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Paul Pogba is generating Inter Miami speculation again, with the World Cup winner meeting David Beckham while attending the Herons’ MLS season opener.

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• World Cup winner is a free agent
• Can resume his career in March
• Linked with teams around the world

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The France international is approaching the end of a doping ban that led to his contract at Serie A side Juventus being terminated. Pogba is available as a free agent and will be clear to resume his professional career from March.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Various clubs from around the world, including Manchester United and Marseille, have been linked with moves to bring Pogba onto their books. There has also been talk of the 31-year-old midfielder chasing the American dream.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He is in the United States at present, as he works on building his fitness, and took the opportunity to catch Inter Miami in action when they lined up against New York City FC. Pogba was one of several A-list guests at that fixture, alongside the likes of Serena Williams and Eva Longoria.

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• TELL ME MORE

  Ex-United star Pogba caught up with Red Devils legend Beckham while in Florida, and may have floated the idea of joining the Herons’ ranks during that discussion. He does, however, represent a gamble for any potential employer having not made a competitive appearance since September 3, 2024.

Six-pointer is a term often used too freely in football, but Everton’s Premier League fixture against West Ham United on Saturday should be billed as such.

For the hosts, a poor performance could spell the end of Julen Lopetegui’s fledgling tenure, if reports are to be believed, with the Spaniard failing to inspire belief or fluency across the opening months of the campaign.

Everton, conversely, have lost just one of their past six matches, but after starting the term with four top-flight defeats on the trot, there’s just cause for concerns around Sean Dyche’s position, especially with The Friedkin Group moving to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s 94% stake in the club, signalling the start of a new era.

The London Stadium has become a hotbed of trepidation and discontent, and this might be the perfect opportunity for The Toffees to latch onto the malaise and leapfrog the 14th-placed Londoners.

Everton team news

Jarrad Branthwaite has been introduced late on in both of Everton’s recent Premier League fixtures. Having recovered from injury, the touted centre-back could be in line for a mood-raising starting berth.

Having missed last week’s loss against Southampton, key midfield star Abdoulaye Doucoure is set to return, which comes as a big boost.

James Garner (back), Tim Iroegbunam and Youssef Chermiti (both foot) are still out of action, while Dyche has confirmed that Armando Broja, who was signed this summer but has not yet made his Everton debut, is expected to join team training during the imminent international break.

Even without Broja’s availability, Dyche must be thinking about dropping Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has flattered to deceive of late.

Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be dropped

Praise for Calvert-Lewin; he’s started ten successive Premier League matches to start the campaign. The last time such a feat was achieved was in 2020/21 before injuries claimed his fluency.

He had scored ten from ten at that stage, with his performances leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to state that “Carlo Ancelotti created a monster”.

Last year was spent getting back on track, but Calvert-Lewin has been poor in recent games and must now be dropped. When comparing the striker’s metrics against his own from last year, it can be seen that Calvert-Lewin has missed a shocking 23 big chances in the Premier League since the start of last season, despite only scoring nine goals in the same timeframe.

Moreover, the 6 foot 3 sensation has been caught offside 16 times in the Premier League this year, five times more than any other player.

His fitness levels have been brilliant this season, unfaltering in his persistence to start and serve as a focal point, but the number nine has not posted a goal contribution since Everton escaped their dismal start to the campaign, and perhaps now should be dropped.

Broja may not be ready, but Everton have the perfect alternative to step into the starting line-up. Beto, indeed, deserves a shot.

Beto could send Lopetegui packing

Beto has lifted his form and then some in recent weeks, scoring the last-gasp equaliser against Fulham two weeks back before rattling the crossbar and scoring a marginally offside goal either side of Adam Armstrong’s winner at St. Mary’s one week ago.

The Portugal-born forward has left plenty to be desired since signing from Udinese in a deal worth £25m, for sure, but he’s showing tentative signs of finding his feet and should now be handed his first Premier League starting berth of the season.

Despite having played infrequently for Everton this term the Guinea-Bissau international has won 1.2 aerial battles per game, as per Sofascore, which also stands at a 64% success rate.

Southampton scored a big win over Everton last time out. It reminded the Blues faithful that this will be a season of fighting, ups and downs both, and that Dyche will need to call upon the many members of his squad to ensure success in preserving top-flight status.

He’d be the first to admit that he hasn’t been up to scratch in Merseyside, scoring just four times in the Premier League across 36 appearances, but there’s no question about the muscular physique and commanding style that makes him the perfect fit for an important role under Dyche’s wing.

