Watch Luton vs Man Utd live on Sky Sports Football or Sky Sports Main Event; follow live coverage on our digital platforms

Last Updated: 22/09/20 1:30pm

Manchester United travel to Luton on Tuesday night, live on Sky Sports Football

Manchester United face a lower-league Carabao Cup test live on Sky Sports on Tuesday, with West Ham and West Brom also in action.

TUESDAY

Selected fixtures

Leyton Orient vs Tottenham - 6pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports Football Leyton Or vs Tottenham

September 22, 2020, 5:30pm

Live on

A number of Leyton Orient players have tested positive for coronavirus putting Tuesday's Carabao Cup game against Tottenham in doubt.

How to follow and watch highlights: Leyton Orient vs Tottenham will be live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 5.30pm; Kick-off at 6pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

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Stat of the match: This is the first meeting between Leyton Orient and Tottenham since the 2000-01 FA Cup third round, when Spurs won 1-0 at Brisbane Road thanks to Gary Doherty's 90th minute strike.

West Brom vs Brentford - 7pm kick-off 2:59 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Everton's win against West Brom in the Premier League. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Everton's win against West Brom in the Premier League.

West Brom will be without suspended full-back Kieran Gibbs for their Carabao Cup third-round clash with Brentford.

The former Arsenal man was sent off during Saturday's 5-2 Premier League defeat at Everton, with Baggies boss Slaven Bilic then dismissed for his protests.

Bilic made 10 changes for the second-round win over Harrogate and is likely to shuffle his pack once again.

Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher could make his debut, while experienced defender Branislav Ivanovic continues to build up his fitness and both Ahmed Hegazi (hamstring) and Kenneth

Zohore (calf) remain doubtful.

Brentford have a fully-fit squad for the trip to The Hawthorns.

Thomas Frank's side saw off Southampton last week to set up the tie with West Brom - who pipped the Bees to Premier League promotion by two points last season.

Like West Brom, Brentford made plenty of alterations for their last cup game with six changes at St Mary's.

This will be a fifth game in 16 days for the Championship side so Frank is likely to freshen things up.

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: West Brom have never lost at home to Brentford in any competition, winning nine and drawing two of their 11 such games.

West Ham vs Hull City - 7.30pm kick-off 2:59 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal's win over West Ham in the Premier League. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal's win over West Ham in the Premier League.

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph should lead a host of changes as West Ham host Hull in the Carabao Cup.

Boss David Moyes is expected to rotate his resources again, fielding a side similar to the XI that eased past Charlton in the second round.

Manuel Lanzini, Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller could all slot in from the off, with Robert Snodgrass also likely to be involved.

Fabian Balbuena, Ben Johnson and Josh Cullen can expect to be included too, while Mark Noble could be fit after a toe issue.

Hull boss Grant McCann has his full squad available, barring Tom Eaves who continues to battle a knee injury.

McCann will take the same squad that secured a 1-0 win over Crewe to the London Stadium, but will likely make changes to his starting XI.

Matt Ingram could continue in goal, with Richie Smallwood available to captain the side.

Josh Magennis is in line to feature again up front.

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: West Ham have won their last seven home meetings with Hull in all competitions by an aggregate score of 20-3. Their last such defeat came in January 1990 in the second division (1-2).

Luton Town vs Manchester United - 8.15pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports Football Luton vs Man Utd

September 22, 2020, 8:00pm

Live on

Luton boss Nathan Jones is likely to rotate his side as they welcome Manchester United to Kenilworth Road for their Carabao Cup third-round clash.

The Hatters have won all four of their fixtures so far this season, with Jones making plenty of changes for the cup victories against Norwich and Reading.

Midfielder Glen Rea is in contention to feature despite coming off at half-time in Saturday's Sky Bet Championship win over Derby after complaining of light-headedness.

Former United midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe could also return to the side having not made the bench at the weekend.

Dean Henderson could make his United debut with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vowing to make changes on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old academy product signed a new and improved deal until 2025 after returning from two highly-successful loan stints at Sheffield United.

Solskjaer will rotate and is looking to build sharpness after a poor 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace in Saturday's Premier League opener.

Fred, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly and Henderson were unused substitutes against the Eagles, with Donny van de Beek, Odion Ighalo and Mason Greenwood coming off the bench. Jesse Lingard was conspicuous by his absence from the squad, while Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe remain sidelined.

How to follow and watch highlights: Luton Town vs Manchester United will be live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm; Kick-off at 8.15pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Stat of the match: Luton haven't reached the fourth round of the League Cup since 2007-08 and have been eliminated from seven of their last eight League Cup ties against Premier League opposition.

Tuesday's other fixtures

• Newport County vs Watford (7pm)

WEDNESDAYSelected fixturesFulham vs Sheffield Wednesday - 6pm kick-off 2:52 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Leeds' win against Fulham in the Premier League. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Leeds' win against Fulham in the Premier League.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: This is the first meeting between Leyton Orient and Tottenham since the 2000-01 FA Cup third round, when Spurs won 1-0 at Brisbane Road thanks to Gary Doherty's 90th minute strike.

