Arsenal are looking to bounce back in the Premier League with a win after their last outing in the top flight. The Gunners were able to snatch a last-minute draw from the jaws of defeat against Manchester City last Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

It was a sublime equaliser, too. Gabriel Martinelli’s excellent finish saw him lob new City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to earn a point for Mikel Arteta’s side. They have since played a game, with Arsenal running out 2-0 winners over Port Vale in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Now, with a trip to Newcastle awaiting Arteta’s side, it will be fascinating to see if Martinelli can get into the starting lineup.

Where Martinelli could play against Newcastle

24-year-old Martinelli has had a curious season so far for the Gunners. He’s played 252 minutes across all competitions, totalling six appearances. In that time, he’s bagged two goals and set up another.

The strike against City was a prime example of how clinical he can be in front of goal. It was a perfectly-weighted lob over Italy’s number one Donnarumma, following a well-timed run in behind the Citizens’ defence.

It’s the second time this season that the Brazilian attacker has chipped in with goal involvements off the bench. His strike against City followed a goal and an assist as a substitute against Athletic Club in the Champions League. Again, they were decisive moments, with Arsenal running out 2-0 winners that day.

His form leaves Arteta with a huge decision to make. Does he keep Martinelli as a weapon off the bench or reward him with a start? That could even be in a fresh role as a number nine, replacing Viktor Gyokeres. Against City, the Swede put in a 3/10 performance and ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’, according to Goal journalist Sean Walsh.

So, bringing Martinelli into the lineup as a striker is a real option for Arteta. However, he might not be the only Gunners star given a new role against the Magpies.

The other Arsenal player given a fresh role

One of the biggest benefits of Arsenal’s current squad is the versatility on offer to Arteta. The Spaniard can, for example, play Noni Madueke on either wing when fit, Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back or in midfield, and Martinelli on the flank or up top.

Well, in a similar mould, he has Eberechi Eze available to him. The England international can play out wide or in midfield, and it is the latter role in which he could operate at St James’ Park this Sunday.

The former Crystal Palace star has already played centrally this season for his new side. He played there against City for 45 minutes, after coming off the bench at the start of the second half and from the start against Port Vale.

Against Pep Guardiola’s side, it was his excellent pass over the top that set Martinelli up, and against Port Vale, he bagged his first Arsenal goal.

Eze is yet to play that role from the start in the Premier League for the Gunners. However, there is no guarantee that Martin Odegaard will be fit to play from the start.

If Arteta is looking for a player to execute the club captain’s role to a high standard, Arsenal’s number 10 could be the man. After all, he is a true “maestro” in midfield, according to Statman Dave and has already been compared to Dennis Bergkamp.

Not only does the England star have experience playing there before, but some of his numbers from last season show how similar a player he is. For example, Eze created an average of 2 chances and won 5.7 duels, compared to Odegaard’s 2.4 chances created and 2.9 successful duels per 90 minutes. He will maintain quality on the ball and add defensive nous off it.

Goals and assists

0.6

0.6

Chances created

2

2.4

Take-ons completed

2.4

1

Fouls won

1.8

0.9

Duels won

5.7

2.9

With all that considered, it certainly makes sense for Arteta to unleash Eze in this fresh role against Newcastle on Sunday. He’d be able to create chances to a similar level as Odegaard in those central areas.

After he played so well in midfield against Port Vale, it could well be an excellent move to unleash the England star from the same area against the Magpies in what will be a fresh role for him from the start for Arsenal in the league this season, having started on the left flank previously.

Arsenal sold "one of the most underrated CMs", now he's looking like Eze

The former Arsenal man is having a great season so far.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2025

West Ham are in the market for a new striker ahead of January, and signing one has been made all the more important as injury-prone centre-forward, Niclas Füllkrug, continues to prove he cannot be relied upon to lead Nuno Espírito Santo’s line.

