Chelsea FCW vs Birmingham City
Date: 4 October 2020
KO: 14:30 BST
Competition: FA Women’s Super League
Venue: Sportnation.bet Stadium (Damson Park)
Welcome to the /chelsealadiesfc match thread as the Blues take on Birmingham City in the lead. This thread is your place for the match preview, team news, and live updates.

MATCH PREVIEW

Chelsea players are back fighting to defend their WSL title after last week’s disappointing loss to Everton, 2-1 in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup. They travel to the Midlands to face Birmingham City in the league.
Jamie Lee Napier is on loan at Birmingham from Chelsea and will play against her parent club.
The loss to Everton was disappointing, to say the least; Erin Cuthbert scored after five minutes, assisted by Pernille Harder, but Chelsea could not finish any of the decent chances they created by half-time. Everton drew level on a diving header by Lucy Graham, which was one of the only chances they had managed in the first half. Everton scored again against the run of play after half-time, another header by Valerie Gauvin. Chelsea were again unable to get a crucial strike in, and headed home beaten.
Chelsea last racked up a 9-0 victory in the WSL against Bristol City, with nine separate players scoring, and had 21 shots on goal. The Blues beat Birmingham City both home and away last year, but are still expecting a tough test Sunday afternoon.
Birmingham City have a quick turnaround to prepare for the London Blues, having played Everton in the FA Cup semifinal on Wednesday. B’ham City fell 3-0 to the Toffees team who defeated Chelsea last weekend. Birmingham are in their first season with manager Carla Ward, who arrived two weeks before the start of the season. They are winless so far in the league, falling to Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 and Manchester United 5-2. Ward will likely rotate players among her small squad after Wednesday’s defeat.
Chelsea next face Arsenal at home in the Continental Tyres Cup on Wednesday, 7 October at 14:00 GMT.
HOW TO WATCH
As always, the CFCW Twitter account will provide live updates. The match will also be live on BT Sport from 14:15.
LINE-UPS
CHELSEA: Berger, Bright, Ingle, Leupolz, England, Reiten, Kirby, Eriksson (c), Mjelde, Cuthbert, Andersson.
Subs: Telford, Thorisdottir, Ji, Carter, Fleming, Kerr, Charles, Harder.
BIRMINGHAM CITY: Hampton, Scott, Corsie, Brougham, Holloway, Whipp, Scofield, Murray (c), Mayling, Walker, Napier.
Subs: Green, Grant, Kelly, McCarron, Toussant, Lawley.
MATCH EVENTS
1’ We’re off! Come on, you Blues!
8' GOOOOOOAL!!! Kirby hits the back of the net as she heads home Cuthbert's free kick.
25' Eriksson directs a headed ball from Reiten towards goal, but Hampton collects it quite comfortably.
34' Reiten floats a corner across goal and Ingle gets her head on it, but it flies wide of the post. Chelsea are dominating possession but have not pushed another goal through.
39' Reiten smashes a shot against the bar from distance.
43' Napier wins a corner for B'ham City. The ball finds its way to Brougham, who fires over from the edge of the area.
HALFTIME: Chelsea 1-0 Birmingham City.
46' Back underway!! COME ON, GIRLS!!
55' Chelsea are off to a good start but the Birmingham City defense are holding strong at the moment.
64' SUBS: Charles, Ji, and Kerr (CHE) on for Cuthbert, Ingle, and Reiten.
65' SUB: Green (BCI) on for Scofield.
68' SUB: Kelly (BCI) on for Napier.
71' Great movement from Chelsea, started by Charles -- she slides the ball to England, who flicks it to Kirby, and Kirby hits it well on an angle but Hampton saves.
75' Scott clears the ball off the line to stop England getting our second.
77' SUB: Harder (CHE) on for Kirby.
80' England makes contact with a ball served in by Mjelde, but her shot is narrowly off target.
84' Another shot from England is saved by Hampton at point-blank range.
87' SUB: Toussant (BCI) on for Walker.
FULL TIME: Chelsea 1-0 Birmingham City. A tougher challenge than was possibly expected; nevertheless, we head home with three points!

Chelsea kicked off the new campaign with a 3:1 away victory over Brighton. Although they haven’t been so convincing as it might seem just by looking at the result, the Blues converted their chances and booked three points. Frank Lampard’s side still has some troubles in defense, and they should need to address them as soon as possible. They have conceded too many times last season, or to be more precise, 54 times, and if Chelsea wants to challenge the top spot, they cannot afford that luxury. The hosts were very active in the transfer window as they signed some top-class players. Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva, Benjamin Chilwell, Timo Werner, and Hakim Ziyech should help the home side to be more competitive in the title battle. However, many of them will be out of the squad for this match due to injuries. Christian Pulisic will also be sidelined, and that is going to be a major blow for Chelsea.
Liverpool opened the season with a win over Leeds United in a fantastic match that finished 4:3. The visitors were totally out of focus in their defensive tasks, and the newly-promoted Leeds United managed to score three times at Anfield. Thanks to Mo Salah and his hat-trick, Liverpool avoided the first hiccup in the campaign. It was noticeable that Alexander-Arnold struggles with his form, which might be one of the points that Chelsea can exploit. The Reds were pretty quiet in the transfer window as they signed only Konstantinos Tsimikas, who should be a hot prospect. We will see how Jurgen Klopp’s side will perform in the second derby match in the season, after losing against Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction

It is going to be a very tight clash in which both sides have chances to remain undefeated. We believe that both teams will pick up a point from this clash, and it should end in a draw.

Goals Market Prediction

The attaching potential of these two teams is immense. If we consider their poor defensive displays lately, it can only mean that we should see an efficient clash. We think neither of the sides will keep their net intact.
Draw @ 3.75
BTTS Yes @ 1.55
Correct score 2:2 @ 13.00
Read the analysis here and share your opinion with us!

Good morning lads and lassies of soccer. To celebrate that the Bundesliga finally comes back I bring you the transcripton/translation of a pretty interesting video I had watched some time ago, related (and literally titled) "Which La Liga team fits each team of the Premier League?"
Now, I know the issue about fans that have simpathy for "second" teams is polarizing and as we all know after last year, it can become something completely vomitive, but this video is indeed trying to give fans of Spanish clubs reasons to like a particular English club, and with that said, tbh I believe at the end of the day most fans, plastic or not, do feel at least some simpathy for some clubs above others excluding their own. From the small town fan who supports their local club but also the "big" team that challenges for the league in the top division, to the Ultra that hates every club of their country that isn't his but do likes a foreign club of which he befriended their respective Ultras in the past, I'm pretty sure that most football fans do feel at least a bit of simpathy for some particular club of a foreign league.
But well, that discussion shouldn't be the topic of this. The fact is that these Spaniards of the video do like particular English clubs and to guide other similar Spaniards analyzed the situation and created this "guidebook" about which Premier League club "currently" fits each La Liga club, and that is what will be shown here.
With a last emphasis in the "currently", there's nothing else to say as preview. Just remember that these aren't my opinions and I'm only sharing what they decided.

Newcastle United & Athletic Club

Both are clubs that come from the northern parts of their countries. The Basque Country literally faces the English Channel, while Newcastle is in North-East England, facing both Scotland and the Northern Sea.
Both have pretty big stadiums with almost the same capacity (52k and 53k respectively) that also coincidentally are in the center of their respectives cities, something that is laudable in these modern times where stadiums are being designed to be in the outskirts, and not few clubs are forced to traslate them from their original places because of the economical advantages.
And another thing that united them is that they are one of the few historical rich clubs that doesn't have a derby rival in their city. So, if you're born in Bilbao you better fucking support Athletic and there is no room for debate about it, and something similar happens in Newcastle. And in the same way, the derby that the clubs have actually have (Sunderland and Real Sociedad) goes beyond football and is a derby between the whole cities.
They faced each other in the 94/95 UEFA Cup Round of 16 and what highlights it was that it was an epic clash that ended in a global 3-3 draw where Athletic won thanks to away goals, and that in the second leg had a pitch invasion from Basque fans that after celebrating with their team, went to laud the away stand, as the English visitors had been great and even cheered for Athletic after the end of the match, thing that a lot of old fans from both clubs would remember forever.
That match would be so iconic for some that Rob Lee, one of the best Newcastle players of the last decades, would require his farewell match for the Geordie team to be... against Athletic. And such wish was granted.

Crystal Palace & Getafe

Both are clubs from the south of the metropolitan areas of the capital of their countries. Selhurst for London and Getafe for Madrid respectively.
Both are managed by tacticians with a similar ethos: Bordalás and Hodgson. The parallels of both teams are easily spotted when you watch both teams: strong rigid defenders, fast strikers, sitting back and counterattacks, the whole 4-4-fucking-2 package, et al.
Vicente Guaita played for both teams, and in fact was directly tranferred from Madrid to London.
Both have blue as their main colour,

Liverpool & Real Madrid

Both are the European royalty of their respective leagues. Real Madrid is just the most successful in history and nobody comes close, while Liverpool has the double of Champions Leagues than the second most succesful English team and only Milan between them and Real.
Both stand out for their mentality and comebacks. Istanbul and Lisbon, for example, are among the most dramatic Champions League finals in the whole history. One team comeback from a 3-0 in the first half, the other tied and later won a match that they were losing until the 90'+3.
Xabi Alonso, Steve McManaman, Alvaro Arbeloa, Dudek, Antonio Núñez, Rafa Benitez, Michael Owen, Fernando Morientes and the greatest of all, Nuri Sahin, served in both clubs.
Both stand out for being the best teams of the 20th century in their countries by far, which nevertheless suffered many years of drought after the golden years until they eventually achieved an epic again, being Mijatovic's goal and the penalty saved by Dudek, the final actions that crowned them for the first time in decades as European champions for the seventh and fifth time, respectively.

Norwich & Valladolid

Both won the league cup of their countries in the same years (84/85).
Both highlight for the atypical colour of their kits (violet and yellow/green).
Both are the biggest teams of relatively isolated counties.
Mohammed Salisu plays for Valladolid and has been linked to Norwich.

Bournemouth & Eibar

The two smallest stadiums of each league. Dean Court has a capacity of barely above 11,000 in a league where the average is above 40k, while the Municipal de Ipurua has only... 8164 seats.
Likewise, both are clubs from pretty small cities that almost nobody would know if it wasn't for their football teams. Lets just say that Eibar isn't exactly in the same tier of the other Basque cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian or Pamplona, while Bournemouth only has 190k inhabitants and was founded as recently as the 19th century, something strange for English standards.
And finally and ringing the same bells, they are two small teams that were promoted to the top tier for the first time ever in recent years (2014-15) to the first division, and that also coincidentally, have never descended from that time despite their (lack) of historical status.

Burnley & Alaves

Both are extremely physical and defensive teams that also highlight for their lack of possesion (the lowest and second lowest of their leagues respectively).
Turf Moor and the Estadio de Mendizorroza have almost exactly the same capacity (20k).
John Guidetti played for both.

Sheffield United & Mallorca

Both are clubs with over a century of history, however, both are currently united by their quick promotions of recent years. Few clubs do it each season, but those who climb two divisions practically in-a-row, even less.
The English club was in the third tier of the English pyramid from 2013 to 2017, after which they won the promotion to the Championship after becoming champions with 100 points. After that, they finished 10th in their first season there, just to assure the promotion in dramatic tones after Leeds implosion in the late stages of the 18/19 season.
Meanwhile the island club was even more epic in their promotions. After failing to Segunda B (the third tier of Spanish football) for the first time in 40 years, they fired everybody but 4 players, but still were able to win their local group of the division and later compete in the final play-offs that gave the promotion spots, and in that they first assured a promotion spot and later become champions of the division. And then? they arrived to the Second Division with the hopes of not being relegated, but overperformed and in an epic way assured the last position that gave a spot to the play-off for the final promotion spot, and despite losing 2-0 in the first leg of the final, the won 3-0 the second leg and completed their return from the Third Division to La Liga in the fastest possible way.
Finally but not less important, both have red in their kits.

Brighton & Levante

Both are small clubs from coastal towns.
Both won the promotion from the second division in 16/17.
Brighton logo shows a seagull and they're known as such.
Levante's coast has a record for having the biggest number of a certain breed of seagulls in the whole world.

