Liverpool manager Arne Slot has enjoyed a record-breaking start to his tenure at Anfield but has been measured in his response as he says they have yet to face a top side, although that is all about to change with the visit of in-form Chelsea.

Dutchman Slot, the first Liverpool manager to win nine of his first 10 games in charge, must now steer the leaders through a tough schedule, with a gruelling run of 10 games in three competitions that could go a long way to shaping their season.

Liverpool have 18 points after seven games, having scored 13 goals and conceded two, to stand a point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, while Chelsea are fourth on 14.

“I looked at the league table and ‘OK, which teams did we face until now and which position are they? Are they in the top half or the bottom?’” Slot said of the schedule so far.

“There are a lot of difficult teams we still have to face … let’s see where we are then when it comes to conceding goals because maybe the fixture schedule has been ‘nice’ to us when you see the league table.”

Chelsea have won all three of their league games on the road this season by a combined score of 10-2.

Liverpool’s gruelling stretch of matches, which includes a trip to Arsenal on Oct. 27 and the visit of Manchester City on Dec. 1, is lousy timing considering first-choice goalkeeper Alisson is expected to miss most of it.

The Brazilian is set to be sidelined with a hamstring injury until the league game at Southampton on Nov. 24.

They have been known on a global basis as the city that can make things happen, brings great events, reflects the best of America.

Slot, however, is confident his number two, Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher, can fill in seamlessly.

“Alisson is our clear number one,” the 46-year-old Dutchman said. “(He is) the best goalkeeper in the world so it’s always a blow when he gets injured. But in almost every position we have a second option that is also really good.

“Caoimhin Kelleher has already shown that.”

By Francesca Hangeior

UEFA has answered the burning questions on how the standings in the new 36-team league phase of the Champions League will be determined, especially when teams finish with the same number of points.

In a detailed Thursday release titled “Champions League League Phase Standings: How Teams Level on Points Are Separated,” UEFA outlined the criteria for deciding which clubs qualify, face play-offs, or face elimination.

Notably, this season introduces a major shift from the traditional group stage to a league format, where each team plays eight matches, ranked in a single table.

The top eight teams will automatically secure a spot in the Round of 16, while those finishing 9th to 24th will battle it out in play-offs.

Teams ranked 25th to 36th will be eliminated from the competition.

But what happens if teams finish level on points?
UEFA provided a detailed breakdown of tie-breaker criteria, ranging from goal difference and goals scored to more intricate factors like away wins and disciplinary records.

Even if all else fails, an alphabetical ranking based on abbreviated team names will determine their fate.

As football fans worldwide gear up for the drama of the league phase, UEFA’s guidelines ensure transparency and clarity in the quest for European glory.

According to reports that UCL match day three is scheduled for October 22 and 23, 2024 respectively.

“In the new league phase of the UEFA Champions League, 36 clubs are participating in a single league competition in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together.

“The clubs ranked one to eight at the end of the eight-game league phase qualify for the round of 16. The clubs ranked nine to 24 qualify for the knockout phase play-offs. The clubs ranked 25 to 36 are eliminated,” the release read.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, for their impressive 4-1 victory over New Zealand in the opening match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

In a statement following the match, Minister Enoh praised the team for their outstanding performance, showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

“The Flamingos have made Nigeria proud with this fantastic victory. Their exceptional play reflects the immense talent and potential of our young female athletes,” he stated.

The Minister also commended the efforts of the coaching staff and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in developing women’s football in the country.

“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the team’s preparation. It is essential that we continue to support and invest in women’s sports to foster their growth and success,” he added.

As the tournament progressed, Minister Enoh encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind the Flamingos, emphasizing the significance of unity and support for the team. “Let us come together as a nation to support our girls as they pursue victory and represent Nigeria on the global stage,” he said.

The Minister concluded by wishing the Flamingos continued success in their upcoming matches, expressing confidence in their ability to advance further in the tournament.

The Flamingos of Nigeria took the lead after two minutes at the CFC Stadium in Santiago De Los Caballeros and had extended the margin to 3-0 within half an hour.

Overall, New Zealand was outplayed in terms of possession, territory, and shots on goal.

Nigeria, who picked the bronze medal at the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. Harmony Chidi set up Shakirat Moshood for the game’s opening goal.

Khadijat Adegoke, in the 13th minute, gave a second goal when she smashed home a shot that slipped through the hands of New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary.

Faridat Abdulwahab scored the third goal from outside the New Zealand penalty area.

Nigeria scored their fourth goal early in the second half when Adegoke crossed for midfielder Taiwo Afolabi to head into the net.