Maresca and Guardiola again gamers over schedule, WSL and extra: soccer information – reside

Look away, Toffees and Saints … however wait, they’ve escaped from such peril earlier than. What an effort from Palace in 2017-18 by the best way.

One for the Fantasy Premier League fanatics on the market:

John Brewin’s been having some Soccer Every day enjoyable:

Kyle revealed to his studio posse, together with Manchester Metropolis legend Michael Brown, that Pep Guardiola had taken him apart. “The 2 folks I’d like to actually know,” rasped Pep, “is Neil Warnock and Sam Allardyce.”

“It was Durán in a nutshell: an unerring world-class, first-time end served with a dollop of chaos.”

Ben Fisher writes concerning the promise of Jhon Durán.

With regards to participant workloads … some information on Fifa’s 32-team Membership World Cup.

“The enterprise will be with out managers, will be with out sporting administrators, will be with out media, will be with out homeowners however with out the gamers, can’t be performed.”

Will has extra on Pep Guardiola’s feedback at present:

The primary WSL kick-off sees Aston Villa go to Chelsea, beginning at 7pm. Extra on either side proper right here:

One other plug right here for Suzanne Wrack’s sit up for the WSL, which will get underway tonight.

The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw famously mentioned: “Progress is inconceivable with out change, and those that can’t change their minds can’t change something.” In a season underpinned by large change, with the possession of the WSL and Championship transferring out of the arms of the Soccer Affiliation and to Ladies’s Skilled Leagues Restricted (WPLL), being open-minded is vital, however so is being analytical and, the place mandatory, crucial.

“Andy is correct and unsuitable, a standing usually reserved for referees, line judges, VAR….” writes Jeremy Boyce.

“Sure, the large golf equipment have huge squads, however all managers/coaches have their ‘finest 11’ at the back of their thoughts, and wish to play a robust hand as typically as doable. Particularly if you’re trophy hunters like Man Metropolis, or aspiring ones like Arsenal and Chelsea. So the core of your crew will typically stay the identical with the perimeter gamers being those to step up or step down because the case could also be. So Rodri, particularly, has a very good level, as would possibly Declan and loads of others.

“The opposite factor to keep in mind is the oft-repeated testimony to the depth and tempo of the trendy sport, requiring gamers to max their efforts more and more often. Rugby has an identical subject, however with added concussions and different harm points particular to that sport. As a passionate footie fan and crew supporter (NastyLeeds, Shrewsbury City, nothing to see right here, transfer alongside please….)

“I truly agree with the gamers, there are too many matches, you may’t watch all of them and anyway, a good variety of them are actual dross regardless of the “finest efforts” of the gamers and the odd 16 – 15 penalty shoot out. Arguably, they carry the entire stage and high quality down, particularly on condition that so many groups are ready to sacrifice the Carabao and so forth. in pursuit of loftier desires.”

Listed here are Enzo Maresca’s feedback from earlier, discussing the problem of participant workloads.

“It’s a bit wealthy for the large golf equipment to complain concerning the schedule: they’ve two gamers for each place of their XI anyway, so why are they complaining concerning the variety of video games?” writes Andy Flintoff (not that one). “In the event that they don’t need their stars to play 60 video games, then solely play them in 30, and play the opposite of their place for the rest – it’s not rocket science. They’ve been hoovering up expertise and constructing the large squads for exactly this cause.”

It’s value making the excellence between golf equipment and the gamers themselves; it’s in all probability value listening when people are speaking concerning the affect of their workloads.

Rangers supervisor Philippe Clement is a contented man. His aspect are again at Ibrox this weekend, having not performed there but this season resulting from delays within the renovation of the Copland Street stand.

To be sincere, it’s a buzz. You’re feeling it within the constructing. I used to be there yesterday as a result of there was one thing industrial there to do and also you get a particular feeling coming again there. I do know it’s the identical with all of the gamers. I really feel it already this week within the coaching. It offers one thing additional and I feel it would with all of the followers additionally. It’s like coming house after a extremely very long time. It felt like we haven’t been there for 10 years or one thing. It’s not that lengthy however we’ve got that feeling so we’re actually completely satisfied that we will be again there.

I take pleasure in Ange Postecoglou’s view of the world. Right here he’s defending his new signing Dominic Solanke, whereas recognising he shouldn’t truly need to. Solanke has performed three video games for Spurs and remains to be ready for his first purpose. Postecoglou admits the membership had a watch on Ivan Toney in the summertime however says Solanke was the popular selection. Quotes courtesy of PA.