Millwall vs Burnley - 7pm kick-off 2:43 Highlights of the Carabao Cup second-round match between Burnley and Sheffield United. Highlights of the Carabao Cup second-round match between Burnley and Sheffield United.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: As a Premier League side, Burnley have never reached the League Cup fourth round, going out in the third round in three of their previous six seasons while in the top flight.

Preston vs Brighton - 7pm kick-off 2:01 Highlights of the Carabao Cup second round match between Brighton and Portsmouth. Highlights of the Carabao Cup second round match between Brighton and Portsmouth.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: Brighton have never won an away match against Preston in any competition (D6 L10), with this their 17th visit to Deepdale.

Chelsea vs Barnsley - 7.45pm kick-off 2:58 Dominant Liverpool beat 10-man Chelsea Dominant Liverpool beat 10-man Chelsea

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: This will be the first ever League Cup meeting between Chelsea and Barnsley, and the first in any competition since the Tykes won 1-0 in the 2007-08 FA Cup quarter-final.

Fleetwood Town vs Everton - 7.45pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports Football 2:19 Highlights of the Carabao Cup second round match between Everton and Salford City. Highlights of the Carabao Cup second round match between Everton and Salford City.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Fleetwood Town vs Everton will be live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm; Kick-off at 7.45pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Stat of the match: This will be the first ever competitive meeting between Fleetwood Town and Everton, and just the second Premier League side the Cod Army have faced (D1 L2 vs Leicester in 2018).

Leicester vs Arsenal - 7.45pm kick-off 2:59 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Leicester win over Burnley in the Premier League. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Leicester win over Burnley in the Premier League.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: Arsenal have lost each of their last three away games against Leicester in all competitions, as many defeats as in their previous 19 visits to the Foxes (W5 D11 L3).

Morecambe vs Newcastle - 7.45pm kick-off 3:03 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Brighton's win over Newcastle in the Premier League. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Brighton's win over Newcastle in the Premier League.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: Morecambe have never reached the fourth round of the League Cup, with this their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 2007-08.

Tuesday's other fixtures

• Stoke City vs Gilingham (7pm)

THURSDAYSelected fixturesBristol City vs Aston Villa - 7pm kick-off 2:58 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Aston Villa's win over Sheffield United in the Premier League. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Aston Villa's win over Sheffield United in the Premier League.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: As a Premier League team, Aston Villa have progressed from 10 of their last 12 League Cup ties against sides from a lower division, falling at the semi-final stage against Bradford in 2012-13, and the second round in 2014-15 vs Leyton Orient.

Lincoln City vs Liverpool - 7.45pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports Football 1:30 Highlights of the Carabao Cup match between Bradford City and Lincoln City. Highlights of the Carabao Cup match between Bradford City and Lincoln City.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Lincoln City vs Liverpool will be live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm; Kick-off at 7.45pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Stat of the match: This will be Lincoln's second ever competitive meeting with a reigning top-flight champion - they lost 0-4 against Preston North End in the 1889-90 FA Cup.

Manchester City vs Bournemouth - 7.45pm kick-off 2:58 Highlights of the Carabao Cup second round match between AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. Highlights of the Carabao Cup second round match between AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

Team news to follow

How to follow and watch highlights: Follow the action with our dedicated Carabao Cup blog. Free match highlights will be published on the Sky Sports website, app and YouTube channel later that evening.

Stat of the match: Man City have won their last 10 meetings with Bournemouth, by an aggregate score of 30-5. All these games have been in the Premier League.

Carabao Cup round four draw

• Lincoln or Liverpool vs Leicester City or Arsenal
• Millwall or Burnley vs Manchester City or Bournemouth
• West Brom or Brentford vs Fulham or Sheffield Wednesday
• Fleetwood or Everton vs West Ham or Hull
• Bristol City or Aston Villa vs Stoke or Gillingham
• Leyton Orient or Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea or Barnsley
• Newport or Watford vs Morecambe or Newcastle
• Preston or Brighton vs Luton or Manchester United

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Alisson Becker credited the work of Liverpool's goalkeeping department for his penalty save in Sunday's 2-0 win at Chelsea.

With the Reds two goals to the good against 10 men in the second half of the Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge, the hosts had a chance to halve their deficit when Thiago Alcantara was judged to have tripped Timo Werner in the box.

Jorginho had converted each of his eight previous spot-kicks for the Blues before stepping up to face Alisson – but the latter won the duel, correctly diving to his left to palm away the effort and preserve a clean sheet.

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The Brazilian’s roar of celebration after making the save reflected his satisfaction that the processes of the goalkeeping team had paid off.

“I think in the Premier League this was the third penalty I had the chance to try to save,” the No.1 told Liverpoolfc.com.

