أعلن حسام حسن المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر، التشكيل الأساسي للفراعنة في مباراته أمام بوركينا فاسو، بالمواجهة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.
وتقام المباراة بين مصر وبوركينا فاسو على أرضية استاد 4 أغسطس، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثامنة من تصفيات كأس العالم.
ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، رفقة بوركينا فاسو وإثيوبيا وجيبوتي وسيراليون وغينيا بيساو.
ويخوض منتخب مصر اللقاء متصدراً ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، بعد خوض 7 مواجهات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في لقاء.
بدلاء منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم
وكان منتخب مصر قد فاز في مباراته الماضية على إثيوبيا بهدفين دون رد، في اللقاء الذي أقيم بينهما على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي. تشكيل منتخب مصر اليوم أمام بوركينا فاسو
حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي.
خط الدفاع: محمد هاني- رامي ربيعة- خالد صبحي- محمد حمدي-أحمد عيد.
خط الوسط: مروان عطية- أحمد نبيل كوكا- محمود تريزيجيه.
Sunderland are back in the Premier League and have now engaged in talks over a signing that would send out a signal of intent to their competitors, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Sunderland find out the latest in pursuit of Clement Bischoff
In the modern day, club chiefs speaking out on the availability of a player or their current situation isn’t an uncommon practice at this time of year.
Subsequently, it will come as no surprise to hear that Brondby sporting director Benjamin Schmedes has addressed rumours surrounding Sunderland target Clement Bischoff amid links between both parties.
He stated: “Clement has one year left on his contract, and that puts us in a situation where we’ve had strong discussions for a long time. But nothing is official yet, so there’s no agreement.
“We’re in dialogue, and we’ll see where it ends. Noah has two years left, so it’s a different case.”
Making strides ahead of their official Premier League return, Clermont Foot midfielder Habib Kieta is also on Sunderland’s radar and QPR, Stoke City and Crystal Palace are also believed to be in the running for his signature.
Sunderland in advanced talks to sell "fantastic" 22 y/o in permanent deal
Would moving him on be the right decision?
ByHenry Jackson Jun 22, 2025
Inevitably, beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Sunderland in 2025/26. While Jobe Bellingham’s sale will enable money to be spent, they will need to invest wisely to compete with other financially secure competitors in the grand scheme of things.
Nevertheless, Sunderland hold a pull that is rare for a promoted side due to their rich history in the English top-flight, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone like Jordan Henderson return to the North East if a deal were right for all parties.
Letting their presence be known to others, the Black Cats are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an international goalkeeper that would make headlines.
Romano: Sunderland in active talks to sign Marcin Bulka
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sunderland are in ‘active talks’ to sign OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka as part of their ambitious project to stay in the Premier League.
Despite being ‘approached’ by several other clubs, the Black Cats are the only side mentioned in the conversation and it remains to be seen whether further developments will occur down the line.
Labelled “superb” by PSG boss Luis Enrique, the Poland international kept eight clean sheets in 40 appearances last term and recorded a save percentage rate of 75.8% in Ligue 1.
Admittedly, Sunderland will need to rely on their goalkeeper next campaign to have a realistic chance of staying in the top-flight, so bringing someone of Bulka’s calibre in would certainly help, even if that puts Anthony Patterson’s future as number one in doubt.
