Blog – Page 59 – Football Flame

Blog

Enrique: Don’t expect Dembélé to fill Mbappé void
5 Comments
Ligue 1

Enrique: Don’t expect Dembélé to fill Mbappé void

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has been cautious about tipping Ousmane Dembélé as his team's next top scorer, saying it could be detrimental to his side. Dembélé's second-half strike in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Reims helped PSG maintain their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 and put him in the spotlight as the leading striker to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid. However, while praising the 27-year-old winger, who has four goals and two assists this season, the coach urged the team as a whole to improve so as not to put too much pressure on just one player. "We're not looking for a goal scorer, because if you put the pressure on Dembélé and then he doesn't score the goals you want him to score, we'll start with the problems," the coach told a news conference on Saturda...
Read More
Liverpool injury list and return dates for West Ham: Alisson, Elliott latest
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool injury list and return dates for West Ham: Alisson, Elliott latest

The defence of Liverpool's EFL Cup crown begins on Wednesday evening, as the Reds welcome West Ham United to Anfield for their third-round showdown. The tournament was the last one that Jurgen Klopp conquered during his glittering spell in the hotseat, as Liverpool triumphed 1-0 over Chelsea in the 2023-24 final, having previously demolished West Ham 5-1 in the quarter-finals. Arne Slot's side head into their EFL Cup opener on the back of another emphatic home victory, sweeping aside Bournemouth 3-0 courtesy of a Luis Diaz brace and a terrific Darwin Nunez effort to go top of the Premier League table. Here, Football Flame rounds up all of Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with the Irons, who coincidentally fell to a three-goal defeat against Chelsea on Satu...
Read More
Kane, Olise run riot as Bayern thump Bremen
2 Comments
BUNDESLIGA

Kane, Olise run riot as Bayern thump Bremen

Michael Olise scored twice and record-setting Harry Kane was on target again as Bayern Munich ran riot in a 5-0 victory at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The big win continued Bayern’s stunning week, with a 6-1 win at promoted Holstein Kiel followed by a 9-2 home victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Kane created Olise’s 23rd-minute opener and the goalscorer then turned provider, dribbling down the right and threading a perfect pass for Jamal Musiala to score shortly afterwards. Olise, who arrived from Crystal Palace in the summer, then assisted Kane’s 57th-minute goal, the England captain’s 10th goal so far for Bayern this season in six games all competitions. Olise scored again and Kane set up Serge Gnabry to make it five against Bremen, whose only win agai...
Read More
Juve and Napoli play out draw in early title tussle
No Comments
SERIE A

Juve and Napoli play out draw in early title tussle

Juventus and Napoli played out a goalless draw on Saturday as two teams tipped to challenge for the Serie A title cancelled each other out on Antonio Conte’s return to his old stomping ground. A fiercely contested, but far from exciting contest at the Allianz Stadium in Turin ended with Juventus maintaining their unbeaten start to life under new coach Thiago Motta. Juve are yet to concede in Serie A this season but their third consecutive league stalemate denied them top spot, currently held by local rivals Torino following their 3-2 win at Verona on Friday. Torino are a point ahead of Udinese, who are at Roma on Sunday, and third-placed Napoli, while Juve are a further point back in fourth. “Without goals, it is impossible to win games,” said a blunt Weston McKennie. Motta drew surprise...
Read More
Villarreal vs Barcelona: Preview, predictions and lineups
2 Comments
LALIGA

Villarreal vs Barcelona: Preview, predictions and lineups

Barcelona are looking to bounce back from a disappointing Champions League defeat this Sunday when they travel to Villarreal in La Liga. After a perfect start to the Hansi Flick era, the Catalan giants were handed their first setback on Thursday evening as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Monaco in their first European outing of the season. An early red card for Eric Garcia proved costly, with Lamine Yamal's first Champions League goal not enough to save Barca. However, Flick's side have won all five of their La Liga matches to date and are guaranteed to finish the weekend at the top of the table, regardless of results elsewhere or their own at Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine have been in good form themselves at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and sit just four points off Barca. They ...
Read More
Ancelotti: Madrid slowly getting ‘back to our best’
1 Comment
LALIGA

