World Cup squads and a wave goodbye to the Premier League – because it occurred | Premier League

And that’s about it for right this moment. Thanks for studying. Let’s log off with this Louise Taylor piece on October’s Premier League Participant of the Month, Miguel Almirón.

All of the weekend Premier League group information in a single place together with accidents, suspensions, disciplinary information, kind and even prime goalgetters. West Ham’s joint-top scorers have managed simply two objectives apiece. Chelsea’s main marksmen have simply three every.

The World Cup in Qatar: are you watching or boycotting? If in case you have determined in opposition to travelling or are switching off at residence, we wish to hear from you…

Brentford tackle Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad in Saturday’s early recreation and Bees boss Thomas Frank has been speaking in regards to the hosts, giving explicit focus to Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

“Is it going to be tough? It’ll be unbelievably tough. They’ve an virtually full squad and added Haaland who shall be destroying objective information within the coming years. Rather a lot has been stated about him – he’s a machine. They’re an unbelievably tough aspect to shut down, however I again us to do one thing. We now have by no means, ever gone right into a recreation believing that we’re not able to successful. It’s more than likely the most important problem and we’re trying ahead to it.”

He added: “(Haaland) is taking part in for a group that’s giving him most likely the most effective prospects to attain objectives; they’ll present him with good alternatives from crosses or slide passes. It’s about making an attempt to cease the supply; the extra we will cease the supply, the higher. It is not going to be the primary time that individuals have tried to maintain De Bruyne quiet. He at all times appears to discover a means.”

A couple of Opta stats to make Frank really feel worse. Then once more, it’s not sure Haaland will play.

• Manchester Metropolis have received every of their final 11 Premier League residence video games, their longest such run since a run of 14 within the 2017-18 marketing campaign. They’ve scored at the least twice of their final 15 on the Etihad.

• In addition to being the highest scorer within the Premier League this season, Erling Haaland’s objectives have been value a league-high 13 factors to Manchester Metropolis. It’s essentially the most factors received by a Man Metropolis participant in a single Premier League marketing campaign since 2016-17 (Sergio Agüero, 13).

It’s 5pm, so time for this…

Welcome to the long run. Let Arsene Wenger clarify the way it will unfold… by way of Reuters.

FIFA will share in-depth match information, graphics and video from each World Cup match in Qatar with all taking part groups in addition to supporters and media by way of a brand new efficiency evaluation service introduced on Friday. The service, led by FIFA’s chief of world soccer growth Arsene Wenger and developed by the world governing physique’s Excessive Efficiency group, will supply perception on 11 metrics together with anticipated objectives, possession management and phases of play.

“Each match could have its personal distinctive set of in-match and post-match enhanced soccer intelligence visuals introduced as augmented actuality and conventional graphics,” FIFA stated. “These new statistics break down every space of the sport into fantastic element and supply operational definitions and a number of video examples to obviously outline every motion.” FIFA has additionally arrange a specialist teaching web site to supply detailed video explanations on every metric.

Former Arsenal supervisor Wenger stated making the information available aimed to “assist everybody to higher perceive the sport”. He added: “Enhanced soccer intelligence shall be our blueprint for a way we analyse soccer sooner or later. We wish to share our imaginative and prescient of utilizing soccer information analytics mixed with technical skilled interpretation to create a brand new soccer intelligence. My group will proceed to supply new and insightful soccer evaluation content material to assist share new understanding of the sport mixed with efficiency information, video examples and technical explanations.”

Whereas we’re on Argentina, let’s return to 1978. Numerous ticker tape and a traditional “Kempes… 1-0” from David Coleman. I’ve at all times liked that first Argentina objective. So fast and slick from Luque and Kempes after Ardilles drives ahead.

Argentina title World Cup squad

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch says his aspect don’t have any worry of taking part in the Premier League huge boys forward of Saturday’s go to to Tottenham. Honest level. His aspect have overwhelmed Liverpool and Chelsea already this season and missed a penalty in a slim 1-0 defeat to leaders Arsenal.

