Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
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Liverpool espn.com faces a challenging atmosphere in Turkey as Arne Slot admitted being taken aback by the ear-splitting noise at Galatasaray earlier this season. The Reds will be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who suffered a training injury and did not travel to Istanbul for the first leg of their last-16 tie. Bayern Munich espn.com has better news, with Harry Kane training after a calf injury and traveling to Italy ahead of Tuesday's game at Atalanta.
FA Cup Quarterfinals
Manchester City espn.com will host Liverpool in the pick of the FA Cup quarterfinals after Monday's draw. Newcastle United's Eddie Howe has challenged his players to seize the moment and follow in the footsteps of the 1997 side that defeated Barcelona. Meanwhile, Millwall bbc.com were fined £45,000 by the FA for abusive chanting with a reference to disability during their Carabao Cup tie with Crystal Palace.
Transfer & Management News
Real Madrid espn.com has Mauricio Pochettino on the shortlist to replace Álvaro Arbeloa next season, according to sources. Fulham's Antonee Robinson favors a move to Liverpool espn.com over Manchester United. Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández revealed that Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi's return due to fears of a power struggle.
Disciplinary Actions
MLS espn.com issued lifetime suspensions to Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for violating the league's gambling policy after an investigation. In Brazil, 23 players were sent off following a mass brawl between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG in the Mineiro Championship final, with former Brazil forward Hulk calling the incident "regrettable."
International Developments
United States President Donald Trump espn.com urged Australia to grant asylum to the Iranian women's soccer team, offering U.S. assistance if Australia declined. FIFPRO has called on FIFA to ensure the safety of Iran's women's national team players, with concern growing after one critic called them "wartime traitors" for failing to salute during the Iranian anthem.
Player Updates
João Pedro espn.com hailed his "special" first season at Chelsea after establishing himself as a contender to lead Brazil's line at this summer's World Cup. Rodri escaped a ban after raging at officials following Manchester City's 2-2 draw at Tottenham. Wayne Rooney urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to ignore "very unfair" criticism of the Premier League leaders' playing style.
Scottish Football
Northampton Town bbc.com sacked manager Kevin Nolan after a run of one win in 16 games left the club in the League One relegation places. Police Scotland would not currently support another big away allocation for the next Old Firm fixture following trouble at Ibrox on Sunday. Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic will meet in a Scottish Cup semi-final derby at Hampden next month, while Celtic will face St Mirren in a repeat of this season's League Cup final.
Other Developments
Wayne Rooney's bbc.com praise for Wrexham's FA Cup display against Chelsea was called an "incredible tribute" by Phil Parkinson. Former Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick received an apology from Paul Scholes, who said an Instagram story post was "in no way intended to be offensive." Concern has grown for Iranian players after reports emerged that five team members are in an Australian safe house following Asian Cup protests.