We did have a look at him [Toney] however I’ve mentioned, Dom was the one I wished and it took just about the entire summer season to get him in as a result of he was the one who fitted the profile of what we had been in search of on the time.

Individuals are simply so fast to guage, mate. It’s a small pattern. The man has performed lower than two video games for us. If he has gone 15 video games with no purpose then I can reply that query or 15 video games the place he hasn’t contributed, however I simply assume take a breath. Do a little bit of yoga. Take into consideration the world for a second and make an evaluation after that.

We don’t need to rush to make judgement on a regular basis as a result of the choice is he might have gotten off to a fantastic begin, he’s match, scored in all 4 video games, is flying after which he goes via a patch like all strikers the place he doesn’t rating.

What I have a look at is he has are available in, fitted very well and fairly logically has picked up an harm that has disrupted the best way he wished to begin his profession, however he’s nonetheless acquired loads of time for that.

Again to the chat about favorite stadium walks – right here’s Tom Gould:

The fantastic thing about being a Liverpool supporter is the construct as much as a house sport. Strolling via town centre, passing the hordes of Norwegians. Their arms laden with baggage full of memorabilia bought from the membership store in Williamson Sq. and drained after strolling round aimlessly since arriving on the 8:30am flight from Oslo.

Being accosted by a number of burley Irishmen asking “Scuse me, d’ya know easy methods to get to Anfield?” Then watching as they alight from the bus and make their method into the bottom, persevering with the journey house remembering again within the day when you would truly get a ticket!

Not a soccer stroll, however I used to be at Sophia Gardens to cowl England’s T20I in opposition to Australia final Friday. That was actually pretty, making my method via Cardiff metropolis centre earlier than strolling alongside the River Taff, via the park and into the bottom, underneath the late-summer solar. Would suggest.

Fulham have launched an announcement relating to the BBC’s investigation into the previous membership proprietor Mohamed Al Fayed, who has been accused of rape and sexual assault by a number of ladies.

We’re deeply troubled and anxious to study of the disturbing reviews following yesterday’s documentary. We now have honest empathy for the ladies who’ve shared their experiences. We’re within the course of of building whether or not anybody on the Membership is, or has been, affected. Ought to any particular person want to share info or experiences relating to those allegations, we encourage them to contact the Membership, at safeguarding@fulhamfc.com, or the police.

John Brewin has run via the important thing factors from week one in all Greater Cup:

Marc Skinner has been speaking about his new-look Manchester United aspect earlier than their WSL season opener in opposition to West Ham. They’ve misplaced Mary Earps to PSG, and membership captain Katie Zelem joined Angel Metropolis.

Regardless of profitable the FA Cup final yr, United dropped to fifth within the WSL having completed runners-up the earlier season. Quotes courtesy of PA.

In pre-season I’ve seen a recent dedication, an vitality, adaptable ability, extra physicality. I feel within the massive video games we lacked a little bit of physicality that the opposite groups had and at occasions we’d get overran and we needed to defend successfully in last-ditch stuff.

If you usher in new gamers it re-energises the group so I really feel you’ve gotten that psychological vitality. General, we really feel like we’re collectively once more prefer it was in my first season and the second season. It looks like we’re all pushing in the identical route. I communicate brazenly about that second season the place we completed second, had an unimaginable season, solely misplaced three video games and typically it will possibly put you in an area the place you don’t wish to be and we had a hangover of that final season whereas nonetheless creating historical past. That’s gone they usually’re recent once more.

Ange Postecoglou offers a number of crew updates for Tottenham earlier than their sport in opposition to Brentford tomorrow. Yves Bissouma needs to be good to function; he missed the north London derby with a groin harm. Richarlison stays injured – “he’s a good method off” – whereas Wilson Odobert will miss out with a hamstring downside.

Chelsea’s supervisor, Enzo Maresca, additionally speaks about potential strike motion from the gamers.

“When it comes to video games, it’s an excessive amount of. I don’t assume we defend gamers. However the one ones that may do one thing are the gamers. As a result of we are able to say what we expect, for me it’s fully unsuitable the quantity of video games that we’ve got, however the one ones that may do one thing are the gamers and we might help them. I feel within the final week, a number of the gamers they’ve tried to elucidate or to say what they assume and I feel it’s a very good place to begin.”