Right here’s the American speaking about that journey to Spurs. “We all know this can be a huge problem as soon as once more in opposition to a prime opponent in our league that’s disciplined to play the best way they do. However the fantastic thing about the place we’re is that we’re not good however we’re not afraid, we now have proven this yr that we’re not afraid of massive opponents. We’re going to go down and play confidently and go after the sport in each means.

“We now have been speaking internally about being winners, that in plenty of these matches we’re proper in it. The way in which the video games have gone it’s usually very even and we now have to be extra poised to capitalise on these conditions and keep sturdy and steady. In each of these matches we have been in a position to capitalise and it regarded like we have been going to win.”

On the group information entrance, Adam Forshaw, Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Mateusz Klich are all out whereas Jack Harrison is uncertain because of a muscle pressure.

Conte in no rush for Tottenham contract talks

Staying with Senegal, right here’s a flashback to the opening recreation of the 2002 World Cup. Liverpool regarded like they’d signed an actual star in El Hadji Douf. That didn’t fairly work out (six objectives in 79 video games and dissing Steven Gerrard quite a bit). Senegal play the Netherlands within the second recreation of the 2022 World Cup on 21 November.

Will Unwin

Guardiola will assess Haaland health after coaching

If it looks as if the managerial merry go-round has been spinning quick this season, that’s as a result of it’s true. Golf equipment within the Premier League and English Soccer League (EFL) have damaged the report for many supervisor departures inside the first 15 weeks of a season, PA evaluation exhibits.

Thursday’s sacking of Leam Richardson by Wigan took this season’s tally of everlasting managerial modifications to 26, with the marketing campaign having began simply 105 days in the past on July 29. It is a new report for the Premier League period, surpassing the earlier mark that was set initially in 2001-02, earlier than being equalled in 2007-08 and 2014-15.

Richardson was the third head coach to depart his publish this week, together with his departure coming instantly after Nathan Jones had left Luton to take up the supervisor’s job at Southampton, which had in flip been vacated by Ralph Hasenhuttl’s dismissal on Monday. Rochdale’s sacking of Robbie Stockdale opened the floodgates all the best way again on August 18, simply 20 days into the season.

There have been simply 14 supervisor modifications by this level final yr, the bottom for eight seasons and round half as many as in 2022-23. 5 of these have been within the Premier League – Xisco Munoz (Watford), Steve Bruce (Newcastle), Nuno Espirito Santo (Tottenham), Daniel Farke (Norwich) and Dean Smith (Aston Villa) – however the remaining 72 EFL golf equipment had seen solely 9 departures between them.

The wonderful Tim Key stays topical with a World Cup squad announcement poem.

With 5 Premier League wins and a attract October, Newcastle have been at all times prone to sweep the month-to-month awards. Opta add some additional perspective on their rise forward of Saturday’s residence recreation in opposition to Chelsea.

• Newcastle are taking part in a Premier League recreation beginning the day within the prime three for the primary time since November 2011, shedding 3-1 at league-leaders Manchester Metropolis. That is the primary time they’re dealing with Chelsea whereas above them within the desk since Could 2012, and a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Thanks Gregg. All our World Cup group guides will be discovered right here by the best way. Every profile incorporates a ‘Qatar stance’ part and the Dutch KNVB has been one of many few soccer associations to criticise human rights and dealing circumstances within the nation. Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal gave an extra replace when asserting his 26-man squad on Friday. This from Reuters:

The Netherlands will take time throughout their keep in Qatar to speak to migrants who helped construct the stadiums for the World Cup, van Gaal stated on Friday. The group will meet a bunch of about 20 migrants on November 17 to speak about their working circumstances and to present them the chance to affix the gamers in coaching.

Final yr, Qatar’s authorities denied claims in a report by human rights organisation Amnesty Worldwide that hundreds of migrant staff have been being trapped and exploited.

