All posts by n8rngtd.top

Conrad will coach SA till the 2027 ODI World Cup but won’t solely be in charge of selecting squads

Firdose Moonda09-May-2025Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s Test coach, will take over charge of the white-ball sides in an expansion of his current role that will run until the home ODI World Cup in 2027. Conrad succeeds Rob Walter, who resigned in April, and ends South Africa’s dalliance with a split coaching role for now.In a significant change, Conrad will work with a selection convener, who has yet to be named. This marks a departure from the current set-up, in which the head coach was in charge of all selection.The decision to do away with a separate white-ball coach and add to Conrad’s already existing role meant that Cricket South Africa did not need to advertise the position or conduct interviews. The organisation did, however, put out a call for a selection convener. Applications closed on April 29 and the position will be announced shortly.Related

• Conrad confident SA players will prioritise national duty over T20 leagues

• 'We've got to do tough better, but we're starting to do tough now'

• Rob Walter resigns as South Africa white-ball coach

“I’m truly honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team across all three formats,” Conrad said in a CSA statement. “Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of my cricket journey, and to now oversee the white-ball teams as well is something unbelievably special. I’m genuinely excited about the prospects that lie ahead. South African cricket has incredible white- ball talent, from the calibre of our senior players to the emerging group of juniors aspiring to represent the Proteas. There’s a strong foundation to build on, and I believe we have what it takes to achieve something special.”Conrad had initially applied for both the white- and red-ball positions, when CSA sought a replacement after Mark Boucher left the post in 2022. At that point, CSA also decided to do away with a selection panel and leave the responsibility with the head coaches. He filled in for Walter at the start of his tenure, in January 2023, when South Africa played a must-win series against England in order to secure qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup. They won the series 2-1 and ODI captain Temba Bavuma, who had struggled for form and been dropped from the T20 sides, scored a stirring century in the second match.It was also during that series that Conrad decided to appoint Bavuma as his Test captain. Bavuma is currently in charge of both the Tests and ODI sides, while Aiden Markram leads the T20I side.While the South Africa job is Conrad’s first as an international coach, he has significant experience in the country’s domestic game. He coached both the Lions and Cobras’ franchises (under South Africa’s previous domestic structure) and won four titles with the two teams, three in white-ball formats. He has also masterminded South Africa’s run to this year’s WTC final, where they will play Australia. Under Conrad, South Africa have won their last seven Tests – their second-longest winning streak after nine victories in 2002-03.”Shukri’s track record with the red-ball team speaks for itself. He has laid a solid foundation and instilled a strong identity within the Test environment. I’m excited to see him bring the profile and structure to the white-ball space,” Enoch Nkwe, CSA director of national teams and high-performance. “Having been part of the national setup over the past two years, he understands the demands of international cricket.”He has also established sound relationships with the players and we have no doubt that he is the best person for the job. We are confident he will help us maintain our current upward trajectory and remain competitive across all three formats.”

The board has not considered him for selection since he last played in October, but says “he will always be in consideration of the selectors”

Mohammad Isam26-May-2025The BCB has kept the door open for Shakib Al Hasan’s return to the Bangladesh team, according to board director Iftekhar Rahman.Iftekhar was asked about Shakib’s return to national colours mainly in the wake of Bangladesh’s current downturn in form. They recently lost 2-1 to UAE in the T20I series in Sharjah, before heading to Pakistan to play another three-match T20I series.”Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management,” Iftekhar said on Monday. “He is an asset for any team. He is a world-class cricketer. He has just returned after correcting his bowling action so our team management will keep track of him. It is definitely not [the end of our association with Shakib]. He has only played a few matches after his suspension. Let him play a few more matches, I think then we can answer the question [of his return].”Shakib, 38, returned to competitive cricket after nearly six months when he turned out for Lahore Qalandars for three games in PSL 2025 last week. Two months before that, Shakib had been cleared to bowl in top-level cricket after the ECB cleared his action, having reported him in December last year after he had appeared for Surrey.Related

• 'I am officially not retired from all formats' – Shakib reverses Test and T20I retirement

• Shakib cleared to bowl in County Championship and the Hundred by ECB

• Litton and Shakib left out of Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad

• Shakib says he's done with T20Is, and will play his final Test next month

The BCB has also kept its distance from Shakib since October last year. That’s when Shakib had last played for Bangladesh, the second Test against India in Kanpur. Shakib had announced before that match that he wanted to finish his Test career at home, against South Africa in October, and that he was also done with T20Is.Political unrest in Bangladesh, however, stopped Shakib from making that final appearance since he was a member of parliament for the Awami League, the political party that was ousted from power on August 5, after their rule of 15 years. Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since then and the BCB continued to ignore him in the subsequent series, also leaving him out of the Champions Trophy squad. By then, the ECB had found Shakib’s bowling action questionable.Nearly two months after his bowling action was cleared, Shakib played turned out in three matches for Qalandars in their victorious campaign, although he bagged two ducks in as many innings and picked just one wicket.There are growing concerns around Bangladesh’s returns, especially as experienced players like Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah have retired from all formats, while Mushfiqur Rahim is only available for Tests. Shakib’s situation is in limbo, as he has technically still not retired from ODIs, a format in which Bangladesh recently slipped to No. 10 in the ICC team rankings.”It is a relatively new team without the four senior players [Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah],” Iftekhar said. “There’s a void in the team. I think we have the talent among the current crop of players but they lack application. I have said it before, but the more they play, the better they will get. I think the position that we are in right now, the only way to go is up.”

With Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger having succumbed to fan pressure to resign, Goal takes a look at other icons that didn't know when to walk away

• Getty Images
  

  Silvio Berlusconi

  The media mogul didn't just save AC Milan from bankruptcy in 1986, he also funded the creation of arguably the finest club side the game has ever seen, one which won back-to-back European Cups under Arrigo Sacchi.

  The Rossoneri conquered the continent five times in total during Berlusconi's 30-year reign, as well as claiming eight Scudetti. However, the funds started to dry up after the 2011 title triumph, resulting in a five-year trophy drought.

  Consequently, he decided to walk away in August 2016, revealing, "The sale was a painful decision but a necessary one." Most Milan fans agreed.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Brian Clough

  One of the greatest and most colourful managers the English game has ever known, Brian Clough performed a footballing miracle in transforming Nottingham Forest from Division Two strugglers into the champions of Europe in just four years.

  However, his remarkable spell at the City Ground ended in ignominy in 1993, with the former England international – by this point displaying visible effects of his long-running battle with alcoholism – resigning after Forest's relegation from the Premier League.

  Still, Ol Big Head's cheeky sense of self-worth remained happily unaffected, "Nottingham's river Trent is lovely; I know, because I've walked on it for 18 years."

• Johann Cruyff

  There is no more influential figure in the history of football than Johann Cruyff, who revolutionised the game, first as a player and then as a coach. Barcelona would not the club it is today were it not for Cruyff.

  It is a shame, then, that after creating 'The Dream Team', who won four successive Liga titles and, more importantly, the Blaugrana's first European Cup, he left Camp Nou in such acrimonious circumstances.

  After enduring two trophyless seasons, Cruyff's relationship with Josep Lluis Nunez completely broke down and he was informed of his dismissal by vice president Joan Gaspart. Cruyff reacted furiously, labelling Gaspart "a Judas" before the two came to blows.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Vicente Del Bosque

  Under Vicente Del Bosque, Spain won their first World Cup, in 2010, before becoming the first nation to retain the European Championship trophy two years later.

  However, La Roja's bid to claim a fourth major title in a row collapsed in Brazil in 2014, with the reigning champions suffering a shocking first-round exit.

  Del Bosque offered to stand down but the two-time Champions League winner was persuaded into continuing by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

  The former Real Madrid boss would come to regret that decision, though, with Spain suffering a tame last-16 elimination at Euro 2016 by Italy, after Del Bosque had been completely out-thought by Azzurri counterpart Antonio Conte.

Lionel Messi claimed his fifth award for the top scorer on the continent ahead of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane…

• Getty Images
  

  1Memphis Depay | Lyon | 19 goals (38 pts)

  The former Manchester United flop rediscovered his form in Ligue 1, as Depay has become one of Lyon's star attackers alongside Nabil Fekir and Mariano Diaz. The Dutchman managed the second-highest goal total of his career and a strong run-in helped Lyon book a Champions League spot.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  2Fabio Quagliarella | Sampdoria | 19 goals (38 pts)

  Veteran striker Fabio Quagliarella has been in top form for Sampdoria this season and isn't too far behind the likes of Mauro Icardi and Ciro Immobile in terms of Serie A goals, although the Genoa club as a whole have disappointed.

• Getty
  

  3Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid | 19 goals (38 pts)

  France international Antoine Griezmann has been Atletico Madrid's star man for the past number of seasons and he continues to chip in with goals. He struck up a partnership with Diego Costa in the capital and fell just short of the 20-goal mark in another brilliant Atletico campaign.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  4Neymar | PSG | 19 goals (38 pts)

  The most expensive player in football history started his Paris Saint-Germain career in sizzling form,but a season-ending injury suffered in February put an end to his hopes of catching Cavani's goal total.

Time is running out to get a deal over the line as the transfer deadline approaches – here are some of the possible moves in store

The Premier League's transfer window will close at 5pm BST (12pm ET) on Thursday, August 8 and time is running out for clubs to get their business done ahead of the season.

We've already witnessed a number of big-money moves in England's top flight, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City all in the market seeking reinforcements.

Some clubs still have a few deals in process and, with the inevitable scramble for signatures imminent, Goal takes a look at some of the moves that could happen before the deadline.

• Getty Images
  

  Philippe Coutinho

  Philippe Coutinho could be back in the Premier League in 2019, but it is not likely to be with Liverpool.

  The Barcelona star has been touted as a potential signing for Manchester United and Arsenal, but it is looking like Tottenham may be the only realistic destination for him.

  However, Coutinho's future is far from sorted, because any move to Spurs is dependent on what happens with Christian Eriksen.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Paulo Dybala

  Tottenham have cultivated a reputation for prudence when it comes to the transfer market in recent seasons, but they are in the process of smashing that perception, with Paulo Dybala potentially joining the club from Juventus.

  The Serie A champions have accepted a €70 million (£65m/$78m) bid for the Argentina international – who has previously been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona – and personal terms are being hammered out.

  Dybala would join another big-money signing, Tanguy Ndombele, who arrived in a £55m deal from Ligue 1 giants Lyon and, as previously mentioned, possibly Philippe Coutinho.

• Getty Images
  

  Christian Eriksen

  Christian Eriksen has made no secret of his desire for a new challenge away from Tottenham and he could well be on his way out of the club.

  Having been heavily linked with Real Madrid all summer, a different destination has since appeared on the horizon, with Manchester United thought to be leading the race.

  The Red Devils, who have already signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire in this window, would be forced to pay upwards of £50 million ($60m) for Eriksen according to reports.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Bruno Fernandes

  Speculation linking Portugal international Bruno Fernandes with Manchester United has intensified in recent weeks.

  The Red Devils have been left with holes to fill in midfield following the departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, with the all-action Fernandes deemed to be an ideal candidate.

  Tottenham have also been reported as keen on the midfielder, whose price tag is believed to be in the region of £55 million ($65m).

  However, all parties are keeping their cards close to their chests.

  "Bruno Fernandes is an important player," said Sporting coach Marcel Keizer when asked about the rumours. "Will he stay? It's not a question for me, but for the management."

Despite the massive outlay, United are no closer to winning the Premier League title

Manchester United have spent more than £1 billion ($1.2bn) in transfer fees since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, with Erik ten Hag now embarking on the latest squad overhaul this summer. The Dutchman has already recruited Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia for a combined £62m ($75m), with Christian Eriksen arriving as a free agent.

More money will likely be spent before the close of the summer transfer window, with Ten Hag hoping to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Ajax winger Antony to strengthen a squad that has made an embarrassing start to the new Premier League season.

It is staggering that United remain a club in crisis, given how cash has been splashed over the past nine years.

Indeed, once performance-related add-ons are factored in, their base outlay on recruitment currently stands at £1.008bn ($1.218bn) on 42 different players.

And it is a measure of their spending post-Ferguson that not one of his signings feature in their 15 most expensive transfers.

More importantly, it is a sign of the amount of money wasted over the span of nearly a decade without the Premier League title – and five years since they last won a trophy.

New chief executive Richard Arnold has to end that period of shambolic transfer dealings – and the mantra of his first summer window has been to spend wisely.

Only time will tell how United’s latest reboot works out but, as this list proves, money is no guarantee of success…

• Getty Images
  

  15Victor Lindelof | £31m | Benfica | 2017

  The first of four centre-backs on this list, Lindelof was signed by Mourinho as a ball-playing defender, intended to form a long-term partnership with Eric Bailly.

  Has served United commendably, but there are serious doubts as to whether he is a top calibre central defender, which is why so much money has been spent on Maguire, Varane and Martinez since his arrival.

  Likely to struggle for regular playing time under Ten Hag.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  14Raphael Varane | £34m | Real Madrid | 2021

  Varane was a target for Ferguson before his move from Lens to Real in 2011.

