Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has underscored the significance of the Nations League, particularly for players from the smaller islands in the Caribbean, as it provides them with a platform to compete against higher-level opposition and develop their skills on the international stage.

Montagliani, who was on a visit to the island, along with Bermuda and St Lucia Football Association presidents Mark Wade and Lyndon Cooper, believes that the tournament, which started in 2018, has been a game-changer for the region, offering crucial opportunities for exposure and growth that may have otherwise been limited.

In fact, the Canadian emphasized the role it plays in not only improving the competitiveness across the confederation but also in attracting heritage players to the Caribbean islands in particular.

“You've had coaches coming to want to coach here; you have players who never would have thought of playing for a country that they play for having the opportunity. Why? Because up until the Nations League, all you can offer them is one game every four years or two games every four years. That's not much of an international career. Now a player can play in the Nations League, can go to the Gold Cup, obviously a World Cup qualifying, and they have more of a body of work to attach themselves,” Montagliani said during a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday.

Jamaica in Nations League action against Honduras.

“And at the end, the player wants to sell himself or herself because, don't forget, we also have it on our women's programme in terms of our road to the Women’s Gold Cup, which is in essence the Nations League. So, if you play five, six internationals a year versus one, you're going to be seen more, and so you see more players wanting to play international football because of it,” he added.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have used the tournament to test their mettle against the region’s best teams—United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama.

However, for other Caribbean nations like St Lucia, Bermuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and even Suriname, who will contest the quarterfinal stage for the first time, the Nations League has been a vital part of their football development, as it assists in nurturing young players who will form the core of their squad for years to come.

Montagliani pointed out that this kind of consistent international exposure is invaluable for teams aspiring to qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup or the Gold Cup.

“I know a lot of my presidents say all the time that they're getting calls from guys saying, ‘My dad was from wherever, and I play in League One or the championship.’ So it's really opening the doors to more players, more coaches, but also to more aspirations for the local players,” Montagliani reasoned.

“I just saw a great story about a 14-year-old goalie making his debut for Turks and Caicos in the Nations League group, so what I'm saying is that it gives an aspiration to a young player to say, ‘If Michail Antonio is playing at West Ham and he's playing for Jamaica now, that could be me down the road,” he shared.

Suriname celebrate their Nations League quarterfinal feat.

However, when it comes to the prospect of Jamaica hosting a future tournament or a knockout round of the Concacaf Nations League, Montagliani tempered expectations. He acknowledged that while Jamaica is a football-loving nation with passionate support, the infrastructure—most notably the National Stadium—currently isn’t up to the standard required to host a tournament of such magnitude.

“First and foremost, the National Stadium needs to be at the level that it sounds like it wants to be at. After having those discussions today (Wednesday), they tell me it's about a three- to four-year window here (for the Stadiums development). So when that happens, we can have those conversations,” he declared.

“But the reality is, just like FIFA, FIFA lives on one competition, the World Cup... that's 95% of its budget. Concacaf’s Gold Cup is about 80% of our budget. So the reality is, it's okay to move it around as it relates to a game or two, maybe even a group, but to have the significant majority of it outside a market that doesn't generate top dollar is not only unrealistic, but it's irresponsible as well. So we need to balance both,” Montagliani noted.

Montagliani went on to compare Jamaica’s situation with the Dominican Republic, in particular, as the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation is further ahead in terms of infrastructure development, resulting in its hosting numerous club and youth tournaments.

“What's happened is that through One Concacaf funding and through FIFA, you're starting to see a lot of other nations that didn't have any facilities now having facilities as well. So it's not a bad thing, because back in the days, you only maybe had two or three of our member associations having the ability to host a U-17, and that was great for Jamaica.

“But now you have a lot of member associations that have that ability to do it, and we're spreading it around. Not to say that we would not host here (in Jamaica), but now we have more options, which is a sign of early development,” Montagliani stated.

Cayman Islands players celebrate a goal in the Nations League.

He continued: “We are building our own facility in the Dominican Republic, the home of football, where we will have pitches and a small little stadium and facilities. So, you know, we're going to be using that as well for events. The good thing about that is that we can go anywhere now, and so it pushes you (Jamaica) to build your standards.

“Before, if you were the only one in town and you had no incentive to really push the standards to a top, top level, that’s fine, but now you almost have to, because if you don't, you won't even get looked at in the RFP process. But the good news is that we no longer limit it to two or three options.”

As Concacaf continues to expand the reach and impact of the Nations League, Montagliani reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all member nations, regardless of size, have access to opportunities that will help them grow.

“Having our One Concacaf programme increases not only funding but also accountability and responsibility. You can't just keep giving people fish; you need to teach them how to fish as well, and I think we've done a good job with that. In the end, it's always about the football, and really, one of the biggest successes I think that turned around this organisation is the Nations League,” he ended.

Inter Miami are in a "perfect" position to etch their names into MLS history when they host the New England Revolution on Saturday, with a single-season points record within reach.

That is the view of defender Ian Fray, after Gerardo Martino's men wrapped up the Supporters' Shield – and home advantage for the playoffs – early.

Miami have 71 points with one game of the regular season remaining, and a victory would see them surpass the Revs' all-time high of 73 points from the 2021 campaign. 

Fray feels playing at Chase Stadium can help Miami get over the line, saying: "Having home-field advantage is amazing, especially with our fans. It's the perfect situation for us."

