Alexander Isak of Liverpool is a doubt for Andoni Iraola this weekend, as the Reds take on Manchester City.

This is the first time that the Citizens will play again in the Premier League, after an independent commission found them guilty of all charges related to breaches of the competition's financial rules over a nine-year period.

And with Liverpool the obvious victims in a number of those title races, fans are now sweating over the availability of star striker Isak to lead the line.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola rules Alexander Isak out of the Manchester City clash

Isak pulled out of international duty through injury – with Iraola delivering bad news not just on the Swede's injury, but his potential replacement at centre-forward.

“Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo will not play the game,” the Basque revealed in his pre-match press conference. “They are not ready.”

“Unfortunately for us, both got injuries during the international break. As a club manager, you are always waiting until the games end, that the doctor doesn't call you and then gives you bad news. But in this case we've been unlucky with Alex and Cody – both of them are injured and they are not going to be involved on Sunday.”

The former Bournemouth gaffer added that Gakpo had suffered an ankle injury, while Isak had picked up a knock to his thigh.

“They both don't look like long term – we will be analysing day to day,” Iraola said. “But they are not going to arrive on Sunday.”

With Isak having picked up over a dozen injuries since moving to English football and Hugo Ekitike also out with a long-term injury, Iraola may have to resort to using Bradley Barcola as a striker, or throw in Jason Koumas up top.

There is good news for Reds fans, however, in the shape of Jeremy Jacquet, who has been exceptional since arriving at Anfield in the summer and celebrated making his first senior appearances for France over the international break.

“Yeah, he's fit, he's ready to go," Iraola said of the defender. “I think he didn't play with the national team [in the] last game because of protection.”

Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, is back in training.

Liverpool's clash against Manchester City this weekend is on this Sunday, as Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Tottenham Hotspur beat off stiff competition from Manchester United to sign Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, the north London side parting with £85m to sign the 22-year-old from rivals West Ham United.

And yet, the youngster has started just three of five league games for Spurs so far this season. He was hauled off after just 45 minutes in one of those.

“I have big confidence in Mateus but I didn’t like his performance today,” Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi said of Fernandes after the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa. “It’s not an attack on him because I love him. I just want more from him, even in that position.”

Spurs are wasting £85m Mateus Fernandes as things stand

It was an unnecessary criticism of Fernandes, who admittedly hardly covered himself in glory in the recent home loss to Villa, albeit out of position. Then again, few in a Spurs shirt really did.

Even so, De Zerbi was critical of the young midfielder having, again, started him in the number 10 role. If anything, this reflects badly on the Italian manager.

In truth, De Zerbi’s hands are somewhat tied. He’s loyal to a 4-2-3-1 setup, but is without a fully fit and firing No. 10. James Maddison has only recently returned to first-team action following a year on the sidelines with an ACL injury. Xavi Simons is currently absent with the same issue. Dejan Kulusevski is close to a return to action having not played since May 2025. Even then, he’s made a league start more recently than Maddison.

And yet, rather than tinker with his system or delve into the academy to pick a diamond in the rough - cough Luca Williams-Barnett cough - he’s persisting with a No. 8 out of position. Conor Gallagher is the other player to have started in the 10. Neither suit the role.

Indeed, Fernandes made a name for himself with both Southampton and West Ham in a deeper midfield position. Here, he was able to drive the team forward. Spurs desperately lacked a central midfielder who could advance the play from deep. Fernandes, then, was seen as the perfect signing.

Only Jarrod Bowen (45) created more chances than Fernandes (37) of all West Ham players in the Premier League last season. 28 successful dribbles was the third most for the Hammers. The two ahead of Fernandes - Bowen and Crysencio Summerville - are wingers by trade. They will rank higher for this metric. 103 tackles ranked sixth overall in the Premier League.

Fernandes is a player who thrives in the hustle and bustle that comes with operating as both a ball-winner and distributor. So far, he’s not been handed the chance to showcase either under De Zerbi. Rather, the former Brighton and Marseille boss has favoured a double pivot of Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur. The former is the £100m summer signing. The latter is the experienced head that offers defensive diligence in a key area.

The issue, though, is that there is then a disconnect between the two banks of midfield. Spurs - in theory anyway - have the pair of defensive shields that allows the full-backs to provide the width when the wingers cut inside. Conversely, there is a lack of thrust through the middle. This was a major problem for Spurs last season. They had an abundance of runners and ball-winners but none who could really link the play.

It means that Spurs have the means to dictate the tempo and control proceedings in the middle of the park. A 60.7% possession haul is the third most in the division. However, an average of 9.6 chances created per game ranks 13th. It’s all sizzle and no steak.

What’s clear is that Spurs need to make a change to the setup as early as this weekend. De Zerbi needs to drop one of Tonali or Bentancur in the double pivot - potentially the former given his teething issues following his summer arrival - and move Fernandes into his best position.

Once De Zerbi realises that Fernandes isn’t a No. 10 in his system, then supporters will see one of their marquee summer signings at their best, increasing the likelihood of Spurs pulling off the foot of the Premier League table.

Erling Haaland is a doubt for Manchester City this weekend, with the Citizens making the short trip to Liverpool.

This is the first time that Man City will play again in the Premier League following an independent commission finding the six-time champions of the competition guilty of all charges related to breaches of the Prem's financial rules over a nine-year period.

With Haaland having picked up a knock while in action for Norway, there's a chance that the Scandi striker may have to sit the game out…

Manchester City fitness update given on Erling Haaland

Haaland was withdrawn by Norwegian boss Stale Solbakken against Norway during a clash with Portugal, with Solbakken later explaining that “extreme strain” had forced his talisman out of the contest.

The 26-year-old started all four matches for his country over the break – but speaking in his pre-match press conference, Enzo Maresca revealed that he would be “ready for Anfield” and the ferocious atmosphere that awaits his team.

“He’s good,” the Italian stated. “He went to Marbella, had two or three days off, played golf, [and recovered].

“[Haaland is] ready for Anfield. He’s good, thank you. It was good [to see him again]. The players were thinking again about their national team, some days off and then go again. It was good.”

Haaland is in red-hot form for City this season, having scored five in five games in the Premier League – which the Sky Blues have won all of – and notching a brace in the opening Champions League fixture against Porto.

While Maresca doesn't have a natural replacement for Haaland as a target man, the availability of his centre-forward does mean that he's avoided a potential crisis in attack.

Likely deputy Antoine Semenyo faces a late fitness test to compete at Liverpool this weekend, while Phil Foden is suspended, following his red card in the Manchester Derby last month.

Maresca's only other injury concern sees Nico O'Reilly face a late fitness test, too, with the full-back pulling out of England duty in the last couple of weeks.

With Paris Saint-Germain at home next week in the competition's second matchday, City have an unenviable first couple of games back following the news of their charges.

City's trip to Anfield this weekend is on this Sunday, as Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has addressed his future following the recent bombshell surrounding the club.

Last month, an independent Commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-year period, with Chief Executive of the Premier League, Richard Masters, claiming that, “The club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade,” in an explosive statement.

It has since been suggested that City could be punished with points deductions, transfer bans or even expulsion from the league, leaving several of the club's highest-profile figures uncertain around their futures.

Enzo Maresca claims, “We are predicting the future” when asked about Manchester City charges

Maresca only took over at the Etihad Stadium over the summer, returning to the club that he coached at under Pep Guardiola to replace his former mentor in the dugout – but when asked about his future in Manchester, he was bullish and insisted that his employers would win their appeal.

“I would like to speak about this when we win the appeal,” the Italian answered. “For now, it makes no sense to speak about it because I don't know anything.

"I understand why you are here because you would like to hear something, but no. I completely trust the club in this moment, in the future, always.”

City confirmed last week in a statement that they have launched their appeal, describing the charges as an “opinion” and reiterating, “The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.”

The 46-year-old was therefore understandably reluctant to discuss the situation, saying that instead, he was “worried” about his side's upcoming trip to Anfield.

"What would happen if the appeal is won? We are predicting the future. I'm worried about tomorrow and the Liverpool game. I can't say what happens in the future.

“I think it's important for all of us to respect the process. An appeal is ongoing."

Maresca joined City as a coach in 2020 after serving as an assistant at West Ham United – meaning that he wasn't present at Eastlands during the period in which City have been accused of breaking Premier League rules.

He stepped up to an assistant role under Guardiola for the 2022/23 Treble-winning season before leaving the club that summer to take Leicester City back to the Premier League.

City travel to Liverpool this weekend when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

News that TFG plan to place Everton back on the market and walk away is another reality check for the Toffees' faithful.

To the footballing romantic, Everton are an undeniable giant of the English game - historic nine-time league champions boasting an intensely loyal fanbase and a new stadium on the banks of the Mersey.

But to the modern sports investor, particularly the wave of American private equity groups currently sweeping through English football, Everton isn't the most attractive financial acquisition.

Everton face a lengthy drawn-out sale as The Friedkin Group pull back

At the heart of Everton’s unattractiveness to potential suitors is the club's financial model.

According to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance, Everton recorded a wage-to-turnover ratio of 79% for the 2024/25 season - the season for which figures are most recently available.

In top level football, spending nearly four-fifths of every pound earned purely on player and staff wages is considered unsustainable. It leaves a thin 21% margin to cover matchday operations, debt servicing, travel, youth development, and administrative costs. For prospective buyers, an inflated wage bill relative to income signals an inefficiently managed asset that requires immediate cost-cutting before any real return on investment can be made.

Furthermore, Everton’s revenue fails to justify the magnitude of the club's profile. In 2024/25, Everton generated £197m. To put that in perspective, that is the same number generated by Crystal Palace, and £3m more than Fulham (£194m).

For US-based investors, who currently hold full or controlling stakes in over half of the Premier League's 20 clubs including Chelsea, Bournemouth and Leeds United, London-based sides like Palace or Fulham are a far more alluring proposition.

A capital city base provides built-in international prestige, corporate hospitality appeal, and global brand visibility. For a club with Everton's heritage to generate the same revenue as mid-table London outfits suggests their commercial reach isn't going the distance it needs to, casting doubt over their long-term growth ceiling to potential investors.

Optimists will point toward Everton's move to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium as something of a financial game-changer. While matchday income and commercial revenues will inevitably rise from the 2025/26 season onwards, the new venue comes with heavy financial baggage.

No club pays for a new stadium upfront, they utilise loans and complex debt structures. Any buyer stepping into the breach will not just be buying a football club but inheriting hundreds of millions of pounds in outstanding stadium financing debts that must be serviced regardless of performance on the pitch. That will be baked into any purchase price, according to The Times, and with a reported net debt figure of £380m, that makes TFG's asking price somewhere in the £800m range.

Complicating matters further is the state of the playing squad itself. Everton currently have the smallest squad in the Premier League. Worse still, the club spent the recent summer window effectively liquidating its most valuable playing asset, selling star man Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City.

The club has diminished any incoming owner’s ability to generate internal capital through player trading. A buyer would be forced to spend heavily in the transfer market just to keep the team competitive, without the cushion of selling high-value squad members to offset the outlay.

Finally, there is the unavoidable reality of local geography. Everton remain the secondary commercial entity in a two-club city, living in the shadow of Liverpool’s global commercial footprint.

For American sports conglomerates looking to maximise international sponsorships and media dominance, investing in a second-tier brand within its own city is not what premium ownership groups look for. Investors seeking football clubs, particularly in the north of England, are far more likely to target single-club cities, where a lone team captures the region’s commercial ecosystem, civic backing, and fanbase without any of that being diluted.

The Premier League has never seen more American capital, with private equity funds and sports groups viewing English football as the world's premier sporting product.

However, as recent takeovers demonstrate, modern investors demand either global status, low-debt growth potential, or in some cases capital city positioning. Everton offer none of the three, are burdened by almost £400m in debt, run a bloated wage-to-turnover ratio, have a depleted playing squad, and tough regional competition.

The long and short of it is, the Toffees could face a long wait to find anyone willing to take on the challenge and with TFG intent on selling, influxes of cash to buy players and fund operations don't usually follow statements such as the one that's been released.

Chelsea Women owner Alexis Ohanian has hinted that the club are working towards another significant development, suggesting it could set a new standard for women's football.

Ohanian, who invested a reported £20 million in Chelsea Women in May 2025, was speaking about the club's ambitions after seeing the team begin playing their home matches at Stamford Bridge this season.

He wants Chelsea to continue to be a global leader in women's football, with exciting plans on the horizon.

Ohanian teases major Chelsea development

Asked what the next major area for improvement would be after fulfilling the players' desire to play at the Bridge, Ohanian revealed there is already something in the pipeline.

"There's one that I'm not allowed to talk about yet," he said, speaking at sports industry conference Leaders Week London at Stamford Bridge

The American businessman, who also co-founded Reddit and invested in NWSL side Angel City FC, suggested the plans would be driven by the needs of the players.

"The part that makes me so inspired to work with folks here is they are so embedded in making sure and so committed to making sure that this club is phenomenal," he added. "And the way you do that is by listening to the players. We've got a board meeting coming up, so hopefully there'll be some news coming out of it."

Asked whether he could offer a further hint, Ohanian suggested the development could have significance beyond Chelsea.

"Chelsea has always wanted to set a standard. That's what I love about coming into a club like this," he said.

"And this will be yet another one that I think, not just for English women's football, but for women's football, will be an important one that needs to happen. That I know the players will be happy about."

Stamford Bridge the ‘number one thing’ players wanted

Ohanian's comments come after Chelsea Women began playing their home league matches at Stamford Bridge this season, a move he said had been a major request from the players.

"When I spoke to the players early into coming over, the number one thing they were asking for was to play at the Bridge," he said.

"So the team got that done here this season, which has been awesome to see, and we’ve just got to keep building."

Growing matchday audiences

Ohanian, married to 23-time tennis Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, highlighted the importance of growing the matchday audience, pointing to his experience with Angel City in the United States.

The NWSL club played in a 22,000-capacity stadium during their first season, averaging around 21,000 spectators, according to Ohanian.

"People expected women's sports fans to be the same people as men's sports fans, and they're just not," he said.

"It's a totally different audience. The overlap we had with the MLS team that we shared the stadium with was insignificant. It was five to 10 per cent. It's a totally different canvas.

"It’s not just saying, 'Hey, existing fans of the men's team, come watch these women play', which is great if you want to do that too, but also who are the new fans that are now ready to be engaged?"

Chelsea have already introduced fan activations, including bottomless brunches, as they look to grow their audience at Stamford Bridge.

Ohanian also believes the wider Women's Super League can continue to develop as more clubs prioritise their women's teams.

"The more and more we see more teams investing in the women's side, the more they'll start to change the sort of motion around it," he said.

For Ohanian, Chelsea's location in London, their history of success and their global brand were all major attractions when he became involved with the club. He hopes Chelsea can also become a leading WSL team for supporters back home in the United States.

"I envisioned a women's football fan in America to have their NWSL club, hopefully Angel City, but have their WSL club and have it be Chelsea.”

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has opened up about his supposed falling out with Kylian Mbappe.

Ballon d'Or hopeful Mbappe may have recently picked up an injury, but has spent the recent international break courting media attention, first by allegedly visiting a Parisian nightclub and then by posting a photo of himself riding a bicycle, against his manager's wishes.

With rumours suggesting the Galactico could be on Liverpool's radar ahead of a potential move, however, Mourinho has addressed an apparent 'bust-up' with the Real Madrid player, in comments relayed by TEAMtalk.

Jose Mourinho on Kylian Mbappe: 'it was made to look as though he was riding in the Tour de Suisse'

“[Mbappe] came here after the injury and was diagnosed,” Mourinho confirmed in a press conference, before noting that the Frenchman had “an outpatient consultation” over a knee issue.

“There’s a hunt for problems,” the Special One continued. “As if the real problems football has faced in recent weeks weren’t enough.”

“First, the nightclub that wasn’t a nightclub – it was a venue for a private Paris Fashion Week event. Then, the bicycle incident in Switzerland, at a hotel made up of small cabins.

