Author: Silver Emmanuel

26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Newcastle United as Cole Palmer returns and £215m midfield duo

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca could change his entire starting XI from the one that beat Panathinaikos 4-1 on Thursday night when Newcastle United come to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues boss was able to leave a host of first-team regulars in West London as they jetted out to Greece for their Europa Conference League game, and he is set to ring the changes again for this weekend's Premier League test against Eddie Howe's side. Of the side that started against Panathinaikos, only two are likely to keep their place against Newcastle, with Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez expected to start on Sunday - although Maresca has options to replace both. However he is expected to make at least NINE changes this weekend, with Cole Palmer likely to start. The Premier League's in-form star didn't e...

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25Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola: Manchester City missing key quartet for Southampton game

  Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku all remain unavailable for Saturday’s home Premier League game against Southampton. Guardiola, who named only 15 outfield players in his squad for this week’s Champions League win against Sparta Prague, also admitted he had no idea when De Bruyne would return to contention. When asked if De Bruyne and Walker were available, Guardiola said: “No, not yet.” And when pressed on whether De Bruyne’s extended absence due to a thigh injury was a concern, Guardiola added: “Yes of course. I’d prefer to have all the squad (fit) with the amount of games, but it is what it is. “Hopefully he can come back soon. I don’t know (when) yet. I would like to tell you, but I don’t know.” Playmaker De Bruyne has been out si...

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25Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Mancini Formally Relieved of His Duties by Saudi Arabia

Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Roberto Mancini is no longer the Saudi Arabia coach after just 13 months at the helm. The FA announced to have reached an agreement to terminate his contract early on Thursday. The coach left the Azzurri to take over the Middle Eastern national team in August 2023. He collected 9 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses in 21 games. His former squad will need to make up some ground in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group after the early results. The boss was contested by the crowd after the most recent draw versus Bahrain and responded accordingly. Mancini made the headlines following his ...

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25Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Arsenal, Liverpool handed boost in pursuit of £100 million-rated attacker

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and SSC Napoli at Carlo Castellani on October 20, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in acquiring the services of Napoli attacking sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal and Liverpool both seek attacking reinforcement. They want to further bolster their attack and according to a report from Fichajes, both Premier League giants are interested in bringing Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to England. After making a name for himself while playing in Georgia, Kvaratskhelia secured a big move to Napoli in the summer of 2022 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has established himself as one of the best young wingers in the world and his e...

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25Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Man Utd held, Spurs sneak home in Europa League

Christian Eriksen of Manchester United in action with Dusan Tadic of Fenerbahce during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Fenerbahce SK and Manchester United at Ulker Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Manchester United's box office reunion with Jose Mourinho has lived up to the billing, with their former manager sent off as his Fenerbahce side denied Erik ten Hag a first Europa League win of the season. The Red Devils have made a stumbling start to the new-look competition, with a shock home draw with FC Twente followed by an added-time goal saving them from defeat in Porto. Christian Eriksen temporarily silenced Fenerbahce's febrile support but old foe Youssef En-Nesyri secured a 1-1 draw against a United side that have now won just one of their...

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24Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United hold talks to sign manager to replace Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, shows appreciation to the fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Brentford FC at Old Trafford on October 19, 2024 in Manchester, England. Despite the narrow 2-1 win over Brentford back in the weekend, the pressure remains on Erik ten Hag to get Manchester United to win games consistently and later today, he will take charge as his side face Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The Jose Mourinho-led Turkish team will be keen to ensure that they find a way to get one over the Red Devils. The legendary manager has personal revenge to fulfil against Manchester United, having managed them in the past. A loss today could push Erik ten Hag further closer to the axe. Manchester United on their part are looking at potential ...