West Ham turn to the two Callums after Fullkrug injury blow

Fullkrug, as confirmed by Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, has suffered a torn muscle bundle in his thigh and reports suggest the 32-year-old will be absent for ‘several weeks’ as a result.

This latest knock, coming after Fullkrug missed 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season, highlights why the ex-Borussia Dortmund star isn’t the ideal man to spearhead Nuno’s side away from the relegation zone long-term.

Estimated games Niclas Füllkrug could miss for West Ham

Date

Brentford (home)

October 20

Leeds United (away)

October 24

Newcastle United (home)

November 2

Burnley (home)

November 8

With Fullkrug out, the spotlight falls on just two strikers — Callum Marshall and Callum Wilson.

Marshall, a promising young forward, offers energy and potential but lacks Premier League experience.

While he has shown glimpses of talent during his limited appearances and time on loan at Huddersfield last season, relying heavily on a developing player to lead the line in such a competitive league is a major gamble — even if supporters are keen to see the Northern Irishman get minutes.

The pressure to perform week in, week out at this level could expose Marshall’s inexperience, and West Ham’s attacking threat might suffer as a result.

Wilson, on the other hand, brings Premier League pedigree, but his injury history has been a persistent concern.

His recurring fitness issues have severely limited the centre-forward’s availability in recent seasons, making it difficult for Nuno to count on him as a dependable option. Should the 33-year-old struggle to stay fit, West Ham’s striking options become even thinner — placing further strain on the team’s goal-scoring capabilities.

Jarrod Bowen can play as a striker when required, and this will likely be considered by Nuno before West Ham take on Brentford in his first home game as manager.

Nevertheless, the need for a new number nine is crystal clear, but West Ham have already rejected the chance to sign Emmanuel Dennis on a free transfer.

West Ham make Ivan Toney decision after being offered ideal striker

In the build up to January, reports have suggested that West Ham could turn to ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney as a temporary solution.

The Hammers, amid claims they’ve considered a loan deal for the Al-Ahli striker, who earns £426,000-per-week in the Middle East, have apparently made a decision on bringing the 29-year-old back to England.

According to insider Claret & Hugh, Toney is not the right profile they’re looking for, as West Ham want someone with more pace and directness up top.

Expanding further, the source also claims that West Ham have been offered a mystery alternative to Toney who “fits the bill”.

We can only speculate as to who this striker could be, and there is a potential chance it could be Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.

The Serbian, who’s scored at least 14 goals per season since his breakthrough campaign in 21/22, is out of contract in 2026 and reports suggest his agents are reaching out to Premier League teams in search of a new club.

That being said, Vlahovic is also on mammoth wages, so he’d have to take a seismic pay cut to join West Ham.

MatériaMais Notícias

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كشف ماهر غريب، رئيس المنظومة الإعلامية بنادي الزمالك، عن آخر استعدادات الأبيض قبل مواجهة بيراميدز في كأس السوبر المصري، متحدثًا عن جاهزية اللاعبين، وموقف الغيابات، بالإضافة إلى كواليس تعيين أحمد عبد الرؤوف مديرًا فنيًا، وردّه على الجدل المثار بشأن مدرب حراس المرمى الجديد، وأزمة إيقاف القيد، ومستقبل بعض اللاعبين.

وقال ماهر غريب، في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “MBC مصر”: “الأجواء جيدة، والزمالك جاهز بإذن الله لمباراة الغد أمام بيراميدز، وكل الأجواء داخل الفريق مبشّرة، الحقيقة أنّ جهودًا كبيرة جدًا بُذلت من الجميع من أجل تجهيز الفريق للمشاركة في بطولة السوبر، الغيابات بالطبع ستكون مؤثرة بعض الشيء، خاصة غياب دونجا المعروف، وكذلك غياب خوان بيزيرا، ولكن كما يُقال: البركة في الموجودين، فالزمالك بمن حضر”.