“I’m really happy because in the Community Shield we lost on penalties. When the goalie doesn’t save any penalties you stay a little bit down and then you think, ‘I could do more, I could do it differently.’

“But the secret is to keep on going, to know that you are in a good direction, in the right direction, working hard and we did it together – me, John [Achterberg], Jack [Robinson], and all the video team who help us a lot.

“Also with the rebound, Millie and Virg did really well and I think they showed confidence in me that I would save the penalty.

“But we don’t need to talk about the penalty or other saves, we need to talk about the team, how we played so good here. And we have also many things to improve for the rest of the season.”

Liverpool were in the ascendancy during a first half that concluded with Andreas Christensen being sent off for denying Sadio Mane a goalscoring opportunity.

Within nine minutes of the restart, Mane had struck twice to set the reigning champions on course for three more points after beating Leeds United 4-3 on the opening day.

“This is perfect: three points, a clean sheet, something that we chase also,” said Alisson. “Not only the three points, it’s something [a clean sheet] that I think a long time we didn’t get. This season it’s the first time, so it’s good for the confidence of the team.

“But always it’s a massive win against Chelsea away. We know how hard it is, I don’t need to tell you, but we did a really good job.”

Injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip forced a defensive reshuffle for Jürgen Klopp, who deployed Fabinho in central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

The midfielder was ‘outstanding’ according to Van Dijk as he consistently snuffed out Chelsea’s attacking threats and put his own side on the front foot.

Alisson concurred that his compatriot was the standout performer on the day.

“He was a monster this afternoon! Unbelievable, but it’s what I expect of him,” he said of Fabinho.

“If it’s a surprise for you I would be surprised, because he is a top player. Anywhere he played, from No.6 or centre-back, he always does his best and his quality permits him to play in different positions.

“He’s a really smart player on movements and also one-v-ones. That was needed against Werner, against [Kai] Havertz and the other players with really good quality, so I congratulate him as he was in my opinion Man of the Match.”

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Alisson Becker credited the work of Liverpool's goalkeeping department for his penalty save in Sunday's 2-0 win at Chelsea.

Liverpool travelled to ‘potential’ title contenders Chelsea in their opening away game in the league and came out deserved winners in a professional, controlled performance.

Liverpool made one forced change in defence with Fabinho being forced to line up in defence along side Trent Arnold, Van Dijk and Robertson due to injuries to Gomez and Matip.

There were pre match talk about the drop in Alisson’s form and how his performance levels were dropping to Mignolet’s levels. Part of that prediction came true with a great penalty save against Jorginho’s hop-skip and jump. He also made a tremendous save late on to ensure Liverpool ended with a clean sheet.

The whole of the defence had an easier game than expected due to the sending off of Christensen close to half time. A special shout out to Fabinho’s performance though! There were pre match worries that he would be ‘isolated’ , ‘targeted’ by Werner but he was up to the task with his man marking and tackling, which were both on point.

Liverpool’s midfield was the same from the Leeds’ game with Henderson, Wijnaldum and Keita starting the game. The midfield struggled to influence the game in the first half till they dying minutes when Henderson’s quick release meant Mané was through and was fouled by Christensen resulting in a red card. Henderson was taken off at half time for the much awaited debut of Thiago. All eyes were on the new boy and he had a solid game where his major task was to ensure Liverpool made the best use of the large amounts of possession they were going to have, but there is far more to come from him once he settles into Liverpool’s way of playing.  Milner replaced Keita in the second half to ensure Liverpool retained control in midfield. Wijnaldum had lot more freedom in the second half to join the attack and should have scored in the last minute of the match.

This game was Mané’s turn to shine. He was far more alert than Christensen to get ahead of him late on in the first half resulting in the foul on what was a clear goal scoring opportunity.  Mané’s first goal was an exquisite team goal with attacking triumvirate all involved in the build up to the goal with Firmino setting up Mané for an exquisite finish. Sadio was ever aware of the pressure on Chelsea’s defence and his desire led to him causing another error from Kepa leading to a simple finish which sealed all three points for the champions. He could have had a hat trick late on but was denied by Kepa. Salah created couple of good opportunities for his team mates which was spurned but looked sharp as he did in the opening game.

The best performers for Liverpool tonight were Mané, Alisson and Fabinho. Sado Mané takes the honours for scoring both the goals tonight.

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The Reds underlined their superiority as a team with a dominant win at Chelsea; Steven Scragg looks at how individual changes within the unit helped that happen.

Footballing evolution is an artform.

Get it wrong and a period of domination can quickly evaporate; get it right and one or two seasons at the top of the tree can stretch on for a decade or two.

In some quarters of the Liverpool support there were summer anxieties over what appeared to be an unwillingness by the club to invest in new signings. Strengthening the squad while at our highest point in 30 years had to be a no-brainer, right?