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24Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Lille’s Jonathan David becomes top Canadian goal scorer in Champions League history

Jonathan David of Lille celebrates the victory following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 football match between Atletico de Madrid and Lille OSC (LOSC) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on October 23, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. After scoring the winner against Real Madrid, Jonathan David came through with a pair of goals to help Lille beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday. With the goals against Atletico, David became all-time top Canadian scorer in Champions League history with six goals, one more than Tomasz Radzinski, according to UEFA. David, a native of Ottawa, came off the bench to replace Mohamed Bayo in the 65th, then converted a 74th-minute penalty kick for Lille's go-ahead goal at the Metropolitano stadium. His second goal, to seal the 3...

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24Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern

Raphinha of FC Barcelona competes during the UEFA Champions League day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain on October 23, 2024. In the most star-studded game on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, one star wasted little time shining brighter than the rest – Raphinha. Barcelona's 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday was chiefly a showcase for the Brazilian's skillset as he scored a hattrick, skillfully finding the back of the net on each occasion. He set the tone in the first minute, receiving a slick pass from Fermin Lopez deep in the opposition half before darting towards goal without a defender in sight. The finish, which came from close range after running around goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, was the e...

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23Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta sends warning to Liverpool ahead of Premier League clash

Mikel Arteta has insisted the Arsenal will be at their best when they face off against Liverpool on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash.   The Gunners head into the game on Sunday off the back of two rather disappointing performances both in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Arteta's side were well below par on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium, losing 2-0 to Bournemouth after going down to ten men - William Saliba received a straight red in the first half. They were similarly poor against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium, but managed to scrape a win thanks to an own goal from Dmytro Riznyk. Following two sub-par outings, manager Arteta has admitted that he was expecting a slight dip in form following a strenuous inte...

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23Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

UCL takeaway: Pulisic delivers

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between AC Milan and Club Brugge KV at Stadio San Siro on October 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Tuesday's UEFA Champions League action served as a spotlight for some of the sport's current stars and most in-form talents, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Christian Pulisic and Viktor Gyokeres kicking off Matchday 3 in fine form. Vinicius was the standout for Real Madrid as his hat trick led their come-from-behind victory over Borussia Dortmund at home, while AC Milan's first Champions League win of the season came on the back of crucial personnel decisions by manager Paulo Fonseca. Sporting Lisbon, meanwhile, kept their unbeaten run alive as Gyokeres stakes his claim...

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23Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti: “Vinícius will win the Ballon d’Or”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media following Tuesday night’s memorable win over Borussia Dortmund, praising the hero of the hour, Vinícius Júnior, by saying, “I can say that it is rare to see a player who makes a second half as he does. MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Vinicius Junior and Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid CF celebrate after scoring his team's fourth goal with during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images) Apart from the goals, with an energy and intensity, with an extraordinary character. He will win the Ballon d’Or, not for tonight, but for last season. These are three goals that will...

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22Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala says “Things can always change quickly in the world of football”

Jamal Musiala attacking midfield of Bayern Munich and Germany during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Bayern München at Villa Park on October 2, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal FC, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid...there are some true heavyweight clubs just waiting to pounce on Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala should he opt to leave Bayern Munich. However, recent reports indicate that Musiala is not talking to any clubs aside of the Bavarians at the moment. That should give Bayern Munich, the upperhand in retaining the Germany international. Musiala recently touched on the topic with Welt Am Sonntag (as captured by Goal). “I’m very happy at FC Bayern and fully focused on our goals. Playing...

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22Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Mentality not enough to beat Real, says Dortmund coach

Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin speaks during a press conference on October 16, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. Borussia Dortmund will need more than just a strong mindset when they visit champions Real Madrid in the Champions League today, coach Nuri Sahin said as last year’s two finalists meet again in the competition’s new league phase. Real won their 15th European Cup in June at Wembley with Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. scoring late to claim a 2-0 victory over a Dortmund team who had threatened an upset win after dominating the first hour. “Mentality only is not enough to survive against Real Madrid, especially in this stadium, against the champions of this competition,” Sahin told a press conference on Monday. “We need everything tomorrow. We need a lot of quality, a lot of sel...

