West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.
He is all set to leave the club during the January transfer window. According to a report from Mexican outlet TV Azteca, the player could be heading to Club America in January.
He has played for the club in the past, and they were keen on securing his signature earlier this year as well.
Guido Rodriguez needs a fresh start
Rodriguez joined West Ham United last summer, and he has not been a regular starter for them this season. The Argentina international needs to move on in search of regular playing time, and returning to his former club could be ideal.
However, he is earning €4.5 million per season at the London club, and Club America will not be able to afford that. Rodriguez will have to accept a major pay cut to secure a return to the Mexican club. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Guido Rodriguez in action for West Ham (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and leaving the London club would be ideal for him. Sitting on the bench at West Ham is unlikely to benefit him.
It will be interesting to see if Club America come forward with an offer to get the deal done. He will be a free agent in the summer, but West Ham have an option to extend his deal for another year.
He will be a free agent in the summer of 2027. It will be interesting to see if the French International is willing to commit his long-term future to the club.
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Crystal Palace could look to sell the player at the end of this season if he refuses to sign a new deal with them. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
“If it starts becoming clear that he’s not going to sign, they want to maximise the fee they’re going to get.
“So in the summer, I’m sure if he hasn’t signed a contract, Palace will be tempted by offers for him.
“Given his importance to the team, they could well be huge offers, and there are a number of clubs who need a striker and will be willing to pay big money to get one.
“Obviously, Palace don’t want to lose him, but they could end up in a situation where they have to.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace have shown improvement in recent months, and they have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield recently. They will look to build on it and establish a team that is capable of securing European football fairly regularly.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, and Fabio Paratici could be leading the pursuit.
The 25-year-old Serbian has been linked with the move away from the Italian club, and they are prepared to sell him in January. According to TBR Football, he will be available for a fee of £20 million. Tottenham have the resources to pay up, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
Tottenham have an advantage in Dusan Vlahovic race
Other clubs are interested in signing the Serbian international attacker as well, but they are hoping to sign him on loan. On the other hand, Tottenham are prepared to offer a permanent deal in January. That has given them an advantage in the transfer race. Juventus are hoping to get rid of the player permanently.
Spurs could use more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and the Serbian would be the ideal acquisition. He has proven himself in Italy over the years, and he has the physicality for English football as well. He could compete with Dominic Solanke for the starting spot. The England International has not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and more competition for places would be ideal.
Dusan Vlahovic reacts during Juventus vs Hellas Verona (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
If Tottenham manage to get the best out of the 25-year-old striker, he could be an asset for them. He has the technical attributes for English football, and he could add a new dimension to the Tottenham attack. His ability to hold up the play and bring others into the game could prove to be invaluable. Vlahovic has six goals to his name this season.
It will be interesting to see if Spurs follow up on their interest with an official proposal. The reported asking price is quite reasonable for a player of his quality, and he could easily justify the investment in future.
Graeme Bailey claimed on TBR: “In England we are thinking and talking about Marc Guehi, but in Europe the name many are talking about is French star Dayot Upamecano – who has really been looking the part at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany.
“Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached.
“And Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are all very much in the mix for him, they all rate him highly.”
Chelsea could use Dayot Upamecano
Chelsea have looked vulnerable defensively, and they need more depth in that area of the pitch. Most of their defenders are struggling with injury problems. The 27-year-old will add more quality and depth to their squad.
He has done quite well for the German champions, and he has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League as well. He has been linked with the move to England in the past, and it remains to be seen whether a move materialises in the coming months.
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
On the other hand, Liverpool need more depth defensively as well. They have looked quite poor at the back this season. They need to improve in that area of the pitch. Upamecano could be the ideal long-term replacement for his compatriot, Ibrahima Konate. Konate will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Liverpool need to fill the void left by him.
The 27-year-old is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. The move to England could be ideal. He has won the league in Germany, and he may now seek a new challenge.
As per Fichajes, they are not the only club keen on the attacker, and they will face competition from bitter rivals Arsenal.
Samu Aghehowa would improve Spurs
It remains to be seen whether Porto sanctions his departure in the middle of the season. He is a key player for them, and his departure in January would be a devastating blow for the Portuguese outfit.
The Spanish attacker is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. He has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and Aghehowa could be a key player for Tottenham. Dominic Solanke has not been able to score goals consistently, and Richarlison has been quite mediocre since joining the club as well.
Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto at the Club World Cup (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keen on the striker as well. They have recently signed Viktor Gyokeres. They could certainly use two quality strikers, and the Spaniard could compete with the Swedish international for the starting spot. The competition for places will help both players improve.
Arsenal will be hoping to win the league title and the UEFA Champions League. They need multiple quality players at their disposal. Another striker would be ideal.
The 21-year-old will be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League. It would be a step up in his career, and regular football in England could help him improve further.
Barcelona have reportedly made an opening offer for Crystal Palace’s Colombian international right-back, Daniel Munoz.
That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, which claims that the Spanish giants have made a £26m offer for the 29-year-old.
Barcelona make move to sign Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz
The bid signifies an aggressive move by the Catalan giants to secure a natural, proven presence on the right flank, a position that new coach Hansi Flick has reportedly made a priority for reinforcement.
There are others interested in the player as well with La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid also keen on Munoz but Deco is said to be speeding up his pursuit in order to land the player before competition arrives.
Crystal Palace, however, are not willing to sell the player unless they receive a ‘concrete offer. The Colombian is contracted to the Eagles until 2028, giving the Premier League side control over his future.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace controls ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace also set to lose Marc Guehi in the summer
Despite the transfer setback, the England international has maintained his high standards, continuing to play a vital role at the heart of Palace’s defence.
Manager Oliver Glasner has since confirmed that Guehi will leave the club at the end of the season, with no plans to extend his current deal.
Interest in the defender remains strong. Liverpool are expected to reignite their pursuit, but they face fierce competition from European giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, both of whom have been closely monitoring his situation.
Palace could face a defensive rebuild this summer
Crystal Palace are bracing for a potentially transformative summer, with the prospect of losing two of their key defenders in Guehi and Munoz.
Both players have been instrumental in Glasner’s setup, and their departures could leave significant gaps in both leadership and tactical structure.
The combined exit of the two players would strip the Eagles of much of their established backline leadership and quality, forcing the club into an extensive and expensive rebuild of its defence.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
The 20-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he is expected to develop into a top-class player. He has not had the best of spells at the German club, and he has struggled for regular opportunities. Naturally, he is being linked with the return to England.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United view him as a priority target, and they are preparing a €50 million offer to sign him. It will be interesting to see if the German club is willing to sell the player in January.
There is no doubt that Bellingham is a promising young player with a bright future. He has been described as the ‘full package’ in the past. He will add creativity, control, drive and goals to the Manchester United midfield. They are looking to build a formidable squad for the future, and signing a promising young talent like him would be a wise decision.
Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images)
The midfielder will be desperate for regular football as well. If Manchester United can provide him with the necessary assurance, he is likely to be tempted to join them. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with a platform to showcase his qualities in the Premier League.
Regular football in England could accelerate his development and help bring out the best in him. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. There have been tensions between the player’s camp and the German club in recent weeks. Dortmund could be tempted to cash in if there is a lucrative proposal on the table.
Manchester United have shown improvement in recent weeks, and they will look to build on that with quality signings in January.
Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing the Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae.
The 28-year-old has done quite well for the German club, and he helped them with the league title last season. He could prove to be a useful acquisition for both Premier League clubs. As per Fichajes, Tottenham are keen on Min-jae as well.
Chelsea and Liverpool need Kim Min-jae
Chelsea have had multiple injury problems at the back this season, and they need depth in that area of the pitch. The 28-year-old South Korean could prove to be a useful acquisition. He has shown his ability in Italy and Germany. He knows what it takes to play for big clubs, and he could make an instant impact at Chelsea. He has the physicality and technical attributes for Premier League football as well.
On the other hand, Liverpool are keen on the player as well. They need to replace Ibrahima Konate, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether they want 28 year 28-year-old Bundesliga star as his replacement.
Kim Min-jae in action for Bayern against Inter (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The German club paid around €50 million to sign the defender. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to sell him for a reasonable amount of money. He has been an important player for them, and Joshua Kimmich has described him as “outstanding” in the past.
Chelsea and Liverpool need to tighten up at the back if they want to win major trophies. The 28-year-old could help them improve in that department. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs follow up on their interest with an official proposal in the coming weeks.
The defender is at the peak of his career, and he will look to hit the ground running in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Arsenal are making positive strides in negotiations to extend Bukayo Saka’s contract, with discussions said to be progressing smoothly between the club and the player’s representatives. The England international has continued to be one of the Gunners’ standout performers, and the club is eager to secure his long-term future at the Emirates.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, salary details are currently being discussed, but all parties remain confident that an agreement will be reached soon. Romano shared;
Arsenal are progressing well in talks with Bukayo Saka and his camp over new contract. Salary details being discussed but all parties involved aligned and convinced to move forward together. Talks were already underway before the summer window, proceeding well.
Saka, who has become one of Arsenal’s most influential players under Mikel Arteta, recently admitted that he’s embraced his leadership role within the team, saying he’s grown into the responsibility of leading this side.
Bukayo Saka (Photo Credit: Arsenal website)
The 24-year-old has been instrumental once again this season, both in domestic and European competitions, and a new long-term deal would further show Arsenal’s commitment to building around their academy grown star.
Securing Saka’s future would also send a strong message about Arsenal’s ambitions moving forward. The winger remains a symbol of the club’s progress under Arteta – homegrown, consistent, and driven to win. With both sides reportedly on the same page, it’s only a matter of time before fans see their star man commit his long-term future to the red half of North London.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are front-runners to get the deal done because of their relationship with the French outfit. Both clubs are owned by BlueCo, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can negotiate a reasonable deal for the defender.
Pete O’Rourke claimed: “Obviously, Chelsea are probably frontrunners due to their relationship with Strasbourg as both clubs are owned by Blue Co.
“You’re probably looking between £20-25million for Doue in his current form. He’s under contract with the French club until 2029, so they’re under no real pressure to sell him just now as well.”
They are looking to add more quality and depth to the full back areas, and Doue would be a solid long-term investment. He has shown his quality in France, and he has the ability to do well in England as well. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for him. It would be a huge step up in his career.
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain jumps for the head ball against Guela Doue of RC Strasbourg (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways )
Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have done well in grooming young players in the past. They could play a key role in his development.
The 23-year-old will be excited to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career, and he will hope that the two clubs can finalise a deal. The report claims that a deal could be done for a fee of around £20-25 million. Chelsea certainly have the financial muscle to pay the asking price, and the deal could look like a bargain if the defender manages to fulfil his potential with them.
Manchester United are looking to improve their midfield unit during the January transfer window, and they are looking to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.
The 25-year-old England international has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months. He was heavily linked with a return to English football during the summer transfer window as well. It seems that Manchester United are now prepared to make their move for Gallagher.
Man United keen on Conor Gallagher
According to a report from Fichajes, they would be willing to offer €60 million (£53m) in order to get the deal done. Atletico Madrid do not want to lose a key player in January unless there is an exceptional offer on the table. It will be interesting to see how they react to the €60 million proposal when it is presented.
Manchester United need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 25-year-old would be the ideal acquisition. He knows the league well, and he could make an instant impact. They need his physicality and work great in the midfield, and Gallagher could be a quality addition.
Conor Gallagher in action for Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The midfielder has struggled for regular game time at the Spanish club, and he could consider returning to the Premier League. Manchester United have an exciting project, and they have done some impressive business in the summer. They have shown improvement in recent weeks, and the player could be tempted to join them.
Even though Manchester United have not been able to fight for major trophies regularly, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them can be hard to turn down. Gallagher could be tempted, especially if they are willing to provide him with regular opportunities.
Tottenham’s high-profile summer signing Xavi Simons has come under criticism from Dutch football journalist Johan Derksen, who believes the young playmaker is finding it difficult to cope with the physical demands and pace of the Premier League.
However, since arriving in England, the 22-year-old has endured a slow start to life at Tottenham under Thomas Frank.
Xavi Simons’ performances have now drawn mixed reviews, with several pundits questioning whether he can handle the intensity of English football.
Johan Derksen says Xavi Simons not physically ready for Premier League football
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Speaking on the Groeten uit Grolloo podcast, Derksen delivered a blunt assessment of why the Netherlands international is currently underperforming at Spurs, suggesting the step up from the Bundesliga has been too steep.
His remarks, as quoted by Voetbal Zone, centered on the difference between Simons’ technical ability and his physical stature in the English top flight.
He said: “He’s a great player who often used his tricks in the Netherlands. He also performed well in Germany, but in England, they are much stronger physically. If you look at the English league and switch to a different league, it’s completely different.”
The veteran journalist argued that Simons’ struggles are a direct consequence of this shift in intensity. He continued: “You can see that he can’t keep up with the speed of action and is physically weaker.
“While Tijjani Reijnders doesn’t have that problem; he’s already one of the leading players at Manchester City.”
“In the past, a lightweight with good technique could easily hold his own. Technique is no longer the only thing you need to contribute; you also need physical strength at the top level.”
Why Xavi Simons is finding the Premier League a tougher challenge than expected
While Simons was a creative force in both the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga, the step up in intensity and physicality in England has clearly tested him.
The Premier League’s relentless tempo demands both explosive fitness and physical resilience, two areas the Dutchman may still be developing.
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
RB Leipzig
78
22
24
PSV Eindhoven
48
22
11
Despite his early struggles, Tottenham remain confident that the former PSV and Leipzig star will adapt with time.
His close control, vision, and versatility makes him a potentially key figure in Spurs’ long-term project once he adjusts to the demands of English football.
Seen as a natural successor to Heung-Min Son, Simons offers tactical flexibility and can operate effectively across the front three or in a central attacking midfield role.
Here’s the table version of those stats:
Position
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Left Winger
62
18
18
Attacking Midfield
53
22
18
Right Winger
27
7
6
Centre-Forward
11
5
6
His impressive numbers in each of these positions further underline the quality he brings and hint at the significant impact he could have for Tottenham once he fully settles in.
According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea are prepared to consider selling the French defender. It remains to be seen of the situation develops. Gusto is hardly an indispensable asset for them. If they can sell him for €50 million, it could prove to be a sensible move for the London club.
Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The opportunity to join the Italian club could be exciting for the French defender as well. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to compete at a high level. He has not been a regular starter for Chelsea, and he could look to move on.
There is no doubt that he has the technical attributes for Italian football, and he could do well at Juventus. It seems that the move could be ideal for all parties.
There is no doubt that the 22-year-old is a quality player. However, he has been quite inconsistent with the English club. It would make sense for Chelsea to sell him and invest the proceeds into the playing squad. They have done well to improve the team in the recent windows, but they are not at the level required to win the league title or the UEFA Champions League. They need established stars along with the pool of young talent, they have at the club.
Selling the 22-year-old will certainly help them improve the team in future. It remains to be seen whether all parties can agree on a deal in the coming months.
Manchester United are hoping to sign the Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
According to a report from Fichajes, the 22-year-old midfielder is now a priority target for the Premier League club, and they will have to pay around €80 million in order to get the deal done. Real Madrid have made it clear that they will not entertain low offers for the player.
The versatile French international would be an exceptional acquisition if they manage to get the deal done. They need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and Camavinga is tailor-made for them.
Camavinga is capable of operating anywhere across the midfield, and he is capable of operating in the wide areas, as a winger or a full-back. Xabi Alonso recently labelled him as “exceptional” after a solid performance from him in the wide areas.
The French International is quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into a key player for Manchester United in the long run. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to him. The asking price is affordable for a club with their resources.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Manchester United will need to convince the player to join them as well. They will need to convince him that their project is capable of helping him fulfil his ambitions.
The 22-year-old will want to win major trophies in his career, and he will only join a club where he will be able to win silverware. It will be interesting to see if he is prepared to consider a move to Old Trafford.
They have looked vulnerable at the back season, and they will need to replace Ibrahima Konate at the end of the season as well. The French International will be a free agent soon, and Liverpool need to start planning for life without him.
He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and Liverpool are ready to break the Bank for him. According to a report from Bolavip, Liverpool would be willing to pay around €40 million for the defender. They are ready to offer him a huge salary in excess of €3 million per season.
Mario Pasalic of Atalanta battles for a header with Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The defender will be attracted to the idea of joining the Premier League champions. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he will look to prove himself in England. The money on offer is quite tempting for the player as well. It remains to be seen whether his club is willing to accept the €40 million offer when it is presented.
Liverpool should look to get the deal done in January. They have been in disastrous form in recent weeks, and they will look to get their season back on track. Signing the right players in January could help them bounce back strongly.
Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing the Leicester City attacker, Jeremy Monga.
The 16-year-old winger is highly rated across England, and he has a bright future. The talented young attacker is on the radar of multiple clubs, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to come forward with an offer to sign him
He is not eligible to sign a professional contract with the Foxes until June 2026, and clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United will look to take advantage of the situation and sign the player. On the other hand, Leicester City will hope to keep him at the club until June so that they can persuade him to sign a professional deal with the club.
