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Former Premier League striker Nigel Jemson insists that Harvey Elliott deserves a chance at Liverpool this season.

Jemson is a Liverpool fan and saw the winger enjoy a fantastic season on loan at Blackburn Rovers last term.

The 18-year-old made 41 appearances for Blackburn in the Championship, scoring seven goals and registering 11 assists.

The winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, came on as a substitute in the win over Norwich City on the opening weekend, and played the full 90 minutes as the Reds beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday.

In total, he has played seven times for the first-team and Jemson believes that he should be given the opportunity to make a real impact under boss Jurgen Klopp this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, the former striker said: “Harvey Elliott, he went to Blackburn last season and did fantastically well.

“So I’d like to see Harvey Elliott get an opportunity there. Jurgen Klopp’s not afraid to give these youngsters a chance.”

Elliott came through the ranks at Fulham and made his debut for the club when he was just 16, prior to his move to the Reds.

Real Madrid ace Vinicius Junior sent a strong message to Valencia fans after scoring at the Mestalla, having been racially abused there last season.

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• Vinicius subjected to racist abuse last season
• Raised his fist to Valencia fans
• Real aiming to stay at top of La Liga

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Vinicius scored for Real Madrid on the stroke of half-time against Valencia, as he bundled in at the back post to make it 2-1 at the Mestalla. He grabbed the ball to go in search of an equaliser but first, he raised his fist towards the home fans, in an already-iconic celebration that carries plenty of meaning.

  Last season, the Brazil superstar was racially abused at the stadium, and his black power celebration is one of both solidarity and strength.

  In the second half, Vinicius levelled proceedings and again gesticulated towards the home supporters, with his strike given after a lengthy VAR check.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  La Liga punished Valencia after their fans racially abused Vinicius, fining them £45,000 and demanding that one stand was closed for five games. An appeal, though, saw that altered to a fine of £25,000, with the stand instead closed for three games. One has to wonder if Vinicius' celebration was also aimed at La Liga, who have taken a frankly pathetic stance on racist abuse suffered by black players under their watch.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Vinicius has been in excellent form for Real this season and has scored 12 goals in all competitions, while also laying on seven assists. Real's only defeat in La Liga this season – against Atletico Madrid – came when the star was absent due to a hamstring injury.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Real play RB Leipzig in the Champions League in midweek as they aim to reach the quarter-finals. They lead 1-0 from the first leg in Germany.

Manchester United will be hoping to prove their status as potential champions with a victory over fierce rivals Leeds United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

The Red Devils finished second in the top-flight last term, 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City as they attempted to seal their first league crown since 2013.

It’s been a very successful summer for the Old Trafford club, though, with former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho finally arriving in a £73m deal, while Raphael Varane is expected to be announced imminently.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Sancho will play some part in today’s early kick-off, although whether he features from the off or not remains to be seen.

“Jadon is going to be involved definitely. Good week, but was ill after his holiday. He has looked sharper than expected. Can’t tell you if he is going to start, though,” claimed Solskjaer in yesterday’s press conference.

With that in mind, here’s how Football Fan Cast thinks the Norwegian will line up his side against Leeds, making three changes from their Europa League final defeat in May…

Spain international David de Gea will start in goal for the Red Devils as Dean Henderson has yet to fully recover from a viral infection.

Many United supporters would have been hoping to catch a glimpse of Varane in today’s opening encounter, but the World Cup-winning centre-back is currently unavailable. That means Victor Lindelof is set to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of defence, with the Englishman returning to the starting lineup in place of £13.5m-rated Eric Bailly.

The full-back spots will be occupied by the usual suspects of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, completing a rather familiar-looking back five.

In midfield, Solskjaer has some big decisions to make. Reports throughout the summer claimed he was keen to play an attacking 4-3-3 system this season, meaning that Scott McTominay could anchor a forward-thinking duo involving Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek.

Paul Pogba’s absence from the engine room should see him line up on the left-hand side. That’s due to the absence of Marcus Rashford through injury, Jesse Lingard through illness and Sancho and Edinson Cavani through a lack of training.

Solsjkaer’s fitness concerns should present a golden opportunity for Anthony Martial to stake his claim to be the leading striker once again, though, and might also see 19-year-old Mason Greenwood feature from the off once more.