“The bicycles were simply there to get around the communal areas of a quiet hotel, yet it was made to look as though he was riding in the Tour de Suisse.”

The 63-year-old then turned to Madridistas to “read between the lines” and “be fair and intelligent” when reading stories of their star striker.

“I promise the Bernabeu that when a player doesn’t behave like a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day and doesn’t fulfil his obligations, you won’t see that player on the pitch or on the bench – he’ll be on the bench,” Mourinho continued.

“Mbappe will play tomorrow, and that’s because I’m sure he hasn’t let Real Madrid down.”

Real currently lie fourth in La Liga after seven games, having lost twice already this season to Real Betis and city rivals Atletico Madrid – who are both ahead of them in the table.

Barcelona top the table with seven wins from seven and 24 goals scored already, having netted a further five in their first Champions League outing of the campaign against PSV at Camp Nou.

Mbappe is valued at €200 million by Transfermarkt.

Watch Greece vs England as the back-to-back European champions' World Cup qualifying campaign ramps up, with all the broadcast details right here in this guide.

After coming second to Spain in their qualifying group, England must qualify for the 2027 World Cup through play-offs.

They face Greece over two legs, and will progress to a final round against either Slovakia or Ukraine if they win.

After reaching the final of the 2023 World Cup, it is crunch time for the Lionesses in these must-win fixtures.

FourFourTwo has all the information on live streams and TV channels so you can watch Greece vs England online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Watch Greece vs England for FREE in the UK

Greece vs England will be broadcast live in the UK by public broadcaster, ITV.

Coverage is live on ITV1, with a Greece vs England free live stream on the ITVX streaming service.

Abroad for the game? You need a VPN — we recommend NordVPN (75% off).

Watch Greece vs England from anywhere

Away from home for the game? That doesn't mean you have to miss out on watching Greece vs England. All you need is a VPN, a handy a piece of software that makes your devices appear to be in a different location.

FourFourTwo’s colleagues TechRadar have tested hundreds of VPNs, and they say NordVPN is the best VPN you can get.

Can I watch Greece vs England in the US, Canada or Australia?

Unfortunately, Greece vs England hasn't picked up a broadcaster in the US, Canada or Australia.

If you’re visiting one of these countries from the UK, you can use NordVPN to unblock ITVX and stream the game for free, just as you would at home.

Greece vs England: preview

England finished second in their initial qualifying group, behind world champions Spain, meaning they must now navigate two rounds of play-offs to secure their place at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

First up, they face Greece, who sit 55 places below them in the FIFA world rankings. The two sides meet in Crete on Friday, before the return leg in Leicester on Tuesday night.

After Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone were initially left out of the squad, an injury to Lucy Bronze opened up a spot for Toone. Sarina Wiegman said she had been impressed by how the Manchester United midfielder responded to the disappointment of her original omission.

Meanwhile, Chelsea youngster Lexi Potter has earned her first senior England call-up after impressing for the Blues this season.

With a place at the World Cup on the line, England know there is little margin for error.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Greece 1-3 England

The European champions will come out on top

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It's not so very long ago that Britt Assombalonga was the kind of forward Championship clubs would count on to score 15 goals a season for them.

After coming through the ranks at Watford and working his way up the leagues with Southend and Peterborough, Assombalonga bagged 30 goals in 65 games for Nottingham Forest and 45 in 152 for Middlesbrough.

But after playing for three different clubs in Turkey, as well as spells back at Watford and Barnet, the 33 year is is now back in non-league with Harborough Town.

Assombalonga told FourFourTwo: "I just want to experience something different.

"The last time I played non-league football, I was still a teenager [at Wealdstone and Braintree Town], so it feels like coming full circle and the right time for me to come back to this level.

"I've also been coaching at Peterborough, learning my craft there, and this was an opportunity that aligned with that and allowed me to do both.

"It’s still hard, don't get me wrong – it’s no walk in the park!

TThere're good players in this league and some great teams. I’ve been really enjoying myself so far.

"It’s the club’s first season at this level, after promotion last season, but the aim is to push for promotion again.

"That’s the thing about this level, the margins are fine and a good run can take any side into contention"

Harborough Town enjoyed a positive start to the season, with Assombalonga claiming two goals and two assists in the space of just three games in August.

A run of just one win from their past six has seen them drop down to 17th, however, with Southport set to visit on Saturday afternoon.

That's right, folks. It's another Friday Football Quiz from FourFourTwo.

As the extended international break comes to an end, we're shifting gear back to the bread and butter, the meat and drink, of the club game. To usher in the weekend, here's our latest Friday Football Quiz.

You know how it works. We've got 20 questions straight-up and your challenge is to answer them all. The Friday Football Quiz isn't complicated by a time limit, so get stuck in and go for accuracy over speed.

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

Our collection of football quizzes is getting bigger and bigger every day, and it's all courtesy of Kwizly. We've dug out some of our favourites for you to have a go at after taking on the Friday Football Quiz, and they'll test your knowledge of football up and down England, all over Europe, and around the world.

Still pining for the World Cup? As club football returns, we've got some quizzes to take you back to the summer and summers past. Here are a couple with English connections. First, can you name every team to have beaten England at the World Cup? Next, can you name every Premier League player ever to have won the World Cup?

Lionel Messi has now left the international stage and Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have gone with him. Could they both have gone with more dignity? Not for us to say. We're waving them off with our Messi or Ronaldo quiz - it's a simple multiple choice affair that presents some facts and asks you to pick the correct player.

Football is nothing if not a vast network of the little things. The true joys of the experience can be found in the details, so we've picked out some quizzes you might enjoy if football curios are your thing. Our football club names quiz might float your boat if you're an enjoyer of unusual handles from around the world. Alternatively, naming the nationalities of these Premier League players is a nice combination of obscure details and proximity to home.

We've got plenty of crosswords to be getting on with too. The latest is FourFourTwo’s Weekend Crossword 73, which has clues on lions, tigers and bears. Subscribe to our newsletter for your daily afternoon briefing of hand-picked trivia. To complete your transfer to terrace legend status, lock in your spot in The Club – our free membership hub where you can unlock secret hints for our hardest quizzes, climb global leaderboards, and debate the latest topics directly in the comments section.

It's a new FourFourTwo Quickfire Quiz. You're already familiar with how it works: You simply need to type in the answers to 10 questions in 90 seconds. Knowing the answers in the first place is the difficult bit.

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

FourFourTwo has many more football quizzes and they're all courtesy of Kwizly. First up, let's see if you can answer 15 questions about the 2016-17 season in the Premier League and name every player to have scored a hat-trick in the Premier League.

If you know your Gunners transfer history, you'll be a full-on whizz when it comes to naming Arsenal's 50 most expensive signings ever. They've spent some decent money over the years but can you remember who they spent it on?

Here's a fun one. We want you to have a go at identifying these pointlessly edited football club badges and then to answer some questions about the streets football won't forget.

Those are mere snappy quizzes. Let's find out how many of the 1,000+ answers you get on this one: Can you name every team to have ever played in the group stage, league phase or first round of the Champions League?

Finally, let's bring Europe up to date. Can you name every club competing in the league phase of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League this season?

We have puzzles too. Our Weekend Crossword is a regular football teaser for your Sunday, and remember to sign up to the newsletter for more quizzes in your inbox. Don't forget to join The Club for free additional membership benefits!

The managers of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the first two who were appointed in 2026. They’re already right in the middle of the list of Premier League bosses from longest serving to shortest, and they’re already under pressure.

Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi collide on Saturday, six matches into the new Premier League season. According to some markets, they’re the two favourites to be the next manager in the division to be sacked.

It’s difficult to argue against those odds. Man United and Spurs are clubs with pedigree and a certain weight of expectation, but also with differing degrees of underperformance having dogged them in recent seasons.

Man United’s form will improve unless they invite further chaos

Big clubs and bad results make for a treacherous path for managers, to put it mildly, and Man United won one of their first five league matches this season. Spurs, bottom of what may or may not pass as the Premier League table, only have two draws to show for their efforts.

On that basis alone, Carrick and De Zerbi must be among the favourites for the chop. The only other winless managers are Alvaro Arbeloa of Fulham and AFC Bournemouth’s Marco Rose, both drafted in when their predecessors were poached and in their very early days in charge.

Pick the ultimate 4-4-2 line-up from players in FourFourTwo's definitive Top 100 List

Results matter most when there’s a lack of hard evidence that a manager will turn them around.

Aston Villa and Coventry City are both in the bottom five thanks to four-match winless runs out of the gate. Unai Emery has been in his post longer than every other Premier League manager but Mikel Arteta. Frank Lampard, meanwhile, is striding towards two years at Coventry.

Both have earned time and patience. It’s a different tale for Carrick and De Zerbi even before the chasm between expectation and reality at their clubs is taken into account. It makes sense that they’d be the favourites for the sack. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be premature if it happened.

Man United and Spurs meet in their sixth Premier League games of 2026/27. It’s nearly the middle of October.

It’s both early in the season and not, and it’s surely obvious to everybody that the transfer window being open until September and an extended international break arriving before the end of the same month makes for a disrupted opening.

Losing to Spurs would leave Man United winless in four and Carrick would be nudged closer to the exit if his current team somehow contrived to lose at home against his old one, but the inevitable noise about him getting the boot should be left at that.

Their squad is better than one win in five. That’s a criticism of Carrick’s start in 2026/27 but it’s a reason to be optimistic, too. There are players in his team, leaders, who are good enough to get things moving.

There was a bounce factor in Man United's climb to third last season, the suggestion being that a simplified brief, a breath of fresh air and round pegs in round holes were all that was needed to unshackle the faltering talent.

It’s too soon to write that off as the limit of Carrick’s abilities. He was there for half a season and sharp enough to turn that theory into practice, for starters, even if the first taste of adversity in his second spell in the dugout is cause for concern.

A club of Man United’s heft is likely to be its own biggest threat almost by definition. When the Red Devils are right on and off the pitch, they take some stopping.

They need stability. They need to keep their cool. Carrick won’t and shouldn’t be backed indefinitely, but five and indeed six matches into a new season is no time to risk a gunshot to the toes.

Doubts over De Zerbi are warranted but must be considered in context

Carrick welcomes Spurs to Old Trafford on Saturday and will face their manager for the second time in his young head coach career. De Zerbi’s Brighton & Hove Albion won 5-1 at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup nearly four years ago but his struggles in the early part of 2026/27 are there for all to see.

He’s hardly the only Spurs manager that can be said about. Consecutive seasons of finishing just outside the relegation zone can’t just be left behind as if they were no big deal and even a big-spending summer is no guarantee of a reset to some forgotten norm.

Spurs have become a tough gig, but while FourFourTwo can’t be sure De Zerbi is the man to turn them around, it’s going to take a lot longer than five or six Premier League matches to be convinced that he’s not.

De Zerbi had a different target to aim at over a shorter period than Carrick when he was parachuted in last season, but he too did what was required of him. Both of them did the job that was asked from a challenging starting point and both of them have had to plan around significant disruption along with 18 other Premier League managers.

Regardless of Saturday’s result, it’s too soon for the losing manager to be dismissed. Both clubs need to hold their nerve, at least for now, because their bosses have both delivered more already than their predecessors.

Too soon doesn’t mean wrong, however. It just means too soon.

The captaincy this week is genuinely the kind of decision that will separate the top managers from the rest, and getting it right could be worth a serious chunk of rank.

Honestly, this is one of those weeks where there is no easy answer. I have gone back and forth on this more times than I would like to admit, which tells you everything about how open this week really is.

Manchester City are at Anfield, which takes away the obvious go-to option that most of us lean on when we are not sure, and what we are left with is a genuinely open captaincy picture with a few interesting cases to make. Let me walk you through each one.

Who is the best FPL captain in GW6?

Erling Haaland (£15.6m) first, because there is always a case for Haaland.

He is top for expected goal involvement in the entire league this season and he is always the safe bet. But I will be honest, this is a week where I am tempted to go against him. The situation at City right now is a mess, and Anfield in that kind of context is going to be absolutely electric. That is not the environment you want your captain walking into if there are decent alternatives on the table, and this week I think there are.

Bukayo Saka (£9.6m) is the one that excites me most. He leads all midfielders for expected goal involvement this season, has a share of the set pieces and is sitting below 15% ownership, which means if he hauls, the rank gains are significant.

Leeds United at the Emirates is a game Arsenal should be winning, and Saka was rested in England's friendly against the Czech Republic during the international break so his legs should be fresh.

The one thing to keep an eye on is whether Havertz is fit, because if he misses out, Viktor Gyokeres could start and take penalties ahead of Saka. That's worth checking before the deadline locks.

Bruno Fernandes (£11.9m) is probably the pick of the week for those who own him, if I am being completely honest. He is second only to Saka for expected goal involvement among midfielders this season, looked sharp for Portugal in the break and Man United have a home game against a Tottenham Hotspur side sitting bottom of the league.

The underlying numbers at Man United are fascinating too; they have scored roughly two goals fewer than their Expected Goals (xG) figure of close to 10 this season, which means they are well overdue a strong performance.

Cole Palmer (£9.7m) pulled out of the England squad for load management reasons, which means he should be fit and raring to go against Bournemouth at home. He has been in good form this season and Chelsea at home to the Cherries is a very manageable fixture. A straightforward and sensible option for his owners if he is fit and back in training.

Joao Pedro (£7.7m) has been brilliant this season, second only to Haaland among forwards for FPL points, and the fixture looks good on paper. But he has not trained in three weeks and there is no real update on his fitness heading into the weekend as yet. Until we hear something concrete, the armband has to go elsewhere regardless of how tempting the matchup looks.

So where does that leave us? If you own Fernandes, he is probably your man this week. If you want the differential angle, Saka is the pick. Palmer, if fit, is also an appealing option. And Haaland, as always, is the comfort blanket if none of the above feel right. A proper captaincy puzzle this week, which is exactly what makes it interesting.

Spanish football's governing body LaLiga has stepped in to block Dani Carvajal’s proposed move to Getafe over concerns regarding his declared salary, according to a report from Spanish radio show El Larguero.

The experienced full-back, who departed Real Madrid at the end of his contract over the summer, had reached an agreement in principle to join Getafe, who are situated in the southern Madrid suburbs.

However, the league's financial control committee has refused to validate the signing on the grounds that the agreed wage is artificially low.

Dani Carvajal's Getafe move on hold due to finance concerns

According to El Larguero, Getafe submitted documentation proposing an annual salary of approximately €400,000 for the 34-year-old defender.

LaLiga’s economic regulators have reportedly rejected the valuation, deeming it wildly unrealistic given that Carvajal was supposedly earning €10 million per year during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Under LaLiga's Squad Cost Limit rules, the league assigns its own baseline valuation to high-profile players to prevent clubs from under-reporting playing costs, determining that a decorated international of Carvajal's standing cannot logically see his official remuneration fall by 96 per cent without bringing regulatory scrutiny.

The reasoning behind LaLiga’s veto is to prevent "under-the-table" payments across Spanish football. LaLiga's financial framework requires every contract to reflect realistic market values to preserve competitive balance.

Clubs could theoretically get around salary cap restrictions by supplementing a player's income through off-the-books commercial deals, undisclosed image-rights agreements, or third-party sponsorship arrangements that do not appear in club accounts.

The timing of this decision draws parallels with the financial charges currently surrounding Manchester City. Among the 114 alleged breaches of financial rules brought by the Premier League, a major element involves secret secondary payments.

Specifically, the Manchester club is accused of supplementing former manager Roberto Mancini’s official Etihad Stadium salary with a secondary contract for consultancy work with Abu Dhabi-based side Al Jazira, effectively offloading a substantial portion of his true earnings off the club’s official accounts.

LaLiga aims to ensure that Spanish clubs cannot utilise similar side-agreements to bypass domestic squad spending limits.