Regardless of these feedback, he doesn’t count on any of his gamers to request to be omitted of a match in the event that they really feel as in the event that they’re enjoying an excessive amount of. “It’s not going to occur,” he mentioned. “Since they had been very younger, they practice they usually work and the dream was to be soccer gamers, they aren’t going to say ‘I don’t wish to play’.” This isn’t going to occur. Can occur, one thing totally different. However all of the gamers they wish to play the video games.”

Right here’s what our very personal Will Unwin grabbed from the Guardiola presser:

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester Metropolis have an “benefit” over Arsenal by not having to journey for his or her opening Champions League match and having an additional day’s relaxation after the Gunners performed Atalanta in Italy on Thursday night time.

“It’s a bonus however I’ll make a listing of the final six years what number of occasions it has occurred to us,” Guardiola mentioned. “I’ve an enormous checklist to indicate you however in fact it is a bonus.” Metropolis had been held to a goalless draw by Inter on Wednesday.

Guardiola added that if something is to alter with the hectic schedule, it must come from the gamers after Rodri urged they’re opening to happening strike to protest in opposition to the variety of matches.

“If one thing goes to alter, it should come from the gamers,” Guardiola mentioned. “They’re the one ones who can change one thing. The enterprise will be with out managers, sporting administrators, media, homeowners however with out gamers you can’t play. They alone have the facility to do it.”

Hey, all. Pep Guardiola’s about to talk to the press – let’s hear what he’s acquired for us forward of the large one: Arsenal on Sunday.

Andoni Iraola says Bournemouth will “a minimum of give it a go” at Anfield and backs Evanilson to interrupt his scoring duck and bounce again from his penalty miss in opposition to Chelsea. “I do know what it’s prefer to miss a penalty. I feel he’ll overlook it and proceed performing properly.”

And with that, I’ll hand you over to Taha Hashim to information you expertly via the afternoon.

Again to the new pre-match stroll speaking level: “There’s just one in contentio,” reckons Gary Jones, “the stroll via Aston Park, previous the Jacobean Mansion of Aston Corridor, simply as Villa Park and the magnificent Holte Finish become visible. Aston Parish church is there to the best and the crowds strolling to the bottom alongside Trinity Street beneath you – completely magical.” I assume we’re obligation sure to shout up the Bishop’s Park riverside ramble to Fulham sooner or later too.

Right here’s one other stereotype defying one – Stoke. Certain, it’s an identikit out of towner in some respects, however the stroll again to the station through the canal, and the oatcake boat, is extremely beneficial.

And a few extra from Eddie Howe’s presser, from Louise Taylor, with the Newcastle supervisor keen to show the main focus away from office politics off the sector and on to his aspect’s vibrant begin on it and their prospects.

“I don’t see how we are able to presently examine ourselves to Manchester Metropolis and Arsenal,” he mentioned. “However the intention is to get there, the intention is to shut the hole; that’s what I’m working in direction of daily, each week.”

It’s been a limp begin to the season for West Ham, underneath new supervisor Julen Lopetegui, and Jacob Steinberg has run his professional eye over a crew but to click on into gear:

There may be religion that all the things will come collectively. Lopetegui has managed on the highest stage and impressed throughout his transient spell at Wolves. For now, although, the vibe is underwhelming. West Ham have invested an excessive amount of to simply accept standing nonetheless.

Premier League: 4 issues to look out for this weekend, and certainly each weekend, with our previous mate Krishna Moorthy:

Just a few issues are sure

1. Man Metropolis is to EPL at present what Actual Madrid is to Huge Cup since without end

2. Sean Dyche shall be praying that his crew doesn’t get a 2-0 lead

3. Chelsea shall be completely satisfied as long as they don’t lose

4. Ten Hag shall be without end anticipating to be proven the door marked do one

Again to stadium walks: “Biased maybe,” says Richard Miah, “however as a Newcastle fan, that journey via town centre to the cathedral on the hill is one thing to behold.

“With out wanting so as to add additional woe to their present scenario, Studying’s must be the worst. A chilly, damp, packed bus trip again via barren land again to town centre after a midweek 0-0 (with Newcastle) was significantly harrowing.”

Yeah I used to be at Studying final Saturday – site visitors, site visitors all over the place, even for only a 12,000 crowd, although I’d suggest the Gray Friar pub. And the centrality of St James’ Park to the lifetime of Newcastle metropolis centre is certainly a factor to cherish. Lengthy reside metropolis centre stadiums.

To issues on the sector at Manchester United, Erik then Hag is hoping the emphatic dismissals of Southampton and Barnsley give his crew one thing to construct on as they head to Crystal Palace tomorrow, reviews PA Media, and significantly a confidence increase for the likes of Marcus Rashford.