In other news… Ole could save millions by trusting “perfect” £40m gem, Man Utd fans would love him 

A tactical change allowed the Reds right-back more licence going forward, and that helped change the game and secure a vital victory

Conor Bradley starred as goals from Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott sealed a memorable comeback victory for Liverpool against Luton Town on Wednesday, and in turn moved Jurgen Klopp's side four points clear at the Premier League summit.

Klopp was forced into naming a nearly unrecognisable team at Anfield with 11 of his first-team players out injured, and Liverpool's new-look side made a stuttering start, allowing the hosts a rare sight of goal from a fairly basic throw-in routine. Chiedozie Ogbene turned home after Caoimhin Keller parried Tahith Chong's effort, and Liverpool struggled to bounce back in a first half so tense that Klopp felt the need to rally the home crowd.

Diaz's wayward efforts characterised a frontline that misfired in Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez's absence, and the Reds' frustration manifested in countless long-range efforts that, more often than not, flew wide of the goal.

That would all change, though, as whatever Klopp said to his players at half-time did the trick. Liverpool turned the game around in typical style, an ode to some of their famous midweek games at Anfield under the lights.

Two goals in three minutes from Van Dijk and Gakpo turned the game on its head – and eased the crowd off Liverpool's back. Diaz then got the goal that his countless efforts deserved, while Elliott rounded out the scoring in the last-minute to complete what, in the end, seemed a comfortable victory.

Three points, four goals scored and no injuries of note – not a bad way to prepare for Sunday's Carabao Cup showdown against Chelsea!

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Caoimhin Kelleher (6/10):

  His unorthodox save from Chong put the ball in the path for Ogbene's goal, but it would seem harsh to pin the blame solely on him. Rarely tested apart from that strike.

  Conor Bradley (8/10):

  Defensive work was generally solid but it was his ability going forward that changed the game. Picked up more progressive positions in the second half and Liverpool's attack looked far more threatening for it. Great quick thinking from the throw-in for Gakpo's goal, and left the field to a standing Anfield ovation.

  Jarell Quansah (6/10):

  Covered out wide when needed in a classy defensive display. Looked assured when bringing the ball out from the back, too.

  Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

  Went about his business fairly comfortably before popping up with the equaliser – a vital goal in this game before the eventual cruise. Could've had a second from an identical position, but for Kaminski's heroics.

  Joe Gomez (5/10):

  The weakest of Liverpool's backline. Slow to the rebound for Ogbene's opener and offered far less than Bradley going forward. Oblivious to runners in behind and incapable of dealing with Ogbene's pace at times.

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  Midfield

  Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

  Was enjoying a quiet evening before his two assists in three minutes. Offered a delightful cross for Van Dijk's equaliser and was razor sharp for Gakpo's header. Two crucial contributions from the Argentine.

  Wataru Endo (6/10):

  Helped Liverpool turn over the ball successfully so often before being let down by poor finishing. Gakpo should have converted his delicate through-ball late on.

  Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

  Won the ball well in the press and linked up play well, albeit in a midfield that was afforded plenty of space. Overall solid display.

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  Attack

  Harvey Elliott (7/10):

  Started the game with immense confidence but tailed off after the opening 20 minutes. More effective dropping back into midfield, and did eventually get his goal late on. What a way to mark your 100th Liverpool appearance.

  Cody Gakpo (7/10):

  Like many Liverpool players, was heading towards a subpar display before a crucial goal. Showed great alertness to latch onto Mac Allister's cross. Should've had a second late on, though.

  Luis Diaz (6/10):

  Forgot his shooting boots in the first half but was back to his typical dangerous self in the second. Stunning solo strike papered over several poor misses. Klopp will hope Diaz takes his second-half form, not his first, to Wembley on Sunday.

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  Subs & Manager

  Andrew Robertson (6/10):

  Brought on for Bradley midway through the second half. Got an assist for Diaz's goal barely three minutes after coming on.

  Bobby Clark (6/10):

  Substituted for Gravenberch with 15 minutes remaining. Rarely touched the ball as Liverpool saw out what ended up being a comfortable victory.

  James McConnell (N/A):

  Brought on for Mac Allister but too late to make an impact.

  Jayden Danns (N/A):

  Brought on for Diaz to make his Liverpool debut, albeit too late to make an impact.