Ancelotti: Madrid slowly getting ‘back to our best’

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team are improving "little by little" after their 4-1 comeback win against Espanyol in LaLiga on Saturday. Madrid failed to score in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu -- they've only scored one first-half goal all season -- and went behind to a Thibaut Courtois own goal not long after the interval. The introduction of Vinícius Júnior -- who was rested at the start -- changed the game, as goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé gave Madrid all three points. "I thought it was a good game, we reacted well after Espanyol's goal," Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. "We played better, with more rhythm, we had more chances. "We played faster, moving the ball with more speed, with better movement ... our mobility...
Read More
Diaz moves Liverpool to top spot, United held at Palace
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Diaz moves Liverpool to top spot, United held at Palace

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League with a resounding 3-0 win over Bournemouth as Manchester United were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday. Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win at West Ham, while Aston Villa are level on points at the top after coming from behind to beat Wolves 3-1. Liverpool suffered the first setback of Arne Slot’s early days in charge when Nottingham Forest shocked Anfield seven days ago. But the Reds responded in style to blow Bournemouth away before half-time. Luis Diaz was rested for an impressive 3-1 win at AC Milan to start Liverpool’s Champions League campaign in midweek. Restored to the starting line-up, the Colombian struck twice inside two minutes. Diaz pounced on a misjudgement from Kepa Arriz...
Read More
Jackson double fires Chelsea to victory at woeful West Ham
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Jackson double fires Chelsea to victory at woeful West Ham

Nicolas Jackson fired Chelsea to a 3-0 win against West Ham as the Senegal striker repaid his manager's faith with a decisive double at the London Stadium on Saturday. Jackson struck twice in the first half before Cole Palmer wrapped up Chelsea's third win in five Premier League games under new boss Enzo Maresca. It was a well-timed brace from Jackson, who was Chelsea's first choice striker by Maresca on Friday, despite Christopher Nkunku's match-winning impact against Bournemouth last weekend. Although Jackson signed a contract extension earlier in September that will keep the Senegal star at Stamford Bridge until 2033, there were calls for Nkunku to start after the French forward came off the bench to net in the 1-0 win at Bournemouth. Jackson scored 17 goals in an inconsistent debut sea...
Read More
Real Madrid quoted club record transfer fee for Bundesliga star
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Real Madrid quoted club record transfer fee for Bundesliga star

Real Madrid may need to break their club transfer record to complete a future move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. Los Blancos have been tentatively linked with an offer for the Germany international as a future option, alongside other Bundesliga targets, as part of their long term transfer plans. Despite rumours of Wirtz being open to a move to Madrid in 2024, he remained in Germany, as Leverkusen aim to defend their Bundesliga title. The 21-year-old netted 18 goals last season, as Leverkusen sealed a first ever Bundesliga crown, and he is under contract until 2027. His father previously rejected rumours of his son considering an offer from Madrid but the links remain strong. As per the latest from German football transfer expert Christian Falk’s Caught Offside Fact Files, Leverk...
Read More
Marco Silva confirms Fulham star will miss Newcastle United clash
4 Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Marco Silva confirms Fulham star will miss Newcastle United clash

Marco Silva has confirmed he will be without one of his strikers this afternoon when his side takes on Newcastle United at Craven Cottage. Fulham will be without Carlos Vinicius when they welcome Newcastle United to Craven Cottage this afternoon. Vinicius, who spent the second half of last season on-loan at Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray, has not featured for the Cottagers this season after picking up a calf injury. The 29-year-old scored twice under Silva last year but will not add to his total against the Magpies later today. Speaking about the latest injury situation at the club, Silva said: "There's not really any changes from the last game. “Carlos Vinicius is still out but will start running from next week. Apart from that, all our other players are available." Newcastle Unite...
Read More
Liverpool now eyeing move to sign “unique” defender who can play multiple positions
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Liverpool now eyeing move to sign “unique” defender who can play multiple positions