Leicester & Villarreal

Both are clubs that are relatively small when it comes to historical status... and for the same reason both were part of some of the best underdogs stories of the world in recent decades.
Villarreal, the Yellow Submarine, comes from a small Valencian city of around 50k, and despite having a history of almost a century, they never reached the top division until 1998, just to be relegated in the same year. But they didn't gave up and came back to La Liga as quickly, and this time they stayed, and in what a way! Pellegrini's Villarreal spearheaded by Román Riquelme and Diego Forlán surprised Europa by ending third in La Liga just behind the Galacticos and Ronaldinho's Barca and won the right to play the 2005/06 Champions League, in what would end being their greatest moment in history so far by eventually reaching semifinals and barely losing the chance of playing the final in their first season thanks to some cursed penalties against the Arsene Wenger club. Even in defeat, the history that they made was epic as few others.
But one that actually was it even more was what Leicester did exactly 10 years later in the Premiership. From barely avoiding being relegated to win the whole league was a FIFA Career-esque story, and for the same it will be remembered forever.
And finally, what made even more iconic both legendary performances was the charisma of some of their players. Vardy, Forlán, Riquelme more precisely.

Southampton & Leganés

Southampton are called the Saints and their stadium is named St Mary's.
Leganes' stadium is called after a religious figure (Virgen de Butarque).
Guido Carrillo and Mauricio Pellegrino served in both clubs.

Watford & Granada

The Pozzo family: originally known from being the owners of Udinese in the Serie A, eventually the Italian family diversified their investments, first buying the small Spanish team in 2009, and later the English one in 2012. Because of financial reasons they sold their participation in Granada in the late 2016, aye, however, there was a timelapse that lasted years were both clubs where effectively in the same hands.
And for the same reasons, a number of players have been "property" of both clubs. Isaac Success and Adalberto Peñaranda the most iconic of them.

Chelsea & Atletico Madrid

Both are pretty big clubs in the capital but that have lived in the shadow of their historically bigger neighbour for more time than not, a certain Arsenal and Real Madrid respectively.
An impressive number of illustrious names have passed through both teams, and not few times from one to the other and even in some times back again: Fernando Torres, Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, Thibaut Courtois, Mateja Keman, Tiago Mendes, Maniche, Radamel Falcao, Jesper Grönkjaer, Hasselbaink, Morata, and more.
Both suffered for tragic defeats in the Champions League final, Chelsea in 2008, Atleti in 2014 (and 2016). One team had their captain slip and missed the crucial penalty, the other ended losing a final that was winning until the 90'+3. Coincidentally, all those finals were between teams from the same country.

Tottenham & Sevilla

Both have white jerseys.
Both were managed in recent years by Juande Ramos.
Both are famous because of their fierce rivalry with a neighbour, that makes them part of one of the most iconic derbies in their country.
Both are clubs that have a long history and that in recent years have had a pretty great period, but still weren't able to truly displace or replace the historically bigger clubs from their place.
Diego Armando Maradona.

Manchester United & Valencia

Both are of the biggest clubs with the biggest fanbases of their country, and both are currently underperforming when you see their historical status, which enrages such fans.
Both have some of the worse owners that a big club that want sportive instead of just financial success could have, and that are one of the main causes of their decline in recent years: the Glazers and Peter Lim.
And fanbases of both clubs also hate the right-hand of their owners that is the most direct responsible of the sportive issues of their clubs: Anil Murthy and Ed Woodward.
Peter Lim is also a big Man United fan and the owner of restaurants and pubs with Mancunian thematics in his Asian domains... and is also a partial owner of the Class of 92's creation, Salford City.
Gary Neville and Juan Mata are some names that both clubs share.
And finally but also most important: Valencia played against Valencia in Valencia.

Everton & Real Sociedad

Both are proud clubs with an illustrious history despite being the smaller club compared to their more famous neightbours, and also are clubs that these days suffer more time than not.
Both had their peak in the 80's, with Everton two leagues and one cup, exactly the same numbers than la Real. That decade would also be the last one when they had any major success, with Sociedad only being able to say that they ended second in the 02-03 La Liga and the Toffees with that they won a FA Cup in 95'.
David Moyes.

Manchester City & Barcelona

Pep Guardiola, of course.
Also of the first stages of the changes after the arrival of the Sheikh was the creation of a sports city for young players, imitating la Masia, probably the second most famous thing of the Spanish club.
And another was the bet for a female team, in what now both are powers, unlike their historical rivals that are shamefully far behind them on it despite their historical status.
Also beyond Pep there are other people that both clubs share: Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, financial director and sports director respectively of both teams in the past and now.
Claudio Bravo played for both, although with different kind of performances.
And finally, not a few Barcelona fans today complain that the closest thing to the Barca that touched the sky today is Manchester City.

West Ham & Espanyol

Both are clubs of a big city where there are bigger teams. West Ham is arguably the 4th biggest London club these days after Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, while Espanyol are the second biggest but loyalist club of Barcelona, where there is a certain secessionist bigger Catalan club.
Both are clubs that have been almost all their history in the top division and yet have never won it. Likewise, both had their peaks and almost did it in the 80s, where both ended 3rd, in almost the same year (86' and 87').
Both were clubs that had an old stadium as traditional as loved (Estadi de Sarrià and the Upton Park) that were eventually replaced by stadiums built by the city for the Olympics (Espanyol eventually left his one though).
Both have never being relegated to the third division of their countries despite being some of the oldest clubs around.
Both had their bittersweet European moments, sweeter definitely for West Ham though.

Wolves & Real Betis

Both are the club with most Mexicans of their league, Raul Jimenez vs Diego Lainez plus Andres Guardado respectively, what makes their teams far more popular than what they should in the CONCACAF giant.
Joey Guðjónsson and Alfred N'Diaye played for both clubs.
Six Portuguese have played for Betis in this century. Six Portuguese play for Wolves this season.
They played a friendly last year.

Aston Villa & Celta de Vigo

Both are related to the sky-blue colour.
Both clubs are characterized for having a player that is almost a demigod for the fans and club overall: Jack Grealish and Iago Aspas.
Those demigods are local players who have been fans of their club since they were children, and love them so much that played for them even in the second division.
Both teams currently have their great derby rivals in the second division (Birmingham and Deportivo La Coruña). -They played in the late 90s in the UEFA Cup.

Arsenal & Osasuna

Both are related to the colour red.
Both are known for having local fans closer to the left-wing of politics.
Nacho Monreal, Carlos Vela and Fran Merida played for both teams.
Both won their league in 1953.

*and that's it. Hope that you liked it as I did. Do you have any opinions about how to make this even more accurate? feel free to share them.

LIVERPOOL CHELSEA

Matchday 34
14 April 2019
Kick Off: 16:30 GMT Convert to local time
Venue: Anfield
Referee: Michael Oliver Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett Fourth official: Craig Pawson
Odds: Liverpool 8/11 Chelsea 18/5 Draw 14/5 (Via SkyBet)
Links
Where to Watch
Pre-Match Conference: Jurgen Klopp
Preview

Liverpool return to action on Sunday, with Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea visiting Anfield in the Premier League.
The Reds come into the game buoyed from a 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over FC Porto and will be out to maintain their place at the top of the table with victory over the Blues.
Chelsea were also victorious in midweek, as they beat Slavia Prague 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Sarri's men were not at their best, but the victory was their fourth in a row in all competitions.
Liverpool top the table by two points from Manchester City, although they have played a game more than Pep Guardiola's side and know they can't afford to drop points if they are to be crowned champions.
Chelsea should provide a stiff test and are also in need of all three points as they continue their battle with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester United for a place in the top four.

Statements
Jurgen Klopp:

"I feel the positive energy. It's a massive change from surprise we are up there to getting used to it and getting more confident.
"The five or 10 seconds after the Tottenham equaliser [at Anfield two weeks ago] was the best reaction in the stadium.
"We really feel as one with the supporters as a whole group. You don't walk alone, you're never alone in these situations.
"We are trying to keep this dream alive and at the moment it's all good."

Maurizio Sarri:

"To face Liverpool is going to be difficult for us but every game now is difficult.
"We know well the risks of this match but we also know that when we are able to play at 100% of our potential, we can gain points anywhere.
"We are in a very good physical and mental condition right now."

Match Facts

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 37 Premier League games at Anfield - only once in their top-flight history have they had a longer unbeaten home run (63 between Feb 1978-Dec 1980).
Chelsea have lost their last five Premier League away games against fellow 'big six' opponents, including all three this season by an aggregate score of 1-11. However, the Blues have won three of their last four away league games against sides starting the day top, including a 2-0 victory at Anfield in April 2014.
Chelsea have won three Premier League games in a row for the first time since September 2018, when they won their first five matches in the competition under Maurizio Sarri.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge netted the equaliser for his side at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture back in September; the only player to previously net both home and away against the Blues within the same campaign was Fabio Borini, who did so for Sunderland during the 2015-16 season.
Only three of the last 32 visiting managers have managed to taste victory in their first Premier League trip to Anfield (W3 D5 L24); Louis van Gaal in March 2015, Slaven Bilic in August 2015 and most recently, Paul Clement in January 2017.
Roberto Firmino has scored seven goals in his last six Premier League home games for Liverpool. However, the Brazilian has only faced Manchester United (8) and Everton (7) more often than Chelsea (5) without finding the net in the Premier League.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard has had a hand in more goals than any other Premier League player this season (28 - 16 goals and 12 assists). The only league season in which the Belgian has been involved in more goals was in 2011/12 with Ligue 1 club Lille (36).

Head to Head

Liverpool have not won any of their last six Premier League home games against Chelsea, drawing four and losing two of those - they have never endured a longer winless run against an opponent in the competition.
The Blues have only lost twice in their last 16 meetings with the Reds in all competitions, and both of those defeats came at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have already tasted victory at Anfield this season, winning 2-1 in the EFL Cup third round. They have never won twice away to Liverpool in the same season.
Liverpool wins: 77 Draws: 41 Chelsea wins: 63

Team News
Liverpool

Liverpool will welcome back left-back Andrew Robertson from a suspension that ruled him out of the midweek Champions League win over Porto.
~~Joe Gomez was named on the bench on Tuesday and is in line for a first appearance since early December, though Dejan Lovren performed well at the back against Porto.~~ Gomes is with U23s so definitely out for today's game.

Chelsea

Chelsea have the full squad to choose from, except left-back Emerson, who missed Thursday's game, will be assessed before the game.

Predicted Lineups
Liverpool XI:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mané

Chelsea XI:

Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek; Hudson-Odoi, Higuain, Hazard

Form


Chelsea	D L W W W
Liverpool	W W W W W

Points Table

POS	CLUB	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Liverpool	33	25	7	1	55	82
2	Man City	32	26	2	4	62	80
4	Spurs	33	22	1	10	30	67
3	Chelsea	33	20	6	7	23	66
5	Man United	33	19	7	7	19	64

Format Credit: u/YIIZWL

Manchester City

by ibpants

Welcome to the triumphant return of the Premier League Previews, a series where a fan gives an overview of his team for your perusal, and I get an excuse to take pot-shots at other clubs. This will run until the eve of the Premier League, taking a look at each club in turn. Our final preview of the season analyses our reigning champions, Manchester City.
About

Established: 1880 (as St. Mark's)/1894 (as Manchester City)
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Capacity: 55,097
Official website
Wikipedia page
Club subreddit

Last season

Pos	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Points
1	38	32	2	4	95	23	+72	98

It went well. It went very well. After Manchester City’s Centurions season in 2017/18 saw them run away with the title setting all manner of records as they went, there was a lot of expectation that we’d see a much closer race in 2018/19. That proved to be the case as City finished 2 points shy of their record-setting total and only won the league by a single point, yet it was still the second highest points total in Premier League history and was topped off with a unique domestic clean sweep (3 or 4 domestic trophies depending on your feelings about the Community Shield).
The season kicked off with confident 2-0 victories over Chelsea in the Community Shield and Arsenal in the league opener before Kevin De Bruyne’s injury problems began (injury problems that would plague the majority of his season). His absence didn’t prove to be as pivotal as many feared/hoped, however, thanks in no small part to Bernardo Silva’s formidable season.
After the opening months City had dropped just 4 points and were looking strong, and then December happened. The packed month included 9 matches across all competitions and it took its toll as City lost 3 of their 7 Premier League matches.
Heading into January with Liverpool still unbeaten the title looked lost until the top two met at the Etihad. A true heavyweight clash delivered in entertainment and saw City take all three points by the very finest of margins as John Stones made a vital clearance through the legs of Mohamed Salah with just 11mm to spare.
After beating Liverpool City dropped just 3 more points, ending the season on a remarkable 14-game winning streak to claim the first back-to-back Premier League trophy in 10 years.