  Jurgen Klopp (8/10):

  Asked the crowd to up the ante in a nervous 45 minutes and undoubtedly demanded the same from his players at the break. And whatever the German said worked, with a seriously depleted Liverpool squad picking up vital points – when at first it didn't look so comfortable.

Actor Nick Mohammed, who plays 'Nate' on Apple TV's Ted Lasso, leaked a potential return to the show with a fourth season on social media platform X.

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• Nick Mohammed leaks Ted Lasso season 4
• Actor plays 'Nate' in hit Apple TV series
• Season 3 concluded in 2023, rumored end of show

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The British comedian and actor posted on the social media platform that it has been exactly one year since he accidentally leaked the ending to season 3 of the hit series… but added that it 'won't happen again on season 4- now wait.'

  The cryptic message gives fans of the series some optimism of a potential new season, or spin-off, of the series.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ted Lasso has taken the world by storm since it's debut on Apple TV in 2020 during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Soccer fans around the world can now rejoice – at least for the moment – in knowing that the beloved show may return after many thought the series concluded with season 3.

  Mohammed's message on social media does, however, follow the trend of cast members hinting at a potential spin-off.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mohammed studied Geophysics at the University of Durham, not originally panning a career in acting or comedy. However, after joining a local comedy circuit while studying, he was spotted by a BBC producer and his career kicked off from there!

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• WHAT NEXT FOR NICK MOHAMMED AND TED LASSO?

  Now it's a waiting game to see if the leak turns out to be true. With season 3 in the book, and producers sharing that it was in fact a series finale, fans now have to wonder if Mohammed is telling the truth or not.

  Regardless, with the holiday season coming up, it's a perfect time to start thinking about rewatching episode 4 from season 2, where the cast celebrates the holidays in hysterical fashion!

Many Sunderland fans have been delighted on Twitter, following an official post by the club celebrating Andy Reid’s 39th birthday, whilst sharing a video of his last minute winning volley vs West Ham in 2008.

Enjoying a successful three year spell on Wearside where he was renowned for his creativity, the former Republic of Ireland international registered 24 goal contributions from 80 appearances in the North East; six goals and 18 assists [Transfermarkt].

Nowadays, the Dubliner is the Nottingham Forest Under-23’s manager, after initially serving as an academy technical coach in the same set up [Transfermarkt].

A born entertainer, 5 foot 7 Reid enjoyed a strong rapport with the Sunderland support over the years and still does to this day.

In light of his birthday celebrations, loads of Sunderland diehards took to Twitter to give him their best wishes.

Sunderland AFC fans react:

Replying to the Sunderland AFC Official Twitter account, here is what some supporters had to say upon hearing that today is Reid’s birthday:

“What a peg of a left foot. Remember him coming on against Wigan and playing that delightful ball across to Murphy, who smashed the ball home.”

Credit: @sparkymarc23

“Every strike from Andy happy birthday sir”

Credit: @neilemslie

“Love the commentary on this. World class from
@Tweed_Barnesy”

Credit: @safc_simpson

“WHAT A GOAL!!”

Credit: @driseborough

“Wand of a left peg”

Credit: @rosstitute73

“Miss those Keano days!”

Credit: @ColArmy86

In other news, Sunderland fans slam one of their players.

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo are “happy” again in the United States with Inter Miami after enduring “hell” at Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Argentine struggled to settle in France
• Has gone chasing the American dream
• Young family feeling settled in Florida

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazil international Neymar has claimed that he endured a nightmare in the French capital alongside his former Barcelona and PSG team-mate. Messi walked away from that situation in the summer of 2023 when becoming a free agent, with the decision taken to go chasing the American dream.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has become a star attraction in the U.S., with his every move being followed closer than ever, but he is feeling settled in Florida alongside his wife and three children. The Sunshine State is considered to be a perfect fit for the Messis, as they embrace a more relaxed way of life in an area of the world with a large Spanish-speaking community.

• WHAT CEA SAID ABOUT MESSI

  Messi has been visiting the Prima Pasta restaurant in Miami for several years – helping to make that outlet famous – and owner Gerry Cea has told of why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has his smile back: “Leo is always super cool. His family has been coming for the last 12 years. He’s always so relaxed, always smiling. Never a problem. Just a very cool person. It was a release to win the Copa America and the World Cup. Leo had so much pressure inside of him all of these years. And now he’s in Miami. The Messis love summer. I was talking to Antonela, and yes they’re new here, but being close to Argentina and the summer weather in Miami…that’s why they’re happy.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  Messi helped Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021, bringing his long wait for senior international silverware to a close, and he has gone on to lift the Finalissima trophy and World Cup at Qatar 2022. He inspired a historic Leagues Cup win for Inter Miami within weeks of his arrival in the States – making him the most-decorated player of all-time – and has more honours in his sights for 2024.

