Jimbo welcomes Duncan Alexander, Charlie Eccleshare and Benji Lanyado into The Athletic studio to analyse a big weekend across multiple competitions. Arsenal head to West Ham in the Premier League with the Hammers looking for a 3rd win over the Gunners this season. Do we have Arteta’s team right in terms of what kind of team they are? And why do some West Ham fans continue to be unhappy with David Moyes? Aston Villa take on red-hot Man United at Villa Park. Now that United are taking their chances, is Bruno Fernandes’s hard work about to be rewarded? It was a bad midweek for Villa as they were well beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup. But can we really trust Pochettino’s side to keep this going? Our AFCON final is set for Sunday - Daniel Storey joins us to preview the best team in the competition Nigeria, up against the miracle-working hosts Ivory Coast. Plus the Southampton way, and the Britpop Kevin De Bruyne. Produced by Charlie Jones. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: Chelsea outclass Villa to headline FA Cup replays (02.00) • PART 2a: Man City v Everton preview (11.45) • PART 2b: West Ham v Arsenal preview (18.00) • PART 3a: Aston Villa v Man United preview (33.00) • PART 3b: Tottenham v Brighton preview (36.00) • PART 3c: The rest of the Premier League weekend (42.00) • PART 4: AFCON final preview with Daniel Storey (53.00) SIGN UP TO THE ATHLETIC TODAY FOR £2 A MONTH FOR 12 MONTHS • theathletic.com/totally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The consideration around which of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is better may eventually have been answered following the former’s World Cup achievement last year. But, for those that quietly need conversion, we ’ve had a look at how the brace’s ridiculously piled trophy lockers compare. Messi and Ronaldo are without distrustfulness the two greatest Footballer of their generation. Between them, they've scored over 1500 career goals and handed many times of inconceivable skills or game- winning prowess. They've also picked up nine - UCL, 17 domestic - titles, two senior international tournament title and dozens of other collaborative and individual commendations. Succeeding his World Cup heroics, Messi just collected his rearmost individual accolade by uplifting a history- outstretching eighth Ballon d’Or after assisting PSG hold their Ligue 1 title in 2022- 23 – and covering on to hold his FIFA ‘ The Best ’ award. The two era- outlining heroes are now into the nightfall years of their careers in the United States and Saudi Arabia individually, where they ’ve inescapably lifted yet more silver. There are aplenty out there who would like to form the explanation for one footballer over the other, but Messi and Ronaldo typically prefer to avoid accelerating contestation. In reality, it seems they do n’t mind each other at all. “ We ’re associates, ” Ronaldo narrated Marca in 2014. “ We ’re work amigos, so to talk, and so, obviously, we do n’t have a relation outside the world of football, just as we do n’t with a lot of other athletes. “ He tries to do his best for his club and for his national team, as I do, and there's a degree of rivalry with both of us trying to do the best for the teams we represent We've to look on this rivalry with a positive spirit because it’s a good thing. ” In 2018, when Ronaldo transferred to Juventus from Real Madrid, Messi stated FM Club 947 “ Although it was a bit tricky to see him win trophies, he gave La Liga prestige. ” Which of them, however, has the bigger collection of silver? We ’ve busted down both the awards they ’ve won with their separate clubs and national teams and those they ’ve held as individualities. Remark for the years in which the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or were combined, we've numbered the award as a Ballon d’Or. We've also not contained top scorer or competition- especial individual awards, only those for which players in any European league are eligible. Lionel Messi Team Domestic La Liga 10( 2004- 05, 2005- 06, 2008- 09, 2009- 10, 2010- 11, 2012- 13, 2014- 15, 2015- 16, 2017- 18, 2018- 19) Ligue 1 2( 2021- 22, 2022- 23) Copa Del Rey 7( 2008- 09, 11-12, 14-15, 15-16, 16-17, 17-18, 20-21) Spanish Super Cup 8( 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019) Trophee des Champions 1( 2022) Continental Champions League 4( 2005- 06, 2008- 09, 2010- 11, 2014- 15) Leagues Cup x 1( 2023) UEFA Super Cup 3( 2009, 2011, 2015) Other FIFA Club World Cup 3( 2009, 2011, 2015) International World Cup 1( 2022) Copa America 1( 2021) Olympics 1( 2008) Total 42 Individual Ballon d’Or 