Sussex outgunned and replaced at the top of table after 54-run loss at Hove
ECB Reporters Network15-Jun-2024
Jamie Smith top-scored for Surrey to take them top of the table•Getty Images
Surrey 184 for 8 (Smith 45, Evans 41, Lamb 3-36) beat Sussex 130 (Curran 3-39) by 54 runsRuthless Surrey replaced Sussex Sharks at the top of the Vitality Blast South Group after an impressive 54 runs win at Hove.Sussex came into the contest on the back of a four-match winning streak including a 36-run victory at the Kia Oval last week.But they never recovered after losing three wickets in the first four overs and were bowled out for 130 in 18.1 overs chasing 185 by a highly effective Surrey attack.Australian Spencer Johnson removed Harrison Ward and James Coles in the opening over of a quality new-ball spell and when Sean Abbott accounted for Daniel Hughes, who came into the contest with 224 runs in his previous five Blast games, Sussex were 24 for 3 and up against it.John Simpson made 25, Jack Carson 24 and Fynn Hudson-Prentice 23 but this was a reality check for Sussex against a Surrey team who have four wins and a tie from their first six matches.In front of a 4,800 full house Surrey had been put in and their 184 for 8 was dominated by Laurie Evans’ 41 and Jamie Smith’s 45. It always looked a competitive score on a pitch at the 1st Central County Ground which offered movement for the seamers throughout.Evans took charge against his old county after Ollie Robinson had Dan Lawrence caught at short third off the fourth ball of the innings, sharing 67 in 37 balls alongside Dom Sibley with 19 runs coming off successive overs by Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Nathan McAndrew in a power play that yielded 66.Both fell in successive overs with Evans held at deep backward-square in Sussex skipper Tymal Mills’ first over as three wickets fell in nine balls in the middle of the innings.Only 22 runs were scored between the eighth and 11th overs but Smith picked up the tempo again after Ollie Pope, who made an unbeaten 99 in a losing cause when the teams met last Friday, was caught behind for a duck attempting to ramp Robinson.Smith and Rory Burns, deputising for Jason Roy who had a calf injury, put on 69 off 37 balls for the fifth wicket with Smith muscling the ball over the rope four times in his 45 from 28 deliveries before he was caught trying to clear long on. Danny Lamb, who mixed up his pace and lengths effectively, finished with 3 for 36.Ward had made 68 on Friday in Sussex’ win over Essex but here he spliced a pull off the second ball of the match before Johnson bowled Coles through the gate with a nip-backer. When Hughes got a thin edge to Abbott’s lifter Surrey’s celebrations reflected the importance of his wicket.Simpson and Tom Alsop put on 32 but Gus Atkinson picked up Simpson with his second ball and Lawrence removed Alsop with his first. When Tom Curran struck off successive deliveries in his second over Sussex’s race was run, although Robinson and Jack Carson at least added 34 for the ninth wicket to restrict the damage to their net run rate.
Nottingham Forest now want to sign a “great” £8.5 million ace as a possible replacement for Anthony Elanga, according to a new report.
Newcastle still chasing Elanga 12 months on
During the 2024/25 season, Forest had many players step up and perform at a very high level on a consistent basis, with one of those players doing just that being Elanga. The Sweden international bagged five goals and registered nine assists in 36 Premier League games in his debut campaign with the club, but he found a new level last season, scoring six goals to go with 11 assists.
He was a big contributor to Forest reaching the Europa Conference League, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed, as teams from around the Premier League begin to circle – it was revealed last week that Newcastle United had made contact with the Reds over a possible deal for Elanga.
The Magpies were interested in a deal last summer, and now Eddie Howe has returned in the hope of getting his man this time around. Howe is said to be a big admirer of the winger and has made him his number one target this summer.
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However, they are not alone in their pursuit, as Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Elanga. Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Forest attacker ahead of the transfer window reopening next week.
The report adds that teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all been watching the Swedish international ‘closely’. Forest are determined to keep hold of Elanga, but have reportedly placed a £60 million price tag on his head.
Forest want to sign £8.5m Moro as possible Elanga replacement
The mounting interest in Elanga will have the board worried, and according to Spanish outlets, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing winger Raúl Moro from Real Valladolid.
Raul Moro
The Spanish side suffered relegation from La Liga last season, but despite his team’s struggles, Moro had a breakout season, netting four times in 33 La Liga games. The report states his ‘impeccable’ form hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Forest as well as AFC Bournemouth keep a close eye on his situation.
The report states that no offers have arrived for the 22-year-old as of yet, and despite Valladolid suffering relegation, they have placed a €10 million asking price on the winger, which is roughly £8.5 million.
Raul Moro’s 24/25 La Liga stats
Apps
33
Starts
26
Goals
4
Shots per game
1.4
Assists
5
Touches
34.7
Big chances created
8
Key passes
1.3
Succ dribbles
1.7 (45%)
Ground duels won
2.9 (48%)
This isn’t the first time Moro, who has been dubbed “great” by scout Jacek Kulig, has been linked with a move to England. Back in December it was revealed that both Liverpool and Manchester City were interested in signing the former Spain under-21 international, but it remains unclear if they are both keeping an eye on his situation.
Newcastle United have been a revelation in the 2024/25 campaign. Eddie Howe’s men won their first trophies in decades, lifting the Carabao Cup by beating Liverpool in the final, and achieved their goal of reaching the Champions League once again.