Dutch giants PSV are lining up another American addition to their ranks, with Miles Robinson wanted in Eindhoven as he prepares to leave MLS.

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• Defender about to hit free agency
• Ready to explore options in Europe
• International team-mates in Eindhoven

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international will see his contract at Atlanta United expire on December 31, allowing him to drop into the free agent pool. The 26-year-old defender is expected to explore options outside of his homeland when mulling over his next move.

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  It could be that he heads to the Netherlands to link up with USMNT colleagues Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, with PSV’s director of football Earnie Stewart admitting to readying an approach for Robinson.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  The former U.S. star has told of the speculation suggesting that Robinson could be heading to Europe: “He has been on our list for a while, along with a number of others, so that is correct. There has been contact, but not only with him. I have contact with several players, because that is my job. He can play well with space in his back. I also saw with the United States national team that you don’t just pass him by.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Robinson has been with Atlanta United since 2018. He has earned 27 caps with the USMNT, with seven of those coming in 2023 after missing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar due to an unfortunate pre-tournament injury.

Alexi Lalas has warned that there is “always going to be baggage” between Gio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter despite differences being put aside for now.

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• Reyna back in USMNT under Berhalter
• Started against Germany in friendly
• Lalas expects more tension

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The pair butted heads before and after the 2022 World Cup, with their feud getting personal at one stage as Reyna’s family got involved. Questions were asked of whether the duo could work together again after Berhalter was reappointed as USMNT boss.

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  WHAT THEY SAID

  He has called upon Reyna since picking up the reins and handed him a starting berth in a friendly date with Germany. Lalas has told his podcast of whether an unfortunate saga can be considered closed: “I think Gregg Berhalter kind of put out a fig leaf if you will and said: 'Yeah, not only do I believe in you, but I believe in starting you against Germany’. I think that Gio after that first half doesn't look worse for wear – as a matter of fact I think looks better. And maybe people are even more confident. And I think Gregg kind of gets to assume the position of letting bygones be bygones and going forward.

  "Now, don't think for a second that there isn't always going to be baggage and history relative to these two. But what you hope is that it dissipates enough where they can go on and they can function in these types of settings.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Berhalter has been trying to sweep the issue under the carpet, with the United States coach telling reporters when inevitably asked about a supposed divide in the camp: “I know that's going to be on people's mind. What I'd say is that we're moving forward. [I don't] really want to talk too much about the past. I think it's about talking about the future.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  The United States suffered a 3-1 defeat against Germany – despite seeing Christian Pulisic open the scoring in spectacular style – and will be back in action on Tuesday when taking on Ghana.

Lionel Messi is “an ET” and the Inter Miami superstar “seems to get better and better every year”, says Brazil international Ganso.

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• Argentine icon sits among the all-time greats
• Thrilling audiences for almost 20 years
• Showing no sign of slowing down at 36

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Argentine superstar is now 36 years of age, but he has lost none of his ability to amaze and inspire. He has been thrilling audiences around the world for almost 20 years, with a record-breaking collection of honours picked up along the way.

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  Messi is in contention for an eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 – having inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 – and has made an immediate impact in the United States since leaving European football at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to go chasing the American dream at Inter Miami.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Ganso is among those that consider Messi to be superhuman, with the Brazil international midfielder having come up against the South American icon at the Club World Cup several years ago.

  Quizzed by FIFA’s on whether the Barca side that Santos faced that day is better than the Manchester City one that won a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble last season, Ganso said: “Barcelona. This City side is outstanding, but Barcelona had a fantastic XI and an ET, the genius of world football. He’s simply a genius. You can’t help but admire him. That was in 2011. You look at him now, how he has evolved, and it’s difficult to believe. He seems to get better and better every year. It was a privilege to see Messi play up close. Like I said, Messi is an ET.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Messi helped Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States, while also earning them a shot at U.S. Open Cup glory – before having to sit out the final of that competition through injury. He is now hoping to see them into the MLS play-offs, with more silverware still in his sights.