Graeme Bailey claims on TBR: “Monga is a generational talent. At just 16, he already has more first-team appearances than players like Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman, who have made huge impacts in the Premier League this season.
“But let’s not forget, Monga has already played in the Premier League and previously turned down approaches before signing his scholarship.
“Interest remains high, and there is a belief that by January he could be ready to make a move.
“Leicester are hoping that giving him regular first-team opportunities will convince him to stay until the summer, when he can sign a professional deal.
“At that point, the club could either sell him or at least secure a fee, rather than risk losing him for minimal compensation.”
The 16-year-old would be a solid long-term acquisition. They have done well to groom several talented young players into established stars in the past, and Monga will certainly fancy his chances of fulfilling his potential with the two clubs.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Wolves on October 29, 2025. Following Chelsea’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, as reported by Softfootball, the Blues are keen to bounce back in the knockout competition. Squad rotation and careful player management will be key as Maresca looks to balance competitiveness with player fitness.
Joao Pedro (Photo Credit: Chelsea Official Website)
Maresca offered insights on João Pedro in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, stressing the importance of full fitness for his forward line:
The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete.
He also highlighted Pedro’s creative role:
João’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He’s a different striker profile.
Pedro is expected to feature in some capacity, though minutes may be managed carefully given the busy fixture schedule.
Maresca on João Pedro: “The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete”.
“João’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He's a different striker profile”. pic.twitter.com/gEmPKD04QJ
He’s back, he’s available for tomorrow. But 90 minutes, not yet. He’s been out for months and has to be managed well now.
Delap trained fully on October 27 and is likely to come off the bench, while Marc Guiu is expected to start up front.
Liam Delap (Photo Credit: Chelsea media)
Maresca also suggested that Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and João Pedro could be rested to protect them for upcoming matches. Wolves, under Vítor Pereira, provide a challenging home test, with Chelsea needing to adapt quickly and execute efficiently to progress to the last eight. It’s worth noting that careful rotation and squad depth could be decisive in this knockout encounter.
One of the few bright sparks in an otherwise difficult start to Leicester City’s campaign has been Jeremy Monga, a 16-year-old winger who has quickly emerged as one of English football’s most exciting young prospects.
Despite Leicester’s struggles in the Championship, Monga’s pace, flair, and creativity have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.
According to TBR Football, Manchester City are currently leading the race to sign the teenager, a player they came close to landing last summer before he chose to remain in Leicester’s academy setup.
Jeremy Monga has impressed top clubs in Europe
Monga’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. The young winger has seamlessly transitioned from youth football to the senior setup, becoming a regular starter in recent weeks.
His ability to glide past defenders, coupled with sharp decision-making in the final third, has made him one of Leicester’s most talked-about talents.
So far this season, he has contributed one goal and one assist, and more importantly, has shown the maturity and composure of a player well beyond his years.
City’s interest in Monga is not new. The Premier League champions have been monitoring his development closely and view him as a player who fits their long-term project under Pep Guardiola.
However, what makes the situation particularly intriguing is that Monga, at just 16, cannot yet sign a professional contract.
This leaves Leicester in a vulnerable position, unable to prevent another club from swooping in and securing his services before he turns 17.
Such widespread attention shows the scale of Monga’s potential. Yet, despite the allure of these European giants, leaving Leicester prematurely could halt his progress.
At the King Power Stadium, he is already a regular in the Championship, gaining valuable first-team experience, something that would be far less likely at a top Premier League club, particularly at Man City, where he would likely return to youth or reserve football.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has successfully managed to revive the form of his team after a poor start this season.
The Premier League side started the season in a disappointing manner and even dropped into the relegation zone after the first ew matches.
However, in recent weeks, they have turned around their form and with four Premier League wins in a row, they have managed to accumulate equal points as defending champions Liverpool at the moment.
Both Villa and Liverpool have 15 points so far this season and both of them will come up against each other in the Premier League this coming weekend.
Aston Villa face Liverpool in the league next
The match at Anfield is expected to be a high intensity encounter with the Reds looking to regain their form while Aston Villa hoping to continue their impressive.
Ahead of the match at Anfield, Emery and Villa have suffered a major setback about the availability of one of their best players.
Attacking midfielder Emi Buendia went off against Manchester City in their 1-0 win at Villa Park and he is now set to miss the match against Arne Slot’s side.
Buendia’s injury gave Sancho the opportunity to prove himself but he failed that and ended up getting taken off after coming on as a substitute.
“Yes, sure he’s (Sancho) not happy but I did it before with Morgan Rogers, with Emiliano Buendia, with Leon Bailey, and he played 60 minutes on Thursday,” Emery said, as reported by Liverpool World.
“Today when he (Buendia) was injured, my plan was maybe in case he (Sancho) was going to play 30 minutes, but I decided to play more and he played 45 minutes. But my plan was when he was swapped with Emiliano Buendia, the idea was maybe not playing all the minutes until the last moment. And I told him as well, he can feel it, it’s embarrassing.”
Manchester United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Kevin Filling, a highly-rated young striker from Swedish side AIK Fotboll, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The 16-year-old forward has emerged as one of Scandinavia’s brightest prospects, drawing interest from several top European clubs.
Despite his age, Filling has already made his mark in Sweden’s top flight, impressing with his physicality and finishing quality.
Filling’s name has rapidly risen through European scouting circles. Standing at 6ft 1in, the young striker combines technical skill with impressive athleticism.
He has already scored two goals in seven appearances, an impressive return for a player still in his mid-teens.
His maturity, awareness, and ability to hold his own against experienced defenders have drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexander Isak, two Swedish forwards who made early breakthroughs before moving on to Europe’s elite clubs.
United could secure the striker’s signature for around €3 million (£2.6m), a modest sum that could prove an excellent investment in the long run.
The Red Devils are not alone in the race, however, as several Bundesliga clubs are also closely monitoring the player’s situation.
Yet, Man United’s strong youth development record and the allure of playing in the Premier League could give them the edge in negotiations.
The club have already bolstered their attacking ranks by adding Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, and Matheus Cunha during the summer window.
They are looking for more options in the market as Amorim continues to build the team for the future and add more depth to the squad.
By targeting a player like Filling, United aim to replicate the success stories of other European clubs who have benefited from identifying top talents early.
Filling’s development at Old Trafford would likely begin in the academy setup or Under-21s before transitioning to first-team contention over the next few years.
Manchester United are reportedly determined to keep both Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford this January, despite the pair experiencing limited game time under Rúben Amorim.
According to The Sun, the Portuguese manager has made it clear to the club hierarchy that he does not want to sanction any exits in the winter window, as he anticipates a challenging period due to player absences caused by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With key squad members set to represent their countries in the tournament, United believe squad depth will be crucial in maintaining consistency across multiple competitions.
Man United duo have struggled or playing time
Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo in the pre-match warm-up (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Mainoo, one of the club’s brightest academy graduates, continues to develop under Amorim’s guidance. Although competition in midfield remains fierce, with Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes occupying key roles, Mainoo is seen as an essential part of United’s long-term project.
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Man United (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The manager’s insistence on retaining both players stems from the club’s looming AFCON absences. United will be without Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) for several weeks during the competition.
With such departures affecting both attacking and defensive depth, Amorim is wary of leaving his side short of options during a congested fixture schedule that includes the Premier League and the FA Cup.
With AFCON absences set to test United’s squad resilience, the decision to hold on to the duo may prove vital as the club looks to sustain its push to regain their dominance.
Chelsea are reportedly exploring a sensational loan move for Marc-André ter Stegen, with the Barcelona goalkeeper said to be open to a change after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No. 1.
The 33-year-old German has found himself unexpectedly marginalised following Barça’s decision to invest €25 million in Joan García, the former Espanyol star whose rise has prompted a recalibration of the goalkeeping hierarchy at the Camp Nou.
The move has created internal friction, with Ter Stegen understood to be livid at the implied message, that his era could be drawing to a close.
Chelsea interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen
With uncertainty lingering over Robert Sánchez’s long-term status at Stamford Bridge, Sky Sport claims Chelsea are weighing a short-term deal to bring elite experience and leadership back between the sticks.
In a Premier League landscape where pressing traps are ruthless, a confident, technically secure goalkeeper can transform a team’s first phase and Ter Stegen is the ideal player who can provide that at Chelsea.
It provides immediate quality without a long, expensive commitment, while allowing the club to reassess Sánchez.
Ter Stegen moves makes financial sense for the Blues
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona embraces Hansi Flick (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
A Ter Stegen-to-Chelsea loan would be one of January’s headline moves. Whether the deal advances will depend on finances and guarantees, but the logic is simple, Chelsea gain a proven leader to guide a developing defense while Barcelona gain clarity in their transition to García.
Sánchez has failed to show consistency at Stamford Bridge despite being made the first choice goalkeeper. Recently in a match against Manchester United, the goalkeeper received a red card for his rash challenge on Bryan Mbeumo which played a huge role on the Blues not winning the match.
While there might have been plenty of speculation during October’s international break that Ruben Amorim could be removed from his position in the Old Trafford dugout, Manchester United have certainly claimed a recent boost. Last seen over the weekend securing an action-packed 4-2 victory at home against Brighton, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has seen […]
Alejandro Garnacho (Photo Credit: Alejandro Garnacho via Instagram)
Garnacho revealed, in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, that Chelsea’s vision under Maresca was what ultimately convinced him to make the switch. He said:
When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him.
For Garnacho, joining Chelsea represents more than just a change of clubs, as it is a leap in his development. He said, describing the Blues as the best team in the world after watching their Club World Cup triumph:
It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea.
He praised the club’s winning mentality, the competition for places, and the high standards that now define life at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho on why he joined Chelsea: “When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him”.
“It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea”, told Sports Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/OciJaqq2Pg
The winger also admitted that a familiar face helped ease the transition. He said:
I spoke to Enzo Fernández during the summer… he had been asking, ‘When are you coming?’
Since arriving at Cobham, Garnacho has impressed staff with his work ethic and willingness to adapt. Sources close to the club say Maresca has already praised his attitude and commitment in training. The 20-year-old appears determined to repay the faith shown in him not just by Maresca, but by a club that believes he can become one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide players
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille, according to a report from TeamTalk.
The North London club are believed to be seeking a “dynamic player” to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season, and Greenwood has emerged as a serious candidate.
The former Manchester United forward has rediscovered his form in Ligue 1, becoming one of the best performers in French football.
However, Tottenham face competition from several major clubs, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham United all expressing interest in the 24-year-old.
Mason Greenwood has excelled in the Ligue 1
Greenwood’s career has experienced a dramatic turnaround since his move to Marseille.
After leaving Man United in 2024, the English forward has rebuilt his reputation and confidence through consistent performances in France.
For Tottenham, Greenwood represents a potential game-changer. Manager Thomas Frank has made no secret of his desire to add pace, versatility, and unpredictability to his frontline.
Greenwood’s capacity to play across the front three, as a right winger, left forward, or even a secondary striker, matches perfectly with Frank’s tactical ideas.
Meanwhile, West Ham United have also joined the chase. Some of the top clubs in the world are taking notice of his consistent performances and goal scoring record.
Greenwood could get the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League after his Man United spell was cut short due to his controversial off the field activities.
Spurs could now give him another chance to play in the Premier League.
Tottenham could be heading for a change at the top of their attack when the January transfer window opens.
According to Football Insider, the club are considering replacing Dominic Solanke, who has struggled to find his form and fitness under manager Thomas Frank.
The England international was signed with big expectations following an impressive spell at Bournemouth, but injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from making the desired impact.
With Tottenham eager to stay competitive in both domestic and European competitions, the board are reportedly exploring forward options, with former Brentford star Ivan Toney among the top names linked.
Dominic Solanke has struggled at Tottenham
Solanke’s move to Tottenham was intended to provide a focal point for the Spurs attack.
However, things haven’t gone as planned. Since joining the North London side, the 28-year-old striker has faced multiple fitness setbacks, limiting his rhythm and confidence in front of goal.
Even when available, Solanke has struggled to replicate his Bournemouth form, where his movement, pressing, and ability to bring teammates into play made him one of the Premier League’s most underrated forwards.
Frank has grown frustrated with the lack of consistency. The Dane has made it clear to Tottenham’s recruitment team that the squad needs a striker who can deliver immediately and adapt seamlessly to his high-intensity demands.
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
In that regard, Toney has emerged as a natural target. The Al Ahli attacker has played previously under Frank at Brentford and the manager and the attacker enjoyed a strong relationship.
Frank was able to get the best out of Toney and he feels that the attacker should return to England from the Middle East.
Italian giants Juventus are eyeing a move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, according to Calciomercato.
The French international, still only 22, has impressed in flashes since joining Chelsea from Lyon, but his limited game time and the resurgence of Reece James could open the door to a transfer.
The Juventus hierarchy are said to be long-time admirers of the young defender and see him as a potential solution to the club’s right-back dilemma, particularly after the Bianconeri missed out on signing Atlético Madrid’s Nahuel Molina last summer.
Juventus are looking for an attacking full-back
The Serie A side had been close to agreeing a deal for Molina during the last transfer window but were ultimately unable to complete the move due to financial and timing constraints.
Since then, the need for a dynamic full-back capable of contributing both defensively and offensively has remained a key priority.
Gusto, who is known for his explosive pace and overlapping runs, is exactly the kind of player Juventus are looking to sign.
At Chelsea, Gusto’s development has been somewhat stifled by the continued presence of club captain James, whose return to full fitness has reduced the Frenchman’s opportunities in the starting lineup.
Malo Gusto has struggled for playing time at Chelsea
Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Juventus are also planning for the long term, seeking to lower the squad’s average age while maintaining quality.
The Turin-based club’s sporting directors are understood to have initiated contact with Gusto’s representatives to gauge his openness to a move, though no formal bid has yet been lodged.
Juventus’ admiration for the French defender is genuine, and with Molina still on Atlético Madrid’s books, Gusto represents a realistic and affordable alternative.
If James stays fit and Gusto continues to find minutes hard to come by, a move to Turin could appeal to all parties.
While there might have been plenty of speculation during October’s international break that Ruben Amorim could be removed from his position in the Old Trafford dugout, Manchester United have certainly claimed a recent boost. Last seen over the weekend securing an action-packed 4-2 victory at home against Brighton, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has seen […]
Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Casemiro, praising the veteran midfielder’s resurgence and leadership at Manchester United after a difficult spell earlier in the season. Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, as shared on the official X account, Ferdinand discussed how the 33-year-old has silenced critics through strong performances and determination.
Rio Ferdinand (Photo Credit: Rio Ferdinand via Instagram)
The former United captain pointed out how Toby Collyer, a younger midfielder, was once selected ahead of Casemiro earlier this season, which could have damaged the Brazilian’s pride. Instead, he responded like a champion, re-establishing himself as a key figure in Rúben Amorim’s side. His commanding performances in games such as United’s dramatic win at Anfield, reported by Softfootball, have shown why experience still matters in top-level football.
Casemiro (Photo Credit: Casemiro via Instagram)
Ferdinand said:
Casemiro is at the back of the pack. Toby’s being called upon before him. Do you know how embarrassing that would have been for Casemiro? But for him to roll his sleeves up and say, ‘No, no, no, it ain’t happening,’ that’s what fans wanted to see.
Ferdinand then referenced Jamie Carragher’s previous comments, where the pundit suggested Casemiro should consider retirement before his form declined. Rio countered:
That was highly disrespectful. You’re talking about a five-time Champions League winner. Players can lose confidence or form, but that doesn’t erase their quality or character.
Casemiro (Photo Credit: Casemiro via Instagram)
Casemiro’s recent form supports Ferdinand’s view. United have recorded five wins, one draw, and just one loss in the Premier League when he starts as compared to a poor record in his absence. His leadership, communication, and ability to control midfield transitions have helped restore order to a side that had been struggling for consistency. The importance of experienced players like Casemiro cannot be overstated in maintaining balance and discipline within the team.
For Ferdinand, Casemiro’s response is the perfect example of resilience. When faced with doubt, he chose to fight, and in doing so, reminded everyone why class, professionalism, and pride still define him.
As the January transfer window approaches, Brentford striker Igor Thiago has become one of the most sought-after names.
The 24-year-old Brazilian forward has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far, scoring goals consistently for the club.
Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are all monitoring his situation closely, setting the stage for a potential bidding war when the market reopens, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
Newcastle United are leading Igor Thiago race
Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase. Following the departure of Alexander Isak, the Magpies are actively searching for depth in their attack.
Sources suggest Newcastle are preparing a €40 million offer, hoping to strike early before rival clubs enter the race.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are adopting a more cautious stance. Still adjusting under Thomas Frank, the North London club are weighing the option of a loan deal with an option to buy.
Their proposed package, a €35 million fee plus performance-based add-ons, shows that they are unwilling to commit a large amount of money on the deal. Spurs see Thiago as a valuable rotational option who could relieve the burden on Dominic Solanke and inject competition into the forward line.