“It’s superb, in fact, that your strikers, that they’re beginning to rating when the season could be very younger,” Ten Hag mentioned. “Strikers, they want that perception, and we’ve got now a few gamers who’re, in the mean time, on the scoring checklist. It is extremely good for a crew, as a result of that can strengthen their perception, and they’ll go for extra and they’ll rating extra targets now.”

Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen joined Rashford in scoring twice in opposition to League One Barnsley on an evening when Antony marked his first begin of the season with a purpose from the spot. The 24-year-old winger had solely beforehand appeared off the bench late within the loss at Brighton.

“I feel each participant ought to give these reactions,” Ten Hag mentioned of Antony. “You must practice onerous, it’s a must to carry out in coaching, it’s a must to earn the best to play, and when the second is your likelihood, it’s a must to take it. However, yeah, the supervisor can solely decide 11 gamers, after which could make 5 subs, so be sure you are with these 16 gamers for each sport.

“And also you do it by on a constant foundation carry out in coaching, and, in fact, that’s an important when the possibility is there it’s a must to carry out in a sport. You must contribute to a profitable crew.”

United will examine on Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount earlier than travelling because the pair returned to coaching this week. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof and Leny Yoro additionally stay absent.

Nottingham Forest are in upbeat temper, they usually’re one other membership touting massive stadium growth plans, with discuss from the proprietor, Evangelos Marinakis, of elevating the Metropolis Floor’s capability to 50,000. So long as they keep put – that stroll from the station over the Trent is among the nice pre-match walks. What are your fave stadium approaches?

Gary O’Neil speaks, as he seeks to engineer a reversal in Wolves’ poor early season type after they face Villa. First, on the harm scenario, he says he must examine on the health of Toti and Rayan Ait-Nouri later at present in coaching, however has no different new issues. There are, he provides, “a number of drained our bodies off the again of a excessive depth sport on Wednesday [in the loss to Brighton in the League Cup].

Of the crew’s outcomes, he provides: “There’s a number of frustration within the constructing in the mean time as a result of, in fact the fixtures are tough, however we’ve proven we’ve acquired adequate gamers and we’ve given ourselves alternatives in all the video games to take outcomes however little bits and items in them are actually costing us. No feeling sorry for themselves only a frustraiton about discovering a strategy to do higher.

“We’ve conceded heaps from exterior the field and actually low shot values on the minute however that gained’t proceed if we hold enjoying the best way we’re however we’ve got to take care of conditions higher within the one v ones and when groups are 30 yards from purpose. Groups will not be ripping us open other than the Chelsa sport once we misplaced our method.”

Man Utd enlist architects to develop Outdated Trafford masterplan

Alisson a significant doubt for Liverpool with muscle downside

Thanks Dave. So, we could discuss Manchester Metropolis v Arsenal or about crisps? … Thought so, crisps it’s. And time to place a phrase in for Seabrooks (I’m one thing of a non secular northerner – if an precise southerner – on these issues), and the Irishman in me calls for a shout out for Taytos.

Proper with that tip of the hat to my future industrial companions achieved, again with soccer: we’ve not heard from Southampton but so right here’s some nuggets from Russell Martin, through PA Media, as Russell Martin admitted Southampton are nonetheless looking for their rhythm within the Premier League, languishing second from backside at this level going into their match in opposition to fellow promotees Ipswich.

He mentioned: “I’m satisfied we are going to get higher and hold bettering, and the extra time the gamers have on the pitch collectively, on the coaching pitch collectively, the higher they’ll grow to be as a result of that’s the proof we’ve got after 5 years of being a administration crew as properly.

“I feel it was the case final season, which was an even bigger change. We had been attempting to implement one thing completely totally different to the gamers. Now a number of them perceive it however then we nonetheless have a number of new guys who’ve are available in. Then additionally us adapting to the Premier League and that’s been attention-grabbing for us to study. Sure bits that basically had been efficient within the Championship, possibly much less so within the Premier League in opposition to sure opposition, it’s the stuff we’ve got to tweak and adapt.

“So we’re discovering our rhythm, in addition to the gamers, and I’m loving that a part of the method. I feel the gamers are having fun with enjoying round with stuff on the coaching pitch and dealing stuff out for themselves as properly, so that they’re an enormous a part of that.

“We are going to continue to learn, we are going to hold adapting however while remaining us. I mentioned that to the gamers on Tuesday [after the win over Everton in the Carabao Cup]. I used to be actually grateful for that efficiency and actually happy with them. Additionally the resilience they confirmed with the penalties, conceding the purpose, getting back from that and that was essentially the most pleasing factor.”

Time for me to eat some Salt & Vinegar crisps and hand you over to Tom Davies. Get pleasure from.

And the way about one other Opta truth forward of Sunday’s showdown between Manchester Metropolis and Arsenal.

Arsenal haven’t trailed in any of their final 11 away league video games and will grow to be the primary aspect in Premier League historical past to go 12 successive matches on the highway with out falling behind in any (Aston Villa – additionally 11 between March and November 1998). Arsenal stored a clear sheet in each Premier League conferences with Man Metropolis final season, having conceded a minimum of as soon as of their final 16 in opposition to the Residents beforehand (40 targets in whole).

As famous within the preamble, either side go into the match on the again of 0-0 attracts within the Champions League. I imply, If you wish to go and stroll the canine on late Sunday afternoon (4.30pm kick-off), don’t really feel too involved about lacking a lot.

Kind of a enjoyable truth. However kinda not should you’re an Everton fan.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in 14 Premier League defeats for Everton, together with in his final two video games in opposition to Bournemouth and Aston Villa. That’s essentially the most video games scored in and misplaced for the Toffees within the competitors, one forward of Duncan Ferguson who misplaced 13 occasions when scoring for Everton.

Soccer questions on Erling Haaland, the WSL, Forest profitable at Anfield and Italia ‘90 on this week’s Sports activities Quiz. Absolutely you may beat my modest 9 out of 15.

Extra from Eddie Howe now. The Newcastle boss has been speaking about his aspect’s promising begin to the season which has yielded 10 factors out of 12 regardless of the Magpies not all the time producing their finest soccer.

Howe mentioned: “There can all the time be an over-reaction to each methods at this stage of the season. Should you begin poorly, there will be an over-reaction, and should you begin properly, there can presumably be an over-reaction too. For us, it’s about simply staying very calm and attempting to win each sport we play. The subsequent sport is all the time the main focus.”

That subsequent sport is away at Fulham and with Manchester Metropolis internet hosting Arsenal on Sunday, Newcastle followers might be singing ditties about being high of the league on the journey house from London if their crew take all three factors.

“It might be good for us (going high). It’s a fantastic motivation for us this weekend. After all, it means nothing as a result of it’s so early, however that’s the place we wish to be,” mentioned Howe.

Requested how far-off his crew is from Metropolis and Arsenal, he added: “I don’t see how we are able to examine ourselves to them presently. However the intention is to get there, the intention is to shut the hole daily, each week. That’s what we’re working in direction of. That must be our intention, our longer-term intention and short-term intention, and that’s what I’m attempting to work in direction of.”

Brighton are one in all simply 5 unbeaten groups within the Premier League after 4 rounds of matches and new boss Fabian Hurzeler is eager to emphasize that he has energy in depth when it comes to goalscoring.

Joao Pedro’s absence appeared to be felt throughout final week’s 0-0 draw with Ipswich however Hurzeler says there are many others who can stick the ball within the internet. And it’s for that cause why he gained’t rush the Brazilian again after the striker was injured on worldwide obligation.

Forward of the the house sport with Nottingham Forest, one other of the ‘unbeaten after 4 matches’ membership, Hurzeler mentioned of Pedro: “He’ll practice at present with the crew after which we’ve got to see the way it’s going: if he can practice totally, if he can do all of the actions. After all we gained’t take any dangers however he shall be a part of the coaching at present.

“It might be simple as a coach to say we miss Joao Pedro and if Joao Pedro would have performed in opposition to Ipswich we’d have gained however it’s not my method of working or my philosophy. It’s crucial that not solely we all know but additionally the opponent is aware of that we’ve got a number of gamers with the power to attain, with the power to make the distinction.

“Each crew within the Premier League has this key participant, this participant who makes a distinction, and in our method it’s Joao Pedro. However we additionally produce other nice gamers who could make the distinction. “We now have (Kaoru) Mitoma, he could make the distinction, Simon could make the distinction, (Yankuba) Minteh could make the distinction, Danny Welbeck already scored, we’ve got now Georginio Rutter, we’ve got Evan Ferguson, we’ve got younger gamers within the midfield like Carlos and Yasin (Ayari), all of them have the power to attain.

“We now have to make them rating, we’ve got to assist that they improve their proportion of creating assists, of creating targets, and that’s our job to develop them and to make a crew who isn’t solely mounted on one participant.”