While Getafe manager Jose Bordalas had been eager to add a six-time Champions League winner to his squad, the transfer remains on hold unless Getafe can restructure the deal to satisfy LaLiga’s economic rules.

For now, Carvajal’s future remains in limbo as an example of Spanish football's uncompromising stance on toeing the financial line.

Liverpool are prepared to raid Bournemouth once again for their biggest deal yet.

The Reds have poached from the south coast on a number of occasions in recent times, most notably hiring Andoni Iraola over the summer, following his fantastic tenure at the Vitality Stadium.

While Richard Hughes has now left Liverpool after also serving the Cherries, another Bournemouth player now appears to be on the radar, as Iraola's revolution continues on Merseyside.

Liverpool looking to another Bournemouth player, following Milos Kerkez move

Liverpool currently only have one former Bournemouth player in their ranks in Milos Kerez, who shone after his move to Dorset in the Premier League and was snapped up in 2025.

The Hungarian has been criticised during his time at the Reds, however, and has struggled to replace Andrew Robertson at left-back, with the veteran Scot preferred to Kerkez at times last season.

Fichajes in Spain now report that Liverpool are prepared to repeat the Kerkez experiment and sign his Bournemouth replacement, Adrien Truffert.

The Frenchman has been exceptional in succeeding Kerkez at left-back, first for Iraola last season and now for new boss Marco Rose, earning a call-up to Zinedine Zidane's France squad for the recent international break.

The report states, however, that “The shortage of specialists on the left flank in the European market has increased the firmness of the [Bournemouth] board to retain the defender”, with a £60 million fee slapped on the 24-year-old's head.

Bournemouth's record sale is around this figure, with Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo both leaving for around this figure to Big Six rivals and Ilya Zabarnyi for just under the £60m mark to Paris Saint-Germain.

Kerkez's exit fee, meanwhile, was reported by the BBC to be around £40m – meaning that Liverpool would be spending 150 per cent on his replacement.

FourFourTwo understands that Bournemouth have no financial pressure to sell major assets right now – but that they could be about to contend with a few departures.

Junior Kroupi is a target for big clubs, while Alex Scott has turned down a number of contract extension proposals in the last few months.

Transfermarkt values Truffert at €35m. Liverpool host Manchester City when Premier League action returns this weekend.

Nick Pope has emerged as a target for Bayern Munich, in their quest to replace veteran Manuel Neuer.

Neuer retired from international duty after Germany's ignominious World Cup exit at the hands of Paraguay over the summer, and at the age of 40, he may not have much longer left in the tank for Bayern either.

According to a new report, Die Roten have identified six potential replacements for the Gelsenkirchener – with Newcastle United's third-choice keeper on the list.

Nick Pope could go from Newcastle United's bench to Bayern Munich

After competing with Aaron Ramsdale for the No.1 spot last season on Tyneside, Pope hasn't played a single minute this season for new manager Matthias Jassle, following the signing of Lukas Hornicek – who even started the League Cup victory against Millwall last month.

A report from Fichajes in Spain says that Celtic, Leeds United and Hull City are all monitoring the England international, with Bayern perhaps the most surprising link.

Die Roten's own shortlist between the sticks consists of five other players.

Rui Silva of Sporting, Lukas Hradecky of Monaco, Frederik Ronnow of Union Berlin, Kevin Trapp of Paris FC and Juan Musso of Atletico Madrid are all on the radar, as the Bavarians look to ensure a smooth transition for their next first-choice after Neuer.

“Bayern's board [are prioritising] signing a specialist with international experience to avoid tactical imbalances while Jonas Urbig establishes himself,” the report states, with the 23-year-old having played 23 times in the league for Bayern since joining from Koln last year.

Several high-profile stoppers have competed with Neuer over the years for a No.1 jersey, with Bayern looking to a new goalkeeper six years ago, only for the succession plan to fail.

In 2020, the club signed highly-touted Alexander Nubel from Schalke, with Neuer describing the young keeper's transfer as “irrelevant” to him.

Nubel, in turn, didn't work out at Allianz Arena, while Neuer captained his team to six trophies that same year.

Yann Sommer and Daniel Peretz have both been understudies to the legendary German  – with the former used as an emergency option following Neuer breaking his leg in a freak skiing accident – but neither could oust the veteran from his position for long.

Transfermarkt values Pope at €3 million. Newcastle travel to newly-promoted Coventry City when Premier League action returns this weekend.

David Beckham really got the ball rolling in Major League Soccer and Lionel Messi now dribbles the ball onwards, driving MLS upwards into a competition worthy of comparison with many leagues around the world, according to the outgoing commissioner Don Garber.

The man who has developed MLS beyond all recognition since becoming commissioner in 1999 – new and full stadia, clubs worth $1bn, stars like Messi - now hopes to see Harry Kane in the US one day, playing MLS and fulfilling his dream to be an NFL kicker. “I'd love for him to do that,” Garber says.

Kane is 33 and expected to extend his Bayern Munich contract soon but has talked of playing for many more years, emulating his friend the quarterback Tom Brady, who played until he was 44. Seven owners of NFL teams also own MLS teams. And MLS is on the up with Messi leading the way. “We wanted to create something that would have the Harry Kanes of the world say, ‘I'd like to play MLS’,” adds Garber.

Garber: 'There's more respect for 'soccer' in America'

On a flying visit to London this week, the New Yorker reflected on the huge impact of the World Cup on American “soccer”, and especially the perception of the US as a genuine “soccer nation”.

He says, “Post-World Cup, it’s a different dynamic, there's much more respect for what's going on in America. I could remember coming here over the years, and people would look at me like I had three heads. ‘Who's this Yank trying to build this league in America?’ Particularly in the UK, there wasn’t a lot of confidence that we would pull it off. Then we went through an era where David Beckham was rumoured to come.” And he did, to LA Galaxy, and really got the party started.

“David put this league on the path to credibility and respect. At the prime of his career, he came here to LA. We were talking 2006 (arrived 2007). A couple years before, we were having bankruptcy discussions.” The league almost folded in 2001.

So Beckham’s arrival was massive. “He and his family lit up the city. I remember the opening party that we introduced him, and every top actor and celebrity in LA was welcoming him. And he played well. He showed the world that this league can be competitive, respected and fun. It could have great players. It attracted [Thierry] Henry [to New York Red Bulls in 2010], and many, many other players right after that.

“Without David, there's probably no Major League Soccer. That said, Major League Soccer would not be the global phenomenon and not be on the hearts and minds of just about anybody in the world without Leo Messi. It just shocks me how competitive he is, how he just plays 90 minutes, regardless of the score, how focused he is on his club and his country, how great a team-mate he is.

“I love seeing him on the field with his kids. I was speaking to somebody the other day who was looking to invest in MLS, who lives in the same area.” Messi lives with his wife and three sons in Fort Lauderdale, near Inter Miami’s training complex. “The oldest son plays in an [Inter Miami] academy team and plays with this guy's son. And the dad is going to training and Leo's there and Jordi Alba was there last year, and [Luis] Suarez is there. They’re dads who just want to be part of what's going on in MLS, what's going on in America.”

Garber mentions Antoine Griezmann, 35, another enjoying Florida, over at Orlando City. “He loves being in Orlando. He's going to basketball games, and he's playing well. There was this idea that players, at a certain age, couldn't still play, and that they played well in MLS because MLS wasn't good enough. Then Messi plays in MLS, goes in the World Cup, and could have been the Golden Ball winner.”

Messi returns to Miami for Sunday’s game against DC United following his poignant final match for Argentina in Buenos Aires. Garber was moved by Tuesday’s scenes at El Monumental. “I was emotional watching what that city did for an athlete. He’s an athlete not the Pope! An unbelievable athlete. The country loves him like he's their son, because he's just been a good guy, a great competitor. He's quiet, he's humble, he's serious.”

Er, didn't Messi once wag his finger at the commissioner over a refereeing issue? Garber laughs. “Players wag their fingers at me all the time! I don't know that anybody would pay attention to it if it wasn't Messi. It's a gift that in our league, kids can say, ‘I saw Messi score’. You're living in a world where legends are alive."

Messi is there, in Uncle Sam’s backyard. “He will be a part of MLS history forever. He will be more important than any stadium, more important than any owner, more important than any commissioner. He came, and he delivered. And that doesn't always happen in life. We’re the league of choice for Leo.”

Garber wants to continue growing the league, a mission his successor Larry Berg, a Harvard MBA and formerly co-founder of LAFC, aims to continue. “We have to have a league that is more competitive, that has an ability to get into the Club World Cup and win games. Miami won one [against Porto in 2025]. Not just be there, but have people think that an MLS team can compete against other clubs in the world now. Can it compete with Chelsea? Can it complete with PSG? It's a long way from that. We have the resources. We’ve just got to get better.”

Home-grown talent does emerge. USMNT played four friendlies during the international break, beating Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Teenagers like Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, Justin Ellis and Mathis Albert all played their part. “I'm encouraged by the performance of our young players,” Garber says. Sullivan, the 17-year-old Philadelphia Union attacker, is due at Manchester City when he turns 18.

“I'd rather have him forever. I would imagine the next Cavan Sullivan might stay later than 18. The fact that he's playing the way he is at 17 [makes European interest inevitable]. He's not the only one. Julian Hall (18, New York Red Bulls) is lighting it up, three goals in this window. It used to be you have one player pop out and the world would go, ‘Wow, maybe something's happening’. But there's dozens and dozens of players, and that's the American system.

“I'd love to see more of our players go play at a higher level. Champions League level, starting at top teams. Cavan Sullivan is one of our highest-paid players. We never used to do that. We didn't want to lose them at 15. You're going to see this with Chelsea signing Benji Flowers, Dallas 15-year-old. He's special.” The FC Dallas attacker is due at Cobham when he turns 18.

It’s a global recruitment market. I ask Garber whether he ever sees a world league. He’s not a fan. “Any time teams are coming out of their leagues or losing dates, it has a detrimental impact to what the game is locally, which is what makes England so amazing. One of guys who works with us is a Burnley fan, and he could really not care where Burnley is [division-wise]. He's going be a Burnley fan, no matter where they are.

“If you do something where clubs don't have the ability to continue that community-based generational support, because they're no longer part of the community because it might generate more revenue, I’m not sure that's a good thing. It’s what these teams mean in the community, what they mean in the minds of parents and kids who go to games together.

“I was not a fan of the [European] Super League. I would not be a fan of it now. Could there be a more global competition? Well, FIFA would say they have that in the Club World Cup.” The US hosted it last year, and could again. “We had the most successful World Cup of all time. We have big stadiums already built.”

He understands English resistance to closed leagues like MLS which lack promotion and relegation. But Garner counters, “Look how MLS has grown - and it doesn't have promotion and relegation, because you can't relegate a team that's building. New teams are coming in, investing a billion and a half dollars into facilities, a team and a roster, and there isn't the structure yet for them to be relegated to.”

Garber finally reflects on how far MLS has come in his 27 years. “I’d go to the Champions League final, and be invited to the dinner prior. In the early days, I was sitting with guys that were representing countries that I didn't even know were in UEFA. But now I'm sitting at the head of the table.”

From schoolyard swaps to the frantic search for limited edition shiny cards, the iconic trading card game has helped shape how young supporters connect with the beautiful game.

To celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary, Topps is hosting a massive, FREE family festival at Olympia London this October half-term, giving fans the chance to write themselves into the record books.

The event will be an official Guinness World Records attempt for the most trading card packs opened simultaneously. Families attending the event will be directly involved in the record-breaking effort, coming together under one roof for a massive, coordinated card opening.

Topps Match Attax world record event

Alongside the world record attempt, the venue will host a wide range of interactive football and collecting activities designed for supporters of all ages.

Here's everything you need to know...

Dedicated Card Swapping Zones: Collectors can bring along their binder collections and trade their swaps to help complete their sets.

Football Challenges and Competitions: Fans can test their footballing skills and compete in interactive games throughout the day.

Creator Appearances: Popular football content creators and well-known collecting personalities will be in attendance to meet fans, host activities, and share their passion for the hobby.

New Collection Showcase: Attendees will get an up-close look at the brand-new 2026/27 UEFA Club Competitions Match Attax range, featuring the latest squad stats, player ratings, and rare inserts.

Taking place during the half-term break, the event provides a free, engaging day out for families looking for football-themed activities in the capital.

Event Details & Ticket Information

Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

Venue: Olympia London, Hammersmith

Admission: Free

Although entry is completely free, capacity inside Olympia London is strictly limited. Parents and guardians planning to bring young supporters are advised to reserve their tickets early via Eventbrite to guarantee entry.

As the Premier League prepares to return after a three-week international window, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face the daunting prospect of late fitness tests, squad re-thinks, and enforced transfers.

The truncated September-October international break is usually disruptive, but the current return cycle has seen an unusually high number of key FPL assets returning to their clubs carrying knocks, strains, and general fatigue.

The sheer number of casualties returning from international duty shines a spotlight on the broader issue of fixture congestion. Squeezing domestic league matches, European cup competitions, and international fixtures into an unforgiving calendar leaves players with minimal recovery windows.

Premier League injuries latest

Global players' union FIFPro has repeatedly sounded the alarm regarding the extensive workload elite players are subjected to. Monitoring reports have consistently warned that players are being pushed past their physical limits without sufficient rest intervals.

FIFPro has previously highlighted that back-to-back high-intensity fixtures with fewer than five days of recovery drastically increases the risk of soft-tissue and muscular injuries. As domestic and international governing bodies continue to expand tournament formats, the returning influx of injured Premier League stars serves as a reflection of the physical overload FIFPro has long warned against.

Long-term absences

Alex Scott (Bournemouth): The versatile midfielder is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, expected to miss several weeks and potentially up to two months.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal): A big blow for Arsenal's attack, with the German forward ruled out for approximately four weeks.

Christos Tzolis (Arsenal): The winger faces a two-to-three-week layoff following a setback on international duty.

Brian Brobbey (Sunderland): The forward is sidelined for several weeks, forcing fantasy managers to look elsewhere for mid-priced forward solutions.

Dan Ballard (Sunderland): The central defender is facing the lengthiest rehabilitation process of the group, with an absence potentially extending across months.

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool): The Dutch international is expected to miss likely a few weeks, limiting Liverpool's rotation options across their frontline.

Injury doubts

Alexander Isak (Liverpool): Liverpool's frontman suffered a minor issue, though there remains genuine hope he could recover in time for the high-profile clash against Manchester City.

Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United): The wide player's condition is being monitored by club staff, with his weekend availability status listed as to be confirmed.

Jamie Gittens (Chelsea) : The winger is undergoing evaluation, with an official update on his fitness still to be confirmed.

Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City): The young midfielder's status remains unconfirmed ahead of team news updates after withdrawing from the England camp.

Ezri Konsa (Arsenal): The Gunners' summer signing is managing a minor complaint, though his inclusion in the squad remains to be confirmed.

Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford): The Danish playmaker's availability is pending final medical checks.

Vitalii Mykolenko (Everton): The full-back is not guaranteed to feature after aggravating a knock with Ukraine.

Likely to play

Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham Hotspur): Providing welcome news for Spurs' backline, the defender is expected back immediately after the break, despite fitness concerns.

Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur): The rapid centre-back picked up only a very minor issue and should be fit for Spurs.

Lewis Miley (Newcastle United): The promising midfielder is scheduled to return to full squad training this week.

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): In a huge boost for the Gunners, the captain has been given several days off to rest and recover.

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland): The midfielder's fitness concern appears to be minor, leaving him well-positioned for inclusion.

And what about Erling Haaland?

Alarm bells rang throughout the FPL community when Haaland was substituted early during Norway’s fixture against Portugal.

However, Norway’s national team coach Stale Solbakken subsequently confirmed that the withdrawal was pre-planned to manage the striker's workload, rather than the result of a physical injury. FPL managers can expect Man City's main goalscorer to be available as normal.