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023) The Best FIFA Men’s Player 4 (2009, 2019, 2022 and 2023) UEFA Best Player in Europe 2 (2011 and 2015) Total 14 Cristiano Ronaldo Team Domestic English Premier League 3 ( 2006- 07, 2007- 08 and 2008- 09) La Liga 2( 2011- 12, 2016- 17) Serie A 2( 2018- 19, 2019- 20) English League Cup 2( 2005- 06 and 2008- 09) FA Cup 1( 2003- 04) Copa Del Rey 2( 2010- 11, 2013- 14) Coppa Italia 1( 2020- 21) Portuguese Super Cup 1( 2002) Community Shield 1( 2007) Spanish Super Cup 2( 2013, 2018) Italian Super Cup 2( 2019, 2021) Continental Champions League 5 (2007- 08, 2013- 14, 2015- 16, 2016- 17 and 2017- 18) UEFA Super Cup 2( 2014, 2017) Arab Club Champions Cup( 2023) Other FIFA Club World Cup 4( 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017) International UEFA European Championship 1( 2016) UEFA Nations League 1( 2019) Total 33 Individual Ballon d’Or 5( 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017) The Best FIFA Men’s Player 3( 2008, 2016, 2017) UEFA Best Player in Europe 3( 2014, 2016, 2017) Total 11

Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day… What started with a multi-million-pound pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2022 soon expanded to include the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and of course, Jordan Henderson. Well, now it seems Henderson wants out - and to return to the Premier League. But it may not be that easy and could come at a significant cost... So what would an exit from the Saudi Pro League cost Henderson? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Sarah Shephard & Oliver Kay. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is back with the latest episode of Redmen Bitesize as reports suggest that Liverpool are keeping an eye on Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande and have scouted Benfica's Antonio Silva. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City and Portugal defender Ruben Dias is the latest guest on the Official Man City podcast. A rock at the back for City since arriving in 2020, Dias has been integral to the most successful period in the Club's history. Dias has won all three Premier League titles he has competed for as well as an FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League. The centre back particularly made an impact in his first campaign, winning the Club's Player of the Year trophy and the Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards. Since then he has gone on to become one of the Club's five captains and a leader on and off the pitch whether wearing the armband or not. His role in last season's Treble could not be overstated, with Dias striking up a perfect partnership with John Stones and adapting to covering as Stones stepped into midfield. Dias has now played 156 times for City and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in our history. In this podcast, he chats with hosts Rob Pollard and Nedum Onuoha on his route into football, competing with his brother, taking on his dad’s advice and how he became the player we know today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ballond'Or is the most reputable individual gem in football. Lionel Messi harvested up a history- extending eighth Ballond'Or before this year thanks to his unbelievable performance at both international and domestic games in the 2022- 23 season. The competition for the 2024 edition of football's most coveted respective honour began at the launch of the 2023- 24 season. With Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the most dominant footballers in the history of the football award, now in their late 30s, there is every luck that we could find a new Ballon d'Or winner this time. Without additional ado, let's take a look at the top five favourites to win the 2024 Ballond'Or( January 2024). 5 Cristiano Ronaldo( Portugal/ Al- Nassr) Despite having moved to Saudi Arabian club Al- Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's stunts have made it nearly unrealizable to look past him in the environment of the Ballond'Or. Ronaldo has been in unbelievable form for both club and national team of late. He has scored 24 - and supplied 11 assists in 25 games across all tournaments for Al- Nassr so far this season. Ronaldo has been edgy in front of goal and has also impressed with his capability to produce goalscoring openings for his teammates. The 38- year-old has served a great job for Portugal as well. They're one of the early favourites to win the 2024 Euros and if that happens, Ronaldo could really well have a fitted ending chapter to his fantastic career. 