A key part of that was Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder was pivotal in the heart of the midfield for the Magpies, showing exactly why they invested £55m into his signing almost two years ago. He played 36 Premier League games overall, chipping in with six goals and assists from the base of midfield.
Sandro Tonali celebrates for Newcastle
It was a genius singing from Italian giants AC Milan, so much so that the North Eastern side might be looking to repeat the feat this summer.
Newcastle's next potential signing from Milan
It was a poor season for Milan in 2024/25, but they have some excellent players. Their squad has been pulled apart already this summer, with the likes of Tijani Reijnders and Mike Maignan seemingly on the move to the Premier League, heading to Manchester City and possibly also Chelsea, respectively.
Transfer Focus
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Well, Newcastle could get in on the act by bringing French full-back Theo Hernandez to St James’ Park this summer.
Calcio Mercato reported that initial ‘surveys’ have been conducted by the Magpies, suggesting they have made first contacts regarding a deal for Hernandez.
The Premier League outfit will not be the only side trying to sign the Frenchman this summer.
Having already said no to Saudi side Al Hilal, Atletico Madrid, and other unnamed sides from England and Spain, are trying to pounce to sign the defender. As for a fee, it could mirror the £29.4m Al Hilal had agreed for Hernandez before that deal collapsed.
Why Hernandez would be a good signing
The 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of a terrible one for Milan. The Italian giants came eighth in the league, which Dougie Critchley said was “their lowest finish since 2014/15, with their fewest points since 2015/16”, a truly disappointing season.
AC Milan'sTheoHernandezcelebrates
Yet, 27-year-old left-back Hernandez still put in some strong performances despite the struggles the Rossoneri experienced. He played 49 games across the campaign, scoring five times and grabbing six assists in the process.
Not only will Hernandez bring attacking output and a real engine on the left-hand side for the Magpies, but he is also a leader. Last season, he captained Milan 13 times, so adding that kind of attribute to a dressing room already filled with leaders can only benefit the North East outfit.
When looking at some of Hernandez’s underlying numbers, courtesy of Sofascore, from the 2024/25 campaign, it is easy to see what he can bring to the Newcastle side. Described as a “beast” by football scout Antonio Mango, he has some standout stats.
For example, across all competitions last season, the Frenchman, who was born in Marseille, played 71 key passes and won 55 aerial duels. Per 90 minutes, that leaves him with an average of 1.6 key passes and 1.2 aerial duels won.
Hernandez key stats in 2024/25 season
Stat (all comps)
Total
Per 90
Key passes
71
1.6
Big chances created
12
0.3
Dribbles completed
34
0.7
Tackles and interceptions
80
1.7
Aerial duels won
55
1.2
Expected goal involvements
8.58xGI
0.19xGI
Stats from Sofascore
There is not really a need to worry about adaptability from Serie A to the Premier League, either. Tonali is the living proof that, if you are athletic enough, your game can translate over to the English top flight easily. As the stats suggest, Hernandez certainly has those physical attributes.
In fact, Tonali was so good last season that he made Jamie Carragher’s Premier League team of the year. The former defender-turned-pundit said the former Milan star has “made a huge difference” at the base of midfield for Howe.
There is certainly evidence to suggest that Hernandez will be able to adapt to the Premier League with ease.
Not only does he have stats which show how well he has played this season, to support that argument, but his former Milan teammate Tonali has transitioned seamlessly.
If he can become anywhere near as good as Tonali has been in that famous Black and White striped shirt, then he will be a success at St James’ Park. Perhaps, he can be the second coming of his ex-teammate in the Serie A.
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Newcastle are looking to make a series of signings this summer.
Winger Manor Solomon is a player who has captured the hearts of the Leeds United fanbase, impressing during his loan stint at the club during the title-winning campaign.
The Israeli international joined the Whites on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur, looking to get his career back on track and fire Daniel Farke’s side back to the Premier League.
It’s safe to say that the 25-year-old has done exactly that, registering 10 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, leading to calls for him to be signed on a permanent basis.
With the transfer window now open once again, the club have the opportunity to complete such a deal, but up to now, there has been no progress, with it remaining unclear whether he will return to Yorkshire.
As a result, other forwards have since emerged on their radar as the German looks to build a side capable of surviving the drop come the end of May 2026.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new attackers this summer
In recent days, striker Davie Selke has emerged as a potential option for Leeds this summer, with a report claiming that they’ve already held talks with his representatives over a move to Yorkshire.
