Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘England’s best stadium is 18,000-capacity ground that ex-Premier League club almost abandoned to move next to a PRISON’

      by

      THE STADIUM hailed as the best in England was almost abandoned by an ex-Premier League club to move next to a prison.Built in 1904, the ground has hosted three professional clubs since it opened but it’s current tenants have often been keen to relocate.An 18,000-capacity former Premier League stadium has been named the best in EnglandCredit: Rex FeaturesHowever, the club who plays their almost abandoned it to move next to a prisonCredit: QPRHowever, they currently remain at the 18,439-capacity venue, which has been their home since 1917.It has also now been named the best stadium in England by talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham.After completing the 92 by visiting every Premier League and EFL ground, he ranked his top 10 in the country.Of those, QPR’s Loftus Road came out on top ahead of Elland Road, the home of Leeds.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSExplaining his decision, Durham said: “I went to QPR v Crystal Palace in the League Cup and it reminded me how much I loved it.”It’s in the middle of a housing estate in London. The corners are filled in, it’s tight to the pitch.”I just absolutely love it. It’s another one where the atmosphere, when they’re doing well, is fantastic.”That’s how a ground should be, right in the middle of a residential area. I love it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLoftus Road has hosted seven seasons of Premier League football but has been a Championship ground since QPR were relegated in 2015.Fulham and AFC Wimbledon have also both been short-term tenants in the last 25 years.The Abandoned Euros stadium bigger that hosted Rolling Stones However, despite its claim to being the best stadium in the country, QPR have previously looked to move away from Loftus Road.Back in 2013, the Hoops planned to build a new 40,000-seater stadium down the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Designs were even unveiled for New Queens Park in the Old Oak area, around two-and-a-half miles from their famous home.Then chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build the new ground after drawing up plans, only for them to be abandoned after the club dropped out of the top flight.A move was considered again in 2018, with the club hoping to redevelop Linford Christie Stadium in the same area of West London.QPR have also since abandoned those plans, though, and remain at Loftus Road, where they have yet to win this season.QPR have twice scrapped plans to move to a new ground in the last 11 yearsCredit: QPRInstead the Hoops continue to play at Loftus Road, their home since 1917Credit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alf Ramsey would be apoplectic to see England managed by a German, but I have some sympathy with the FA

      by

      WE wanted roast beef and what did we get? Bratwurst, with Black Forest Gateau for dessert.Call me old-fashioned but isn’t international football supposed to be about one nation taking on another, with the players enjoying the ultimate honour of performing for their country?Sir Alf Ramsey led England to World Cup glory two decades after the end of World War 2Credit: PA:Empics SportThomas Tuchel has become England’s third foreign managerCredit: GettyI know the lines have got blurred over the years — under Jack Charlton you were Irish if you liked a drop of Guinness.But Thomas Tuchel’s appointment does really emphasise one glaring statistic… where have all the English managers gone?And while every major nation in Europe has enjoyed some sort of tangible success and even some not-so-major ones such as Denmark and Greece, we continue to look back to 1966 when an English manager last led an English men’s team to a trophy.That’s a bloody long time ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSI know we have had foreign-born managers of the England team before — Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello — but they weren’t exactly a rip-roaring success.And now we have a German in charge, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and by any measure is a fantastic manager.We must compromise on romantic notions of an Englishman in charge of an English team.As a result, we have a German bossing the men’s team and Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman holding court for the women’s squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhilst they are both fantastic managers, we really should be looking at ourselves and wondering how this has happened?Why can’t we find good England coaches to manage our English teams — and what are we going to do about it?Fabio Capello brutally ended David Beckham’s Real Madrid career with 8-word message that broke England legend’s heartSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Answers please from the FA.Can you imagine what the boys of ’66 would have made of the England side being run by a German?Sir Alf would have been apoplectic. That glorious Wembley day was only two decades after Ramsey’s East End of London had been flattened by the Luftwaffe.But as I said that’s a bloody long time ago, and these days managing England is the so-called ‘impossible job’.Some will accuse the FA of having compromised in order to win by appointing a foreign manager.But I have sympathy for them as the last English-born manager to win the top flight was Howard Wilkinson, back when it was just the plain old First Division.We have five English-born managers currently operating in the Premier League although two of them, Russell Martin and Kieran McKenna, played at international levels for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.It suggests the nursery is thin on the ground.But club football is one thing, the national team is another.And as I’m a romantic at heart, I would much prefer to see our Three Lions led by a lion.But what are the FA meant to do when the pickings are slimmer than our goal tally in a penalty shootout.Tuchel has won some great trophies at a variety of clubs but so had Sven and so had Capello.The latter was a disaster who couldn’t even be bothered to learn English and enjoyed little or no connection with his players, while Sven did passably, reaching a succession of quarter-finals.I suppose we can console ourselves with the fact that Gareth Southgate showed it can be done and although he didn’t lead us to any silverware, at least he got damned close.READ MORE SUN STORIESI wish Tuchel the very best of luck, as every Englishman’s footballing hopes and dreams are on his shoulders, and at some point he will feel the weight of that pressure.He has had four managerial jobs in the last seven years and an England contract which is only 18 months suggests this is not one for the long-term.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘That’s why he’s captain’, say Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes shares touching message after gift from Scott McTominay

