Category: Football

 

Liverpool have, on Saturday evening, been dealt an altogether untimely blow on the personnel front.

The Reds, of course, are currently locked in action at Wembley.

Amid their ongoing efforts to clinch a historic quadruple, Jurgen Klopp’s troops are going head-to-head with Chelsea, in the latest edition of the FA Cup final.

As things stand with 45 minutes played in the English capital, the scoreline remains locked at 0-0, albeit with both sides having carved out ample opportunities to put themselves in front.

See more

Inches away from @cpulisic_10 😱#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/tuBxg9L8SS

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 14, 2022

As alluded to above, though, unfortunately, the main talking point of the first-half nevertheless came in the form of an injury picked up by one of Liverpool’s key performers.

The player in question? Mohamed Salah.

Just beyond the half-hour mark in proceedings, wide-man Salah went to ground off the ball, with what appeared to be a muscular issue.

In turn, after being seen to by Liverpool’s team of physios, it was swiftly decided that the Egyptian was in no condition to continue, with Diogo Jota therefore introduced in his place:

See more

33′ – Salah is forced off through injury. Jota is on to replace him.

[0-0]#EmiratesFACup | #CHELIV

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 14, 2022

Real Madrid on the horizon

Salah’s fitness concern, of course, could not come at a much more inopportune time for either the attacker on a personal level, or Liverpool as a collective.

This comes with the Merseysiders currently in the midst of a crucial four-game spell, to see out what could yet prove a record-breaking campaign.

After today, Klopp and co. face a pair of Premier League fixtures, against Southampton and Wolves respectively, before turning their attentions towards yet another showpiece occasion, in the form of a Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

 

Chelsea vs Liverpool live streaming: Watch FA Cup final online

Liverpool inform Bournemouth of Nat Phillips demands

 

---

A fresh update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Gabriel Jesus has emerged on Saturday.

The Brazilian was linked with a summer switch to Arsenal last month and those rumours were further fuelled when Pep Guardiola stated that he did not know what the future held for Jesus.

And given Man City have already signed Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, there does appear to be little room for Jesus, who, up until recently had something of a bit-part player in Manchester anyway.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Jesus to Arsenal.

Romano claims that Arsenal are preparing an opening bid for Jesus, with Manchester City wanting around €50-60m to sell the South American this summer, even if his current deal won’t be extended.

It is added that Arsenal have already spoken with Gabriel’s agent, who told Romano: “We like the project”.

See more

Arsenal are preparing the opening bid for Gabriel Jesus. Manchester City want around €50-60m to sell Gabriel this summer, even if his current deal won’t be extended. ⚪️🔴 #AFC

Arsenal already discussed with Gabriel’s agent. “We like the project”, agent Pettinati told me. pic.twitter.com/rTm2kjFndN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2022

Advertisement

Open Account Offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org. UK & ROI residents only

Do Arsenal need another striker?

Whilst Gabriel Jesus, who can also operate on the wings, would be a good signing for Arsenal, it is hard to see him being the Gunners’ main centre-forward next term.

The 25-year-old is obviously very talented, but he does lack the goalscoring instincts of a proper no.9 and, as Arsenal are really light in that area right now, they would probably have to sign another striker on top of Jesus to bring in the goals.

Chelsea vs Liverpool betting tips: FA Cup Final preview, predictions and odds

Chelsea vs Liverpool live streaming: Watch FA Cup final online

---

 

A family friend known to have close ties to Lionel Messi has caused quite the stir online on Friday, after unveiling a scathing message to Gerard Pique.

The situation stems from comments made by Pique regarding his former teammate this week, in which the Spanish veteran provided an insight into his emotional reaction to Messi’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

“I cried when Messi left Barcelona,” Pique explained to Gary Neville on The Overlap. “I cried for him. For the career he had at Barca, it would have been great if he had stayed until the end of his career at the club.

“For Barcelona and the fans Messi was like a God, it would have been great if he stayed.”

“Lionel Messi is the best player in the history of the game,” the Barca stopper concluded.

One individual evidently of the opinion that Pique’s comments proved altogether insincere, though, comes in the form of Alfonso Aguilera Rosique.

Aguilera, understood to be a close family friend of Messi’s, provided something of an alternative take on the alleged behaviour of the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner’s ex-teammate both prior to and following his Camp Nou departure.

Taking to the stories section of his Instagram account, Aguilera accused Pique of lying, labelling the 35-year-old both ‘fake and arrogant’, and even going as far as to suggest that he was a central factor in pushing Messi out of Barcelona:

“Piqué you’re so fake and arrogant. Not only did you not cry (when Messi left). You told the mediocre Laporta that if he wanted to build a winning team, he needed to sell Messi. That same Messi that saved you from Zaragoza when nobody wanted you because you held grudges, were jealous and a bad teammate.”