وعند سؤاله عمّا إذا كان من الممكن أن يشارك بيزيرا في المباراة الثانية بكأس السوبر، قال: “من الصعب حسم هذا الأمر حاليًا، فقد أجرى اللاعب تدريبات علاجية بالأمس، وهناك محاولات لتجهيزه، لكن لا يوجد تأكيد حتى الآن بشأن لحاقه بالمباراة أو عدمه”.

وتابع: “الزمالك يفكر حاليًا في مباراة بيراميدز فقط، ومن الصعب التفكير في النهائي في هذا التوقيت، نسير خطوة بخطوة، وبعد الانتهاء من مواجهة بيراميدز سيتم تحديد وضعية باقي اللاعبين سواء بيزيرا أو غيره، التفكير في مباراة النهائي الآن لن يكون في مصلحة الفريق”.

وعن موقف أحمد فتوح ومحمد صبحي، قال: “مصيرهما سيتحدد بإذن الله صباح يوم المباراة، حيث يتابع الكابتن أحمد عبد الرؤوف حالتهما، وأعتقد أن الأمور تسير نحو مشاركتهما كأساسيين في اللقاء إن شاء الله”.

وتعيين أحمد عبد الرؤوف مديرًا فنيًا للفريق، قال: “الثقة في مدرب من أبناء النادي خطوة إيجابية جدًا، من الجيد أن تُمنح الثقة لأحد أبناء الزمالك، خصوصًا في ظل الظروف الصعبة التي تم فيها إنهاء التعاقد مع المدرب البلجيكي فيريرا، إذ كان الوقت ضيقًا للغاية”.

طالع أيضًا | بعد ارتباط اسمه بـ الزمالك.. نور الدين بن زكي: لن أدرب الصغار وانتمائي للسعودية

وأضاف: “أحمد عبد الرؤوف انضم إلى الجهاز الفني منذ 48 ساعة فقط قبل تكليفه بمهمة المدير الفني، وأعتقد أن وجهة نظر الإدارة بالتنسيق مع المدير الرياضي جون إدوارد كانت صائبة بإسناد المهمة إليه، فهو أحد أبناء النادي، وسبق أن خاض تجربة تدريبية في الدوري الممتاز مع بلدية المحلة الموسم الماضي، وقدّم مباريات جيدة، ولو كانت لديه إمكانات أكبر حينها لكان شكل فريق بلدية المحلة أفضل”.

وتابع: “هو أحد أبناء النادي ومدرب يتمتع بشخصية قوية وطموح كبير في مجال التدريب، الدعم الذي يلقاه من جميع عناصر النادي، إلى جانب ترحيب جماهير الزمالك به، عوامل ستساعده كثيرًا على تحقيق الآمال المعقودة عليه بإذن الله”.

وأردف: “ولمَ لا يكون أحد المدربين الذين يتركون بصمة في تاريخ الزمالك؟ فالنادي لطالما أنجب مدربين كثر من أبنائه قادوا فرقًا عديدة في الدوري الممتاز، بإذن الله سيكون واحدًا من هؤلاء، ويترك بصمة واضحة مع الفريق الأول، وتكون هذه البداية خيرًا له، ليصبح من المدربين الذين يُعتمد عليهم مستقبلًا بشكل كبير”.

الجدل المثار بشأن مدرب حراس المرمى الجديد، قال غريب: “المدرب موجود بالفعل مع الفريق، وتم الاتفاق معه، وأرى أن الجدل الدائر حول هذا الموضوع يبدو ممنهجًا وغريبًا، خاصة أن ما حدث لا يُعد أمرًا غير مسبوق، فهناك لاعبون ومدربون آخرون في أندية مختلفة واجهوا مواقف مشابهة، المدرب برتغالي الجنسية، وسبق له العمل في مصر، فلماذا لم يُثر أحد هذا الجدل عندما عمل مع نادي فاركو؟”.