      by

      BRUNO FERNANDES has shared a touching message after receiving a gift from Scott McTominay.The Manchester United captain was surprised by his ex-team-mate after facing him during the international break.Bruno Fernandes has been hailed for his touching message to Scott McTominayCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain was gifted a Napoli shirt by his former team-mateCredit: Instagram @brunofernandes8McTominay’s Scotland welcomed Portugal to Hampden Park in the Nations League on Tuesday night.Both he and Fernandes played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw.After the match, McTominay gifted his former skipper a Napoli shirt with his name and number on the back.The 27-year-old left the Red Devils to join the Italian side in the summer in a £25million deal.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFernandes shared a snap of the gift to his Instagram story along with a touching message.He wrote: “The name that’s conquered the heart of Napoli,” to the delight of United fans.Reacting to their interaction, one supporter commented: “That’s why he’s the captain.”Meanwhile, another added: “This is beautiful.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcTominay and Fernandes made 171 appearances together for United as well as winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under Erik ten Hag.The Scot has continued to have success since penning a four-year deal with Napoli.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He has scored twice in five appearances across all competitions for the Serie A leaders.As for Fernandes, he is yet to score in 11 appearances so far this term.His woes have contributed to United’s slow start to the campaign, with Ten Hag’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League.They have also already lost three of their opening seven league matches.Fernandes will be hoping to kickstart the season this weekend as United return to action against Brentford on Saturday.Fernandes and McTominay faced each other as Scotland and Portugal met on TuesdayCredit: Alamy More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Brennan Johnson reveals meaning behind his tattoos including message his mum sends him before every Tottenham game