This Season

While the squad is (on paper) quite comparable to the ones that set both the highest and second highest Premier League points totals in consecutive seasons, the loss of Vincent Kompany is difficult to quantify. Cynics might reasonably point out that City are losing an ageing centre-half who only plays sporadically and is prone to occasional hasty decisions meaning they will just have to give more minutes to a younger centre-half in John Stones, who also appeared sporadically and is prone to occasional hasty decisions. In a strictly material sense that might all be true, but in among Kompany’s hasty decisions was an improbable 30-yard potshot in the 70th minute against Leicester that won the match and kept the title race in City’s hands. It’s his remarkable force of will, his experienced leadership, and his eagerness to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders when no one else can that will be missed with the departure of Kompany and it remains to be seen if there is anyone that will step and lead in the same way.
There’s some change at the back for City this season. Stones and Laporte are expected to be the first choice central pairing, but Otamendi (as the most experienced centre-half in the squad, capable of playing on the right or left side, and probably the best aerial defender in the squad) is likely to be leaned on more this coming season than last. The fourth spot will likely be a straight head-to-head between Fernandinho and the promising young Eric Garcia. At fullback there’s a little more attacking impetus than previously - Zinchenko increasingly looks like a real left back, but Mendy’s injury troubles continue, so Angelino has been brought back to maintain the depth that the outgoing Fabian Delph provided but with more of an attacking mindset. On the right you can expect Walker to finally get some days off with the introduction of another attack-minded option in Joao Cancelo.
The future of the number 6 position looks to finally have been figured out with the signing of Rodri after various misfires in the transfer market and with any luck we’ll have the joy of watching a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne all season. It remains to be seen what role David Silva will play in his final year, especially with Phil Foden needing all the minutes he can get if he is to replace the Spanish stalwart long-term.
Should Sane stay It will be the same again up top with quality depth abound all vying for their place in the matchday XI. Riyad Mahrez began finding his feet at the tail end of 18/19 with a run of strong performances so the hope, should Sane leave, is that Mahrez will continue that form and prove an ample replacement for the upcoming season.
Last season there was a need to prove that the 100 point season wasn’t a fluke. 98 points and 5 out of 5 pieces of domestic silverware later it’s been pretty well established that City probably are in fact that good and may well be able to continue putting up these kinds of numbers until either Pep leaves or the rest of the league adapts (whichever comes first).
Transfers
Highlights

Player	Type	From	To	Fee(£m)
Rodri	Perm	Atletico Madrid	Manchester City	£62.5m
Joao Cancelo	Perm	Juventus	Manchester City	£26m + Danilo
Vincent Kompany	Perm	Manchester City	RSC Anderlecht	Free

All incoming/outgoing transfers Full 2019-20 squad
3 players to watch out for
David Silva
Worth watching out for if only because this is likely to be the last Premier League season for one of the league's greats. On top of that, with the departure of Vincent Kompany, David Silva will be the most senior member of the dressing room and is widely expected to take on the captaincy. Despite making his name as an archetypical number 10, David Silva has managed to stand out as a dynamic and modern number 8 - while at 33 he may not be quite the player he once was but he continues to provide much of the creativity in the final third so enjoy him while you can.
Rodri
The number 6 position in general will be one to watch this season. In previous years Fernandinho has been undisputed first choice, but at 34 years of age he can’t last forever. Ilkay Gundogan started to make a case for himself in the run-in last season having finally added a little extra defensive nous to his already outstanding passing range and ended the season as a starter. New signing Rodri (at age 23) appears to be the future of the number 6 role - touted by many as Busquets 2.0 and now training under the same coach that brought Busquets to the world’s attention, Rodri’s ascent seems inevitable, but arriving in a new league and playing rather a different style of football will test his adaptability in the short-term.
Kevin De Bruyne
Not exactly a hidden gem here but your life can only be improved by watching out for a fully fit KDB. De Bruyne was among the very best players in the League (if not world) in 2017/18 but struggled significantly with injuries and missed much of last season. It may seem like a stretch to say that he was “missed” given the levels City reached last season but when he’s in the team City can transition much more efficiently and there’s always a sense that one pass could cut open even the most resolute defence.
What the fans think
Thanks to /MCFC for their help.

How do you think this season will go?

Last season was an unprecedened success, winning every domestic trophy possible. The aim for this season will obviously be to continue on as we have been domestically, and improve in Europe. The past two campaigns have been disappointing, and I think we can do better - but will we? It's hard to say. However, I think we're the most equipped team to fight on two fronts - especially after signing Rodri, in a position we've always lacked cover - so I think retaining the title is feasible, and I'd be happy with an improved performance in Europe.

ElliotDX

I think we'll win the league. I think our fixture schedule is fairly kind to us (easier run-in than Liverpool and most of our tricky away games are in the first half of the season when we're usually on fire). I trust our players a lot more this time around - although you could argue that the Old Guard carried us in the final weeks of last season, the younger players have got experience and confidence now, and I think that's invaluable.

lmh971

Which player is going to be your star of the season and why?

KDB has looked frightening ever since he came off the bench at the FA Cup (not to mention his performance against Tottenham before his last injury). He seems angry and frustrated about last season, as if he's got something to prove. I think he's a shoe-in for our player of the season if he can stay fit. I can also see Jesus and Mahrez really coming into their own this season; both of them suffered from low confidence last season, and I think the summers that they had and their great performances at the end of last season signal a lot of growth from both of them.

lmh971

I think we'll win the league again. This time around I don't think it'll be a close title race like it was last season. We'll get around 93 points while Liverpool will finish second and get around 88 points. In the FA and League cup, I think we'll win one the two and may get knocked out early in the other one. I think this season in the CL, we'll finally reach the final but lose the final.

Max0699

Gonna go with Bernardo Silva. Let him play his own game and he is one of the best in the league. You would be hard pressed to find many better in the division. Down and up the pitch he works tirelessly. Never gives up. Gonna be hard to find anyone to outperform him this season. Run, pass, shoot, tackle, he can do it all. Around him he has an aura of a greatness.

FreeLook93

How do you think the team will line up?

4-3-3 like always, but with even more depth. Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Rodri/Dinho, Silva, KdB; Sterling, Aguero, Bernardo, should be our first choice starting XI. Rodri vs Dinho is anyone's guess. If Mahrez steps up, we might see Bernardo moved to the midfield paired with KdB. Aguero will continue to start over Jesus, Nico will likely rotate with Stones and Cancelo (if he comes) will rotate with WalkeZinchenko. We might even see Mendy play a full match before the season ends.

blueradium

And now we come to the hardest part, predicting the line up. Desert any dreams on consistency at the door. You are going to see a lot of rotation from City this season. Never assume we will have everyone healthy at the same time, but if we do I think this is how we will line up.

FreeLook93

4-3-3 formation
Ederson
Walker-Stones-Laporte-Zinchenko
De Bruyne-Rodri-D.Silva
B. Silva-Aguero-Sterling

Max0699

Wrap Up

by NickTM

The Manager: The legendary Pep Guardiola. Not much to say about him that hasn't already been said at length. A managerial genius, Guardiola's dogmatic adherence to the style of play he passionately believes in is no deterrence to the outright dominance of his teams. With 28 pieces of silverware in his collection as a manager alone, he's as close to a guaranteed title win as you can get from a manager of a top club. Entering his 11th year of top-level manager, his brilliance remains undimmed.
The Team: Simply put, Manchester City's team is terrifying. It's unlikely any club team has brought to bear this level of depth in talent in the Premier League at very least. Ederson holds court between the sticks in his third season at the club, and Aymeric Laporte partners one of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones just in front. Danilo has been replaced by Joao Cancelo at right back, and Oleksandr Zinchenko's highly successful conversion to left back makes him the leading contender for that spot. It's in midfield where the team wins their games, though, a superlative array of talent fronted by Silvas David and Bernardo, held together by Fernandinho (and the newly arrived Rodri) and powered by Ilkay Gündogan's dynamism. An attacking trio containing Raheem Sterling, the supremely reliable Sergio Aguero, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus will be affected but not brought low by the unfortunate loss of Leroy Sane. That's without even mentioning the brilliance of the returning Kevin De Bruyne, the promise of Phil Foden or the absolute talent of Scott Carson. It is a glittering squad.
Why to like them: Guardiola's teams play football 'the right way' (tm) and whilst their style of play isn't necessarily my favourite, it's hard to not appreciate the sheer fluidity of attack and technical prowess being displayed. Raheem Sterling has also blossomed from the kid with a dodgy agent who sacked off Liverpool at a moment's notice to England's leading attacking talent and icon for the fight against discrimination in football.
Why to dislike them: Their owners essentially launder the image of a brutal, oppressive regime as well as their own grimy reputations simply by owning a successful football team, and it clearly worked for City fans. Personally, despite all the fanboying over their playstyle, I'm not really much of a fan. Pep Guardiola has a tendency to be unbearably smug at times. Also, they're really fucking good, so it's fun to watch them lose.
Summary: Got it in the bag, surely? Man City replaced their major first team loss in Danilo and propped up Fernandinho's advancing age with his heir apparent in Rodri. Their strength in depth continues to be unrivaled, and Raheem Sterling continues to improve as Sergio Aguero has shown no signs of slowing down. The major questions for me revolve first around losing Leroy Sane, which takes away not just some options in depth but also a truly direct runner that City could well miss against certain teams. More notable might be the intangible loss of Vincent Kompany, the City legend departing to Anderlecht as player-manager. Kompany's leadership and will to win were obvious even in one of his numerous spells on the sidelines, and when he got on the pitch he'd produce moments of brilliance that have kept Man City alive when they were faltering - the most recent being that wonderful goal against Leicester that sent them top. It's a strong team with a lot of experienced leaders, but it's hard to calculate the value of such a talisman until he's gone. With all that said, you'd be a fool to bet against them retaining their title, and you have to make them favourites at this early stage.

Links

Chelsea 2 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
Match Info:

Competition: Football League Cup Final
Kick Off: 4.00pm (Local), 5.00pm (CET)
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
Weather: 11 degrees, Cloudy
TV: Listings
Streams: StreamSports

Football League Cup Info:

Most Successful Club: Liverpool (8 Titles)
Trophy
Qualification: Third Qualifying Round of Europa League
Previous 5 Finals:

Year	Winner	Opponent	Result
2014	Manchester City	Sunderland	3-1
2013	Swansea City	Bradford City	5-0
2012	Liverpool	Cardiff City	2-2 (3-2 on penalties)
2011	Birmingham City	Arsenal	2-1
2010	Manchester United	Aston Villa	2-1

Preview:
Chelsea:

Subreddit: /chelseafc
Injuries: John Obi Mikel
Form: D D W W D
Road To Final:

Round	Home	Away	Result
Third Round	Chelsea	Bolton	2-1
Fourth Round	Shrewsbury Town	Chelsea	1-2
Fifth Round	Derby County	Chelsea	1-3
Semi Final (First Leg)	Liverpool	Chelsea	1-1
Semi Final (Second Leg)	Chelsea	Liverpool	1-0 (2-1 agg)

Jose Mourinho will be keen on collecting his first trophy of the season. The Londoners have been in good form all season leading in the Premier League by 5 points over Manchester City and going unbeaten in the Champions League so far. After a couple shaky performances during the Christmas period Chelsea have since stabilized. However one of their two defeats this season has come at the hands of todays opponents. Tottenham beat Chelsea convincingly at White Hart Lane earlier in the season. However in my opinion if Chelsea bring their A game I can't see them losing.
Tottenham Hotspur:

Subreddit: /coys
Injuries: None!
Form: D L W W W
Road To Final:

Round	Home	Away	Result
Third Round	Tottenham	Nott'm Forrest	3-1
Fourth Round	Tottenham	Brighton	2-0
Fifth Round	Tottenham	Newcastle United	4-0
Semi Final (First Leg)	Tottenham	Sheffield United	1-0
Semi Final (Second Leg)	Sheffield United	Tottenham	2-2 (2-3 agg)

Tottenhams season started the opposite to Chelseas. Some disappointing performances had some fans calling for Pochettinos head. However they have improved and now sit 7th in the Premier League. They've only lost 2 games since early December in the League and with an in form Harry Kane Spurs will be keen to mirror their previous performance against Chelsea, coming out 5-3 winners. Tottenhams last trophy came in 2008 where they won the League Cup beating todays opponents Chelsea 2-1 aet. They will need to be at their best to beat Chelsea and Harry Kane will need to score.
Managers:
: Jose Mourinho
: Mauricio Pochettino
Starting Line-Ups:

	Chelsea	Event
1	Cech
2	Ivanovic
5	Zouma
26	Terry (c)
28	Azpilicueta
7	Ramires
24	Cahill
4	Fabregas	(89')
22	Willian	(76')
19	Costa	(90+2')
10	Hazard