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both substitutes for Miami's last game – a late 1-0 win at Toronto FC – as Martino opted to rest the forward duo.

"It was logical that after two complete games, as most of them had played, we would make a rotation," he said. 

"We were able to meet the two objectives, for the players to have some rest and to win the game, which is what we wanted. We wanted to be able to achieve the points record."

Opponents New England are playing merely to defend their 2021 honour, sitting some nine points adrift of the playoff picture, 14th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Head coach Caleb Porter, though, has already turned his attention towards what comes next after they missed the postseason for just the second time in six years.

"It's really important, when we're making corrections next year and in the offseason, that we don't throw the baby out with the bathwater," he said. 

"That's the tendency in the offseason when you end a season like this. You have to take a deep dive into what went wrong.

"I have to look at myself, I have to coach better, I have to figure out what I can do better. It starts with me."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

The favourite to be named this year's MLS MVP, Messi enters the final match of the regular season averaging 1.98 goal contributions per 90 minutes. 

Only one player in MLS history has averaged more than 1.40 goal contributions per 90 over a full season before: Carlos Vela (1.62) in 2019 (minimum 1000 minutes played).

New England Revolution – Aljaz Ivacic

New England's 4-0 loss at the Columbus Crew last Saturday was the eighth time this season that the Revs have lost a match by at least three goals. That equals the most three-goal defeats by a team in a single season in MLS history, done four times before.

If they are to avoid making unwanted history against a rampant Miami team, they will need Ivacic to be on top form, though his save percentage of 66% is only the 20th-best figure among the 33 goalkeepers to play 10 MLS matches this year.

MATCH PREDICTION – INTER MIAMI WIN

None of the seven all-time meetings between Miami and New England have ended in draws. 

The sides split the season series in each of the previous three years, with both sides winning once in each campaign, while Miami won in New England, 4-1, on April 27 this year.

Miami, on 71 points entering the final day of the season, can break New England's single-season MLS points record of 73 with a win. A victory would also be Miami's 22nd this season, equalling the most in a single season in league history.

New England have lost five straight away matches, including a 4-0 loss to the Crew on Saturday. 

The Revs have been outscored 15-1 in those games, so the chances of them denying Miami a slice of history appear slim.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 67.1%

New England Revolution – 14.9%

Draw – 18.1%

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will not be pressured into making a decision on his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.

The 53-year-old's contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season and he is, as yet, undecided on what he wants to do when that time comes.

City take on Wolves this weekend, and sit second in the Premier League after going unbeaten through their first seven games. They are just one point behind league leaders Liverpool.

"When it's going to happen, it's going to happen," Guardiola told BBC Sport, when asked if any decision on his future from the end of the season onwards had been made.

Guardiola had been heavily linked with the previously vacant England position, before it was announced this week that Thomas Tuchel will take over in January.

But even after that announcement, there have been rumours that Guardiola could follow the lead of director of football and close friend Txiki Begiristain, who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.

"One of the reasons I extended my contract two times is because Txiki is here," Guardiola said of Begiristain.

"We work together incredibly well. When we win, we try to analyse why. When we lose we try to analyse why. We don’t judge the other one. We both work for the best for this club.

"That’s why it’s a joy to work here with people like Txiki."

Sunday's hosts Wolves, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their 5-3 defeat at Brentford in their last match before the international break.

That was a result that left the club bottom of the Premier League with just one point after seven matches.

After the match, head coach Gary O'Neil spoke about it being the "worst game I've been involved with as a coach".

"It’s the furthest I’ve seen the group from what we wanted to look like," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"The responsibility is on me. Of course, the players are going to make decisions, but I need to give them something that makes them make better decisions.

"I’ll do the best I can with the group I have. The club do what they can do off the pitch. My responsibility is to find results. This league can be tough. There are no hiding places."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wolves – Matheus Cunha

Cunha is Wolves' top scorer, having netted three league goals so far this term. He ranks 16th in the Premier League for xG overperformance, with his three goals coming from just 1.06 xG.

The 25-year-old has also taken the ninth-most shots (21) of any player in the Premier League this term, while two of his three goals have come against teams currently in the top five of the table (Aston Villa and Chelsea).

Manchester City – Erling Haaland

Haaland is the quickest player of all time to reach 10 Premier League goals, having done so in just five matches. He is also the biggest xG overperformer in the Premier League in 2024-25, with his 10 goals coming from 6.5 xG.

The Norwegian striker has scored eight goals in total against Wolves, including four in their most recent meeting in May, at an average of one goal every 40 minutes.

MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

City enter matchday eight as one of just two Premier League teams (alongside Arsenal) who still have an unbeaten record this season (W5 D2). In their last match before the international break, City beat Fulham 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium following back-to-back draws.

That start to the season puts City in second place, one point behind league leaders Liverpool, while Wolves are bottom of the table after taking just one point from their opening seven matches.

It is the first time since 2003-04 that Wolves have failed to win any of their opening seven league games, while they have only had three longer winless runs at the start of a league season: 1922-23 (eight), 1926-27 (10) and 1983-84 (14).

City won the last Premier League meeting between the two clubs, beating Wolves 5-1 at the Etihad in May with the aforementioned Haaland scoring four goals.