Brentford have no desire to sell their star striker
Igor Thiago of Brentford (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Despite the growing speculation, Brentford remain calm. Having only signed Thiago from Club Brugge last year for €33 million, the Bees hold a long-term contract with him until 2029.
The club are under no financial pressure to sell and are expected to demand a premium well above his initial valuation.
With Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa all positioning themselves to make a move, Brentford face the challenge of holding on to their prized striker.
A fresh transfer battle is brewing between two European giants, as Barcelona and Arsenal are reportedly set to go head-to-head for the signature of Lacine Megnan-Pave, one of France’s brightest teenage prospects.
According to L’Équipe, the 15-year-old Montpellier striker has caught the attention of scouts across Europe following a string of impressive performances for the club’s U19 side, where he has already scored two goals this season.
Despite his young age, Megnan-Pave has the physicality and technique to shine at a big club as interest in his services continues to increase.
Barcelona leading Arsenal in Megnan-Pave race?
Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is currently tipped as the frontrunner to secure his services.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Megnan-Pave already possesses a commanding physical presence for his age. Yet it is his balance, intelligent movement, and natural goal-scoring instinct that have stood out most to scouts.
Montpellier have earned a reputation for developing elite-level French talent, from Olivier Giroud and Rémy Cabella to Elye Wahi, and Megnan-Pave could be the next in that line.
The Catalan giants continue to rebuild their squad structure around young prospects, much like they did with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Fermín López.
Barca’s sporting director Deco has already green-lit the pursuit, with talks underway between intermediaries representing the player and the club.
The Gunners believe Megnan-Pave could become a star in the future under their environment which encourages young players to shine.
The north-London club have seen the progress of young players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Arteta and have been highly impressed with that.
Montpellier, meanwhile, are aware that keeping hold of the teenager will be difficult. With European giants circling and no professional contract signed yet due to his age, the French club face an uphill task to convince him to stay in Ligue 1.
The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of some of the top clubs after his move to Nottingham Forest.
As Forest brace for a potential transfer battle next summer, insiders reveal that the club are demanding between £100–120 million, with no release clause in Anderson’s contract, a sign of how highly he is valued at the City Ground.
Elliot Anderson has been impressive for Forest
Anderson has evolved into the creative heartbeat of the team and his ability to make things happen from the midfield is something that both Man United and Newcastle United are particularly impressed with.
Managers Ruben Amorim and Eddie Howe are both looking for a new midfielder next year and Anderson is someone who has earned a place in their shortlist.
United have been scouting the player extensively and see him as a player who can become a part of their long terms plans under Amorim as the Portuguese manager is looking for more stability in the middle of the park.
Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest against Newcastle(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Forest, for their part, remain adamant that the midfielder is not for sale, unless an exceptional offer arrives.
Anderson is a central figure in their long-term project, and with no release clause in his current deal, they hold all the leverage heading into next year.
The £100–120 million valuation reflects both his current impact and projected potential, especially given his age and Premier League experience.
Whether Anderson stays loyal to Forest’s project or takes the next step toward the elite, one thing is certain, his talent is undeniable and Forest would find it difficult to keep him at the club for long.
Arsenal are now four points ahead of the nearest rival in the Premier League title race – it happens to be Bournemouth – having beaten Crystal Palace 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday. Palace fans won’t be happy that the man who scored Arsenal’s winner, in a top manner at that, is their former star […]
A few years ago it would probably have been a great surprise, but these days, Aston Villa beating Manchester City at Villa Park doesn’t seem too far from normal. It happened on Sunday, with Matty Cash scoring the only goal of the game. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Villa […]
Manchester City fans can finally breathe a bit easier, as midfield general Rodri is back in full training. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who’s been out once again following his return from his brutal ACL and meniscus injury suffered in 2024.
His absence had left a gaping hole in City’s structure. Without him, Guardiola’s side often looked disjointed, control faded, rhythm broke down, and that trademark midfield balance was gone. Rodri isn’t just another holding midfielder; he’s the heartbeat of the team, the one who breaks up play and starts attacks with frightening calmness.
Rodri receiving treatment from Manchester City medical staff (Photo Credit: Premier league X handle)
Losing him derailed City’s campaign last season; they stumbled out of the Champions League early and couldn’t hold on to their Premier League crown. Even since the start of the new season, Softfootball reports that the team have been struggling badly with him, recently losing 1-nil to Aston Villa away from home.
Manchester City revealed that the team has switched focus to their upcoming EFL Cup game against Swansea in a post via the team’s official X account:
Interestingly, Manchester City will be looking to preserve their midfield maestro; they won’t rush him back to the thick of things, opting instead to focus completely on his fitness. Rodri’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Manchester City have looked short of control in midfield and know they can’t afford another slow start; they are already six points off early league leaders Arsenal.
If Rodri rediscovers his rhythm quickly, City might just look like City again, fluid, composed, and terrifyingly efficient, which will be bad news to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal Faithful.
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool, who have lost their last four matches in the Premier League – a run that has seen them drop from 1st to 7th in the standings. The reigning champions have been defeated by Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Man United and Brentford, who were 3-2 winners at the weekend.
In the aftermath of that defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium, Slot admitted that his side struggle against “teams (that) have a certain playing style”, which relates to those who are more direct. But these remarks have not gone down well with some.
Arne Slot slammed for comments on Brentford
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side have lost their last four matches in the Premier League. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
As per Football Insider, Mick Brown responded to Slot’s comments, which he was not a fan of.
“Of course Slot is under pressure at Liverpool and he’ll be frustrated. The result wasn’t good enough, and to lose four games in a row in the Premier League is a disaster, so there are going to be questions asked of him. But you can’t start looking down your nose at other teams and aspects of the game.
“Coming out afterwards and complaining about other teams playing long throws and long balls, it’s embarrassing. It’s his job to prepare for and deal with those. Not every single team is going to play the same way, it’s just the way the game is.
“He can’t be surprised coming up against Brentford, who have made a name from utilising set pieces and maximising the assets they’ve got in their team. It’s up to Liverpool to deal with that, and they didn’t have an answer against Brentford. It’s the same after the game against Man United, when he moaned about other teams changing their starting XIs, honestly it’s embarrassing and it makes him look bad.”
Liverpool and Slot will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible. They face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before hosting Aston Villa in the Premier League – a match that will be very tricky for them, given the two teams’ contrasting form.
Sunderland have made a fantastic start to their Premier League return, with a number of players impressing for Regis Le Bris’ side. However, they could soon feel the force of this, as clubs have started to take notice.
Saturday’s memorable 2-1 victory over Chelsea elevated Sunderland into the top four of the Premier League, and although they will not expect to stay there, they are well on their way to avoiding relegation, which was their goal at the beginning of the campaign.
One player that has stood out for Sunderland is Wilson Isidor, who scored in the victory at Chelsea. However, there is a feeling that he could be set to leave in 2026.
Sunderland braced for Wilson Isidor offers as Aston Villa circle
Wilson Isidor celebrates a goal for Sunderland (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, this is the way it tends to work. If you get promoted from the Championship and start the season strongly, and your players are proving they can impress at this level, it’s going to attract interest. It’s a difficult situation for Sunderland, really, because they obviously want to keep these players.
“Isidor in particular is attracting interest and a lot of top clubs have had scouts watching him. They’ll have been keeping tabs on his performance against Chelsea, because that shows he can do it against the top sides and not just those down the bottom.
“Sunderland experienced it in the Championship last season, with clubs looking at their players. It’s no different now, and whether it’s Isidor or anybody else, I expect they’ll be determined not to lose them after having such a good start.”
For now, Sunderland will continue to enjoy Isidor, but there may be a feeling that he could be taken away in 2026.
Liverpool have had a very difficult few weeks, and their poor form continued at the weekend with a defeat at Brentford. It is now four Premier League losses in a row for Arne Slot’s side, who have slipped to 7th in the standings.
Much has been made of the struggles that new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had, but some of their players that were at such a high level last season have failed to replicate that form – and among them is captain Virgil van Dijk.
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Virgil van Dijk struggles
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Speaking on The Rest Is Football (via TBR Football), Alan Shearer took aim at van Dijk, as well as centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, for their performances against Brentford.
“They are so bad all over the pitch. And I mean, say what you want about them in midfield – the lack of protection – or up front, the lack of connection between their signings. But defensively, oh my word.
“I mean, Van Dijk and Konate. The two fullbacks have had a lot of stick and a lot of criticism, and I understand that, and I get that. But the two centre-backs? They are all over the place. They’ve been terrible. And they were at Brentford — they were awful, both of them, I mean, Van Dijk and Konate, weren’t they?”
Micah Richards agreed with Shearer, although he believes that van Dijk’s struggles are more down to him having little help from Konate.
“Yeah, they were awful. And I think what we’re seeing now is Van Dijk needs help. How many times in previous seasons has Van Dijk bailed them out? You look at partnerships and we’ve always talked about Van Dijk and how good he is. He needs Konate to bail him out at the moment, and that’s not happening. So you can’t have two centre halves not playing well at the same time.”
Liverpool must stop the rut as soon as possible if they are to give themselves the best chance of retaining their Premier League title, which is currently slipping away.
Following a worrying dip in form at Liverpool, Wayne Rooney has flagged serious concerns around the performances and leadership dynamics of two of the Reds’ senior figures, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds have slipped to seventh position in the league after four Premier League defeats in a row.
Just a month ago, they were sitting comfortable at the top but defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford have completely turned their season into a disaster that not many people expected.
Wayne Rooney has questioned Salah and Van Dijk
Performances of several Liverpool players have come under scrutiny this season and it is easy to see why, considering how poor they have been recently.
Rooney has questioned two of their most experienced and senior members of the squad, Van Dijk and Salah, who both recently signed new deals at the club, for the negative impact they have had over the team.
“I think Van Dijk and Salah, obviously, they’ve signed new deals and whatever, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.
“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them, and they’re the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right that affects everyone else.
“And I don’t know, maybe I might be wrong on this, but if I was a Liverpool fan or the manager, that’d be a big concern for me.”
Man United had a difficult start to the season, but they have kicked into gear in recent weeks, having picked up three wins in a row in the Premier League.
The latest came on Saturday as Brighton were defeated 4-2, in a match where there was a number of standouts for Man United – but perhaps none more so than two of their big-money summer signings.
Wayne Rooney delighted with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Man United (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bryan Mbeumo scored twice against Brighton, and as per BBC Sport (via TBR Football), Wayne Rooney expressed his delight with the impact made at Old Trafford by the Cameroon international.
“At Man United, he’s had some really good chances in games as well – he just hasn’t always taken them. But I think his energy, his work rate, his desire… that’s what you need to be a Man United player. And yeah, I did say I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is that he belongs there.
“Obviously, Cunha’s come in, it’s great to see him get his goal, but Mbeumo has been consistent with his performances – and that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and getting chances, you’ll score. What was it, 20 goals last season he scored for Brentford? And now he’s started well again.
“When you’re a forward, you enjoy scoring goals, and that feeling keeps going. That’s why you see players go on streaks – scoring eight, ten, eleven goals on the bounce – and then sometimes they might go a few games without one. His confidence is very high at the minute, and hopefully that continues, because he’s certainly been the best signing for Man United this season.”
Rooney also spoke glowingly on Matheus Cunha, who got his first goal for Man United in the victory over Brighton.
“You could see how much everyone was delighted for him – the manager as well – because that kind of thing can play on your mind. He’s obviously missed a few games through injury, but you could see the delight when he scored. I’ve had it before where players really need that goal because they’re going through a tough spell, and you just hope that it spurs them on.
“Hopefully now he can start showing what we saw from him at Wolves last year. I think he can kick on from this, get better, and start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck – because that’s what he’s capable of. He’s unpredictable at times, and that’s what makes him such a threat.”
Man United are now sixth in the Premier League, and they will fancy their chances of climbing higher when they travel to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Aston Villa defender, Matty Cash has extended his contract with the club until 2029 following some outstanding performances this season, Softfootball reports.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Aston Villa through their official X handle announced that the defender has penned a new deal that would see him stay at the club for more years.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce that Matty Cash has signed a new contract with the club. The defender has agreed a deal that will keep him at Villa until 2029.
Cash has played in almost 200 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring his fourth goal of the season for club and country against Manchester City, where he was also voted Man-of-the-Match.
Cash represented Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has continued to improve since he joined Claret and Blue from Nottingham Forest in 2020.
Aston Villa shared the highlights of their match against Manchester City where Matty Cash scored the winning goal via their official X handle. Watch below.
West Ham have had a miserable start to the season, and that continued at the weekend with a defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. The Hammers, who have already sacked previous manager Graham Potter and replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo, have lost eight of their 10 matches in all competitions, and they currently sit 19th in the Premier League.
West Ham have struggled to stop goals going in, but equally, they have struggled in attack. They have scored seven goals in nine Premier League appearances, and only one of those has come from their strikers (Callum Wilson, vs Nottingham Forest).
Striker is a position that West Ham have had a lot of issues in over the last few years, and on the basis of the season so far, they did not fix it during the summer.
West Ham recognise they could have signed another attacker
Callum Wilson has struggled since arriving at West Ham. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Wilson was the only number nine to arrive at the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, joining as a free agent after leaving Newcastle. However, The Times (via Geordie Boot Boys) have reported that West Ham officials have acknowledged that there should have been at least one more signing in this area.
Alongside Wilson, West Ham only have Niclas Fullkrug as a natural striker option in their squad, which is why Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have been utilised there this season. Both players are better in other positions, which underlines the struggles that Nuno is having in the early stages of his tenure.
It remains to be seen whether West Ham go to the market in January to sign a new striker, but given their struggles so far this season, doing so could ensure that they avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds are made a promising start to life back in the Premier League, and in order to increase their chances of avoiding relegation, they are expected to seek more signings when the transfer window re-opens in January. However, it turns out that they may not be able to do their desired business.
Leeds spent over the summer to bring in the likes of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, but despite this, there are plans to add another midfielder in January – but that may not arrive be possible.
Leeds will find it difficult to sign Issouf Sissokho in January
Issouf Sissokho (L) in action for Maccabi Tel Aviv. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract at Maccabi and I’m sure the opportunity for the Mali international to move to Premier League will be something that he would very much be interested in as well.
“I think a deal will be hard to do due to Leeds were pretty much maxed out on their PSR and FFP in the summer window when they spent heavily on a number of players as well. So it might mean that players might need to be moved on if they are to bring any new signings in like Sissokho, but he’s a young player with huge potential.
“As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on them. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”
Making signings in January could be the difference between Leeds staying in the Premier League or not, so it will be interesting to see how active they are in the transfer market when January rolls around.
Liverpool are in a very poor moment, having lost for the fourth Premier League match in a row at the weekend. Arne Slot’s side went down 3-2 to Brentford, a result that saw them drop to 7th in the standings.
Slot was not happy after the match in London, and there was focus on multiple penalty decisions that did not go his side’s way at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Mark Clattenburg agrees with van Dijk, Gakpo penalty calls
Dango Ouattara wins a penalty after a foul by Virgil van Dijk. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Mark Clattenburg spoke on the multiple big calls from the Brentford-Liverpool match, including the penalty that the home side were awarded for a foul by Virgil van Dijk. The ex-referee was clear that the decision to award a spot-kick against the Dutch defender was the right one.
“Virgil van Dijk clearly made contact with Dango Ouattara’s foot on the line of the penalty area. The line of the penalty area is part of the penalty area, so any contact would result in a penalty kick. First impression was that the contact was outside, but all the angles show it was on the line.”
Clattenburg also claimed that it was the right decision not to award a penalty for Liverpool after Cody Gakpo went down under a challenge inside the Brentford area.
“Cody Gakpo wanted a penalty kick when he was challenged inside the penalty area. The referee’s decision not to award a spot kick was an excellent one, as it’s clear that Gakpo sees the leg of the defender and throws himself to the ground.
“Referees look for unnatural action from attackers when awarding a penalty kick, and it’s clear from the replays that Gakpo’s arms are above his head; if the fall was natural, the arms would be outstretched, breaking the fall.”
Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible. They host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before seeking to return to winning ways in the Premier League as they host in-form Aston Villa at Anfield on the weekend.
Next summer, there could be a number of top centre-backs on the market as free agents, and Liverpool could be at the centre of everything. Ibrahima Konate could fall into this category, but the same can also be said for some of their transfer targets – one of which is Dayot Upamecano.
Upamecano sees his Bayern Munich contract expire in eight months’ time, and as things stand, no agreement has been reached to extend his stay in Bavaria. Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in the France international, although they face competition from Chelsea and Man City, all of whom will be eagerly watching the situation unfold.
Bayern Munich concerned about losing Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
According to Graeme Bailey (via TBR Football), Upamecano is more likely than not to stay at Bayern, although there are fears that he will not sign a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
“We really have a fascinating summer looming, given some of potential big name free agents that might be available, and especially in the centre-half market. In England we are thinking and talking about Marc Guehi, but in Europe the name many are talking about is French star Dayot Upamecano – who has really been looking the part at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany.
“Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached. And Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are all very much in the mix for him, they all rate him highly.”
It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds with Upamecano, but without a doubt, he would be an excellent signing for the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.