Van Gaal stated the assembly with the migrants was meant to present consideration to the usually dire circumstances underneath which stadiums and different infrastructure for the match have been constructed earlier than the group’s focus completely shifts to the World Cup itself. “It should in fact be a considerably manufactured state of affairs, however the truth we’re keen to do that tells you one thing in regards to the concepts of the KNVB and of this squad,” Van Gaal stated of the assembly.

Van Gaal earlier this yr stated he felt it was ridiculous that the World Cup was being performed in Qatar, as he accused world soccer’s governing physique FIFA of taking the match to the Center East emirate for cash and business causes.

With it being a weekend of Copa del Rey video games in Spain, La Liga has already packed up for the World Cup. Right here’s Sid Lowe on the state of play because it goes on hiatus for 50 days:

And with that, I’ll hand again to Dave.

Graham Potter’s Chelsea tackle high-flying Newcastle at St James’ Park tomorrow they usually’re struggling a bit, aren’t they? They haven’t received in 4 league video games and Potter was requested whether or not he’s nervous about current performances:

We performed Milan in-between Wolves, Reece [James] acquired injured – a key participant – so lacked stability in answer, Wesley [Fofana] as properly. Then a blow to NG [N’Golo Kante]. We’ve carried out properly in opposition to Salzburg, acquired end result. Suffered first 20 in opposition to Brighton, and that’s knocked us again a bit of bit. I feel there’s extra to come back from the group we now have and the group we now have. We’ve had some key gamers out: Kanté, [Ben] Chilwell, James, Fofana. They’re key gamers and a few them are changing key ones who left in the summertime. Our efficiency in opposition to Arsenal wasn’t good, however I assumed we performed properly in opposition to Man Metropolis. It’s at all times a course of, and I’m fairly certain there are going to be a lot of issues that enter the top as we now have time. I feel we will do higher than we now have and that’s the place my focus is on. [Newcastle] have gotten outcomes and acquired outcomes deservedly. That builds confidence and momentum. I’ve big admiration for [Eddie Howe]. He’s galvanised the group and the membership.

Welsh schoolchildren shall be allowed to swap their pencils and set squares to observe Gareth Bale and co on the World Cup from their lecture rooms.

This from PA:

The Welsh authorities has left it for faculties to determine learn how to handle the Iran recreation, which kicks off at 10am on Friday 25 November. Wales shall be taking part in at their first World Cup for 64 years in Qatar and their different two group video games, in opposition to the USA and England, have later kick-offs at 7pm.

The Soccer Affiliation of Wales has organised a ‘Cymru Soccer Friday’ for the Iran recreation, with 1,100 faculties all through the nation making ready for a “full day of soccer exercise”. FAW chief government Noel Mooney stated: “We’ve labored with Welsh authorities and created packs so each faculty within the nation can have fun with bunting, footballs, flags and pictures of the gamers. We wish to create a competition in all our faculties and the Iran recreation is ideal for us. You desire a youngster to recollect it, and hopefully go on to play for us and grow to be the long run.”

What, no bucket hats?

Klopp has analysed ‘half Saints, half Luton’

Afternoon. Jürgen Klopp is at the moment giving his ideas on Liverpool’s opponents tomorrow, Southampton, who’ve a brand new supervisor in Nathan Jones. I’ll replace you on his opinions shortly. Within the meantime right here’s a Liverpool-related view from reader Admir Pajiæ:

“Right here is unpopular opinion: Thiago is mainly a Veron. He is a superb playmaker who signed for an English membership that didn’t want one.”

I can see the place you’re coming from Admir – Liverpool’s strongest midfield was the brawny Wijnaldum-Fabinho-Henderson trio. Thiago is a superb footballer, although at Liverpool he has usually appeared lower than the sum of his very proficient elements. Maybe accidents haven’t helped and the system maybe isn’t finest suited to him, both.

Time for a spot of lunch so I’ll hand the weblog over to Gregg Bakowski for some time.

Serbia title World Cup squad

In the event you hadn’t observed, Spain are going to the World Cup with out Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara. Think about being that blessed in midfield that you are able to do with out Thiago! He’d absolutely get into every other squad heading to Qatar. A minimum of there’s nonetheless one World Cup winner within the household: nowhere close to as proficient dad, Mazinho, who lifted the trophy with Brazil in 1994. Different types of gamers I suppose. Anyway, extra right here from Reuters on the supervisor’s pondering.