That was one of seven victories for City in their last eight Premier League meetings with Wolves, although the hosts did win 2-1 in this exact fixture last September.

Wolves have also scored in eight of their nine matches in all competitions this campaign, while City have fallen behind in four of their six Premier League games this season – as many times as in their previous 19 – and have recovered a league-high 10 points from losing positions.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Wolves – 13.3%

Draw – 17.9%

Manchester City – 68.8%

Tom Pearce is hoping to use his experience from suffering relegation and earning promotion during his time in England to help CF Montreal reach the playoffs this weekend.

Pearce joined the club in July from Wigan Athletic, a club he won the League One title with in the 2021-22 campaign, but was then a part of the Latics side who came straight back down the following season.

Montreal knows that a point will be enough to secure their spot in the postseason, though slipping up allows an opportunity for either Philadelphia Union or Atlanta United to pounce.

Having featured in high-pressure games throughout his career, Pearce is relishing the opportunity of helping his new team reach the playoffs.

“It’s exciting that we’re going into the last game of the season, and we’re going for the playoffs, we are looking forward to it and this past week has given us a chance to work on things,” Pearce said.

“We’ve had quite a lot of games over the past few weeks, so to have a little bit of time off and then working to this Saturday has been a positive for us.

“We have promotion and relegation in England so, I have been at both ends of the table during my time there. I wouldn’t say it’s all pressure, it’s more excitement and you take it step by step and hopefully, for us, it will be a positive one.”

NYCFC, meanwhile, kept their hopes of finishing in the top four of the Eastern Conference alive with a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC ahead of the international break.

The Pigeons are currently fifth in the standings but know a victory could push them ahead of Orlando City on Decision Day, with the Lions facing Atlanta in their final game of the season.

NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing was pleased with his side’s display in thier win over Nashville, saying their defensive resiliency is something they can build on ahead of the playoffs.

“Yes and no. We were 3-0 up and you know at some point that they are going to come back into the game,” Cushing said. “They were well coached by a new boss.

“I think it was more of them improving than us taking our foot off the gas. What I do think is that we showed a side that we did in the Cincinnati game and that’s a huge positive moving forward.

“Of course, we will review it and how we want to control games more, but it’s a positive when we defend so well. To show that steel is something I will take as a positive heading into the playoffs.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Montreal – Josef Martinez

Martinez has scored six career regular-season goals against NYCFC, one of eight opponents he’s scored against at least six times.

Only Alejandro Pozuelo (seven) has more goals against NYCFC than Martínez since he joined MLS in 2017.

NYCFC – Santiago Rodriguez

Rodríguez has a team-high 22 goal contributions this season (12 goals, 10 assists) for NYCFC, while Alonso Martínez has 19 (16 goals, three assists).

This weekend’s visitors have never had multiple players record 20 or more goal contributions in a single regular season.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

NYCFC has won six of their last seven matches against Montreal (D1) including the last four in a row. NYCFC have never lost in Montreal, with their only away defeat in the fixture coming in Harrison, New Jersey in July 2021 (W6 D2 in Montreal all-time).

Cushing’s side have won three straight matches after winning just three of their previous 19 in all competitions dating back to mid-June. NYCFC have scored 11 goals over those three matches, their most in a span of three league matches since April 2022 (14).

Montreal enters the final match of the season with 10 wins in regular-season play in 2024. Montreal has recorded at least 11 victories in each of their last eight full seasons dating back to 2015 (excluding shortened 2020 season).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

NYCFC – 34.4%

Draw – 25.8%

Montreal – 39.8%

Concacaf has conducted the official draw for Round One of the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers.

The World Cup qualifying competition will take place from January 27 to January 31, 2025, across four venues and include the participation of 22 Concacaf Member Associations.  

The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers are the first to be played under a new two-round format.

For Round One, the 22 participating teams, all ranked fifth and below based on the Concacaf U-17 Women’s Ranking, were split into six groups.

The six groups for Round One are as follows: 

Group A: Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 
Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Belize, and US Virgin Islands 
Group C: Panama, Cuba, Guyana, and Turks and Caicos Islands 
Group D: El Salvador, Guatemala, Curaçao, and Anguilla 
Group E: Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Saint Kitts and Nevis 
Group F: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Grenada 

Round One matches will be divided across four venues. Puerto Rico will host Group A, Trinidad and Tobago Group B, Nicaragua Group D and E, and Dominican Republic Group C and F. 

After round-robin play, between January 27 and February 1, the six group winners and the two best second-place finishers will advance to the Final Round, joining the four top-ranked teams, USA, Mexico, Canada, and Haiti (twelve in total). 

The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers Final Round will also be played in a group format, consisting of three groups of four teams each.

After round-robin play, between March 31 and April 6, 2025, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher (four teams) will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Though they would have preferred to take all three points, Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert and Davion Ferguson of Mount Pleasant took heart from a point as their teams played out a 1-1 stalemate in an entertaining Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League clash at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.

Kimani Arbouine (12th) gave Arnett Gardens the lead before a Kimoni Bailey, now sporting a low cut instead of his signature dread locked, secured Mount Pleasant a share of the spoils with a 42nd minute strike, as both teams showed attacking flair and tactical discipline, in patches, as well as moments of real drama.

With the point, the ‘Junglists’ slipped to eight position on five points, while their St Ann-based opponents extend their tidy start to the campaign in fifth on seven points from three games.