	Tottenham Hotspur	Event
1	Lloris (c)
2	Walker
15	Dier
5	Vertonghen
3	Rose
42	Bentaleb
48	Mason	(70')
22	Chadli	(80')
23	Eriksen
17	Townsend	(61')
18	Kane

Substitutes:

	Chelsea	Event		Spurs	Event
13	Courtois		13	Vorm
3	Filipe Luis		33	Davies
6	Ake		21	Fazio
8	Oscar	(89')	19	Dembele	(61')
23	Cuadrado	(76')	25	Stambouli
11	Drogba	(90+2')	11	Lamela	(70')
23	Remy		9	Soldado	(80')

Highlights:
props to Omar_Til_Death for them

Match Events:
1' Chelsea get us underway!!! They will be wearing their traditional blue kit while Tottenham will be wearing their white kit. Good luck to both sets of supporters!!
5' Fabregas gets a good ball in to Ramires whose in the box but his shot is blocked by the Tottenham defender.
8' Ivanovic gets a good cross into the box to Costa but Lloris intercepts and gets it away for a corner before the Spaniard can do any damage.
10' Spurs win a free kick just outside the box. Eriksen hits it well and it cannons off the bar!!! great strike by the Dane!!
11' Kane has his first sight on goal but Cech saves comfortably
13' Costa receives the ball and dribbles to the edge of the box before finding Hazard in a more central position. The Belgian has a shot but its well wide.
18' Rose fouls Hazard on the edge of the box. WIllian takes the free kick but drives it straight into the wall.
20' Danny Rose gets forward for the first time this match. He takes on the Chelsea defence and gets through. However his shot is well wide.
23' Willian passes a beautiful ball over the Spurs defence and finds the dangerous Hazard. He cuts inside Walker but his shot is blocked.
28' Tensions are high at Wembley. Costa and Bentaleb have a go at eachother but the referee quickly sorts it out
31' Dier gets the first card of the game for a bad tackle on Costa
35' Walker does well to win a corner for Spurs. They try to take it short but Chelsea intercept and counter attack
36' Rose finds Eriksen in the box and he has a shot through the defenders legs but Cech saves well.
38' Chadli shoots for range but its waaaaaaay off target
41' Walker is down injured and needs some treatment
44' GOAAAAAAAAAALLLL Chadli fouls Ivanovic right infront of the linesman. A good position to cross it in. Willian takes it and it drops to Terry who smashes it. It takes a deflection and Lloris has no chance of saving it!!!
45+1' Chelsea win a corner. Hazard sends it in to Ivanovic at the back post. He heads it across goal to Cahill whose header is on target but Lloris saves well
Half Time: Chelsea 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea	Stats	Spurs
41%	Possession	59%
8	Shots	9
2	Shots on Target	2
3	Corners	1
6	Fouls	9

46' Tottenham get us underway for the second half.
47' Chadli does well to retain possession and release Rose who has run forward. He crosses the ball into the box however its too close to Cech who gathers easily.
49' Hazard receives the ball on the wing and runs at the injured Walker. He gets a good cross in but none of his teamate are there to capitalize.
50' Fabregas tries a bicycle kick but Lloris saves!!
59' GOAAAAAAALLLLL Fabregas finds Costa in the box he creates some space and shoots, it takes a huge deflection off Walker and goes in!!
60' Bentaleb has a shot from distance but its well wide
61' Spurs Sub: Dembele Townsend (1/3)
64' Hazard tries to curl one in the bottom corner but hes just off target
69' Chelsea try something different from the free kick. Hazard almost finds Fabregas in the box but Rose gets a small touch that puts off the Spaniard.
70' Willian gets a yellow card
70' Spurs Sub: Lamela Mason (2/3)
72' Cahill gets a yellow for a foul on Kane
74' Azpilicueta needs treatment for a knock to his head
75' Spurs get a freekick on the edge of the box but they take it quickly and waste the chance.
76' Chelsea Sub: Cuadrado Willian (1/3)
76' A good corner is sent in by Eriksen. Kane gets a header on it and its just wide!
78' Bentaleb gets a yellow for a foul on Cuadrado
80' Spurs Sub: Soldado Chadli (3/3)
85' A battered and bruised Azpilicueta is fouled twice in two minutes on the righ wing. First by Kane then by Soldado
86' Cuadrado is given a yellow card
87' Kane has his first real chance of the game but a diving tackle by Terry blocks his shot
89' Chelsea Sub: Oscar Fabregas (2/3)
89' Soldado crosses to Lamela but Ivanovic gets in the way and clears for a corner
90' There will be 4 added minutes
90+2' Chelsea Sub: Drogba Costa (3/3)
Full Time: Chelsea 2 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League Match Day 34
Tuesday April 17th, 2018
Kick Off: 19:45 (GMT), 2:45 PM (EST)
Venue: American Express Community Stadium, Brighton
TV: Sky Sports (UK), NBCSN (US)
Referee: Kevin Friend
Evening Standard Preview
"Tottenham look to return to winning ways on Tuesday’s night clash on the south coast after seeing their 14-match unbeaten run ended by Manchester City. Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat was Spurs’ first lost in the league of 2018, and their first since they lost away to the now champions back in December. Brighton, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from their defeat at rivals Crystal Palace and create a buffer between themselves and the drop zone. Albeit in 13th, Chris Hughton’s side are only seven points above the drop zone and facing a very tough run-in. Significantly for the visitors, three points will guarantee a second successive league finish above Arsenal and restore their 10-point advantage over Chelsea."- Evening Standard
-Brighton are 13th in the Premier League. Their 35 points give them a seven point cushion on the relegation zone, but they are not mathematically safe from the drop yet.
-Last time out, the Seagulls lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace. They haven't won in the league since a 2-1 win over Arsenal on March 4th.
-Here's the match thread from the last time we played Brighton, a 2-0 win in December with goals coming from Son Heung-min and Serge Aurier.
Team News
-Danny Rose (calf) is expected to be sidelined short-term but will not be available for this match.
-Kyle Walker-Peters (hamstring) is not mentioned in the team news anymore, which means he's presumably available for this one.
-Harry Winks (ankle) is currently rehabbing in Qatar. Seems unlikely that we'll see him again this season.
-Brighton will be without Izzy Brown and Steve Sidwell, who are both sidelined with long-term injuries.
-The Seagulls will also be without Davy Propper due to a suspension from a red card he picked up against Huddersfield Town.
COYS

Chelsea vs Liverpool

Overview

	Match Day 26
Kick-off:	Sunday, 6th of Feb 2011 at 4.00pm GMT (11am East Coast, 3am Sydney)
Location:	Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, London
Referee:	Andre Marriner (16 matches, 2 red cards)
Assistant referees:	Scott Ledger & Adam Watts
Fourth official:	Kevin Friend
Previous Fixture:	Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield with Fernando Torres scoring two goals. The match marked the beginning of a form slump for the title holders. Soccernet Match Report
Television:	Live on Sky Sports 1 (UK), Fox Sports (Aus) and Fox Soccer Channel (USA)
Websites:	Liverpool Latest News, Chelsea Latest News

Reddit Live Chat

LIVE CHAT NOW OPEN
[http://live-news.appspot.com]
If you have problems accessing live chat, privmsg me here or email me on my username at gmail.com

Match News

Critical match for both teams, with Chelsea looking to get their title bid back on track after a recent slump in results. The blues spent more than 70 million pounds in the transfer window to re-enforce their starting lineup both at the front and at the back.
Liverpool have seen a recent revival under new manager Kenny Dalglish and have also spent bid in the January transfer window in a bid to secure a place in Europe next year. The top 4 is still not out of sight for Liverpool, but they will need to pick up more points on the road.
Fernando Torres is set to make his debut for Chelsea against his former club after a 50M pound move from Anfield
Ancelotti is likely to slot Torres up front in a 3-man front line alongside Drogba and Anelka.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have taken maximum points from their last three Premier League games
New Liverpool signing Luis Suarez is set to make his starting debut after coming on in the 70th minute against Stoke mid-week and scoring the second goal.
Suarez scored 81 goals in 110 games for Ajax, and is looking to make his mark in his first full EPL game
Raul Meireles is looking to continue his recent good form, with 3 goals in his last 4 EPL outings. The former Porto player has re-found his old form under new manager Kenny Dalglish, who has played him in a more advanced midfield role where he has the freedom to create opportunities.
Pepe Reina is coming into the game having not conceded a goal in 308 minutes of play (since they played Everton at Anfield on the 16th of January). Three straight clean-sheets for the Spanish keeper.
Jamie Caragher is expected to return to the starting lineup after sitting out the mid-week Stoke match on the bench. He return from a shoulder injury that kept him out for 6 weeks.
New Chelsea signing David Luiz is set to make his debut for his new club after a protracted January transfer from Portugese club Benfica. Luiz is expected to line up along-side club captain John Terry in the center of defense, while Branislav Ivanovic is expected to take back his newly preferred position of right-back, possibly relegating Jose Bosingwa back to the substitutes bench.

Match Trivia

Liverpool have not scored a goal in 5 of their last 6 visits to Stamford Bridge.
In the 2008 fixture, Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 with Alonso scoring the only goal of the match early on. The Liverpool win ended Chelsea's 86-game winning streak at the Bridge. Match Report from 2008
The sides have met 27 times since 2004, with Chelsea winning 12 times while Liverpool have won 8.
Chelsea have won all four games at Stamford Bridge this year without conceding a single goal
Didier Drogba has scored five goals in his last eight matches against Liverpool in all competitions.
Over the last five games since Kenny Dalglish has taken over at Liverpool they have taken 10 points. Only Manchester United are in better form in the past 5 games
Fernando Torres scored seven goals in eight games for Liverpool against Chelsea.

Pre-Match Press Quotes

We are more important than any player they have got. We'll play against whoever they put on the pitch. I would expect they would relish the battle against him [Torres] but they have competed brilliantly against everyone since I have come in

-- Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool Manager

Media

Site	Links
Soccernet	Gamecast
Guardian	Gamecast
Sky Sports(UK)	Preview

Live Streams

Streams will be updated 30-15 minutes before the game. Check back here

Site	Links
LiveTV	Homepage STREAMS
myp2p	Homepage STREAMS
atdhe	Homepage
rojadirecta	HOMEPAGE (scroll down to liverpool vs chelsea) STREAM

Match Odds

The price on Liverpool has been shifting a lot while Chelsea have shortened. A lot of money on Torres to score at $2.20

Agency	Chelsea	Draw	Liverpool
SportingBet	1.53	3.70	5.75
William Hill	1.57	3.75	6.00
Bet365	1.57	4.00	6.00
Betfair	1.64	4.30	6.00

Bets: 2-2 is $19, while Chelsea to lead at half time and Liverpool to win is paying $41

Table

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	D	P
1	Man Utd	25	15	9	1	55	24	31	54
2	Arsenal	25	15	5	5	54	27	27	50
3	Man City	26	14	7	5	42	22	20	49
4	Chelsea	24	13	5	6	46	21	25	44
5	Tottenham	25	12	8	5	35	27	8	44
6	Sunderland	26	9	10	7	32	31	1	37
7	Liverpool	25	10	5	10	33	31	2	35
8	Bolton	26	8	9	9	36	37	-1	33
9	Stoke	25	10	3	12	31	32	-1	33
10	Newcastle	25	8	7	10	40	38	2	31

Stats

	Chelsea		Liverpool
Top Scorers	Florent Malouda	9	Fernando Torres
	Didier Drogba	9	Steven Gerrard
	Salomon Kalou	7	Dirk Kuyt
	Nicolas Anelka	6	Maxi Rodríguez
Assists	Didier Drogba	8	Steven Gerrard
Yellows	Branislav Ivanovic	7	Fernando Torres
Reds	Michael Essien	1	Lucas
Last 5 (home/away)	W-D-W-D-L		W-L-L-L-L
Last 5	W-W-W-L-D		W-W-W-D-L
Avg. Scored¹		2.2
Avg. Conceeded¹		0.6

*1. Average at home for home team, away for away team *

Last 5 Results

Chelsea	Result	Liverpool	Result
Sunderland (A)	4-2	Stoke (H)	2-0
Bolton (A)	4-0	Fulham (H)	1-0
Blackburn (H))	2-0	Wolves (A)	3-0
Wolves (A)	0-1	Everton (H)	2-2
Aston Villa (H)	3-3	Blackpool (A)	1-2

Lineups

Chelsea


Manager:
Formation:
Unavailable:
In doubt:

Possible Starting (unconfirmed)

No.	Player	Pos
1	Petr Cech	GK
17	José Bosingwa	RB
2	Branislav Ivanovic	CB
26	John Terry	CB
3	Ashley Cole	LB
5	Michael Essien	CM
12	Jon Obi Mikel	CM
8	Frank Lampard	CM
39	Nicolas Anelka	RW
9	Fernando Torres	ST
11	Didier Drogba	LW

Subs

No.	Player	Pos
22	Ross Turnbull	GK
4	David Luiz	CB
15	Florent Malouda	F
19	Paulo Ferreira	D
21	Solomon Kalou	F
51	Josh McEchran	M
43	Sala

Liverpool


Manager:
Formation:
Unavailable:
In doubt:

Starting (Confirmed - LFC)

No.	Player	Pos
25	Reina	GK
23	Jamie Carragher	CB
34	Skrtel	CB
5	Agger	CB
34	Kelly	RWB
2	Johnson	LWB
21	Lucas	CM
8	Gerrard	CM
17	Maxi Rodríguez	LM
4	Meireles	CAM
18	Kuyt	ST

Live Updates

Min	Action
0'	KICK OFF
33'	FUCK!! MAXI!!
45'	HALF TIME - Awesome Game. Torres had one chance, runs onto a ball from Drogba that was cut across goal. Brilliant last second block from Carragher. And then there was Maxi. Maxi, maxi maxi. No doubt that video will be all over reddit within an hour.
45'	SECOND HALF
65'	SUBSTITUTION CHELSEA Solomon Kalou (9M pounds) has come on for Fernando Torres (50M pounds)
68'	RAUL MEIRELES!!!! LIVERPOOOOOL!
90'	FULL TIME what a game, what a weekend!