After four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Liverpool have dropped from first place to seventh.
Arne Slot’s side are now seven points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have now become the favourites to win the Premier League title this season.
It has all turned into a disaster for the Reds after a promising start this season.
Their latest defeat came against Brentford when once again, their defense looked shaky and conceded three goals after their failure to deal with the aerial threat of Keith Andrews’ side.
Liverpool have struggled defensively this season
Their defense has come under scrutiny this season and the performances of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been criticised.
Former Reds defender Glenn Johnson has become the latest person to voice his concerns about the Liverpool defense and he wants Slot to take action soon, as early as the January transfer window.
“Guehi, everyone’s been speaking about him for a while,” Johnson told Ace Odds, as reported by Liverpool.com.
“I think he’s got all the credentials to slot in perfectly.
“More importantly for me, I think he’s the right age to be able to do it with Van Dijk for a year or two. Whether Van Dijk has been himself or not is debatable.
“But in terms of being alongside someone you can learn an awful lot from playing with or training with or being in the dressing room with, that I think can be massive for Marc’s future as well. The sooner you sign him, the better.”
Can Guehi help Arne Slot solve his defensive issues?
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Guehi was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window. The England international even competed his medical ahead of a potential move to Liverpool but Palace decided to pull the plug in the last minute.
Johnson wants his former club to forget about signing him for free next summer and pay a transfer fee in January to sign him and sort out their defensive troubles.
Liverpool suffered yet another Premier League defeat, their fourth in a row, at the hands of Brentford.
Arne Slot’s side are struggling to find form after starting the season impressively.
In their last four matches in the league, they have suffered defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.
The defending Premier League champions have lost ground in the Premier League title race with Arsenal now sitting seven points above them in the league standings.
A number of Liverpool players have received criticism for their performances and the one player that Gary Neville has pointed fingers at is summer signing Milos Kerkez.
Gary Neville wants Liverpool to drop Milos Kerkez
After joining the club from Bournemouth in the summer, Kerkez instantly became a starter at the club, ahead of experienced left-back Andy Robertson.
“Earlier on in the season I felt as though their full backs weren’t right, and maybe Konate at times wasn’t right, but Van Dijk was holding them together and Alisson was in goal and you’ve got two world-class performers there.
“But the virus is catching. It’s not just going into the left back, who I think now is becoming a worry – the left back, Kerkez scored but watching him, he has to be taken out I think.
“I’m worried about the right-back. Frimpong’s not a right back. Conor Bradley’s being given his head and I’m supportive of that because I think there’s a lot of talent there, but it’s difficult when your team is conceding goals and the pressure’s on.”
During his time at Bournemouth, he was known for his defensive quality and his explosive runs supporting the attack but this season, the left-back has struggled defensively and his lack of confidence doing that is eventually resulting in his attacking game getting affected as well.
Considering that he knows the demands of the Premier League and has played in England for a long time, it is actually worrying for the Merseyside club to see him play like this.
Whether Slot has failed to integrate the left-back or it is Kerkez who is struggling with the demands of playing for a top club, remains to be judged, but his performances have been well under par and opponents are starting to expose that area of the pitch.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was not happy after the defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Palace boss has made the club one of the most competitive teams in the Premier League and their recent record suggests that.
The south-London club won the FA Cup and the Community Shield this year under his guidance.
However, the manager is not happy with one of the decisions made by the board of his club and he did not hold back while criticising that after the defeat against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Oliver Glasner sent a subtle message to his board
It was Yeremy Pino who committed the foul that eventually lead to Arsenal’s only goal of the match, scored by former Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The summer signing has found it difficult to settle in the Premier League and Glasner believes that the player not having a proper preseason is the reason behind it.
Pino joined the Premier League side on Deadline Day from Villarreal and that is why he has been unable to acclimatise himself with the demands of the game in England.
“It was a silly foul,” said Glasner, as reported by News Shopper.
“We asked him to double up against Saka, he thought he would get the ball in this situation, but he was a little bit too late.
“Everyone has to adjust to the Premier League, especially when you come from Spain, where it is more technical and faster. We knew this.
“It doesn’t make it easier when players arrive on Deadline Day and we have such a tight schedule so you have to learn through the games.
“He will learn, like all the others did. We are Crystal Palace, we should never forget this.”
He has, in his own subtle manner, conveyed to the club that timely signings are crucial and important to the performance of the team.
Defeat against the Gunners leave Palace in 10th place in the league.
Since beating Liverpool at the end of last month in a dramatic fashion thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s late goal, the have failed to win in the Premier League.
The Eagles travel to Anfield next to face the same opponent, Liverpool, in the Carabao Cup next before hosting Brentford at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool have now suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats, with the latest misery for the defending champions inflicted by Brentford at the Community Stadium on Saturday evening. Goals from Dango Ouattara (5’), Kevin Schade (45’), and Igor Thiago (60’ pen) secured the win for the Bees, while Milos Kerkez (45+5’) and Mohamed Salah (89’) struck […]
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has promised fans that they would enjoy new signing Piero Hincapié because he is a very good player, Softfootball reports.
The Ecuadorian centerback made his premier league debut as a substitute as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 courtesy a first half goal by former Eagles midfielder, Eberechi Eze.
Piero Hincapié and Mikel Arteta. Photo Credit: Arsenal Media.
In a post shared by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Arteta was praising the player and made a promise to Arsenal fans.
Arteta: Our fans are gonna love Piero Hincapié, mark my words. It’s great to have Piero on the pitch. You could sense immediately his aggression, his commitment in every action that he does.
Piero Hincapié joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. The deal includes an option to buy the 23-year-old defender for £45m (around €52 million). If the option is triggered, Hincapié has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract.
Hincapié enjoyed a fine debut against Crystal Palace, playing alongside Gabriel in the heart of Arsenal defense, they managed to keep a clean sheet. With William Saliba set to be out for a few matches after he picked a knock at the weekend, Arsenal fans will hope Hincapié can deliver top performance every week.
Arsenal are currently four points clear on top of the premier league and will return to action on Wednesday when they host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.
Ezri Konsa’s stock keeps rising and the Premier League’s biggest clubs have noticed.
According to TBR Football, Manchester City and Tottenham are among several clubs monitoring the Aston Villa defender after a run of outstanding performances under Unai Emery.
City, who beat Villa to the signing of highly rated midfielder Sverre Nypan earlier this year, are now considering another raid on Emery’s squad as part of an anticipated defensive reshuffle.
Ezri Konsa has interest from several Premier League clubs
The level of interest doesn’t stop there. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all scouted Konsa over the past year, showing how widely admired he has become.
Positionally intelligent and deceptively quick across the ground, Konsa has shown his quality for Villa consistently.
That mix has made him a cornerstone of Emery’s defensive structure, whether Villa set up in a compact mid-block or squeeze opponents higher up the pitch.
Since Guardiola likes to have versatile defenders at Man City, Konsa fits the profile. He can play as a centre-back in a back four as well as in a back three.
As City refresh a back unit that has carried heavy minutes across multiple trophy-chasing seasons, targeting a Premier League-hardened, home-grown option makes complete sense.
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Chelsea retain a habit of stockpiling top domestic talent, Liverpool are attentive to defenders due to the uncertain future of Ibrahima Konate, and Man United are evaluating reliable Premier League profiles as they remodel their squad.
Konsa is a player who is high in-demand at the moment and Man City, along with all other top Premier League clubs are ready to offer him an opportunity to make a step forward in his career.
It remains to be seen who wins the race to sign him. Konsa would not be thinking about anything like that right now. He is currently focused on performing well and sealing his place in the England squad for the World Cup next year.
Trouble is escalating rapidly at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
According to Football Insider, the club’s owners, China-based conglomerate Fosun International, arrived at Molineux this weekend and are set to decide the future of head coach Vítor Pereira.
The timing could hardly be worse, Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League after just two points from nine games, and a 3-2 home defeat to fellow strugglers Burnley has reportedly triggered alarm within the boardroom.
Wolves are ready to make Vitor Pereira decision
The delegation at the stadium included around 11 key figures from Fosun, all watching a performance many believe sealed Pereira’s fate.
The Portuguese coach took over in December 2024 from Gary O’Neil and was rewarded with a contract extension just months later, tying him to Molineux through 2028.
Yet despite the long-term commitment, results have slumped alarmingly.
Wolves are yet to secure a league win this season, picked up a mere two points from nine outings, and now sit at the bottom of the league.
The defeat reportedly deepened the board’s concerns about direction, investment return and leadership.
With relegation fears accelerating, Wolves face what may prove the earliest test of their decision making and strategy.
Vitor Pereira, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, applauds the fans. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Beyond results, there are wider questions. Wolves underwent a considerable summer overhaul, six new signings arrived, but the heavy investment has yet to translate into impressive performances.
A decision on Pereira’s future, whether retaining him with added transfer backing or moving for fresh faces, could emerge imminently.
Sunday’s defeat may have been the final straw. While the contract situation implied long-term trust, the immediate crisis has forced Wolves’ owners to make a big decision.
Amid mounting pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham United, the club are reportedly targeting £26 million deal for young Brazilian defender Alexsandro Victor de Souza Ribeiro ahead of the January transfer window.
The east-London side have identified Alexsandro as a key piece in their defensive rebuild, a response to their troubled start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
With West Ham floundering and the board keen to demonstrate backing for their new coach, the move signals intent amid growing unease surrounding results and performances.
Alexsandro, 26, has been making waves in Ligue 1 with Lille OSC, where his performances earned him a recent Brazil national team call-up and attention from clubs across Europe.
West Ham find out Alexsandro price tag
Contracted until summer 2026, the Brazilian’s valuation is reported to sit around £26 million, according to ESPN Brazil.
While Alexsandro is said to favour a move to a top English club, his representatives have indicated that the timing must feel right, not only for the player’s development but for his national team prospects as well.
Alexsandro of Lille runs with the ball (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Internally, West Ham’s recruitment department see the deal as suitable because it offers a mix of immediate impact and future value.
Alexsandro’s ability to play both centre-back and left-centre in a back three adds tactical flexibility, while his comfort in possession reflects modern defensive demands.
Despite the defender having reservations about a move to the Premier League as he feels it would take him a lot of time to settle in a new league and environment, the Hammers are confident of bringing him to the club to sort out their defensive issues.
Parma’s rising star Zion Suzuki has emerged as one of Europe’s most-watched goalkeepers, with Chelsea and AC Milan both tracking the Japan international, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.
The 23-year-old has been a mainstay for Parma since 2024, already amassing 44 Serie A appearances.
Interestingly, he is studying English and Italian, a small but telling signal of a player preparing himself for the next step.
Suzuki’s appeal is easy to understand in the current goalkeeping market. He is a keeper who is comfortable advancing off his line, claiming crosses decisively, and initiating attacks with quick, accurate distribution.
While Sánchez offers experience, the London club have consistently researched profiles that can grow into the role over multiple seasons.
A keeper with Suzuki’s range, comfortable in tight spaces, quick to launch counters and reliable under set-piece pressure, would strengthen Chelsea’s squad and the goalkeeping department.
Zion Suzuki of Parma celebrates with his teammates (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The Premier League giants would have to face competition from Milan though, who are looking for a long-term replacement of Mike Maignan.
There has been no public mention on price, but with a 23-year-old international who has already proven himself in Serie A, the starting point will not be modest.
Whether the timeline is January or the summer, Suzuki is about to enter a crucial part of his career where his next move could define the path of his future.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim reportedly had his sights set on a sensational move for Robert Lewandowski next summer, but his plans appear to have been blocked by the club’s ownership.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has firmly rejected the idea, standing by his philosophy of steering clear of short-term signings, a stance that marks a clear break from United’s transfer policy of the past decade.
Robert Lewandowski faces uncertain future at Barca
Lewandowski, 37, remains one of the most decorated strikers in world football. His contract at Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026, but reports indicate that the Catalan club are unlikely to extend his deal, viewing this as the final chapter of his tenure at Camp Nou.
The Polish international has enjoyed a glittering career, amassing over 600 career goals, and Amorim viewed him as an ideal mentor and short-term attacking solution for a Man United side still searching for consistency in front of goal.
Lewandowski’s presence could have offered guidance to younger players such as Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee. However, Ratcliffe, who now oversees the footballing side of Man United operations, is said to have rejected the proposal outright.
United’s pursuit of aging stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane, and Bastian Schweinsteiger brought fleeting excitement but limited long-term value, often burdening the club with heavy wage bills and little return on investment.
Ratcliffe’s decision reflects his push for a younger, data-driven recruitment model, focused on players with potential resale value and longevity.
Bournemouth made a strong statement of intent in the transfer market, rejecting £50 million bids from Manchester United and Tottenham for star forward Antoine Semenyo, according to The Telegraph.
Both Premier League clubs submitted formal offers at the start of the January transfer window, but the Cherries wasted no time in turning them down.
The decision shows the club’s commitment to holding on to one of their most important players as they continue to build under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Antoine Semenyo has gone to a whole new level
Semenyo’s rise over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Having scored and assisted consistently throughout the first half of the season, it’s no surprise that top clubs have taken notice.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Despite the financial temptation, Bournemouth’s stance has been firm, Semenyo is not for sale.
Sources close to the club suggest that Bournemouth’s ownership believes the player’s value could soar even higher if he continues his current form.
The 25-year-old’s contract still has several years remaining, and Iraola considers him indispensable.
The player is understood to be happy on the south coast, having developed a strong relationship with Iraola and his teammates.
While the Premier League elite will likely circle again in the summer, for now, Bournemouth’s refusal to cash in on their star forward shows their ambition and forward-thinking.
Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United future is heading for a decisive moment.
The Dutch striker has struggled for minutes under Rúben Amorim this season, squeezed further to the fringes by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Zirkzee knows that regular club football is essential to stay in the Netherlands frame.
Joshua Zirkzee wants immediate solution
The striker wants a solution in the January transfer window with a move away from Old Trafford highly likely, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
Aston Villa fans were in full voice after a sensational 1-0 victory over Manchester City, marking another high point in what’s becoming a defining season under Unai Emery. While Villa supporters flooded social media with praise for the team’s spirit and tactical precision, Manchester City fans turned their frustration toward Pep Guardiola’s constant rotation and puzzling tactical calls, Sotfootball reports
Villa Fans Ecstatic After Complete Team Display
It was a night of near perfection for Aston Villa, who outplayed the defending champions with a blend of discipline, intensity, and individual brilliance. Fans hailed the team’s balance, from André Onana’s midfield dominance to Matty Cash’s inspired performance.
Aston Villa players celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
What a Cash! What a match! Villa in the soundly beating Man City era. What a time to watch this club. Small shout to Martinez… despite being a lil’ grumpy with him still… damn it if he isn’t a great keeper.
Aston Villa took to their official X handle shortly after the final whistle to celebrate the performance, posting a short clip of André Onana’s commanding display, they posted:
Gigantic defensive performance. By far Onana’s best game for us, one of the most complete DM showings you’ll ever see. Cash once again superb — handled two very different wingers incredibly well and scored a beauty. And Konsa with one of his best ever displays. Incredible stuff.
I could not fault a single Aston Villa player or coach today. Absolutely flawless. Onana set his standard for the rest of the season today. Cracking goal Cash. City simply can’t navigate McGinn’s big backside. Konsa, Barkley crucial interceptions late.
Matty Cash, who scored the only goal and put in a tireless defensive shift, shared his excitement with Villa TV, which was shared via the team’s official X handle, they posted;
For Manchester City supporters, the night was one of deep frustration. Many fans on X questioned Guardiola’s decisions, particularly his decision to experiment once again with Stones in midfield and to bench several key players.
Manchester City’s Captain Ruben Dias greeting the fans and thanking them for their support after the game (Photo Credit: Manchester City X handle)
Can someone tell Pep there are no small teams in the league anymore? You can’t keep benching your best players and expect consistency. Nico O’Reilly has shown more in limited minutes than some regular starters. This loss is on him.
Got exactly what we deserved from that starting lineup. We simply can’t be lining up with such a weak midfield. Nothing learned from the previous two games away at Villa when Stones was rolled out again in midfield. We are a midtable team without Rodri or Nico G on the field.
Following the loss, Manchester City posted on their official X account to thank traveling supporters for their unwavering backing:
O’Riley, Cherki, and Marmoudh should have started or come on early in the second half. Gvardiol and Dias — why change them? Savinho was anonymous in the second half yet Pep kept him on. Nobody knew how to get the ball to Haaland.
This is all on Pep. Aston Villa is not a division 2 team to gamble your lineup. Bobb is not City’s standard — he should go play in the Championship. Whoever stopped that Savinho-to-Tottenham deal needs to be sacked from the board. Nonsense.
For Aston Villa, this result cements their growing reputation as genuine contenders for European qualification. With André Onana finding his rhythm in midfield, Matty Cash rediscovering top form, and Unai Emery’s system thriving, optimism is sky-high at Villa Park.
For Manchester City, however, the pressure is mounting. Guardiola’s rotation policy and experimental setups have come under heavy fire from fans, and the Blue side of Manchester will need to rediscover their focus quickly to stay in the title race.