Liverpool and Arne Slot are keeping tabs on a new defender ahead of a potential summer move, it has been revealed, with the Reds' backline in need of reinforcements. Liverpool's defensive concerns Though they have conceded just two goals in five games so far this season, there are longer-term concerns over the Liverpool defence. Of the Premier League winning back four, all of Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain, but the Scot and Van Dijk are now over 30 years old (33 in Van Dijk's case) and there are concerns over Alexander-Arnold's future amid interest from Real Madrid and an unclear contract stance. A centre-back is on their shopping list as they look to rejuvenate their backline, but there are also concerns at left-back. Kostas Tsimikas has been a valuabl...
Read More
Serie A Preview: Atalanta vs Como – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction
1 Comment
SERIE A

Serie A Preview: Atalanta vs Como – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

Gewiss Stadium sets the stage for the first Serie A meeting between resurgent Atalanta and newly-promoted Como since May 2023. The opposing teams enter Monday’s showdown in Bergamo with contrasting spirits. Atalanta headed into September’s international break as a wracked ship on the back of back-to-back league defeats, including a 4-0 rout at the hands of defending champions Inter. However, renowned tactician Gian Piero Gasperini has used the two-week hiatus to steady the ship and bring La Dea back on the rails. Despite falling behind twice inside the opening 35 minutes of their home encounter against Fiorentina last weekend, Atalanta posted a confidence-boosting 3-2 victory, turning things around before halftime. Buoyed by an exceptional comeback against La Viola, the Europa League win...
Read More
Blow for Pep: “Unique” Man City star now in danger of missing Arsenal game after injury news
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Blow for Pep: “Unique” Man City star now in danger of missing Arsenal game after injury news

As Manchester City gear up for a game that could prove to make all the difference in the Premier League title race, they could be forced to fight for three points without one of their most influential players. Man City injury news Ask any previous title winner and they'll say that injury luck certainly plays its part where the silverware ends up come the end of the campaign. It is a lesson centred around squad depth that so many sides have learned in the past and one Manchester City took on board the last time they missed out on Premier League glory in the 2019/20 season. Unlike that campaign four years ago, Manchester City have so far not skipped a beat in pursuit of a fifth Premier League title win in a row to extend an unprecedented record and further cement themselves among the very b...
Read More
Bayern Munich keep a close eye on former Manchester United striker
2 Comments
BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich keep a close eye on former Manchester United striker

After a fantastic start to the season with Marseille, Mason Greenwood is attracting interest from top European clubs, including Bayern Munich. According to Talksport in England, Bayern, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are keeping a close eye on Marseille forward Mason Greenwood. All three clubs have recently scouted the English striker during the games in Ligue 1. Greenwood has scored five goals in four Ligue 1 games for Marseille after arriving at the club from Manchester United in the summer. The English striker also delivered good performances during his loan spell at Getafe last season, scoring ten goals and providing six assists across all competitions. Marseille will demand a hefty fee for Greenwood next summer if he enjoys a prolific campaign in Ligue 1. Along with the signific...
Read More
Confirmed: Chelsea trio ruled out v West Ham due to injury, Enzo Fernandez update emerges
1 Comment
PREMIER LEAGUE

Confirmed: Chelsea trio ruled out v West Ham due to injury, Enzo Fernandez update emerges

Chelsea are set to be without the services of Reece James, Malo Gusto and Omari Kellyman for the game against West Ham on Saturday, 21 September, according to the Blues’ official website. Enzo Maresca confirmed that Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be available for selection after returning to training following an illness. Football London reported on 2 September that Kellyman could miss over two months with his hamstring injury. West Ham can get their season going with a win against Chelsea The Hammers have not started the season in the best shape but things could turn around quickly with a win against their cross-town rivals. The Blues have faced struggles of their own and while they are above the Irons on the table, there are still plenty of issues in their squad. Julen Lop...
Read More
Alaves post win over Sevilla amid fan protest
2 Comments
LALIGA