(Apologies for not keeping up a running game log. I got a bit carried away watching the game. Almost had a heart attack)

Match Overview

Chelsea	0	Liverpool	1
		Meireles	68'
_____________________	___	_____________________	___

Match Stats

Chelsea		Liverpool
0(0)	Shots (on Goal)	0(0)
0	Fouls	0
0	Corner Kicks	0
0	Offsides	0
0%	Possession	0%
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Saves	0

Match Reports

[TBA]

Manchester CityVS Arsenal
My first time doing this so excuse me my inevitable mistakes and PM me so I can fix.

MATCH INFO

Competition: Barclays Premier League (League Table)
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Kick off: 16:00 local time
Referee: Mike Dean
TV times: Find your television station here

League form

Manchester City go into today's game boasting the 2^nd best form in the league with 14 points out of a possible 18, only the Saints have performed better over the past 6 games. Arsenal on the other hand are close behind with 13 out of a possible 18, but it's on the road were recently Arsenal haven't looked like their usual impressive selves, only being able to amass 7 points from their last 6 league games. Meanwhile at home City have only lost once this season with a shock defeat to Stoke 3 games deep into the league. So this is a game with a team with a recently shaky away record visiting the fortress that is the Etihad with City proving virtually unstoppable. But this is the Premier League, form very rarely matters.
: W W W D W D
: W D W W L W
Previous league meetings: 1-1 2-0 6-3 1-1 2-2 0-0
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 6 league games against Arsenal, although they did lose in the Community Shield to Arsenal at Wembley back in August 3-0. Pellegrini defended that loss by stating that he believed the lack of several first team members due to injury and lack of fitness had a negative effect on the Citizens. In September, Arsenal managed to hold the defending champions to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates which Wenger believes proves the Gunners can match Manchester City on the same pitch, but playing at the Etihad stadium is not an easy task as we'll see below.

Last corresponding meeting

The last time Arsenal visited the Etihad they were the subject to a 6-3 humiliating loss at the hands of Manchester City. Wenger believes this result will have no effect on today's game;

It [6-3] was not at all [a reflection of the game], if you look at the chances on both sides. They scored some of the goals in the last 20 minutes, when we were down to 10 men and had to go forward. We missed chances over there. Every game is different though. If you play 10 times against the same team, 10 times it will be different. So let’s just focus on the performance of the day. - Wenger


Man. City	6-3	Arsenal
'13 1-0 Aguero		'31 1-1 Walcott
'38 2-1 Negredo
'50 3-1 Fernandinho
		'63 3-2 Walcott
'65 4-2 Silva
'87 5-2 Fernandinho		'94 5-3 Mertesacker
'95 6-3 Toure (p)

^Thanks ^to ^FredSports ^for ^the ^GIFS. ^{^RIP}

Team News

- Arsenal are likely to be boosting in attack this game with the return of Walcott and Ozil after coming off the bench in the second half against Stoke City in their 3-0 win last game. It is also being reported that Gibbs is likely to make his return against City. Chambers has recovered from his illness and could also feature. According to this tweet, Wenger has named new signing Krystian Bielik in the squad.
Arsenal will definitely be without; Welbeck (thigh), Debuchy (shoulder), Arteta (ankle), Gnabry (knee), and Diaby (diabism). And luckily for Manchester City fans they will be pleased to know that they will be protected from any obscenity from Wilshere this game with the Englishman also reported to be out with an ankle injury.
- Manchester City will have Aguero and Kompany back fit and possibly playing today with them both making the substitutes bench against Everton in their 1-1 draw at Goodison. Dzeko has also been declared fit by Pellegrini.
Former Gunner Nasri is out with a calf injury suffered in training this week and is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks. Yaya Toure will also miss the game today due to international duty with the Ivory Coast.

Starting 11

- Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany (C), Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Fernando, Navas, Silva, Milner, Aguero.
Subs - Caballero, Mangala, Sagna, Kolarov, Lampard, Jovetic, Dzeko
- Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Alexis, Giroud
Subs - Szczesny, Gibbs, Chambers, Flamini, Rosicky, Ozil, Walcott

The managers speak

Wenger:

"You have many games when you know you will be judged on your potential," he said. "Manchester City is one of them. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are other games that people have a close eye on to judge your potential. "The history will not play a big part in this game. It's the performance of the day that will play the biggest part and the only important part. "I believe we have consistency. Last year, we did not win the championship only for that reason. We did not perform in the top games away from home. "I believe we have the potential now to be much more stable and to show that we can do it." "For many years [our record in the biggest games] was our strength and, in the last two years, it is true that it has been a weakness. I think we are mature enough now to rectify it."

Pellegrini on Sanchez:

"I think Alexis is a very good player," the City manager said of his Chilean compatriot, who scored twice against Stoke City last weekend to take his tally of Barclays Premier League goals to 12. "He is having a very good season in England. It is not easy for a player in his first season here to score so many goals. "Alexis is repeating what he did in the last two seasons at Barcelona and scoring a lot of goals. "I am very happy for him because he is a young player and very enthusiastic player and improving."

Match Stats from Opta

The last seven Barclays Premier League games between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium have seen 28 goals scored.
Alexis Sanchez has been involved in more goals (19 – 12 goals and seven assists) than any other player in the Premier League this season.
There have been six red cards in the last nine Premier League matches between these two sides.
Arsenal’s away form this season is patchy with four wins, four defeats and three draws in their 11 Premier League road trips.
In contrast, City’s home form under Manuel Pellegrini has been impressive with 25 wins from 29 Premier League games under his stewardship at the Etihad Stadium (W25 D2 L2).
Arsenal are the only team to score three goals at the Etihad in a Premier League game during Manuel Pellegrini’s reign – but this was in a 3-6 defeat.
Only Chelsea (11) have won more Premier League games away at Manchester City than Arsenal (10).
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League matches (W9 D3 L0).
Only West Ham (14) have scored more headed goals than the Gunners this season (8).
Manchester City have conceded at least two goals in each of their last two Premier League home games. They haven’t shipped two or more goals in three consecutive home Premier League games since October 2002.

Betting odds:
Manchester City 5/6, Draw 11/4, Arsenal 10/3.
/Gunners
/MCFC
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Premier league preview

A.F.C. Bournemouth

by NineFeetUnderground

Welcome back to the Premier League Previews series, a series where a fan gives an overview of his team for your perusal, and I get an excuse to take pot-shots at other clubs. This will run until the eve of the Premier League, taking a look at each club in turn. Today we're popping our Bournemouth cherry with a trip to the south coast.
About

Established: 1899
Stadium: Dean Court
Capacity: 11,464
Official website
Wikipedia page
Club subreddit

Last season

Pos	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Points
9	38	12	10	16	55	67	-12	46

Things started fairly well, despite being narrowly robbed by West Ham and beaten by both Manchester sides our early skirmishes included beating a very strong Everton team 1-0 with a superb performance, smashing Hull 6-1 and a creditable 0-0 draw against a (usually) free scoring Spurs side.
Things started to go awry around christmas and our defence became a meme- consistently conceding three goals (at least) every game (in seven out of eight games between November and January). Despite this horrendous spell the period did contain two of our most memorable games- Beating Liverpool 4-3 after being 3-1 down (Thanks Karius!) and a rare tactical error from Howe allowing Arsenal to claw back a 3-0 defecit to draw 3-3.
Eddie Howe always pulls it around in March though, and after a spirited draw at Old Trafford which will forever be remembered for Mings vs Zlatan, we only lost 2 more games all year, to Chelsea and Tottenham. Given that by all accounts we have the 17th highest wage bill in the division 9th should be recognised as an enormous achievement and a testament to the faith Howe has in his attacking football.
To sum up, aside from an 11 game spell through xmas in January the side competed well and never really looked in trouble of relegation, so I’m going to get on my soapbox about Eddie Howe’s deplorable attitude to cup competitions. After previous seasons where Howe would have played the under 10’s team if he could, all of us Cherries knew what to expect- but Howe peaked this year with one of the worst cup performances in the history of the club, an insult to fans. Selecting one of the most bizarre squads ever which included winger Marc Pugh at right back and Lewis Grabban ludicrously used as a professional footballer (I'm so, so sorry Sunderland fans), the 3-0 to League 1 Milwall should be a sign to Howe that things need to improve this year, especially as we also went out to Preston in the EFL cup. It’s no insult to the teams who quite soundly beat us to say that Howe’s selection and attitude to the defeats was disappointing to all of Bournemouth’s supporters.

This Season

Whisper it quietly but for the first time since we came up I don’t expect we’ll be in trouble this year. My Dad always says ‘are there 3 worse sides in the division?’, and unless things change enormously between now and the end of the transfer window I think most fans would agree that on paper there are more than three. As a result I would be extremely surprised if we ended up going down. Having said that 46 was such a low number of points to finish in 9th position it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we matched or beat last season’s total but still finished in the bottom half. 13th is my best guess, but if everything clicks at the back and we stay injury free I don’t think we’ll be scared of many teams. Steve Cook basically is our defence, on his own, so you can dismiss all of the above positivity if he does get a long term injury. We’d immediately find ourselves in real trouble.
THINGS I WANT.
-To take a point from Manchester City. We’ve never even got close to looking competitive against them and they’ve smashed us 15-1 on aggregate over the 4 times we’ve played them.
-Finally beat Watford. We’ve now drawn four games in a row and six of the last seven, beating them only once. Given that their fans have this weird obsession with us I’d love to do the double over them this year, especially as me & Whiffers have a charity bet on who’ll finish higher.
-Finally, finally sort out the defence. Signing Ake and Begovic is a huge help, but tactics also contribute to our leaky back line.
-Dignified, and serious cup performances. (See above)
Transfers
Highlights

Player	Type	From	To	Fee(£m)
Nathan Ake	Perm	Chelsea	Bournemouth	20	Link
Asmir Begovic	Perm	Chelsea	Bournemouth	10	Link
Jermain Defoe	Perm	Sunderland	Bournemouth	0	Link

All incoming/outgoing transfers Full 2016-17 squad
3 players to watch out for
Lewis Cook Everyone is saying 'why don't Bournemouth want Wilshere back' and the truth is, of course we would want him back- if we didn't have Lewis Cook. Whisper it quietly, but he looks like he has the potential to be even better. After recovering from a broken foot last year his performances at the back end of last season showed real talent, backed up by winning the U-20 world cup as captain. He needs to improve his pass completion in the final third and maintain posession a little more often but I have a feeling this will be a huge season for him.
Nathan Ake Signed for a club record £20M he gives Eddie Howe an interesting dilemma at the heart of defence. Club Captain Simon Francis has been starting here since we were promoted but he now looks like his best years are behind him at times. I've picked him as a player to watch not just because he's our record signing, but because it's going to be a big change to the dynamic at the heart of defence. Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels and Simon Francis have been playing as a unit since we were in the third tier. Will Ake cock it up or finally fix our "concede three goals per game" defensive frailties?
Dan Gosling Conclusive proof that if Eddie Howe is your manager it doesn't matter how poor your first touch is, as long as you run your absolute tits off you've got a job for life. Prepare for some comedy gold, energetic, error strewn performances. Inexplicably a fan's favourite but odds on to be bloody entertaining for all the wrong reasons on Match of the Day.
What the fans think
Thanks to /AFCBournemouth for their help.

