The grand celebration of Ballon d'Or came to a pause after the worldwide spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Players are performing exceptionally and proving points to win the biggest individual honor of football. The legends of the football world are eyeing the coveted individual honor yet once again. Nowhere before December, the players will receive the award and recognition, therefore they still have time to proves themselves and make their cases to surpass others and be the best in the upcoming months. The individual performances in the Nations League have a high certainty to affect the Ballon d'Or winner.

Read also: UEFA Nations League 2021: Fixture, schedule, and details

Contenders for the Ballon d'Or (till now):

1. Lionel Messi

There has been a lot of talk due to Messi's slow start to life at PSG. Well, the G.O.A.T. shut everyone's mouth with his outstanding performance against Manchester City. Till now in 2021, he netted 37 goals and made 14 assists. Also, he played a key role in winning Copa America & Copa del Rey.

2. Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski's contribution to Bayern Munich is impeccable. He scored 50 goals with 5 assists and also won the Bundesliga, Club World Cup & DFL-Supercup. According to various reports, he will be awarded the 2020 Ballon d'Or at this year's ceremony.

3. Jorginho

His last time's ballon d'Or journey ended at the 3rd position. He netted 5 goals with 2 assists this year as of now. He also won the Champions League & UEFA Super Cup.

Read also: 5 all-time top goal scorers of France

4. N'Golo Kante

N'Golo Kante's injury issues are the biggest obstacles in the process of his rising up in the sport. He is facing fitness problems since the 2019 Europa League final. He got very less chances to play ut made sure to play exceptionally every time he stays on the pitch. Hard to believe, but he scored only 1 goal and made just 1 assist till now in 2021.

5. Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku made a superb start for Chelsea this season but his progress slowed in recent weeks. Though he still has opportunities to resurrect his performances in the upcoming matches o the UEFA Nations League finals.

6. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland started the season with a bang but injuries slowed down the process of his progress. Dortmund will definitely want him to not miss matches for long as the tea is aiming towards launching a title challenge in the Bundesliga. Till now, the 21-year-old scored 41 goals with 13 assists. He also won DFB-Pokal.

Read also: Most Goals in football scored by the age of 21

7. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema ended his last ballon d'Or journey with 10th position. In 2021, he scored 32 goals with 13 assists till today. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most undisputed players of 2021 but sadly could not win a major trophy. He has the chance of winning a major trophy by winning the Nations League finals on the 10th of this month.

8. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe was at the 7th position of Ballon d'Or last time. In 2021, he netted 33 goals and made 12 assists till now. Also, he was a part of winning Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo

With 34 goals and 4 assists, the star of Manchester United is in the 9th position who might win the ballon d'Or. Ronaldo won 4 Ballon d'Or trophies consecutively during the time he played for Real Madrid. He also won Coppa Italia & Supercoppa Italiana.

Read also: Ballon d'Or 2021: Top 5 Contenders who could win it this year

10. Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is the winner of 3 Premier League titles, 5 League Cups, and 1 FA Cup. The Belgium star secured the 9th spot in the Ballon d'Or last year. As of now, he scored 12 goals and made 11 assists in 2021. Also, he won Carabao Cup and Premier League this year.

All eyes will be on Wembley as England take on Ireland in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash. As the two footballing nations collide, fans can expect a great contest today.

The Boys in Green arrive at Wembley as underdogs but with no shortage of fighting spirit. Ireland will rely on their team’s work ethic and tactical discipline to frustrate England and create opportunities on the break. Players like Evan Ferguson and Matt Doherty will be crucial in providing defensive solidity and a cutting-edge in attack.

Match Details

Match: England vs Ireland

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats 

Matches Played: 6

England wins: 2

Ireland wins: 1

Draws: 3

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Previous Records

Last time out against Republic of Ireland ⏪

👏 @JackGrealish pic.twitter.com/ADp0hbL6WB

— England (@England) November 17, 2024

England delivered a dominant display on Thursday, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over former group leaders Greece in Athens.

Ollie Watkins, preferred over Harry Kane, struck early to open the scoring within seven minutes, followed by an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos that doubled England's advantage. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones capped off the performance with a stunning backheeled goal on his debut.

