Premier League
Eight changes for City, Arsenal star may miss out, Baggies winger could return
The 34th round of fixtures in the Premier League features some important matches at both ends of the EPL table. We’ll update this story with reports, results, highlights and the latest Premier League standings throughout the weekend. The action got underway on Friday evening, with Southampton and Leicester City fighting out a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s. James Ward-Prowse put the home side in front from the penalty spot, but Jonny Evans bagged an equaliser for the Foxes. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made eight changes to his starting XI for the visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday. However, his tinkering didn’t impact the outcome as City eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park – Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres got the goals. Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck were on target as Br...
Mikel Arteta to make eight changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Newcastle United
Arsenal make the trip to St James’ Park for a Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday. The Gunners delivered a poor performance in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Villareal in midweek. They were 2-0 down in just the 30th minute, and things went from bad to worse with Dani Ceballos’ sending off before the hour mark. The club managed to salvage something from the tie with a valuable away goal and will hope to make up the deficit at home. Before that, the Gunners need to face the Magpies on the road in the league, and manager Mikel Arteta is likely to make multiple changes. The club are already seven points behind a potential European spot, and the focus is on the return leg against Villarreal on Thursday. Formation: 4-2-3-1 Predicted Line-up: Bernd Le...
Henderson and Cavani start | Expected Manchester United line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Liverpool
Manchester United host arch-rivals Liverpool in Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash from Old Trafford. The Red Devils recently registered a stunning 6-2 win over Roma in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie. Barring a miraculous setback, they appear set to contest the final of the competition in Gdansk next month. They are scheduled to face the Reds tomorrow, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to pick his strongest possible XI. Formation: 4-2-3-1 Predicted Line-up: Dean Henderson has been the preferred choice in goal for the league games since March. He is likely to take over the gloves from David de Gea, who started the European clash on Thursday. The backline is expected to remain the same. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are t...
Norwich City seal Championship title finally at Carrow Road
Norwich City have clinched the Championship title on Saturday after coming from behind to defeat Reading 4-1 at Carrow Road. Daniel Farke’s dominant side had already sealed an immediate return to the Premier League with five matches to spare on April 17 and are now celebrating winning the second division for the second time in only three seasons. The trophy was guaranteed on Saturday as Kieran Dowell’s brace, a Xavi Quintilla free-kick and Teemu Pukki’s 26th goal of the campaign saw Norwich fight back from Josh Laurent’s early header to thump out-of-form Reading. The Canaries would have actually wrapped up the title on Saturday regardless of their own result after fellow promoted side Watford were beaten 2-0 at play-off hopefuls Brentford. At the other end of the table, the relegation batt...
Aston Villa planning move for £50,000-a-week Premier League star to bolster their defence
Aston Villa could re-sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe during this summer’s transfer window, Football Insider reports. The Villains are planning to part company with Bjorn Engels this summer, and they are lining up a new centre-back to fill the void. The Midlands outfit are said to be planning an approach to re-sign Tuanzebe, who previously spent time with the club on loan. Tuanzebe has only 14 months remaining on his current contract, but United have the option to extend his stay for another year. It is reported that the 23-year-old could be available for around £7 million if he pushes for an exit from the Red Devils. Sportslens view: The Villans have had a stable centre-back partnership in Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa. Engels has sat on the bench for the entire season. Unsurpr...
Thomas Tuchel confirms double Chelsea injury blow, discusses Gilmour’s playing prospects
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed a double injury blow for the Blues ahead of the Premier League meeting against Fulham on Saturday. Mateo Kovacic has been absent for the past five games with a hamstring injury, and he has now suffered a setback in training before the London derby. Speaking in a press conference, Tuchel confirmed Kovacic’s absence and said that he could be doubtful for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid. Rudiger also won’t feature against the Cottagers after picking up a knock in Madrid. However, Tuchel was optimistic about the centre-back’s availability for the return leg. He told Chelseafc.com: “Unfortunately, he’s still injured. He trained with us, but he’s still not fully confident. He felt something at the end of the tr...
Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Manchester United vs Liverpool
BBC Football expert Mark Lawrenson has stated his prediction for this weekend’s eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have been in fine form in the league in recent months, and they are currently second in the standings with 67 points on the board. They are 12 points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham United with a superior goal difference. A victory over the Reds could secure their Champions League spot with four games to play. By contrast, Jurgen Klopp’s side are languishing in the sixth position in the table after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last weekend. The Reds are already four points adrift of the top four, and a loss at Old Trafford on Sunday could put an end to their Champions League hopes. ...
West Ham United still interested in signing 24-year-old striker with 14 goals this season
West Ham United are continuing to monitor the progress of Reims striker Boulaye Dia ahead of the summer, Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t SportWitness) claims. The French striker was regularly linked with the Hammers during the winter transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise between the clubs. The 24-year-old’s form has dipped over the past few months, but the striker still appeals the Hammers following their January interest. However, they could face competition this summer with Serie A duo Napoli and Fiorentina also keen on signing the Senegal international. Sportslens view: The Hammers sanctioned the sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January, but they failed to land a suitable replacement before the deadline. Hence, Michail Antonio is the only senior striker in the squad, and he is ...
Leeds United in April: Unbeaten, unexpected Premier League windfall and summer transfer targets
Leeds United have had an impressive return to the Premier League after 16 years, and they are in line for a top half of the table finish after an unbeaten run in April 2021. Unbeaten run: The Yorkshire outfit restarted the proceedings after the international break with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Elland Road. They had a tough schedule thereon with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United to face, but they have come out with flying colours. The 2-1 victory over City with 10 men was undoubtedly their best result of the season, but they will be equally pleased with draws against Liverpool and United. While Leeds were flourishing going forward earlier this term, there was some criticism from the neutrals over their vulnerability at the back. They have made a vast improvement...
Liverpool attacker keen on summer exit with interest from Serie A duo and Sevilla
Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri has instructed his agent to find a new club for him amid his lack of regular game time, Football Insider reports. The Switzerland international has made 21 appearances for the Reds this term, but just six of those outings have come from the starting line-up. He has played just a solitary minute in the past five league games, and it is reported that Shaqiri wants to part ways with the club this summer. Roma and Lazio are among the interested clubs from the Serie A, while La Liga giants Sevilla have also been linked with the former Stoke City man. The Reds reportedly value Shaqiri at £23 million, but they may have to lower their price tag with clubs financially impacted amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sportslens view: Shaqiri made a lively start to his ...
‘Happy’, ‘Time will tell’: Some Man United fans react to fresh update on 27-year-old star
Eric Bailly has ended speculation regarding his future by putting pen-to-paper on a fresh three-year contract with the option for another 12 months. The centre-back has been with the Red Devils since 2016 but has made just 100 appearances in all competitions due to multiple injury setbacks. It was recently claimed that Bailly could refuse a new deal with the Red Devils as he does not want to act as the back-up to Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. However, this has been proved false, with the club confirming that he has signed a new contract until June 2024, which can be extended for another year. Here are a few reactions on Twitter from United fans. I love Bailly but we should’ve sold him — Vats🔰 (@UtdVats) April 26, 2021 I really like Bailly when he’s fit & availa...
‘Excellent’, ‘Best player’: Some Manchester United fans praise 23-year-old’s display vs Leeds United
A selection of Manchester United fans were impressed with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s performance during the Premier League clash against Leeds United on Sunday. The Red Devils won by a convincing 6-2 scoreline in the reverse meeting at Old Trafford, but it was a dull affair at Elland Road yesterday which ended goalless. Despite this, there were some positives from the display. Wan-Bissaka excelled from the right-back role with another strong defensive performance. The 23-year-old managed one tackle, four interceptions and five clearances. He also won more take-ons (5) than any other United player. Wan-Bissaka also made several overlapping runs, and delivered a key pass for Bruno Fernandes, who dragged his effort wide of the target. Here are some fan reactions on Twitter regarding his display. If ...