How do you think this season will go?

I think the season will be good. I feel we have more depth than we have had in the past and should be able to compete strongly with anyone all season. I like to think that 8th is somewhere we can finish but there will be steady competitition for that spot. I believe we'll finish anywhere from 8th to 10th.

MatureGambinoAFCB

We will stay up again, but potentially a little lower in the standings and maybe a few less points as last year. For a team that can beat anyone and lose to anyone i think form is always going to be an issue. I hope that when we do struggle it's not for too long. After 2 good seasons I wouldn't want to find us in the relegation zone, young team may feel the pressure. On a more positive note, I think Eddie will want a cup run this year which I'm hoping will mean a quarter final in one of the cups.

Afcb13

Which player is going to be your star of the season and why?

Hard to say a star of the season because we're very much a team. Last seasons player of the year, steve cook, will be in with a big shout and if Defoe or king can get 15 goals so will they. Ake will be a dark horse too.

MatureGambinoAFCB

I think Lewis Cook is going to be a big star and I think Cook will get an England call up.

Afcb13

How do you think the team will line up?

---------------------Begovic--------------------
---S. Cook------Daniels---------Aké------------Mings/Cargill-----
----Ibe/Stanislas------Arter-----Cook------------Fraser-
------------------King--------------Defoe/Afobe----------------
Bench: Ibe/Stanislas, Mousset, Boruc, Defoe/Afobe, Mings/Cargill, Ramsdale(?). I can't predict the rest of the bench due to youth players such as Worthington and Surridge maybe wiggling their way in.

ChristianExodia

Ive got no big idea on how I think we'll line up. Defoe, king, ake, cook, Daniels, Arter are all nailed on but apart from then anyone could play. Stanislas will start too if he's not injured.

MatureGambinoAFCB

Wrap Up

by NickTM

Summary: A third consecutive season for the Cherries sees them strengthening their squad in all departments, but for how long can they continue to punch above their weight?
What to say: It's a whole new spiiiiine!
What you might end up saying: Who put Dan Gosling on technique training?!
Why to like them: Plucky underdogs. Jermain Defoe was well-liked before the Bradley Lowery story, but now is verging on footballing sweetheart terrain. Eddie Howe's a canny young manager with a rare eye for a tactical switch.
Why to dislike them: Despite playing decent enough stuff when on the ball, Bournemouth have no qualms about snippy rotational fouling which is enough to annoy anyone. Artur Boruc won't be starting, which means we won't get many comedy moments from the goalkeeper.
If the team was a Simpsons character, it would be: Ned Flanders. The upbeat nature of Bournemouth in general does tend to get a little grating.

Vote for where you think Bournemouth will finish here.

Stream®Online Arsenal vs AC Milan live stream
Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from CBSSportscom How to watch CBSSportscom17 hours ago Arsenal and AC Milan fight for a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals when they meet for their round of 16 second leg on Thursday at the Emirates Arsenal took the first leg at the San Siro 20 Here's how you can watch the match and our prediction Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Goalcom Goalcom What channel is Arsenal vs AC Milan on? Live stream details TV Mirrorcouk6 hours ago What channel is Arsenal vs AC Milan on? Live stream details TV information odds and more The Gunners Arsenal take on AC Milan at the Emirates knowing they must suffer an almighty collapse to not make the last eight of the Europa League The Gunners are perfectly positioned to go through after Arsenal vs AC Milan The gatekeeper to Alexandre Lacazette's return InternationalPain In The Arsenal1 hour ago View all Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from The Sun Arsenal vs AC Milan TV channel live stream kickoff time and team The SunMar 14 2018 ARSENAL have a couple of injury concerns ahead of the Europa League clash Hector Bellerin (knee) and Nacho Monreal (back) are both slight doubts for the game Manager Arsene Wenger is also without Shkodran Mustafi (groin) Alexandre Lacazette (knee) and Santi Cazorla (plantaris injury) AC Milan Arsenal vs AC Milan TV channel live stream tickets time date MetroMar 12 2018 View all Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Sports Illustrated How to Watch AC Milan vs Arsenal Europa League Live Stream TV Sports IllustratedMar 8 2018 AC Milan hosts Arsenal at San Siro for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 This marks the first meeting between the two teams since the round of 16 in the 2012 Champions League Arsenal is struggling at the moment having lost eight of their last 13 games The Gunners sit in sixth place in the AC Milan vs Arsenal live stream Watch Europa League online Pain In The ArsenalMar 8 2018 View all Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Goalcom AC Milan vs Arsenal TV channel live stream squad news & preview GoalcomMar 7 2018 Crisisstricken Arsenal head to Italy on Thursday to take on Serie A side AC Milan in the first leg of their Europa League last16 tie Arsene Wenger's men are on a dismal run of form and come into the game against the Rossoneri on the back of four consecutive defeats losing most recently to Brighton in the AC Milan vs Arsenal Live stream TV channel kickoff time and InternationalThe SunMar 8 2018 View all Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Pain In The Arsenal Arsenal vs Watford live stream Watch Premier League online Pain In The ArsenalMar 11 2018 Arsenal beat AC Milan on Thursday and that still matters ten times more than whatever happens at home against Watford That said there is still a game to play and for that we are here to preview the match with team news and how to watch The Gunners snapped their worst skid in 16 years when they Arsenal 30 Watford Mustafi Aubameyang and Mkhitayan all score InternationalMirrorcoukMar 11 2018 View all Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Evening Standard Arsenal vs Watford Premier League prediction and preview TV Evening StandardMar 8 2018 Arsenal vs Watford Premier League prediction and preview TV channel live streaming online start time team news lineups head to head betting tips Not since March 1995 have come away emptyhanded in four consecutive games but will be hugely buoyed by the midweek away win at AC Milan Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from The Sun AC Milan vs Arsenal Prediction odds betting tips and live stream The SunMar 8 2018 Form is firmly with the Italians for this Europa League last 32 clash AC Milan are 13 games unbeaten with 10 wins while Arsenal have lost their last four in a row Patrick Cutrone one of Gattuso's favourites can't stop hitting the net with four in his last six and the 20yearold to score first in a 21 Milan win is Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Metro Arsenal must beware reborn AC Milan warns exChelsea ace MetroMar 8 2018 Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has warned Arsenal that AC Milan are beginning to resemble the side he played in ahead of tonight's clash at the San Siro The Ukrainian spent seven years in Milan scoring 175 goals and becoming the club's second top scorer during a trophyladen period Story image for Arsenal vs AC Milan Live Stream from Expresscouk Arsenal v Watford LIVE STREAM How to watch Premier League ExpresscoukMar 11 2018 Arsenal are expected to recall PierreEmerick Aubameyang who was ineligible for Thursday's Europa League win Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers were substituted against AC Milan after suffering knocks but both may be fit Watford are assessing Jose Holebas' fitness after he picked up an ankle

Auto-Refreshing Transfer News Thread from Sky Sports
Auto-refreshing reddit comments link
18:28

'CHELSEA LOOK LIKE THEY ARE MOVING'

Chelsea are finally starting to get going in this summer's transfer window, according to Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
"For me, Courtois is one of the best," the former Man Utd captain told Sky Sports' Premier League launch show.
"I absolutely love him. I know people say I’m critical of 'keepers, but I also love quite a few keepers and I absolutely love Courtois.
"He’s [Kepa] got big shoes to fill and it’s a big price. Pep Guardiola said in an interview with us that Chelsea are going to do quite a lot of business in the next few days and obviously the market talks and agents talk.
"Chelsea look like they are moving. They have been a little slow in the transfer market and a little bit less obvious in the transfer market over the last few years than they have been previously. It looks like they are making a move again."
18:22

MILAN IN BAKAYOKO TALKS

AC Milan in talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan, according to Sky Italy.
The France international arrived from Monaco last summer for £40m.
18:15

'KEPA A BIG GAMBLE'

Chelsea's potential world-record capture of Bilbao 'keeper Kepa is a big risk, according to former Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason.
"It is a big gamble," he told SSN. "It is going to be very difficult to replace Courtois because for me he is in the top three to five 'keepers in the world. He has proven that over a number of years now.
"I do not see many 'keepers who can come in and replace that. So to now go and sign someone for an extortionate amount of money that is not proven to be one of the so-called best in the world is a big risk."
17:57

RODRIGUEZ STARTS FOR BAGGIES

West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez starts against Nottingham Forest in the Championship tonight, a match you can follow live on Sky Sports Football and SkySports.com.
Burnley are set to make an improved offer of £18m later on Tuesday, SSN understands.
17:44

CHELSEA IN ADVANCED £71.6M KEPA TALKS

Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Bilbao 'keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to Sky sources.
It is understood the 23-year-old – a Spain international with one cap – would cost the Blues £71.6m, which would be a world-record fee for a 'keeper.
Reports in Spain this evening have gone as far as to say that Chelsea’s intentions are fly the player to London on Wednesday and have him train on Thursday, with the hope he could make his debut in their season-opener against Huddersfield on Saturday.
17:37

BOURNEMOUTH SEAL £25M LERMA DEAL

Bournemouth have completed the £25m signing of Levante's Jefferson Lerma, according to Sky sources.
17:31

EVENING HEADLINES

Here is a quick roundup of where we stand with today's main transfer stories...
17:23

BOGLE BACK WITH BIRMINGHAM ON LOAN

Cardiff City striker Omar Bogle has joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan.
The deal marks a return to St Andrews for the 25-year-old, who came through City's youth ranks before being released in the summer of 2011.
Bogle dropped into non-league football with Hinckley United, Solihull Moors and Grimsby Town, who he helped secure promotion from the National League.
He joined Wigan in January 2017 but was on the move again at the end of that season, joining Cardiff for a fee of £700,000.
17:16

PEP: CITY'S BUSINESS OVER

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has told Sky Sports' Premier League launch show that the champions will not sign anymore players this summer.
City have so far signed just Riyad Mahrez from Leicester for £60m and Claudio Gomes on a free from PSG.
17:09

VILLA SIGN NYLAND

Aston Villa have signed FC Ingolstadt 'keeper Orjan Nyland for an undisclosed fee.
The Norway international has agreed a three-year deal and will wear the No 1 jersey at Villa Park this season.
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1026875718544896000
16:56

SCHMEICHEL: HART TREATMENT 'STAGGERING'

Leicester 'keeper Kasper Schmeichel has hit out at the "exceptionally harsh" treatment of new Burnley signing Joe Hart, saying people have very short memories.
He said: "I've known Joe for a long time and I think he's been exceptionally harshly treated in many respects.
"Not just what happened at Man City, where I don't think he was given a chance to prove what he could do, and then the whole England debacle I found that quite staggering at the time.
"But for Joe, the important thing is to get home, stay living at home and get a bit of normality back into his life."
16:44

COURTOIS OUT, KEPA AND KOVACIC IN?

