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Mason Greenwood sparked a mass brawl after scoring his opening goal in Marseille’s feisty 5-1 win over Riviera rivals Nice in Ligue 1 on Friday evening. The former Manchester United forward is now the leading goalscorer in France's top flight after netting a brace in a victory which saw Roberto De Zerbi’s side leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain at the summit.

• Marseille's Emerson struck by lighter after Greenwood's first goal

  Already in front thanks to former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s effort after 11 minutes, Greenwood soon doubled Marseille’s lead with the first of his two goals at the Allianz Riviera. Shifting onto his right foot inside the penalty area, the 24-year-old’s shot took a deflection which wrong-footed Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.

  Greenwood and his Marseille team-mates subsequently celebrated the goal in front of the Nice ultras, which was one of a number of trigger points for the unsavoury scenes which marred the derby-day encounter. According to via French broadcaster Marseille defender Emerson Palmieri was struck with a lighter that was thrown by a Nice supporter.

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  Mass brawl broke out by dugout as Nice protested Greenwood's strike

  The report adds referee Jeremie Pignard then brought the lighter to the match delegate and asked both sets of players to gather near the touchline. However, control was soon lost as a melee broke out with Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and Nice defender Ali Al-Abdi at the heart of it. The two substitutes were cautioned as a result.

  Nice were already angered over what they felt was a foul by Aubameyang on defender Juma Bah in the build up to Greenwood’s goal. But after a check by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal was allowed to stand, bringing an end to the fracas which disrupted the match for three minutes.

  Marseille went on to record a thumping victory over their fierce rivals as Greenwood netted again after 53 minutes, while forward Timothy Weah and winger Igor Paixao joined him on the scoresheet. De Zerbi’s men moved top as a result of the win, with PSG set to entertain Le Havre on Saturday evening.

• Greenwood becomes Ligue 1 top goalscorer following Nice brace

  Greenwood’s two goals saw him move above Strasbourg attacker Joaquin Panichelli at the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts. He has now scored 10 times in 13 league games for OM in 2025-26, while he has also found the back of the net on one occasion in this season’s Champions League.

  The Bradford-born forward left Premier League side United after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped in February 2023. He joined La Liga outfit Getafe on loan before signing for French giants Marseille on a permanent basis in 2024, scoring 21 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches last season.

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  Former Manchester United forward expresses happiness at Marseille

  As he continues to rebuild his career at Marseille, Greenwood has previously expressed his happiness at the club, amid tentative speculation linking him with a return to England.

  Speaking in July, he said: “I hope to be here again next year and play in the Champions League. Other players told me it would be special to play here. I think it was a very positive season, we achieved our goal.

  "I had a baby here with my girlfriend, I feel at home, it’s a really special place. Not many people have the opportunity to come to Marseille and play for such an amazing club.

  "I’m happy with the goals I scored this year. This is a great result for me and with the players and staff we have here, anything is possible.”

Manchester United supporters have for so long been used to countless levels of success and trophies – often having the bragging rights over the supporters of their rivals.

However, over recent years, the Red Devils faithful have often been disappointed, with only a handful of FA Cups and Carabao Cups to show for their efforts.

The club have also gone an unthinkable 12 years without a Premier League triumph, with no manager able to win the title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try his luck at Old Trafford, with the hierarchy already handing the 40-year-old over £200m worth of additions since his arrival 12 months ago.

However, despite his spending spree in the summer transfer window, he could be about to be handed another significant backing from the board to aid his quest for success in the role.

United’s hunt for a new midfielder in the January window

The recent additions may have massively improved the options in the final third, but neglected the central midfield department, which desperately needs addressing in the winter.

Jobe Bellingham has been one name mentioned with a potential move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, after failing to nail down his side in Borussia Dortmund’s starting eleven.

The 20-year-old has started just two Bundesliga games in 2025/26, which could see the Englishman being tempted to return to his homeland to reignite his once-promising career.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson another midfielder the Red Devils hierarchy are targeting.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s side are currently preparing a bid in the region of £100m for the England international – a deal that would be a club-record, surpassing the fee paid for Paul Pogba.

The report also states that the hierarchy have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old in recent months and are preparing a move before his value soars further amid his recent international success.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has for so long been a shining light within the United ranks, but he’s had to take on a new responsibility within the first-team side in recent weeks.

As a result of the big-money additions in the final third, he’s had to drop into a slightly deeper number eight role – a position which is a slightly unfamiliar one to him.