Arsenal defender, Jurrien Timber says he is happy with the consistency of his team and hopes something great could happen for them this season, Softfootball reports.
The former Ajax star was in action for 90 minutes on Sunday as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 inside the Emirates stadium. The victory against the Eagles pushed the Gunners four points clear at the top of the Premier League and they’ve now kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Jurrien Timber (Photo Credit – Arsenal via X)
Speaking in the post-match interview shared via Arsenal’s official X handle. Timber said:
Everyone plays a part in it, but it’s a good thing and a good foundation to build on. From that standard, you just have to keep getting better and be consistent in what we do, and then throughout the whole season, hopefully we’ll turn into something beautiful.
It gives you confidence and it shows that we’re doing really well, and also, if it’s for multiple games in a row, I think it says something about consistency. We just have to keep that going game-by-game, keep improving, look at what we can do better still, but also take that feeling with you, that confidence and go into the next game with the same mindset.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder, Eberechi Eze scored the alone goal of the match in the first half of the encounter through an audacious half volley. The Gunners tried to extend their lead but the Eagles held firm and also could not get a goal as it ended 1-0.
Meanwhile, there was a little concern for Arsenal as France international William Saliba went off with a knock. Mikel Arteta will hope it is not too serious as they prepare to face Brighton in the fourth round of the English FA Cup on Wednesday.
Tottenham Hotspur finally looked like a team rediscovering their rhythm as they became the first away side to ever win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending a six-match winless run against Everton with a convincing 3-0 victory, Softfootball reports.
Everton under David Moyes, came into the game looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. Their new home ground had been a fortress so far this season, but Spurs wasted no time in testing that reputation.
Mohammed Kudus and Micky Van der Ven both celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
The Toffees had prided themselves on not conceding from a set-piece all season, but that record didn’t last long. Rodrigo Bentancur kept Mohammed Kudus’ corner alive at the far post, and Micky van de Ven was on hand to head home from six yards out ,a simple goal, but a huge blow for the hosts.
Everton thought they had found an instant reply when Jake O’Brien rose highest to head in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner just minutes later, sparking wild celebrations. But those cheers quickly died down after VAR ruled that Iliman Ndiaye, standing in an offside position, had obstructed Guglielmo Vicario’s view. The goal was chalked off, and the atmosphere inside the stadium turned tense.
Micky Van der Ven both celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
To their credit, Spurs handled the hostility brilliantly. Bentancur almost doubled their lead with a brilliant volley that curled agonizingly wide, and moments later, they got their second — again from a set-piece. This time it was Pedro Porro’s wicked corner delivery that caused the damage, and Van de Ven, full of confidence, nipped in front of Jordan Pickford to flick home his second of the night and fifth of the season.
Tottenham came into this game desperate to find some consistency after a patchy run of results in both the Premier League and Europe. Their most recent outing a frustrating goalless draw against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League summed up their struggles to turn dominance into goals. But here, everything seemed to click.
Everton started the second half with more intent. Ndiaye came close with a clever backheel flick that drifted just wide, and there were flashes of life from the Toffees’ attack. But for all their effort, they couldn’t find a way past a disciplined Spurs defence.
Pape Malang Sarr after scoring for Tottenham (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
Their best chance to get back into the game fell to Richarlison against his former club. A loose header from James Tarkowski gifted the Brazilian a golden opportunity, but his shot was straight at Pickford. It felt like the moment Everton’s fight fizzled out.
The hosts continued to push late on, but the result was sealed when Pape Matar Sarr raced through in the final minutes to slot home a composed third goal for Spurs, putting the game well and truly beyond doubt.
After the convincing victory, Tottenham shared an historic achievement with the spurs fans via their official X handle, confirming that the team becomes the first away side to win at the Everton’s new Hill Dickson stadium. They posted:
For Tottenham, it was a statement win their most complete performance in weeks and one that moves them up to third in the Premier League table ahead of a massive London derby against Chelsea next weekend.
For Everton, however, the reality bites: their new home fortress has been breached, and Moyes will know he has plenty of work to do to steady the ship.
After the match, Unai Emery revealed during his post match interview that he values Elliot but had to leave him out for tactical reasons. Fabrizio Romano shared via his official X handle. He wrote:
Unai Emery on Harvey Elliott left out of Villa squad: I told him to keep going. We signed Harvey because I believe in him. I am happy with him, he’s training well. His commitment is fantastic, he’s a good guy. It was a tactical decision.
Elliot joined Aston Villa on transfer deadline day on loan from Liverpool. But he has struggled for game time with Villa and Emery dropping him against Manchester City when he is fully fit is not good news for the midfielder.
Elliot left Liverpool because he wanted more playing time as he was a fringe star at Anfield but his situation hasn’t changed with places for the 2026 World Cup reducing by the day, the England youngster is desperate for more game time.
As a result of the win, Aston Villa moved into eighth position on the Premier League table with 15 points while Manchester City sit fifth with 16 points.
Arteta also praised his players for their stability and determination, while acknowledging that his team had to dig deep to secure the clean sheet and vital three points.
Arteta (Photo Credit – Official Arsenal Website)
Speaking in his post match presser shared via the club’s X handle, Arteta had a lot to reflect on the importance of this victory, he stated;
I just told the boys that I probably value this victory more than any other victory this season, because we knew the difficulty of it after playing every three days. We had a big opportunity as well with the things that happened during this weekend and I knew we played against a team that, in my opinion, has been one of the best recently in terms of organisation, how difficult they make it, how frustrated they can make you, and the moment that you lose that concentration, they will punish you.
Mikel Arteta (Photo Credit: Arsenal Website)
We have managed to be very stable, playing the game that we have to play. In the first half we were a bit stuck, but we found a way to score a goal and in the second half we attacked better and were more fluent. But with 1-0, we knew that we had to suffer because a team has to score goals to beat any other opponent this season, so to keep the clean sheet is very important.
The club posted the link to the full post-match press conference via its official X handle , inviting fans to read Arteta’s complete reflections on Ebere Eze’s performance, player fitness, and the significance of the result,
Eze’s performance Player fitness The importance of today's win
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table following the win and continue to impress in the UEFA Champions League, having beaten Atlético Madrid 4-0 to stay perfect in their European campaign. As the season progresses, Arteta insists that maintaining focus and momentum will be key, adding that his players must continue to stay humble, work hard, and take every opportunity to improve.
Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Marseille striker Mason Greenwood, with a potential move that could reunite him with fellow Englishman Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at the Camp Nou.
According to The Sun, the Catalan club’s scouts have been impressed by Greenwood’s performances in Ligue 1.
Greenwood, now 24, has rebuilt his career in France after leaving Manchester United and continues to attract interest from Europe’s elite.
Greenwood’s journey back to prominence has been closely followed since his move to Getafe in 2023, where he registered 22 goals and five assists across all competitions in his debut season in Spain.
Mason Greenwood is a player in demand
That breakout campaign earned him a permanent transfer to Marseille, where he has continued to make an impact, scoring four goals so far this season and contributing significantly to the French club’s attacking threat.
However, despite thriving on the pitch, reports suggest Greenwood is homesick for England, which could make a move elsewhere more appealing.
Barcelona’s interest is particularly intriguing given the club’s ongoing squad rebuild and their desire to add depth in attacking areas. Manager Hansi Flick is said to be keen on versatile forwards who can operate across the frontline, and Greenwood fits that profile perfectly.
The potential presence of Rashford, currently enjoying a loan spell at Barca, could further tempt Greenwood, offering both familiarity and a smoother transition to life in Catalonia.
Greenwood was suspended by Man United in January 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. The Crown Prosecution Service later dropped all charges, but the case continues to cast a shadow over his public image.
Manchester City’s unbeaten Premier League run since August came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, a result that reminded the cityzens of how fine the margins can be at the top level. Despite dominating large spells of the game, City couldn’t find a way past a resilient Villa side who defended with heart and discipline, Softfootball reports.
The loss comes just days after Pep Guardiola’s men delivered an impressive 2-0 win over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League. The City boss and his players will now be aiming to regroup quickly and return to winning ways as they look to stay within reach of the league’s summit.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City via website)
Following the game, Manchester City shared a statement from the post-match press conference on their official X handle, iwhere Guardiola reflected on the defeat, and how the team plans to respond. Guardiola stated;
We played a really good team and a good game. We played aggressively.
In general, we were there. The shots, crosses, blocks. They defended really well and the goalkeeper is fantastic. In general I don’t have much complaint. Little details but good.
While the defeat stings, Guardiola’s composed reaction signals belief in his squad’s mental toughness. With tough fixtures ahead, the City boss will hope the setback serves as fuel for his side’s continued push for domestic and European glory.
Aston Villa continued their remarkable turnaround under Unai Emery, becoming just the second team in top-flight history to follow a five-game winless start with four straight victories, after Matty Cash’s first-half strike handed Manchester City their first Premier League defeat since August, Softfootball reports.
City, who seemed to have regained momentum after a convincing 2-0 win over Everton, last weekend, were stunned early on when Villa took the lead inside 20 minutes. A cleverly worked short corner found its way to Matty Cash on the edge of the area, and the Polish full-back shifted past Bernardo Silva before rifling a low, left-footed drive beyond an unmoved Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Erling Haaland almost provided an immediate response when he broke into the Villa box, but the Norwegian’s effort was brilliantly denied by Emiliano Martínez, a moment that set the tone for the night.
Villa’s first-half joy was dampened by an injury to Emiliano Buendía, forcing an early change that introduced Jadon Sancho for his first Premier League home appearance in a Villa shirt. The Manchester United loanee quickly made an impression, linking up with John McGinn to create a deflected chance that fizzed narrowly wide.
Aston Villa Players celebrate after full time whistle (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Trailing at the break for the first time in an away Premier League game this season, Pep Guardiola’s men returned with renewed intent. Savinho’s quick feet forced two desperate defensive blocks from Villa before the hour mark as City piled on the pressure. Guardiola then turned to his bench, introducing Nico González, Nico O’Reilly, and Jérémy Doku in search of an equaliser.
Among the substitutes was young Rayan Cherki, whom Pep once described as one of the greatest talents I’ve ever seen. But tonight simply wasn’t City’s day. Despite being brought on for Tijjani Reijnders, Cherki struggled to find the spark his manager hoped for as Villa stood firm.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
At the other end, Sancho nearly doubled Villa’s advantage when he wriggled into the box and forced Donnarumma into a sharp save before seeing his rebound pushed away as well. That missed opportunity almost came back to haunt them when Haaland thought he had grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser, only for the assistant’s flag to cut short City’s celebrations.
After the game, Aston villa posted on their official X handle, the players reactions to the victory on the road as the head back to the dressing room. Watch below:
The win whichh was Villa’s third consecutive home triumph over City lifted Unai Emery’s side to seventh, just a point behind Pep Guardiola’s men in fourth. For the cityzens, the defeat snapped a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions and served as a sobering reminder that even the very best can be undone by a side playing with Villa’s belief, resilience, and hunger.
Bournemouth’s impressive run just keeps getting better. The Cherries climbed to second place in the Premier League after a convincing 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium, stretching their unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions. Softfootball predicted a win for the Cherries in the pregame report but won’t have expected Sean Dyche’s side not to put up an impressive fight.
From the first whistle, Andoni Iraola’s side looked sharper and hungrier. Their early pressure paid off midway through the first half when Marcus Tavernier’s curling corner somehow looped over goalkeeper Matz Sels and dropped straight into the net. It was a strange one; replays showed the ball may have brushed off Forest’s Neco Williams before deflecting back onto Tavernier, raising eyebrows and frustration on the away bench.
Bournemouth players celebrating (Photo Credit: Bournemouth via X)
Sean Dyche, taking charge of his first league game as Forest manager, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. Many expected this game to be the continuance of a resurgence following their 2-nil victory over Porto in the Europa League. His side barely had time to regroup before Bournemouth struck again.
In the 40th minute, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi lit up the stadium with a thunderous 30-yard strike, the kind of goal that gets fans out of their seats. The French youngster now has four goals in his last three games, becoming the first Frenchman to score in three straight Premier League appearances since Jean-Philippe Mateta in 2023.
Bournemouth were very excited about the result, and the feeling was evident in the reactions of the players after the final whistle in a video uploaded via the club’s official X account.
Forest did rally after the break, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Omari Hutchinson adding more energy, but it wasn’t enough. Morgan Gibbs-White came close with a stinging shot that forced an excellent save from Djordje Petrovic, yet the visitors remain winless in eight league outings and stuck in the relegation zone.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are flying. Fast, fearless, and full of belief, Iraola’s men continue to impress — and with owner Bill Foley in attendance, the buzz around a potential new contract for the Spanish coach is growing louder by the day.
Eberechi Eze was the hero for Arsenal in the premier league match-day 9 as he scored the winner against his former side Crystal Palace at the Emirates to help the North London side record its 700th win in the competition, Softfootball reports.
Eze moved to the Emirates for £67m in the summer and has already integrated with his new teammates. His first half goal came from another trademark Arsenal set-piece. Former West Ham Captain, Declan Rice curled a free-kick into the area which was knocked down by Gabriel before Eze finished acrobatically.
The Eagles, who lost to AEK Larnaca on Thursday night pushed for the equalizer with Jean-Philippe Mateta battling against the solid Arsenal defence but the Gunners stayed solid as David Raya in goal kept another clean sheet this season.
Arsenal celebrated their 700th premier league win in the premier league via their official X handle.
However, at the other side of the pitch Arsenal nearly doubled their lead in the second half when Gabriel hit the crossbar with a powerful header before England international, Bukayo Saka curled an effort from the edge of the penalty area but it went off target.
Arsenal held on for the all important three points. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions. The North London side are top of the table with 22 points followed by Bournemouth with 18 points while Crystal Palace sit 10th with 13 points.
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham, according to the Express.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga giants from Sunderland in the summer for a fee of around €30 million, has found first-team opportunities limited in Germany.
Despite high expectations following his arrival, and the shadow of his older brother Jude Bellingham’s global stardom, Jobe’s early months at Dortmund have been marked by challenges both on and off the pitch.
Bellingham’s transfer to Dortmund was seen as a natural next step in his development, following an impressive breakthrough season at Sunderland.
Dortmund’s track record of nurturing young English talent, most notably with Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, made the move seem ideal. However, things haven’t gone entirely according to plan.
There are also off-field complications that have added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Reports suggest that tensions have arisen between Jobe’s father, Mark Bellingham, who remains closely involved in his son’s career, and Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, shared on the official X account, the former Manchester United captain dissected how Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo caused chaos for Liverpool’s defence during the 2–1 victory at Anfield. As reported by Softfootball, the win—sealed by a late Harry Maguire header—marked United’s third straight league triumph under Rúben Amorim, showcasing a new attacking sharpness led by Cunha and Mbeumo.
Matheus Cunha (Photo Credit: Matheus Cunha via Instagram)
Ferdinand highlighted how both forwards drifted into half-spaces, forcing Liverpool’s centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and breaking their defensive rhythm. Their constant interchanging made it difficult for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté to decide whether to track tightly or hold their line.
Centre-halves don’t really want to go wide or step into midfield. You’ve got to take short, sharp steps in there — big centre-halves hate that. These guys drag you into those areas but still threaten to run in behind, so you’re constantly second-guessing. You’re thinking, ‘Is he pulling me here to spin behind me, or to get the ball at his feet?’ It’s mental warfare for defenders.
He went on to describe how United’s shape pins opponents down:
Mbeumo comes inside from the right, Cunha drifts from the left, and suddenly full-backs are stuck. Amad’s pushed up, the full-back can’t help, and the centre-half’s caught in no man’s land. You can’t win — that’s what makes them so dangerous.
Watch the video below:
Why Cunha & Mbeumo are a nightmare for centre backs to defend against
With Amorim’s system giving both players licence to roam and combine, Cunha and Mbeumo have added unpredictability and pace to United’s front line — qualities that make them a nightmare for even the best defenders in the league.
Newcastle have not had a straightforward start to the season, and injuries have played a significant part in this. They are currently without starting full-back pair Tino Livramento, as well as £55m summer signing Yoane Wissa.
Wissa was involved in an Alexander Isak-style saga of his own during the summer, as he went on strike at Brentford to force through a move to Newcastle. He got his wish, but he has yet to make an appearance for his new club after suffering a knee injury during September’s international break.
Wissa is projected to return in the next couple of weeks, but there are already concerns about him. As such, there has been talk about Newcastle signing another striker to compete with him and Nick Woltemade, but this appears to be far from reality.
Newcastle unlikely to sign new striker in January
Yoane Wissa poses in a Newcastle shirt (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
As per Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Newcastle are not expected to sign a new striker when the transfer window re-opens.
“I would be surprised if they were to bring in a new striker. I think obviously Woltemade has hit the ground running. We haven’t seen Yoane Wissa yet, unfortunately due to injuries. I don’t think Newcastle will be rushing into anything just yet to make any plans for striker additions. They’ll be hoping that Wissa can get fit and come in and prove his worth to the team as soon as possible.