Had his team beaten a desperately out-of-form Fulham at Anfield, rather than one of the worst 0-0 draws you’re ever likely to see, Liverpool would be second in the Premier League table after the opening five games, behind only 100-per cent-pacesetters Manchester City.

It’s City who arrive at Anfield as domestic football returns this weekend, and it’s set to be an interesting atmosphere following the Premier League’s finding of the visitors being guilty of 114 financial breaches. That Liverpool were arguably the team most cheated by City’s breaches adds to the timing of the fixture on Sunday. Anfield will provide some 'welcome'.

But while much of the pre-match talk will focus on the ongoing fallout from the guilty charge, and the views of Liverpool supporters, this three-week pause on domestic football has given us time to review what's changed at Liverpool since Iraola's appointment - and there's plenty.

#1: Alexis Mac Allister is Iraola’s first-choice midfielder

Few players’ form represented Liverpool’s struggles last season more than Alexis Mac Allister’s. The narrative became that the Argentine’s leg’s had seemingly gone, struggling for speed in the middle and easily turned and ran in behind. It was a narrative that certainly passed the eye test, and most supporters wouldn’t have been too fussed had the 27-year-old departed in the summer.

But an impressive showing with Argentina at the World Cup showed that Mac Allister still has plenty to offer, something Iraola quickly identified, too. Mac Allister is now undoubtedly Liverpool’s first-choice midfielder, ousting Ryan Gravenberch in the position alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.

#2: Dutch duo are very much out of favour

Gravenberch started in Liverpool’s first game of the season, partly because of Mac Allister’s later return to pre-season, in a game where the midfield was completely exposed for both of Newcastle’s goals.

Since then he’s started just one of the six games - that being the dour 0-0 with Fulham when he was hooked after an hour.

It’s a similar story for Jeremie Frimpong, who didn’t play a minute for the Netherlands during their four games in the international break.

Frimpong started the two opening games of the season, before Ronald Araujo had arrived and settled in. Since then his only start has been in the Carabao Cup.

#3: Iraola is ruthless in addressing issues

The dropping of Gravenberch and Frimpong shows how quick Iraola is at not only identifying the issues, which had been apparent long before he arrived at the club, but also in addressing them and finding a solution.

Frimpong isn’t a right-back. Arguably he isn’t a winger either. He’s a wing-back. Liverpool don’t play with wing-backs. He’s a player who isn’t needed and who Liverpool should be looking to replace with somebody who suits the squad’s needs.

Meanwhile, Araujo provides a far more solid and reliable option. In fact, Liverpool haven’t conceded a goal in the 285 minutes he’s played in the Premier League!

Having Araujo as a less attack-focused full-back allows Milos Kerkez greater license to get forward on the opposite flank - which is the opposite to how Arne Slot used him for large parts of last season.

#4: Wingers are vital to Iraola’s identity

While a specific right-winger to replace Mohamed Salah eventually wasn’t acquired in the summer, the additions of Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola provided Iraola with a strong group of wingers.

With Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, the squad includes four wingers, who Iraola has said will all have to get used to playing on the left or right, depending on the opposition and specific approaches in-game.

The further pursuits of Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh would have given Iraola more balance, with Barcola and Minteh or Sarr then being the first-choice options, Gakpo departing, and Munoz and Ngumoha providing the depth.

What’s apparent is that Iraola likes to have strong options from the bench to change the game, that primarily is his wingers, especially given the current lack of options to replace Alexander Isak.

Once Hugo Ekitike returns sometime in winter, it will provide an interesting new option for the Basque boss.

#5: More rotation will be required

Iraola was unlikely to select a much-changed lineup for his first-ever game as a manager in the Champions League, against a strong Atletico Madrid side, at Anfield.

But the result of making just two changes in that hard-fought 2-1 win against Atletico (both those being the wingers), was the desperately energy-devoid showing against Fulham three days later.

Clearly, for Iraola’s high-energy, pressing style to work more often, more rotation is required until players are capable of doing so midweek and weekend.

This is, after all, Iraola’s first time managing in Europe’s elite competition and having four competitions to play in.

Yet another tough Carabao Cup draw, at home to Chelsea, hardly helps things.

#6: Youth will get chances

Despite the need to get wins on the board early on, Iraola has shown that youngsters will get their chances. Trey Nyoni is a player many supporters would like to see get more opportunities in the league, having been marginalised last season under Slot and seeking a loan move away until Iraola’s arrival.

Iraola made 10 changes to the Carabao Cup lineup against Tottenham, with Nyoni and James McConnell in midfield and Lewis Koumas up front. Koumas’ energetic cameos in the league have also endeared him to supporters early on. His versatility makes him a useful squad player.

With nine games in 29 days after the international break and before the next one in November, Iraola will need to utilise his squad and that includes youngsters such as that trio. A Champions League tie away to LASK next week should provide the first opportunity to make some rotations, especially after what is likely to be an energetic match against Man City at Anfield on Sunday.

In the new format of the Champions League, finishing high up the league stage appears to offer little reward - provided you finish high enough to avoid the play-off. So there is no need to be playing a ‘best XI’ in all league games.

For example, Iraola needs to learn that an away match against Brentford is higher priority than LASK in the league phase. After all, Liverpool’s bread and butter is the league campaign. And European exploits can always be salvaged with a strong bench or winning later league stage games.

#7: Iraola has embraced everything Liverpool

The Spaniard’s first message upon his arrival on Merseyside was to tell fans how he wanted “to become one of you.”

He spoke of wanting to sightsee in Liverpool and immerse himself in the club and the city. Such words were welcome after reports of his predecessor not quite adopting that approach of ‘all in’, especially with regard to the Academy.

Praise for Iraola has been effusive from Under-21s coach Rob Page. “He has been excellent, and the staff,” said Page, referring to Iraola and his assistants of Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper.

This extended international break has seen Iraola working with the small group of first-team players not away with their country, plus some of the Under-21s. “The boss has had them in training,” explains Page. “They’ve worked hard. Our lads (U21s) last week went over for four consecutive days with him.”

After supporters become more accustomed to images of Slot on holiday during international breaks, that Iraola has been busy at the training ground hasn’t gone unnoticed.

He’s also been spotted in the city, posing for photos with kids at a GOALS soccer centre, having moved his family to just north of Liverpool, close to where Jurgen Klopp resided.

Again, after Slot opted to live near to Manchester airport and was often spotted in Selfridges in the Trafford Centre, it makes for a refreshing change.

Iraola appears to understand what it means to be the figurehead of a club like Liverpool, where every word and every moment, on and off the pitch, is perceived and interpreted by passionate and emotive fans.

Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard.

It's easy to see why the Belgium side of the late 2010s was one of the most-fancied sides in world football, despite the country never having laid claim to a major trophy. They still haven't...but in 2018, they went the closest yet, and Alderweireld feels they deserve more credit for what they achieved.

Belgium finished top of group G ahead of England, Tunisia and Panama without dropping a single point. Their nine goals scored was the best any side managed in the group stage, with Hazard and Lukaku particularly finding form.

After going two goals behind early in the second half of their round of 16 clash with Japan, Belgium roared back to a 3-2 win capped by Nacer Chadli's 94th-minute winner.

And the best was to come in the quarter-finals as Roberto Martinez's side saw off Brazil 2-1 in Kazan to make it to only their second-ever World Cup quarter-final, the previous of which had come in 1986.

Alderweireld told FourFourTwo: “They always said our golden generation never won a big game, then that Brazil game was incredible.

"We had a difficult game against Japan in the last 16 – we were 2-0 down, but still won.

"In the quarter-final against Brazil, I was against Neymar, who was at the top of his game.

"He was on the left and I was playing right centre-back in a three.

"But he didn’t score, he wasn’t dangerous – that was one of my best games during my career and it was an unbelievable feeling to win against Brazil and go through."

Belgium went on to lose 1-0 to eventual winners France in the semi-finals, before claiming bronze by beating England again in the third-place play-off.

Alderweireld went on: "It was historic for Belgium. If you think about which teams played the best football at that World Cup, we were up there.

"I’m always going to have a feeling like ‘We deserved a little bit more’.”

The language left little room for ambiguity. Shocking. Unacceptable. An absolute disgrace. Manchester United had just drawn with Fulham and the sky was falling. In the TV studio, Gary Neville, Louis Saha and Ashley Young took turns to express their hurt. "I don't usually get this angry," Neville said, but he was not alone.

While the three ex-pros were giving their verdicts on Sky, the wider machinery was whirring. X users were invited to describe Marcus Rashford's performance in one word, and compliments were in short supply. A caller to talkSPORT demanded Michael Carrick's head in conversation with Alan Pardew. Over on YouTube, thumbnails were being polished, emojis deployed, titles tightened: 'PATHETIC Man Utd'. 'Carrick deserves ZERO!' 'Man Utd on LIFE SUPPORT [EXPLOSIVE RANT].' Within an hour of full-time at Craven Cottage, the Manchester United misery economy was humming once more.

It is a familiar routine by now. The final whistle is not final at all; in a sense, the game is just the opening act. This phenomenon is not unique to Man United. But as the biggest club in England, and one which has been in steady decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 13 years ago, they are a particularly rich source of material.

"There is an insatiable demand for takes, the hotter the better"

Neville is the lead protagonist, giving his views not only on Sky but also on his Stick to Football podcast. Roy Keane is a co-star on both platforms, always willing to lament a dearth of characters in the dressing room. Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have their own shows, the latter in tandem with Nicky Butt. Patrice Evra has never met a microphone he did not like.

It is not only former players. Mark Goldbridge is better known than many professional footballers. Stephen Howson, Adam McKola, Joe Smith, Andy Tate and Flex UTD are prominent Man United influencers, some more insightful than others. You will find dozens more online, with the less established often tempted to court controversy in pursuit of an audience in a crowded market.

The thing is, this stuff does numbers. The most watched video on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel is a goals montage. Second is Neville arguing with Jamie Redknapp about the Glazers (“the club is rotting”). Third is Neville discussing a defeat by Atletico Madrid in 2022 (“I’ve felt down about Manchester United for some time”). A compilation of a Goldbridge watchalong is more likely to go viral if it contains expletive-laden outbursts than joyous celebrations.

There is an insatiable demand for takes, the hotter the better. Social media algorithms reward sensationalism and punish nuance. ‘Man Utd a work in progress [MEASURED ASSESSMENT]’ does not quite have the same ring to it.

Positivity rarely sets pulses racing either. Ferdinand’s suggestion in 2019 that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could choose his own salary because United were “BACK” is only so memorable because - and who could have seen this coming - United were not in fact back.

Neville senses which way the wind is blowing. In April, The Overlap (a media company he co-founded) bought Goldbridge's channel, The United Stand, and has since launched a new weekly production which features Goldbridge alongside Rooney.

Neville has criticised “those bloody YouTubers” in the past. He once called ArsenalFanTV “embarrassing” for its treatment of Arsene Wenger. But as well as being an influential pundit, Neville is an astute businessman, and astute businessmen stand ready to give the people what they want - in this case, “direct, personality-led content.”

A brief scroll of social media reveals much of this content to be hysterical and hyperbolic, yet it is also rooted in the simple truth that Man United have underwhelmed for a long time now.

For the generation of JJ Gabriel, the 16-year-old academy player who wants out of Old Trafford, the team's current struggles are not a blip but the norm. Gabriel was two when Man United last won the title. He has grown up watching not Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, but Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri and Wout Weghorst.

Since Ferguson stepped down Man United have staggered from crisis to crisis, going back to square one so often they could trace the route blindfolded.

Neville himself is no shock jock, even if his claim that the draw with Fulham contained the “worst 15 minutes” he had ever seen from his team felt a little over the top. He is usually more considered, and prides himself on never having called for a manager to be sacked. As a hugely successful player (and an increasingly underrated one due to his frequent self-deprecation), Neville provides a level of insight that is not easily replicable. The likes of Keane, Rooney, Ferdinand and Scholes have plenty of expertise to impart too.

Equally, the game has changed since their day. No one plays the sort of 4-4-2 with flying wingers on which Man United have built their modern self-image. Nor was it all attack, attack, attack under Ferguson - or “the Boss”, as some of his former charges continue to call him. Just ask Park Ji-sung, regularly deployed as a spoiler in big games, or Nani, Antonio Valencia and the aforementioned Ashley Young, natural wide men who were sacrificed when the team utilised a midfield diamond in 2012. Ferguson was more tactically sophisticated than he is often portrayed today.

It is hard not to wonder whether all the noise around Man United is contributing to the very malaise these interested parties - from Neville to Goldbridge, Rooney to Flex, Scholes to that bloke who refuses to cut his hair until they win five games in a row - are keen to see the club escape.

Yet therein lies the paradox. To flourish, the Manchester United misery economy requires, well, misery. Bad results are by no means bad for business. In fact, they keep the wheels turning. The show must go on.

Well, hello there. It's time to spend 90 seconds of your day answered 10 football trivia questions in the new FourFourTwo Quickfire Quiz.

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

FourFourTwo has many more football quizzes and they're all courtesy of Kwizly. Football is a community affair and the stadium is church, pub and local shop all rolled into one. Our Big Quiz of English Football Grounds will ask you about some of the biggest and best.

Two of England's top clubs and bitter rivals have adopted different approaches in the transfer market over the decades but both have brought in some seriously valuable players and paid through the nose to get them.

Here's what you need to do. We want you to name Liverpool's 50 most expensive signings and the 50 most expensive signings ever made by Manchester United. That's it. 100 players and plenty of them are very memorable.

To bring it right up to date and expand our horizons a little, we're off to Europe. We want you to name every one of the 108 teams competing in the league phase of this season's Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Finally, let's see how you get on with our biggest ever quiz. Can you name every team ever to have played in the league phase, group stage or first round of the Champions League?

We have puzzles too. Our Weekend Crossword is a regular football teaser for your Sunday, and remember to sign up to the newsletter for more quizzes in your inbox. Don't forget to join The Club for free additional membership benefits!

England are one of a handful of teams who've won the World Cup, but more often than not they taste defeat at the end of the journey, along the way, or both. They added another loss at World Cup 2026 but some of these defeats on the global stage aren't so fresh in the memory.

This FourFourTwo quiz simply asks you to identify every team England have ever been beaten by in a World Cup match. The great ones and the not-so-great ones, and no, England themselves don't count.

There are 24 World Cup losses to account for in England's history and we're enforcing a time limit of 5 minutes to tap out all the teams responsible for them.

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

FourFourTwo has many, many more football quizzes and they're all courtesy of Kwizly. Perhaps we can interest you in our twisted badge quiz. We've made some dastardly edits to club and country badges and you have to recognise them for what they were when they looked good.

Can you name every League Cup title sponsor ever? There have been plenty of them since the competition was inaugurated in 1960, including some you'll get straight away and others that only English football history whizzes will be able to tick off.

If you can answer questions about stadiums and the names, stands and clubs that are associated with them, you'll have no trouble with our Big Quiz of English football grounds.

FourFourTwo's Weekend Crossword 73 features clues on lions, tigers and bears. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for your daily afternoon briefing of football trivia and analysis, and don't forget to join The Club: our free membership portal where you can secret hints and get on the leaderboard.

Football Manager 27 is dropping very soon – and you know what that means.

That's right: your evenings are no longer yours, as you battle to take whichever National League minnows you've randomly clicked on to Champions League glory before you're 40.

And that means upgrading your computer to handle the game…

This Lenovo LOQ Essential laptop has 25 per cent off

Football Manager relies heavily on CPU power to process massive player databases, simulate hundreds of thousands of background matches, and calculate complex AI decisions across multiple active leagues – so you need something powerful, right?

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 processor with eight cores and 16 threads, this laptop excels at handling these heavy computational workloads: it significantly cuts down processing times between matchdays, allowing you to advance through seasons quickly and seamlessly even with extensive database setups.

While FM is traditionally CPU-focused, rumours are that the match engine is going to be upgraded even further this year: you're going to have to get with the times technologically.