      by

      BRENNAN JOHNSON is ready to ink his name into Tottenham’s history books — with a helping hand from his mum.The forward, 23, bids to join ex-Spurs stars Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks in an exclusive club by scoring for the SEVENTH club match in a row against West Ham on Saturday.Brennan Johnson has been in incredible form for club and countryCredit: PAJohnson, 23, recently sat down to talk through his various tattoosCredit: Instagram @fawalesThe Welsh international has several tattoos on his armsCredit: Instagram @fawalesHe has explained the meaning behind his inkCredit: Instagram @fawalesJohnson receives good luck wishes before every match from his mother in the form of a four-leafed clover — which is also one of many tattoos on his body telling the story of his life.The Welshman revealed: “I’ve got a four-leafed clover which my mum has always texted me before every game. She sends me a little one  on messages.”Johnson has already scored in his last six games in all competitions against Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Manchester United, Ferencvaros and Brighton.He then netted for his country against Iceland in the Nations League a week last Friday but was suspended for the Montenegro clash on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet Johnson wants to keep on writing new chapters in his blossoming career.The £47.5million ace has several tattoos across both arms and he got his first bit of ink at the age of 18.Johnson added: “My first was of my family initials in Greek. The main reason behind getting it was I wanted to get a tattoo but I didn’t really know what to get.“So I felt like getting the family initials always goes down well. I also got this one – on his left forearm – at the same time. It means family over everything. It’s what my sisters, my mum and dad all have so I wanted one as well. I felt it would be a nice thing to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSeveral of Johnson’s tattoos can be seen when he wears short sleeve shirts on the pitchCredit: Getty“I have my grandparents’ date of birth but I also have a map which represents where my family are from. I designed it myself.”It has an outline of Wales and Jamaica with the co-ordinates around the side and shows where my family are from. It means a lot to me so I thought it was a nice idea. I’m very happy with it.The incredible Rise of Tottenham’s Mikey Moore“I’ve got an eagle above the map. The idea was to do it all in one at first but then I wanted the get the map a bit lower. It was going to be on top of the map and flying over it. But I liked it the way it was done and keep it on its own.”Johnson’s mum Alison is from Wales while his dad David, who played for Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, was born in Jamaica and attends his matches. And the bulk of Johnson’s tattoos are dedicated to his family.Johnson has some tattoo collection which has built up from his days playing at ex-club Nottingham Forest and a loan spell at Lincoln.’I STARTED SMALL’He said: “I grew up seeing my family and other people that I inspired to be like having tattoos and I looked at them as cool. I didn’t want to force it and get one that didn’t mean anything.”I started small. Over time not all of them have crazy meanings or are really personal to me.“I’ve got the number 23 because I was born on the 23rd of May. I really like the number. But some of them I just like and I’m comfortable with.“I’ve got Bart Simpson. I was a big Simpsons fan growing up. I have a Daft Punk helmet. I’m not like a super crazy fan but I thought the helmet was really cool. It has got a smiley face and thought it looked quite cool.”I’ve even got an alien. They are random things that I find cool. This left arm shows little things I like and I’m not too serious about myself. It’s a reminder to always try and be happy.“The first one weren’t actually too bad or painful. They were quite small and thin. I’ve got a palm tree with some sun which is on the back. I was lying with my arm out and it was killing because it was in an awkward place to do. That one was quite painful.”’I’M LOOKING FOR AN ARTIST IN LONDON’Johnson plans to add more tattoos in future. He told an episode of Cymru Ink: the stories behind the tattoos: “I don’t have an artist that I go to in London yet. I would have liked a few dates of when we got promoted with Forest or the day I signed for Spurs which I still have time to get. I’m looking for an artist in London.“I probably got most of them on my right arm in the space of six to eight months. You kind of fall out of it and then you get back into it.“I had a tattoo artist in Nottingham who was really flexible and would fit me in whenever. I didn’t really want to have to wait too long and think about it too much. They are pretty instinctive.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d definitely say at times it was addictive. When I first started I got a lot then I chilled a bit. I’d definitely get some more. I’ve got the arms pretty much done. Maybe a few more on my right arm.“Now it’s just if something happens or I find a bit of inspiration or something that means a lot to me, I’d definitely get it tattooed on me.”Johnson will be looking to keep up his impressive streak this weekendCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta opens door to managing England as Arsenal boss says ‘I feel respected, welcomed & inspired by this country’

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has told England fans they should feel “proud” that Thomas Tuchel has taken on the Three Lions hot seat.The Arsenal boss says he can relate to German-born Tuchel for feeling an affiliation with England and living in the country – even if it may upset a few people.Mikel Arteta has backed Thomas Tuchel to be a success as England bossCredit: GettyThe German was appointed as Three Lions manager earlier this weekCredit: GettyOn his reaction to Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta said: “I understand the opinions and the feelings.”That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now.”I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager.”History tells you how important this could be as well. I think I would take a lot of pride as well in how many people would do anything to be the England manager.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country.”I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that.”Arteta also revealed that he was NOT one of the 10 candidates the FA spoke to about the job.Asked whether he would be open to managing England one day, he added: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years.”I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd”I think that’s something you should be really proud of.”Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will work under Tuchel, with Raheem Sterling and Ben White also in with a chance of winning back a place in the squad.Arteta added: “They’re gonna learn a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world in my opinion, the way his teams are set up. It’s very exciting times.”I spoke to a few of the players and they had a smile on their faces straight away. That’s a good sign.”Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.The Spanish-born coach had the chance to play for England back in 2010 but was denied by Fifa due to representing the La Roja youth teams.Ex-England boss Fabio Capello spoke to then-Everton manager David Moyes about potentially converting Toffees midfielder Arteta into a Three Lions star ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Arteta explained: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.”It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.” More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd linked with forgotten Premier League star to replace under-fire Ten Hag after missing out on Thomas Tuchel