The 30-year-old has been in splendid form throughout 2024/25, scoring 22 times in his 31 appearances – the most in the Bundesliga 2 and helping Hamburg secure a return to the top-flight.
Hamburger SV's DavieSelkescores their third goal
However, another name has entered the mix in recent days, with Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao a summer target, that’s according to Dutch outlet FR12.
The report claims that the Whites have made an enquiry to sign the 24-year-old star, who’s registered 32 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.
It also states that Marseille and Brighton and Hove Albion have made moves for the Brazilian, who could be available for a fee in the region of £34m this summer.
Why Leeds’ £34m target could be Farke’s own Sinisterra
Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra was seen as a huge addition back in the summer of 2022, joining Leeds in a £21.4m deal – looking to add key depth to their frontline.
The 25-year-old only made 19 appearances during his first season at Elland Road, but managed to find the net on five occasions, with injuries plaguing his progress after his big-money move.
After the side suffered relegation back to the Championship, he would leave to join Bournemouth on loan, before making his move permanent last summer in a £20m deal.
It was a partially successful deal, which only saw them lose £1.4m on their investment, in a move that was ultimately cut short due to the club’s slide down the football pyramid.
However, they could repeat such a deal this summer with Paixao, potentially joining Farke’s side from Dutch outfit Feyenoord – just as Sinisterra did three years ago.
When delving into the Brazilian’s underlying stats from 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Solomon in numerous key areas, allowing the manager to forget about a dream reunion this summer.
Paixao, who’s been labelled “exquisite” by talent scout Antionio Mango, has registered more goals and assists, whilst posting a higher shot on target rate – subsequently showcasing his clinical edge in attacking areas.
How Paixao compares to Solomon in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Paixao
Solomon
Games played
34
39
Goals & assists
26
22
Shot-on-target accuracy
45%
40%
Shots on target per game
1.4
0.8
Carries into final third
2.4
2.3
Passes into final third
1.8
1.4
Aerials won
41%
0%
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more carries into the final third and made more passes into the opposition area, having the tools to aid the likes of Piroe in being a success in England’s top flight.
The 24-year-old has also won more aerial duels, offering Farke a top-level all-round option in attacking areas – something which will be vital if they are to secure survival.
£34m may seem a huge fee for a player who’s unproven in the Premier League, but his talent is there for all to see, undoubtedly providing a better option than Solomon next season.
A move for Paixao is certainly a risk worth taking this summer, but the hierarchy will have to work quickly to avoid missing out on his signature, given the interest from elsewhere.
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Manchester United supporters are wise enough not to get too carried away by any new signing, not least after over a decade of pain with regard to recruitment, with high-profile deals having repeatedly gone south in recent times.
That said, even after a season that saw the Red Devils finish trophyless amid their worst-ever Premier League campaign, the club’s pulling power remains, with Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha on his way to Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha
Plucking a player from Molineux may not appear too much of an achievement, although this is a man who just ended the season with 15 Premier League goals, having notably courted interest from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in January.
After frequently looking abroad for new additions – particularly during the Erik ten Hag tenure – it is promising that the INEOS regime are now targeting players within the top-flight, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also under consideration.
As Ruben Amorim has hinted, however, there is certainly no blank cheque this summer, with such deals likely needing to be funded by departures. Alejandro Garnacho, according to the latest reports, looks set to be one of them, although is that the right call?
Why Man Utd must keep Alejandro Garnacho
Not for the first time in his United career, Garnacho has publicly voiced his frustration regarding his situation at the club, having memorably liked a tweet criticising Ten Hag’s handling of him in the past, before more recently hitting out at his lack of game time during the Europa League final defeat last week.
Seemingly not helped by those around him – with his brother also foolishly calling out Amorim for throwing the Argentina international “under the bus” – the 20-year-old is doing himself no favours. The manager’s decision to send him on his way this summer thus appears no surprise.
That said, there has been enough evidence to suggest that this is a player whom the former Sporting CP boss should be looking to encourage, rather than exile, with Garnacho having fought his way back after being left out of the December Manchester Derby.
A run of 18 starts in a row heading into the Bilbao showpiece illustrated that growing faith, with Garnacho arguably making a bigger impact in the final than the man who had replaced him, Mason Mount, after swiftly drawing a save from Guglielmo Vicario after entering the fray.
With his 21 goals and assists in all competitions placing him ahead of Amad Diallo in that regard, it remains a head-scratching decision to force the former Atletico Madrid ace toward the exit door, even if the need to meet PSR regulations remains.