وأضاف: “الأمر مُبالغ فيه، وأعتقد أن جماهير الزمالك واللاعبين والجهاز الفني يدركون تمامًا أن الهدف من مثل هذه الأمور هو تشتيت تركيز الفريق قبل المباريات المهمة، يجب أن يكون المعيار واحدًا؛ فما يُطبق على الزمالك يجب أن يُطبق على الجميع والعكس، ولكن للأسف، نجد أن الزمالك دائمًا هو محور الانتقادات والشائعات، سواء بالحديث عن رحيل المدرب أو غضب الإدارة، وهذا أمر غير طبيعي”.

وشدد: “الفرق الكبيرة تُعامل معاملة الكبار، وأحيانًا يكون الصمت هو دليل القوة وليس الضعف، أكرر: الصمت نابع من القوة، ليس مطلوبًا الرد على كل صغيرة وكبيرة، فالأجدر أن ننشغل بالعمل داخل الملعب، علينا أن نتساءل: هل ما يحدث يخدم كرة القدم المصرية فعلاً؟”.

وبشأن أزمة إيقاف القيد، قال: “لا توجد مشكلة، إيقاف القيد الحالي يتعلق بفترة القيد الشتوية في يناير، ونحن الآن في شهر نوفمبر، بإذن الله في يناير لن يكون هناك أي إيقاف، والأمر بسيط جدًا ولا يستحق كل هذه الضجة أو القلق”.

وأضاف: “قبل عدة أشهر، سدد الزمالك ما يقارب سبعة ملايين دولار من مستحقات لاعبين ومدربين كانت لديهم قضايا لدى فيفا، فمن يسدد هذا المبلغ الكبير لا يُعقل أن يُثار حوله الجدل بسبب خمسين ألف أو مئة ألف دولار! هناك أولويات في النادي، فقد تُوجَّه مثل هذه المبالغ لدعم فرق أخرى مثل كرة السلة أو اليد، الأمر لا يتعلق بتعمّد الدخول في أزمات بل بإدارة الأولويات، أؤكد مرة أخرى: في يناير لن يكون هناك أي إيقاف قيد للزمالك”.

وعند سؤاله عن وجود نية لتجميد اللاعب حسام عبد المجيد، أجاب: “بصراحة لا أرى أن هذا سؤال يستحق الرد، فحتى آخر مباراة، أمام طلائع الجيش، كان اللاعب أساسيًا، لذلك الحديث عن تجميده غير منطقي ولا يستحق التعليق”.

واختتم: “إذا كانت صفقة انتقال حامد حمدان إلى الزمالك لم تُستكمل في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية، فبإذن الله سيكون لاعبًا في صفوف الزمالك خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة، وهذا هو المتوقع والمأمول”.

A full day of Major League Baseball gets started on Saturday afternoon and rolls through the evening. 

The story of the last two weeks has been the shaky play from the Yankees, relative to its blistering start. However, it seemed like the offense broke out of its slump on Friday against the Blue Jays. Can the team keep it rolling on Saturday with Nestor Cortes on the mound? 

Here’s our pick for that game as well as every other one on the stacked Saturday card. 

Rockies vs. White Sox Prediction and Pick

Pick: White Sox (-115)

Two of the most futile teams in the big leagues meet on Saturday and I’ll side with the small home favorite.

Rookie Jonathan Cannon has made six starts this season and has showcased a decent breaking ball with pinpoint control (94th percentile walk rate). 

His best days are also ahead of him. While he has a 4.59 ERA, his xERA sits at 3.81, meaning some positive regression is coming. 

Reds vs. Cardinals Prediction and Pick

Pick: Cardinals (-190)

The Cardinals are justified big favorites with Sonny Gray on the mound, who has been on point all season with a 2.81 ERA with a near-32% strikeout rate.