Luis Enrique declined to touch upon the gamers who have been omitted, however the absence of veterans like De Gea, Thiago and Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso factors to the supervisor’s choice to go all-in with Spain’s new technology of expertise.

De Gea has fallen out of favour with Luis Enrique who stated in March he “needed to check different goalkeepers” and Thiago noticed his function diminish with the rise of Barca youngsters Pedri, 19, and 18-year-old Gavi.

“Youth offers you freedom as a result of you aren’t but conscious of the results,” Luis Enrique stated. “But, a lot of the children which are with us are already in high-level groups. The bar that I’m setting is infinity. My objective is to compete in each recreation. There’s nobody exterior of Spain who guidelines out Spain as a candidate to be among the many finest.”

On a weekend the place Nathan Jones had anticipated to welcome Rotherham to Kenilworth Street, the previous Luton boss will now be heading to Anfield as supervisor of Southampton.

Speaking about his first few days at St Mary’s, the 49-year-old Welshman stated: “We now have to make small steps and we now have to make them shortly. All I’ve executed is handle them and ask them for a couple of key issues. I can’t do ground-breaking work in a day due to the sport on Wednesday (Southampton beat Sheffield Wednesday within the Carabao Cup on penalties) and the quantity of people that performed.

“Yesterday was a restoration day and I solely get right this moment to work with them. It received’t be some kind of categorical shift in how we play, however I hope will probably be an uplift in power and that they work for the membership and for me. Anfield is without doubt one of the hardest locations in Europe to go, however what an important begin. You will be scared or excited by it. You will be motivated by it, and I’m undoubtedly a type of.”

Jones says he has had a “whirlwind week” travelling up and down the nation and opened up on his household connections with Southampton at his first media convention. His spouse’s great-grandfather performed for Southampton and all her household are supporters of the membership.
Jones laughed: “So there’s zero stress. My spouse’s dad has already been giving me suggestions, so he’s been blocked. I can’t have that! However, severely, it’s an exquisite connection for that household.”

(PA Media)

A bit extra on that Spain World Cup squad from AP.

Twenty-year-old Barcelona ahead Ansu Fati was included in Spain’s squad for the World Cup on Friday. Ansu has not performed for Spain since making his fourth look as a teen in October 2020 shortly after breaking the report for Spain’s youngest scorer. His spectacular begin for Spain and Barcelona was lower quick by leg accidents.

Apart from Fati, there have been no different surprises when Spain coach Luis Enrique introduced his 26-man squad. The previous midfielder, who performed in three World Cups, will depend on a younger group in Qatar, together with Barcelona midfielders Pedri Gonzalez (19) and Gavi Paez (18). “We’re going to warfare in Qatar,” Luis Enrique stated.

Luis Enrique guided the same Spain squad to the semi-finals of final yr’s European Championships. Spain’s gamers will journey to Jordan on Monday, the place they’ll play a pleasant in opposition to that nation’s nationwide group on November 17. They’ll then fly to Doha, the place the group could have its base camp in the course of the World Cup. Spain will play their opening match on the World Cup in opposition to Costa Rica on November 23. The 2010 champions may even face Germany and Japan in Group E.

It is a pretty story about Wales. And, sure, these bucket hats are a nod to the Stone Roses.

Could I additionally advocate Jonny Owen’s ‘Collectively Stronger’ on the iPlayer.

Uruguay embrace Cavani in World Cup squad

After an enormous eight years of harm since successful the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, is it Germany’s time once more? Evaluation right here in our hot-of-the-press group information.

Again to the Premier League and Everton supervisor Frank Lampard will goal attacking reinforcements in January as he sees to discover a answer to their goalscoring issues. The Toffees have managed a paltry 11 objectives in 14 Premier League video games this season.