High Anxiety vs High Finance

Some football finance watchers had read the tea leaves and concluded that it was entirely understandable that Liverpool were going to end the transfer window with only the purchase of a back-up left-back.

Sage ‘top reds’ nodded in agreement, while for others the blood boiled and the fume could be seen from miles away. On both sides of this divide, hypotheticals had been taken as certainties.

Just beyond mid-September, a good three weeks or so before the transfer window is due to close, the landscape changed and all hypotheticals were swept away. Within 24 hours Liverpool’s in-house production team had thrown together welcome to Anfield videos of Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota, to much revelry.

Thiago, signed in time to appear as a second-half substitute on Sunday, gave a 45-minute masterclass at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea and it was met with universal red delight.

Good things come to those who wait.

A week ago, I stated that as things stood, Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson were more important to the Anfield cause than Thiago was, simply because the Italian-born, Brazilian-inspired, Spanish international was not yet a Liverpool player.

I’m a great believer in that until Liverpool are the registered club of any potential new signing, then that player is unable to influence what happens on the pitch. It is a simple footballing law. Thiago was thus completely ineffective against Leeds United, on the opening day.

Evolution in Motion

There is far more to footballing evolution than bringing in new players though.

It is also about the growth of existing squad members; it is about tweaking the system subtly, it is also about the collective being hungry for more success, it is all about maintaining the levels of insatiability that won Liverpool the Champions League and Premier League within an unforgettable 14-month-span.

And, inescapably, it is all about Klopp’s thirst for more, bigger and better, staying arid enough to strive for as many silver-laden horizons as possible, before he burns himself out.

One day, Liverpool will forget the art of evolution, just as they did as the 1980s turned into the 1990s, just as Manchester United did during the endgame seasons of Alex Ferguson’s reign.

Our task is to fend off that day, the day when the art of evolution slips from the Anfield consciousness.

Luckily, that is a day that doesn’t look likely to be happening any time soon, as this Liverpool, the reigning champions, continue to shapeshift from one visage to the next with an almost obscene ease.

A change of personnel here, a higher defensive line there; a rotation of the midfield here, a switch of position there; it all plays its part in footballing evolution.

While the speed and geometry of the game alters and contorts, the theory of the game changes very little. Players will always be human; the mind will always be pliable and receptive to magic. Spinning plates will always be spinning plates.

Fabinho switching to cover centre-back was a raging success on Sunday. Imperious in one-on-one ones with the once widely coveted Timo Werner, excellent with his positioning, cool when bringing the ball out of defence, a sense of presence and authority that outshone the central defensive high llama that is Virgil van Dijk.

He’s Played There Forever

Thiago’s 45-minute introduction to the Liverpool team was quite rightly compared to that of a player who has been at the club since the day Klopp arrived. Fabinho’s performance in central defence should be lauded in the same manner. He looked a natural and it gives plenty of food for thought.

There is absolutely nothing to stop Fabinho switching from being a central midfielder that can cover in central defence, to a central defender that can cover in central midfield.

Liverpool have previous for such things.

Emlyn Hughes dropped into centre-back from what was a-once marauding role in central midfield. Phil Thompson started out as a compelling midfielder; Jan Molby was always an effective option in the backline when asked, to the point that he was once pursued by Johan Cruyff to be his sweeper at Barcelona.

Jamie Carragher is another example, while I always felt that Steven Gerrard could have elongated his time at Anfield as a central defender.

Just how far this Liverpool has come is very telling in that a win at Stamford Bridge isn’t something to be viewed as an ‘event’.

Frank Lampard is Chelsea’s biggest weakness. Roman Abramovich has driven down a cul-de-sac in his flashy yacht and it is a union that can only end in tears, which then will be followed by yet another new direction.

Sadio Mane was magnificent in dismantling the increasingly wound-up Lampard’s expensively assembled team.

Lincoln City and Other Bigger Challenges

A deserved win for the Reds and to Lincoln City a totally different line-up will go.

That comes before another statement is to be made next Monday at Anfield, against an increasingly confident Arsenal, where evolution will meet evolution.

Mikel Arteta’s team will be a bigger test than Chelsea were.

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Liverpool’s new Nike range of first-team kits have (as usual) divided opinion among the fanbase, but overall sales suggest they seem to be big wins with supporters.

The Reds ended their partnership with New Balance at the end of 2019/20 in favour of starting up with the sportswear giants Nike and some results were quickly seen as to why the club chose that direction.

LeBron James was pictured wearing a shirt soon after the home kit’s release, an early example of how the worldwide branding was sure to be on the up.

Now the club have confirmed that the new kits have all broken club records for sales, with each of the home, away and third jerseys showing “significant sales numbers”.

The official online store point to record traffic numbers on launch day, as well as purchases being higher, while the ‘Nike Express lifestyle collection’ has also been a big success.