Yankees vs. Blue Jays Prediction and Pick

Pick: Yankees (-125)

The Yankees skid has been prolonged, but I think the team is in a good spot to snap out of it against the Blue Jays due to an edge on the mound and at the plate. 

The Blue Jays struggle against left handed pitching, 24th in OPS, which sets up nicely for Yankees’ starter Nestor Cortes. 

Further, Chris Bassitt can’t be trusted. He has diminished control (near-nine percent walk rate) and has an xERA nearly one run higher (3.45 vs. 4.22). 

Marlins vs. Phillies Prediction and Pick

Pick: Phillies (-250)

The Phillies had no issues with the Marlins with Bryce Harper out of the lineup, and I expect another win on Saturday against a lowly Miami team with the always capable Aaron Nola on the bump. 

Athletics vs. Diamondbacks Prediction and Pick

Pick: Athletics (+170)

Zac Gallen will return to the mound for Arizona after hitting the injury list for a hamstring strain on May 30th, and I’ll fade him in his first start back. 

Gallen may be on a pitch count, which can lead to more variance from a shaky Diamondbacks bullpen.

There are enough question marks to take the big underdog.

Nationals vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

Pick: Nationals (+115)

Aaron Civale is due positive regression from his poor metrics, posting a 5.20 ERA against a 4.00 xERA, but there are still some poor numbers indicating it may not come so fast. 

Civale has been a victim of a ton of hard contact with his diminishing fastball, allowing a hard-hit percentage of 40.6% (career high) and is a predominantly flyball pitcher (sixth percentile ground ball percentage), meaning he can quickly find himself into trouble. 

Astros vs. Mets Prediction and Pick

Pick: Mets (+100)

The Mets should be able to stay hot against the Astros, who are top five in the big leagues against left handed pitching. 

Southpaw Framber Valdez has struggled to stay healthy this season and pitch to his Cy Young expectation. Valdez has a fourth percentile hard-hit percentage and has lost his ability to find his strikeout prowess, right at the big league average. 

Ride the streaking Mets. 

Guardians vs. Royals Prediction and Pick

Pick: Royals (-110)

The Royals, one of the best home teams in baseball, have arguably its best pitcher on the mound in Cole Ragans. Ragans is the superior pitcher with a nasty fastball that strikes out nearly 30% of the batters he has faced this season, and will have the Royals’ bats playing at home to back him up. 

Kansas City is the second best hitting team at home this season, a big reason why the team is 29-15 on the year at Kauffman Stadium. 

I’ll take the home team in a matchup that is lined like a coin flip. 

Cubs vs. Brewers Prediction and Pick

Pick: Cubs (-105)

Justin Steele should continue to pitch to his fine form against a Brewers team that is 20th in OPS against southpaw. 

Steele may have an 0-3 record, but he is pitching to a 3.08 ERA with a similar xERA (3.27) while striking out about a quarter of the batters he is facing. 

I think this matchup sets up nicely for him to grab his first win of the year. 

Pirates vs. Braves Prediction and Pick

Pick: Braves (-155)

Will Paul Skenes, the NL Rookie of the Year front runner, put together another monster effort against a talented Braves roster? 

While Skenes is more than capable of handling any big league roster, the Pirates inability to give him run support will stop the team from winning. 

The Pirates are hitting .238 against lefties and rank 19th in OPS, but I think we are getting a break on the price because of Skenes. 

Padres vs. Red Sox Prediction and Pick

Pick: Padres (+125)

The Red Sox will start Cy Young candidate Tanner Houck (2.18 ERA) on Saturday, but the Padres may be up to the test with Michael King on the mound. 

King has been fantastic all season, pitching to a 3.75 ERA with an excellent offspeed pitch arsenal that leads to a 92nd percentile hard-hit percentage. The Red Sox have serious power in the lineup, but King has done a fine job of avoiding blowup innings with his ability to work around hitters. 