The games modern 3D match engine demands solid graphics performance to render realistic player animations, stadium environments, and dynamic pitch lighting – and this Lenovo laptop's dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB graphics card effortlessly delivers high frame rates and sharp visuals during matchday action.

Long scouting sessions and deadline-day marathons generate heat, but the laptop's advanced cooling system – featuring a super-falcon fan and customisable performance modes via Fn+Q – maintains optimal temperatures during heavy simulation runs.

Together with a tactile, responsive keyboard perfect for quick tactical tweaks and menu navigation, this laptop provides the speed, stability, and clarity needed to lead your club to glory.

This could be the biggest investment you make this season. Older hardware struggles with FM's realistic 3D match graphics, dynamic lighting, and rich player animations – and beyond visual fidelity, FM27's expanding global player databases, complex tactical AI, and simultaneous background league simulations are set to be even bigger.

Not to be too ‘PR department’, but are you ready for a new signing?

One Manchester City stalwart has opened up about potentially losing titles he won at the Etihad Stadium, after an independent Commission found the club guilty of all charges related to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

The Sky Blues have been charged with over 100 breaches over a nine-year period and have lodged an appeal to fight back – but there is still a degree of uncertainty in the air over Eastlands.

While some have suggested that Manchester City could be punished with relegation or transfer bans, it seems more than possible that the six-time Premier League winners could be stripped of their trophies.

Manuel Akanji reveals he fears losing Manchester City medals

In a statement, Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said, “The club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade,” adding that “it is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition”.

Now, Sport Witness have relayed comments that ex-City defender Manuel Akanji made to Nau, when he was asked about the situation at his former club.

“I’m still in touch with a few players, but I don’t know any more than you do,” the Swiss defender said.

“We were told to stay calm, that they had everything under control and nothing major had happened. I trust the people in charge at Man City that that’s the case.

“I hope I don’t lose my titles. That would be a bit of a shame. But I’m only seeing it all in the news, too,” he continued, before adding, “Who knows what else they might dig up.”

While Akanji won two Premier League championships at City, along with two FA Cups and a Champions League, the 31-year-old signed for Pep Guardiola's side in 2022.

City are accused of breaking rules between 2009 and 2018 – which could mean that Akanji himself escapes having his titles stripped, though plenty of his former team-mates would not be so lucky.

The club built a dynasty in English football during the accused timeline, establishing the City Football Group network around the world and laying the foundations of the outfit that Guardiola would go on to conquer Europe with.

It has already been discussed in Italy that Akanji's new club, Inter Milan, were direct victims of City's charges, given that they were beaten by the Citizens in the 2023 Champions League final.

City travel to Liverpool this weekend when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia have scrapped plans to build the NEOM Stadium, a so-called stadium in the sky.

The proposed 46,000-seater ground was envisioned as one of a handful of new stadiums built by the Middle Eastern country, as they shape up to host the Greatest Show on Earth.

NEOM Stadium was planned to be 350 metres above the ground and integrated into the roof of the futuristic new city, The Line – but it now won't be built at all.

Manchester City have hope of getting off from charges - but perhaps not all of them

In 2021, Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman announced The Line: a sci-fi-esque city that would be built to be just 200 metres wide, 110 miles long, with no cars or streets and an entirely glass mirror exterior, with all basic services within a five-minute walking distance.

The NEOM Stadium was set to be the centrepiece of the project – though the proposed smart city has been widely panned by critics for unrealistic costs and timelines, environmental harm, and human rights violations, with thousands displaced and migrant workers expected to work “way beyond what the international minimum standards permit”, as per an ITV documentary.

According to Reuters, however, the construction intelligence platform MEED Projects indicates that the NEOM Stadium is currently categorised as ‘on hold’.

Saudi Arabia was awarded the rights to host the 25th World Cup in 2023 by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to much controversy, with the governing body handing Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay games at the 2030 tournament – billed to be part of commemorations of the 100th anniversary – effectively ruling Europe, Africa, and South America out as potential bidders for the 2034 World Cup.

FIFA then announced they would only be giving 25 days for interested nations to express their intent to host the 2034 tournament – with Saudi Arabia announcing its bid within minutes.

Saudi Arabia's original bid featured 15 stadiums, with only four had been constructed at that point, with NEOM listed as a host city.

The original webside promised the city would be “a living laboratory,” “a new model for livability” and “a future global hub”.

Reports state that $50 billion has already been pumped into developing The Line – and with trillions expected to make the smart city a reality, the project could take decades to complete.

Saudi's other proposed stadiums include The King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, Jeddah Central Development Stadium, ROSHN Stadium, New Murabba Stadium, Qiddiya Coast Stadium, Aramco Stadium, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, South Riyadh Stadium, and King Salman International Stadium.

Manchester City still have significant hope in escaping from their recent Premier League charges with minimal punishment – based on a “core argument”.

Last month, an independent Commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over nine seasons, with a plethora of charges in relation to failure to cooperate with the league's investigation.

In a statement, Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said, “The club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade,” adding that “it is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition”.

Manchester City have hope of getting off from charges - but perhaps not all of them

Speaking on a recent edition of the Talking City podcast, Manchester Evening News' chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski explained the club's stance following their appeal against the Premier League's charges, stating that City “don't need to overturn everything” – and that should they simply prove that they haven't broken the rules regarding their “funding scheme”, they could still escape some punishments.

“It seems like City have a mountain to overcome – and it is a mountain, but it's not a multitude of things: it's basically a core argument,” Bajkowski said of the appeal.

“And when City say they have irrefutable evidence, it is to show that: their evidence shows that the money did not come from Man City to the sponsors to then go back into Man City's books. It came from the Abu Dhabi government to the sponsors, which then paid Manchester City… so the money has come from the Abu Dhabi government rather than the club [which is] not against the rules.”

Bajkowski noted that the Sky Blues were “stunned” by the verdict, but notes that there is hope that “a different set of eyes” – a new three-person commission assembled to examine the original decision rather than rehear the case in its entirety, following the club's appeal – will see the situation differently.

“There was a mention that the club had a number of criticisms about the process and the way that the Premier League had brought everything against City, and you imagine that would be run again [in the appeal],” he said.

“City mentioned an unsafe verdict, and reading between the lines, it's that it has taken so long for a verdict, [that] how can you be so sure that witnesses were untrue, or whatever, if you are thinking back two years to when they were on the stand?

“City are appealing the guilty verdicts because they think they have cause and evidence, but also they have paid people very handsomely to be in the room for the 11 weeks when it actually took place.

“And the reason why it stunned people at City when they were found guilty of so many things is that these people are experienced in knowing how a case was going, and the feeling after those 11 weeks was certainly not, 'Well, we've lost on every count.'

“So there is a sense that a different set of eyes may have a different view.”

City travel to Liverpool this weekend when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Arsenal star Mikel Merino is a shock target to revitalise the fortunes of Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have stuttered this season under the returning Jose Mourinho and are already chasing in La Liga, as the Special One looks for a way to get the best out of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in attack, along with Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande in supporting roles.

After yet another fruitful few weeks of international duty with Spain, Arsenal star Merino has emerged as the answer – and he could end up getting more game time at the Bernabeu than he currently enjoys in North London.

Mikel Merino wanted by Real Madrid, after Arsenal and Spain heroics in front of goal

Arsenal originally signed Merino as cover for Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in midfield – but after an injury crisis in February 2025 saw Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both suffer long-term injuries, the Basque midfielder filled in up front away to Leicester City and scored twice.

An extraordinary return followed with Merino netting against Real Madrid in the Champions League, registering five goals and assists during an injury to Viktor Gyokeres last term, and starring at the World Cup, with two goals in five-minute cameos in the knockout stage for eventual winners, Spain.

With Merino having recorded another four goals and assists during the recent international break, Spanish outlet Fichajes have noted that the star could become a major target for Real Madrid in future transfer windows.

“His potential fit at Real Madrid stems primarily from this lack of consistent playing time,” the report states, noting, “Mourinho would be bringing in a player accustomed to playing as an attacking midfielder or central midfielder, with the ability to compete physically and arrive in the box from deep.”

While Merino is primarily a midfielder – and even played as a centre-back for Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund – the interest almost certainly comes from the return of 13 goals in his last 24 internationals.

The 30-year-old has carved a niche as a target man for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta who can replicate the hard graft that Havertz gets through when Arsenal go long – but he clearly also has the movement and eye for goal to play up front, too.

With Havertz potentially injured for the return of domestic football this weekend, it remains to be seen as to whether Merino's playing time will increase.

Gyokeres has also enjoyed a strong couple of weeks with Sweden – and though he doesn't offer the same kind of hold-up play as his rivals in attack, Arteta has often preferred him to Merino in attack when the pair have both been fit.

Merino is valued at €25 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Leeds United this weekend when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

"Can we play you every week?" is the rhetorically-phrased terrace chant you'll hear most Saturdays at at least one English football ground. It's a taunt from one set of fans, directed towards the opposing set of supporters whenever the former's side is usually two-or-more goals to the good.

Playing the same team every week would, of course, be complete nonsense, even if for some sides, it would effectively guarantee them three points - which is what the chant asks knowing full well, they can't.

But, what's the longest your team has gone without playing a particular opponent? You've faced them before, but the footballing Gods have conspired to keep you both apart. FourFourTwo have done the requisite digging.

It's 130 years since Arsenal last played this English league opponent

Two cup competitions (Carabao Cup and FA Cup) mean the likelihood of facing a team in another division each season is pretty common, but for some clubs, such as those who've never been relegated from the top flight, they can be chance encounters.

Take Arsenal for example, they've played Crewe Alexandra six times in their history, but each of those came when Queen Victoria sat on the throne. How they've never been drawn against each other in the cups, we'll never know.

🔘 PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal

Longest without playing: Woolwich Arsenal 7-0 Crewe Alexandra 1896 Division Two

Aston Villa

Longest without playing: Aston Villa 1-1 Lincoln City 1960 Division Two

AFC Bournemouth

Longest without playing: Newport County 0-1 AFC Bournemouth 1987 Division Three

Brentford

Longest without playing: York City 1-2 Brentford 2002 FA Cup

Brighton & Hove Albion

Longest without playing: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 York City 2001 Division 3

Chelsea

Longest without playing: Stockport County 0-0 Chelsea 1926 Division Two

Coventry City

Longest without playing: Coventry City 0-2 Liverpool 2001 Premier League

Crystal Palace

Longest without playing: Crystal Palace 2-1 Wrexham 1982 Division Two

Everton

Longest without playing: Northampton Town 0-2 Everton 1966 Division One

Fulham

Longest without playing: Fulham 2-0 Newport County 1987 Division Three

Hull City

Longest without playing: Newport County 0-1 Hull City 1985 Division Three

Ipswich Town

Longest without playing: Mansfield 2-3 Ipswich Town 1963 FA Cup

Leeds United

Longest without playing: York City 0-4 Leeds United 1987 League Cup

Liverpool

Longest without playing: Liverpool 2-0 Gillingham 1914 FA Cup

Manchester City

Longest without playing: Manchester City 4-1 Barnet 1994 League Cup

Manchester United

Longest without playing: Doncaster Rovers 0-0 Manchester United 1936 Division Two

Newcastle United

Longest without playing: Newcastle United 2-3 Chesterfield 1947 Division Two

Nottingham Forest

Longest without playing: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Newport County 1951 Division Three (South)

Sunderland

Longest without playing: Wrexham 0-1 Sunderland 1980 Division Two

Tottenham Hotspur

Longest without playing: Chesterfield 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur 1949 Division Two

🔘 CHAMPIONSHIP

Birmingham City

Longest without playing: Newport County 0-3 Birmingham City 1947 Division Two

Blackburn Rovers

Longest without playing: Chesterfield Town 0-1 Blackburn Rovers 1980 Division 3

Bolton Wanderers

Longest without playing: Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City 2011 FA Cup

Bristol City

Longest without playing: Arsenal 0-0 Bristol City 1980 Division One

Burnley

Longest without playing: Burnley 2-0 Newport County 1988 Division Four

Cardiff City

Longest without playing: York City 3-3 Cardiff City 2001 Division Three

Charlton Athletic

Longest without playing: Charlton Athletic 3-2 York City 1976 Division Two

Derby County

Longest without playing: York City 1-3 Derby County 1986 Division Three

Lincoln City

Longest without playing: Lincoln City 8-1 Bromley 1938 FA Cup

Middlesbrough

Longest without playing: Leyton Orient 2-1 Middlesbrough 1978 FA Cup

Millwall

Longest without playing: Arsenal 0-2 Millwall 1995 FA Cup

Norwich City

Longest without playing: Norwich City 5-1 Mansfield Town 1959 Division Three

Portsmouth

Longest without playing: Huddersfield 4-1 Portsmouth 2001 Division One

Preston North End

Longest without playing: Newport County 3-3 Preston North End 1985 Division Three

Queens Park Rangers

Longest without playing: Queens Park Rangers 3-2 Newport County 1962 FA Cup

Sheffield United

Longest without playing: Sheffield United 2-0 Newport County 1984 Division 3

Southampton

Longest without playing: Barnet 1-4 Southampton 1954 FA Cup

Stoke City

Longest without playing: Stoke City 4-1 Barnet 1993 Autoglass Trophy

Swansea City

Longest without playing: Swansea City 0-0 Grimsby Town 2005 League Two

Watford

Longest without playing: Mansfield Town 0-3 Watford 1979 Division Three

West Bromwich Albion

Longest without playing: York City 0-1 West Bromwich Albion 1976 Division Two

West Ham United

Longest without playing: West Ham United 4-1 Exeter City 1915 Division Three

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Longest without playing: York City 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1986 Division Three

Wrexham

Longest without playing: Wrexham 1-3 Liverpool 1978 League Cup

🔘 LEAGUE ONE

AFC Wimbledon

Longest without playing: AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Liverpool 2015 FA Cup

Barnsley

Longest without playing: Barnsley 0-2 Arsenal 1998 Premier League

Blackpool

Longest without playing: York City 0-2 Blackpool 2004 LDV Vans Trophy

Bradford City

Longest without playing: Bradford City 0-0 Fulham 1994 Division Two

Bromley

Longest without playing: Lincoln City 8-1 Bromley 1938 FA Cup

Burton Albion

Longest without playing: York City 1-1 Burton Albion 2015 League Two

Cambridge United

Longest without playing: Everton 3-0 Cambridge United 1976 FA Cup

Doncaster Rovers

Longest without playing: Doncaster Rovers 0-0 Manchester United 1936 Division Two

Huddersfield Town

Longest without playing: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Newport County 1938 Division Three

Leicester City

Longest without playing: Cambridge United 1-3 Leicester City 1993 Division 1 (Scheduled to play each other again on 1st December 2026)

Leyton Orient

Longest without playing: Leyton Orient 2-1 Liverpool 1963 Division One

Luton Town

Longest without playing: Southampton 1-0 Luton Town 2010 FA Cup

Mansfield Town

Longest without playing: Norwich City 5-1 Mansfield Town 1959 Division Three

Milton Keynes Dons

Longest without playing: Milton Keynes Dons 0-5 Tottenham Hotspur 2006 League Cup

Notts County

Longest without playing: Notts County 1-1 Manchester United 1992 Division One

Oxford United

Longest without playing: Oxford United 0-3 Liverpool 1987 Division One

Peterborough United

Longest without playing: Peterborough United 2-1 Arsenal 1965 FA Cup

Plymouth Argyle

Longest without playing: Plymouth Argyle 1-5 Tottenham Hotspur 1962 FA Cup

Reading

Longest without playing: Barnet 4-1 Reading 2001 LDV Vans Trophy

Sheffield Wednesday

Longest without playing: Newport County 3-2 Sheffield Wednesday 1964 FA Cup

Stevenage

Longest without playing: Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle United 2011 FA Cup

Stockport County

Never played: Stockport County 0-0 Chelsea 1926 Division Two

Wigan Athletic

Longest without playing: Newport County 1-2 Wigan Athletic 1987 Division Three

Wycombe Wanderers

Longest without playing: Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Liverpool 2001 FA Cup