Once hailed for his “Lukaku-esque” qualities by the earlier-mentioned Kulig, he does show properties that emulate a one-time iteration of striker Romelu Lukaku, blessed with pace that could be utilised against the West Ham backline.

Calvert-Lewin might be caught offside with frustrating regularity, but Beto has the wheels to open up a new dimension for Dyche’s outfit, something that the likes of Dwight McNeil could feast upon in east London, threading passes through and stretching lines, concurrently allowing Iliman Ndiaye to overlap down the left.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Beto is starting to find his feet. He might not have got his name on the score sheet last time but he harnessed that confident energy that had been created through a well-worked goal against Fulham.

Dyche might prefer Calvert-Lewin as his starting option, but he’s not doing enough right now and Beto should be unleashed from the outset to ensure that Everton secure three points and perhaps leave the London Stadium having sentenced Lopetegui to the swing of the axe.

Everton had the next Barkley in teen talent, then he was sold for £1.5m

Everton once had the dream Barkley heir but he was sold for just £1.5m.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 8, 2024

A group chat message has revealed that Marcus Rashford is impressing Aston Villa youngsters with his performances in training.

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• Villa youngster impressed by Rashford
• Forward on loan from Man Utd
• Made an impressive start at new club

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Villa youngster Cole Brannigan is working through the age-group teams and has trained with the seniors. Brannigan was so impressed by Rashford that he texted his family group chat raving about his performance.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rashford has made a fast start to life at Villa, most recently setting up Marco Asensio's opener in the 2-0 FA Cup fifth round victory over Cardiff. The forward also assisted Asensio twice in last week's 2-1 win over Chelsea.

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  WHAT BRANNIGAN SAID

  Brannigan told News Letter: "We played them and he [Rashford] trained. He's by far the best player I've seen technically with the ball, he was absolutely ridiculous. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. We have a family group chat and I just put in 'Marcus Rashford is absolutely ridiculous'. Having Marcus Rashford at the club, he's someone for me to look up to. The club do a good job in asking those players questions so you try and use that to improve your own game."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

  Rashford will be hoping to score his first Villa goal since completing a loan move from Manchester United when they take on Club Brugge in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday.

Chelsea will not part ways with Enzo Maresca at the end of the season irrespective of their position in the Premier League.

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• Chelsea set to continue with Maresca
• Won't be sacked after just one season
• Blues fighting for a top-four finish

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues started the 2024-25 campaign strongly under new head coach Maresca's tutelage and were even considered as one of the contenders to win the Premier League title until December. However, their form took a dip at Christmas and they are now battling for a spot among the top four teams in the league.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There has been speculation over the Italian coach's future at Stamford Bridge, but Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea are not planning to sack their head coach after just one season in charge. In his column for , Romano claimed that, unlike in the case of Mauricio Pochettino last season, the club leadership has full faith in Maresca's abilities as they believe that the manager can improve the team. The ex-Leicester City boss is considered 'untouchable' in the club's project and they are reportedly consulting the head coach in decisions on team building for the next season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In an interview with in January, the 45-year-old manager claimed that the Blues are ahead of schedule in terms of fulfilling the club's target for the 2024-25 season as set by the owners. He said: "The club asked to play Champions League in two years. If we are able to bring this club after one year, it will be fantastic. In the next five to 10 years, Chelsea will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The west London side will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League round-of-16 tie.

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim oversaw his first training session as the club’s manager in the last couple of days – preparing for his opening match on Sunday.

The 39-year-old was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor after the Dutchman’s dismissal following the defeat to West Ham United at the end of October, adding needed excitement to the club’s fanbase after months of below-par performances.

Amorim is likely to operate with the 3-4-3 system that brought him success during his time with Sporting CP, achieving a 71% win rate during his three years in charge.

It could allow for a new lease of life for certain players, with Antony captured featuring in a right wing-back role during one of the sessions earlier this week, a position that could allow the Brazilian to resurrect his Red Devils career.

Numerous positions and players are certainly up for debate, but one position is seriously lacking in options, leaving the new boss with a decision to make in the coming weeks.

United’s current left wing-back options

Luke Shaw is a player who has been plagued with injuries over the last couple of years, massively halting his progress at Old Trafford under various managers.

The England international only made 15 appearances in all competitions last season under Ten Hag, but still received a call-up for Euro 2024 despite his injury troubles.

He’s still yet to feature during the ongoing campaign but could edge closer to a return to action under Amorim in the coming weeks, after returning to training.

Full-back Tyrell Malacia has been a long-term absentee, missing from the squad for over 18 months with various injury setbacks and often being the forgotten man at Old Trafford.