“So I would say it’s unlikely as things stand that Newcastle will be looking to bring a new striker. I’m sure all their focus is on getting Wissa fit as soon as possible and getting him available for Eddie Howe’s side.”
Despite this, there may be other positions addressed by Newcastle in January, as they seek to improve on their opening two months of the season.
West Ham United are quietly laying the groundwork for a major January recruitment push, with a name already under serious consideration, 17-year-old Pedro Fernandez from Barcelona.
The Hammers have begun compiling a dossier on the Spanish wonderkid and are aiming to act before his valuation “goes crazy”, according to Alan Nixon.
The interest in Fernandez comes on the back of a meteoric rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks.
He made his senior debut for the Catalan giants in September and features prominently in their Champions League campaign.
Having progressed from La Masia’s U-19s and the UEFA Youth League to first-team involvement within months, the winger has drawn attention not just for his advanced technique but also his rapid integration into senior squad training and match-day squads.
He offers versatility, capable of operating as an inside-forward or a high-pressing wide attacker.
Barcelona are aware of Fernandez’s potential, meaning any suitor may face bidding competition and a valuation inflation similar to other La Masia stars.
West Ham are ready to beat competition to sign Fernandez
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Pedro Fernandez (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
West Ham’s early dossier compiling is therefore a tactical attempt to move quickly before the market rises.
In that sense, the club are following the same blueprint that has brought them success in securing young talents ahead of rival interest.
The club will need to manage his development carefully, ensuring he isn’t burdened by expectation prematurely.
Whether the deal materialises will depend on negotiations, valuation and the club’s ability to integrate a young talent into a squad seeking stability. But for now, the early groundwork suggests that West Ham have serious interest in signing the Barcelona youngster.
Man City and Tottenham have competed closely on the pitch in recent seasons, and they are set to do so on the transfer front in 2026. Both clubs want to add defensive reinforcements to their squad, and they have set their sights on a particular target: Ezri Konsa.
Konsa has been a very consistent performer for Aston Villa, and at 28, he is in the prime of his career. He has made his way into the England setup in the last couple of years, and this has triggered interest in his services.
Ezri Konsa attracting interest from Man City and Tottenham
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Man City and Tottenham want to sign Konsa, and although Aston Villa have no plans to sell, they have to consider a transfer if he does not sign a new contract before next summer.
“Ezri Konsa’s name is coming up quite a lot when you talk to clubs about potential defensive options. Clearly, Villa do not want to sell but he has just over two years left on his deal, he is now one of England’s top defenders, and Villa are likely going to have to tie him down to a new deal.
“Konsa is a nailed-on Premier League performer who is now showing it at international level. It is not a shock to me that some very big clubs are keeping an eye on him.”
Konsa was lined up by Liverpool during the summer, so it would be no surprise to see him move on in 2026 – especially if he decides against penning a new deal at Aston Villa. For Man City or Tottenham, he would be a fantastic addition to their respective first team squads, but for now, it remains to be seen whether either club makes a move in the coming months.
Newcastle are thinking about signings that could be made in 2026, and the January transfer window presents a good opportunity. Alexander Isak’s British transfer record move to Liverpool means that there should be PSR space for additions to be sought, and one area that may be addressed is midfield.
Newcastle have Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes as undisputed starters in the centre of the park, but that third spot is up for grabs. Joelinton has often played, but Eddie Howe could seek another option in January, despite having brought in Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa over the summer.
Newcastle set sights on move for Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
According to TBR Football, Newcastle are interested in signing Hayden Hackney from North East rivals Middlesbrough. However, Graeme Bailey has revealed that the 23-year-old, who is also wanted by Man United and Tottenham, is unlikely to be allowed to leave when the transfer window re-opens in January.
“As Boro mount a serious promotion challenge, Hayden Hackney is emerging as the cornerstone of their push. However, I am told that Boro have little intention of allowing Hackney to leave in January – last season they sold Emmanuel Latte-Lath, which Michael Carrick felt cost them the chance of promotion, and they don’t intend on doing that again.
“That said, Boro’s resolve is set to be pushed if Hackney’s form keeps up – there could be some very big offers coming in January. Boro do know that the only way they can keep him, however, is if they get promoted and the only way to do that is by keeping him.”
It’s clear that Newcastle want another defensive-minded midfielder, given that they have also been linked with re-signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Hackney would be a more financially-viable option, but for now, it remains to be seen whether they advance their interest in the coming months.
Aston Villa had a difficult start to the season, but things have been looking up for Unai Emery’s side in recent weeks. They have won three in a row in the Premier League, and they will hope to make it four when Man City head to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Off the pitch, things are also looking good for Aston Villa, particularly it regards to contract renewals. They are about to finalise an agreement with one of their most important players of the last few years, which would be very welcome news for the club’s supporters.
John McGinn secure agreement with captain John McGinn
John McGinn in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Graeme Bailey has confirmed that John McGinn has reached an agreement in principle to sign a new Aston Villa contract, which follows on from Matty Cash sealing a new deal of his own.
“It is great news for Villa that Roberto Olabe has hit the ground running, it shows a real relationship between him and Emery, that he can come in and just continue talks and indeed make quick progress.
“I am told Cash’s deal is done and McGinn is also agreed in principle. Clearly they want to get these deals done before January, which makes sense as they can then attack the window fully. Talks over a deals for Rogers and Tielemans are also continuing, but are not as advanced at this point.”
McGinn has been a fantastic servant for Aston Villa since his 2018 move from Hibernian. He has been linked with a return to Scotland in recent weeks, but there is now little doubt that he will continue at Villa Park for at least another few years, which will be very pleasing for all involved in the club – especially Emery, who has used him all over the park during his tenure.
Five appearances into his Villa career, Elliott has not started in the last three matches and has struggled to make an impact.
Emery, while publicly supportive, has urged the young winger not to rely purely on talent, stressing that “hard work and patience are the keys to kick-starting” his Villa career.
“I am being very, very demanding myself to choose in each match the player to start and the players on the bench and the subs players, and firstly is always trying to get the best performance collectively, through individual players.
“Harvey is a 10 number in our structure, in our shape, and he plays some matches and there is still adaptation to add himself individually in our structure, the task we have. Of course, he is training well, and his commitment is being very well as well, but his performance was not enough (up to this point).
“At the same time, we have other players who can play as a 10 and they are performing well, and I have different players.
“This is the main reason he is not playing the last matches minutes, but he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and of course getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.”
Youngster needs to work hard to reach his potential
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
While the potential remains high, and Liverpool clearly retain belief in his wider talent, this period could prove pivotal for both his confidence and long-term future.
Elliott’s loan to Aston Villa remains a work in progress. Despite the high early hopes, his adaptation has been slower than anticipated, and Emery has signalled that the player must now match his talent with task-mastering attitude.
If he can combine work ethic and opportunity, the move may propel him forward, if not, he faces a difficult time at Aston Villa.
Man United may add to their squad in January, but it appears very likely that there will be one or two players that leave Old Trafford. Specifically, it is being increasingly taken for granted that Joshua Zirkzee will depart, having been barely counted on since the start of the season.
Zirkzee has yet to start a match in any competition, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha/Mason Mount preferred to him as striker options. Because of this, he has made it clear that he wants to leave, and Man United are prepared to give the green light.
Roma ready January move for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Man United will sanction Zirkzee’s exit in January, and Roma are currently pushing hardest to sign him. They are prepared to cut short Evan Ferguson’s loan deal, which would open the door for the Dutch forward to return to Italy.
“We are told that Roma are now looking at the mechanisms to send the Irishman back to Brighton, which would enable them to bring in a new front-man, and Zirkzee is their favoured choice. Zirkzee is set to move and the interest in him is very strong, he can stay in England, has options back in Italy as we have revealed, but there are teams in Spain, France and Germany too – he really is going to have his pick.
“United are going to sanction it, they really like his attitude and commitment, but given the summer arrivals of Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo, they all realise he is way down the pecking order. The Red Devils want him to go to the World Cup next summer, and the only chance is for him to play next year.”
It makes a lot of sense for Zirkzee to leave Man United, and it will be interesting to see whether a permanent deal is sought – either in January or next summer.
Pressure is already mounting on Nuno Espírito Santo at West Ham United, with the Portuguese manager enduring a tough start to life at the London Stadium.
Since taking over in late September, Nuno has managed to collect just one point from a possible 12, leaving supporters frustrated and the team sliding down the Premier League table.
Despite early speculation about his future, reports indicate that the Hammers’ board remain committed to backing their new head coach, particularly in the January transfer window, as they look to correct recruitment mistakes made earlier in the season.
The former Wolves and Tottenham boss began his reign with a draw against Everton, a game that offered brief optimism. However, that was followed by three consecutive defeats, the latest coming in a 2–1 loss to Leeds United.
According to The Sun, the club hierarchy are aware of the missteps made during the last transfer window and are determined not to repeat them.
Senior figures at West Ham have accepted that failing to sign another striker over the summer was a major mistake.
The club’s problems, however, extend beyond the forward line. Injuries have further weakened the Hammers’ defensive options, with Konstantinos Mavropanos facing an extended spell on the sidelines and summer signing Igor Julio struggling for game time.
West Ham are expected to prioritise reinforcements in defense as well as up front. The board’s willingness to spend in January is being interpreted as a show of faith in Nuno.
Failure to improve, however, may see the board’s early patience tested before spring arrives.
Extending on their recent turn in fortunes, Manchester United skyrocketed their way into the Champions League spots as they secured a thrilling 4-2 victory against Brighton at Old Trafford. Looking to use last weekend’s famous 2-1 win away at Liverpool as a major platform to build on, Ruben Amorim’s men didn’t take long to open […]
Liverpool’s 2025–26 Premier League campaign has taken a worrying turn under head coach Arne Slot. After starting the season with five straight wins, the Reds have now lost four consecutive league matches, and most recently Brentford, who beat them 3–2 as reported by Softfootball. The slump equals their total number of defeats from the entire previous season, signalling a serious regression for the reigning champions.
Brentford vs Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
Slot admitted the performance at the Gtech Community Stadium was up there among his most disappointing since taking charge, as posted on the club’s official YouTube account. He said:
You are always hoping for a better result. But I was also hoping and expecting a better performance, because the performance was far from what we are used to.
Despite goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool could not recover after conceding early to Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade. The manager conceded that basic errors and poor duelling cost his side dearly, saying:
It’s hard to win a game of football if the other team wins more duels and more second balls than you.
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
The Dutch coach also revealed that Liverpool spent their final training session focusing solely on defending long throws from Brentford’s Kayode. He said:
It’s the only thing we did yesterday on the training pitch. Yet we conceded from that after five minutes.
Watch the video below:
Slot admitted that tactical preparation alone means little without concentration and communication, insisting that defending is a collective job of all 11 players.
Frustrated but not defeated, Slot urged patience, noting that summer changes and a difficult run of five away fixtures from their last six have affected rhythm. He said:
I didn’t expect it to go with four losses in a row. But we have to stay together, work harder, and find our answers quickly.
Following Liverpool’s poor run of form, captain Virgil van Dijk has delivered a candid and introspective message to his teammates and fans alike. The Dutch defender admitted that everyone in the squad must take responsibility, saying:
Everyone has to look in the mirror, including myself.
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
Van Dijk’s message, however, went beyond tactics. The 34-year-old urged unity within the dressing room and called on fans to stand by the team during this rough patch, as posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account. He said, reminding supporters of last season’s title celebrations at Anfield:
It’s not only us as players but also together with our fans and everyone who wants us to win.
Van Dijk: “Everyone has to look in the mirror including myself”.
“I am sure we will get out of this. But we won't do it just by talking about it. We will try to improve”.
Despite the growing criticism from pundits like Jamie Carragher and Craig Burley, Van Dijk remains steadfast:
We won’t get out of this just by talking about it. We will try to improve.
With key Champions League and Premier League fixtures on the horizon, his leadership and composure could be crucial in guiding Liverpool back to stability.
Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome Crystal Palace to north London. Laying down another European marker earlier in the week and opening this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the Premier League standings, the Gunners will be confident of extending on their sensational run […]
Jack Grealish will be back in Everton’s starting line-up when they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, Softfootball reports.
They have been a total of 190 matches between these two sides with Tottenham Hotspur winning 72, Everton 58 and they’ve drawn 60 times.
David Moyes led Everton to their most recent win in January 2025, where a late Spurs fightback was fruitless in a 3-2. Spurs previously thumped Everton 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in August 2024.
Star player
For Everton, the star of the team is Jack Grealish. He is playing like a different player since he joined Everton on loan from Manchester City and enjoying the freedom he gets. The England international has four assists for the Toffees and would be hoping for more against Tottenham.
Kudus (Photo Credit – Ghana via X)
Spurs will rely on Mohammed Kudus to cause damage to Everton despite playing away from home. The Ghanaian is very good with creating chances and dribbles out of tight spaces easily.
Team News
David Moyes will be happy to have Jack Grealish back to the matchday squad after he was ineligible to face parent club Man City last time out. Carlos Alcaraz might drop to the bench as a result.
Jarrad Branthwaite needs surgery to correct a troublesome hamstring injury and faces an indefinite period on the sidelines while Nathan Patterson is also likely to spend the next few weeks out due to a combination of a foot problem and a hernia.
Here Moyes gives update on his squad as shared via Everton’s official X handle. Watch Video below.
Thomas Frank will be without nine first team players on Sunday, Destiny Udogie (knee), Cristian Romero (adductor), James Maddison (ACL), Ben Davies (muscle), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Kota Takai (foot), Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Yves Bissouma (ankle).
Some good news as Mathys Tel is back and Randal Kolo Muani may also be considered for a full debut.
Listen to Frank give further updates on his squad in a video shared by Spurs official X handle.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is going from bad to worse, as Arne Slot’s men slumped to a fourth straight league defeat, losing 3-2 to a spirited Brentford side in west London, Softfootball reports.
Fresh from a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, many expected Liverpool to build on that result. But instead, they were stunned just five minutes in when Michael Kayode’s long throw caused chaos in the box, Kristoffer Ajer flicked it on, and Dango Ouattara smashed home a superb volley to put the Bees ahead.
Brentford players celebrating after scoring the third goal against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Liverpool tried to hit back immediately. Mohamed Salah forced a sharp save from former Reds goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, while new boy Florian Wirtz still chasing his first goal for the club,scuffed wide from a promising position. But Brentford, coming into the game high on confidence after their 2-0 win last weekend where Igor Thiago also found the net, refused to sit back.
The hosts kept pushing, and Giorgi Mamardashvili had to pull off a sensational one-handed save to deny Mikkel Damsgaard. Moments later, Damsgaard turned creator, slipping a clever pass through to Kevin Schade, who raced clear and made no mistake with a composed finish to make it 2-0.
Kevin Schade after scoring Brentford Second goal (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Just when it looked like Liverpool were sinking, they grabbed a lifeline in controversial circumstances. Deep into first-half stoppage time — two minutes after the added time had expired — Milos Kerkez popped up at the far post to turn in Conor Bradley’s cross and halve the deficit before the break.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed, though. Brentford continued to look dangerous after the restart, and their pressure paid off again when VAR ruled that Virgil van Dijk had brought down Ouattara right on the edge of the box. Igor Thiago stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot for his fourth goal in as many games, restoring the Bees’ two-goal cushion.
Milo Kerkez after scoring his first ever goal for Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool X handle)
Arne Slot emptied his bench, bringing on four players in quick succession in a desperate attempt to spark a revival. Salah gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope late on with a thunderous strike that went in off the underside of the bar ending his six-game goal drought at club level but it proved too little, too late.
Interestingly after the game, Brentford via its official X handle posted the post match reactions of the players to this well earned victory over the current PL champions in front of their home fans. They posted:
The final whistle confirmed another disappointing night for Liverpool, who have now lost five straight matches in London for the first time since 1970. Brentford, meanwhile, celebrated a famous win, their third victory in four league games as the Bees continue to buzz their way up the table and leave the champions searching for answers.
It was another long and frustrating night at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea slumped to a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Sunderland their second home league loss in just nine games this season, following the earlier 1-3 setback against Brighton.
While Sunderland supporters celebrated a remarkable comeback, Softfootball understands that Chelsea fans were left furious at Enzo Maresca’s decisions, with many questioning his substitutions, tactical approach, and inability to adapt when under pressure.
Sunderland players celebrate after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Chelsea Fans Furious Over Maresca’s Decisions
Chelsea’s inability to manage a game after taking the lead has become a recurring theme this season, and the latest defeat only amplified growing frustration among supporters.
Never ever play Pedro as our 10, it is even better to play Enzo there. That guy was missing all through the 1st half. Tosin had no business on that pitch, he is not fully ready to be introduced.
@danielregha was equally critical of the team’s lack of direction:
Chelsea already losing points to smaller clubs when the season hasn’t even gone halfway; the team fails to utilize chances, and barely shows any serious coordination especially once Chelsea has taken the lead. Imagine losing to Sunderland — it’s nothing but embarrassing.