🔘 LEAGUE TWO

Accrington Stanley

Longest without playing: Watford 0-0 Accrington Stanley 2006 League Cup (Accrington Stanley lost on penalties)

Barnet

Longest without playing: Barnet 1-4 Southampton 1954 FA Cup

Bristol Rovers

Longest without playing: Bristol Rovers 1-1 Manchester United 1975 Division Two

Cheltenham Town

Longest without playing: Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-1 Cheltenham Town 1987 FA Cup

Chesterfield

Longest without playing: Chesterfield 1-5 Arsenal 1937 FA Cup

Colchester United

Longest without playing: Arsenal 4-0 Colchester United 1959 FA Cup

Crawley Town

Longest without playing: Manchester United 1-0 Crawley Town 2011 FA Cup

Crewe Alexandra

Longest without playing: Woolwich Arsenal 7-0 Crewe Alexandra 1896 Division Two

Exeter City

Longest without playing: Chelsea 2-0 Exeter City 1951 FA Cup

Fleetwood Town

Longest without playing: Fleetwood Town 0-0 York City 2014 League Two Play Off Semi Final Second Leg

Gillingham

Longest without playing: Liverpool 2-0 Gillingham 1914 FA Cup

Grimsby Town

Longest without playing: Everton 0-1 Grimsby Town 1984 League Cup

Newport County

Longest without playing: Newport County 0-3 Birmingham City 1947 Division Two

Northampton Town

Longest without playing: Arsenal 1-1 Northampton Town 1965 Division One

Oldham Athletic

Longest without playing: Aston Villa 1-2 Oldham Athletic 1994 Premier League

Port Vale

Longest without playing: Port Vale 0-1 West Ham United 1991 Division Two

Rochdale

Longest without playing: Arsenal 4-2 Rochdale 1920 FA Cup

Rotherham United

Longest without playing: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Rotherham United 1972 FA Cup

Salford City

Longest without playing: Everton 3-0 Salford City 2020 League Cup

Shrewsbury Town

Longest without playing: Newcastle United 2-1 Shrewsbury Town 1987 Simod Cup

Swindon Town

Longest without playing: Liverpool 2-2 Swindon Town 1993 Premier League

Tranmere Rovers

Longest without playing: Arsenal 0-1 Tranmere Rovers 1973 League Cup

Walsall

Longest without playing: Walsall 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur 1969 FA Cup

York City

Longest without playing: York City 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur 1955 FA Cup

Liverpool talks for Kylian Mbappe have resumed, with the Real Madrid star's future somewhat uncertain.

The Frenchman has been on a mammoth PR campaign ahead of next week's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London – but despite Mbappe's belief that he is deserving of the award, he is yet to win a major trophy at the Bernabeu since his move two years ago.

With Los Blancos in somewhat of a tactical rut and Liverpool having previously opened talks with Mbappe over moving to the Premier League, the Reds have emerged once more as a potential future destination, should the superstar leave Real Madrid.

Liverpool have opened Kylian Mbappe talks, with the star neither 'loved or supported' at Real Madrid

Real Madrid last won the Champions League in 2024 under Carlo Ancelotti, with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo in a front two ahead of Jude Bellingham at No.10 – but the introduction of Mbappe has had an adverse effect on all three and Madrid as a whole.

Vinicius has looked a shadow of himself alongside the French forward, Bellingham has had to play a deeper role, while Rodrygo has dropped out of the side through injuries and form, leading Los Blancos to sign another left-winger in the summer, in Yan Diomande.

According to Spanish journalist Francois Gallardo, something has to give.

“Several Premier League teams are interested in Kylian Mbappe, but the player’s priority is Liverpool,” Gallardo told outlet Defensa Central, adding, “They have already contacted [Mbappe's mother and representative] Fayza Lamari in recent weeks.”

Defensa Central note that, “Real Madrid have no intention of letting go of one of the most important players in their squad, and any negotiation would have to reach extraordinary figures” – though Gallardo says that the fee would reach around €200-250 million.

“He has made the decision to leave the club in the summer of 2027, and Real Madrid is not going to stand in his way,” the Spaniard claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“His next destination is in the Premier League. And if not, prove me wrong.”

Liverpool have been previously linked with Mbappe throughout the course of his career – but given that the Merseysiders are well-stocked with plenty of left-sided attackers, it would be a bold move to sign another.

Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha all favour that side of the pitch – though Mbappe may play up front – with FourFourTwo understanding that the deal could perhaps be a nonstarter for this reason alone.

Mbappe is valued at €200m by Transfermarkt. Liverpool face Manchester City in the first game back after the international break, as Premier League action resumes.

Arsenal are readying a midseason move to improve their attack, after defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion highlighted weaknesses in their squad.

Before leaving for international duty, the Gunners suffered their first defeat of the season at the Amex in emphatic style, losing 3-0 to a Seagulls side who outplayed them

With Arsenal looking to retain the Premier League title and go one further in the Champions League, plenty of pundits have questioned the club's reserves in attack – and it would appear that a new winger is the priority for manager, Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal looking to another forward to improve the squad

Arsenal don't often move for January signings, opting to keep their powder during their last two title races and enjoying bigger summer windows as a result.

But it wouldn't be unheard of for the North Londoners to bring in an attacker to bolster their attacking threat, with Leandro Trossard a standout example in 2023.

According to German outlet Fussball News, Antonio Nusa is on the radar for Arsenal this winter, with the Premier League champions working on formalising an offer.

Nusa enjoyed a breakout World Cup alongside Emirates Stadium captain Martin Odegaard for Norway, and has become one of the most exciting left-wingers in Europe over the last couple of years, having come close to a move to Brentford in January 2024.

The Bees reportedly flagged back and knee issues – with the forward suffering a knee injury that ruled him out for two months shortly after.

But since moving to RB Leipzig, Nusa has managed to put together a consistent run in the Saxony outfit's side, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga's better attackers and courting the attention of top Premier League sides once more.

As a hard-working, intelligent winger who can hug the touchline or cut in to create or score, Nusa is exactly the type of forward that Arteta has made his name working with during his tenure in N5.

The 21-year-old has a contract until 2029, however, and FourFourTwo understands that Die Roten Bullen have no interest in letting one of their best players leave midseason.

Nusa has struck two goals and registered two assists in just four Bundesliga fixtures this term.

The Norwegian is valued at €45 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Leeds United this weekend when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

You've probably seen Josh Pugh's sketches reminiscing about 'The Gaffer' - but you may know know that the comedian has dozens of England caps.

The Coventry City fan has represented his country over 60 times as part of the Three Lions' partially sighted team.

Pugh regularly trains with the rest of the team at St George's Park, with his picture there to be found in the corridor alongside that of men's captain Harry Kane.

Pugh told FourFourTwo: “When I was playing football growing up, I found it increasingly difficult as the pitches got bigger. It was hard seeing the ball, and my sense of distance and light were affected. I dropped out of the game for a bit.

“That changed when I was diagnosed as partially sighted, though I didn’t really know what it meant at the time.

"I met a guy called John McDougall at college playing a casual game of seven-a-side. He had full vision until he was 16 but was experiencing the same issues I’d been through.

"He introduced me to the concept of partially-sighted football, essentially the same as futsal, and with a national team, of which he was the captain. He really championed it, and me, and it went from there.

“The whole experience of travelling with England to competitions, all kitted out, training hard and living in hotels, it was amazing – a lovely escape from real life.

"The hardest bit about going away with England was being too scared to use your mobile phone abroad, because of the tariffs. We weren’t pros or millionaires, just normal lads terrified of how much it would cost to phone home from a foreign country. We’d use the head coach’s phone instead.

"And then you’d step back off the plane after a tournament and have to go back to being a comedian, a DJ or whatever it was we all did for money."

Pugh’s pinnacle was playing, and scoring, in the 2019 IBSA Partially Sighted Futsal World Championship final.

He said: “We were playing Ukraine, who are really good, and I put us ahead early on. I had a feeling all tournament I’d score a big goal, and it was an amazing moment, but it was also the very definition of scoring too early… Ukraine went on to beat us 6-2.”

“It’s mad to think what some players are capable of despite their visual impairment. Could some of them play professionally? It’s the ultimate hypothetical, really.

"There was Hugo Acosta who played for Benfica; Steve Daley, who has a hall named after him at St. George’s Park; Chris Holland, who played for Newcastle and Birmingham before he lost his sight.

"There was also this really special Ukrainian lad who Trabzonspor tried to sign. I don't think they'd understood what the tournament was when they were watching him. I mean, he’s good at futsal, but somebody probably needed to have a word with their head of recruitment…"

Pugh believes there are parallels between his football and comedy careers.

He said: “You have to work hard at both, and be totally invested in them and be honest with yourself about your performances.

"With football, that means training to a high level, consistently, regardless of whatever else is going on in your life. If I’m on tour, I have to plan my training diligently. I can’t just go out for a run, because of my vision, so I have to familiarise myself with hotel treadmills.

“Whether football or comedy, you have to keep exposing yourself to it...play loads of matches, do loads of gigs, make mistakes and learn.”

Is this the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s love affair with Portugal? It certainly appears so after the latest drama in what has undoubtedly been the most earth-shattering international break ever.

For some, including his millions of worshippers, Ronaldo was right to walk out on his country after alleged provocation and broken promises from Jorge Jesus. For others, there was no excuse for his behaviour, especially given his age, and the 41-year-old’s departure long overdue.

As for the most famous sportsman on the planet, he has now revealed his own truth in a remarkable 1,740 word statement. It leaves us with a lot of questions with one being: how different might things have looked if Ronaldo had not left Real Madrid or retired in 2018?

Cristiano Ronaldo was on top of the world in 2018

Of course, that is not to diminish what he has achieved since. Any mere mortal would be beyond thrilled. But Ronaldo has never viewed himself as that, which has been a key component of his all-time career.

Anyway, let’s roll it back eight years to the summer of 2018. Portugal may have suffered yet another early World Cup exit - losing to Uruguay in the Round of 16 - but their star man was still on top of the world.

While his team struggled, Ronaldo did not, scoring a hat-trick against Spain in the opening game of the tournament, rescuing them with a stunning late free kick.

He had also captained his country to their first-ever major trophy two years earlier, part-coaching them in the final after an untimely injury. It saw him fully surpass the likes of Eusebio and Luis Figo and crowned the undisputed king of Portuguese football.

At club level, he was untouchable. Real Madrid had just won their third consecutive European Cup, the first side to do so since Bayern Munich in the mid-1970s.

While Gareth Bale took over in Kyiv, Ronaldo had already hit four in finals over the years, and was the driving force as per for Los Blancos.

His 15 goals - including that bicycle kick against Juventus - saw him take the top scorer award for a record seventh time, and for a ludicrous sixth consecutive season.

Five European Cups had been lifted, and with arguably the two most famous clubs in the world. He was, and is, Mr. Champions League, which has been sometimes forgotten or ignored in recent times.

The individual honours just kept rolling with Ronaldo then the two-time defending Ballon d’Or winner, having won four of his overall five from 2013 to 2017. It was safe to say he had enjoyed a perfect career outside of lifting the World Cup.

With Qatar over four years away, Ronaldo could have called it quits at this point with his status as possibly the best ever to do it already secured. Given what we know about him and his unparalleled drive, that was never a possibility though.

He could have stayed at the Bernabeu, though. A fall out with Florentino Perez over how the president viewed the No. 7 was the primary reason for his exit according to the man himself. What happened next is perhaps the longest goodbye tour since Elton John.

Nothing ever felt quite the same, which is summed up by the fact Ronaldo has not played in a Champions League semi-final since swapping Madrid for Turin in July 2018. That’s not to say it was all bad.

There were 101 goals for Juve, including the most clutch of hat-tricks to turn around a Round of 16 tie with, you guessed it, Atletico Madrid in his first season. Two Scudettos were won, along with a couple of Player of the Year awards and a golden boot. He is the only player to finish as top scorer in Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League.

However, he was brought to Italy to help the team finally get over the hump in Europe after two final losses, one of which saw Ronaldo put two past them in Cardiff. That did not come near to happening with the Old Lady by now an old team. His fee and wages have contributed to their ongoing decline.

That’s not on Ronaldo himself, nor was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking less than three months into his iconic return to Old Trafford that broke the internet on deadline day in August 2021.

He sped up an inevitable process but did give a new generation of fans moments to cherish with 24 goals in his one full comeback season. Ronaldo remains the oldest player to score 15 goals or more in a Premier League campaign.

His toxic final few months at the club, which ended with an embarrassing scorched earth interview with Piers Morgan, gave us an insight into a superhuman struggling with slowing down. It’s where the Homelander comparisons began, and partly mirrors his Portugal exit with Jesus playing Erik ten Hag.

He did still have good times with the national team post-2018 - winning two Nations League titles, scoring a boatload more goals and top scoring EURO 2020. Again though, there were no more semi-finals and several low points.

No Ronaldo discussion can be had without a mention of Lionel Messi, his greatest rival aside from father time. The GOAT debate is over for most but in 2018, it was very much up in the air. The Argentine had won nothing at international level while Barcelona were amid a disastrous run of Champions League humiliations.

A World Cup win, along with a pair of Copa Americas, ended the argument alongside three questionable Ballon d’Ors that moved Messi onto a record eight.

While his old foe turned out one last time for an emotional Argentina farewell appearance in Buenos Aires - against the might of Benin - Ronaldo is out in the cold with his famous number already being passed on to Rafael Leao due to UEFA rules.

He will surely be afforded a goodbye or two of his own at some point. It will be demanded. There is also so much to this story given Ronaldo’s undeniable devotion to Portugal and the fact Jesus and he worked together last season at Al Nassr.

But for now, his career will end in the backwaters of the Saudi Pro League as he continues to chase 1000 career goals. It would be the latest in a near-endless list of remarkable records, notably the most international caps (234), most international goals (146) and most Real Madrid goals (450).

His legacy will not be tainted by this final act in years to come - look at Maradona and Zidane - albeit it already is to many given a dismissed but highly-contentious legal case.

Maybe it could have been different. If he’d stayed with Real. If he’d shockingly retired in 2018. If he’d not left Jorge Mendes in 2023. While he has firmly outlined his own truth, the Shakespearean reality is that what made Ronaldo what he was is ultimately why it’s ending like this.

It's time for a new FourFourTwo Quickfire Quiz to find out whether you can match football trivia chops with speed of thought. 10 questions in 90 seconds. Go!

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

FourFourTwo has many more football quizzes, all courtesy of Kwizly. First, we'll ask you to name every one of the 108 teams competing in the league phase of this season's Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Manchester United have consistently been one of the wealthiest and most successful clubs in England, and powerful in the transfer market to boot. Can you name the 50 most expensive signings ever made by the Red Devils?

We haven't worked out which club has the biggest gap between the top few transfer fees they've paid out and the rest, but there's a good chance it's United's bitter rivals. Can you name Liverpool's 50 most expensive signings?

Football isn't really about transfers, of course. It's a phenomenon of community and social cohesion and tension, and it's geographically rooted. These are our cathedrals. Tackle our Big Quiz of English Football Grounds to find out how much you know about them.

Lastly for now, this is our biggest ever quiz. We'll take high scores on this one because you're not getting them all and you really shouldn't want to. Can you name every team ever to have played in the league phase, group stage or first round of the Champions League?

We have puzzles too. Our Weekend Crossword is a regular football teaser for your Sunday, and remember to sign up to the newsletter for more quizzes in your inbox. Don't forget to join The Club for free additional membership benefits!

For some footballers, playing in the Premier League is the pinnacle of their ambitions. For others, winning the World Cup is the ultimate dream. So, spare a thought for the select few who have to decide which achievement meant more, the poor sods. This FourFourTwo quiz is about them.

Your task is simple. We want you to think of a player who played in the Premier League and won the World Cup while he was there, and type in his name. Then we want you to do it again and again.