If a suitable, eye-catching offer does arrive, perhaps United and INEOS would be correct to contemplate a sale. No player in the current squad appears to be untouchable, following such a disastrous season.
Even so, there should surely be other marketable assets to prioritise with regard to outgoings, with Rasmus Hojlund among them.
The latest on Rasmus Hojlund's future
Last week’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur saw United toil amid what was a particularly limp attacking performance, with Hojlund coming closest to getting on the scoresheet, only to see his goalbound header cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven.
The luckless striker then fired a blank against Aston Villa on the Premier League’s final day, rounding off a season that has ended with just ten goals to his name in all competitions, including just four in the top-flight.
For United’s leading number nine, such a return simply isn’t up to scratch, with reports having unsurprisingly suggested that a move to Serie A could be on the cards for the ex-Atalanta starlet.
Rasmus Hojlund
That may be an admission of defeat for the £64m man, although interested clubs may be keen to take a chance on a player who has shown glimpses in a United shirt, not least with his five goals in last season’s Champions League group stage run.
There is a view that these past two years have merely been a bump in the road. Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as a “monster in the making” back in 2023, with reports in Italy outlining that Inter have made him their ‘dream’ target.
‘Big Six’ – No.9 stats in 24/25 (all comps)
Club – Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Arsenal – Gabriel Jesus
27
7
2
Chelsea – Nicolas Jackson*
34
13
5
Liverpool – Darwin Nunez
47
7
7
Manchester City – Erling Haaland
44
31
4
Manchester United – Rasmus Hojlund
52
10
4
Spurs – Richarlison
24
5
2
*there is no No.9 at Chelsea
Stats via Transfermarkt
Indeed, there is said to be ‘total agreement’ at San Siro regarding a move for the Dane, with his time at Old Trafford said to be seen as ‘just an accident along the way’ to him eventually shining. That faith has been represented in a four-year contract offer from the Champions League finalists.
While no fee has been mooted for Hojlund, whom the Serie A side could look to initially sign on loan, CIES Football Observatory deem him to potentially be worth as much as €93m (£78m) – thus placing him ahead of the £62.5m Cunha.
That may seem ludicrous considering his United woes, although it’s worth remembering that this is a player whom Paris Saint-Germain were desperate to sign in 2023, after scoring ten goals in Italy.
He hasn’t become a poor centre-forward overnight, yet he simply doesn’t appear the right fit for the Red Devils. A sale for a sizeable fee would be best for all parties this summer – particularly if it could help to keep Garnacho on board instead.
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Aston Villa could well be hitting their stride in the Premier League at the best possible time, with both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest showing recent weaknesses in their game.
Unai Emery’s men are now only outside the lucrative five Champions League spots in the division on goal difference as Enzo Maresca’s Blues nervously try to hold onto that final position, with a mightily impressive five wins from Villa’s last six Premier League games keeping their European dreams alive.
The added quality to the squad in the form of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford in January has certainly boosted their chances of clinching Champions League football again.
This summer’s transfer window will further allow the West Midlands giants opportunities to bring in even more depth, with one rumoured face on the Villa Park shopping list perhaps going down as their next Jhon Duran if he joins.
How Jhon Duran is performing in Saudi
The breathless Colombian would only go on to feature for the Villans 78 times, but he is still remembered in a fond light to this day for how impactful he could be off the bench when his team needed a moment of magic.
Indeed, before an insane £71m move to Al Nassr came to be in January, the sensational South American would fire home a sizeable 12 goals during the first part of 2024/25.
On the surface, this is already an imposing goal total worthy of praise, but staggeringly seven of those strikes would come about in Premier League action despite Duran only making four starts overall.
Since heading to the Middle East, the forward has been on fire, scoring 11 goals in 16 games for his new employers who sit third in the Saudi Pro League.
In truth, losing the young forward hasn’t hit Villa that hard, but NSWE definitely wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to win themselves a new version of the relentless 21-year-old this summer.
Aston Villa could sign their new Duran
Emery will likely be keen to utilise all of his talented squad again next campaign, particularly if Champions League football returns to Villa Park and congests the fixture list.
Therefore, adding in a new winger in Malick Fofana as a further option in attack could be an inspired pick-up, with Caught Offside recently revealing that the Premier League titans could sign the promising 20-year-old from Olympique Lyonnais for around the £42m mark.