The defeat was one of pain for Chelsea and their supporters, the team via its official YouTube channel posted the full post match reaction of head coach Enzo Maresca speaking about what went wrong and areas of improvement for the team going ahead. They posted:
For @thineytips, the problem runs deeper than tactics:
Chelsea doesn’t have a creative midfielder except Palmer. We don’t have a playmaker that can create chances from tight spaces. Joao Pedro was never a midfielder or striker, he played from LW and Maresca is just trying hard to fit him there.
Chelsea doing what they do best — turning Stamford Bridge into a rehab centre for struggling teams. Sunderland came for a visit, left with hope, goals, and maybe even belief in miracles. At this point, Chelsea should start charging for therapy sessions instead of match tickets. Pure generosity FC.
The recruitment strategy also came under fire. @chelsearealist vented:
Starting to think even Man United will finish above us. The board cost us massively in the summer. We went from Felix, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto to Gittens, Garnacho, Buonanotte — a downgrade. We got into the Champions League and won the CW only for our team to be dismantled and regress.
@chelseadiehard was particularly frustrated with Maresca’s substitutions:
Removing Acheampong for uncle Tosin is not wise at all. Chelsea is so bad at breaking defensive sides. Only Palmer is good one-on-one. Joao Pedro doesn’t even remember he’s an attacker. We’re missing Palmer’s creativity to be honest.
Chelsea posted on its official YouTube channel the full match highlights for the blues fans to rewatch incase that missed the game. They posted:
For @valentine, the issue is Maresca’s rigid game plan:
A very immature coach always approaching every game the same way. A better coach would have changed his game seeing how Sunderland parked the box. But no — always pass, pass, and pass to achieve nothing. Disappointing.
And @joesphakpos summarized the performance bluntly:
Poor performance from Chelsea, largely because of poor decisions from the coach. Wrong changes, poor game management. Imagine having 72% possession with just 6–7 touches inside the opponents’ box and still losing the game.
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Sunderland Fans Celebrate a Famous Victory
While Chelsea fans fumed, Sunderland supporters were in ecstasy after a historic win in London.
Fantastic result. Showed composure, tactical discipline, and a great attitude to ride out the pressure. The recruitment has been first-class — can’t speak highly enough of the job RLB has done and the efforts of the players.
Sunderland is amazing! To come back from behind like that away! Talbi is a true gem. A club like Sunderland is the perfect environment for him to develop. BRAVO.
After the game ended , Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris in a video released via their team official X handle, spoke to the press about the huge victory away at Stamford Bridge and what it means for both the players and supporters of the club.They posted:
@georgeskyyy praised one of the club’s key summer signings:
Granit Xhaka to Sunderland has got to be signing of the summer. What a player! Sunderland now sit 2nd in the league.”
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Even the trolls were out in full force. @jimmykafangi joked:
Daily medicine, my weekly energy, my yearly motivation — Chelsea losing is the only reason I’m still alive. I was born to love and enjoy their failures.
Sunderland really sitting pretty at no. 2 like they’ve conquered Europe Calm down lads, it’s October not May — trophies aren’t handed out for being runners-up halfway through the season But hey, enjoy it while it lasts!
After the game, Sunderland official X handle posted the fans reaction to the stoppage time winner scored by Chemsdine Talbi. They posted:
For Chelsea, the loss to Sunderland adds another dent to an already worrying campaign under Maresca. Two home defeats in the first nine games,both to sides outside the traditional top six underline a lack of tactical flexibility and consistency. With pressure mounting, Maresca will need an immediate turnaround to quiet growing unrest among fans.
For Sunderland, it’s another statement result under RLB’s management. With a balanced squad, composed performances, and rising stars like Chemsdine Talbi stepping up, the Black Cats look ready to fight for a European spot and perhaps even dream bigger.
Bryan Mbeumo expressed delight after scoring a brace for Manchester United as they humbled Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday night, Softfootball reports.
The Cameroon is quick turning into a firm fan favourite since he completed his summer move to Ruben Amorim’s side. He scored the third and fourth goal in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Brighton to increase his tally to four this season.
Bryan Mbeumo. Photo credit: Man United Media.
In the excerpts of his interview shared via Manchester United’s official X handle, Mbeumo had a huge smile on his face while talking about his goals and vital three points for his team.
Mbuemo has had 33 goals contribution since last since, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah has more than the former Brentford winger, who has continued to paint the premier league red with goals.
Interestingly, Mbeumo has scored this season against Liverpool, Sunderland and Brighton. He almost got a hat-trick against the Seagulls but his second half shot went off the right-hand post.
Here is Mbeumo and Amad Diallo doing the victory dance after securing a win over Brighton at Old Trafford. The video was shared on Manchester United’s official X handle to the delight of fans.
Manchester United are currently in fourth position courtesy of the Brighton win, which was their third consecutive win under Ruben Amorim for the first time since he took charge of the club last season.
Sunderland star Chemsdine Talbi was all smiles after his decisive goal fired the Black Cats to a stunning 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a result that sent shockwaves through English football, Softfootball reports.
Despite Chelsea’s confidence heading into the clash after their emphatic 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax, it was Sunderland who showed more grit and composure when it mattered most.The Stadium of Light erupted when Talbi found the net, sealing what could be one of Sunderland’s biggest wins of the season and a crucial confidence boost moving forward.
chemsdine talbi after scoring the winner for Sunderland (Photo Credit: Sunderland Facebook page)
Speaking to club media via the team’s official X handle after the game, Talbi shared his delight and praised the team’s spirit and their passionate supporters, he stated:
“I am feeling great. We have fantastic fans. We knew with Chelsea we would have an occasion to score and when Brian got the ball I knew I had to follow. I then had a good finish.
“We know we are Sunderland. We have a great team with great players. We knew we could do the job and we showed it today.”
With the win, Sunderland continue to show that belief and teamwork can go a long way against top opposition and Talbi’s confidence perfectly captures the growing momentum around the club.
Sunderland posted via official X handle shared the full post match interview of the match winner, talking about the goal and the focus ahead for the team. They posted:
The victory not only lifts Sunderland’s spirits but also serves as a statement to the rest of the league that they can compete with anyone on their day.
Talbi’s heroics, combined with the team’s discipline and determination, showcased a side ready to punch above its weight. As the Black Cats look ahead to their next fixtures, fans will be hoping this win marks the beginning of a consistent run of form built on courage, unity, and belief.
Bruno Fernandez made his 300th appearance for Manchester United as they defeated in-form Brighton 4-2 in the premier league match-day 9 played at Old Trafford, Softfootball reports.
The Red Devils followed up on their 2-1 away win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, making it three consecutive wins in the premier league for the first time under Ruben Amorim’s reign. But most importantly, Manchester United have NEVER lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford when leading at half time with the record standing at 301 wins, 25 draws and zero defeats in 326 games.
Bruno Fernandez. Photo credit: Man United media.
Manchester United’s official X handle posted this after the encounter.
Manchester United played some beautiful football in the first half and took a deserved lead through Matheus Cunha after he received the ball from fellow Brazilian, Casemiro on the edge of the box, he masterfully placed a right footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. It was his first goal for Manchester United since he joined at the summer from Wolves.
Casimiro made it 2-0 with a shot that deflected off Bart Verbruggen and that got the fans inside Old Trafford jumping and the noise increased. The Red Devils didn’t let off in the second half as Benjamin Sesko set up Bryan Mbeumo to score Manchester United’s third goal.
Matheus Cunha with his Man of the Match Award. Photo Credit: Man United Media
However, the visitors reduced the deficit through former Manchester United striker, Danny Welbeck as he curled a beautiful freekick past the Manchester United goalkeeper to make it 3-1. And soon, it was 3-2 as 18-year-old Greek forward, Charalampos Kostoulas headed in a corner kick inside the seven minutes injury time.
At the end of the encounter, Manchester United official X handle shared a video of players and coaches enjoying the victory with fans. Watch below.
With pressure mounting on the Manchester United defense, the 20-time premier league champion found a way. Substitute, Ayden Heaven played a neat pass forward and Mbeumo ran onto it and applied a fierce left foot finish that made it 4-2 with virtually the last kick of the match and gained all three points for the home side.
Manchester United finished the day in fourth position with 16 points after nine matches while Brighton sit 15th with 10 points.
Chelsea want Moises Caicedo to sign a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has reported that Chelsea, who won the Conference League last season and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, have been very impressed with Caicedo and want to reward him with a […]
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Marc Guehi, according to Fabrizio Romano. Guehi is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, and, according to Italian journalist Romano, Tottenham, who won the UEFA Europa League in 2024-25, are among the clubs keen on a deal for the England international defender. Romano […]
Sunderland pulled off a shock result at Stamford Bridge, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 and climb to second place in the Premier League table, ending the Blues’ four-game winning streak across all competitions, Softfootball reports.
Chelsea entered the contest brimming with confidence after a commanding 5-1 win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, and that momentum seemed to carry over early on. Within just four minutes, Pedro Neto sparked a lightning counter-attack and fed Alejandro Garnacho, who raced down the left flank before slotting a low strike through Robin Roefs’ legs.
Alejandro Garnacho after celebrates after scoring his first PL goal for chelsea (Photo Credit: Chelsea X handle)
But Sunderland weren’t rattled. Régis Le Bris’ side gradually grew into the game, and their persistence paid off when a long throw caused chaos in the Chelsea box. Wilson Isidor reacted quickest to the loose ball, flicking it past Robert Sánchez to level the scores. The visitors nearly turned things around before halftime, with Isidor again going close, while Garnacho came inches from restoring Chelsea’s lead before the break, only for Roefs to deny him brilliantly.
William Isidor after equaliziinf for Sunderland (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Sensing frustration creeping in, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca turned to his bench midway through the second half, introducing young Brazilian star Estêvão for Garnacho. The substitute almost made an instant impact, hammering a deflected shot just wide to lift the Stamford Bridge crowd. But Sunderland, disciplined and compact in their first outing with a back five this season, stood firm under pressure and waited for their chance.
That moment came deep into stoppage time. Substitute Brian Brobbey held up play superbly before laying off for Chemsdine Talbi, who coolly swept home a composed finish to seal a dramatic victory for the visitors.
It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle. They posted:
The result extends Sunderland’s remarkable unbeaten run in London to 14 away league games while Chelsea’s defeat sees them drop to seventh, three points adrift of the high-flying Black Cats, who continue to defy expectations at the top of the table.
Ahead of Villa’s clash with City, Unai Emery shared his thoughts on the challenges of facing the Cityzens during a pre match conference interview shared on the club’s official X handle.
Unai Emery (Photo Credit: Aston Villa mEDIA)
He emphasized on the importance of the team’s collective focus on Erling Haaling saying:
Firstly, collectively we should try to be very, very focused to stop [Haaland]… we will need some cover with other players, and then tactically we can stop him in different ways… everything that happened yesterday is learning… now focusing Premier League, Manchester City on Sunday.
Emery also explained his approach for selecting players while focusing on central midfielders.
Harvey is a 10 number in our structure… his performance was not enough (up to this point)… he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.
The Villans, via their official X handle, celebrated Unai Emery’s three-year tenure at Aston Villa. They shared a special video montage to commemorate his time in charge, highlighting memorable European nights, tactical milestones, and the remarkable transformation he has led since taking over in 2022. Watch below:
From touchline passion to special European nights at Villa Park – the best moments after three years of Unai Emery.
City’s manager Pep Guardiola during his pre-match press conference interview that was shared on the club’s official YouTube channel provided updates ahead of their clash with the Villans.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City MEDIA)
On the squads fitness, Guardiola confirmed that Nico Gonzoles, who was substituted during City’s 2-0 away win over Villarreal with a foot injury, would be accessed before the clash. Abdukodir Khusanov and Rodri would still be sidelined.
The manager also praised Matheus Nunes, who has been impressive since the departure of Kyle Walker. He said:
He can be an incredible right-back. Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality… he has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.
Discussing City’s league position and the bigger picture for the title race, Guardiola added:
I know the pundits and specialists… Always you wait 10-15 games to know exactly what’s going on. Obviously Liverpool and Arsenal will be there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there too.
The Cityzens official X handle, highlighting the squads preparation for the game ahead as they shared:
In a clip seen on the club’s official X handle, Erling Haaland was seen mimicking former defender Aleksander Kolarov as he showed his versatility, precise crossing, and ball control. Watch below:
Aston’s Villa’s strong home form under Unai Emery faces Manchester City’s dominant record and unbeaten run. They hold 31 Premier League wins and 101 goals against Villa. While the Villans resilience suggests a tight game, City’s unbeaten steak gives them the edge.
Key battles will feature Haaland testing The Lion’s defense, Nunes pressing down the left flank, and a fierce midfield duel where City will look to control possession.
The Lions however rests their hopes on Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and Emiliano Buendía to create decisive moments, while Emery’s tactical setup will aim to disrupt City’s rhythm and exploit transitions.
Expected Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana; Evann Guessand, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn; Donyell Malen.
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké; Rico Lewis; Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Predictions
While Villa have the home advantage and a rejuvenated squad under Emery, City’s experience, depth, and recent form make them favorites.
Expect tactical battles across midfield and wide areas, with Haaland likely to be decisive. A closely fought match seems likely, but City may edge it with quality and clinical finishing.
Chelsea want Moises Caicedo to sign a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has reported that Chelsea, who won the Conference League last season and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, have been very impressed with Caicedo and want to reward him with a […]
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Marc Guehi, according to Fabrizio Romano. Guehi is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, and, according to Italian journalist Romano, Tottenham, who won the UEFA Europa League in 2024-25, are among the clubs keen on a deal for the England international defender. Romano […]
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are among the clubs keen on a deal for Aston Villa central defender Ezri Konsa, according to TBR. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also said to have been keeping tabs on Konsa and have scouted him in the last 12 months. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ezri Konsa’s name is […]
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are among the clubs keen on a deal for Aston Villa central defender Ezri Konsa, according to TBR. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also said to have been keeping tabs on Konsa and have scouted him in the last 12 months. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ezri Konsa’s name is […]
Gabriel Jesus has pledged his future to Arsenal, confirming he plans to remain at the club until his contract ends in June 2027. The Brazilian striker, recovering from knee surgery after an ACL injury in January, is close to returning to action. Despite ongoing speculation about a potential exit in the next transfer window—especially with […]
Leeds United successfully continued their fight to maintain Premier League status on Friday, with early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon sufficient to secure three points against West Ham on Friday. Mateus Fernandes pulled one back for the Hammers in the 90th minute, but it’s small consolation for the team now in serious trouble, […]
The Premier League has always had a reputation for more contact being allowed than in other top European leagues, and Spurs boss Thomas Frank believes it is necessary for any team competing in the English top flight to possess players who thrive on physicality. Thomas Frank: “If you look at the three big boys, Arsenal, […]
Gabriel Jesus has pledged his future to Arsenal, confirming he plans to remain at the club until his contract ends in June 2027. The Brazilian striker, recovering from knee surgery after an ACL injury in January, is close to returning to action. Despite ongoing speculation about a potential exit in the next transfer window—especially with […]
Crystal Palace will want at least £100 million for Adam Wharton, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, will use the transfer fee that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice to evaluate how much they would want for Wharton. Bailey said: “Whilst not […]
Crystal Palace will want at least £100 million for Adam Wharton, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, will use the transfer fee that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice to evaluate how much they would want for Wharton. Bailey said: “Whilst not […]
New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche wants to keep Elliot Anderson at the club, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “One thing that will impact his future [is] the managerial situation. “Whoever is in charge of Nottingham Forest will want to keep Elliot Anderson. There’s no doubt about that. He is going to […]
Nottingham Forest, via their official X account, posted a video of the new manager discussing soaking in the “Mull of Kintyre” rendition and contrasts it with past playing struggles, underscoring football’s fleeting successes.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue to thrive under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries are fourth in the table with 15 points from eight matches (W4 D3 L1) and remain unbeaten in seven league outings. Their thrilling 3–3 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend saw 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi bag a brace, while Ryan Christie added the third before a late equaliser spoiled the party.
Team News
Evanilson (calf) misses out, David Brooks (hamstring) is doubtful, and Enes Ünal has returned to full training but won’t feature. For Forest, Chris Wood and Oleksandr Zinchenko are fitness doubts, while Ola Aina and Bakary Koné remain sidelined.
