Author: Andrew Rogers

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence that his squad is poised for a strong season, citing noticeable improvements in performance since the start of pre-season and the Club World Cup. However, the Catalan coach stressed the need for consistency as the campaign gets underway. City began the Premier League season with a 3-0 win over Wolves at Molineux but were brought back down to earth with a home defeat to Tottenham, leaving Guardiola keen to see his side recover when they face Brighton ahead of the international break. Despite the mixed start, he remains upbeat about the team’s…

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, while uncapped duo Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence receive their first call-ups. The 26-year-old right-back, who moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid in the summer, had been included in Tuchel’s previous squad but was not named this time following a bench role in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win at Real Oviedo. Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, 22, and Tottenham full-back Spence, 25, are rewarded for their recent form. Anderson impressed after his move to Nottingham Forest from Newcastle and starred…

The Saudi Pro League kicks off its new season with fresh momentum as American investment enters the mix and Cristiano Ronaldo signs a two-year extension with Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old superstar is set to continue his impact in a league increasingly defined by high-profile signings and substantial financial backing. In July, the Saudi Ministry of Sports confirmed that three clubs—Al-Kholood, Al Ansar, and Al Zulfi—had been privatised, with Al-Kholood taken over by the US-based Harburg Group. The move reflects a broader strategy to attract foreign capital and elevate the league’s profile. Al-Kholood, promoted in 2024 and finishing ninth last season, have…

Everton navigated a tricky tie against League One side Mansfield to secure a 2-0 victory at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, thanks to goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Beto. The match, delayed by 15 minutes due to entry issues with digital tickets, saw Everton struggle to break down a resolute Mansfield defence in the first half. Harrison Armstrong, the 18-year-old midfielder, played a key role in both goals, assisting Alcaraz’s 20-yard strike and later setting up Beto for the second. The first cup tie at Everton’s £40m stadium was a sell-out, drawing over 6,000 Mansfield fans and marking the club’s…

Galatasaray are negotiating a loan move for Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, who has yet to feature for Spurs this season. The 28-year-old Malian was left out of Spurs’ squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain due to repeated lateness. He also missed the Premier League opener against Burnley through injury and was unavailable for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. Bissouma joined Tottenham from Brighton in 2022 for £25m plus add-ons and has made 100 appearances for the club, including starting in the 1-0 Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May. Spurs bolstered their midfield…

Aaron Hickey is back in the Scotland squad for the first time in nearly two years as World Cup qualifying kicks off with away matches against Denmark and Belarus next month. The 23-year-old Brentford full-back has made two Premier League substitute appearances recently, returning to action after being sidelined since October 2023. His last international appearance, one of 14 caps, also came in that month. Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon Doak, and Lyndon Dykes have returned following injury layoffs. Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark is likely to start in goal, with Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly as secondary options. Blackburn Rovers defender…

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted he feels some sympathy for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe amid the Alexander Isak transfer saga, but insists the pursuit of the Swedish striker is strictly business. Slot revealed Howe is the only Premier League manager he has exchanged messages with during his time at Liverpool and praised him as “a very nice, honest and polite colleague.” Despite this, Slot stressed that Newcastle still have multiple attacking options, meaning his sympathy is limited when it comes to on-field competition. Intense Clash Expected at St James’ Park Isak will miss Newcastle’s first home game of…

Burnley recorded their first win of the Premier League season with a 2–0 victory over Sunderland at Turf Moor. Cullen Sets the Tone Newly appointed captain Josh Cullen opened the scoring early in the second half, combining with Jaidon Anthony before curling a precise finish into the corner. Cullen later supplied a superb through‑ball for Anthony to round the goalkeeper and add the second. Key Moments Sunderland nearly struck early when Eliezer Mayenda was denied by Martin Dubravka from close range. Burnley had a goal from Lyle Foster ruled out for a foul, while a VAR check threatened to cancel…

Manchester United are nearing a €20m (£17m) deal for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The 23‑year‑old Belgium Under‑21 international is expected to provide competition for André Onana, whose form has been questioned since arriving from Inter in July 2023. Onana was omitted from the opening‑day loss to Arsenal, where Altay Bayindir made a decisive error. Although United have rejected approaches for Onana and he plans to stay, his position will come under added pressure with Lammens’ arrival. The Cameroonian is also set to miss matches during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, beginning December 24 against Gabon. Lammens, who…

The Franz Beckenbauer Supercup opened the German season with Bayern Munich once again looking inevitable. Despite Stuttgart’s late consolation, Vincent Kompany’s side impressed in a 2-1 win without Jamal Musiala. Harry Kane opened the scoring but warned that Bayern’s roster feels thin after the exits of Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, and Thomas Müller, with only Luis Díaz arriving so far. The Colombian winger scored the winner and showed signs of being Bayern’s most dangerous wide player since Franck Ribéry. Bayern are still chasing reinforcements, including Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, though his club insist he will not move. The champions’ chances are…