Ferguson, an assistant to Head coach Theodore Whitmore lauded the performance by his players.

“We have managed to bring some good players to St Ann over the last two seasons, but overall I think we have a very good unit. I think we gave up a very easy goal but we created enough chances in the game to actually win the game. That is something that is plaguing us, but at the end of the day a point away to Arnett in the jungle is a point that we are always grateful for,” Ferguson stated.

Meanwhile, Gilbert believes his team gave a good account despite the heavy underfoot conditions caused by persistent rain.

“It wasn’t one of our best performance but we knew the conditions would have made things difficult. Still, I don’t think we were smart enough and the goal scoring opportunity that we got worked out how we wanted it to, but we didn’t do it consistently enough and that was my disappointment.

“But it was a tough contest for us, I am happy that we didn’t lose and that is important that we start getting back some points on the table. So it was a gutsy performance and we take it and move on,” Gilbert noted.

The contested started with high intensity as Mount Pleasant, in particular, sought to impose themselves early. They got off the first warning shot through Jean Claudio Rios Ferreira, whose right-footed effort from a distance, wasn’t far off target.

However, it was Arnett Gardens who found the breakthrough in the 13th minute when a mix up between Mount Pleasant’s goalkeeper Shaquan Davis and a defender, allowed Arbouine to pounce and fire home his third of the season.

Despite falling behind, Mount Pleasant didn’t back down. They responded with a few decent attacks which produced half chances that they failed to make count.

But, their persistence paid off just before halftime when Bailey fired home from a melee after Arnett’s custodian Richardo White spilled a freekick from Ferreira to level the scores at 1-1 at the break.

The second half was a similarly a thrilling affair, as both teams continued to attack with purpose. Arnett Gardens had a few chances to take the lead, particularly through the dangerous Arbouine, who went on the break in the 70th, but his effort was kept out by a firm hand from Davis.

Three minutes later, Warner Brown also went close for Arnett Gardens when he was allowed a free-header to Philando Wing’s weighted cross, but Davis again came up big to tip over the crossbar.

Mount Pleasant also had their moments, as their attacking front was ably aided by full-back and Man-of-the-match Gadial Irving, who caused problems with his distribution and vision.

One of those services should have secured the points for Mount Pleasant but Kyle Ming, who couldn’t keeper his header down in the 87th minute and so they were left to share the spoils.

Wednesday’s results

Waterhouse 2, Vere United 1

Montego Bay United 4, Molynes United 0

Arnett Gardens 1, Mount Pleasant 1

Harbour View 1, Portmore United 2

Racing United vs Cavalier (Postponed)

Dunbeholden FC vs Tivoli Gardens (Postponed)

Wilfried Nancy insisted that Columbus Crew’s record MLS win tally achieved in their last game was secondary ahead of their final game before the playoffs.

The Crews’ 4-0 win over New England Revolution before the international break was their 18th of the season, while also setting a new best of 69 goals scored in regular-season play.

Nancy’s side are guaranteed second in the Eastern Conference and will play this weekend’s opponents, New York Red Bulls, in the first round of the playoffs.

The Crew head coach lauded his players for their contribution to the season, saying: “Listen, this is not easy, but this is the challenge. The challenge is, yes, we have few players who played a lot, it's normal, but everybody knows their role, I would say.

“The idea is also to be honest with the players. After that, in terms of results, I don't know, but the performance for me is really important. I'm really happy when I can see any kind of player that I can put in and they bring something. For me, this is the key point.

“[Saturday], this is not about New England, this is not about the opposition - this is about the fans. This is about the people who try to fight to keep the club. I'm really pleased for that.”

NYRB, meanwhile, come into the encounter on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United, but have already guaranteed their spot in the postseason.

Despite the loss, head coach Sandro Schwarz was pleased with his side’s display, but acknowledged they must be more clinical in the final third.

"We had the penalty situation then, and we scored two times," Schwarz said. "But for me, the behaviour after that was good, the behaviour that we are fighting together, that we have the energy, but we need this energy at the beginning, directly in the game."

And Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis is relishing the opportunity of facing Columbus, believing a win will give the group positive momentum moving forward.

"That's what you want as a player, as a competitor, you want to go up against the best," Nealis said. "And they're defending champs. They had a great year last year. They had some great games this year, earlier in the year, they beat us, so we want to kind of avenge that.

“And I think if we end up playing them, we're looking forward to that. They're a great team but we're confident in ourselves, and we'll be ready for the challenge when the time comes."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

NYRB – Lewis Morgan

Morgan enters the final match of the season with 18 goal contributions in 2024 (13 goals, five assists).

No Red Bulls player has tallied 20 goal contributions in a single regular season since Bradley Wright-Phillips (28) and Kaku (20) did so in 2018.

Columbus Crew – Alexandru Matan

Matan scored his first hat-trick with Columbus on Saturday, the second Crew player with a hat-trick this season after Cucho Hernandez.

This is the second time in team history that two Crew players have scored a hat-trick in a single season (Edson Buddle and Ross Paule in 2004).

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

While the Crew are favoured by Opta’s data-led simulations, The Red Bulls have lost only four of their last 27 home matches against Columbus in all competitions (W17 D6) dating back to September 2003.