Just taking in a few clips of Fofana’s excellence for Lyon this season displays how he’s on the same wavelength as the now departed Duran, with both attackers in question boundless in their drive and energy when galloping forward, before being equally unafraid to unleash a vicious shot at an opposition goalkeeper.
It’s resulted in Fofana – who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal – picking up a substantial 11 goals and five assists from 40 appearances down the Lyon left flank across 2024/25, despite also being resigned to a regular spot on Paulo Fonseca’s bench much like the 22-year-old striker had to put up with under Emery.
Fofana at Lyon vs Duran at Villa in 2024/25
Stat
Fofana
Duran
Games played
40
29
Games started
22
7
Minutes played
2199
1043
Goals scored
11
12
Assists
5
0
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the numbers, whilst Fofana does have the advantage of starting 15 more games this season than Duran managed at Villa, the former has still been used rather sparingly in the French top division, with the Belgian only averaging 54 minutes of action per Ligue 1 clash.
But, the “magnificent” left-footed menace – as he has been labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has still left his mark on a considerable number of contests all the same, seen in that growing total of 11 goals and five assists across a wide range of contests for Lyon.
With a potential hole in the squad also needing to be filled down the left if Rashford departs, adding in Fofana does feel like a logical signing to soon make on Villa’s end, with the one-time senior Belgium international also capable of being the club’s next super sub.
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Chelsea would have been expecting a tricky contest against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, but would have remained hopeful of a positive result off the back of the Reds potentially dropping the ball after being crowned Premier League champions a week ago.
The Dutchman would make considerable alterations – seen in the likes of Jarell Quansah starting at the back ahead of Ibrahima Konate – yet the manner in which Enzo Maresca’s Blues brushed aside the Reds 3-1 was still impressive, considering that was only Liverpool’s third loss of the season to date.
Now, Chelsea are only four points off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in second spot, away from their pursuit of a Champions League position.
To clinch a top-five place though, Maresca will know he needs Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez performing at the same unbelievable levels they managed against Liverpool for the rest of the campaign to come.
Fernandez & Palmer's importance to Chelsea
Before exploring Fernandez’s superb day at the office further, Palmer would end up clinching the three points right at the death for Chelsea, meaning he’s now in an illustrious list of past Blues goalscorers.
It was a top-drawer showing from the former Manchester City attacker throughout, with Palmer notching up four key passes as a constantly creative menace, on top of beating Alisson from the penalty spot with an ice-cold finish.
Whilst it’s expected that Palmer will be able to bury chances considering he’s up to 15 Premier League strikes now, Fernandez’s composure was a joy to behold too during the 3-1 win, with this perfect touch and finish after just three minutes setting the tone for Chelsea to collect all three points.
Much like his electric teammate, however, the South American is a team player for the Blues cause, with four duels won, displaying the ugly side of his game, away from nearly adding to this seven assists in the league when collecting two key passes.
Both players are stalwarts under Maresca and for good reason, but there’s another standout performer who is equally as paramount to Chelsea right now, away from this spectacular duo.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
The Chelsea star who is as important as Fernandez & Palmer
The West Londoners really do seem to be entering their stride at the best possible time, considering the Blues have now won their last three Premier League clashes on the trot, even with Slot’s intimidating Liverpool in their way.
These victories are made to look even more impressive when you take into account Moises Caicedo – who usually lines up in the centre of the park – has had to be drafted into the right-back position as of late, but the £115m star’s versatile nature has just managed to shine through regardless.
Caicedo’s performance in numbers
Stat
Caicedo
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
53
Accurate passes
29/31 (94%)
Key passes
1
Accurate crosses
1/1
Accurate long balls
1/1
Clearances
5
Blocked shots
1
Interceptions
1
Tackles
2
Total duels won
7/10
Stats by Sofascore
The expensive 23-year-old is beginning to prove his worth as a full package, with Caicedo exiting the field of play after the 3-1 win with only two misplaced passes next to his name, leading to a 94% pass accuracy being calculated.
But, he also battled well – much like Palmer and Fernandez – when necessary, with a high seven duels won across the course of his stellar 90 minutes, away from winning the hosts that late decisive spot-kick when moved back into the midfield areas.
Handed out an 8/10 post-match rating by London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia, it looks as if Maresca will continue to pick Caicedo alongside Palmer and Fernandez for the foreseeable, knowing full well this trio are ready for the potential Champions League challenge that awaits.