4 Kylian Mbappe( France Paris Saint- Germain) Kylian Mbappe is completely angled to win numerous Ballonsd'Or in the future. He clearly has what it takes and has formerly come enough near on a couple of times. Could 2024 be his time? So far, Mbappe has put his sporty foot ahead but there is a passion that Paris Saint- Germain are clutching him back as he seems to be packing them once more. The Frenchman has scored 22 goals and delivered two assists in 23 games across all tournaments for PSG so far this season. Mbappe's possibility of winning the Ballond'Or will also depend on how far France progress at the Euros. 3 Mohamed Salah( Egypt/ Liverpool) Mohamed Salah ever played to finalize just outside the Ballond'Or top 10 in 2023 despite Liverpool having a delicate movement. The' Egyptian King' has only gotten more this season and has been ripping it up for the English giant. While a lack of Champions League football will affect his circumstances, the transparent calculation that Salah is setting up make him a good seeker in the race for the 2024 Ballond'Or. In 27 games across all tournaments so far this season for Jurgen Klopp's side, the 31- year-aged has delivered 18 goals and completed nine assists. 2 Jude Bellingham( England/ Real Madrid) Having landed to life at Real Madrid like a fish to water, Jude Bellingham has left the world in admiration of his fantastic capability at the tender age of 20. addicts across the world have seen him raise over the former several years but it's accomplished that the rankings he has unveiled since the launch of the 2023- 24 season are moderately exceptional. Bellingham has existed Real Madrid's main key player so far this tour. In his early days at the squad, he has formed an impact related to the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. The Englishman can hopefully nourish this performance for the expanse of the campaign. He'll also play a vital part for England at the 2024 Euros. Bellingham has packed 17 goals and formed five assists in 22 apps across all tournaments for Real Madrid so far this season. 1 Harry Kane( England/ Bayern Munich) Having broken up free of the impediment that clutched him back at Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane seems to retain uncorked a new gear at his new team Bayern Munich. The signals were always there and a 30- goal reply in his closing Premier League season told volumes of his world- class capability. In the first half of the 2023- 24 season, the Englishman has displayed just how fast he can be when circled by players of a alike class. Kane has been performed further than a goal per match for the Bavarians so far this tour. He has 25 goals and eight assists to his profile in 22 games across all tournaments for Bayern Munich in the 2023- 24season.However, he might just form it to the pledged land, If Kane can guide England to honor at Euro 2024.

Dan speaks to Portuguese football expert Próxima Jornada (@ProximaJornada1) to get the lowdown on reported Liverpool target Goncalo Inacio and whether The Reds should be looking to bring the Sporting CP defender to Anfield this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL SHOW HERE: https://theredmentv.com/goncalo-inacio-transfer-inevitable-antonee-robinson-links-journo-insight-w-neil-jones/ Dan and Neil where in the studio earlier today to talk about transfer rumours that link Liverpool with Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio. The two discussed what it would take for The Reds to sign the defender in January! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is back with the return of Redmen Bitesize! Today's reports suggest that Liverpool are willing to pay the release clause for long rumoured target Inacio! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code DEVILS20 at https://www.manscaped.com Join us Joe, Jay, & Ronaldo for the Paddock Podcast as we dissect Diogo Dalot's RIDICULOUS red card vs Liverpool! Become a member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7w8GnTF2Sp3wldDMtCCtVw/join Tickets to our December show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stretford-paddock-live-special-guest-28th-of-december-tickets-726854380017?aff=oddtdtcreator Stretford Paddock has content out EVERY DAY, make sure you’re subscribed for your Man United fix! - https://bit.ly/DEVILSsub 📱 Follow us over on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StretfordPaddck 📷 And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulltimedevils/ 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast: https://podfollow.com/stretfordpaddock/ 👕 Merchandise: http://www.paddockmerch.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices