Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Football legend looks unrecognisable as a fashion icon in the 90s – can you guess who it is?

      by

      A PREMIER LEAGUE icon looks unrecognisable in photos that have surfaced from his modelling days.The snaps date back to the 1990s and were taken on a catwalk.
      The Premier League icon looks unrecognisable on the catwalk
      The Spaniard was modelling for Catalonian fashion designer Antonio Miró
      Fans were loving the pics and thought the man in question looked very good.
      A lot has changed in the years since and he certainly is not getting close to any fashion shows now.
      Instead, he is plotting to win the Premier League yet again, though his modelling career can be considered a success.
      That is because every item he modelled for Catalonian fashion designer Antonio Miró sold out in a few days, according to Miro’s son David.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The model in question is Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who played for Barcelona when the photos were taken.
      His fresh-faced looks and full head of hair stunned fans, many of whom cannot believe it is him.
      One wrote: “Get out of here, holy smokes it’s actually him.”
      Another added: “Pep is so cool and handsome 😍”
      Most read in Football
      Pep Guardiola looks very different these daysCredit: AP
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      A third said: “Looking fresh.”
      Another commented: “Best model in the world.” More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney ‘wants sensational return to English football as he eyes Southampton job’ but faces battle with Gerrard

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY wants a sensational return to English football.And he is eyeing up the vacant job as Southampton manager.
      Wayne Rooney could replace Nathan Jones at SouthamptonCredit: Getty
      Rooney, 37, left Derby last summer to take over as DC United boss in the MLS and is currently in pre-season ahead of the 2023 campaign.
      However, he could be ready to battle it out with ex-England team-mates Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for the gig at St Mary’s.
      Nathan Jones was sacked on Sunday after just eight Premier League games in charge following his takeover from Ralph Hasenhuttl in November.
      He managed one win and seven defeats – the latest coming against Wolves despite leading against ten men.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And the Welshman departed with Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League
      As reported by talkSPORT, Rooney would “be interested” in taking over at Saints.
      Gerrard and Lampard – axed by Aston Villa and Everton respectively this season – are also thought to be keen.
      Jesse Marsch remains the odds-on favourite to succeed Jones, just a week after losing his job at Leeds.
      Most read in Football
      Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist for a dramatic return to the south coast with Marcelo Gallardo, Nuno Espirito Santo, Sam Allardyce and Ivan Juric among the other candidates.
      Rooney may be deemed too inexperienced to take on the challenge of a Premier League relegation battle at this early stage of his managerial career – just as Everton decided.
      The former Manchester United and England captain stepped into management as he retired from playing at Derby.
      He led the club to safety in dramatic circumstances in 2020-21, with a 3-3 draw on the final day of the season ensuring they stayed in the Championship.
      However, the Rams were relegated last season after being docked 21 points for entering administration.
      Rooney’s side picked up 14 wins and 13 draws which would have seen them finish 17th.
      He decided to walk away with the club still in financial woes and returned to former club DC United as manager last July, with the Black and Reds finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference and 28th overall out of 28 clubs.
      Should Rooney get the Southampton job, though, he would replace Gary O’Neil as the youngest manager currently working in the Premier League.
      Read More on The Sun

      Saints have 15 points from 22 games this season with the win at Everton on January 14 just their fourth of the season and still their only points since October.
      They are joined in the relegation zone by Bournemouth and Everton, but managerless Leeds – in 17th on 19 points – will drop in if the Toffees win tonight’s Merseyside derby. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Neil Warnock OUT of retirement aged 74 for second stint at Huddersfield Town 10 months after calling time on career

      by

      NEIL WARNOCK has come OUT of retirement to manage Huddersfield Town for a second time.The 74-year-old decided to step away from football management last year after being sacked by Middlesbrough in November 2021.
      Warnock will manage Huddersfield for a second timeCredit: Getty
      Warnock with the 1995 play-off trophy after beating RoversCredit: Getty
      Warnock won a record eight promotions during his career, taking on 16 clubs as manager.
      But this time he’ll be tasked with surviving relegation, with Warnock stepping OUT of retirement to take over the reigns at Huddersfield following Mark Fotheringham’s sacking.
      An official announcement is expected later today.
      The once Premier League outfit are sat 23rd in the Championship.
      Most read in Football
      Fotheringham was dismissed after just five months in the job following a 2-2 draw with Blackpool earlier this month – a game in which they conceded a 90th-minute equaliser.
      And the managerless Terriers were then beaten 1-0 by fellow relegation candidates Wigan on Saturday as their troubles worsened at the foot of the table.
      Warnock is a familiar face among Terriers fans.
      The iconic British manager was boss for two years between 1993 and 1995, helping the team gain promotion from the Second Division via the play-offs.
      Most read in Championship
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Warnock’s team beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 at Wembley in front of 59,175 – the biggest for a match involving Town since November 1947.
      The former Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, QPR and Cardiff chief is now the oldest manager in the top four tiers of English football, surpassing Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy, who’s a decade his junior.
      Warnock said when retiring last year on Sky Sports: “I just thought it was the right time, really, coming towards the end of the season, there’s not really a job you’re going to get before then.
      “I’ve had a good run really. I’m enjoying things I’ve not done for years, I’m having a lot of time with the family, my dogs and I’ve taken up cycling too.
      “I’m not saying the enthusiasm’s gone, I’ve not lost that, but when I see some of my friends who are struggling health wise, there comes a time where you have to let your family enjoy a little bit more of your time, in particular my wife Sharon.
      “When you’re a manager you’re very selfish, you take your job home with you whether you’re on a high or a low and it’s very difficult for your wife and kids.
      “It’s hard to replicate the final whistle when you’ve won a game, there’s nothing quite like that in normal life, and you have to realise you’re not going to get that buzz again in that situation.
      “But I’m doing a couple of evenings in the theatre, and I imagine I’ll still be nervous before them!” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League returns this week – here are the key stars looking to fire their side to club football’s ultimate prize

      by

      THE Champions League starts for “real” on Tuesday with the initial first last 16 first leg games in Milan and Paris.All four English sides negotiated their way through the group stage with Liverpool the only ones not to finish top of their section and earn the advantage of playing at home in the second leg.
      The Champions League knockout stage kicks off this weekCredit: Getty
      But much has changed since November 2 when Joao Mario’s injury-time goal completed Benfica’s 6-1 win at Maccabi Haifa to steal top spot from PSG, with the winter window allowing teams to beef up their squads and a number of managerial switches.
      SunSport looks at the eight ties and the feast of football about to kick off.
      AC Milan v Tottenham (First leg Tuesday, second leg March 8)
      Key men: Rafael Leao, Harry Kane
      Antonio Conte could get no better boost for his recovery from that gallbladder operation than a triumph in his homeland against a club for whom he has little love.
      READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
      Milan’s wretched run saw crushing defeats by Lazio and Sassuolo but they beat Torino on Friday.
      Injuries and suspension mean Spurs’ midfield options are distinctly limited.
      Tottenham fans will remember the 1-0 aggregate win – courtesy of a San Siro goal by Peter Crouch – at the same stage in 2011 and even older ones may recall Steve Perryman’s 1972 Uefa Cup double at White Hart Lane. 
      Rafael Leao v Harry Kane head-to-head
      Antonio Conte returns to the San Siro with TottenhamCredit: Getty
      PSG v Bayern Munich (First leg Tuesday, second leg March 8)
      Key men: Lionel Messi, Jamal Musiala
      Most read in Champions League
      Mo Salah is the top scorer so far, tied with PSG ace Kylian Mbappe
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The French champions and their Qatari owners have not even attempted to hide how much they crave the Champions League crown but PSG have been the masters at turning victory into defeat, including against Real Madrid last season.
      Munich’s inconsistent form has even turned the Bundesliga campaign into a genuine contest and put unexpected pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann.
      Bayern, without Sadio Mane, have a score to settle after losing on the now-scrapped away goals rule in 2021.
      Lionel Messi will be PSG’s main man against Bayern
      Wonderkid Jamal Musiala will pose a threat to the ParisiansCredit: Getty
      Borussia Dortmund v Chelsea (First leg Wednesday, second leg March 7)
      Key men: Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernandez
      Bellingham could not have a better stage to lay out his credentials for this summer’s mooted blockbuster move in what is, surprisingly, the first competitive meeting between the clubs.
      Graham Potter will know that winning the Champions League might prove the easiest route back into the competition next season with Chelsea off the Prem pace but he is still working on integrating his January signings, with the spotlight on Fernandez and Joao Felix.
      Dortmund have been on fire since the Bundesliga restart with five straight wins.
      England star Jude Bellingham is Dortmund’s best
      Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea in a British transfer recordCredit: Getty
      Club Brugge v Benfica (First leg Wednesday, second leg March 7)
      Key men: Ferran Jutgla, Joao Mario
      Belgian champions are the biggest outsiders left in the competition but Scott Parker has helped steady a sinking ship after being parachuted in on New Year’s Eve to replace axed Carl Hoefkens.
      Benfica cashed in on Chelsea’s determination to land Enzo Fernandez but look weaker as a result.
      Portuguese giants are flying at the top of the league after losing just once all season including an unbeaten group stage which saw them oust PSG for top spot.
      They will be strong favourites to progress.
      Ferran Jutgla used to be on Barcelona’s books
      Former West Ham loanee Joao Mario has turned up the heat this termCredit: EPA
      Eintracht Frankfurt v Napoli (First leg Feb 21, second leg March 15)
      Key men: Randal Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen
      Frankfurt would have finished top of the group without Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s last-gasp winner for Spurs in Marseilles but their qualification celebrations will have been lessened by drawing the runaway Serie A leaders.
      Winning a first domestic crown since the days of Diego Maradona is Naples’ main target but they have a claim to be the best team in Europe this season with Osimhen in stunning form and a thrilling and goal-laden approach.
      Watch out for Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
      France World Cup star Randal Kolo Muani has impressed in Germany
      Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have caused chaos both in the Champions League and the Serie ACredit: Reuters
      Liverpool v Real Madrid (First leg Feb 21, second leg March 15)
      Key men: Mo Salah, Karim Benzema
      The real glamour tie of the last 16, between two teams with 20 previous wins between them.
      Liverpool are up against it with injuries and a major plunge in form meaning they probably have to go back to Istanbul and triumph again to retain their place in Europe’s elite next term, starting with this Final revenge mission.
      Madrid rode their luck all the way through last season’s knock-out stage but they always seem to be able to find a way to win, with Benzema and Vinicius Junior a constant threat and midfield strings pulled by Luka Modric.
      Current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema will be hoping to get one over on last year’s final opponents
      Salah and Co have struggled this seasonCredit: Getty
      Inter Milan v Porto (First leg Feb 22, second leg March 14)
      Key man: Lautaro Martinez, Mehdi Taremi
      Reaching the knock-out stage for the second season running was key for the Nerazzurri and with Napoli out of sight in Serie A and Juventus deducted 15 points the San Siro outfit can target going deeper in Europe.
      Inter last made the quarter-finals in 2011.
      Porto showed mental strength by topping their group despite losing their opening two games and they will call on the fire and fury of the Dragao for the second leg next month.
      Iranian Taremi’s goals may prove decisive. 
      Iran World Cup star Mehdi Taremi is Porto’s one to watch
      World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez is finding his feet back at InterCredit: Getty
      Leipzig v Manchester City (First leg Feb 22, second leg March 14)
      Key men: Christopher Nkunku, Erling Haaland
      City will aim to ignore the fall-out of the Prem charges against them by finally landing the one trophy that has eluded them in the Pep Guardiola era, with Norwegian goal machine Haaland bought as the final piece in the Champions League jigsaw.
      Leipzig scored three in defeat at the Etihad last term and won the reverse group stage fixture.
      They now have Timo Werner back after his Prem struggles although a 12-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga was ended by surprise title contenders Union Berlin on Saturday.
      Read More on The Sun
      Chelsea-bound Nkunku is a serious threat – but is just returning from fitness.
      If the Frenchman can’t feature, Andre Silva will step up to the plate.
      Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku can play anywhere across the frontline
      Erling Haaland has already netted close to 30 goals across all competitions this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp blasts ‘have the balls to go for me’ as he lashes out at reporters during press conference

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP has hit out at critics of his players and dared reporters to go for him instead.Liverpool have come under fire following their poor form since the World Cup.
      Jurgen Klopp asked fans to criticise him instead of his playersCredit: Alamy
      The Reds have picked up one win in seven games and Klopp lashed out a reporter after the 3-0 loss to Wolves last week.
      Ahead of the Merseyside derby he defended his players from criticism and told the press to target him, claiming he gets paid to deal with such situations.
      Klopp said: “If you praise them in the good times, then criticise them in the bad times.
      “If you don’t praise them in the good times then do not do it in the less than good times – have the balls and go for me.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Then the confrontation can happen of course but I get an awful lot of money to face this situation and my life is fine.
      “But they all have a career afterwards and we start talking like ‘he did this and he did that’.
      “And by the way if I would listen to people that give me the wrong advice it would be my fault and not their fault.
      “I will not change in that department. And I did not even read it, that’s the fun part but there was so much spoken about it that I was made aware of it.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “And that means then it was a subject and if it’s a subject everyone is talking about then I have to react.”
      Liverpool take on Everton in the Merseyside derby tonight and a win could reignite the Reds’ season. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer reveals Arsenal and Man City couldn’t be closer in epic Prem title race after Brentford VAR controversy

      by

      OPTA’S supercomputer has revealed how Arsenal and Manchester City could not be closer in their epic Premier League title race after a controversial weekend.The Gunners were left fuming after being denied all three points against Brentford on Saturday because VAR failed to spot an offside.
      Arsenal are currently edging Man City in the title raceCredit: Rex

      Bees star Christian Norgaard was in an offside position when he crossed for Ivan Toney to equalise.
      The PGMOL contacted Arsenal over the incident to explain what led to the mistake – VAR Lee Mason had failed to draw the lines to check if Norgaard was offside.
      It is not the first time poor officiating has cost Mikel Arteta’s side this season, and they could be more than two points clear at the top of the league if correct decisions had been made.
      However, they could stretch their advantage to five points if they can overcome second-placed Man City, who beat Aston Villa 3-1 yesterday, on Wednesday.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Ahead of the Emirates showdown, Opta’s Premier League season predictions have the two teams within 0.01 per cent chance of one another to win the 2022-23 title.
      And Arsenal are just edging it at present with 48.90 per cent compared to City’s 48.89 per cent.
      However, the stats also show that the current leaders also have a 43.10 per cent chance of finishing second, which is greater than City’s 42.6 per cent.
      Meanwhile, fresh from their 2-0 win at Leeds, Manchester United appear on course to seal third spot with 62.5 per cent.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      That is way above Newcastle’s 11 per cent, although they remain faves for fourth with 33.5 per cent as fifth-placed Tottenham only have 19.4 per cent.
      Down at the bottom, and managerless Southampton look to finish bottom, according to the stats.
      They have a 46.2 per cent of keeping that position, while Bournemouth (28.6 per cent) look nailed on for 19th as Everton (22.7 per cent) appear to be heading to end the campaign in the drop zone in 17th. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Dream Team gaffers would be wise to consider ditching Gabriel Martinelli in current form – so would Mikel Arteta!