Before anything is set in stone, however, Chelsea will just need to keep picking up the wins, with a very tough fixture away at Newcastle United up next, one that will show off the character of Maresca’s camp.
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Manchester City reached their third FA Cup final in succession with a solid 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley over the weekend.
The competition is providing plenty of solace to Pep Guardiola amid a campaign of disarray, that’s for sure.
Winning the tournament for the third time would give the Spaniard a jolt heading into the summer.
With Kevin De Bruyne departing the Etihad, plus another few first-team players likely leaving to balance the books, it will be all change in Manchester ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Losing out on a fifth successive Premier League title will have hurt everyone at the club, but with the transfer window opening in a few weeks, Guardiola has the chance to build a team that can usher in a new era starting in August.
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The likes of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov have settled in nicely following their January moves to England and this could work well in the club’s favour heading into a busy summer, particularly because most of them are now already settled in England.
However, Pep is unlikely to settle for just those four names and could bolster his backline further when the summer window opens for business.
Indeed, according to Football Insider, City are interested in re-signing defender Pedro Porro from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but the North Londoners will ‘strike a hard bargain’ as per the report.
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Porro joined City back in the summer of 2019 from Girona, but he didn’t play a single first-team match for the club, eventually moving to Sporting CP.
He joined Spurs in January 2023 on loan, with the club eventually paying £39m to sign him permanently that summer.
They now value the right-back at around £50m which, as City ‘attempt’ to sign him, could prove to be a sticking point in any future negotiations.
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Following Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan, Matheus Nunes has been deputising at right-back for the club, which means they are targeting a new defender to play this role from next season onwards.
It is still early days yet, but Porro does have plenty of Premier League experience and has featured in the Champions League.
Particularly striking is that he plays similarly to Liverpool’s outgoing defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. Indeed, according to FBref, Alexander-Arnold is the most comparable player to Porro in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Englishman has registered 113 goal contributions across 351 games for his boyhood side. He loves to get forward as often as possible, often neglecting his defensive responsibilities.
Porro offers the same sort of qualities going forward, no doubt about that. Depending on the system Guardiola plays, he won’t be fazed by his right-back pushing into the final third on a regular basis, especially if someone is there to cover.
The pair have registered similar statistics over a range of metrics in domestic competitions this season, including goals and assists (eight vs nine), shots per 90 (1.35 vs 1.69), crosses (191 vs 142) and carries into the final third (40 vs 35), proving that the duo offer a major attacking threat in the opposition half.
Comparing Alexander-Arnold and Porro in the PL this season
Metric
Trent
Porro
Accurate passes per 90
39.3
33.9
Big chances created
14
8
Goals
3
2
Assists
6
6
Key passes per 90
1.8
1.7
Total duels won per 90
3.1
3.8
Will £50m be a price that Guardiola is willing to pay for another right-back this summer? Or will he be keen to spend this sort of money on improving another area of his squad?
Well, Porro may have endured an underwhelming season for Spurs, but the case could be made for basically everyone in their squad.
Ange Postecoglou has led Spurs to one of their worst seasons in recent memory, but this shouldn’t deter City from signing Porro.
The defender has played 81 times in the top flight for the club, scoring eight goals and grabbing 17 assists in the process. This works out as a goal contribution every 3.2 matches, which isn’t bad for a defender.
This season in the Premier League, the 25-year-old has even created eight big chances for his teammates, averaging 1.7 key passes and even registering 1.2 shots per game for the North London side.
Despite Spurs being poor defensively – conceding 56 league goals this term – Porro has managed to win 50% of his total duels per game while also making two tackles and recovering 4.8 balls per game.
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Described as a “titanic” star by The Athletic’s former Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare, Porro also shines when compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Spaniard ranks in the top 5% for total shots (1.49) and passes attempted (69.3) per 90, while also ranking in the top 7% for progressive passes (5.85) and in the top 2% for blocks (1.86) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
The narrative surrounding Porro as simply an attack-minded defender is wrong. Of course, he is much better going forward than simply defending, but as evidenced, he does have a few solid defensive traits.
Walker is expected to return to the Etihad this summer once his temporary move to Milan comes to an end, but if Guardiola wishes to win another Champions League crown with City, an improvement at right-back is needed.
Should he make a few statement signings in the summer, City could enter the 2025/26 season as arguably the favourites to claim back the league title.
Will Porro be in the starting XI? Only time will tell.
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