Damage-plagued striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is at the moment coping with three points and whereas the hamstring downside sustained in final weekend’s defeat in opposition to Leicester will hold him out of Saturday’s journey to Bournemouth, a beforehand dislocated shoulder and, extra considerably, a knee damage from the beginning of the season are ongoing points. Everton have scored simply 11 objectives in 14 Premier League matches – their prime scorer is Anthony Gordon with three – and it’s an space which Lampard is aware of must be addressed.

“We’re definitely contemplating it within the squad,” stated the previous midfielder when requested whether or not attacking signings have been a precedence in January. “Once we regarded on the (summer time) window I knew we needed to strengthen all through the squad in several areas and the precedence was to cease conceding and be extra stable by way of midfield. It (assault) could be the subsequent step, contemplating we haven’t had Dominic as properly for a giant portion of this season to date, to present ourselves extra choices in an attacking sense to assist the squad.

“Leicester (final weekend’s 2-0 defeat) is a primary instance: it was tightly-contested, 50-50 possession, they have some actually good gamers and a risk and we missed two actually huge probabilities they usually scored two wonderful objectives. These issues in each packing containers will be actually crucial.”

Calvert-Lewin has managed simply 339 minutes of soccer – and accomplished 90 minutes simply as soon as – to date after a knee damage on the eve of the season sidelined him for 2 months. Lampard hopes the break for the World Cup will give them probability to type lastly type his points.

“The hamstring is a small damage, it’s a 10-day damage as such which is barely irrelevant now. The shoulder was a whack he took in opposition to Newcastle (a month in the past) and he had a recurrence in opposition to Fulham. He has been strapped up quite a bit and it was one thing which was checked out by a specialist yesterday and doesn’t want any surgical procedure. He has been getting by way of with some points however the knee might be essentially the most outstanding damage that we wish to get proper, which is a much like what he had earlier than and it’s been aggravated so this era offers us time to get it again proper. We hope the break comes at time for him and we count on him again for Wolves on Boxing Day.”

(PA Media)

Spain and Netherlands announce World Cup squads

Extra particulars on Sade Mane’s damage and his inclusion in Senegal’s World Cup squad.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse is assured Mane may recuperate in time to play on the match. He stated Senegal had despatched the Senegalese federation’s physician to look at Mane on Thursday and had been advised he wouldn’t require surgical procedure. ”That’s superb information and we now have the possibility to attempt to get him match for the match. We now have two weeks to watch and see how the damage reacts to therapy,” Cisse stated. “I desire to maintain him within the squad as a result of he’s such an essential a part of us.”

The coach used the instance of Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr, who had been injured going into January’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, however was included within the squad and recovered after the primary spherical to contribute to Senegal’s success within the match. “We’ll do all in our energy to make sure we will recuperate Mane in time to play,” Cisse added.

Cisse saved religion with the vast majority of the squad that received the Cup of Nations in Cameroon however did embrace Monaco defender Ismail Jakobs and strikers Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal) and Ilimane Ndiaye (Sheffield United), who earned their first caps after World Cup qualification was secured in March. “The gamers chosen correspond with our imaginative and prescient and philosophy. They’re rivals of a excessive stage,” stated Cisse, who had his contract as coach prolonged by an extra two years on Thursday.

(Reuters)

Story from final evening. The Danish Soccer Affiliation (DBU) stated that Fifa had rejected Denmark’s request to coach on the World Cup in shirts with the phrases “human rights for all” on them.

Paul Gascoigne has been having a phrase with PA media following the announcement of the England World Cup squad…

Paul Gascoigne hopes the England gamers will gel as a group on the World Cup – quite than simply relying on one among them to make the distinction in Qatar. Gareth Southgate’s squad open their marketing campaign in opposition to Iran and can then tackle the USA earlier than assembly Wales within the remaining Group B fixture. Gascoigne mirrored on his personal World Cup expertise 32 years in the past in ‘Italia 90: 4 weeks that modified the world’, which can will air on Sky Documentaries from November 13.