NYRB have scored at least once in 26 of those 27 matches, including in 21 straight, last failing to score at home against the Crew in 2006, while they have also lost only eight times all season, with only four teams having fewer defeats in 2024.

However, Schwarz’s side face a tough task stopping the Crew. Columbus’ win over New England on Saturday was the team’s seventh game with at least four goals this season. Only three teams in MLS history have scored at least four goals in more matches in a single season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

NYRB – 26.3%

Draw – 23.6%

Columbus Crew – 50.1%

Montego Bay United delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, blanking Molynes United 4-0 to take sole possession of the top spot in the Jamaica Premier League standings. The victory saw Montego Bay soar to 12 points after four matches, maintaining their unbeaten run in this season's competition.

Montego Bay’s dominance began in the 24th minute when Owayne Gordon confidently converted a penalty, putting his side ahead. Just two minutes later, Shaniel Thomas doubled the lead, putting Molynes on the back foot early. Thomas, in sparkling form, struck again in the 60th minute, completing his brace and further solidifying Montego Bay's grip on the match. The final blow came in the 75th minute when Brian Brown added his name to the scoresheet, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 win for the Montego Bay side.

The victory not only cements Montego Bay’s title ambitions but also highlights their attacking prowess, with their goal tally standing strong at 10 goals in four matches. Molynes, on the other hand, continue to struggle, remaining winless this season.

At the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, Arnett Gardens FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Mount Pleasant in an exciting matchup. Kimani Airbourine gave Arnett an early lead, netting in the 13th minute, but Mount Pleasant found their way back into the game before halftime when Kimoni Bailey equalized in the 42nd minute. Despite both teams pushing for a winner in the second half, neither side could find the breakthrough, resulting in a hard-fought draw.

At Drewsland Stadium, Waterhouse FC overcame an early setback to defeat Vere Phoenix United 2-1. Daye Ewan put Vere in front with an early goal, but Waterhouse responded swiftly, with Atapharoy Bygrave scoring in the 19th minute to level the match. Bygrave was the hero once again, scoring his second and Waterhouse’s decisive goal in the 47th minute, ensuring his team secured all three points.

With these results, the Jamaica Premier League standings remain competitive as teams continue to battle for top honors in the 2024-2025 season. Montego Bay United's victory pushes them to the top, while Waterhouse FC and Arnett Gardens maintain their pursuit of the leaders.

Vincent Kompany has the backing of the Bayern Munich board despite going three games without a win in all competitions, says president Herbert Hainer. 

Kompany started his Bayern tenure with six wins from his first six games, scoring 29 goals, which was a new club record for a new head coach across that period.

However, since a 5-0 thumping of Werder Bremen, Bayern have gone three games without a victory, which included a 2-0 defeat in the Champions League to Aston Villa. 

Ahead of the international break, Kompany's side drew with Eintracht Frankfurt, with Omar Marmoush netting a late leveller in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Bayern welcome Stuttgart to the Allianz Arena this Saturday, though they know failing to win could see their lead at the Bundesliga summit snatched from them. 

Despite their stuttering form of late, Kompany has the confidence of the bosses at Bayern, who are enjoying his possession-based style of football. 

"We are extremely happy with our coach," Hainer told Bavarian broadcaster BR. "Because we play extremely attractive football.

"We had not seen that in the past few years at Bayern.

"On Sunday in Frankfurt (against Eintracht) it was dominant football we had not seen for a long time."

There is reason for confidence ahead of this weekend's meeting with Stuttgart for Bayern, though.

They have won 69 of their 110 Bundesliga games against Stuttgart (D22, L19) – no other side in league history has recorded as many wins against a single opponent.

Bayern have also amassed the highest expected goals (xG) of any club in the Bundesliga this season (13.8), closely followed by this weekend's opponents (13.7). 

But there has been a soft underbelly to Kompany's free-flowing attacking side, with Bayern conceding seven goals across their first six Bundesliga games in 2024-25.

Over the last 15 top-flight campaigns, they have only let in as many at this stage during the 202-21 campaign, when they let in nine under Hansi Flick.  

While the late setback against Eintracht was a body blow for Bayern, Hainer insisted he is not worried about the path the club are currently on. 

"Yes, unfortunately, we did not win, but that will come," Hainer said.

"I have no fear because with our style of play we will win matches. We could have won against Aston Villa and against Eintracht Frankfurt."

Youth football fans are in for a treat this Saturday, October 19, 2024, as the best young talent in Jamaica takes the field at the Constant Spring Football Field for the All-Island U11 Championship Finals. Kicking off at 10:00 am, the tournament will see 12 top primary and preparatory schools compete for the coveted title, with the finals set for 3:30 pm. The opening ceremony, celebrating the young athletes and their achievements, starts at 9:15 am, marking a full day of thrilling football action.

 This year’s Youth Football League (YFL) tournament, in partnership with the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), has seen an impressive display of skill and determination from schools across the island. After fierce regional competitions in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Manchester, the final 12 teams have emerged as the best of the best.

 The advancing teams are Mineral Heights Primary, Emmanuel Christian Academy, Corinaldi Primary (Champion), Howard Cooke Primary, Lannaman’s Prep (Champion), Iris Gelly Primary, Belair Prep, Hillel Academy, Granville Primary, El Instituto de Mandevilla (Champion), Liberty Academy, and Port Antonio Primary. These schools will now battle it out for the championship, bringing their young stars to the forefront of Jamaica’s youth football scene.