Pleasingly, there’s also a collaborative effort between club and kit-maker to ensure a few locals get their hands on the kit. One hundred youngsters who have “made a difference to the community” were selected through their schools to receive the new kits, while there have also been efforts to encourage local coaching education and other initiatives since the Liverpool x Nike link-up.

The club’s claim of record kit sales is in contrast to recent local reports, with the Echo‘s Paul Gorst suggesting the Reds were down 12 per cent compared to last year and down 30 per cent on the goalkeeper kit.

It hasn’t all been plain-sailing, though, with the kit selling out in certain sizes – though this is in part due to stock shortfalls caused by coronavirus interrupting supply chains, according to Mike Cox, the club’s merchandising vice president, and new lines are on the way soon.

“This hugely significant demand has caused some operational complexities for us as we continue to operate under COVID-19 conditions, and it has also meant that we have sold out of some key home kit sizes.

“However, we’re working very closely with Nike on this and expect to receive a re-stock in October. We thank our supporters for their support and patience.”

The record sales point to further growth for the Reds, with these non-matchday revenue streams particularly important in 2020 with no supporters allowed inside the ground on matchdays at present.

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Liverpool might have done all the incoming business they intend to according to the latest reports – but Rhian Brewster‘s future remains clouded.

Ozan Kabak not on agenda this summer

Liverpool have been linked with a string of centre-backs all summer long, particularly since Dejan Lovren departed.

One of those who has been mentioned as being in the frame is Schalke’s talented young defender Ozan Kabak, but he’s not en route this summer.

In fact, no centre-back is likely to be, with the Athletic‘s James Pearce saying the Reds are happy with their options and don’t intend to buy another defender.

Fabinho, then, will continue as the fourth-choice central defensive option it seems, while Billy Koumetio could see senior action from time to time, too.

Brewster wanted by Palace…but no bid yet

Rhian Brewster looks likely to depart for this season at the very least, following the addition of Diogo Jota.

Earlier on Monday, Sky Sports released details of an “official bid” by Crystal Palace for the striker, which included a buyback option for the Reds—before the Palace club chairman shut them down on Twitter, saying the offer was “fabrication”.

Sky were embarrassingly forced to backtrack and have changed their news story somewhat, to now saying Palace are prepared to bid, with the same figures involved.

The buyback clause is £37 million and the Reds would have first refusal, while Palace would pay up to £25m including add-ons.

However, there’s also a note that Jurgen Klopp hasn’t fully decided on Brewster’s involvement for the season, so a loan is still possible…as is him staying around.

Best of the match reaction

The Reds were worthy winners at Stamford Bridge yesterday; here’s the best of the fall-out as we moved to two wins from two.

Quickfire LFC news

• A single pre-season with Diego Simeone was part of Diogo Jota‘s rise toward becoming a Red (TIA)

• Thiago turned down a move back to Barcelona despite an attempted face-to-face meeting with the midfielder (SportWitness)

• Two ex-Reds could join Derby County, with Jordon Ibe on a free and Bobby Duncan negotiating an unsurprising exit from Fiorentina (Telegraph)

• And Layton Stewart has spoken of his work with the Academy coaches after netting a hat-trick for the U18s (LFC)

Around the Prem

• Ilkay Gundogan misses City’s opener tonight after testing positive for coronavirus, a third squad member self-isolating so far (BBC)

• Mikel Arteta knows how to make his players feel as though they’re one happy family, saying the Gunners aren’t in contract talks with Lacazette having spent the past two months saying how happy they were that Aubameyang was close to signing (Mirror)

• Porto’s Alex Telles says he’s not arsed about rumours linking him to Man United, making him the 156th player to feel the same way this summer (Sport TV/Metro)

• And although outside the Prem, Inter are expected to sign Arturo Vidal today or tomorrow, freeing up a space in Barcelona’s midfield…make of that what you will (Marca)

Stupid lies of the day

Chelsea headlines on Sunday: Frank Lampard says goalkeeper Kepa “has to have support” to rediscover form after yet another error against the Reds.

Chelsea headlines on Monday: Deal agreed with Rennes for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Tweet of the day

James Milner. pic.twitter.com/uTdurSBIkp

— Caoimhe O'Neill (@CaoimheSport) September 21, 2020

Worth watching tonight

Prem games at 6 and just after 8, with free-spending Aston Villa taking on Sheffield United first and then Wolves playing Man City, who finally start their season.

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It took only 45 minutes for Thiago to write his name in the record books having hit the ground running on his Liverpool debut, and it was a positive sign of things to come.

Last Friday was akin to Christmas morning, the anticipation of what was to come elicited a childlike excitement for many, whereas Sunday was Boxing Day, the day where you can finally sit back, take stock and be grateful.

The build-up was long and well-documented, a ‘saga’ clouded in financial uncertainty, but the payoff, albeit only 45 minutes to date, was one which left nothing but a deep sense of satisfaction.

‘Thiago Time’ would be signalled for the start of the second half at Stamford Bridge, as he stepped into the vacant position left following Jordan Henderson’s withdrawal with a tight thigh, and the Reds immediately stood taller.