This marks England’s fourth win in five games under interim manager Lee Carsley, who will step down after Sunday’s match.

Historically, England remain unbeaten against the Republic of Ireland since their 1988 European Championship loss, though six of their last eight encounters have ended in draws

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Team News and Injury Update

Wembley 📍 pic.twitter.com/AmTSiwzFl7

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2024

England still has some key players out as a result of injury but Lee Carsely still boasts of a formidable side that can compete against Ireland to secure all 3 points while Ireland is not without any significant absentees a tough test still awaits them at Wembley.

Read Also| Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement

Possible Starting XI

England predicted XI: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane.

Ireland predicted XI: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Szmodics, Ferguson.

The stage is set for an epic showdown as Italy takes on France in what promises to be an exciting Nations League clash. With a storied history of rivalries and memorable encounters, both teams come into this match with high stakes.

Italy secured their spot in the Nations League knockout phase on Thursday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium, thanks to Sandro Tonali’s early strike. The Azzurri’s fourth win in five matches came after overcoming a few nervy moments, extending their unbeaten run since their disappointing Euro 2024 exit.

Luciano Spalletti's men have shown remarkable improvement, previously defeating Israel twice and holding Belgium to a draw in Rome despite being reduced to 10 men for nearly an hour. The campaign began on a high in September when Italy bounced back from conceding in just 13 seconds to beat arch-rivals France at Parc des Princes.

Now through to the quarter-finals in March, Italy could secure top spot in Group 2 with a result on Sunday. They need to avoid a loss by two goals or more. Meanwhile, although France has also qualified for the next round, their November camp has been far from smooth.

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Match Details

Match: Italy vs France

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches Played: 13

France wins: 7

Italy wins: 5

Draws: 1

Read Also| Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement

Team News and Injury Update

🌅🍂 pic.twitter.com/TW4qYHuQik

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 16, 2024

With qualification already secured, Italy may opt for some changes to their lineup, potentially rotating their attack. 

Italy's injury concerns include Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, and long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli has been called up to replace Ricci and will compete with Nicolo Rovella for a midfield spot.

😶‍🌫️ pic.twitter.com/iMh21A0kB7

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 16, 2024

On the other hand, France will be without Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, whose absence remains unexplained, as well as injured players Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembélé, Loïc Badé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

AC Milan duo Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start on familiar ground at San Siro. At the same time, Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram will contend with Randal Kolo Muani for the central striker role. Kingsley Coman, brought in to replace the injured Dembélé, is in the mix alongside Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for starting spots in France's attacking lineup.

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Possible Starting XI

Italy's possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui

France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Zaire-Emery, Barcola; Thuram

England is set to face Greece in their UEFA Nations League group game scheduled to kick off at 1.15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. This match will take place at Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

Greece has won all four of their games, continuing their outstanding run of play. The team leads the group with 12 points and an 8-goal edge.

Despite losing one game, the Englishmen have not played poorly either, sitting second in the standings with nine points out of a possible twelve.

Fans should anticipate a very difficult match as a result of the coaching change for the English men's national team, which will bring a mix of new ideas and playing styles.

Read Also| Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats

Match Details

Match: Greece vs England

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 10

Greece wins: 1

England wins: 7

Draws: 2

Previous Records

England goals against Greece don't come much better than this 🥹 pic.twitter.com/otSsJesJD5

— England (@England) November 14, 2024

The three lions of England have always had the better of the Greek national team the UEFA Nations League matches between these sides comes after an 18 year stint of not playing against each other.

Greece got their first ever win against England last month with a narrow 2-1 result. It remains to be seen if they can repeat the same feat in this reverse fixture. With 7 wins from 10 England are the sure favourities in this game.

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Team News and Injury Updates

England

Hard work continues 💯 pic.twitter.com/P5QyDvlGJN

— England (@England) November 12, 2024

The absence of several important players, such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, has delivered Lee Carsely a severe blow. Additionally, Grealish, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander Arnold, and John Stones will not be playing.

His team's setup will undoubtedly be impacted by these injuries since he will need to adjust formations and employ new tactics to guarantee his team's victory.