Just 21 Premier League players have won the World Cup while employed in England's top division. You have 10 minutes to name every single one of them.

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

FourFourTwo has a huge supply of football quizzes and they're all courtesy of Kwizly. England's League Cup, or EFL Cup, has been played under many different sponsorship names in its 66-year history. Can you name every League Cup title sponsor ever?

Next, we have a badge quiz with a twist. We've messed with some club and country badges, removed the team names and given them some very unflattering colour updates. All you need to do is tell us whose badges they are.

Finally, we want you to try your hand at some stadium trivia by tackling our Big Quiz of English football grounds. There are questions about their names, stands, histories and teams, and it'll take a true historian of the English game to answer them all correctly.

FourFourTwo's Weekend Crossword 72 features clues on Buccaneers, pirates and Vikings. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for your daily afternoon briefing of football trivia and analysis, and don't forget to join The Club: our free membership portal where you can secret hints and get on the leaderboard.

Watch Lionel Messi make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina as they face Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

FourFourTwo has all the free live stream details and TV channels you need, wherever you are in the world.

Twenty-one years and 51 days ago, Messi made his debut for Argentina against Hungary and was sent off less than a minute later for an elbow — not exactly the debut that hinted at what was to come.

Since that day, he has gone on to make 207 appearances, score 125 goals, provide 68 assists, and win the World Cup once and Copa América twice. The fairytale ending didn't happen this summer, as Argentina were defeated 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final, but he will now get a deserved send-off in front of a home crowd in Argentina.

Benin may not be the dream opponent to finish your career against, but the level of opposition certainly gives Argentina's No. 10 the chance to finish with a goal or two. He has been rested for both previous friendlies during this international break in a bid to prepare him for this game, and it is sure to be a tear-filled, but likely goal-filled, farewell for the greatest to ever do it.

Ranked 93rd in the world, Benin certainly won't be expected to put up much of a fight, and with the Argentine Football Association reportedly booking the Benin team onto commercial flights and putting them up in an under-equipped hotel, according to Romain Molina, they stand even less of a chance.

▶︎ SEE MORE: Argentina are doing everything to guarantee Lionel Messi a perfect send-off even if that means not playing fair

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information on how to watch Argentina vs Benin online, on TV, and from anywhere - including for FREE.

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How to watch Argentina vs Benin in the UK

In the UK can watch Argentina vs Benin will be broadcast on Premier Sports, with live coverage on Premier Sports 2.

How to watch Argentina vs Benin in the US

Argentina vs Benin will be broadcast on ViX in the US.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Argentina 6-0 Benin

Lionel Messi will net a few as Argentina ease to victory over Benin.

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Watch Switzerland vs North Macedonia for free from anywhere in the world as top and bottom meet in Group B1 of the Nations League. Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the live stream details and TV channels wherever you are in the world.

Murat Yakin and Switzerland welcome North Macedonia to the beautiful city of Lucerne with both eyes fixed on ending the international window with four wins from four.

Switzerland have won all three so far, including a 3-0 victory over today's opponents. North Macedonia have lost all three of their games.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information on how to watch Switzerland vs North Macedonia online, on TV, and from anywhere.

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What if you're away from home when Switzerland vs North Macedonia is on, and find access to your usual streaming service geo-blocked? The solution is a VPN, a piece of software that sets your devices to appear to be in any country in the world.

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Can I watch Switzerland vs North Macedonia in the UK?

Unfortunately, Switzerland vs North Macedonia has not been selected for broadcast coverage in the UK.

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Watch Switzerland vs North Macedonia in the US

In the US, Fubo is an official broadcast partner of the UEFA Nations League.

Switzerland vs North Macedonia will be available on Fubo Sports Network for free as well as via the standard Fubo platform if you already have a subscription.

Watch Switzerland vs North Macedonia in Australia

Fans in Australia can watch Switzerland vs North Macedonia live on beIN SPORTS. The game will be shown on beIN SPORTS Connect.

Switzerland vs North Macedonia: Nations League preview

Switzerland's win in Skopje was emphatic. Remo Freuler and Zeki Amdouni both scored in the first half and Amdouni grabbed a second with 15 minutes left on the clock to make sure.

Yakin has harnessed the momentum of what was a largely positive World Cup. His team won one knock-out match in 90 minutes and another on penalties before Argentina overpowered them in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland had to come from behind to beat Slovenia on Saturday but it took them next to no time to do so. Consequently another win in Lucerne would make them overwhelming favourites to clinch promotion to League A.

North Macedonia haven't scored in this Nations League campaign. In fact, they haven't scored in their last seven matches. Their last goal was scored by Rangers striker Bojan Miovski in a 7-1 loss to Wales nearly a year ago.

They're destined for League C, from which they were promoted in the last running of the Nations League having played the inaugural competition in League D.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Switzerland 3-0 North Macedonia

Yakin's boys are flying, so we're predicting a repeat of the recent meeting between these teams.

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Watch Croatia vs Spain for free from anywhere as the world champions aim to continue their seismic unbeaten run, with FourFourTwo bringing you live stream details and TV channels, wherever you are on the planet.

Croatia are back in action after their heavy 7-0 defeat against England on Saturday evening.

And the worst side you could wish to face next would be Spain, with La Roja coming into this game on a 42-game unbeaten run in all competitions, as world champions and with a 100% record in their three Nations League games so far.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information on how to watch Croatia vs Spain online, on TV, and from anywhere - including for FREE.

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Watch Croatia vs Spain in the UK

Prime Video will be broadcasting Croatia vs Spain in the UK with kick-off arriving at 7:45pm BST.

Watch Croatia vs Spain in the US

Fox Sports 1 are broadcasting Croatia vs Spain in the Nations League. The game will kick off at 2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT.

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In Australia, Croatia vs Spain is live on beIN SPORTS. The match will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS 2 and beIN SPORTS CONNECT, with kick-off at 4:45am AEST on Wednesday.

Croatia vs Spain: Nations League preview

Croatia welcome Spain to Split on Tuesday night knowing they need a response after a disastrous few days in the UEFA Nations League.

The hosts were beaten 4-1 by Spain in Seville last Tuesday before suffering an even heavier defeat on Saturday, when England produced a stunning 7-0 victory in Rijeka.

That result leaves Croatia with just three points from their opening three Group A3 matches. They began the campaign positively with a 2-1 victory away to Czechia, but back-to-back defeats against Spain and England have left Slaven Bilić’s side facing a huge challenge if they are to remain in contention for the top two.

Croatia’s team news will therefore be closely watched. Luka Modrić remains the obvious figurehead, but he and Mateo Kovačić looked short of their best against a youthful England midfield.

Spain arrive in considerably better spirits. Luis de la Fuente’s side have won all three of their Nations League matches and sit top of Group A3 with nine points. They opened with a dramatic 3-2 victory over England before producing an emphatic 4-1 win against Croatia.

They followed that up with a 3-1 victory over Czechia on Saturday, despite De la Fuente making nine changes to his starting XI. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring — as he has done in every Nations League game so far — before Rodri scored his first international goal in more than two years. Mikel Merino then completed the scoring late on.

Spain do have some injury concerns, however. Ferran Torres withdrew from the squad with an ankle problem, while Alejandro Grimaldo also left the camp after suffering a thigh injury. Fran García was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Croatia vs Spain: Team News

🇭🇷 Croatia Starting XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Jakic; Vlasic, Kovacic, Matanovic

🇪🇸 Spain Starting XI: Unai Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Dani Olmo, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena

FourFourTwo's prediction

Croatia 0-4 Spain

Croatia's ageing team will be no match for the current best international side. Yamal to score again.

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Watch Scotland vs Slovenia for free from anywhere in the world as Sebastien Pocognoli looks to follow up Scotland's win against North Macedonia. Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the live stream details and TV channels wherever you are in the world.

Tonight's game at Hampden Park has the potential to be the pivotal match in the group. If Scotland have designs on promotion, now's the time to make their case.

With top playing bottom in the other game, Scotland and Slovenia are locked together on four points apiece and have already played each other to a draw.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information on how to watch Scotland vs Slovenia online, on TV, and from anywhere.

How to watch Scotland vs Slovenia for free in the UK

UK viewers can watch Scotland vs Slovenia live and free on BBC Two, with coverage also available on BBC iPlayer.

Those away from the UK can access their free stream with a VPN such as NordVPN.

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Watch Scotland vs Slovenia in the US

In the US, Fox Soccer Plus will broadcast Scotland vs Slovenia with kick-off at 2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT.

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Fans in Australia can watch Scotland vs Slovenia live on beIN SPORTS. The game will be shown on beIN SPORTS 1.

Scotland vs Slovenia: Nations League preview

A goalless draw in Ljubljana at the end of September will start to look like a very useful result if Scotland can back it up with a win in Glasgow, which would put three points between the sides with just two matches remaining.

Getting past North Macedonia was key, and Scotland did just that on Saturday thanks to Kieron Bowie’s goal and the safety net of John McGinn’s penalty. However, Scott McKenna’s red card provided an unwelcome ending.

Slovenia also secured a 2-0 victory when they faced the group’s bottom side. Zan Vipotnik gave them an early lead in Switzerland on Saturday, but an own goal pegged them back almost immediately before Dan Ndoye put the hosts ahead by half-time.

It was Slovenia’s first competitive win in more than a year and a half. Sixteen years on from reaching their highest-ever FIFA World Ranking of 15th, they now sit comfortably outside the top 50 and look set to remain there for the time being.

Scotland, meanwhile, will be hoping to end the year inside the top 40 and with their hopes of climbing to League A in the Nations League still alive. A win against Slovenia would boost their chances of achieving both objectives.

Scotland vs Slovenia: Team News

Scotland (3-5-1-1): Gunn, Binks, Hendry, Welsh, Robertson, Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn, Gannon-Doak, Christie, McBurnie

Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak, Janza, Zec, Bijol, Brekalo, Sturm, Zabukovnik, Gnezda Cerin, Karnicnik, Vipotnik, Matko

FourFourTwo's prediction

Scotland 2-0 Slovenia

FourFourTwo predicts that the Hampden crowd will play their part in a win.

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Watch England vs Czechia for FREE from anywhere as the Three Lions head back to Wembley for their fourth Nations League fixture, with FourFourTwo bringing you all the live stream details and TV channels, wherever you are in the world.

England produced one of their best individual displays in years against Croatia on Saturday, winning 7-0 in a dominant outing.

Now they look to follow that up with another commanding performance against Czechia. Santi Denia's side are yet to pick up a point in their group and haven't won at Wembley in eight attempts.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information on how to watch England vs Czechia online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Watch England vs Czechia for FREE in the UK and Ireland

Viewers in the UK can watch England vs Czechia for free on ITV1 and ITVX. Kick-off is at 7:45pm BST.

In Ireland, you can also stream for Virgin Media Play with live coverage going out on Virgin Media Two.

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How to watch England vs Czechia in the US

Fans in the US can watch England vs Czechia on Fox Sports 2.

How to watch England vs Czechia in Australia

Viewers in Australia can watch England vs Czechia live on beIN SPORTS.

The game will be shown on beIN SPORTS 3 and beIN SPORTS CONNECT, with kick-off at 2:00am AEST on Sunday.

See also ► Should I use a VPN to watch football in 2026/27

England vs Czechia: Nations League Preview

England return to Wembley tonight looking to build on their extraordinary 7-0 victory over Croatia, as Czechia provide the opposition in another crucial Nations League Group A3 encounter.

Thomas Tuchel’s side produced a record-breaking performance in Rijeka on Saturday, sweeping Croatia aside with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scoring twice, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also found the net. The result provided a major statement after the 2-3 defeat to Spain and leaves them firmly in the race at the top of the group.

England will, however, have to contend with some changes to their squad. Alex Scott and Ezri Konsa have both been ruled out of tonight’s game, while Nico O’Reilly has also returned to Manchester City after missing the previous meeting with Czechia. Rico Lewis has subsequently been added to the squad.

The Three Lions will take confidence from their most recent meeting with Czechia, having secured a 2-0 victory in Prague last Tuesday. Gordon opened the scoring shortly after half-time before captain Kane doubled the advantage in the 69th minute. England were helped by Czechia playing with ten men following Pavel Šulc’s first-half dismissal.

England vs Czechia: Team News

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England XI: Pickford, Alexander Arnold, Bellingham, Anderson, Eze, Guehi, Hall, Lewis Skelly, Quansah, Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane

🇨🇿 Czechia XI: Hornicek, Ambros, Coufal, Hranac, Kral, Lingr, Naderi, Sadilek, Slama, Vitik, Sulc

Squads

England

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Czechia

Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek (Newcastle United), Antonin Kinsky (Tottenham Hotspur), Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven).

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Robin Hranac (both Hoffenheim), Stepan Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejci (Wolves), Ondrej Kricfalusi (Union Saint-Gilloise), Michal Sacak, Ondrej Zmrzly (both Gornik Zabrze), Jiri Slama (Jablonec), Martin Vitik (Bologna).

Midfielders: Lukas Ambros (Anderlecht), Pavel Bucha (FC Cincinnati), Lukas Cerv ( Viktoria Plzen), Adam Karabec, Roman Macek (both Sparta Prague), Alex Kral (FC Copenhagen), Ondrej Lingr (Korona Kielce), Michal Sadiilek (Slavia Prague), Matej Radosta (Teplice), Martin Subert (Mlada Boleslav).

Forwards: Adam Hlozek (Hoffenheim), Vaclav Sejk (Sigma Olomouc), Pavel Sulc (Lyon).

FourFourTwo's prediction

England 4-0 Czechia

The Three Lions should get another win under their belts at Wembley after a superb display in Croatia. We think Bellingham will get a hat-trick here.

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Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik has been handed a two-match suspension and a £10,000 fine for misconduct after becoming embroiled in a physical altercation with a Portsmouth supporter last month.

The ugly scenes unfolded during Cardiff City’s Championship fixture against Portsmouth on Saturday, September 5.

The match had to be abruptly halted following an extraordinary touchline confrontation between the Polish international and a member of the crowd.

Bielik banned for TWO matches after throttling supporter

As the ball went out of play, at around the 71st minute mark Bielik rushed over to the advertising hoardings to retrieve it and quickly restart the game.

However, a Portsmouth supporter sitting in the front row deliberately threw the ball away to waste time. Bielik reacted by leaning over the advertising hoarding and appeared to grab the fan by the throat.

The supporter slapped the Cardiff defender in the face in retaliation before stewards, teammates, and match officials intervened.

Following a thorough review of the video evidence, the Football Association has taken decisive action against 28-year-old Bielik. The FA have confirmed the player's punishment in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon.

Bielik is formally charged with misconduct after it was alleged that he 'acted in an improper manner'. Bielik has subsequently admitted the charge.

The FA confirmed that an independent regulatory commission was responsible for imposing the sanctions following a hearing.

The player must now serve a two-match ban across all competitions and pay a fine totalling £10,000. Written reasons will be published in due course, as standard.

25 years ago to the day, David Beckham changed the world with just one swing of the right leg.

That's right: it was today in 2001 that Beckham sent England to the World Cup with one of the greatest performances of all time against Greece – culminating in that iconic free-kick – and Adidas have brought back those beautiful boots to celebrate.

Who says nothing ever happens over international break!?

A third-generation signature Predator boot, co-designed with Beckham, this drop celebrates the original Precision model that the then-Three Lions captain took to the Old Trafford pitch wearing in October 2001.

Becks always opted for the coloured options back then – with this white/light grey boot becoming a staple for future Preds.

“The boot draws inspiration from the colourway worn on that day, with clean white and red execution that blends football heritage with elevated craftsmanship,” Adidas tell us now.

There's a return for that classic Trefoil logo, too: no, the originals didn't feature the moniker but with these boots looking into the past, Adi have re-imagined the Precision boots for a second version of the boots – The Predator Precision Remade – that, somehow, feels even more retro. Yep, we're spoiled.

