Evening Football News: Storm clouds over Como, Kompany crook and the Wallaroos say goodbye

It’s a big night before the Champions League. Here’s everything you need to know before you set the alarm.

Weather threatens Como v Man Utd
Italian authorities have put out an orange alert for heavy rain and thunder in Como, and United’s Champions League trip could be postponed. Only one of the four stands at the 12,000-seat Sinigaglia is covered. Kick-off is 3:45am Thursday AEDT. Michael Carrick says there’s “nothing immediate” on a call-off and his side will make the most of the conditions.

Seven out and Carrick stays calm
United travel without Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven. With just two wins from ten games in all competitions, Carrick says he doesn’t need any reassurance from the board, and winning is the only answer. Red Devils fans can still toast the boys in style with the Manchester United FC Mono Crest Stein Glass Tankard, $40 at Football Heaven.

Kompany unwell before Arsenal clash
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has been battling a virus and a hip problem. Max Eberl says he “will definitely be present” for Arsenal, but his exact role is still to be decided. Assistant Aaron Danks has been running things on the touchline, including Saturday’s 6-1 thumping of Leipzig, when Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick. Kick-off is 6am Thursday AEDT. Gunners fans heading to the pub or the office can carry the colours with the Arsenal FC Fade Backpack, $48 at Football Heaven.

Madrid chase a perfect home record
Real Madrid host Leipzig at the Bernabeu at 6am Thursday AEDT, having won all six home matches this season (19 goals scored, 4 conceded). Kylian Mbappe is in form, with three goals in his last two games.

Wallaroos set for an emotional night in Canberra
Siokapesi Palu Sekona captains the Wallaroos against Scotland at GIO Stadium on Friday (7:30pm AEDT). Faitala Moleka moves to fullback, Tiarah Minns starts at lock, and Ella Ryan is the new No. 23. Prop Eva Karpani will reach 50 Tests off the bench, and Emily Chancellor starts in her final Test.

Cecilia Smith to retire too
Inside centre Cecilia Smith will also bow out of Test rugby after Friday, with 34 caps and two World Cups behind her. The self-described country girl from Leeton is open to playing on in Super Rugby Women’s. Rugby fans can browse the rugby ball range at Football Heaven.

Di Pizio home at the Wanderers
Treble-winner Miguel Di Pizio says he’d done all he could at Central Coast and wants to help Western Sydney bounce back from last season’s wooden spoon. The Wanderers host champions Auckland FC at CommBank Stadium this week.

Lynagh Cup and a new look for PNG
The Queensland Reds will play their partner club Benetton for the new Lynagh Cup in Treviso on 27 November. In the NRL, the PNG Chiefs have unveiled their first logo and a supporters’ jersey ahead of joining the competition in 2028.

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