  So, it looked like smart business when Solskjaer moved for the France international, with a fee of £34m ($41m) a relative bargain for an all-time great still in his prime.

  But he was underwhelming in his first season at the club – and faces a fight just to hold onto his place following the arrival of Martinez.

• Getty Images
  

  13Donny van de Beek | £35m | Ajax | 2020

  One of the stars of Ajax’ run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019, Van de Beek looked destined to be a star.

  But it just hasn’t happened for him at United, with fans left dumbfounded by his lack of opportunities.

  That could change now he’s been reunited with former Ajax manager Ten Hag – but the arrival of Eriksen and pursuit of De Jong may push him further down the pecking order.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  12Anthony Martial | £36m | Monaco | 2015

  Louis van Gaal described the French starlet as his gift to Ryan Giggs, his then assistant, who was tipped to succeed him as manager. Best laid plans and all that…

  Martial has too often felt like a problem, rather than a gift. A succession of managers have tried to coax consistency out of him, with little joy, despite his undeniable talent.

  The fee United eventually paid for him, rose to around £50m ($60m) with performance-related bonuses.

GOAL runs through Lionel Messi's most memorable masterclasses…

Lionel Messi is in perhaps his final World Cup, and so far, so good for the Argentina icon.

His latest performance – a goalscoring effort in the semi-final against Croatia – was one of his most important, though there are certainly many standout efforts over the years to choose from.

There may be more to come, too, with Messi set to make his second World Cup final appearance when Argentina take on holders France in the 2022 showpiece.

GOAL takes a look at some of his best-ever international performances…

Check out even more magic Messi moments!

• Lionel Messi's greatest goals of all time
• Ranked – Messi's best Clasico moments

• Getty
  

  Argentina 4-0 United States, June 21, 2016

  One of Messi's greatest virtues as a player is that he is not just one of the best in scoring goals, he can also set up his team-mates with ease.

  The Copa America Centenario semi-final against hosts United States showed off to perfection those two facets of his game.

  Not only did he find the net with an outrageous free-kick effort, he also set up another two goals in a 4-0 rout to send the Albiceleste through to the final.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Argentina 3-0 Ecuador, July 3, 2021

  More than five years had passed since Messi's last knockout goal for Argentina when Lionel Scaloni's men lined up against Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the Copa America. But while he left it late, the strike truly proved worth the wait.

  The Barcelona ace had pulled all the strings for his side throughout the game, playing in both Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez for their goals to put Argentina 2-0 ahead. Then, in injury time, it looked as though he would have the chance to add his own when Piero Hincapie appeared to commit a penalty on Angel Di Maria.

  A VAR check eventually changed the decision, giving Messi a free-kick on the edge of the box. But it did not change the captain's task much, as he dispatched a glorious effort to notch Argentina's third and round off a brilliant all-round display.

• Getty
  

  Argentina 3-0 Mexico, July 11, 2007

  How different might Messi's international career have turned out if he could have kept Juan Roman Riquelme by his side a little longer?

  The two iconic No.10s formed a glittering partnership for the few short years between Leo's emergence and Roman's controversial retirement in 2009 amid rumours of a falling-out with coach Diego Maradona. But they were at least together long enough to give us several unforgettable games.

  One of the best was Argentina's Copa America semi-final demolition of Mexico in 2007, as Messi and Riquelme both got on the scoresheet in a dominant 3-0 win.

  The then-Barcelona kid netted his side's second of the evening, an outrageous chip that ranks among his very best international goals.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Argentina 2-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina, June 15, 2014

  While Messi was by no means a disappointment at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, his failure to find the net even once as Argentina reached the quarters was a curious anomaly – one he was desperate to correct once the next finals came around.

  In Brazil, therefore, he wasted no time in finding the net during a virtuoso display against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Argentina's very first game. "I’d had to wait eight years for my second World Cup goal. We wanted to have a great tournament and started off with a win against Bosnia, and I scored our second goal," he recalled to .

  "It all happened very quickly. I picked the ball up near the halfway line and tried to burst towards their penalty area. I played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuain and then shot from the edge of the box. Luckily, it all came off."

Manchester United came from a goal down to beat Man City 2-1 in the derby and move to within a point of Pep Guardiola's side in the table.

Are Manchester United now in the Premier League title race? That's the question that was floating around Old Trafford after the Red Devils came from behind to beat City 2-1 and cut the gap to the defending champions to just a point.

City had humiliated Erik ten Hag's side back in October when the teams met at the Etihad, but the Red Devils enjoyed a slice of revenge here and continued a fine run that means they have lost just once in 19 games since that 6-3 defeat.