It said nothing about the captain, but everything about Thiago.

It’s clear one can’t get too ahead of themselves after a single half of football, which was played against 10 men, but the Spaniard’s cameo provided an early glimpse of what he brings to the table.

“We decided for Thiago because of the specific situation. Eleven versus 10, I think it helps, of course, it was the perfect step in,” Klopp said of handing Thiago his debut post-match.

“We scored two goals and he was on the pitch and played a good game, and everybody could see what he’s naturally doing.

“We didn’t speak to him about anything, about what we want, just play it. It’s clear when you’re in the centre, he wants to switch, he wants to chip, he wants to do these things. So we let him do it, and he did well.”

The new No. 6 rallied around his teammates before settling into the clash with expert ease, as Klopp had very well anticipated after making the bold move to give him a run-out after merely 49 hours as a Red.

Circumstances provided the ideal starting platform, with Andreas Christensen’s red card, but Thiago operated as though he was a veteran of this Liverpool side in the Premier League and not a player who had only just located his place in the dressing room.

It is what you would expect from a world-class operator and his natural game was one which saw him patrol the middle of the park, demand possession, bark out orders and laud his teammates for their intensity off the ball – which he received in kind from James Milner.

Not since Virgil van Dijk and Alisson arrived has a player made others stand taller in their presence so early into their career at Anfield.

Sadio Mane, who netted the match-winning double, spoke glowingly of his new teammate and the instantaneous awareness that the club have another “great player” on their hands.

“Not only me, all the world knows what he is capable of doing,” he said. “He is one of the best players in the world, so we are lucky to have Thiago in our team. And I think today he showed that he is a great player.”

You could sense a switch had been flipped after a first-half which saw Liverpool dominate possession but have little in the way of clear cut chances to show for it.

Everything went through the 29-year-old, he was head of quality control – so much so that he set a new record for the most successful passes in a 45 minute or less performance since records began in the Premier League in 2003, with 75.

He was surpassed by no other player on the field from either team across the entire 90 minutes, with Naby Keita (49) the closest for the Reds and Mateo Kovacic (64) for Chelsea.

Thiago’s debut pass map:

Are there any midfielders in the world better at dictating tempo from deep? pic.twitter.com/9xX7OrokUE

— Omar ? (@topimpacat) September 20, 2020

Acting as the anchor of the side, you would expect Thiago to rack up the numbers on the ball, but it was his added dynamism, fluidity and quick thinking which saw passing lanes utilised to an effect which has been lacking from Liverpool in the middle of the park.

He provides a possession-based option and can play balls into teammates and half-spaces which few others are able to identify, you need only to look at his balls over the top towards Liverpool’s front three and his deliveries which bypassed Chelsea‘s press and set the Reds on their way forward.

Conceding a clumsy penalty was his only drawback on an otherwise impeccable start to life at the club considering he had not participated in a full training session with the team prior to the game.

As aforementioned, it was only one half of football but it provided a taste of things to come as he continues to settle into the team and gets “used to our system” as Klopp noted after the final whistle.

“Defensively it was tricky for him because we set it up differently but when he had the ball, that’s him, he wants to pass the ball,” the boss added.

Now, Klopp and the coaching staff have valuable footage to analyse to assist Thiago in adapting to new demands which will see the next steps plotted out as he transitions from a Bayern way of life to Liverpool’s – one which will provide greater tactical flexibility across the board.

That could very well see him make his first start at Lincoln in the League Cup third round, or if the boss errs on the side of caution, considering Henderson’s knock, it could instead come against Arsenal.

For now, it’s more than acceptable to be feeling like a kid at Christmas as you consider the elegance Thiago oozes and the even greater levels he can take the team to – 45 minutes under his belt or not, Liverpool have a special talent on their hands.

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Diogo Jota signed for Liverpool last week, marking his rise from young midfield hopeful to new forward recruit for the best team in England.

The Portuguese attacker has had a quick upward trajectory in his career, from Pacos Ferreira to Atletico Madrid, a pit-stop at Porto, then Wolves and finally Anfield.

At age 23 it’s a fair few moves to have made already, but they have been carefully chosen to aid his career progression and with a determination to involve himself in first-team football instantly.

Jota has highlighted some key moments in his rise along the way, with Andy Brassell detailing several for the Independent today.

Most notably is the single pre-season he spent at Atletico in 2016; Jota never played a game for los rojiblancos, but did go through one of the notoriously tough summer spells under Diego Simeone and his coaches which “left some players throwing up on the sidelines.”

That intensity and the massive demands on the players were not the reason he left the Wanda Metropolitano club – or the Vicente Calderon club as they were at the time – but it still left an impression upon him as what was required to succeed at the highest level, given Atleti had just reached the Champions League final after he joined them.

However, Jota wanted to be playing, showcasing his abilities.