AFC Bournemouth vs Fulham (Photo Credit: AFC Bournemouth X handle)
New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche wants to keep Elliot Anderson at the club, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “One thing that will impact his future [is] the managerial situation. “Whoever is in charge of Nottingham Forest will want to keep Elliot Anderson. There’s no doubt about that. He is going to […]
Leeds United want to sign Issouf Sissokho from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that know about Sissokho really. “He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League […]
Crystal Palace will want at least £100 million for Adam Wharton, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, will use the transfer fee that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice to evaluate how much they would want for Wharton. Bailey said: “Whilst not […]
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Manchester United, according to TBR. The Germany international goalkeeper, who is injured at the moment, has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not […]
John McGinn is set to sign a new contract with Aston Villa, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Villa footballing chief Roberto Olabe has agreed a deal in principle with McGinn. McGinn has been on the books of Villa since 2018 when he joined from Scottish club Hibernian. The 31-year-old Scotland international […]
Manchester United want to hand Harry Maguire a new contract, according to Football Insider. The England international central defender himself is open to staying at Old Trafford. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “Well, that winning goal at Anfield hasn’t done any harm at all, has it? “Obviously, a real big moment […]
Liverpool are planning to hand Andy Robertson a new contract, amid interest from Celtic, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “I’d be very surprised if anything was to materialise from this one. “Obviously, Andy Robertson is a boyhood Celtic fan, came through the ranks there before being released […]
Newcastle United plan to award Bruno Guimaraes with a new contract, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Insider Track podcast: “Yeah, I think it would be ideal for Newcastle if they could tie down Bruno to a new deal. “It does seem that Bruno is happy and committed to Newcastle. “Obviously, […]
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Manchester United, according to TBR. The Germany international goalkeeper, who is injured at the moment, has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not […]
Liverpool are planning to hand Andy Robertson a new contract, amid interest from Celtic, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “I’d be very surprised if anything was to materialise from this one. “Obviously, Andy Robertson is a boyhood Celtic fan, came through the ranks there before being released […]
Leeds United want to sign Issouf Sissokho from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that know about Sissokho really. “He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League […]
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Manchester United, according to TBR. The Germany international goalkeeper, who is injured at the moment, has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not […]
John McGinn is set to sign a new contract with Aston Villa, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Villa footballing chief Roberto Olabe has agreed a deal in principle with McGinn. McGinn has been on the books of Villa since 2018 when he joined from Scottish club Hibernian. The 31-year-old Scotland international […]
Manchester United want to hand Harry Maguire a new contract, according to Football Insider. The England international central defender himself is open to staying at Old Trafford. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “Well, that winning goal at Anfield hasn’t done any harm at all, has it? “Obviously, a real big moment […]
Leeds United secured an important Premier League victory as they defeated West Ham United 2-1, Softfootball reported. The club manager Daniel Farke praised the teams spirit and resilience after a challenging week.
Daniel Frake Post Match Reaction (Credit: Leeds Media)
Farke admitted that winning under such circumstances was never easy. He said:
To win the momentum back is always a difficult game and then you have to dig in and grind out a result. We had a difficult week in terms of illnesses, injuries—many players were struggling individually
Despite these challenges, the team showed determination, with several players stepping up to make key contributions. The manager also highlighted the team’s strong start and improved performance after halftime.
We corrected some issues at halftime and were way better in the beginning of the second half,
he explained, while noting that the players were visibly tired in the final stages.
In the last 20 minutes, you could feel that the lads were getting tired… We didn’t have the substance to go for 90 minutes on full strength, but we wanted to bring this over the line.
Brenden Aaronson gives Leeds the lead (Photo credit: Leeds United – X)
Farke was pleased with Leeds’ finishing after previous criticism of their conversion rate. Highlighting goals from Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson, the latter earning man-of-the-match recognition, he said:
There was lots of criticism with our conversion rate. Today we were clinical, especially with the first chances.
He also stressed the importance of teamwork and confidence.
It was a real team performance… The boys should be proud of themselves. It’s important in the Premier League that you keep planting the flag every few games. You can’t let runs go on too long.
Despite the challenges of injuries and fatigue, Farke believes this win will boost morale and momentum.
The only thing that matters today are the three points, and we’re pretty happy with them,
Leeds United held on for a vital 2–1 win over West Ham in a game full of energy, drama and late tension. There was a bright start from Leeds and a tense finish.
Softfootball reported that Leeds United had a tough start this season with only two wins in their first eight matches, including a match they lost to Burnley recently with a 2-0 result. So, tonight’s victory was a much needed boost for their season and would help them bounce back on track.
Brenden Aaronson gives Leeds the lead (Photo credit: Leeds United – X)
Leeds took on dominance as early as the third minute when Brenden Aaronson reacted first to a loose ball and calmly sent the ball home to make 1-0.
That first goal established confidence in Leeds and they had control of the game at the onset, pressing high and creating chances. The second goal from Leeds came from a carefully drafted corner.
Rodon doubles the lead (Photo credit: leeds media)
In the 15th minute, Sean Longstaff swung in a set piece and Joe Rodon quickly gave the goal that made it 2-0. There was joy from the spectators and Leeds continued to defend strongly with Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu assisting numerous times.
West Ham gradually started making a comeback and frustrated Leeds a few times. Alphonse Areola made a sharp save which denied a wonderful kick from Jarrod Bowen.
Lucas Paquetá and Bowen began to create more openings as the match continued. West Ham’s recent form hasn’t been so strong, having suffered back to back losses, including a 2-0 defeat in a match against Arsenal.
Leeds team had a couple of injury concerns and had to make some replacements. Gabriel Gudmundsson was replaced by James Justin in the first half and Noah Okafor was replaced by Jack Harrison.
There were other changes made to secure the lead like Dominic Calvert-Lewin being replaced by Luka Nmecha. About the time it seemed Leeds was going to take on another goal, West Ham finally hit just at the stoppage time.
Fernandes goal against Leeds (Photo Credit: West Ham Media)
In the 90th minute Jarrod Bowen crossed and Mateus Fernandes headed past Lucas Perri to make it 2-1. The final minutes were heavy but Leeds didn’t back down.
The Leeds team are now filled with so much excitement and they have shared the video on their official X handle:
Mikel Arteta has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal fans before Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace, asking them to bring their energy and support to the Emirates Stadium, Softfootball reports.
At Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press Conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, he emphasized the crucial role supporters play in helping the team perform at their best.
Mikel Arteta (Photo credit: arsenal media)
The Gunners shared an insightful perspective from head coach Mikel Arteta, via their official X handle;
"The atmosphere is one of the most important things, and I love that."
The Gunners shared a video of Arteta on their official X handle, urging supporters to be in their seats early, showing energy and positive body language from the very first whistle. Watch below:
After a big midweek performance, Arteta knows the team will need another strong push from the stands. He acknowledges the physical and mental toll of recent games and sees the upcoming match as a test of resilience and focus.
He hopes the Emirates will once again be full of noise, colour, and passion, turning the fans’ support into a driving force for another important win.
In a heartfelt chat ahead of his 300th Manchester United appearance against Brighton on October 25, 2025, captain Bruno Fernandes opened up about his journey, ambitions, and loyalty to the club.
"This is far [bigger] than anything I dreamed about."@B_Fernandes8 on the prospect of making his 300th United appearance tomorrow pic.twitter.com/aXVzhIX8Vk
My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United. I haven’t been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear.
Since arriving in January 2020, Fernandes has registered 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 matches, collecting two domestic cups along the way. Yet, he admits the biggest prizes are still missing. He added:
People will see me as a better player when I win something bigger with the team.
Bruno Fernandes: “My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United”.
“I haven't been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear”. pic.twitter.com/H1X1DgIHDl
The midfielder revealed he turned down a £100 million offer from Al Hilal last summer, after consulting Cristiano Ronaldo and club chiefs. He said firmly, dismissing talk of a pre-agreement for 2026:
I wasn’t eager to move… I wanted to stay at the club.
The United captain reflected on his milestone moment, saying that playing 300 times for the club is far beyond anything I dreamed of. He added:
As a kid, I played football 24/7. That same kid is still inside me, hungry and happy every time I step on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes (Photo Credit – Bruno Fernandes via X)
Liverpool is set for a Premier League clash with Brentford this Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Reds are looking to build on their recent boost of confidence, while Brentford aim to continue their strong home form.
For Brentford, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster season with some good times and some bad times. Softfootball reported how they pulled in a big win against West Ham, defeating them 2-0 away from home. Under Keith Andrews, the Bees aim to play a clever, tactical game to frustrate stronger opponents, while also using their pace to catch teams off-guard.
Arne Slot (Photo Credit – Liverpool Official Website)
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the match between Liverpool and Brentford, Arne Slot highlighted the status of his players, Mohammed Salah’s form and the challenges of the match.
Arne Slot and Mohammed Salah (photo credit: Liverpool media)
Slot spoke in favor of Salah who has played a few matches without scoring, classifying the Egyptian star as one of the most reliable players in the team. He said:
The main thing is that Mo has always scored goals for our club. The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again because that’s what he’s done his whole life and what I expect him to do in the upcoming weeks and months for our club as well
When asked about the squad changes affect Salah’s form, the manager reflected on summer changes and their possible impact, saying:
It could. Not particularly maybe the right full-back, but it could [be]… for every player if you have quite a few changes in your squad during the summer then everyone needs to find new connections again… Mo is not an exception to this because he’s also a human being like all the others…
Curtis Jones (Photo Credit: Liverpool media)
Slot noted Curtis Jones’ commanding midfield display against Frankfurt, explaining the tactical setup behind his influence:
I’m not so surprised that he touched the ball a lot because I positioned him and Dom a bit lower… Curtis has played a very good game against Frankfurt.
Speaking on the challenge of selecting the best XI, Slot said:
It’s not only about new signings… It’s about a lot of very good players, so what is your best line-up? The team you face, the tactics the other team plays with, the form of the player and the connections between the players… you can also have moments in the season where things are a bit more difficult.
He added that integrating new signings in matches also plays a role:
It was maybe also the first time there was an opportunity to play with both Alex and Hugo because of Alex missing out for so long… certain players bring different characteristics.
Keith Andrews, the head coach of Brentford also spoke ahead of the match. As shared in the club’s verified X handle, He sounded positive on the team’s recent performance and talked about the need for improvements.
The performance levels of so many aspects on Monday were very pleasing. There’s always things you can tweak. Naturally you can become a little bit more demanding, and fine tune, when everybody is in a good place. We need to build on that
He also spoke about his team’s preparation for the match against Liverpool. He admitted that the game will be tough but his players are ready.
Keith Andrews on Liverpool gameplan
"We have to manage the game. We are well aware of the strengths that they have. We’ll see what their teamsheet brings tomorrow evening. We’ll be prepared for it and are really looking forward to it" pic.twitter.com/aqE8az4jRp
For Liverpool, Alexandra Isak’s coming back is in doubt especially as he had come off at half-time in the game with Eintracht Frankfurt because of his groin injury. It is also not certain if Ryan Gravenberch will be playing in the match because of his ankle injury. Jeremie Frimpong, Alisson Becker, and Giovanni Leoni remain out.
For Brentford, Antoni Milambo and Paris Maghoma will not play because of an ACL and thigh injuries respectively. There is doubt about Aaron Hickey because of a knock to his knee.
Possible Lineups:
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Collins, Van den Berg, Pinnock; Kayode, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley; Konaté; Virgil van Dijk; Robertson; Mac Allister; Jones; Salah; Szoboszlai; Gakpo; Ekitike.
Prediction:
With Liverpool’s superior quality, they could win with a 2-1 scoreline but Brentford will still make the game tough for them because of their strength at home.
Manchester United will look to stretch their winning run to four games when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Rúben Amorim’s men have started to click, and the mood around the club is beginning to change—especially after that stunning 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, as reported by Softfootball. It was United’s first league victory there in a decade and probably the most defining result of Amorim’s early reign.
Manchester United vs Liverpool (Photo Credit: Softfootball Media)
The Red Devils have now won three straight Premier League matches for the first time under the Portuguese boss. Confidence is back at Old Trafford, where they have taken three wins on the bounce. Defender Matthijs de Ligt, as reported by Softfootball, said he is hitting his prime years at Manchester United and has quietly become a rock at the back. Amorim’s tactical structure is working — solid, sharp, and focused — but Brighton’s visit won’t be a stroll.
Brighton, led by Fabian Hürzeler, arrive unbeaten in four league games after seeing off Newcastle 2–1. They have got the youngest average starting XI in the league, full of energy and ideas. Still, one clean sheet in twenty matches tells its own story. Oddly, Brighton have dominated this fixture — six wins in the last seven meetings and three straight at Old Trafford. No side has done that since Manchester City in the late ‘60s.
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United (Photo Credit: United via X)
Team News
Manchester United: Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from an ACL injury but has resumed partial training. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are being checked for minor issues, while Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are available.
Brighton: Adam Webster, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and Brajan Gruda are ruled out. Joel Veltman and Kaoru Mitoma could return after light training, while Diego Gómez remains a doubt.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Manchester United X handle)
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck.
Manchester United, via their official X account, announced their Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Liverpool, which could shift momentum for new manager Ruben Amorim amid fan pressure.
It feels like United are finally finding rhythm under Amorim, but Brighton’s movement and bravery in attack make them tricky to contain. Bryan Mbeumo, who’s been involved in six goals in his last four starts against Brighton, could be decisive again. On the other end, Danny Welbeck, fresh off four goals in three matches, would love to remind his old fans what they once had.
Softfootball tips a 2–1 win for Manchester United, but don’t rule out a draw — Brighton’s record at Old Trafford speaks for itself.
Turning their attention back to Premier League action this weekend, Newcastle will welcome Fulham to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. Putting in another dominant European performances earlier in the week, the Magpies will be seeking an immediate domestic response here as Eddie Howe’s camp try and find a route into the top-half of the […]
Verdict: Arsenal win Best Odds: 4/9 Bookmaker: Luckster Hoping to extend their buffer at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome Crystal Palace to north London. Arsenal Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have suffered more domestic frustration last season as they had to settle for another silver […]
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: Dachbet Two camps who will turn their respective attentions back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa will welcome Manchester City to the Midlands. Aston Villa Starting with the hosts, suffering a shock Europa League collapse earlier in the week as […]
Michael Olise’s future is already a hot topic in the Premier League despite his recent move to Bayern Munich. Several English clubs are reportedly monitoring the French winger, who has impressed since leaving Crystal Palace for the Bundesliga champions. Olise has quickly become an important figure for Bayern, delivering creativity and goals in a side […]
In what is a major Premier League relegation six-pointer on Friday night, all eyes will fall on Yorkshire when Leeds welcome West Ham to Elland Road. While Leeds might have got their top-flight return off to a dream start back in August, the Lilywhites have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity and they […]
Verdict: Draw Best odds: 5/2 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Elland Road will host a tense Friday night showdown as Leeds United take on West Ham United in a battle between two sides struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table. Both teams are desperate for points to ease early-season pressure, making this a high-stakes encounter under […]
Arne Slot explained that Alexander Isak was withdrawn at half-time of Liverpool’s thumping 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League with a groin injury. The big-money transfer window signing from Newcastle United was selected in the starting XI alongside fellow new arrival Hugo Ekitike, who was on the scoresheet against his former club […]
Liverpool thumped Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League to end a run of four straight defeats in all competitions on Wednesday. The Reds were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United on Sunday to continue a miserable run that included a 1-0 reverse to Galatasaray in matchday two. It looked like things could worsen at Deutsch […]
Chelsea made it back-to-back Champions League victories as Enzo Maresca’s talented teenagers starred in their 5-1 rout of 10-man Ajax at Stamford Bridge. The game was put to bed during a frantic opening period that saw a red card, three penalties and five goals, though it was the Blues who eased to victory. Ajax were […]
Verdict: Chelsea win Best Odds: 1/2 Bookmaker: Dachbet Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Sunderland to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have failed to find any real fluidity when opening up the new campaign, Enzo Maresca’s men have come roaring back in […]
Chelsea made it back-to-back Champions League victories as Enzo Maresca’s talented teenagers starred in their 5-1 rout of 10-man Ajax at Stamford Bridge. The game was put to bed during a frantic opening period that saw a red card, three penalties and five goals, though it was the Blues who eased to victory. Ajax were […]
Arne Slot explained that Alexander Isak was withdrawn at half-time of Liverpool’s thumping 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League with a groin injury. The big-money transfer window signing from Newcastle United was selected in the starting XI alongside fellow new arrival Hugo Ekitike, who was on the scoresheet against his former club […]
Liverpool thumped Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League to end a run of four straight defeats in all competitions on Wednesday. The Reds were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United on Sunday to continue a miserable run that included a 1-0 reverse to Galatasaray in matchday two. It looked like things could worsen at Deutsch […]
Manchester City are interested in signing Arda Guler from Real Madrid, according to Fichajes. The report has claimed that Man City manager Pep Guardiola is personally keen on a deal for Guler, who has emerged as one of the best players for Madrid this season. Guler has been one of Madrid’s best and most important […]
Real Madrid are interested in signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the January transfer window, according to Real Madrid Confidencial. The report has claimed that Los Blancos are ready to offer up to €35 million for the England international central defender. Guehi came close to joining Liverpool from Palace in the summer of 2025. […]
West Ham United are interested in signing Endrick from Real Madrid in the January transfer window, according to TBR. The Hammers are on the hunt for a new striker and are in talks over a loan deal for Endrick. Endrick turned down the chance to join West Ham in 2024, but the London club are […]
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Maresca on João Pedro: “The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete”.
Garnacho on why he joined Chelsea: “When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him”.
In case you missed Cashy's interview on post-match live 
Eze’s performance
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One-nil to The Arsenal 
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Full press conference – 
"This is far [bigger] than anything I dreamed about."