 Paula Pinnock, Managing Director of the YFL, shared her excitement about the upcoming finals. “This tournament isn’t just about football—it’s about giving these young athletes a chance to shine both on and off the field. The YFL nurtures their potential while teaching them values like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. We’re thrilled with the talent we’ve seen so far, and the finals will be a true celebration of Jamaica’s future in football.”

 JISA President Tamara McKenzie also praised the participating schools for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the tournament’s role in fostering inclusivity and personal growth. “We’re providing opportunities for every child, regardless of background, to experience the joy of competition and development. Special congratulations to the six preparatory schools—Lannaman’s Prep, Belair Prep, Hillel Academy, El Instituto de Mandevilla, Liberty Academy at the Priory, and Emmanuel Christian Academy—for their stellar performances. We look forward to watching these young athletes excel not just on the field but in all areas of life.”

 Adding to the excitement, the YFL has rolled out the Gears 4 Greatness initiative, encouraging Jamaicans at home and abroad to donate boots and shin guards for players in need. This initiative ensures that no young footballer is left without the necessary equipment, helping level the playing field and supporting the league’s mission to develop Jamaica’s next generation of football stars.

With total prizes and trophies valued at over $500,000, Saturday’s final promises to be a thrilling day of football, showcasing the best in youth talent. Whether you’re a fan, a parent, or simply a lover of the game, the All-Island Championship Finals is an event not to be missed.

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is set to switch his international allegiance to Jamaica from England, according to a report from TEAMtalk. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has represented England from U16 to U21 levels, has never earned a senior cap for the Three Lions, making him eligible for the switch under FIFA regulations.

Hayden, who qualifies for Jamaica through his father, has agreed to join Steve McClaren’s Reggae Boyz as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America. The paperwork for his switch is reportedly being finalized ahead of Jamaica's November international fixtures.

This decision is part of McClaren’s strategy to boost Jamaica’s squad by incorporating English-born talents. Hayden, who joined Newcastle from Arsenal in 2016 and has made 171 appearances for the club, will be a key addition as the Reggae Boyz push for World Cup qualification. However, Hayden's future at Newcastle remains uncertain, with the midfielder not currently part of Eddie Howe’s first-team plans and spending last season on loan at Standard Liege and Queens Park Rangers.

Hayden’s decision to represent Jamaica follows his comments last year about not wanting to take the place of someone in Jamaica’s squad, but after over a year of consideration, he has now committed to the switch. This move comes after McClaren’s successful recruitment of other English-born players, including former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood, who is also reportedly switching allegiances to Jamaica.

As Hayden prepares to don the Jamaican colors, fans eagerly await how his experience and skill will contribute to the Reggae Boyz's journey toward the 2026 World Cup.

Two teams who are flying high so far this season go head-to-head in this weekend's big Premier League game.

League leaders Liverpool welcome in-form Chelsea to Anfield for a mouthwatering encounter.

The Reds have been in excellent form under new boss Arne Slot, who is the first Liverpool manager to win as many as nine of his first 10 games in charge of the club.

However, Opta's power ranking system suggests that Liverpool have actually had the easiest start of any Premier League team.

Chelsea, who have won four of their last six league outings after losing to Manchester City in their opening match, are sure to present an altogether tougher test.

Here, we delve into the data.

What's expected?

Having lost three consecutive league games against Chelsea between 2013 and 2014, Liverpool have now lost just two of their last 19 against the Blues (W7 D10).

Indeed, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Chelsea, though five of these have ended level (W1).

With a recent record that strong, it's hardly surprising that the Reds are made the favourites by Opta's supercomputer.

The model gives Liverpool a 59.4% chance of taking the three points, while Chelsea came out on top in 19.4% of its simulations. The likelihood of a draw is 21.2%.

Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League away games against Liverpool (D5 L3), and they went down 4-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

That big win for the Reds came less than a month before the EFL Cup final, which a depleted Liverpool won 1-0 thanks to Virgil van Dijk's header deep into stoppage time, with Chelsea – then of course overseen by Mauricio Pochettino – passed up four big chances, defined by Opta as an opportunity from which a team would reasonably be expected to score.

But under Enzo Maresca, who is freshly minted as Premier League Manager of the Month for September, Chelsea have been more clinical. Only Man City (17) have scored more goals than the Blues (16), who have also outperformed their 14.7 expected goals (xG), so they will be hoping to capitalise on any big opportunities that come their way on Sunday.

Getting past Liverpool's defence, though, is another matter.

Solid foundations

Replacing a club legend like Jurgen Klopp was not going to be easy, though Slot is making a good fist of making it look simple so far.

The former Feyenoord coach has reduced the chaos and brought slightly more control to Liverpool's play, and for the most part, this has worked a treat, bar in that shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in September.

Liverpool have still registered the third-highest xG in the league over the first seven games (14.0), behind Chelsea and Tottenham, but Slot has looked to build on a strong base.

Slot's team have conceded the fewest goals (two), kept the most clean sheets (five), and have the lowest expected goals against (xGA) figure (5.2) of any side in the Premier League this season.

In the 266 minutes Liverpool’s Premier League games have been level on the scoreline this season, the Reds have faced just 16 shots, an average of 5.4 per 90. This is both the lowest total faced and per 90 faced when drawing of any side in the competition this term.