“I didn’t want to be always sat in the stand,” he said, when asked for the reason why he left Atletico so quickly.

The forward always wants to be involved, always wants to be improving, and an old Academy coach Vasco Seabra perhaps gave an insight as to why Jurgen Klopp will be such an admirer: “He trains like he plays. He’s humble, but very, very ambitious.”

It’s well-known that Klopp places as much emphasis on a character’s work rate and selflessness, just as much as their tactical understanding and technical traits.

Jota was questioned when he moved from one of the top clubs in Spain to a Championship outfit in Wolves, but once more that personal determination shone through as he excelled, in both that league and the top tier, to prove himself as capable of stepping up once more.

Even now after joining, there’s a feeling from some quarters he is coming in as a backup, a player who has quality, but is currently a tier below those he is now team-mates with.

If his past is anything to go by, and the comments made by both himself and his coaches can be believed, Jota shouldn’t be written off as anything other than another success story waiting to be written out at Anfield.

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Liverpool FC’s museum has launched a new exhibition celebrating the incredible achievements of the Reds’ 2019-20 squad.

The Boom Room, which will be housed in the Anfield museum from September 21, tells the epic story of Jürgen Klopp’s team throughout the record-breaking season which led them to their first league win in 30 years. 

Fans will also be able to see all four of the club’s most recent pieces of silverware on display together for the first time – as the Premier League, 2018-19 UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup trophies form a new display in the Kop Bar. 

A must-see for all Reds fans, the Boom Room exhibition pays homage to the players, staff and fans who contributed to making the Premier League dream a reality, showcasing players’ personalities as well as the squad’s world-class footballing talent. 

Including key items donated by the first-team squad, manager and backroom staff, the exhibition is a memorable celebration which encapsulates the enthusiasm, pride and excitement of an historic season. 

Highlights include the kit worn by captain Jordan Henderson, Klopp’s training tracksuit, match-worn boots from key games and a signed, unopened bottle of beer from the trophy lift night at Anfield.  

The Boot Room replaces the existing Steven Gerrard exhibition, with key items from that collection relocated to a new display within the museum.

Liverpool FC’s museum and stadium tour is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with late-night admission to the museum available 5pm-6.30pm from Tuesday September 22. 

Access to the trophy exhibition will be available as part of any paid visit to the museum or stadium tour daily throughout October. 

For more information or to book your visit, click here. Please note, all visits must be booked in advance.

Liverpool FC’s museum and stadium tour continues to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for guests in line with social distancing and industry guidelines.

Extensive health and safety measures have been implemented to ensure visitor safety. Capacity is limited to allow visitors to maintain social distancing, alongside the installation of hand-sanitiser stations and the addition of enhanced cleaning regimes.

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Liverpool FC’s museum has launched a new exhibition celebrating the incredible achievements of the Reds’ 2019-20 squad.

Liverpool FC has registered record-breaking sales for the start of the season for all three of its new Nike jerseys - home, away and third kit.

The 2020-21 home and away shirts have seen significant sales numbers since their launch in August, while the third kit – which was launched on general sale last week – has achieved record sales across the online store compared to previous third kits.

When the Reds’ home kit was revealed for the first time on Saturday August 1, the club’s online store experienced its most popular day, with traffic to the site and purchases made significantly higher than ever before.

Brand new this season, the club also launched the Nike Express lifestyle collection along with the training kit, which also saw huge sales across online platforms, breaking records based on previous years.

Working alongside Red Neighbours – the club’s local community programme – LFC is donating 100 home kits to young people in the Anfield area who have made a difference to their local community during lockdown.

The youngsters have been carefully selected by teachers from the 25 schools based near Anfield, local community leaders and the Red Neighbours team for the fantastic contribution they have made to support others in the local area during these challenging times.

Mike Cox, senior vice president, merchandising at Liverpool FC, said: “We have seen record-breaking sales of kit again as we start the new season; even higher than the sales we saw during the start of our previously most successful season last year. This exceeds our own high expectations and shows how our support continues to grow, particularly as our success on the pitch continues.

“Of course, this hugely significant demand has caused some operational complexities for us as we continue to operate under COVID-19 conditions, and it has also meant that we have sold out of some key home kit sizes. However, we’re working very closely with Nike on this and expect to receive a re-stock in October. We thank our supporters for their support and patience.”

For more information, please visit store.liverpoolfc.com.

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Liverpool FC has registered record-breaking sales for the start of the season for all three of its new Nike jerseys - home, away and third kit.

Hard work on the training pitch paid off for Layton Stewart as he bagged a classy hat-trick for Liverpool U18s on Saturday.

Hard work on the training pitch paid off for Layton Stewart as he bagged a classy hat-trick for Liverpool U18s on Saturday.

The 18-year-old was in clinical mood against Stoke City at the Academy and struck twice in the opening 45 minutes, with a precise, dinked finish followed by a cool penalty.