Marcus Rashford, who else, was the star of the show once again for the Red Devils. The England international shrugged off an injury scare to inspire his team to a second-half comeback.

Substitute Jack Grealish had headed City into the lead, but United responded with two goals in four minutes late in the second half to snatch the win.

Bruno Fernandes equalised in controversial style, with Rashford clearly in an offside position, but the goal was allowed to stand and suddenly United were back in the game. Four minutes later, Rashford swept home Alejandro Garnacho's cross to cut the gap to leaders Arsenal to just six points.

Here's GOAL's winners and losers!

• Getty
  

  WINNER: Marcus Rashford

  The England international continued his prolific run of form by scoring his eighth goal in his last seven games to secure United a 2-1 win and three valuable points.

  Rashford had been lively in the first half, twice going close to scoring, but gave the home fans a giant scare when he went to ground just before the half-time whistle after appearing to pick up an injury.

  He managed to keep going, however, and ended up being key to their victory once again. Debate will rage about his contribution to Bruno Fernandes' equaliser, as he was clearly offside, but he made sure he didn't touch the ball and allowed the Portugal international to sweep home instead.

  There were no doubts at all about Rashford's winner. The forward was alive to the threat created by Alejandro Garnacho and stuck out a leg to poke home his 16th goal of an increasingly stellar season.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  LOSER: Erling Haaland

  City's summer signing ran riot the last time these two sides met at the Etihad back in October, netting three times and becoming the first player to score three successive Premier League home hat-tricks.

  Yet it was a different story entirely at Old Trafford. Haaland barely had a kick, had to listen to Man Utd fans taunting him throughout the game, and has now gone three matches without a goal.

  Haaland might have been licking his lips ahead of the game too, after seeing United boss Ten Hag start with left-back Luke Shaw alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of the backline.

  Yet United managed to isolate the striker and, other than a blocked shot and a vague appeal for a penalty, he contributed very little during the 90 minutes.

• Getty
  

  WINNER: Bruno Fernandes

  Man City looked set to do the double over their local rivals after Grealish had opened the scoring but were pegged back when Bruno Fernandes equalised on 78 minutes with an assured finish.

  City were furious about Rashford's contribution but could do nothing about Fernandes. The Portugal international whipped an excellent finish past Ederson to score another crucial goal and put United right back in the game.

  The captain then ran straight to the linesman, who had his flag up, to remonstrate with the decision. Fernandes knew full well he was onside when he ran onto Casemiro's pass and the decision eventually stood.

  He may not be providing the numbers from a couple of seasons ago just yet, but today was a huge moment as the 28-year-old looks to inspire an unlikely title challenge.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  LOSER: Man City's title hopes

  Saturday's defeat means United moved to within a point of City in second place in the table and leaves Pep Guardiola's side still five points behind leaders Arsenal, and having played a game more than the Gunners.

  It's not a fatal blow to City's hopes of retaining the title by any means but it will make their task that much harder. Arsenal will also know they can move eight points clear with a win over Tottenham on Sunday in the north London derby. Motivation indeed, not that it will be needed against Spurs.

  City's quality and the strength in depth of Guardiola's squad means it would be foolish to write the defending champions off after 18 games. However, it does mean they really can't afford to drop too many more points between now and the end of the season if they are to finish top of the pile once again.

Based on 2022-23 form, GOAL has selected a combined XI ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona's crunch meeting on Sunday

Given Barcelona can all-but seal the Liga title on Sunday with a win over Real Madrid, it's not exactly the most nail-biting Clasico of recent times.

Even if Madrid do manage a victory, Barca will still likely have enough to get over the line.

Still, there are enticing battles all over the pitch.

Real Madrid's ever-changing midfield unit will have to contend with Barca's new quartet; Ronald Araujo and Vinicius Junior will once again go head-to-head; and Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema will try to outscore each other at either end.

📺 Watch El Clasico live on Viaplay Sports in the UK

💻 Watch El Clasico live on ESPN+ in the U.S.

⚽️ Where to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid

But what would a combined XI look like? How does one pick between Pedri or Toni Kroos? Marc-Andre Ter Stegen or Thibaut Courtois? Lewandowski or Benzema?

GOAL tries to assemble a perfect combined Clasico XI based on this season's form…

• Getty Images
  

  GK Thibaut Courtois

  Ter Stegen is a fantastic goalkeeper, and the presumptive German No.1 while Manuel Neuer recovers from a broken leg.