However, the Dutchman has appeared from the darkness over the last couple of weeks, making a return to action for the U21 side following his long injury layoff, potentially staking his claim for a return to action under the new boss.

Diogo Dalot has been a utility man at the back for United over the last few months, either featuring in his natural right-sided role or even covering on the opposite side as a result of the injury crisis

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The Portugal international has been ever-present this campaign, featuring in every single outing in league and cup competitions, highlighting his importance to the first team.

Dalot won the club’s Players Player of the Year award last season, with the 25-year-old hoping to maintain his high levels of performance under his compatriot.

He could be allowed to feature in his natural role in the coming months, should the hierarchy secure a deal for one player who would drastically improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

Amorim's dream left wing-back in January

It was confirmed earlier this week that the new boss would have to work on a strict budget during the upcoming window to fit into the club’s current cost-cutting operation.

Whilst it could allow players currently in Manchester to regain their form and return to a regular starting role, the window also presents an opportunity to further bolster the side and sign players who can have a huge impact under Amorim.

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is one player who has been touted with a move to United in recent days, with his form this season catching the eye for Marco Silva’s side once again.

The American has posted some incredible numbers during the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, potentially making the dream wing-back for Amorim at Old Trafford.

Robinson, who’s previously been dubbed as “one of the best left-backs in the world” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has started every league outing this campaign, registering a total of 22 tackles won – an average of two per game.

He’s also won 59 duels and made 42 recoveries, demonstrating he has the defensive capability to fit straight into a wing-back role in the 39-year-old’s system.

However, Robinson has also completed 83% of the passes he’s attempted, creating ten chances in the final third and providing three assists in the process – showcasing his talents at both ends of the pitch for Fulham.

He’s also managed over 30 appearances in each of his last five seasons as a professional, providing that consistent figure that the club have often lacked in the left-back position in recent times.

Whilst it’s unclear how much any deal would cost the Red Devils in January, it’s clear from his stats that he would massively bolster the options available to Amorim during his opening months at the helm.

He will undoubtedly want to get the best out of the current crop of first-team options at the club, but deals can’t be ruled out with the 27-year-old needing to be at the top end of his shopping list.

Forgotten Man Utd ace looks vital after Amorim's first training session

Ruben Amorim held his first training session at Manchester United on Monday.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 19, 2024

Sam Smith stole the show as Wrexham leapfrogged Wycombe into second place in a tight League One clash.

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• Wrexham beat Wycombe 1-0
• Smith scored the winner late in the final quarter
• Red Dragons move to second spot in the standings

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  TELL ME MORE

  Phil Parkinson wanted a reaction from his men following a 2-0 defeat to Reading midweek but after a lacklustre first-half display on Saturday, the manager fumingly raced down the tunnel to the dressing room. Wrexham looked clueless in attack, managed just one shot on target and had a passing accuracy of just 62 percent in the first 45 minutes.

  Parkinson packed his midfield to win the battle at the centre of the park, but little did that trouble Wycombe. They looked threatening going forward and the Red Dragons had to keep it tight at the back to keep the match goalless at half-time. It was not until the 60th minute that Parkinson's men got a clear sight at goal but Smith was denied by the woodwork. The match was clamouring for fresh legs and Parkinson introduced Steven Fletcher and Elliot Lee to turn up the heat.

  The changes did the trick as it was Fletcher who set up Smith in the 78th minute for the opener. The header fell kindly for the striker and Smith volleyed a shot into the roof of the net to send the 1800-strong Wrexham support into a frenzy. The goal could have massive significance on the final standings as by virtue of the victory, Wrexham moved to the second spot ahead of Wycombe – albeit having played a match more.

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• MATCH SUSPENDED DUE TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY

  The match had to be suspended for almost 45 minutes due to a medical emergency in the Wrexham stand. The medics were prompt to attend the person and after providing immediate treatment, the person was taken away to a hospital for further tests.

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  THE MVP

  Smith emerged as the difference maker between the two sides with a clinical finish and he was undoubtedly the MVP of the match. The striker could have even bagged a brace but for the woodwork.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  While Smith put in an impressive shift at Adams Park, his strike partner, Jay Rodriguez had another afternoon to forget. After joining from Burnley in the winter transfer window, the striker is yet to find the net and the pressure continues to build. He was struggling to get involved in the match and Parkinson had to take him off in the 70th minute, putting an end to another frustrating afternoon in front of goal.

Fresh off the back of their first Premier League win of the season, Ipswich Town host Manchester United this weekend in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of the Red Devils.

The match will also be Kieran McKenna’s first against United since the Northern Irishman left his role as a first-team coach at Old Trafford to take over as Ipswich boss in 2021.