The pick of the bunch was his third after the break, however.

Collecting the ball outside the Stoke area, Stewart weighed up a curler into the far right corner and superbly achieved his objective to seal the personal treble.

Watch: U18s 5-0 Stoke in 90 seconds

And it was a case of practice makes perfect.

“I’ve done a lot of work in training with the likes of Bridgey [Marc Bridge-Wilkinson] and Alex [Inglethorpe], we’ve been doing it on different days. I tried it today and luckily enough it came off for me,” he told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.

“It’s always good to start the season with a hat-trick and it was a good team performance from the boys, you can’t take anything away from that.

“Of course, good to get on the scoresheet and get my first hat-trick.”

The 5-0 victory over Stoke represented Liverpool U18s’ first taste of competitive action since March 3 – one relished by Stewart and his teammates.

“It’s good to get back playing,” added the striker.

“Some lads [are] coming in from different countries and they have adapted well, and the players coming up have adapted well to the game. It’s very good to get back out there and get some minutes in our legs.”

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Liverpool need funds to cover purchases of £25m Thiago and £45m Diogo Jota

Last Updated: 21/09/20 2:00pm

Rhian Brewster has made four senior appearances for Liverpool

Crystal Palace have made a formal bid of £19m plus £6m in add-ons for Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster.

The offer includes the option for Liverpool to have first refusal, and buy the player back for £37m in the future.

Jurgen Klopp has not fully decided whether Brewster will figure in his plans this season, though Sky Sports News has been told he is now prepared to let the 20-year-old leave - with Liverpool needing funds to cover the purchases of £25m Thiago and £45m Diogo Jota.

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Brewster also scored 10 goals in 20 Championship games last season while on loan at Swansea and is keen on discussing the idea of a move, in order to get more first-team football.

It now looks like Palace are the front runners in the chase for Brewster's signature - although up to six Premier League clubs - including Sheffield United, Newcastle and Brighton - are also keen on him.

Last month, Brewster made a substitute appearance in Liverpool's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and missed the crucial penalty in the shoot-out.

13:17 Sky Sports assess Rhian Brewster and explain why the striker on loan at Swansea from Liverpool is set to be a star of the future in English football. Sky Sports assess Rhian Brewster and explain why the striker on loan at Swansea from Liverpool is set to be a star of the future in English football. Brewster: A future star 4:28 A selection of Rhian Brewster's best goals for Swansea this season in the EFL Championship. A selection of Rhian Brewster's best goals for Swansea this season in the EFL Championship.

Analysis by Sky Sports' EFL pundits Keith Andrews and Don Goodman:

Sky Sports assess Brewster's attributes and explain why the Liverpool striker, 20, is set to be a star of the future in English football.

"He just looks very comfortable and with the composure that he shows in front of goal, he is lethal," says Andrews. "His general build-up play maybe needs to be worked on but there's going to be aspects of every part of his game that slightly need to be worked on.

"The biggest thing he's got going for him is the fact that he's an instinctive finisher. He doesn't thrash at things, he's very composed and he has a knack for heading as well.

"He can't overpower 6ft 2in centre halves, he has to out-cute them. He has to get in between areas and he does that very well."

Summer transfer window - key dates and times

The summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday October 5 with a feast of activity lined up on Transfer Deadline Day on Sky Sports News and across our Sky Sports platforms.

A domestic-only window for deals between the Premier League and EFL then runs from October 5 and closes on Friday October 16 at 5pm. Follow all the news and analysis on SSN and across Sky Sports' digital platforms, including with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

ONE MILLION POUNDS! Can you imagine?

You read correctly. Do not miss your chance to scoop £1m for free in this week's Super 6 round. Play for free, entries by 3pm Saturday.

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Liverpool U21s' EFL Trophy tie away at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night will now kick off at 7pm BST.

Supporters are reminded this is a behind-closed-doors fixture at the DW Stadium.

Barry Lewtas' charges will also face Tranmere Rovers and Port Vale in Group D of the northern section of the competition, which sees teams play each other once only.

Due to competition rules, extended highlights will be made available to watch on LFCTV and LFCTV GO on Wednesday afternoon.

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Liverpool U21s' EFL Trophy tie away at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night will now kick off at 7pm BST.

Jürgen Klopp has provided a further update on the fitness of Liverpool defenders Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

The pair missed Sunday's 2-0 victory at Chelsea due to injury, with Fabinho deputising at centre-half to partner Virgil van Dijk. 

Asked about the condition of Gomez and Matip post-match, the Reds boss told Liverpoolfc.com: "Joe actually should be fine.

"It was not now really a big one but we have to see. We should be fine Monday already. 

"With Joel, it could be slightly different. It's not the worst thing in the world but a few weeks, a couple of weeks. Probably after the international break he will be ready again. So we have to see. It's not cool. 

"It's crazy, in one day 'bam bam' but we have Fabinho and he played an exceptional game, so that was really, really nice."

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