      by

      A SHOCK name has reportedly been added to Manchester United’s managerial shortlist amid pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag.The current Old Trafford chief is clinging on to his job after a difficult start to the season. Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep hold of his job as Manchester United bossCredit: EPAThe Red Devils have racked up three defeats this term already, including two 3-0 at home to Liverpool and Tottenham.And they went into the October international break without a win in their last five matches in all competitions. That has led to rising speculation that the United hierarchy are preparing to make a change in the dugout if the slump continues.Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel were both high on the list of possible new managers.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut they are both now unavailable – Southgate ruled himself out and Tuchel took the England job. Now Turkish outlet Ajansspor claim a surprise candidate would be in the running to replace Ten Hag if he is relieved of his duties.They state Vincenzo Montella is in the frame thanks to the job he has done with Turkey.The former 20-cap Italian striker, 50, has been in charge of the Turkish national team since 2023 and guided them to the quarter-finals of this summer’s Euro 2024.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is thought his 53 per cent win rate with Turkey has caught the attention of the United board.Montella’s impressive CV also includes stints in charge of Adana Demirspor, Fiorentina, Sevilla and AC Milan.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He also led Roma’s Under-15s following his 2009 retirement before stepping up as interim head coach, replacing Claudio Ranieri. Montella spent the majority of his playing career in Italy, concluding with ten years at Roma which also included a short loan spell in the Premier League with Fulham in 2007, where he scored six goals in 15 games. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be under further pressure to act should United not get back to winning ways against Brentford tomorrow. However, before the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa before the international break, Ratcliffe was quizzed on Ten Hag’s future but bizarrely claimed he does not call the shots at Old Trafford. He said: “I don’t want to answer that question…”I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July.”They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – [CEO] Omar [Berrada], [sporting director] Dan Ashworth – they only arrived in July.”They’ve only been there…you can count it in weeks almost – they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.”The United hierarchy held showdown talks in London last week but have stuck with Ten Hag for now. While Southgate and Tuchel are out of the running, data analysts believe Ruben Amorin would be the best fit – followed by Zinedine Zidane and Simone Inzaghi.Kieran McKenna and current No2 Ruud van Nistelrooy were both deemed to be better options than Ten Hag – but they warned Graham Potter, Michael Carrick, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank would struggle. Ten Hag, though, reckons talk of his imminent sacking is “fairytales”. Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.The Dutchman said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales. We are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists they didn’t believe me, I see the reports but internal in the club it’s quiet.”But he added: “Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner but ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Also we have to climb a mountain, that’s top football and sometimes you have to face challenges, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down I am sure we will make it a success like we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good patterns, good steps that confirm we are in a direction but the ranking is not lying, it is not good enough.”Vincenzo Montella has impressed as Turkey’s head coachCredit: ReutersMontella finished his career with ten years at Roma and a brief loan stint at FulhamCredit: AP:Associated Press More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Germany star who was axed from World Cup after being caught with a sex worker reveals he’s had PILES for 10 years

      by

      MAX KRUSE has revealed the torment of his ten-year battle with HAEMORRHOIDS.The striker won 14 caps for Germany and played for Bundesliga clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg.Max Kruse played for ten years with haemorrhoidsCredit: GettyIt is currently on Big Brother in GermanyCredit: JoynNewly-retired Kruse said earlier this week that he was axed from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad after being caught with a sex worker in London.And the 36-year-old has now confessed to suffering further pain after living with piles for a decade.Kruse is currently taking part in German TV’s version of Big Brother.He told housemates: “I have haemorrhoids. I have never been to the doctors about them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I have been fighting a running battle with them for ten years.”I am no fan of the idea of using the sort of chair a woman sits on at the gynaecologist’s surgery to have my backside looked at.”Then someone will fumble around in my rear end.  I still struggle to cope with the idea.”Kruse’s housemates Leyla Lahouar and Mike Heiter voiced their dismay at having to use the same toilet and swimming pool as him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey also urged the former German international to see a doctor once he leaves the Big Brother house.Kruse has made as many headlines off the field as on it during his controversial career.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe has enjoyed a lucrative side hustle playing poker, regularly competing at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.But he was disciplined by Wolfsburg in 2016 after losing 75,000 euros in cash, which he left in the back of a taxi.His other clubs include St Pauli, Freiburg, Union Berlin, SC Paderborn and Turkish side Fenerbahce.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 8: Latest news on Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo and other popular players