Given his previous attacking midfield role, the 31-year-old still likes to get forward and impress – as seen by his tally of four chances created against Forest – the most of any player on the pitch.

However, if Bruno is to continue to do so during Amorim’s spell, he desperately needs a deep-lying option alongside him to regain possession and allow him to reach the heights he achieved last season.

Casemiro has recently partnered the Portuguese international, but at 33, he’s coming to the back end of his career – with a long-term replacement needed in January.

Anderson could provide Amorim with just that, with the 23-year-old having the talents to be an immediate fan-favourite whilst having the potential to improve further in the years ahead.

He’s developed into an elite-level number six in 2025/26, with the Englishman ranking at the top of 13 different categories for all midfielders in the Premier League this season.

Numbers such as 2.6 tackles won and 7.7 duels won per 90 showcase his ball-winning capabilities, which have led to one commentator labelling him as “world-class.”

Such numbers would allow Bruno to operate in his slightly more advanced role, taking the defensive responsibility away from him and reach his peak levels – as seen in 2024/25.

Anderson has also thrived with the ball at his feet, subsequently registering 8.9 progressive passes and 8.8 passes into the final third per 90 – figures which would hand Bruno the ammunition he needs to create chances in attacking areas.

Other numbers, such as 2.5 take-ons attempted and 8.5 ball recoveries made, further highlight his phenomenal all-round quality – with the younger certainly one of the country’s hottest properties.

A deal for his signature would certainly cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, but it would allow the club to land the deep-lying option they have been craving for many months.

The prospect of Anderson partnering with Bruno at the heart of the side is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with such a duo potentially leading Amorim to new heights during his tenure at Old Trafford.

Not Bruno or Mbeumo: Man Utd star is becoming one of the "best in the world"

Manchester United have already unearthed a new world-class under Ruben Amorim.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 7, 2025

The New York Yankees continued their furious, post-Juan Soto sweepstakes roster upgrades when they acquired two-time All-Star Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. And, as it turns out, Bellinger got his wish. The 2019 National League MVP was reportedly pushing his agent Scott Boras to let it be known to the Cubs that he wanted to be a Yankee.

During a Zoom call that introduced him to the New York media as a member of the Yankees, Bellinger shared the special reason why he wanted to join the franchise his father Clay won two World Series with in the 1990s.

"The baseball career is short," Bellinger said. "I have an opportunity to play for one of the best franchises in all of sports. I knew there was interest, and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity."

Bellinger said he called his father, who spent three seasons with the Yankees, after he got the news he'd be Bronx-bound, and said his father was "really excited." As is the son.

"Everything about it excites me," Bellinger said. "The organization, the fans, the stadium, the atmosphere. … I've heard nothing but amazing things about everything."

Bellinger figures to slot in at first base or in center field for the Yankees, though the 29-year-old said he'd be happy to play wherever the club needs him, confirming a conversation he had on the topic with manager Aaron Boone.

As for his bat? Bellinger, who belted 47 home runs during his MVP campaign in '19 but hasn't exceeded the 30-homer mark since, is motivated to become that type of player again.

"That's what keeps me motivated," Bellinger said. "I know what I can do and I know what I've done. That's what I strive for every single year."

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are set to compete to secure a transfer for £26 million-rated ($34m) Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz. PSG were dealt a major blow in their recent Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich as star full-back Achraf Hakimi suffered a horror injury after a challenge from Luis Diaz, and he has now been ruled out of action for at least a couple of months.

• Hakimi's injury leaves PSG worried

  Hakimi was forced off the pitch at the stroke of half-time after Bayern forward Diaz lunged in on the Moroccan defender. The ex-Liverpool star was originally shown a yellow card by the on-field referee but the decision was upgraded to a red after a VAR check. As for Hakimi, he was visibly in pain on the ground and had to be helped off the pitch. The defender also appeared to be in tears and the fear was that he had sustained a serious injury that would keep him out of action for some time.

  Hakimi underwent medical examinations, which later revealed that he suffered a severe sprain in his left ankle, involving partial damage to the femoral syndesmosis and deltoid ligaments. The reigning European champions, however, later confirmed that the player won't need surgery but will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Their statement read: "Achraf Hakimi has severely sprained his left ankle, which will leave him unavailable for several weeks."

  Hakimi's freak injury has also left the Morocco national team worried as the Atlas Lions are not sure whether their star player will be able to take the field in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco. Speaking about Hakimi's importance in the team, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has said: "Achraf Hakimi is an irreplaceable player. He was a contender for the Ballon d'Or. For us Moroccans, he is the best player in the world."