SSN reporter Dharmesh Sheth brings us all the latest on what is going on at Chelsea as we approach TDD...
16:38

AGBOOLA JOINS COLCHESTER

Defender David Agboola has joined Colchester following a successful trial.
The 18-year-old defender, formerly of Dagenham & Redbridge, has signed a one-year deal having caught the eye with his performances in pre-season.
Agboola will initially join Kevin Horlock’s U23 squad, who get their season under way at Hull on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1026827308756287489
16:32

LERMA FINISHING BOURNEMOUTH MEDICAL

SSN reporter Mark McAdam has been updating us on Bournemouth's club-record £25m pursuit of Levante's Jefferson Lerma.
"Lerma has just been meeting Eddie Howe and various members of the Bournemouth management," he said.
"And he is now heading off to a local hospital to put the finishing touches to his medical at the club."
16:24

GET INVOLVED!

https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1026784163834351616
16:21

ODUBAJO RETURNS TO BRENTFORD

Right-back Moses Odubajo has returned to Brentford on a one-year deal.
Odubajo spent pre-season with the Bees as he rehabbed a serious knee injury.
https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1026861035481968641
16:17

MAHONEY JOINS BLUES

Bournemouth winger Connor Mahoney has joined Birmingham on a season-long loan.
Mahoney becomes Blues boss Garry Monk’s second signing of the summer.
https://twitter.com/BCFC/status/1026860627162263553
16:08

O'SHEA JOINS EXETER

West Brom defender Dara O’Shea has joined Exeter City on a six-month loan.
https://twitter.com/OfficialECFC/status/1026860550683287552
16:02

LOPETEGUI: NAVAS PART OF MY PLANS

Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that 'keeper Keylor Navas is part of his plans for this season.
15:44

CHELSEA OFFERED KOVACIC

Real Madrid have offered Chelsea Mateo Kovacic on loan in order to persuade them to sell Thibaut Courtois, say Sky sources.
Croatian midfielder Kovacic has been told he can leave Madrid this summer. They are prepared to let him join Chelsea on a season-long loan.
Chelsea will not let Courtois go until they find a replacement.
15:39

PUEL: IMPORTANT TO KEEP MAGUIRE

Leicester manager Claude Puel says it is important they keep Harry Maguire amid Man Utd's interest in the defender.
"For me it's good for Leicester to keep a valuable player, and it's important to show good ambition for the next season," Puel told Sky Sports News.
"I can understand some speculation about our player because he has good attributes, but I am happy to keep him and hopefully start a great season.
"We lost Riyad Mahrez, who was a very good player for us. After Riyad it was important to keep our players and add some good players to strengthen the team."
15:33

DEADLINE DAY ON SKY SPORTS

The summer transfer window closes on Thursday and you can follow all the Deadline Day news and drama with Sky Sports.
Clubs have until 5pm to do business as the window shuts for the first time before the new Premier League season starts and as managers scramble to bolster their squads before the big kick-off, we will make sure you don't miss a thing.
From timings, key dates and deal sheets to following the developments at home or on the move, here's all you need to know...
15:21

AFTERNOON HEADLINES

Here is a quick roundup of where we stand with some of the day's main transfer stories...

Thibaut Courtois seems determined to force through a move away to Real after the Chelsea 'keeper failed to report for training for the second day in a row
Man City 'keeper Joe Hart's future is already sorted with he former England No 1 having joined Burnley on a two-year deal
Sky sources are telling us Burnley make an improved £18m offer for West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez
Rodriguez not the only target for Sean Dyche as we understand they're in talks to sign Matej Vydra from Derby. That move would see Nakhi Wells move to Pride Park as part of the deal. If it goes through Vydra's transfer would be permanent, while Wells would move to Derby on loan...
Levante's Colombia international Jefferson Lerma is having a medical at Bournemouth ahead of what will be a club-record transfer

14:59

'JOSE SHOULD MAKE POGBA CAPTAIN'

Jamie Redknapp and Danny Murphy believe Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho should make Paul Pogba his captain at Old Trafford in order to keep the France playmaker at the club.
14:43

JACKETT BACKS WHEELER

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett expects new signing David Wheeler to boost the club’s goal threat.
The 27-year-old forward has joined Pompey on a season-long loan deal from QPR.
Wheeler joined the Rs last summer from Exeter but was hampered by injury and made only nine appearances, scoring one goal.
But Wheeler had netted 39 times in four seasons with Exeter before his move to Loftus Road.
14:30

BURNLEY & DERBY IN VYDRA-WELLS TALKS

Burnley are in talks to sign Matej Vydra (pictured) permanently from Derby County, with Nahki Wells moving in the other direction on loan, according to Sky sources.
Both players are understood to be ready to take medicals at their respective new clubs on Tuesday.
Vydra was set to join Leeds United, who had agreed an £11m fee with Derby, but the Czech Republic international turned down the move.
Sky Sports News understands he failed to agree personal terms with Leeds, and preferred a move to the Premier League.
14:26

'CHELSEA SHOULD LET COURTOIS GO'

Jamie Redknapp and Danny Murphy told The Debate that Chelsea should allow unsettled goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to leave Stamford Bridge.
14:11

HORNETS YOUNGSTER JOINS OXFORD

Watford striker Harvey Bradbury, 19, has joined Oxford United on a free transfer.
https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1026830943682801664
14:02

BREAKING NEWS

Brighton have signed Billy Arce from Ecuadorian side CSD Independiente Del Valle on undisclosed terms.
The 20-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Albion, but will spend the upcoming season with the La Liga 2 club Extremadura UD on a season-long loan deal.
https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1026830504417533952
14:01

WYCOMBE LOAN FOR MORRIS

Shrewsbury Town midfielder Bryn Morris has joined Wycombe Wanderers on-loan until January.
The 22-year-old midfielder featured 30 times in all competitions last season, but was not included in their opening-day defeat away to Bradford.
13:51

COLCHESTER SIGN AGBOOLA

Colchester United have signed defenderDavid Agboola from Dagenham & Redbridge on a one-year deal.
https://twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1026827308756287489
13:34

UNITED FIRM ON POGBA, MARTIAL

Manchester United will resist any offers for Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial while continuing their search for a centre-back, ESPN report.
Jose Mourinho has made it clear he wants to secure two more signings before Thursday’s 5pm deadline, but acknowledges that signing a defender is a priority, with Toby Alderweireld, Jerome Boateng, Harry Maguire and Yerry Mina linked with a move to Old Trafford.
As a result, United have no intention of losing Pogba or Martial, two of their high-profile players, although they are willing to listen to offers for Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo.
13:23

DEMBELE AS POGBA MAKEWEIGHT?

Barcelona do not have an agreement in place with Paul Pogba but the La Liga champions are working hard to sign the Manchester United midfielder.
Barca are hoping to tempt United into selling the Frenchman by putting forward cash-plus-players proposals.
Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes and Rafinha are the Catalan club’s preferred makeweights but Mundo Deportivo claim they may also be willing to consider using Ivan Rakitic or Ousmane Dembele.
13:17

COURTOIS FUTURE LATEST

Reporter Jane Dougall has been speaking on Sky Sports News to update us on the latest news regarding Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea.
She said: "We understand after failing to turn up at Wembley on Sunday, Courtois didn't turn up for training two days in a row. He was due to have talks with Maurizio Sarri yesterday, but it has been reported he will not stand in Courtois' way if he wants to leave.
"Chelsea are reluctant to let him go, though, without a new number one to replace him, which will be tricky with two days of the transfer window left."
You can see those in the frame to replace Courtois below (14.04)...
13:16

WATCH: HOT DEADLINE DAY TIP

Sky Sports News reporter Jamie Weir cuts through the froth to find out what's really going to be brewing on Transfer Deadline Day.
13:04

CHELSEA EYE UP COURTOIS REPLACEMENTS

Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga is a goalkeeper target for Chelsea, Sky Sports News understands.
With the Blues resigned to losing Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid before the deadline after he missed training for a second day today, the club are focusing their attentions on securing his replacement.
Stoke’s Jack Butland remains their first choice because of the nature of the deal, according to Sky sources, which is expected to cost them £30m if they can act quickly - but that price will rise the close to the deadline it becomes.
Arrizabalaga would cost Chelsea much more, and a fee of around £70m would make him the most expensive goalkeeper in the world - eclipsing Alisson only weeks after the Brazilian joined Liverpool.
Maurizio Sarri would also like to go for Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, but his £89m release clause is a stumbling block.
13:01

TERRIERS WANT NEW WINGER

Huddersfield are interested in signing Montpellier winger Isaac Mbenza, according to Sky sources.
12:53

GUDJOHNSEN SON JOINS REAL

Eidur Gudjohnsen's son Andri Lucas Gudjohnsen has joined Real Madrid, the 16-year-old has revealed.
Writing on Instagram after moving from Espanyol, he said: "Very excited and pleased to announce that I have signed with Real Madrid! Looking forward to the future."
The move could provide some friction in the Gudjohnsen household - dad Eidur famously turned out for Barcelona after leaving Chelsea during his playing career. And should he play for his national team at any point, he will follow in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather.
12:42

MINA ABSENT FROM BARCA TRAINING

Everton and Manchester United target Yerry Mina missed Barcelona training this morning, reporter Vinny O'Connor has just confirmed to Sky Sports News.
The Colombian defender, who scored three goals from centre-back at the World Cup, is being chased by both clubs - so his absence will increase speculation over his future even more.
12:37

CELTIC REJECT BOYATA BID

Brendan Rodgers has been speaking ahead of Celtic's game with AEK Athens tomorrow night (preview here), and confirmed Fulham have rejected a firm bid for Dredryk Boyata.
Rodgers said the Bhoys had knocked back the bid because "it would be very difficult for us to replace him at this late stage".
12:24

LEVERKUSEN LOAN FOR THELIN

Bayer Leverkusen have signed Sweden forward Isaac Kiese Thelin on a season-long loan from Anderlecht.
The 26-year-old, who was in Sweden's World Cup squad, spent last season on loan at Belgian side Waasland-Beveren.
"He has developed excellently in the Belgian league," Leverkusen head coach Heiko Herrlich said on the club website. "Isaac is an additional option for us up front."
12:19

BURNLEY BACK IN J-ROD HUNT

Sky Sports News understands Burnley will make an improved £18m offer to West Brom for striker Jay Rodriguez later today.
Sean Dyche is becoming increasingly frustrated by the situation and wants a new striker in before the deadline - it's thought Rodriguez is keen on a move back to the Premier League in his home town, but is prepared to stay and try to get Albion back into the top division if a deal can’t be done.
12:14

LEICESTER CLOSE TO DEFENDER

Leicester City have a broad agreement with Dinamo Zagreb for young defender Filip Benkovic, Sky Sports News understands, with the Croatian Under-21 international due to fly to England later today for further talks.
The deal could cost Leicester more than £10m, but it’s understood Claude Puel considers him as a good prospect for the future, rather than someone who can go straight into the first team - and is not viewed as a Harry Maguire replacement.
12:09

SWANSEA WANT YEOVIL DEFENDER

Swansea are in talks over a potential deal to sign Yeovil’s Tom James, according to Sky sources.
The defender’s deal to West Brom collapsed over personal terms last week, giving the Swans renewed hope.
James is predominantly a right-back can cover anywhere across the back-four - making him an attractive possible squad member.
He played in Yeovil's 1-0 defeat to Bury on Saturday - but was sent off.
12:07

WHO IS RYAN EDMONDSON?

He's just signed a new deal at Leeds United, but who is 17-year-old striker Ryan Edmondson? There's no test on this, but if he ends up as England's star striker remember where you heard his name first...
https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1026796377110654976
12:00

LUNCHTIME HEADLINES

With Deadline Day rapidly approaching, it’s been a hectic day on the transfer front. For those just joining us, here’s a round-up of the today’s top stories...

Sources: Thibaut Courtois has failed to report for Chelsea training for the second day running.
Burnley have confirmed the signing of Joe Hart from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee on an initial two-year contract.
Sources: Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore is undergoing a medical ahead of a club record £18m move to Premier League new-boys Wolves.
Sources: West Ham close to agreeing deal to sign Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.
Brighton have completed the signing of winger Anders Dreyer from Danish Superliga side Esbjerg.
Sources: Jefferson Lerma will undergo a medical at Bournemouth today.
Sources: Middlesbrough are attempting an ambitious move for Everton winger Yannick Bolasie.
Sources: Kevin Mirallas has undergone a medical at Fiorentina this morning ahead of his season-long loan move from Everton.
Rangers have confirmed the signing of Croatian international full-back Borna Barisic from NK Osijek on a four year deal.

11:53

TRANSFER TARGET: THIBAUT COURTOIS

We take a look at some of Thibaut Courtois’ best Premier League saves, as the Chelsea goalkeeper continues to be linked with Real Madrid.
11:47

EDMONDSON SIGNS LEEDS DEAL

Leeds United striker Ryan Edmondson has signed a new three-year contract, the Sky Bet Championship club have announced.
https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1026793048506859521
11:39

KARANKA CONFIRM BYRAM INTEREST

Aitor Karanka confirms Nottingham Forest are interested in signing West Ham defender Sam Byram.
11:25

McGINN ARRIVES FOR VILLA TALKS

Hibernian midfielder John McGinn has arrived at Aston Villa’s training ground for talks about a possible move to the Midlands, Sky Sports News understands, but Celtic are still very much in the frame to sign him.
No fee has yet been agreed between Villa and Hibs for the 23-year-old Scotland international.
Celtic have seen several bids for McGinn rejected this summer, and it’s thought both the player and Hibs prefer a move to the English Championship.
11:16

BREAKING NEWS

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has not reported for training for the second day in a row, Sky Sports News understands.
11:06

‘I WILL GIVE MY HEART TO IBROX’

New Rangers signing Borna Barisic has vowed to repay the faith of the fans after sealing his move to Glasgow.
“I think the most important thing is that in every game I give 100 per cent,” the Croatia international told Rangers TV.
“I think the Rangers fan recognise that and I will give my heart for Ibrox – I think that is important.
“I want to give back for all the messages the fans have sent me, and all the belief the manager has shown me. I need to back all this up on the pitch, and I will do that.”
10:57

BARISIC SEALS RANGERS MOVE

Rangers have confirmed the signing of NK Osijek captain Borna Barisic on a four-year deal.
The Croatia full-back, who scored against Steven Gerrard's side in the recent Europa League qualifiers, has joined the club for a fee believed to be around £2m.
Although he missed out on the final squad for his country's recent World Cup campaign, he has three caps at international level and is the 11th signing for Gerrard since taking over as Rangers boss.
10:48

KOVACIC TO CHELSEA?