Speaking at a Fans’ Forum this week, McKenna described the upcoming clash as “the biggest game in world football anywhere this weekend”.

“The biggest game in the world, in the biggest sport in the world, and it’s at Portman Road,” he said. “It’s in Ipswich and there’s nothing that could make me more proud than that, really.”

McKenna said that while the headlines will no doubt be focused on Anorim, who was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month, from his perspective, the game is more a testament to Ipswich’s hard work in recent years.

The Tractor Boys were in League One when McKenna took over, but back-to-back promotions have seen them return to the Premier League for the first time in 20 years.

“For me, it’s more about Ipswich Town and our journey and the fact that we’re back in the Premier League after so many years.”

Ipswich Town make contact for Brazilian winger

Even if Ipswich manage to spoil Anorim’s welcome party, they will still have plenty to do if they are to avoid relegation this season. McKenna’s side are currently 17th in the top flight, just four points off the bottom of the table after 11 games played.

To try and ensure their safety, the Tractor Boys could look to bring in reinforcements after the New Year, one of whom is Vasco da Gama winger Rayan Vitor.

Delap's dream transfer: Ipswich could sign "explosive" £11m EFL star

The sensational talent would help make Ipswich’s star striker even more dangerous.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 20, 2024

According to GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, Ipswich, alongside both Brighton and Southampton, have made contact by enquiring about a January move for the Brazilian teenager, who has been impressing in his home country.

West Ham have also been linked last month and Jacobs claims a £15 million January transfer could be on the cards, though it’s unclear to which club.

Who is Rayan Vitor?

Rayan, 18, joined Vasco de Gama when he was just six years old. His performances for the club’s U-17s in 2022, which saw him score 29 goals in 34 games, caught the attention of Spanish giants FC Barcelona, according to SPORT.

Since making his professional debut last year, he’s made 22 appearances for Vasco in Brazil’s Serie A, while he has also been capped by Brazil’s Under-20s.

A left-footed right-winger who is capable of playing on both sides and through the centre, Rayan has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances for Vasco, including from South American football expert Nathan Joyes, who likened him to Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

“The physical, bulldozing forward has similar qualities to Taiwo Awoniyi – only with more elegance and skill with the ball at his feet,” Joyes wrote of the teenager.

Arsenal now lead several European sides in the race to sign an exciting talent who will be available for nothing in 2025, according to a fresh report, as they look to continue their quest for Premier League dominance.

Arsenal back on track after sticky Premier League period

Mikel Arteta’s side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over high-flying Nottingham Forest as they returned to winning ways in north London.

It had been a tricky period for the Gunners prior to the November international break, with the Premier League title hopefuls winning just two of their last seven games across all competitions and not having won in the Premier League since a 3-1 win over Southampton at the beginning of October.

Losses to Newcastle and Bournemouth, combined with draws against Chelsea and Liverpool, had left them well adrift in the Premier League title race.

However, their latest win, combined with a 4-0 loss for reigning champions Manchester City at the hands of their north London rivals Tottenham, moved Arsenal to within a point of the Cityzens, albeit still a long way behind current Premier League leaders Liverpool.

With a favourable run of games ahead, Arteta and his side will be hoping to put together a run of form like that which they have watched Manchester City manage in the last two seasons to ultimately beat them to top spot.

Attention is already beginning to turn to transfers though, with Arsenal keen to strengthen their attack in the coming windows. Now, they could have identified a bargain.

Arsenal in pole position to sign Spanish talent

That comes according to Caught Offside, who name Arsenal as the leader in the race to sign Malaga teenage talent Antonio Cordero, ahead of the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.

The teenage sensation is currently plying his trade in La Liga 2, having scored the goal to get Malaga back into the second tier of Spanish football. Only 18 years old, he has managed three goals and three assists in 13 outings for the south-coast side this season and has caught the eye of several of Europe’s elite.

Arsenal have unleashed their next Fabregas & it’s not Nwaneri or Odegaard

Ethan Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard starred as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 24, 2024

He is seen as a Spanish talent with huge potential, with Rising Stars XI taking to X to hail his “world-class” performance against local rivals Granada and adding that the forward is “a very technically gifted winger, a great shot creator and very fast”.

Though right-footed, he is comfortable playing on either side of attack and is out of contract this summer, meaning that he could leave for free in a matter of months.

And Caught Offside report that “Arsenal have been courting” the teenager and are leading the chase, though they “face stiff competition for the player’s signature”, with the report suggesting that a January move could be on the cards as Malaga look to receive a fee for their talent.