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  PSG eyeing move for Palace's Munoz

  With Hakimi set to miss a lot of action, PSG are naturally thinking of signing a replacement for their star full-back with the January transfer window now approaching. According to , officials in Paris are eyeing a move for Crystal Palace right wing-back Munoz as they see the Colombian defender as a perfect cover for Hakimi.

• Barca to compete with PSG

  reports that Spanish giants Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Munoz and the Catalan giants believe that they can sign the Palace full-back for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m/$34m). Munoz is an integral part of Oliver Glasner's squad and played a key role in the club winning the FA Cup last season. With his contract running until 2028, the Premier League side are expected to demand a fee they feel will be appropriate for an important first-team player.

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  Palace stars in demand

  After a successful 2024-25 campaign, players from the Eagles squad are attracting interest from across Europe. While Munoz is being eyed by two of the biggest clubs in the world, their midfield sensation Adam Wharton is also linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid keen on signing the English midfielder.

  According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Palace are preparing to offer Wharton a new deal soon as they don't want to lose their star player, at least for a low transfer fee. Speaking to , Romano said: "They want to extend this contract. So Palace are on it. They've spoken already to his representative several times about this intention they have to give him a new contract. At the same time, let's see what's going to happen there, because the boy has been super professional already last summer, when he already had some kind of opportunity if he wanted to go. But for Palace, he was untouchable. Also, in recent months, we had many rumours, and the boy, again, is behaving in a fantastic way. So Palace are super happy with Adam, and Adam is quite happy with Palace. He understands that he's probably at the best club to develop at this moment for him. But then in the summer, you never know, in case there is a big opportunity, a big financial proposal, we have to see what happens. So at the moment, there is this intention from Palace to give him a new contract, but we are not yet at the stage where we say, okay, it's guaranteed, because it's still early stages of the conversation."

Arsenal are now ready to submit an offer for Valencia star Javi Guerra, with it emerging the midfielder could be available for a bargain fee.

The Gunners bolstered their options in the middle of the park considerably during the summer transfer window, bringing in Martin Zubimendi and Oliver Norgaard, and they now have two midfielders ranked among the best 15 in the world.

Declan Rice, who has been likened to a modern-day Patrick Vieira, has also continued to impress, with Micah Richards saying: “He’s taken his game to the next level now where you’re taking about one of the best in world football.

“It is so good to see and if Arsenal do win the Premier League this season it will be because players like him. I said at the start that it’s a team game but he’s just exceeding all expectations.”

Despite Mikel Arteta being blessed with a number of top-quality options, however, the north Londoners remain keen on bringing in another central midfielder…

Arsenal ready to submit offer for Javi Guerra

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Arsenal are now ready to submit an offer for Guerra, with it being revealed Valencia could be willing to listen to bids in the region of just €20m (£18m), despite the €100m (£88m) release clause in his contract, meaning the Gunners could get a £70m discount.

Atletico Madrid have also emerged as one of the strongest contenders to sign the midfielder, with the Spanish club preparing a move, alongside the Gunners, who have been closely monitoring his performances.

Valencia have tied the 22-year-old down to a contract which lasts until 2029, which should put them in a strong negotiating position in theory, but Arteta’s side could get a bargain deal over the line if they move quickly.

The Spanish maestro has been impressing in his home country for quite some time, catching scout Ben Mattinson’s eye courtesy of a solid display against Real Madrid during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Valencia-born star has remained an important player this season, setting up two goals in 11 La Liga outings, and he places in the 83rd percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, having averaged 0.17.

With the likes of Zubimendi, Rice and Norgaard on the books already, Guerra may not be a necessary signing, but a deal would not break the bank at around just £17m, and he would be a fantastic back-up option for Arteta in midfield.

Declan Rice named in top 10 of 2026 Ballon d'Or Power Rankings

Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings

Who will be lifting the individual honour in 2026?

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 6, 2025

The Juan Soto free agency courting continues on, with the New York Mets reported to be the latest team to have traveled to Southern California to sit down with the All-Star outfielder to pitch their case for him to sign with them.

Jon Heyman reports that the Mets met with Soto on Saturday. He described the presentation as a "very detailed," and "big production." General manager David Stearns, who joined the team last offseason, and manager Carlos Mendoza, were there for the meeting that also included big-spending Mets owner Steve Cohen.

Two other teams, the Red Sox and Blue Jays, are reported to have met with Soto this past week. All meetings were described as positive by various reporters with sources obtaining knowledge of the situation. To Boston, he reportedly inquired about three specific factors: Their winning commitment, their talent evaluation, and their facilities.

The general thinking as far as a timeline goes is thought to be the Winter Meetings, which take place from Dec. 8 to 12. Soto should have no shortage of teams looking to sign him to what is expected to be the largest non-deferred contract in MLB history.

This summer is a huge one for Leeds United, with multiple key additions needed across the squad to bolster the ranks and give them the best chance of Premier League survival.

Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in leading the club out of the Championship, but the real test starts now for the German to build on the success he’s endured in his two years in the role.

It’s been reported that he will have around £100m available to make the additions he wants to the first-team squad at Elland Road, hopefully aiding him in his attempts.

However, to make room for such signings, other players currently on the books in Yorkshire may have to be sacrificed to help with the overhaul of the squad.

One player could be set to depart the Whites in the coming months, potentially putting an end to his long-standing stint as a first-team regular at the club.

The latest on Patrick Bamford’s future at Leeds

Striker Patrick Bamford has been a superb servant to Leeds over the years, netting a total of 60 goals since his big-money arrival from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2018.

However, he’s missed a large chunk of 2024/25 through injury, restricting him to just 17 league appearances – none of which have come from a starting position.

The 31-year-old has also failed to find the back of the net once across all competitions during the recent season, but hasn’t deterred Wrexham from previously being interested in hanging the experienced ace.

He was utilised as a late substitute towards the back end of the campaign after recovering from injury, but given the promotion to the Premier League, now is the perfect time to part ways with the striker.

It would be an emotional departure given his previous impact in England’s top-flight for the Whites, but ultimately it’s a decision that needs to be made, potentially being joined by another player out of the door in Yorkshire.

Not just Bamford: £20k-per-week Leeds man also needs to leave

The previous six promoted teams from the Championship have all been relegated from the Premier League at the first attempt – highlighting the gap between the two divisions.

Such situations have proven that huge money needs to be spent to bridge the gap between the two divisions, with the Whites not able to carry any passengers in such a league.

It’s an unforgiving league which will punish you if you’re not at your best, something which the club have previously experienced after relegation back in 2022/23.

If they are to be a success, they will have to be brutal and avoid handing a new contract to full-back Sam Byram despite his impressive campaign under Farke this time around.

The 31-year-old, who joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has made 76 appearances during his second stint at Elland Road, offering a dependable option in the backline.

However, ultimately, he’s not a Premier League player, with funds needing to be spent wisely if they are to have the calibre of players needed to avoid relegation.

The £20k-per-week earner has started 16 league matches in 2024/25, registering one goal and one assist, but given his £20k-per-week wages, the hierarchy could save £1m a season to invest in other areas with his departure.

His contract is set to expire at the end of June, with such a situation providing a timely ending to his time in Yorkshire, allowing for fresh blood to enter the club and improve the squad.

It may prove to be an unpopular decision given his squad role under Farke, but unfortunately for Byram, he’s been a victim of their success this season.

He and Bamford departing the club would allow for space and money in the first-team squad, handing Farke added funds to build a competitive outfit for England’s top-flight next year.

Perfect for James: 49ers want to sign "outstanding" PL star for Leeds

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be perfect for Dan James.

By
Dan Emery

May 14, 2025

The Liverpool and Manchester City duopoly in the Premier League continues. Arne Slot has taken the title from Pep Guardiola, ending four years of dominance and doing so in his first season at the helm.

As all of a Liverpool persuasion will be aware, it’s gearing up to be a significant summer for the Anfield side, with sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, FSG’s chief executive of football operations, planning for a wave of first-team investment.

Last year, City enjoyed their record-breaking fourth Premier League title in succession, and most thought that they would retain their throne once more. Or, otherwise, fall against an Arsenal side that has been on the rise for several years now.

But it wasn’t to be. Liverpool, still bruised from Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down from his long-held seat in the Anfield dugout, have been head-and-shoulders above their rivals since the early knockings.

Candidly, clinching the title has almost looked a formality since January, with the Darwin Nunez-inspired victory at Brentford lifting the Reds six points clear of second-place Arsenal, and with a game in hand at that.

But there’s been something missing. Nunez isn’t good enough and will be sold this summer, while various concerns relating to defence will call for change there too. However, Liverpool will jump on a new centre-midfielder if an opportunity presents itself.

The missing piece in Liverpool's midfield

In fairness, Liverpool’s midfield doesn’t need to undergo major surgery. Klopp’s dramatic rebuild of 2023 has proved a bona fide success, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch starting the lion’s share of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures and Wataru Endo earning cult status for his combative cameos.

Curtis Jones, 24, has also enjoyed the outstanding season of his career thus far, starting 17 league games and earning praise from his manager for his “complete” take on the midfield game.

It’s remarkable that these players have stepped up and delivered England’s prized trophy after FSG failed to convince Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to leave the Basque Country and join this new project.

Liverpool opted against signing a different deep-lying midfielder and were met with frustration from supporters, derision from rivals. Gravenberch’s incredible rise from a previously middling role has been the core of Liverpool’s successful season.

Indeed, the owners’ decision has been vindicated now that Slot has sealed the club’s record-equalling 20th top-flight trophy.

There have been times when the engine room has looked a little tired of late, namely during costly defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

If the right player comes along, Liverpool will pounce, with one of the Premier League’s finest very much on Hughes’ radar.

Liverpool learn conditions for PL star

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have learned that it will take a mammoth fee of £80m to convince Crystal Palace to part with Adam Wharton this summer.

Liverpool are keen admirers of the deep-lying playmaker, who has been a revelation since joining the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last year for a £18m fee.

The 21-year-old is also on Man United’s radar, but given that he fits the profile to jockey with Gravenberch for that number six spot, it might be the perfect move for Slot’s fluid system.

Why Adam Wharton is perfect for Slot

Liverpool’s current midfielders have cemented their legacies and then some, joining the illustrious names of old: Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso.

Wharton has the talent to add his name too, hailed as an “unbelievable talent” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan after his incredible start to life in Oliver Glasner’s Palace team last season.

This term, despite injuries, he has played a big part for his London-based side, actually earning praise from respected journalist Henry Winter for being a “passing machine” as Aston Villa were comprehensively defeated in the FA Cup semi-final, also hailing him as “the best player on the pitch.” Big-game quality, confirmed.

As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for both progressive passes and ball recoveries, the top 12% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for assists per 90, perfectly illustrating his passing prowess and an athleticism that Slot seems to desire so greatly.

Wharton still has much to learn, but with such exciting ball-playing skills, he could take the shape of a former Liverpool star like Alonso, slotting into a similar role for the Reds’ flourishing coach.

Alonso might be one of the most esteemed managers at present, leading Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible domestic double last year and now the firm favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, but he was once a superstar of a midfielder.

A Spanish maestro, Alonso starred across, winning the Champions League and FA Cup across five campaigns before walking that well-trodden path from Anfield to the Spanish capital, sold to Madrid in a £30m package back in 2009.

Gerrard once claimed that Alonso was his “favourite partner for club and country,” with the 43-year-old’s silky and cerebral approach to the midfield game something that opened up new lanes from which the robust Three Lions star could travel.

Wharton boasts a similarly high footballing IQ and could take the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch to the next level.

Transfer Focus

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Adding Wharton to the fold would certainly serve to elevate Slot’s existing midfield options, with the young playmaker operating in a deep-set role to influence and advance fluency in a similar vein to a former Liverpool hero named Alonso.

Liverpool could sign their best forward since Salah in £87m "superstar"

This talented player is open to leaving his club this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 2, 2025

An “unbelievable” manager, who has won two promotions to the Premier League, is now on Leicester City’s “list” of targets to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Ruud's time at Leicester coming to an end

Leicester have hardly put up a fight in their bid to avoid relegation, having collected just 18 points all season, and they have taken a significant turn for the worse since appointing Van Nistelrooy, whose record as manager is extremely poor.

The Dutchman has averaged just 0.48 points per match since taking the reins at the King Power Stadium, and it is now looking increasingly likely he will be replaced at the end of the season, with several potential replacements being identified.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is the Foxes’ first choice to replace Ruud, and the 39-year-old is believed to be keen on taking over, should an approach be made, while Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is also on the shortlist.

Leicester City eye move for new 40 y/o manager who has same agent as Vardy

He’s been in the Championship before.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 9, 2025

Having led the Saints to promotion last season, Martin could be a sensible appointment for Leicester, but ex-scout Brown has now revealed a manager with two promotions to the Premier League under his belt is also on the shortlist.

Brown told Football Insider: “Ruud is going to be sacked, there’s no doubt about that.

“I wasn’t impressed by Russell Martin in the Premier League, but he was a big reason why they got promoted in the first place. That’s what Leicester are looking for – a manager to guide them back up straight away.”

“There are a few names on their list, Sean Dyche is one I’ve heard, for example. But it sounds like Martin is the leading candidate for it at the moment, based on what I hear.”

"Unbelievable" Dyche could lead Foxes to promotion

David Moyes’ success since replacing Dyche in the Everton dugout suggests the Englishman may not be the right man to lead Leicester’s long-term project, but there is every indication he could be capable of leading them to promotion next season.

The former Burnley boss took the Clarets up in 2013-14 and 2015-16, winning the title the second time around, while he has also received very high praise from former player Kieran Trippier, who lauded the 53-year-old as an “unbelievable manager”.

One thing that is clear is that Ruud will need to be replaced this summer, with former winger Matt Piper recently criticising the manager, while also insinuating some changes may need to be made to the playing squad, given their lack of effort this season.

“This season they are not good enough, there is no fight, there is no determination, there is no want to wear the shirt, there is no confidence.

“Then there is a manager that goes missing in the dugout. There are major things wrong at this football club and it’s been like this for some time. It’s just not good enough.”

Crystal Palace face a tough assignment next up in the Premier League, as they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.

Oliver Glasner’s side have a big week ahead, with the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Before that, their full focus must be on their trip to North London, where they have struggled in the Premier League, to say the least.

In 15 top-flight games away to the Gunners since 1992/93, they have won just two, with one of those a 2-1 win back in 1994/95, and the other a 3-2 victory in 2018/19. Arsenal have won nine of those 15, whilst four have ended as a draw.

Here is a look at Palace’s team news ahead of their London derby on Wednesday night.

Crystal Palace's team news pre Arsenal

It is a week for Palace that Glasner described as their “Champions League week” in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Luckily, ahead of the clash against Arsenal and then their trip to Wembley to face the Villans, there is an almost entirely clean bill of health at Selhurst Park.

The Palace boss explained in his press conference that there is only one player who will be unavailable for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, namely Ben Chilwell. The England international is unavailable, although the reason is “not injury, but sickness”, as Glasner put it.

It was confirmed by the 50-year-old that he was in line to start, but he has not trained due to illness. Of course, Chris Richards will be unavailable after he was sent off in the Eagles’ 0-0 draw with Bournemouth last weekend. He will be back for the FA Cup clash next weekend.

So, that certainly leaves Glasner with decisions to make regarding his team selection, given he has almost the entire squad to pick from.

In a busy period for the club, he might well decide to rotate things in the midfield to keep things fresh, with one man who has a good record against Arsenal, potentially in line to start.

How Crystal Palace can rest Wharton

Palace are not short of options in the centre of midfield, with Will Hughes and Adam Wharton two of their most important players. However, the games are coming thick and fast, with Saturday’s semi-final fifth game in two weeks.

That might mean rotation is on the cards for Glasner, and Wharton is one man who could drop out of the starting lineup in order to keep him ready for the weekend. His importance cannot be understated, with the manager calling him an “extraordinary football player” last year.

Luckily for the Eagles, they have Daichi Kamada waiting in the wings to step into Wharton’s shoes. He has played 36 games in his debut Premier League season, featuring right across the midfield, chipping in with two goals and three assists.

Kamada, described as a “quality” player by Palace fan and football content creator Ollie Thomas, will certainly maintain the levels of the midfield.

When comparing his 2024/25 Premier League stats to Wharton, courtesy of Squawka, he wins more ground duels on average, with 4.5 compared to 4.2, and plays just two fewer passes, with 33.5 to Wharton’s 35.5.

As it happens, the midfielder already has previous success against Arsenal, too.

Back in the 2019/20 Europa League group stages, he scored twice at the Emirates Stadium for Eintracht Frankfurt in a 2-1 win, displaying excellent close control for his first goal and long-range precision for both.

Kamada has shown flashes of brilliance this season. Whilst he has struggled to lock down a spot in the starting lineup, with 1701 minutes played in total, the equivalent of 18 full 90-minute games, his quality has been showcased.

With the history he has away against the Gunners, the technical ability he possesses and the fact he is a goal threat, Kamada could have a huge impact as Palace look to build momentum before their FA Cup semi-final next week.

Forget Wharton & Kamada: Glasner must unleash incredible Crystal Palace ace

Glasner may have to make tough decision, dropping Wharton for this “incredible” ace

By
Connor Holden

Oct 7, 2024