Mateo Kovacic is closing on a season-long loan to Chelsea, reports Marca.
Kovacic trained with Real Madrid on Monday but after speaking with the club he has decided he will not train or wear their shirt again, for the time being.
He publicly announced his desire to change clubs during the World Cup and has asked the club to leave on three occasions.
The club had declared Kovacic non-transferrable and the player, who is determined to leave the Bernabeu in search of regular first-team football, did not understand their stance.
But Marca claim Madrid have given up with their efforts to keep Kovacic and the Croatia international is on the verge of joining Chelsea on a season-long loan.
10:36

BREAKING NEWS

Rangers complete the signing of Croatia international Borna Barisic from NK Osijek on four-year deal.
https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1026777958780993537
10:32

CENTRAL COAST TRIAL FOR BOLT

Sprint legend Usain Bolt has been handed a trial at Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
The eight-time Olympic gold medallist has committed to an indefinite training period with the A-League club, with the aim to develop him into a professional footballer.
Bolt is not guaranteed a professional playing contract but the trial presents him with an opportunity to fulfil his burning desire to play professional football.
“I am very excited about coming to Australia and would like to thank the owner and management of the Central Coast Mariners for giving me this opportunity,” Bolt said.
10:29

WATCH: TRANSFER BULLETIN

Up-to-the-minute transfer news from Sky Sports News, with updates on Paul Pogba, Thibaut Courtois and more!
10:19

WOLVES MEDICAL FOR TRAORE

Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore has undergone a medical at Wolves this morning, according to Sky sources.
Sky Sports News understands the 22–year-old Spaniard is now on the verge of a club-record £18m move to the newly-promoted Premier League club.
Wolves triggered Traore’s £18m release clause after an initial bid of £12m was turned down by Boro.
10:13

HAMILTON CONFIRM DOUBLE DEAL

Hamilton have announced the signings of Delphin Tshiembe and Jacob Marsden.
Born in DR Congo, 26-year-old Tshiembe, who can operate at centre back or in central midfield, came through the youth ranks at FC Copenhagen but most recently played with AC Horsens in the Danish Superliga.
Marsden, is a 21-year-old goalkeeper who signed professional terms with Ipswich before moving into non-league to gain experience at clubs including St Ives Town and Mildenhall.
10:08

BREAKING NEWS

Kevin Mirallas underwent a medical at Fiorentina this morning ahead of his proposed season-long loan from Everton, according to Sky in Italy.
10:03

BREAKING NEWS

Adama Traore is having a medical at Wolves ahead of club-record £18m move from Middlesbrough, according to Sky sources.
09:48

'ONCE A BLUE...'

Manchester City have taken to Twitter to thank Joe Hart for his 12 years of service.
https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1026762379940511744
09:42

HART SEALS BURNLEY MOVE

Joe Hart has left Manchester City to join Burnley on an initial two-year deal.
The England international has brought a trophy-laden 12-year spell at City to an end by agreeing to move to Burnley in a deal worth around £3.5m.
Burnley have an option to his extend Hart’s contract by a further year.
The signing is a timely addition to Sean Dyche’s squad, with goalkeepers Nick Pope and Tom Heaton injured with less than three days to go until the start of the Premier League.
09:30

BREAKING NEWS

Burnley complete the signing of goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City on initial two-year deal.
https://twitter.com/BurnleyOfficial/status/1026762372021723137
09:28

‘DON’T YOU DARE LET POGBA LEAVE’

Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward not to sell Paul Pogba, amid reported interest from Barcelona.
Ferdinand, who made over 450 appearances for United during a trophy-laden 12–year spell at Old Trafford, has called on his former club to dismiss the speculation surrounding Pogba’s future and sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.
"Don't you dare allow this ED... #MUFC is Pogba's home!!” Ferdinand wrote on Twitter. “Silence these rumours ASAP & get @AlderweireldTob through the door."
09:21

POGBA ‘AGREES BARCA TERMS’

Barcelona have agreed terms with Paul Pogba as reports in Italy claim the La Liga champions are stepping up their pursuit of the Manchester United midfielder.
A story from the Daily Mirror, based on the Italian reports, claim Pogba has agreed a five-year deal worth £100m with Barcelona.
Sky Sports News brought you the news earlier that United had rejected a cash-plus-player offer - £45m plus Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina - from Barca for Pogba.
09:14

BORO CHASE BOLASIE

Middlesbrough have launched an ambitious move for Everton winger Yannick Bolasie, Sky Sports News understands.
The 29-year-old is surplus to requirements at Goodison Park and is available for around £15m, despite joining the Toffees two years ago for £26m.
Boro boss Tony Pulis knows Bolasie from his time as manager of Crystal Palace.
We understand the DR Congo international is also interesting former club Palace and Burnley, but Boro have money to spend after selling Ben Gibson and Patrick Bamford for a combined £25m this week.
09:05

BREAKING NEWS

Middlesbrough are attempting an ambitious move for Everton winger Yannick Bolasie, according to Sky sources.
09:02

BREAKING NEWS

Brighton have completed the signing of winger Anders Dreyer from Danish Superliga side Esbjerg.
https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1026755198331613184
08:46

HART HEADING FOR BURNLEY

Burnley are closing on the £3.5m purchase of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, Sky Sports News understands.
Hart has agreed a two-year deal, with an option of a further year, after personal terms were finalised late last night.
Burnley are expected to confirm the signing later today.
08:44

BREAKING NEWS

Joe Hart is leaving Manchester City for Burnley in deal worth around £3.5m, according to Sky sources.
08:40

WHO STILL NEEDS WHAT?

The summer transfer window closes on Thursday but who still needs what ahead of Deadline Day and which players could yet leave?
Some top-flight clubs will be content with their business, while others - including Manchester United and Jose Mourinho - are keen to add further reinforcements before the cut-off time of 5pm.
Here, we assess where each Premier League club may still look to trade before this weekend's big kick-off but you can have your say on the deals you would still like to see - tweet us @SkySportsPL.
Read the feature here.
08:31

SHREWS SIGN WATERFALL

Shrewsbury Town have completed the signing of Lincoln City captain Luke Waterfall on a three-year deal.
https://twitter.com/shrewsweb/status/1026747300511711233
08:27

BREAKING NEWS

Jefferson Lerma will have a medical at Bournemouth today ahead of his proposed move from Levante, according to Sky sources.
08:13

EZE SIGNS QPR DEAL

Ebere Eze has committed his future to Queens Park Rangers by signing a new three-year contract at Loftus Road.
The 20-year-old has agreed a two-year extension to his existing deal, and has been handed the No. 10 shirt by manager Steve McClaren.
“I am delighted to have it all sorted so I can focus completely on playing football,” Eze told the club’s official website.
“It’s a great feeling to know you have the trust of your manager, the fans and your team-mates. Everyone believes in me and it’s a real confidence boost.
“This is the best place for me at this moment in time. I know that I can be free to play how I like to play.
“If I keep my head down I have got a good opportunity to play here and that’s the main thing.”
08:02

BREAKING NEWS

Ebere Eze has signed a new three-year contract at Queen Park Rangers through to 2021.
https://twitter.com/QPstatus/1026740076028538880
07:55

WEST HAM CLOSE ON PEREZ

Sky Sports News understands West Ham are close to agreeing deal to sign Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.
The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, whom Arsenal signed him from for £17m two years ago.
Once complete, Perez will become West Ham’s ninth signing of the summer and will take their spending close to £100m.
07:51

BREAKING NEWS

West Ham close to agreeing deal to sign Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, according to Sky sources.
07:42

VAN AANHOLT FLATTERED BY JUVE LINK

Patrick van Aanholt admits he is flattered to have been linked with Serie A champions Juventus but insists he is "happy" at Crystal Palace.
07:33

GREALISH LATEST

So Steve Bruce has had his say on Jack Grealish’s future but with two days to go until Deadline Day, how do things stand?
Well, Sky Sports News understands talks between Aston Villa and Tottenham remain ongoing over the 22-year-old.
It is understood that Villa and Spurs remain apart on their valuation of the player.
We have previously reported that Villa value Grealish between £30m and £40m.
07:23

BRUCE: BATTLE TO KEEP GREALISH

Steve Bruce admits Aston Villa have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Jack Grealish before the window closes.
The midfielder, who has been linked with Tottenham, helped Villa win their opening Sky Bet Championship game of the season against Hull last night.
Speaking after the game, Bruce told Sky Sports: "We'll do our best to keep hold of him but obviously it's going to be difficult.
“We understand the human side. He'll want to play in the Premier League, he'll want to play in Europe, and he’ll want to play in the Champions League.
“I'm sure it's going to be a fraught few days! The owner has made clear he wants him to stay and that's what we'll try to do. To be fair to Jack, he's just got on with it. Roll on Thursday!"
07:12

EVERTON MEDICAL FOR BERNARD

Chelsea have lodged a late bid to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Bernard, according to Sky sources, but the Brazilian is on his way to Everton and is expected on Merseyside for a medical in the next 48-hours.
Bernard’s move is subject to that medical and a work permit being granted.
Sky Sports News understands that AC Milan were convinced Bernard was on his way to the San Siro, and another source tells us Atletico Madrid also pushed hard to sign him, while West Ham were also interested.
06:56

BUTLAND TO THE BRIDGE?

Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland is Chelsea's top target to replace Thibaut Courtois if he leaves this summer, according to Sky sources.
Sky Sports News understands there has already been informal contact between Chelsea and Stoke over the England international.
It is understood the Sky Bet Championship side would be prepared to allow Butland to leave for around £30m - but want any deal to be resolved quickly.
06:48

'LIVERPOOL HAVE ADDRESSED PROBLEMS'

The Debate returned to Sky Sports last night as the build-up to the new Premier League season continued. And, speaking on the show, Jamie Redknapp said Liverpool must be considered as genuine title contenders after signing wisely to address their problems from previous seasons.
06:34

HAS ANYONE SEEN COURTOIS?

Chelsea are facing a race against time to find a replacement for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who seems intent on forcing through a move to Real Madrid.
The Belgium international failed to report back to Chelsea training on Monday as scheduled, where head coach Maurizio Sarri was expecting to hold face-to-face talks with Courtois about his future.
Over the weekend Courtois' agent revealed that his client wants to move to Madrid to be closer to his family.
Courtois has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and is valued by Real at £32m, but Sky Sports News understands that Chelsea will not resume talks with the European champions until they find a suitable replacement.
06:14

NEV SEES FUNNY SIDE

Gary Neville has had his say on Twitter early this morning - and he certainly sees the funny side of Barcelona's bid for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
He's posted a laughing emoji - while responding to a tweet from Sky Sports Premier League detailing the offer.
https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1026668537799168000
06:07

UNITED REJECT POGBA SWAP OFFER

There’s only one place to start this morning and that concerns Barcelona reported interest in Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
Sky Italy report that United have rejected a cash plus player offer for the France international from the La Liga champions.
It's understood Barca offered £45m plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes in exchange for Pogba. That deal has been rejected.
However, it's worth remembering that Spanish clubs are not subject to the early closure of the window like English clubs - and they can buy players until August 31.
Sky Sports News understand Barca are serious about bringing Pogba to the Nou Camp.
06:00

RISE AND SHINE!

Good morning and welcome to the Transfer Centre! With just two days and 10 hours to go until the summer transfer window slams shut, we’re expecting a busy day here at Sky Sports News as clubs across the country scramble to get any late deals over the line. Stay tuned with us throughout the day as we bring you the very latest done deals, news, rumours and much more!
06:00

TRANSFER HEADLINES

Join the discussion on Discord. I am a bot. Found any errors? Contact /Football Mods

Chelsea vs Arsenal Betting Preview - Gooners Guide

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[Translation] Which La Liga club fits each Premier League team?

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[Pre-Match Thread] Liverpool vs Chelsea - Premier League

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