  Courtois, however, has been one of – if not the – best in the world for the last 18 months. One only has to look at his magnificent showing in the 2022 Champions League final, miraculous saves and all, to see why he's considered one of the top shot-stoppers around.

  And although FIFA handed its The Best goalkeeper award to Emi Martinez, it was Courtois who featured in the FIFPro Team of the Year – a clear indication of who is at the top.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  RB: Jules Kounde

  He's not even a natural right-back, but it's hard to identify a better defensive presence on the right side of defence among the two teams.

  Kounde is reliable in one-on-one situations and has an excellent reading of the game. Notably, he's also improved going forward. The France international has become a solid passer of the ball, and is a fine operator in the final third when supporting the electric Ousmane Dembele.

  He will shift to centre-back someday. But for now, he's a more than serviceable right-back. And with Dani Carvajal ageing, Kounde is the best option here.

• Getty Images
  

  CB Ronald Araujo

  Araujo endured a difficult start to the season before sustaining a muscle injury that kept him out for almost three months.

  But he's been magnificent since his return, and is arguably the best centre-back in Europe at the moment. Near untouchable in the air, quick and ever-improving with his feet, Araujo is starting to make good on all of the promise heaped on him during his early Barca days.

  He can still make the odd mistake, but at 24, he has a long time to mature. Right now, he's leading the best defensive unit in Europe. And he will only get better.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  CB: Eder Militao

  Speaking of young central defenders…

  Militao is, rather conveniently, the perfect partner for Araujo, despite being relatively similar players. Although Militao is shorter than his Barca compatriot, he's equally good in the air, and arguably a better passer.

  There are, indeed, other options at this position. Andreas Christensen has been excellent for Barca this season, while Antonio Rudiger has settled in well at Madrid. But Militao is more consistent and, on form, better than both ex-Chelsea men.

How to watch Ross County vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on TV and online in the United States.

Ross County take on Celtic in a Scottish Premiershipgame at Victoria Park on Sunday.

Ross County have lost their last two league games against Motherwell and Livingston respectively, and are currently 11th on the league table.

Celtic, on the other hand, are currently on a 14-match winning streak in all competitions and have a resounding nine-point lead at the top.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the Scottish Premiership fixture between Ross County vs Celtic, plus team news, recent form and more.

• Getty Images
  

  Kick-off time

  Date:	April 2, 2023
  Kick-off time:	7am ET
  Venue:	Victoria Park

  The game is scheduled for April 2, 2023 at Victoria Park.

  It will kick off at 7am ET in the US.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  How to watch Ross County vs Celtic online – TV channels & live streams

  TV channels & streaming options

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  U.S	CBS Sports Network	FuboTV, DirecftTV Stream

  In the U.S., the match can be watched on CBS Sports Network and can be streamed on FuboTV and DirectTV Stream.

• (C)Getty Images
  

  Team news & squads

  Ross County team news

  Ross County will miss the services of Ben Paton, Jordan Tillson and Ben Purrington due to injuries.

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers:	Laidlaw, Munro, Ross
  Defenders:	Randall, Iacovitti, Baldwin, Watson, Harmon, Smith
  Midfielders:	Cancola, Callachan, Dhanda, Sims, Loturi, Mackinnon, Macleman
  Forwards:	Edwards, Samuel, Murray, Akio, Hiwula, Wright, Samuel, White, Brophy, Stones

  Celtic team news

  James McCarthy and James Forrest will miss the clash against Ross County due to injuries.

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers:	Hart, Bain, Siegrist, Hazard
  Defenders:	Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Bernabei, Juranovic, Kobayashi. Montgomery, Taylor
  Midfielders:	Mooy, Turnbull, Abildgaard, O'Riley, Robertson, Hatate, McGregor
  Forwards:	Furuhashi, Abada, Maeda, Jota

  Head-to-head record

  Date	Result	Competition
  12 November, 2022	Celtic 2-1 Ross County	Scottish Premiership
  1 September, 2022	Ross County 1-4 Celtic	Scottish League Cup
  6 August, 2022	Ross County 1-3 Celtic	Scottish Premiership
  24 April, 2022	Ross County 0-2 Celtic	Scottish Premiership
  19 March, 2022	Celtic 4-0 Ross County	Scottish Premiership

  Celtic have won all of their last five matches against Ross County. The two teams last met in the Scottish Premiership on November 12, 2022.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Useful links

  • Ross County team page

  • Celtic team page

  • Live soccer on TV in the U.S.