“A defining feature of the design is the inclusion of the Trefoil logo, appearing for only the second time in Predator history,” they say.

“Having first featured on Beckham’s debut special edition Predator release in 2024, which sold out within 24 hours, the Trefoil has quickly become synonymous with David Beckham Predator models, creating a distinctive bridge between adidas Originals heritage and one of football's most iconic boot franchises.”

As you can imagine, the boots are absolutely stunning, with very few differences from the ones that Goldenballs strutted about in during his pomp.

There are subtle touches, like the word ‘Beckham’ sewed into the tongue, and a No.7 emblazoned on the heel of the boot, just as the man himself used to customise his boots with.

The Remade pairs, meanwhile, have the classic Beckham Adidas logo on the heel instead, with the Trefoil appearing in the three stripes: they're classic, but with all the new technology you'd expect.

“Inspired by Adidas' latest Predator Elite FT L-Tech concept, pairing traditional leather craftsmanship with modern performance innovation, the boot features a premium leather forefoot that delivers the soft touch and comfort synonymous with the game's most beloved leather boots, while retaining the lightweight support and performance technologies of the modern Predator,” the German manufacturer tells us now.

“Few moments in football history capture the spirit of Predator quite like David Beckham's free kick against Greece,” says Sam Handy, General Manager of Adidas Football. “It showcased the precision, confidence and control that have defined both Beckham's legacy and the Predator franchise for more than three decades.

“With this special edition release, we wanted to honour that moment through a design that combines authentic football heritage, premium craftsmanship and modern performance innovation."

Yep, that's right: special edition. These are limited, so be fast or be last…

Tottenham Hotspur's relationship with a big-money star has broken down completely, with the player potentially never playing for the club ever again.

The Lilywhites have finished 17th in the last two seasons, and despite heavy investment over the summer, it seems as though they could be candidates for the drop once more, with manager Roberto De Zerbi overseeing an underperforming squad.

Tottenham are currently bottom of the Premier League after five matches, without a win on the board and with only two goals scored.

Tottenham Hotspur reach breaking point with star

Now, one striker has reached the point where his relationship is “completely broken” with his employers.

That's according to influencer Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go podcast, who describes the standoff as a “crazy situation”.

“De Zerbi wasn’t lying and isn’t lying when he said that at the beginning of the new season [he] went to Richarlison [and] told him ‘let’s discuss a new contract, I want you here,’” Romano explained.

“Richarlison wanted to go and then in the final days of the window, Tottenham were not happy [that] Richarlison was not taking the opportunity to go back to Everton: Tottenham in that case were going to sign Iliman Ndiaye, so the two deals were linked, Ndiaye to Tottenham and at that point Richarlison to Everton.”

Ultimately, Manchester City signed Ndiaye, while Richarlison agreed terms with Trabzonspor – who Spurs rejected an offer late in the window.

“My expectation is absolutely for the parties to part ways as soon as possible, so it could be already in the next months,” Romano continued, adding, “I think around January we will see Richarlison leaving Tottenham: the intention of Tottenham is not to integrate Richarlison as part of their project.

Spurs signed Richarlison back in 2022 after pipping Arsenal to the Champions League, spending a whopping £60 million on the Brazilian – but after netting 10 times to save Everton from relegation in 2021/22, Richarlison scored just once in the league for his new club and was branded “selfish” by manager Antonio Conte.

The 29-year-old has managed to register double digits in two of his four Premier League seasons since, but Brazil omitted him from the World Cup 2026 squad over the summer in a huge blow, perhaps reflecting his diminishing reputation.

Richarlison is valued at €25m by Transfermarkt. Spurs face Manchester United in the first game back after the international break, as Premier League action resumes.

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (6-7 October) has officially launched, delivering the first major price cuts on EA Sports FC 27 since its autumn release.

Football fans can save up to 20% on standalone physical copies across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, along with huge savings on bundles and wireless controller packages.

Here, we've compiled what we think are two of the best deals for all the gamers out there.

1. EA Sports FC 27 Standard Edition (PS5 & Xbox Series X)

Current Price: £58.50 (Was £69.99)

Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

The standard edition of EA Sports FC 27 has dropped below £60 on Amazon.

Key Features: Full HyperMotionV animation updates, refreshed Ultimate Team chemistry options, updated 2026/27 squads and kits.

Why it's a great deal: Shaving £10 off a brand-new release just weeks after launch makes this the single best physical game deal of Prime Day.

2. EA Sports FC 27 Standard Edition (Nintendo Switch)

Current Price: £50.49 (Was £59.99)

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2

Get EA Sports FC 27 on Nintendo Switch 2 here.

Key Features: Full Frostbite Engine gameplay, portable PlayStyles+, local handheld multiplayer.

Why it's a great deal: £10 off the handheld version of the game offers great value for gamers who prefer playing on the move.

Which EAFC 27 Deal Should You Buy?

For existing console owners, the Standard Edition for PS5 or Xbox Series X at £58.50 is the easy standout choice for immediate value.

FIFA has been drawn into fresh controversy following revelations that the governing body allegedly permitted the Democratic Republic of Congo to compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite internal findings that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible during qualifying.

According to an investigation by the New York Times, internal FIFA reviews established that DR Congo breached eligibility rules regarding Mpasi, a former France youth international.

The dispute originated when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal appeal after losing their continental play-off against DR Congo. Nigerian officials argued that the Congolese federation failed to complete the mandatory FIFA paperwork required to formally process Mpasi’s international switch of allegiance.

England's World Cup match versus DR Congo might never have taken place

Documents obtained during the investigation allege FIFA officials verified that Mpasi lacked the necessary administrative clearance when playing in the qualifiers. However, FIFA dismissed Nigeria's claim and chose not to issue sanctions or overturn the match results.

The decision enabled DR Congo, whose squad included Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, to advance to the intercontinental play-off. There, they beat Jamaica to secure their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

During the tournament in North America, Mpasi remained DR Congo's starting goalkeeper while Wissa spearheaded the attack. The Leopards successfully navigated Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan before being eliminated by England in the Round of 32.

The revelation that FIFA supposedly allowed DR Congo to participate despite acknowledging the eligibility breach will no doubt spark anger in Nigeria, where officials believe the national team was unfairly denied a place at the tournament.

Standard FIFA practice stipulates that fielding an ineligible player in an official match results in an automatic forfeit.

Previous precedents, such as Bolivia losing points during 2018 World Cup qualification for fielding an ineligible player, have added to the scrutiny surrounding FIFA's handling of the case. In an official statement responding to the New York Times, FIFA maintained that its judicial processes were followed correctly and denied any executive influence.

"FIFA's committees are autonomous and decide cases on the basis of the regulations in force and the specific facts under consideration," the statement read, adding that FIFA President Gianni Infantino was not involved in the proceedings.

Furthermore, a FIFA spokesperson commented: “FIFA can confirm that there were no eligibility issues for DR Congo’s matches against Jamaica and at the subsequent FIFA World Cup 2026.

"As outlined, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee dealt with a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation, which was ruled inadmissible."

Chelsea are rekindling their interest in Rayan Cherki, following Manchester City being charged by the Premier League for breaching financial rules.

Cherki has enjoyed a positive couple of weeks of international duty with new France national team manager Zinedine Zidane to distract him from his employers being found guilty for over 100 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

But with the Frenchman one of several Sky Blues who may well be of interest to rivals, Chelsea are starting to consider making a move, according to one report, as Manchester City prepare for an uncertain future.

Rayan Cherki of interest to Chelsea once more, as talks re-surface

Cherki has been one of City's standout performers in the early days of the Enzo Maresca era, with a call-up to the French squad seeing the 23-year-old deployed in a deeper role than he currently occupies at the Etihad Stadium.

According to Fichajes, this is the position that Blues boss Xabi Alonso envisions for the star, with Chelsea previously interested in bringing Cherki to West London during his time at Lyon.

“The deal fell through because the French club's management demanded the inclusion of Andrey Santos in the agreement, but the current situation at Stamford Bridge has reignited their interest,” the Spanish outlet explains.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool are said to be “monitoring the player's contract situation”, too, with his deal expiring in 2030.

Cherki became the youngest-ever scorer for home club Lyon in January 2020, at the age of 16 years and 140 days, but resisted temptation to move until the age of 21: now, FourFourTwo understands that the Olympic silver medalist is valued at over £80 million, with City originally spending less than half of that in 2025.

The French international could be one of a plethora of stars up for sale, should City be forcibly expelled from the Premier League, though there is no indication that the six-time Premier League winners are considering sales at this stage.

City have lodged an appeal over their charges, contesting what they refer to in a statement as an “opinion” issued by the independent commission that found them guilty of financial breaches.

“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case,” City say.

Cherki is valued at €90m by Transfermarkt. The Citizens face Liverpool in the first game back after the international break, as Premier League action resumes.

At 19, Josh King is the latest English kid on the block to be blooded at Craven Cottage and has already become the West London club’s talisman in a side that is sparse in quality. While it is early days, there is strong reason to believe King can break the chain.

The teenager became a first-team regular under the stewardship of Marco Silva last season, starting around half of his 32 Premier League appearances and at 18, there was a growing expectation that he could become something special.

That talent has not gone unnoticed under new boss Álvaro Arbeloa, with the academy graduate starting every one of the Cottagers’ league games, while he has been the West London club’s most threatening player with two goals, regularly opening up opposition defences with his intelligent attacking play.

Given that King is English, the hype around him is only going to accelerate, and before you know it, he will be linked with the biggest clubs in the country and possibly Europe. While a move to a Premier League giant will appeal and will ultimately be the ambition, King needs only take a look at the Fulham production line to know a premature move could bring it all crashing down.

Eight years ago, Harvey Elliott, aged 15 years and 174 days, made his senior debut for the Cottagers against Millwall in the third round of the Carabao Cup, becoming the club’s youngest-ever first-team player and the youngest player to ever appear in the competition.

Understandably, there was significant buzz around the attacking midfielder in West London, but after making just three senior appearances for the Whites, Liverpool seized their opportunity by signing the 16-year-old, who had not yet even turned professional.

Elliott’s early career took a different path to King’s as he benefited from a loan spell with Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he flourished with 18 goal contributions before eventually becoming a squad player for the Reds. Jürgen Klopp was clearly an admirer, but trying to budge Liverpool’s world-class attacking talent was a mountainous task for the midfielder, who largely featured as a rotation player.

After winning the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2025, Elliott was named Player of the Tournament, suggesting he just needed the right club to reach his potential, but a nightmare stint with Aston Villa plummeted his reputation. Now on loan with struggling Valencia, the 23-year-old is enduring the worst period of his career, and he is hard-pressed to turn it around.

Indeed, there are other examples. Patrick Roberts dazzled for Fulham in the Championship before securing a dream move to Manchester City in 2015. However, he experienced loan after loan across Europe before reviving his career in League One with Sunderland. Now at Birmingham City in the second tier, it is fair to say he hasn’t lived up to his promise.

Then there is Ryan Sessegnon, who also tore apart the Championship in his teenage years before becoming a Premier League regular for the Cottagers. He was just 19 when he signed for Tottenham in 2019 and was barely given a sniff before eventually returning to the West London club in 2024. The left-back is still only 26 but is playing second fiddle to Antonee Robinson, not how he would have envisaged his career going.

Of course, King is of a different ilk with a different story, and he has arguably made more of a mark on the Fulham first team than any of the aforementioned players in the top flight. After Harry Wilson’s departure in the summer, there was genuine concern about who could be the club’s creative outlet, the player to get fans out of their seats, and King is that man.

If anything, the Cottagers would be wise to build a squad around the England under-21 international and hand him a bumper deal, even though he signed fresh terms in 2025. That would give him the chance to develop into the top attacking midfielder he was born to be and etch his name into Fulham history.

Worryingly for Arbeloa’s side, they already look like prime relegation candidates, and while performances have improved against Liverpool and Manchester United, there is a distinct lack of cutting edge in the final third. Relegation would not only be a dampener for the Cottagers, but it would also likely end King’s affiliation with his boyhood club, as he is far too good for the Championship.

If anyone can keep Fulham up, then it is King. Supporters will hope and pray that he has studied those that came before him, and mount his reign in West London before he inevitably moves on to bigger kingdoms.

Thomas Hitzlsperger does not want to lose sight of the progress that has been made in battling homophobia in football over the past few decades - but believes there is only so much the game can do while wider societal issues persist.

The former Aston Villa, Stuttgart and Germany midfielder came out as gay in 2014, just a few months after announcing his retirement from the game.

But Hitzlsperger says that far from it just being an issue within the game, ongoing hateful attitudes in some quarters will be on the minds of many footballers when deciding whether or not to make a similar announcement.

"In terms of homophobia, society is the biggest challenge. The world has become a tougher place and, in relation to discrimination, it’s quite sad. Racism, like homophobia, is also a big issue in society and of course football.

"Sometimes people will ask 'Why can’t we just watch football?' I get that, but we have a responsibility to speak out on societal issues, because the game is so influential.

"In terms of tackling homophobia, there have been great initiatives – clubs and federations have all participated.

"Unfortunately, in this debate people often say there’s no development, because hardly any [men's] player has come out. I’d disagree in the sense that the game has got involved in initiatives, such as rainbow armbands. During a week midway through the 2024-25 Premier League season, 19 of 20 captains wore them, which was the vast majority.

"There’s sometimes this media obsession on focusing on a couple who step out of line and cause friction, but I’d argue we’ve come a long way by seeing so many high-profile Premier League players wearing the armbands.

"That’s massive and we should really talk about that and the progress we’ve made, rather than always getting obsessed with the few who disagree with diversity and live a different life to what is mainstream.

"I’d like us to focus on telling more positive stories, rather than focusing on the negative ones. I know a lot of people who take the issue of homophobia in football very seriously and they’re constantly trying to make football a more inclusive environment.

"However, we also have to admit that the game is purely about money. There have been a number of initiatives that had been built up over the years that have since been reduced - and equality, diversity and inclusion isn’t so popular any more because various people think it’s become too much.

"I’ve met so many people within football who are still passionate about being in an inclusive environment, which is great, but that isn’t in the news every day.

"The primary reason we’re there is to play football and enjoy the game, but alongside it there are so many opportunities to really engage with people from all backgrounds and assure them that football is there for them, too.

"However, the reality is that there are very few openly gay male footballers. It’s rooted in toxic masculinity, but life is toxic and that’s the sad thing.

"We talk about players not wanting to come out during their playing days because the environment might be toxic but after their playing career has finished, some players don’t come out either, because they’re scared of society."

It's football's greatest individual rivalry of the modern era. Lionel Messi will look back on an incredible career as one of the greatest footballers there's ever been, while Cristiano Ronaldo has been a performance machine for more than two decades. This FourFourTwo quiz simply asks: Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi might have the edge when it comes to the World Cup and Ballon d'Or, but there are plenty of records and achievements that have been a close-run thing over the years. Ronaldo, presumably, takes great pride in the ones where he's come out on top.

There are 10 questions in this very straightforward multiple choice quiz. All you need to do is pick Messi or Ronaldo. There's no time limit, so don't rush it. There might be a few surprises.

Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love

FourFourTwo has a big vault of football quizzes and they're all courtesy of Kwizly. First, we've got a crossover between international football and a league where Ronaldo played but Messi didn't. Can you name every player with 100+ international caps to have also played in the Premier League?

Supporter culture expertise is required for this next quiz, which asks which clubs were served by these fanzines. More about the playing side? Here's one about the nationalities of 20 players in the Premier League.

The rich global tapestry of football has a great many benefits, of course, and one of the most trivial but enjoyable is the weird and wonderful club names that have popped up around the world. Can you tell us which countries these brilliantly named football clubs are from?

FourFourTwo's Weekend Crossword 72 features clues on Buccaneers, pirates and Vikings. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for your daily afternoon briefing of football trivia and analysis, and don't forget to join The Club: our free membership portal where you can secret hints and get on the leaderboard.