Alaves post win over Sevilla amid fan protest

Alaves fans ramped up their protest against inconvenient night-time games in Spain when they boycotted the first few minutes of Friday's La Liga match against Sevilla. One of the club's biggest organised fan groups are angry at what they say are excessive Friday and Monday night games that make it hard for supporters to attend. VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: (L-R) Carlos Martin of Deportivo Alaves, Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla, Facundo Tenaglia of Deportivo Alaves during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves v Sevilla at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on September 20, 2024 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/Soccrates/Getty Images) They called for fans to take their seats five minutes after kickoff so TV pictures would show empty stands a...
Read More
‘It’s a big game for us’ – Marcelino relishing taking on Barca & Yamal
No Comments
LALIGA

‘It’s a big game for us’ – Marcelino relishing taking on Barca & Yamal

Villarreal boss Marcelino has been talking about Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash between the two sides at La Ceramica. Head coach of Villarreal CF, Marcelino Garcia Toral, during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Villarreal CF at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Barca head into the match top of the league and face a Villarreal side who have also enjoyed a start season and are looking forward to the game. “It’s a big game for us. We are playing against a great team, the best in the league at the moment. That’s what the results and the numbers say. We’re going to play a very nice game with great expectation,” he told reporters. “These are the kind of matches that we professi...
Read More
Marseille bidding to continue ‘almost perfect’ Ligue 1 start
3 Comments
Ligue 1

Marseille bidding to continue ‘almost perfect’ Ligue 1 start

Marseille will aim to extend their "almost perfect" start to the Ligue 1 season when they visit struggling rivals Lyon this weekend. New coach Roberto De Zerbi has already helped raise hopes that Marseille could emerge as Paris Saint-Germain's strongest challengers for the title this term with three wins and a draw from his first four games in charge. De Zerbi has immediately implemented the attacking style he became known for at Brighton and Sassuolo at the Stade Velodrome, with his new team racking up 12 goals already. Controversial new signing Mason Greenwood, who was suspended by Manchester United following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault, has scored five times. France international Adrien Rabiot has also joined on a free transfer after leaving Juventus, bringing exper...
Read More
PSG Urged to Pursue Chelsea and Tottenham Target to Boost Consistency in No. 9 Role
No Comments
Ligue 1

PSG Urged to Pursue Chelsea and Tottenham Target to Boost Consistency in No. 9 Role

Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres is attracting considerable attention, especially with his strong start to the 2024-25 season. Moreover, one pundit notes that the Swedish striker is a player Paris Saint-Germain should be pursuing. Over the summer, the Parisians were linked to strikers but opted to bet on Gonçalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani. Ramos injured himself early on this campaign, so Kolo Muani is the only No. 9. In the 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Girona FC, the capital club’s lack of goal-scoring reared its ugly head as it had difficulty finishing its chances. As a result, the reigning Ligue 1 champions’ ability to finish is a topic of discussion. Canal+ pundit Samir Nasri notes that Gyökeres must be on the French giants’ radar because the player has consistently scored goals....
Read More
Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois names his greatest all-time save
No Comments
LALIGA

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois names his greatest all-time save

Thibaut Courtois is no stranger to success. Being a Real Madrid player since 2018, he has won all there is to win in the Spanish capital, including three league titles and two Champions League victories. Despite this glittering career, there have still been some career-defining moments which have stood out from the rest, and when promoting his new documentary, the legendary stopper was asked which of his saves stands out above all others. As per ElDesmarque, the Frenchman shared that ‘for the moment, for the match, it will be Mané’s against Liverpool, in the Champions League final.’ ‘I think it was a super-complicated stop. I was caught off guard, I thought I wasn’t going to make it.‘ the 32-year-old said as he recounted one of his career highlights. Real Madrid went on to win that particu...
Read More
Blogarama - Blog Directory