Tottenham midfielder Gascoigne had by no means began a aggressive worldwide, so was one thing of a controversial choice for Sir Bobby Robson’s squad. Gascoigne, although, took centre stage in Italy as England constructed momentum from a sluggish begin to go on and attain the semi-finals, the place they have been overwhelmed on penalties by West Germany in Turin. The likes of James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will all be hoping to make an impression in Qatar. Gascoigne feels will probably be essential how properly they will all work collectively as a unit which can decide how far the Three Lions can go.

“We now have acquired some high quality gamers there (within the squad), however we’re speaking now particular person gamers,” Gascoigne advised the PA information company. “You’ve got to take a look at a group participant – I used to be lucky, as a result of in 1990 after which at Euro 96, we have been a group. At present’s groups have gotten a fairly a couple of particular person gamers, however it’s whether or not you gel collectively, that’s extra essential than anything.

“In 1990, I used to be so happy with the gamers that didn’t play as a result of once we scored, they have been all up celebrating, there was no one who sulked in the event that they weren’t taking part in – a few of them went there and by no means acquired a recreation, however they have been nonetheless behind us, which is what the gamers are going to want greater than something. I used to be simply 23 and the opposite gamers have been coming into their prime, like Bryan Robson, John Barnes, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, Gary Lineker, Terry Butcher, Peter Shilton, Stuart Pearce – they have been unbelievable. So I used to be lucky to be amongst all them they usually simply let me get on and revel in myself, and naturally Bobby Robson was an excellent supervisor.”

In addition to drawing reward for his mesmerising performances to assist drive England on by way of the knockout phases of Italia 90, Gascoigne additionally captured the hearts of the nation watching again residence in the course of the semi-final. After being proven a yellow card for a problem which appeared to make minimal contact on Thomas Berthold, so ruling him out of the ultimate ought to England have progressed, the younger midfielder struggled to carry again his tears.

“Even to today, I nonetheless don’t assume I touched him,” stated Gascoigne, 55. “It wasn’t simply the very fact I used to be going to overlook the ultimate – I didn’t wish to be egocentric in that means as a result of (in) the final 20 minutes, I gave my all. It was heartbreaking to get the second yellow card after going to date (within the match), having executed so properly and actually loved myself. (Everybody) saying that seeing my tears modified the sport round (in England) is a pleasant feeling – nevertheless it was definitely a shock getting again residence and seeing all of the followers, when it was simply ‘wow’.”

Newcastle’s Callum Wilson is heading to the World Cup however he is probably not obtainable for Saturday’s Premier League conflict in opposition to Chelsea.

(Per PA Media) Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has saluted Callum Wilson’s resilience after the striker was referred to as as much as England’s World Cup squad. The 30-year-old has battled his means by way of a sequence of accidents, together with two cruciate ligament ruptures, to make it into the occasion for Qatar.

Howe, who signed him for Bournemouth again in 2014, stated: “It’s an incredible factor for him individually and I’m certain for his household. Callum has had a tough profession, it’s not at all times been in regards to the successes. He’s had big successes and he’s risen from the decrease leagues to the Premier League and now to the nationwide squad at a World Cup. It’s been an excellent factor to witness at first hand for me.

“Then whenever you see the way it’s been achieved, you see it’s been by way of dedication, consistency in his work, a extremely optimistic mindset. Even typically when he would get injured, his first intuition was at all times, ‘I’m going to come back again higher’ after which he put the work in to come back again higher, so it’s not simply speak with Callum, he really delivers. He’s acquired a means of scoring objectives, a uniqueness about him, so I’m delighted for him and I hope that he can go and I hope he could make actual impression.”

Wilson, who received his final cap in 2019, is dealing with a race to be match for his membership’s remaining Premier League recreation earlier than the World Cup break, in opposition to Chelsea on Saturday night, after scuffling with sickness within the final week. He got here off at half-time in Sunday’s 4-1 win at Southampton feeling the after-effects and missed the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.

Requested if he can be obtainable, Howe stated: “We’ll wait and see. He’s been coaching individually from the group this week. He had an sickness, so he’s been away from the group. He’s been working properly however I have to decide on whether or not he’s match sufficient to play.”