      by

      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 8 in one easily digestible dose.Mikel Arteta’s press conference was eagerly anticipated by Dream Team managers worldwide as doubts over several Arsenal players unfolded during the international break.In regards to Bukayo Saka, who is the third-most popular player in the game at present, the Gunners’ head coach said: “Not a serious injury, he’s evolving really well. We are hopeful.”Arteta was relatively optimistic about Saka’s chancesCredit: Dream TeamThe Spanish tactician was slightly less optimistic about Kai Havertz’s chances of making the trip to Bournemouth but did not rule the German forward out, saying: “He had a few issues… if he trains well today [he will be involved].”Late decisions will also be made on Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko – all are considered doubts at this stage.Kieran Trippier has suffered a hamstring injury and will be unavailable for “a few weeks” according to Eddie Howe – Tino Livramento is therefore in line to start at right-back for Newcastle at home to Brighton on Saturday.The Magpies may also be boosted by the return of Alexander Isak with the Sweden international in contention for selection having returned to training.Howe plans to be more protective over Callum Wilson following the striker’s return to training, telling journalists: “Callum has trained but we will continue to assess it day by day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group.”Kobbie Mainoo is expected to be sidelined until after the next international break in November.The Manchester United midfielder initially felt something during his side’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at the end of September and pulled out of England’s Nations League squad after playing 85 minutes against Aston Villa.The teenager is likely to miss the Red Devils’ next seven games.Mainoo is facing a stretch on the sidelinesCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte is also due for assessment after he was forced off late in the game for Uruguay against Ecuador.In more positive news for the Old Trafford faithful, Noussair Mazraoui has been declared available by Erik ten Hag, to the surprise of many supporters and pundits.The Moroccan defender underwent minor heart surgery during the international break and there were initial fears he might be out for a while but he’s seemingly ready to play this weekend.Elsewhere, Arne Slot listed Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas as players who need to be assessed following international break concerns.The Dutchman also confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise for Alisson while the Brazilian goalkeeper recovers over the next few weeks.Chelsea have a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Anfield but first-choice defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are suspended.Reece James may make his first appearance of the season.Reece James is fit again after his latest injury setbackCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou was happy to report that Son Heung-min and Richarlison are likely to make Spurs’ squad for their home game against West Ham this Saturday lunchtime.”It’s a real positive for us,” said the Australian coach. “Sonny was always, hopefully, going to get through this international break really well and be ready. And Richy’s done some good work so hopefully both will be available for the weekend.”Morgan Gibbs-White is injured and suspended for Gameweek 8 with James Ward-Prowse also set to serve a one-game ban following his dismissal at Chelsea before the break.Mats Selz wasn’t mentioned among Nottingham Forest’s absentees despite concern among fans ahead of Monday night’s meeting with Crystal Palace.As for the Eagles, Oliver Glasner is hopeful he’ll be able to call upon regular starters Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz, who have progressed well this week.Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola doesn’t expect either Kevin de Bruyne or Nathan Ake to feature against Wolves although the latter might travel with the squad to Molineux.Manuel Akanji and Manchester City’s Brazilian contingent need to be checked today but there are no known concerns of note at this stage.Son is expected to feature against West HamCredit: AlamyJan Paul van Hecke, Georginio Rutter and Simon Adingra are all available for Brighton but Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Riley remain out.Solly March’s return is still being carefully judged by Fabian Hurzeler’s staff with the midfielder having been sidelined for almost a year.Robin Olsen is said to be Aston Villa’s only absentee which implies Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa, Jacob Ramsey, Jaden Philogene and John McGinn will all travel to Fulham.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt), Martin Odegaard, Ben White (doubt), Jurrien Timber (doubt), Gabriel Martinelli (doubt), Kai Havertz (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Robin OlsenSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, Yoane Wissa (doubt), Gustavo Nunes, Mathias Jensen, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March (doubt), Matt O’Riley, James Milner (doubt), Joao Pedro, Adam WebsterSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: Wesley Fofana, Marc CucurellaCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite (doubt), Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam, James GarnerSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Carlos Vinicius, Jorge Cuenca, Sasa Lukic (doubt), Timothy CastagneSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Jens Cajuste, Axel Tuanzebe, Massimo LuongoSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub Stolarczyk, Hamza ChoudhurySuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa (doubt), Alisson, Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Kevin De Bruyne, RodriSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley (doubt), Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Matt Targett (doubt), Kieran Trippier, Martin Dubravka Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: Morgan Gibbs-White, James Ward-ProwseSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross StewartSuspensions: Jack StephensTOTTENHAMInjuries: Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Niclas FullkrugSuspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Hwang Hee-chanSuspensions: NoneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More