See more

Alfonso Aguilera Rosique, amigo de la familia Messi, le ha atizado esto por Instagram a Piqué😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/bEc76HFYZe

— Manu Heredia (@ManuHeredia21) May 13, 2022

 

Getafe vs Barcelona betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Aston Villa seal permanent transfer of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona

 

---

 

Premier League giants Chelsea are expressing an interest in the signature of Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic ahead of the summer.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has provided a fresh insight into the Croatian’s situation on Friday evening.

Perisic has seen his name take centre stage in the Italian media over the last 48 hours, after netting twice in Extra Time to guide Inter to Coppa Italia glory at the expense of fierce rivals Juventus.

However, the Croatian’s double has since been swiftly followed by suggestions that he will nevertheless not be lining out in Nerazzurri colours next season, after failing to agree to a new contract.

Perisic’s current terms at the San Siro are set to expire in the summer.

And one club, as alluded to above, understood to be expressing a keen interest in taking advantage of this situation are Chelsea.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is said to be a fan of the veteran wide-man’s talents, having first identified him as a potential addition to his ranks in west London during the winter window.

Chelsea, in turn, are ‘waiting to negotiate’ with Perisic, albeit amid further suggestions that Inter remain ‘hopeful’ of striking an agreement of their own.

See more

Perisić has no agreement with any club yet. He’s appreciated by Tuchel since January, but Chelsea are still waiting to negotiate – nothing done 🔵 #CFC

Inter are still hopeful to reach an agreement with Perisić, but they need to improve their bid – and Ljubičić is not his agent.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2022

Key weekend

Turning attentions back towards matters on the pitch, both Chelsea and Inter Milan face absolutely vital respective fixtures over the course of the coming weekend.

First, on Saturday evening, the former will make the trip to Wembley, hopeful of bringing to an end Liverpool’s quadruple hopes once and for all in the FA Cup final.

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, meanwhile, are set to visit relegation-battling Cagliari in Serie A, aware that anything but a victory could see them surrender the Italian top-flight title to city rivals AC Milan.

 

Chelsea vs Liverpool FA Cup final: Combined XI

Romelu Lukaku’s agent confirms intentions to speak with Chelsea about striker’s future

 

---

 

A fresh round of sanctions laid down by UEFA have been unveiled on Friday afternoon, with Manchester City and Rangers amongst those punished.

The sanctions in question come on the back of the latest two rounds of European club fixtures to have taken place across the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

The most head-turning decision without question surrounds Manchester City’s Champions League quarter-final showdown with Atletico Madrid, the 2nd-leg of which descended into utter chaos in the latter stages.

Eventual victors City, it has been decided, failed to control their players adequately, culminating in a UEFA fine of €14,000.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico, on the other hand, have escaped any form of punishment.

See more

UEFA have fined @ManCity €14,000 (£11,910) for the ‘improper’ behaviour of their players during the Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid. That is the only additional punishment around that game.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 13, 2022

PSV hit hard

Turning attentions towards the Europa League, upcoming tournament finalists Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt have both been fined, to the tune of €8,000 and €12,500 respectively.

And last up come Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

The Eredivisie outfit have been slapped with by some distance the most costly punishment, owing to the behaviour of the club’s fans during the 2nd leg of their Conference League tie with Leicester City.

‘Throwing of objects’ and ‘crowd disturbances’ have culminated in a pair of €25,000 fines, as UEFA continue in their efforts to stamp out fan trouble at high-profile fixtures across the continent.

See more

Can’t find the Atletico fine on here!
(In all seriousness, how has this happened?) pic.twitter.com/my7kEbR34B

— Sam Lee (@SamLee) May 13, 2022

 

The latest on Aymeric Laporte before West Ham vs Manchester City

Liverpool & Manchester City stars dominate Premier League Player of the Season shortlist

 

---

The shortlist for the 2021/22 Premier League Player of the Season has been announced on Friday.

Given Manchester City and Liverpool are the two sides fighting it out for the Premier League title, it is not at all surprising to see said teams dominate the shortlist.

From Manchester City, both Kevin De Bruyne and Joao Cancelo have made the final eight, whilst Liverpool have Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold up for the award.

Elsewhere, West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton have one nominee each.

Bukayo Saka is in from Arsenal and, whilst he is unlikely to be named Premier League Player of the Season, he is a shoo-in for the Young Player of the Season.

West Ham, meanwhile, have Jarrod Bowen, Tottenham Heung-min Son and Southampton, somewhat surprisingly, are represented by James Ward-Prowse.