They have ridden their luck at times, though. They were shaky and perhaps fortunate that Virgil van Dijk did not give away a penalty for pulling on Marc Guehi's shirt in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace prior to the international break.

That victory came at a cost, too, with goalkeeper Alisson sustaining a hamstring injury that will keep him out until after the November international break.

In Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool have a fantastic number two (and one that wishes to move on), though. The Republic of Ireland international has always stood up to be counted when required, and since the start of last season, has recorded an impressive goals-prevented figure of 2.9, having conceded 10 goals (excluding own goals and penalties) from an expected goals on target (xGoT) against of 12.9.

Kelleher also played against Chelsea in the EFL Cup final in February, so he has good recent form against them.

Top travellers

Chelsea are no pushovers on the road, though, so do not expect a repeat of last season's 4-1 drubbing.

In fact, these two teams are the only ones with a 100% away win rate in the Premier League this season (three wins out of three).

Only in 2005-06 (four) and 2008-09 (eight) have Chelsea ever won their opening four away matches of a league season.

Maresca, meanwhile, is looking to become only the fifth boss to win each of his first four away Premier League games, with one of the previous four to do so being Slot (also Bobby Gould, John Gregory, and Luiz Felipe Scolari).

Chelsea will want to get on the ball, but they may be best served being patient and waiting for their moments to pounce on the break.

Key to that tactic would be Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, who have created 15 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, the most of any duo.

Indeed, Palmer's four assists for Madueke is also the most from one player for a team-mate so far this term. Though in Nicolas Jackson and the likes of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, Chelsea have plenty of attackers who can test that mean Liverpool defence.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Mohamed Salah

Salah has accumulated 4.1 xG in the league this season, which is the highest of any player in Liverpool’s squad. With 231 goal contributions for Liverpool (159 goals, 72 assists), he ranks sixth on the all-time list for Premier League goal contributions for a single side.

The Egypt star has scored four goals in 13 Premier League games against former side Chelsea, averaging a goal every 257 minutes against the Blues. Among opponents he has played 10+ times in the competition, only against Burnley (778) does he have a poorer minutes per goal rate.

Chelsea - Cole Palmer

Palmer has directly contributed to more Premier League goals (44 – 28 goals, 16 assists) than any other player in the top flight since the start of last season.

The 22-year-old was named Premier League Player of the Month for September. He has won two of the last three Player of the Month awards, with only Frank Lampard (four) winning more for the Blues than Palmer (two).

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor explained why Catarina Macario was left out of the squad to face FC Twente in their second Champions League group game.

Having brought a squad of 22 players, Macario was not among them, despite having featured in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

The Brazilian joined the Blues from Lyon on a free transfer last year, and has scored two goals in 10 appearances after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) prior to her arrival at Stamford Bridge. 

While her attacking threat will be missed against Twente, Bompastor said her absence was part of the bigger picture for Chelsea.

"Catarina we are building some minutes and building on her fitness," said Bompastor.

"It’s part of the plan and her own process. We work a lot individually with every player and try to give them what they need to be fit and back to their best version.

"We just felt it was a good decision to have her staying in London and working individually with some staff. She will be ready for the game on Sunday.’

Chelsea have won four matches out of four in all competitions since Bompastor took over before the start of the season.

Travelling to play Twente, who also started their Champions League campaign with a victory earlier in the month, the Chelsea manager is targeting a continuation of their form.

She highlighted Lauren James as a potential difference maker ahead of Thursday's match, pointing out that her talents mean she can fill multiple roles in the same match.

"LJ can play in different positions. With the ball she has so much talent" Bompastor said.

She is able to play in the central corridor or in a wide position. She can also play as a false forward, so she has all the ability to play in different positions.

"In my game model I can use her in different positions, I don’t have only one position I think she can fit best.

"LJ is a player who needs to touch the ball. Sometimes she needs to drop a little bit and touch the ball to make sure she is confident in the game.

"This is something we are learning from each other, and making sure she goes in a position where she can have the most impact for the team.

"She is unbelievable when she is able to make an impact higher in the pitch, scoring, assisting, crossing as in the last game against Arsenal. This is what we want from her."

Bompastor also gave an update on long-term injury absentee Sam Kerr, who is currently recovering after a ruptured ACL in January.

"Sam is doing good," said Bompastor."Mentally she is in a good place. We see her every day, even if she’s not involved in training sessions.

"She brings some positive things to the team being around even if she’s not training collectively. She brings so much to the squad."

Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen is relishing his side’s must-win game against Orlando City this weekend and is confident his team can reach the playoffs.

The Five Stripes go into the final day in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, level on points with Philadelphia Union, and three points behind the cut-off line.

While needing favourable outcomes from the matches involving CF Montreal and D.C. United, Gregersen said the focus must remain on their own performance, while also trying to maintain momentum from their win over the New York Red Bulls last time out.

“I think it's a little bit sad that we had the break because we were so good into this match, but of course, we have to look back at it and keep up,” said Gregersen. “Continue with the confidence we had after this game and continue this weekend, in the training.”

“Every match has its pressure, but this one will be a little bit more special. But we need to focus on ourselves because we know that we have to win.