Greece

All set for tomorrow 🔑

Ready to give it all 🛡️for tomorrow’s match #lasttraining #weareready pic.twitter.com/8ZMPTP2hNn

— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) November 13, 2024

Luckily enough for the home team there would not be much to worry about as they are only dealing with the absence of Kourbelis and this is due to suspension and not any other reason. It is expected that they will field their strongest side.

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Possible Starting XI

England

Pickford(GK) Lewis, Guehi, Konsa, Walker, Gallagher,Gomes,  Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane

Greece

Vlachodimos(GK) Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimkas, Sopis, Mantalos, Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis

Portugal will pay host to the Polish team in the UEFA Nationes League group game on the 15th of November 2024 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto at 1.15 AM IST.

The hosts currently sit at the top of group 1 in League A recording 3 wins and 1 draw from four matches currently played and they will have the chance to extend their lead if they secure a crucial win against Poland.

However, the same cannot be said for Poland. The team has managed one win out of  4 matches and they sit 3rd in the group only above Scotland. It remains to be seen if Michal Probierz can change the fortune of the team moving foward.

Read Also| Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats

Match Details

Match: Portugal vs Poland

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 9

Portugal wins: 4

Poland wins: 2

Draws: 3

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Previous Records

Foco no jogo frente à 🇵🇱 #PartilhaAPaixão | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/J7M29WsUGf

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 13, 2024

Portugal and Poland have faced each other 9 times. Portugal have recorded more wins as they have won 4 times in this fixture. Poland has won twice. The other 3 matches ended in a draw, with the last meeting between these two teams in October 2024. 

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Match Prediction

Poland's first day of training camp in Porto, Portugal at Boavista FC's facility is in the books. ✅#UNL pic.twitter.com/3GiGV9YNyl

— PSN Futbol (@PSN_Futbol) November 13, 2024

Portugal has a significant advantage going into games because they are the host team, which is another factor that contributes to the odds being stacked in their favour. 

It will be very tough for the Polish players to control Portugal since, on paper, they are a stronger and more balanced team with speedy forwards who can take advantage of gaps and excellent midfield players that have the capacity to maintain pressure.

Team News and Injury Update

Robert Lewandoski has been ruled out of this fixture it will be difficult to for Poland to make an impact in attack with his absence considering that he is their most prolific goal threat.

Portugal is not missing any key player heading into this fixture and this will present the perfect opportunity to improve their standing on the table.

Possible Starting XI's 

Portugal

Diogo Costa(GK), Dalot, Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Bernado Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Neto, Ronaldo, Leao

Poland

Martin Bulka(GK), Kiwior, Bednarek, Piatkowski, Zaleweski, Zelinski, Moder, Szymanski, Frankowski, Urbanski, Piatek

Belgium is set to host Italy in a fiery encounter in the UEFA Nations League group game, scheduled to kick off at 1:15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. The match will take place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium.

Who is going to take top spot in Group A2? 🤔#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/erlN2PCYQ7

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 11, 2024

Belgium is currently in the 3rd position in the Nations League Group A2 having 4 points in 4 matches. Belgium snatched a point against Italy in the Nations League encounter in October 2024, as Leandro Trossard put up a brilliant performance with 1 goal and 1 assist in the 2-2 draw.

However, Belgium lost 1-2 against France in their last outing in the Nations League. Domenico Tedesco's men bagged only one win in their last five matches; so they will be hungry for a win against Italy.

Last 5 Matches: L W L D L

On the contrary, Italy is currently positioned 1st in the Nations League Group A2, with 10 points in 4 matches. The Azzurri will focus on another win to increase their gap with second-placed France and solidify their chance of qualifying for the semi-finals, before facing France in the last group game on 18 November 2024. 

Luciano Spalletti's men thrashed Israel by 4-1 in their last game following a 2-2 draw against Belgium at San Siro. However, they will meet again tonight in the Nations League encounter.

Last 5 Matches: L W W D W 

Match Details

Match: Belgium vs Italy

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats (Since 2000)

Matches Played: 7

Belgium wins: 1

Italy wins: 5

Draws: 1

Previous Records

Since 2000, Belgium and Italy have faced each other 7 times. Italy has the lion's share in winning as they have won 5 times in this fixture. Belgium has won only once since 2000. The other match ended in a draw, which was the last meeting between these two teams in October 2024. 

Here are the previous records between these two teams since 2000: