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Manchester City are not what they were, but they are still good enough to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

No side have scored more goals in the top flight so far than Pep Guardiola’s lot (15), and they sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal.

This is a young and developing side, but City have one of the strongest spines in Europe, with Erling Haaland well beyond scoring goals for fun and Gianluigi Donnarumma bringing a new brand of shot-stopping between the sticks.

However, the linchpin in the middle, Rodri, has suffered injury complications this year after missing the bulk of the 2024/25 campaign due to injury

The latest on Rodri's fitness

Rodri is one of the best footballers in the world, and he has been the glue at the heart of Guardiola’s genius for so many years.

It was no coincidence that the wheels came off with the Spanish star sidelined last year, and Guardiola grudgingly confirmed he would be unavailable this weekend, City hosting Everton in the Premier League, and perhaps for a while longer.

The 29-year-old confirmed he felt something in his hamstring during the narrow win at Brentford before the international break, lasting only 22 minutes at the Gtech.

With Nico Gonzalez yet to click into gear after joining the Citizens from Porto for £50m in February, Guardiola will need to come up with a solution.

He will, of course, but this frustrating fitness saga draws us back to a time when the club parted with a young holding midfielder who could have been the perfect understudy.

Pep already sold Man City's Rodri replacement

Manchester City have one of the most efficient and respected youth academies in the world, with so many young prospects spending time cutting their teeth with the Elite Squad.

And among those to have parted with the Mancunians before earning a shot in Guardiola’s senior set-up was Douglas Luiz, who joined Aston Villa for £15m in 2019. The Brazil international was a monstrous presence in the Midlands, instrumental in Villa’s rise to European competition.

Now 27, Luiz left the Premier League for Juventus and returned after two years this summer, signing for Nottingham Forest.

Impressive on the ball, combative and a leader of men, the robust midfielder has the complete package, and that’s something that has set Rodri apart over the years.

Luiz has struggled for form and indeed minutes at the City Ground this season, but he has proven his ability to stand out in the Premier League before, and was certainly playing at a level suitable for a squad like City.

It’s within his ability, with the Brazilian even being described as being “better” than Declan Rice during those final days with Aston Villa by former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant.

This might seem somewhat ridiculous now, but Luiz really has hit the highest level of performance in the Premier League before, and that’s without having been inculcated into Guardiola’s tactical sphere.

Goals

0.15

0.31

Assists

0.05

0.15

Shots

1.39

1.70

Pass Success

91%

85%

Key Passes

0.77

1.49

Progressive Passes

9.48

5.67

Shot-creating Actions

2.06

3.81

Tackles Won

1.24

1.29

Successful take-ons

0.67

0.77

Progressive Carries

1.96

1.96

Aerial duel win %

39%

57%

Just imagine the partnership that could have been forged.

Of course, Rodri’s brilliance has eased any need for an elite number six across most of the Ballon d’Or-winning Spaniard’s career in England, but now, with the world-class superstar struggling, a player like Luiz could have been a difference-maker over the past 12 months.

Man City's "serious talent" is now on borrowed time after O'Reilly's rise

One Man City star has struggled for minutes this season, amid Nico O’Reilly’s emergence

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 16, 2025

Newly-appointed West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has the almighty task of coming away from Premier League title chasers Arsenal with a result this afternoon, but he is already making his mark at Rush Green.

Nuno looking to build upon solid West Ham record vs Arsenal

The last time these two sides met at the Emirates Stadium, Graham Potter was just one month into his own West Ham tenure, and a goal from star winger Jarrod Bowen gifted the Hammers all three points in a 1-0 win.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Before that, David Moyes’ Irons sealed a surprise 2-0 victory at the Emirates in December 2023 — courtesy of strikes from Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos — so Nuno could actually seal a hat-trick of consecutive West Ham away wins against Arsenal today.

Arsenal are the Premier League’s widely regarded set-piece specialists, while seven of West Ham’s 14 conceded league goals have come directly from corners.

Everton’s opening goal against the East Londoners on Monday was also the result of a corner, although not directly, so it’s clear what Nuno’s first, second, third and fourth priority should be against Arsenal — defend the dreaded dead balls.

In the build up to their trip to North London, Nuno has already been stamping his authority on the squad — most notably axing midfielder James Ward-Prowse from his first ever matchday squad against Everton.

The 30-year-old was an ever-present under Potter, but reports now claim that Ward-Prowse is resigned to leaving in January after being told he has no long-term role in Nuno’s plans.

Nuno decision to axe Ward-Prowse raised eyebrows at West Ham

Journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking to Football Insider, says that Nuno’s decision to omit the Englishman “raised a few eyebrows” at West Ham, and backs other reports that the ex-Southampton star is a top candidate for the exit door.

Since being dropped, it has been reported that Ward-Prowse could re-join Southampton, but whether Sport Republic can afford his £115,000-per-week wages in the Championship is another matter entirely.

The 11-cap England international was excellent in his debut season under Moyes, scoring seven goals and assisting 12 others in 52 appearances, and is still just one free kick goal away from David Beckham’s all-time Premier League record of 18.

However, Julen Lopetegui didn’t fancy him — shipping the player off to Nottingham Forest on loan in 2024/2025 only for Nuno to send him back midway through the campaign.

Despite being called “world-class” for his dead ball specialism by pundits like Alan Shearer, Nuno has made his feelings on Ward-Prowse crystal clear.

Just like CSK, KKR are also in the bottom half of the points table with Narine and Russell yet to fire

Deivarayan Muthu10-Apr-20251:53

Can Dhoni the captain turn CSK’s fortunes around?

Big picture: After losing Gaikwad, CSK could lose control of ChepaukMurphy’s law has taken a special liking to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. After losing four games in a row, they have now lost their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for the rest of the tournament to injury. CSK have sent out an SOS to MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain.The last time Dhoni batted at Chepauk, something strange happened: the crowd began to leave. Chepauk is usually a pulsing bowl of noise, but there was pin-drop silence when CSK’s chase petered out against Delhi Capitals (DC) with Dhoni at the crease last weekend. CSK are now on the verge of entering unfamiliar territory: if they go down to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, it will be the first time that they will have lost three IPL games in a row at Chepauk.Related

Ashwin and Jadeja, an unhappy reunion

Rahane will discuss Eden pitch with IPL authorities

While the reunion of Rachin Ravindra with Devon Conway at the top has remedied some of CSK’s powerplay troubles, the dearth of firepower in the middle order continues to hurt them. Their middle-order batters (Nos. 4-7) have the lowest strike rate (126.04) this season. While KKR’s middle order has a higher strike rate of 147.18, it’s not on par with the top teams in the competition either.Like CSK, KKR are also currently in the bottom half of the points table. The two teams have also made public their discontent with the pitches being rolled out at home. What will Chepauk throw up on Friday?KKR’s Caribbean stalwarts Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are yet to fire, but they will be pleased with Varun Chakravarthy, who continues to be unhittable. The mystery spinner has fond memories of Chepauk, having won both the IPL and TNPL here last year.Form guideChennai Super Kings LLL
Kolkata Knight Riders LWLNew loyaltiesAjinkya Rahane, who enjoyed a T20 career revival at CSK, will lead KKR against his former franchise. Dwayne Bravo, who was a more familiar face at CSK as a player and bowling coach, will plot against CSK, along with Rahane, in his new role as KKR’s mentor.Team news and likely XIIsApart from Dhoni taking over as CSK captain, Rahul Tripathi could return to the team in place of Gaikwad.Chennai Super Kings (probable): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Rahul Tripathi, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Shivam Dube, 5 Vijay Shankar, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 Mukesh Choudhary, 11 Khaleel Ahmed, 12 Matheesha PathiranaMoeen Ali could be back for KKR if the conditions are conducive to spin•BCCI

If the conditions are conducive to spin, KKR might bring Moeen Ali back in place of left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, who has gone at almost 12 runs an over.Kolkata Knight Riders (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Venkatesh Iyer, 5 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Moeen Ali/Spencer Johnson, 10 Harshit Rana, 11 Vaibhav Arora, 12 Varun ChakravarthyThe big questionRussell hasn’t batted above No. 7 in four innings so far in IPL 2025. Against Mumbai Indians (MI), he came in at No. 8. Perhaps KKR could push him up the order unless they don’t want to expose him to R Ashwin. The offspinner has dismissed Russell twice in 17 balls while giving away just 16 runs in T20s. Against Ravindra Jadeja, Russell has fared much better, taking him for 69 runs off 38 balls while being dismissed twice. Russell has faced just seven balls from Noor Ahmad for 12 runs while being dismissed once.In the spotlight: Shivam Dube and Venkatesh IyerOn Wednesday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) denied Shivam Dube the spin of Yuzvendra Chahal or Glenn Maxwell. Instead, they served him the extra pace and bounce of Lockie Ferguson with a packed leg-side field. Dube scored 17 off 12 balls from Ferguson before being bowled. He could face a similar test against Russell on Saturday.After starting the season with a pair of low scores, Venkatesh Iyer has found his groove with scores of 60 and 45 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). If he gets cracking at Chepauk, he might keep Jadeja away from the attack. The last time Venkatesh played at this venue, he sealed KKR’s third IPL title with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls.Venkatesh Iyer has found his groove with scores of 60 and 45•BCCI

Pitch and conditionsThe Chepauk surface continues to be a mystery, with CSK coach Stephen Fleming saying that they haven’t been able to come to grips with it in recent years. The weather is expected to be clear.Stats and trivia Watch out for Dhoni vs KKR’s spinners. Dhoni has faced 16 balls from Varun in the IPL for only 11 runs while being dismissed three times. His struggles against Narine are even starker: 39 runs off 74 balls at a strike rate of just 52.70, and one dismissal. CSK have hit 31 sixes in five innings, the least among nine teams who have played at least four games this season. In comparison, KKR have hit 42 sixes in five innings. Narine has dominated Ashwin with the bat, hitting him for 94 runs off 39 balls at a strike rate of over 240 while being dismissed once in the IPL. Vaibhav Arora will relish bowling to Conway and Ravindra in the powerplay. Since IPL 2024, against left-hand batters in the powerplay, Arora has picked up eight wickets in 11 innings at a strike rate of 7.00 and an economy rate of just over six.Quotes”It’s just that we struck a young man who had the night of his life, and we weren’t able to shut him down.”

“We rate them as a highly-skilled team, and we will look to go out there and play the game and win.”

Celtic are running out of time before the end of the summer transfer window, as they look to reinforce their attack before the deadline passes at 11 pm.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the club have made a loan approach to sign David Datro Fofana from Chelsea to bolster their centre-forward options, with Adam Idah on his way to Swansea.

The journalist claims that the Ivorian marksman is one of two strikers wanted by the Hoops before the deadline, as Brendan Rodgers looks to find his new main number nine.

Celtic agree deal to sign winger

New strikers are not the only thing on the agenda for the Scottish Premiership champions, though, as they are also looking to bring in another wide player.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to the aforementioned Joseph, Celtic have agreed a fee with Hammarby IF to sign winger Sebastian Tounekti in a deal that is worth up to £5.2m.

The reporter claims that a deal has been agreed “in the last hour” after their first two offers for the attacker were turned down by the Swedish outfit.

Joseph adds that the Hoops are now in a “race against time” to complete all the documents, and that personal terms are not expected to be an issue, which suggests that the player is keen to make the switch to Glasgow before the window slams shut.

What Sebastien Tounekti could bring to Celtic

The Tunisia international is a versatile forward who mainly plays on the left, but can also play on the right, and he could be an exciting partner for Fofana if the club can get both of those deals over the line.

Fofana scored four goals in 15 Premier League matches for Burnley in the 2023/24 campaign, and ranked up 15 goals in 24 games or Molde in 2022 before his move to Chelsea, per Sofascore.

These achievements show that he does have the potential to score goals at the top level, and to score goals consistently when selected, and Tounekti is a player who could help him get back on the goal trail.

2025 Allsvenskan

Sebastien Tounekti

Percentile rank vs wingers

Goals

2

Top 37%

Chances created

22

Top 16%

Dribbles completed

41

Top 3%

Pass accuracy

85%

Top 15%

xA

4.53

Top 3%

Assists

5

Top 9%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Tunisian maestro has been one of the most creative wide players in the Allsvenskan in 2025, ranking very highly for xA and assists.

This suggests that he is the kind of winger who strikers love to play with because he is constantly looking to create high-quality opportunities for them in front of goal.

Now, imagine Tounekti supplying Fofana with chance after chance in front of goal at Parkhead. It may be better to watch than what Celtic supporters have been put through recently, with zero goals scored in three of the last four games in all competitions.

Related Worse than Nygren: Rodgers must drop Celtic flop who "offered little"

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Posts ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

However, nothing is done until it is done and Celtic still have plenty of work to do before they can start to seriously think about having both of these players in the XI to face Kilmarnock.

كشفت تقارير صحفية تطورات تخص المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، ومستقبله مع حامل لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بعدما نجح في خلافة يورجن كلوب الموسم الماضي.

وتعاقد ليفربول مع آرني سلوت، صيف 2024، بعد رحيل يورجن كلوب، حيث نجح في قيادة محمد صلاح ورفاقه نحو تحقيق لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويمر ليفربول في الوقت الحالي بفترة سيئة حيث تعرض لثلاث هزائم متتالية، بواقع خسارتين في الدوري الإنجليزي أمام كريستال بالاس وتشيلسي، وواحدة في دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام جالطة سراي.

وذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية أن ليفربول يتطلع إلى تجديد عقد المدرب آرني سلوت، حيث يُقال إن وكيل أعماله يعمل بالفعل على تلك الصفقة مع مسؤولي النادي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ليفربول يتلقى خبرًا سارًا بشأن محمد صلاح قبل مباراة مانشستر يونايتد

ويمتلك آرني سلوت عقدًا ساريًا مع ليفربول لمدة 3 سنوات، حيث وقع عليه عند تعيينه في مايو 2024، ويرغب النادي الآن في تمديد عقده قبل منتصف مدة صفقته الحالية.

وأشارت إلى أن مسؤولي ليفربول يرغبون في التحرك بسرعة لحسم ملف تجديد عقد سلوت، حيث يواجهون احتمالية بدء الموسم المقبل مع الهولندي وهو في عامه الأخير في عقده الساري.

وأفادت أن ذلك قد يمثل خطرًا على ليفربول ويُعيد إلى الأذهان ما حدث مع الثلاثي محمد صلاح، فيرجيل فان دايك وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد الموسم الماضي، عندما سيطر مستقبلهم على تفكير الجميع.

وكان من المقرر انتهاء عقود الثلاثي المذكور مع ليفربول في يونيو 2025، ولم يتوصل النادي إلى اتفاق مع محمد صلاح وفان دايك إلا في أبريل الماضي، في حين رحل أرنولد إلى ريال مدريد.

وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن إدارة ليفربول منحت كلوب عقدًا جديدًا، لمدة 6 سنوات، بعد مرور 9 أشهر فقط من توليه منصبه في “الأنفيلد”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Mesmo com o pedido de demissão por parte de Cuca, na última quarta-feira (26), os assuntos envolvendo a curta passagem do treinador pelo Corinthians ainda são temas no clube. Neste domingo (30), o técnico do time feminino, Arthur Elias, disse que as jogadoras corintianas sofreram ameaças, tanto nas redes sociais, quanto nas ruas, após reforçarem o apoio à campanha ‘Respeita as Minas’.

Há uma semana, diversas atletas do elenco feminino do Timão publicaram um texto nas suas redes sociais pessoais no momento em que a equipe profissional masculina do Corinthians perdia para o Goiás, em Goiânia, pelo Brasileirão. A partida marcava a estreia de Cuca no comando corintiano.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de Campo‘Time entregue, desmotivado e ruim’, dispara apresentador sobre o CorinthiansFora de Campo30/04/2023CorinthiansCorinthians fez contato com esposa de Tite, mas proposta de time europeu foi crucial para o ‘não’ do técnicoCorinthians30/04/2023CorinthiansCorinthians sonhou com Tite, fez proposta para Mano, teve ‘coro’ por Luxa e agora discute sobre RogerCorinthians30/04/2023

+Róger Guedes e Paulinho são os melhores na derrota do Corinthians no Dérbi

O agora ex-técnico do Timão carrega consigo uma condenação por atentado ao pudor com uso de violência contra uma garota de 13 anos, na Suíça, em 1989. O crime aconteceu dois anos antes, enquanto o Grêmio fazia uma excursão ao país europeu. Cuca tinha 23 anos e era jogador do Tricolor Gaúcho.

De toda forma, no dia seguinte às manifestações, Arthur Elias disse que o movimento não teve a ver com Cuca ou uma crítica à direção do Corinthians pela contratação do profissional, mas, sim reforçando um tema importante e orgulho de vestir a camisa de um time que sempre apoiou as causas voltadas aos direitos das mulheres. Segundo o profissional, a situação teria sido má interpretada. Ele voltou a falar sobre o tema na manhã deste domingo (30), quando as Brabas voltaram a campo e golearam o Cruzeiro por 7 a 1, na Fazendinha.

– Quero explicar mais minha entrevista no último jogo. Foram dias conturbados. Importante me manifestar. Foi uma declaração com a intenção de amenizar um pouco as consequências negativas que nosso grupo estava sofrendo. Atletas xingadas nas redes sociais e nas ruas, sendo ameaçadas – destacou Arthur.

De toda forma, o técnico da equipe feminina indicou que a modalidade perdeu força no clube após os acontecimentos dos últimos dias.

– É injusto que a gente perca força com nosso torcedor e perca força internamente dentro no nosso clube. É uma responsabilidade minha, como treinador, da imprensa, de olhar como tudo deve ser olhado. Eu tenho certeza que com esse projeto a gente impacta na próxima geração. A gente tem uma chance de transformar um futebol que sempre foi machista. Contribuímos muito. É um novo mercado – pontuou Elias.

O futebol feminino é a categoria que mais tem dado títulos ao Timão nos últimos anos. Desde que o clube assumiu de vez a gestão da modalidade, após dois anos de parceria com o Audax, o clube alvinegro conquistou 12 títulos: quatro Brasileiros (2018, 2020, 2021 e 2022), três Paulistas (2019, 2020 e 2021), duas Supercopas do Brasil (2022 e 2023), duas Libertadores (2019 e 2021) e uma Copa Paulista (2022).

Cuca, por sua vez, não resistiu à pressão por conta das cobranças pelo passado e pediu demissão do Corinthians, mesmo após a classificação da equipe às oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, vencendo o Remo nos pênaltis, depois de um triunfo por 2 a 0 no tempo normal. A diretoria corintiana, desde então, está em busca de um novo treinador.

continua após a publicidade

Having already agreed a deal to sign David Moller Wolfe, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly readying an opening offer to sign a La Liga defender ahead of Serie A champions Napoli.

Wolves set to sign David Moller Wolfe

A Wolfe fit for Wolves, those in the Midlands are set to get their man and replace Rayan Ait-Nouri following his decision to join Manchester City earlier this summer. The AZ Alkmaar defender is already scheduled to undergo a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano, and is set to become the third arrival of the summer at Molineux.

Replacing Ait-Nouri will take some doing, given the impact he had in Vitor Pereira’s side at their best, but the numbers suggest that Wolfe has the talent to at least replicate his attacking output.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Wolfe

Ait-Nouri

Minutes

2,500

3,190

Goals

2

4

Assists

5

7

Ball Recoveries

110

145

In 690 fewer minutes last season, Wolfe managed just four less goal involvements in league action and proved important when recovering possession for Alkmaar. Now, both his attacking output and ball-winning capabilities are likely to prove crucial in Pereira’s side.

In a quiet summer, Wolves’ business may fly under the radar. But whilst their business has been limited, it has been impressive. Jhon Arias, Fer Lopez and now Wolfe represent three very solid arrivals ahead of next season.

With Ait-Nouri now replaced, meanwhile, those in the Midlands have seemingly turned their attention towards finding a reinforcement at the other side of their backline.

Wolves open talks to sign Juanlu

According to journalist Orazio Accomando, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves have now opened talks to sign Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla this summer. Molinuex chiefs are reportedly expected to submit an opening offer worth €17m (£15m) for the 21-year-old right-back as they set their sights on beating Serie A giants Napoli to his signature.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 30, 2025

An Olympic gold medalist with Spain, Juanlu has earned plenty of praise during his time in Spain, including from former manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta, who took the chance to praise the defender’s versatility.

Now, the Spaniard could be on his way to Wolves to replace Nelson Semedo. The Portuguese defender swapped the Midlands for Fenerbahce earlier this summer after opting out of signing a new deal at Molinuex.

If Wolves manage to sign Juanlu, however, then they will not only land a replacement for the former Barcelona defender, but arguably a player who could become an even better option for Pereira.

Aleem Dar will retire from all umpiring at the end of Pakistan’s current domestic season, ending a celebrated career that ran for nearly a quarter of a century.Dar, 56, had already stepped down from the ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires in March 2023 but as part of the International Panel was still eligible to stand in ODIs and T20Is. He stood in a T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand in April this year. Pakistan have a busy home season, though mostly with Tests; they do host an ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in February 2025 which, in theory, represents Dar’s last chance to stand in an international. PSL 2025, where Dar has been a regular official, will likely take place in May this year and could be the opportunity for a high-profile farewell.At his peak, Dar was widely acknowledged as the best umpire in the world, winning the ICC’s David Shepherd trophy for Umpire of the Year award three years in a row from 2009 through to 2011. In the age of neutral umpires, he was the first from Pakistan to break through, appointed on the ICC’s elite panel when it was established in 2002. He subsequently forged a successful and respected career, standing in four World Cup finals and a record-breaking 145 Tests and 222 ODIs.Related

• Aleem Dar: 'You cannot allow one decision to reflect on the rest of your game'

• Aleem Dar steps down from ICC's Elite Panel of Umpires

“Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I have cherished the privilege of officiating some of the most iconic matches involving the greatest players of this generation,” Dar said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honour to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world.”In recent years, as he has cut back from his on-field role, Dar has set up a charity – the Aleem Dar Foundation – that provides a free ambulance service as well as a blood bank and transfusion for thalassemia patients. It is there that he intends to spend more time.”However, all great journeys must eventually come to an end, and the time has come for me to focus fully on my social and charity work. My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart and require my full devotion and attention.”Dar played 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches between 1986 and 1998 as a legspinner, before he made his first-class umpiring debut during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He said he hopes to continue working as a mentor and guide to the next generation of match officials.

The 2025/26 Premier League season is just around the corner, with defending champions Liverpool set to kick things off against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.

The Reds will be looking to make it back-to-back titles under Arne Slot after splashing the cash in the transfer market, whereas Arsenal are aiming to go one better following three successive second-place finishes.

Other storylines to look out for are Ruben Amorim’s first full season as Man Utd manager, whereas Thomas Frank is the new boss at Tottenham following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are the three newly promoted sides looking to stop the recent trend of going straight back down, and Everton have now moved to their new £800m stadium.

With the fixtures now out, AI predictor tool ChatGPT has forecasted the scores for the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with 24 goals in total.

AI predicts Round 1 of the 2025/26 Premier League Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth Friday August 15

Starting off the new campaign at Anfield, Liverpool have been predicted to comfortably see off Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

The Cherries had a solid season in 24/25, finishing ninth, however, ‘the champions should start strongly, especially at Anfield’, continung their recent dominance againt their visitors.

Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool

February 2025

Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth

September 2024

Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool

January 2024

Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool

November 2023

Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth

August 2023

Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle Saturday August 16

On Saturday lunchtime, Aston Villa take on Newcastle, with the two teams both ending on 66 points in 24/25.

The Magpies qualified for the Champions League ahead of the Villans on goal difference and ChatGPT says ‘Newcastle’s quality edges them in a tight game’.

Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

April 2025

Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa

December 2024

Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle

January 2024

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

August 2023

Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle

April 2023

Brighton 2-1 Fulham Saturday August 16

One of three 3pm kick-offs, Brighton have been backed to get off the mark at home to Fulham with a 2-1 win, the same scoreline from the 24/25 season.

‘Home advantage and attacking flair give Brighton the edge’ under Fabian Hürzeler, according to AI.

Brighton 2-1 Fulham

March 2025

Fulham 3-1 Brighton

December 2024

Fulham 3-0 Brighton

March 2024

Brighton 1-1 Fulham

October 2023

Brighton 1-0 Fulham

February 2023

Sunderland 0-1 West Ham Saturday August 16

In what is sure to be an electric atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland may not have their fairytale start back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

The Black Cats may even be handed late heartbreak against the Hammers, as ChatGPT says ’West Ham are likely to snatch a late winner’.

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

April 2017

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

October 2016

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

February 2016

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

October 2015

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

March 2015

Tottenham 2-0 Burnley Saturday August 16

Thomas Frank’s first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham comes against Scott Parker’s Burnley following the Clarets’ 100-point haul in the Championship.

Spurs ‘should have enough to see off Burnley’ and record a comfortable 2-0 win, according to ChatGPT.

Tottenham 2-1 Burnley

May 2024

Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

January 2024

Burnley 2-5 Tottenham

September 2023

Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

May 2022

Burnley 0-1 Tottenham

February 2022

Wolves 1-3 Man City Saturday August 16

The first Saturday evening fixture of the new campaign sees Vitor Pereira’s Wolves take on Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

The Sky Blues will have a relatively new look about them following a summer rebuild, however, they ‘should be too strong for their hosts’ and a 3-1 victory for City has been predicted.

Man City 1-0 Wolves

May 2025

Wolves 1-2 Man City

October 2024

Man City 5-1 Wolves

May 2024

Wolves 2-1 Man City

September 2023

Man City 3-0 Wolves

January 2023

Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace Sunday August 17

Following a busy summer at the Club World Cup, Chelsea don’t have much time off and are set to take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge first up.

Enzo Maresca’s side finished in the top four in 24/25, whereas Crystal Palace won the FA Cup under Oliver Glasner. It could be a tight game, but ChatGPT says Chelsea will ‘dominate at home against their south-london visitors’.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

January 2025

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

September 2024

Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea

February 2024

Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace

December 2023

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

January 2023

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford Sunday August 17

Nottingham Forest earned European football in 24/25 following a brilliant Premier League campaign, whereas Keith Andrews is the new man in charge of Brentford after Frank’s departure.

They may play out the first draw of the season, as ChatGPT says ‘two well-matched sides could share the spoils’ in a 1-1 draw.

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brentford

May 2025

Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest

December 2024

Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest

January 2024

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford

October 2023

Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest

April 2023

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal Sunday August 17

The biggest game of the opening weekend sees Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Man Utd, so it’s no surprise it has been given the Super Sunday 4:30pm slot.

Amorim and Arteta could both be under pressure if they don’t get off to a good start, with a ‘tightly contested Super Sunday ending in a stalemate’ predicted.

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal

March 2025

Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (p)

January 2025

Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd

December 2024

Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal

May 2024

Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd

September 2023

Leeds 1-2 Everton Monday August 18

Rounding off the opening weekend in the first Monday Night Football sees Leeds host Everton at Elland Road.

The Championship title winners under Daniel Farke haven’t been used to losing many games in recent years, however, ChatGPT says ‘Leeds may feel the pressure returning after a two-season absence’, with Everton backed to come away with a narrow win.

Everton 1-0 Leeds

February 2023

Leeds 1-1 Everton

August 2022

Everton 3-0 Leeds

February 2022

Leeds 2-2 Everton

August 2021

Leeds 1-2 Everton

February 2021

Chelsea suffered a disappointing defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup, despite opening the scoring in the first half.

The Blues were still leading until the 62nd minute, but then three unanswered goals from the Brazilian side saw them secure all three points.

With the score 2-1 in favour of Flamengo, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who had only been on the field for four minutes, saw red after a dreadful challenge on Lucas Ayrton.

It opens the door for Liam Delap to cement his place as the club’s main attacking option, but what now for Jackson?

Nicolas Jackson’s future at Chelsea is unclear

Last season, Jackson could only manage 13 goals across 36 matches for the Stamford Bridge side in all competitions.

Injuries may have played their part in this disappointing campaign, but it is no wonder that Maresca signed Delap and is looking for other centre-forward options.

Aston Villa are seemingly keen on making a move for the Senegal international, and, given his poor form of late, it might be a deal Enzo Maresca is keen on getting done.

According to Transfermarkt, Jackson is valued at €50m (£43m), and it remains to be seen how much money the Blues would demand to allow him to leave the club this summer.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

14

10

Assists

5

5

Shots per game

2.3

2.5

Big chances created

8

6

Goal conversion percentage

18%

13%

Delap could be an ideal long-term option for the Italian amid the interest in Jackson. But did the Stamford Bridge outfit sell someone a few years ago who could have slotted into Maresca’s side with ease?

Chelsea must rue selling Kai Havertz

Havertz joined the Blues in 2020 and played a key role in the club winning their second Champions League title in 2021, scoring in the final against Manchester City.

The German international even netted in the final of the Club World Cup a few months later, which shows that he turned up in the big moments. His time in London saw the forward register 48 goal contributions – 32 goals and 16 assists in 139 games.

After three seasons with the club, he was sold to Arsenal in 2023 and has since emerged as a key player under Mikel Arteta.

Indeed, he was even dubbed “magnificent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig upon his move to the Emirates, and he has lived up to the hype with his uptick in form for Arsenal.

42 goal contributions in just 87 games at the Gunners show he made the right move in leaving Chelsea, but it must be a sale that the club regrets.

Now, according to Transfermarkt, his valuation stands at €65m (£57m), and this has soared since his last Chelsea valuation in 2023, which was €55m (£47m), which shows that he has taken his game to another level in North London.

The former Bayer Leverkusen forward is thus valued higher than Jackson, and if he can continue his fine form throughout the 2025/26 campaign with Arsenal, this value will rise even further as he continues to shine in a red shirt.

In this regard, Maresca would love to be able to call on someone like Havertz ahead of the club’s first Champions League campaign in a couple of seasons.

Chelsea have sold a few players prematurely over the years, but Havertz must be the one they regret the most.

Not just Jackson: 5/10 flop must never play for Chelsea again after the CWC

Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in their second game of the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 21, 2025