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA’S consistent team selections have been a key feature of Arsenal’s title challenge this season.The Spaniard has remained fiercely loyal to his first-choice XI to date and understandably so, given the Gunners are currently top the table with 51 points.
      However, he now has a decision to make in regards to the left wing – one shared by a considerable chunk of Dream Team gaffers.
      Gabriel Martinelli’s (£3.2m) flying start to the campaign was a key factor in Arsenal establishing themselves as genuine title contenders this term, something few would have predicted in the summer.
      The 21-year-old scored three goals in his first five games as Arteta’s troops burst out of the blocks with five consecutive wins.
      And the Brazilian commenced the post-World Cup restart in similar fashion with two goals in his first two outings having returned from Qatar.
      Martinelli has seven goals and three assists this seasonCredit: GETTY
      However, his form has tailed off slightly in recent weeks, as evidenced by his Dream Team returns – two points from five games represents a significant drop-off from an asset who averaged almost five points-per-game throughout the first quarter of the season.
      Martinelli’s dip in form has coincided with Leandro Trossard’s (£3.7m) arrival at the Emirates and the Belgium international has looked lively in a red shirt so far.
      The 28-year-old scored Arsenal’s goal against Brentford on Saturday four minutes after replacing Martinelli and plenty of fans are calling for the January signing to start ahead of his younger team-mate for Wednesday night’s massive fixture against Manchester City at the Emirates.
      It’s a big call for Arteta because his consistent team selections have largely been justified but with the Gunners having now failed to win in three games he will surely be tempted to make adjustments.
      Most read in Dream Team
      A few 25-minute cameos may even do Martinelli some good.
      He made his name as an impact substitute and so reverting to that role for a few weeks may help him rediscover the form he exhibited at the start of the season.
      Many Arsenal fans want Trossard to start ahead of Martinelli on Wednesday
      Arsenal have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola’s side but defeat in midweek would put the two sides level on points – there’s no denying the significance of the fixture.
      Arteta has more reasons to remain loyal to Martinelli than Dream Team managers, who don’t have to worry about things such a team cohesion or player morale.
      The youngster is now the 12th-best asset in his position having previously peaked at fourth among forwards.
      Gaffers will be hard pressed to find a like-for-like replacement at the same value but with the top-bracket forwards providing so many points – Harry Kane (£8.2m), Marcus Rashford (£6.1m), etc – a restructure seems wise.
      Martinelli may well be a smart option again later in the season but his returns in recent weeks have simply been way below par. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans all say the same thing with bumper fixtures and Champions League return on Valentine’s Day week

      by

      FOOTBALL fans joked Valentine’s Day is cancelled thanks to a bumper week of fixtures. Couples across the country will be celebrating their love on Tuesday.
      Football fans are excited about a bumper week of fixturesCredit: Getty
      But partners of footy fanatics who have high hopes of a romantic dinner out may be left disappointed.
      That is because Tuesday also marks the return of the Champions League.
      After the Merseyside derby on Monday night, the European action comes back with a bang on Tuesday.
      It is AC Milan vs Tottenham and a repeat of the 2020 final with Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich in a blockbuster double-header.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And the drama continues for the rest of the week with Borussia Dortmund hosting Chelsea and Scott Parker’s Club Brugges taking on Benfica on Wednesday.
      Also on the same night is the eagerly-anticipated Premier League showdown between title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates.
      Thursday sees the Europa League and Europa Conference League with Barcelona vs Manchester United the standout tie in the former.
      There is also a full midweek EFL fixture list and England Women take on South Korea in the Arnold Clark Cup.
      Most read in Champions League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      And to round off the incredible list of games, Newcastle host Liverpool on Saturday then Tottenham face West Ham in a mouth-watering London derby on Sunday while England face Italy.
      So it is no surprise plenty of fans took to social media purring over the festival of football, which for many will take priority over any Valentine’s plans.
      One said: “I think I’ve found the right love, I’m flattered.”
      Another wrote: “Tbh 14th is football day not Valentine’s Day.”
      A third joked: “Forget about flowers.”
      And a final user commented: “None of this Valentine’s s***, it’s Champions League football tomorrow.”
      PSG vs Bayern Munich is a repeat of the 2020 Champions League finalCredit: EPA
      Tottenham and West Ham will battle it out for London derby bragging rightsCredit: Getty More