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22Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

‘Be surprised’ – Liverpool handed major fitness concern for Arsenal clash amid Champions League doubt

Diogo Jota of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on October 18, 2024 in Kirkby, England. Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is a major doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal after being forced off during last weekend’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield. The Portugal international was hauled down by Tosin Adarabioyo early in the first half and received treatment before carrying on. However, he was still feeling the effects of the knock and was withdrawn after 30 minutes and replaced by Darwin Nunez. The Reds travel to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night and manager Arne Slot has said it is highly unlikely the forward will be involved in Germany, an admission that puts his involvment against the Gunners a few days later in doubt. Slot said: ...

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21Oct By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane ready for ‘special’ Robert Lewandowski clash

Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's third goal and completing his hattrick during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on October 19, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Harry Kane is ready for a Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League showdown with Barcelona. The Bavarians land in Catalonia on October 23, to face off with former boss Hansi Flick, in high-stakes European battle. The Bundesliga giants are looking to bounce back in their Champions League campaign, after an opening 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb, followed by a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa. Kane has geared up for his trip to Catalonia in ruthless style with a hat trick in the 4-0 weekend Bundesliga win over VfB Stuttgart. That continues the England captain’s strong start to the 202...

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21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Lautaro Martinez nets stunner in Inter Milan’s 1-0 win over Roma

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan after scoring goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on October 20, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory at Roma on Sunday, courtesy of a brilliant second-half goal from Lautaro Martinez in a tightly contested Serie A match. Martinez made the breakthrough on the hour mark, controlling the ball on the edge of the area before firing it high into the net. Inter are now second in the table with 17 points, two behind leaders Napoli, while Roma are 10th with 10 points. There were numerous chances for both sides to break the deadlock in the first half, but Roma keeper Mile Svilar and his Inter counterpart Yann Sommer made several impressive saves...

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21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona star Gavi returns after 11-month absence

Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the reception given to Gavi gave him goosebumps as the midfielder returned from an 11-month injury layoff during Sunday's 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga. Gavi has not played since tearing his ACL while playing for Spain last November but came off the bench for the final 10 minutes against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium. The 20-year-old replaced Pedri, taking the captain's armband in the process, and he was given a an incredible ovation on his return to action from the Barça supporters. "I am happy for this result...

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21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Three talking points

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on October 20, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool edged out Chelsea to return to the Premier League’s summit. Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill had tripped Curtis Jones inside the area. The visitors drew level early in the second half through Nicolas Jackson firing beyond Caoimhin Kelleher after VAR overturned the initial offside decision. But Curtis Jones restored the Reds’ advantage just three minutes later when he met Salah’s cross to the far post and guided it past Robert Sanchez. Arne Slot’s side consolidated their one-point cushion as league leaders following Manchester City’s late win over W...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham keeping tabs on 20-year-old Serie A midfield whizkid

The coach of Italy Luciano Spalletti and the Italian footballer Niccolo Pisilli during the UEFA Nations League match between Italy and Belgium at the Olympic stadium. Rome (Italy), 10 October 2024. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly tracking the progress of 20-year-old Italian midfield whizkid Niccolo Pisilli at Serie A club AS Roma. According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Niccolo Pisilli has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, especially in the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old AS Roma midfield whizkid at the Serie A club. Niccolo Pisilli is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Rome, the young mi...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane ends drought with hat-trick as Bayern crush Stuttgart

Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen scores the goal 1:0 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on October 19, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl described striker Harry Kane as a “killer” after his 23-minute hat-trick carried the side to a 4-0 home win over Stuttgart yesterday. The victory came after a three-game winless run in all competitions. Earlier on Saturday, RB Leipzig’s 2-0 win at Mainz sent them provisional top, before Bayern took over the Bundesliga summit on goal difference. The match was still scoreless after 57 minutes before Kane stepped up and drilled home a long-range effort. Kane had not scored in four games for club and country, his longest droug...

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