See more

BREAKING: The Premier League’s picks for Player of the SEASON are in! 🤩🏆

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 13, 2022

Advertisement

Open Account Offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org. UK & ROI residents only

Who should be named Player of the Season?

Of the eight candidates, only three really have any sort of chance when it comes to picking up the award.

The favourite will, of course, be Liverpool’s Mo Salah. Even after missing several games in January due to the African Cup of Nations, the Egyptian leads the goalscoring and assist charts this season, netting 22 goals and providing 13 assists.

Elsewhere, Man City are likely to win the title and their best player has been KDB, with the midfielder scoring 15 and assisting seven in the league.

And finally, though something of a long shot, Son could be in with a chance at the crown if he is able to overtake Salah in the goalscoring charts. He currently sits one behind the winger with 21.

Chelsea vs Liverpool betting tips: FA Cup Final preview, predictions and odds

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Norwich City betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions and odds

 

---

 

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte was not shy in taking aim at Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta, on the back of the clash between the two clubs on Thursday evening.

The latest edition of the North London Derby, of course, played out a short time ago.

Ahead of a crunch Premier League showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both sides were no doubt fully aware of exactly what was on the line, amid the tense ongoing battle for a top-4 berth.

And, when all was said and done, it was the evening’s hosts who emerged triumphant, to close to within a point of the Champions League spots.

A Harry Kane double, either side of Rob Holding’s needless dismissal, set Spurs on their way to a comfortable three points, before Son Heung-min added some gloss to the scoreline early in the 2nd-half:

See more

SONNNN!!! 💥

3-0 to Spurs… game over for Arsenal?! pic.twitter.com/En6JQa89Uc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 12, 2022

Speaking to the media on the back of a damaging night all-round for his side, it therefore came as little surprise to hear Mikel Arteta in altogether foul humour post-match.

When drawn specifically on the standard of officiating in the clash, which saw both a penalty awarded against Arsenal and the aforementioned Holding sent off, the Spaniard suggested that revealing his true feelings would likely culminate in a six-month suspension on the part of the FA:

See more

“If I say what I think, I’m suspended 6 months… I don’t know how to lie, and I don’t like lying, so I prefer not to say what I think.”

Mikel Arteta is not happy after today’s North London Derby. #TOTARS pic.twitter.com/Iyz8ZqHq0g

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 12, 2022

One individual, though, evidently left altogether unimpressed by Arteta’s comments, was opposite number Antonio Conte.

Speaking in his own post-match press conference, Tottenham’s boss took firm aim at his Arsenal counterpart, revealing his belief that Arteta simply complains too much:

See more

Conte on Arteta: “He complains a lot. He has to focus on his work & continue to work because he’s very good. To hear someone complain all the time is not so good. At Liverpool do you hear me complain about Fabinho? No. He can take my advice if he wants, but if not I don’t care.”

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) May 12, 2022

Gabriel latest

Elsewhere on the Arsenal front, Mikel Arteta also took the time to provide an early update on the wellbeing of Gabriel Magalhaes.

Gunners stopper Gabriel was forced to limp out of proceedings late at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with what appeared to be a muscular issue.

In turn, ahead of a crucial meeting with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in just four days’ time, the Brazilian’s name unsurprisingly took centre stage in his manager’s presser.

Arteta, though, went on to reveal his hope that the problem will ultimately turn out to be ‘not much’:

See more

Arteta on Gabriel

“Gabi is not normally a player who asks to get off the pitch. He felt something but hopefully it’s not much. It’s a muscular problem and we’ll have to assess it.”

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) May 12, 2022

 

Tottenham and Arsenal ‘not in frame’ for Raheem Sterling ahead of summer move

Tottenham chasing Everton trio as Antonio Conte plans rebuild

 

---

 

Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema has continued to etch his name into the history books of the club on Thursday night.

Carlo Ancelotti’s troops were of course back in action a short time ago.

Having long sewn up the La Liga title, Los Blancos welcomed Segunda-bound Levante to the Bernabeu, no doubt keen to put on a show for the club’s fanbase.

And, when all was said and done, this is precisely what Real went on to do.

A rampant display ultimately culminated in the capital giants emerging on the right side of a 6-0 scoreline, to reestablish their 12-point advantage atop Spain’s top-flight.

Vinicius Jr. proved the star of the show, finding the net on a trio of occasions to secure the first hat-trick of his Real Madrid career.

See more

FIRST CAREER HAT TRICK FOR VINICIUS ♨️ pic.twitter.com/jZGUjpm01e

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 12, 2022

Luka Modric, meanwhile, was also at the treble, albeit from a creative standpoint on his way to a head-turning three assists across the opening 45 minutes of play.