“After that, we will see what happens with the other teams. I don’t want to know what happens in the other games because we have to win. We can’t control what they are doing. We have to focus on ourselves and then we will see.”

Orlando, meanwhile, have already confirmed their place in the postseason, but are arguably the most in-form team heading into the playoffs.

The Lions’ last fixture before the international break saw them sweep aside FC Cincinnati away from home, earning their sixth win from their last seven MLS games (L1). During that run, they have also scored 19 goals.

Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja understands what is at stake for Atlanta this weekend but highlighted the importance of his team scoring the first goal to control the pace of the game.

“We have found net. We have found answers from our forwards. The offensive side of the team has improved tremendously. I think the compromise that they have had with our defensive phase has brought that product,” Pareja said.  

“It doesn't make sense, but that they are scoring goals because they are defending better, and we are much, much better team when we have this commitment that the boys had up front and we're happy to do it. It's the same as we ask the defenders.

“And I said, you have to be proactive to play with the ball, and you have to have personality to play with the ball because that's the best way to defend, just being offensive. So, I'm very proud of the guys. The guys are doing a good job.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Facundo Torres

Torres has recorded 19 goal contributions this season (14 goals, five assists) tied for the second-most in a single season in Orlando's MLS history.

The only player with a season with 20 or more goal contributions for the Lions was Nani, who recorded 22 goal contributions in the 2019 campaign.

Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze 

Lobjanidze enters the final match of the season as Atlanta’s leading scorer with eight goals.

The Five Stripes have had at least one 10-goal scorer in each of the team’s first six full MLS seasons (excluding shortened 2020 season) with at least one player scoring 12 times in each season.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

The last 10 meetings between Orlando and Atlanta have been split, with each side winning three times and drawing four. Neither team has won two consecutive times over those meetings with Atlanta recording a 2-0 home win in the last matchup on March 17.

However, the Lions have won 10 of their last 13 regular-season matches (D1 L2), including the last three in a row. No team has collected more points than Orlando’s 31 since the beginning of July.

Atlanta have 37 points entering the final match of the season. The fewest points the Five Stripes have totalled over a full MLS season (excluding shortened 2020 season) is 40 in 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 57.9%

Draw –21.9%

Atlanta United – 20.2%

Gareth Taylor said "lessons would be learned" from Manchester City's Women's Champions League win over St. Polten on Wednesday. 

Having beaten reigning champions Barcelona last week, Alanna Kennedy got City off to a fast start with a fine strike from distance that cannoned in off the post. 

However, Melanie Brunnthaler and Kamila Dubcova handed the Norwegian side the lead, only for Aoba Fujino and Mary Fowler to seal the triumph for City at the Generali Arena. 

The visitors ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.18 from their 17 shots, though only seven of their attempts were on target. 

And ahead of their Women's Super League clash with Aston Villa this weekend, Taylor is hoping his players will learn from underestimating an opponent. 

"I'm just really pleased to get the three points," he said. "I thought it was a difficult game on a really difficult pitch, people at home might not have realised that," Taylor said. 

"You could see how bobbly it was, so we couldn't really play centrally and the space was out wide.

"It took us a while to recognise that, but when we did we switched the play multiple times and really caused them problems.

"I think it was a bit of a lesson learned. When you play teams like Polten, people expect an easy three points; these games certainly aren't."

"It was a hell of a hit," he said. "To be honest, I wasn't sure when she took the strike it was the right call, but she proved me wrong," Taylor said. 

Taylor was also surprised it was Kennedy who opened the scoring in stunning fashion, with the defender netting her only her second goal since her move from Tottenham in 2021. 

"It was a hell of a hit," he said. "To be honest, I wasn't sure when she took the strike it was the right call, but she proved me wrong," Taylor said. 

"She set herself nicely, and we should've had more. We missed some chances to increase our lead and that's what can happen if you don't take them.

"You leave yourself susceptible to a couple of set plays which we needed to deal with better. But we made some changes and then obviously it was nice to go and win the game.

"I liked what we did at the end of the game as well in controlling the final ten minutes. It's important and not easy to do because they were an energetic team who pressed hard."

Arsenal also claimed a victory on Wednesday, earning their first triumph in the competition after a humbling defeat to Bayern Munich in their opening game. 

The Gunners swept aside Valerenga at the Emirates, with Emily Fox, Caitlin Foord, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo on target. 

It marked the first win of a new era at the club following Jonas Eidevall's departure earlier in the week. The Swede ended his three-year tenure shortly after their league defeat to Chelsea. 

And despite a “hectic” couple of days, interim boss Renee Slegers thought her team handled the disruption in the perfect manner.

“There have been a lot of emotions,” Slegers said. “I have always respected Jonas a lot and I have always enjoyed working with him.

“I think he did good things for the club for three or four years. I was sad and many others are too.

“It has been about managing emotions and trying to stick to the task ahead of us and what we needed to do to perform. It has been a couple of hectic days.”

The Dutch coach could not fault her squad’s togetherness, noting that they organised a meeting after Eidevall’s announcement to discuss the “drastic” news.

“I am happy for them and credit to them. They also got together yesterday and felt that they need to step up and I think that is what you see today on the pitch,” said Slegers.

“All credit to the team, you don’t want this drastic thing to happen to them and for them to get into this self-reflection moment, but I think it was good they did it, and now it is about maintaining that.”