We’ve reached Costa Rica in our World Cup 2022 group guides. Makeweights? Effectively, let’s not neglect 2014 after they one way or the other topped a bunch that includes England, Italy and Uruguay earlier than reaching the quarter-finals.

4 Armed Forces personnel will take cost of the League One fixture between Cambridge United and Bolton Wanderers on Remembrance Weekend.

For the primary time, the Royal Air Drive, British Military and Royal Navy will all be represented in the course of the match on the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.

The RAF’s Sergeant Darren Drysdale would be the referee, supported by his two assistant referees – the Military’s Corporal Declan O’Shea and Captain Steve Finch. The Royal Navy’s Chief Petty Officer Scott Jackson would be the fourth official, finishing a group with virtually 100 years of mixed army service.

The pre-World Cup conspiracy theories are beginning.

Michael Gibson emails in with this: “I noticed your earlier remark re Southgate having kittens when Harry Kane contests 50-50s in opposition to Leeds. I wager Brenden Aaronson has been primed by Greg Berhalter to depart one in on Kane or Eric Dier if he will get the possibility. Truly the reverse may additionally be true.”

Yeah, and this bloke I do know reckons he is aware of a bloke, who’s buddies with a man that works for Match of the Day who reckons Aaronson and Callum Wilson are finest mates so crocking Kane makes good sense.

Time, expensive readers, for YOUR assist (pointy finger emoji).

How properly will your group carry out on the World Cup? What’s the temper like at residence? Whether or not you’re cheering on one of many favourites or supporting an underdog, share your hopes and expectations with us by filling out the shape within the article beneath.

Right here’s Barney Ronay’s take on England’s World Cup squad.

“This isn’t to say that England have an apparent champion squad. However it’s the finest squad Southgate may have picked, one which on the face of it provides no house to carp or rage at expertise squandered, favouritism utilized.

“A primary XI of Jordan Pickford in objective, Kieran Tripper, John Stones, Harry Maguire (who will play, and who can also be extra suited to the sedentary rhythms of England soccer) and Luke Shaw in defence; the Rice-Phillips-Bellingham trio, plus Southgate’s favoured entrance three of Kane-Sterling-Foden … this seems fairly good.”

“We’re on our means, we’re Gareth’s 26…”. Okay, it doesn’t fairly have the identical ring to it as 1982 however Southgate’s squad are almost on their means. Will they get it proper? This time? Right here’s the story and squad if one way or the other your missed it. And beneath it a hyperlink to see Dave Watson, Steve Foster, Joe Corrigan et al recording their smash No.2 hit. Enjoyable truth: Joint writers, Chris Norman and Pete Spencer of Smokie, had written “Head Over Heels in Love” for Kevin Keegan in 1979.

Sadio Mane named in Senegal World Cup squad

Manchester United made it by way of to the final 16 of the Carabao Cup with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa final evening, Qatar-bound Marcus Rashford getting the hosts’ second. Right here’s Jamie Jackson’s match report.

In bonkers scheduling information, the fourth spherical ties are being squeezed in between the World Cup remaining (December 18) and the resumption of the Premier League (December 26). Manchester Metropolis youngsters/reserves v Liverpool youngsters/reserves is the standout tie. Right here’s the draw.

Wolves v Gillingham
Southampton v Lincoln Metropolis
Blackburn Rovers v Nottingham Forest
Newcastle v Bournemouth
Manchester Metropolis v Liverpool
Manchester United v Burnley
MK Dons v Leicester
Charlton v Brighton

Let’s kick off with a weekly staple. Gonna miss you my pal.

“Maddison will hope to log off from home obligation by serving to Leicester beat West Ham. Standing in his means, although, shall be a global teammate: Declan Rice. It is a big recreation for West Ham’s captain. David Moyes’s aspect are two factors above the underside three after stinking the place out in opposition to Crystal Palace final weekend they usually may do with an inspirational midfield show from Rice.”

Preamble