And too on target were all of Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo and Karim Benzema, capping another stellar night’s work amid what has proven a season to remember on the white half of Madrid.

See more

A stunning assist from Modric and a brilliant run from Mendy to put the champions ahead 👏 pic.twitter.com/JPXAt7WIml

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 12, 2022

Raul matched

As alluded to above, though, in truth, it is the name of that man Benzema which has taken its place front and centre in the headlines on Thursday night.

This comes with Real’s lethal frontman, in bagging an eye-watering 44th goal of the campaign, having joined some altogether elusive company in the storied history of one of world football’s biggest clubs.

Benzema, across his Blancos career as a whole, has now found the net on no fewer than 323 occasions.

This tally is good enough for the Frenchman to join club icon Raul Gonzalez in 2nd on the list of all-time goalscorers in the Spanish capital.

Benzema now trails only former teammate and 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the standings, albeit with the Portuguese remaining a full 127 goals clear of his one-time partner in crime.

See more

Karim Benzema has now scored as many goals for Real Madrid as Raúl (323).

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player in the club’s history with more (450). 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PiO9uSllZ1

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 12, 2022

 

Jurgen Klopp reveals Fabinho’s status for Chelsea & Real Madrid fixtures

Aston Villa seal permanent transfer of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona

 

---

 

Spanish giants Barcelona have, on Thursday, confirmed a fresh blow in the club’s personnel ranks.

The latest player set for a potential spell on the sidelines? Eric Garcia.

Stopper Garcia has of course enjoyed a productive first season back in Catalunya since returning from Manchester City last summer, notching starts in 23 of Barca’s 36 La Liga outings.

After featuring from the off en route to a 3-1 downing of Celta Vigo earlier this week, though, the 21-year-old suffered something of an unusual injury, in his right thumb.

In a post across the club’s social media platforms, the Blaugrana therefore confirmed that Garcia is set to go under the knife to solve the problem, ahead of ‘a new medical announcement’ over the coming days.

See more

📌 MEDICAL NEWS

Eric Garcia has injured his right thumb and requires surgery. Dr Xavier Mir will perform the operation tomorrow under supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services. A new medical announcement will be made once the operation is complete pic.twitter.com/ykL6Zdh3s7

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 12, 2022

Getafe up next

Garcia’s imminent surgery means that the defender is altogether likely to sit out this weekend, when Xavi Hernandez’s troops return to La Liga action.

After making it three wins on the spin at the expense of the aforementioned Celta on Tuesday, Barcelona will make the trip to the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, for a meeting with Getafe.

See more

Aubameyang takes advantage of the poor clearance for Barca’s second goal 😉 pic.twitter.com/Xih4umjYPz

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 10, 2022

The Blaugrana are set to head into proceedings in Iberia sitting pretty in 2nd in the Spanish top-flight table, having long secured a spot back in the Champions League for next season.

 

Getafe vs Barcelona betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal live streaming: Watch Premier League online

 

---

Newcastle United are ready to make an audacious swoop for Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer according to reports in England, as they look to strengthen their frontline.

The Magpies have enjoyed a brilliant second half of the Premier League campaign, and have become the first side to stay up despite not winning any of their first 14 Premier League games.

To put that into perspective, they now have 11 wins, and with two games to go could still finish in the top half of the table. However, goalscoring has been a problem: Eddie Howe’s side have scored just 40 all season, the 8th lowest in the division, and have been without Callum Wilson for a long stretch of the season thanks to injury.

Calvert Lewin in the crosshairs

As a result, the newly-minted club will certainly be in the market for forward reinforcements this summer, and, as per the Telegraph, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is atop their wishlist.

See more

Exclusive: Newcastle United to bid for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer @LukeEdwardsTele #NUFC https://t.co/jE6PjxAtxi

— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) May 12, 2022

The Englishman has also struggled with injury this season, making just 13 appearances and returning 3 goals. Nonetheless, he has hit double figures in the two previous seasons, and at 25 years old is just beginning to come into his prime.

Last summer, he was thought to have been on the radar of Arsenal, though they now appear more intent on signing Gabriel Jesus. As a result, it may be Newcastle that steal a march on the Gunners for his services.

‘The Magpies have identified Calvert-Lewin as one of their priority targets this summer and have been encouraged to believe the player would like to make the move before the start of next season’, the report claims.

Meanwhile, they are also expected to land Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, with the same report claiming that the French teenage sensation is now ‘expected to join after a move for the forward collapsed on deadline day in January when the player was reluctant to leave France so soon after breaking into the first team.’

Read more:

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal live streaming: Watch Premier League online

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions and odds

---