European golf equipment have gotten more and more involved and pissed off with FIFA’s planning for the inaugural 32-team Membership World Cup subsequent summer season.

As first reported by The Athletic, the PA information company understands FIFA president Gianni Infantino is assembly with broadcasters on Friday. To date no rights offers in any a part of the world have been introduced in relation to the match, nor have any sponsors, match or coaching venues been confirmed with lower than 9 months to go till the occasion in the USA is because of begin.

Manchester Metropolis and Chelsea, as winners of the 2023 and 2021 Champions Leagues respectively, are the English representatives. Golf equipment are understood to see the subsequent few weeks as crucial and are demanding to see progress made on the industrial aspect.

There may be deep frustration that regardless of FIFA coming into a three way partnership with the European Membership Affiliation (ECA) on promoting the competitors’s industrial rights, FIFA has thus far acted unilaterally and solely now, with time operating out, is in search of enter from the golf equipment. Golf equipment stay cautiously supportive of the idea however clearly have issues over income, and are understood to have privately sought route over when they need to begin planning for pre-season excursions as an alternative.

(PA Media)

It’s 20 years to the day because the passing of Brian Clough. Right here’s one thing from the archives.

Look, Graham Arnold has flamin’ had sufficient. He’s give up as Australia coach. In his six-year reign, Arnold led the Socceroos to their best-ever end at a World Cup and two quarter-final exits on the Asian Cup.

We’ve reached West Ham in our pre-season WSL previews. Take a learn…

No 11 right here. You possibly can dig out the remainder!

Liverpool boss Arne Slot doesn’t appear to get phased by a lot and that applies to fixture lists too. The house sport in opposition to Bournemouth on Saturday is the Reds’ third of a seven-match sequence in simply 22 days however Slot doesn’t discover it uncommon.

“In Holland we even have Eredivisie, so we (Dutch groups) additionally play video games on the weekend and likewise play Champions League and Europa League so we additionally play within the week. There is just one distinction and that’s the upcoming week once we play the League Cup so till now I’ve not seen something I wasn’t used to at my former membership.

“The Premier League has 4 additional video games in comparison with the Eredivisie and likewise the League Cup, that’s the principle distinction, however from the beginning till now I feel we’ve got performed as many video games as my former membership and hat’s not a problem for me.

“However the principle distinction between the Premier League and each different league in Europe – and also you all know – is we’ve got to play throughout Christmas and new yr. In these moments that’s the largest distinction between this league and all the opposite leagues.

“AC Milan needed to play the weekend, they need to play Tuesday and they’ll additionally play the weekend. However the energy of the league, the standard of the league, the standard of Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth that’s a lot greater than should you play an Eredivisie crew that doesn’t play for the top-six positions. That’s the place it makes a distinction.”

Let’s discuss Energy Rankings and, particularly, these regarding the MLS. You would possibly click on on this based mostly out of Messi-based curiosity; you’ll exit shaking your head concerning the exploits of Christian Benteke.

In Crisps Energy Rankings, two sturdy entries right here.

Adam Griffiths: “Finest crisps, are we? Pickled onion monster munch for the win.”

Andy Barrett: “The most effective crisps ever had been Brannigan’s roast beef and mustard. Sorely missed.”

Isak might miss Newcastle journey to Fulham

I’m tempted to show this into 10 finest crisps (Seabrook Salt & Vinegar the most effective, though these Salt & Vinegar twirly ones from M&S are extremely moreish) however, as an alternative, there’s this:

On footballers/crisps and the concept Alisson is fabricated from Kettle chips (see 09.32), Nick Smith emails: “They’re rugged, good-looking crisps thoughts. Like McCoys additional ridged.” Good level.

Roll up, roll up, step proper this manner, it’s the beginning of the brand new Ladies’s Tremendous League season. Suzanne Wrack units the scene.

Chelsea will get the season underneath method in opposition to Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow. The champions have been in spectacular type in pre-season. Their squad is full of world-class expertise and the brand new supervisor, Sonia Bompastor, is eager to keep up Emma Hayes’s legacy of profitable whereas in transition. Can they do it? There isn’t a cause why not, significantly if Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis qualify for the Champions League group stage and are grappling with three high-intensity video games per week.

Arsenal dug out a 0-0 Champions League draw away to Atalanta final night time, the spotlight that miraculous double save from David Raya from the hosts’ second-half penalty. Our Ed Aarons was on the Gewiss Stadium.

Alisson harm doubt for Liverpool

Preamble