Any move would likely be a low-risk one from the Gunners, with Cordero unlikely to become part of the first team immediately given the current options in wide areas. Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus can all play across the front line as well as regular starters Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, and Arteta is already trying to integrate one young talent in the form of Ethan Nwaneri, meaning that Cordero is unlikely to see much game time should he remain in north London.

A low-cost signing though, the Spaniard could arrive before being sent out on loan to gain more experience with a view to future integration.

Alan Shearer is surprised to see Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson called up for England but believes Marcus Rashford deserves his place.

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• Tuchel made surprise calls with England squad
• Henderson, Burn and Rashford all included
• Shearer surprised to see some names

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-Newcastle, Blackburn and England striker believes it was a rogue decision for the new Three Lions boss to recall Henderson considering the midfield talent on offer to Tuchel. The Premier League winner was also pleasantly surprised to see Burn on the list – although his opinion has likely changed following the Newcastle man's goal in the Carabao Cup final. As for Rashford, Shearer believes his Aston Villa form warrants a call-up and expects the decision to give the Man Utd outcast a huge boost in confidence.

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  WHAT SHEARER SAID

  In his latest column, the Betfair ambassador said: "Big Dan Burn was a surprise call up from Tuchel. Having said that, it is thoroughly deserved. He's been one of Newcastle's best players this season. But I don't think anyone thought he'd be in the England squad.

  "Jordan Henderson's return is a bit leftfield. That's an interesting one. I think Jarell Quansah has got great potential. Maybe Tuchel is getting him in there for the experience because he hasn't played that much football.

  "Marcus Rashford has been back to what we expect to see from him in recent matches. He seems to have got a spring in his step and his love back for the game.

  "It's a big call from Thomas Tuchel because there are other players in Rashford's position but there's no doubt that he deserves the call-up. He was given another opportunity by Villa and it was up to him – and up to now, he's taken it.

  "The call up will be a massive boost for his confidence. It's a big call and when a big call goes your way, it gives you a huge lift."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since being announced as Gareth Southgate's successor, Tuchel has had plenty of time to study his squad and watch them in action. Henderson and Burn's inclusions suggest the former Bayern Munich boss is eager to have some experience in his crop but also appears willing to give players second chances – which is reflected in Rashford's selection.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Shearer and the rest of the country will have the chance to watch Tuchel's new-look England on March 21 when they face Albania, before they take on Latvia four days later, with both games being played at Wembley.

Once the powerhouse of Portuguese soccer, the storied club have been starved of domestic success over the past few years

Porto used to be the team that everyone feared in Portugal. From the great squads of the 1990s to the Champions League winners – managed by Jose Mourinho – in 2004, the historic club were a European powerhouse that rolled through their domestic league.

Only Benfica have more league titles. The next closest team, Sporting CP, have 10 fewer.

But of late, they have gone somewhat dormant, starved of domestic success. The talent that once paced their success has dried up, and although a cup win last year eased the pain – and ensured that they qualified for the Europa League – there is no longer the same star power that made this side a genuine competitor on the world stage.

Still, there is history here, and that counts for something. Meanwhile, the dangerous striker Samu Aghehowa can make things happen up front. A kind group, too, could see coach Martin Anselmi's side into the knockout stages with relative comfort. And once they get there, anything can happen.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is Porto, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for one of two Portuguese representatives at the tournament.

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  The Basics

  DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Primeira Liga

  CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: None

  GROUP: A (Inter Miami, Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly FC)

  OPENING MATCH: Palmeiras – June 15, 6 p.m., New York

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  How they got here

  Porto did things the traditional way, qualifying for the tournament based on the fact that they were Portugal's most successful club in UEFA's four-year ranking. Strong performances in the league, cup, and a couple of strong European showings – including a Champions League last eight appearance in 2021 – buoyed their coefficient.

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  The player to watch

  Porto don't have the devastating star power of years past, but there is certainly some talent to be found here. The main man is Samu Aghehowa. Formerly of Atletico Madrid and Getafe, the center forward offers a good mix of goalscoring form and tactical nous through the middle.

  A Spain international, Aghehowa has come into his own under the tutelage of Martin Anselmi and has 14 goals in the league this season.

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  Realistic expectations

  Porto are favorites to advance out of an admittedly weak group. Palmeiras will pose a threat – such is their youth talent – while Inter Miami are always dangerous with Lionel Messi in their ranks. But the Dragons just have more quality, and more big game experience, than everyone else.

  Once knockouts come, things are up in the air. They are in a tough half of the bracket, and would likely play either Atletico Madrid or PSG in the next round – neither of which would be a particularly friendly matchup for the Portuguese side. Anything beyond that would be something of an overperformance.