they make the trip to Leeds.
      Read more on Arsenal
      When is Leeds vs Arsenal?
      Leeds vs Arsenal is taking place on Sunday, October 16.
      The match kicks off at 2pm.
      Elland Road plays host to the Premier League clash.
      What TV channel is Leeds vs Arsenal on?
      Unfortunately, Leeds vs Arsenal will not be broadcast live on UK television.
      Sky Sports are showing Aston Villa vs Chelsea at 2pm, and then Liverpool vs Man City at 4.30pm.
      BBC 5Live will have radio coverage of the game.
      Gabriel Jesus is set to play after being rested
      What is the Leeds vs Arsenal team news?
      Gabriel Jesus is being rested for Arsenal’s Europa League trip to play Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
      Bodo play on a plastic pitch, so Jesus is being rested for the tough trip to Elland Road instead.
      Most read in Football More