Dodgers vs. Giants Prediction and Pick

Pick: Giants (+185)

While Tyler Glasnow has been excellent in his first season with the Dodgers, this is simply too wide of a price for him on the road. 

Glasnow has a ton of strikeout prowess, he is in the 98th percentile in terms of strikeout rate, but the Giants strikeout at a league average rate and the team held up nicely against him earlier this season. San Francisco tallied three earned runs with four hits in six innings, good enough that can extend this game into the bullpen portion of the evening. 

Meanwhile, Erik Miller is an elite groundball pitcher, 93rd percentile with a strong strikeout rate, 27%, that can limit the power of the Dodgers lineup. 

Rangers vs. Orioles Prediction and Pick

Pick: Orioles (-155)

The Rangers issues against lefty pitching is well documented, 20th in OPS against southpaws. However, this month as a whole has been trying for the defending World Series champs, as the team limps in batting .227 as a unit in June. 

I’ll grab the Orioles at a reasonable price tag.

Tigers vs. Angels Prediction and Pick

Pick: Angels (+105)

The Tigers continue to be overpriced due to a strong pitching staff, but the run support simply isn’t there. Detroit is hitting .213 as a unit this month, and can’t cover this price tag against a better lineup on the road. 

Twins vs. Mariners Prediction and Pick

Pick: Twins (-125)

Twins’ starter Pablo Lopez continues to erase a slow start to the season, and his underlying metrics make him a worthwhile bet against a Mariners team that is only hitting .210 in the month of June, the lowest in the big leagues. 

Lopez has been a victim of poor variance, his 3.27 xERA is far lower than his 5.11 ERA with an elite strikeout rate of 27%. 

I’m counting on the Twins’ starter to roll through the overrated Seattle lineup. 

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim “loves” a key midfield target who’s similar to Mason Mount and would like to bring him to the club.

Amorim heaps praise on Mount

Mount’s time as a United player has been frustrating to date, with injury problems often getting in the way and preventing him from kicking on his career.

The Englishman, on £150,000-a-week, is admired greatly by Amorim, however, who hailed his qualities back in August, showing that he sees him as an important part of his plans.

“It’s unbelievable the way he [Mason Mount] works, moving all the time from positions. He knows all positions, but also the other guts, it was a good test to prepare the first team.”

For Mount, it’s a case of staying fit and proving his worth, with his versatility allowing him to thrive in a two-man midfield in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, or as one of the attackers behind the striker.

United need further depth in the middle of the park, however, especially with Casemiro potentially departing at the end of the season, and they have now been linked with an excellent potential replacement.

Amorim "loves" Man Utd transfer target

Speaking to Tipsbladet [via Sport Witness], journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed that Manchester United boss Amorim “loves” Morten Hjulmand and would ideally like to snap him up, providing he stays in a job, with the Sporting CP defensive midfielder having a £70m release clause.

“In relation to United, it is about whether Amorim is fired or not. Amorim loves him and Juventus is also interested in him. This summer, Juventus could not spend €50-60m on his position because they needed strikers.”

Hjulmand could be exactly what United are after, being compared to Mount in terms of style, albeit playing a more defensive role, as well as earning praise from Denmark manager Brian Riemer.

“His character, his leadership, his personality [and] his communication are not very common in today’s football, and I was at many clubs, in Copenhagen, Brentford, Anderlecht. It reminds us of the defensive midfielders of the past, who controlled the entire game, who led the teams, you don’t see that much nowadays. It’s something rare what Hjulmand has. I’m a big fan of his, I think we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg with Hjulmand.”

This season, Hjuland has completed 91.5% of his passes in the Primeira Liga, as well as averaging 2.3 tackles per game, so he is a force both in and out of possession.

Man Utd could now pay £52m for "lethal" new striker with 28 goals last season

The Red Devils may be willing to shell out a huge fee to sign a centre-forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 17, 2025

The fact that Amorim already knows the 26-year-old Dane well from their time together at Sporting can also only be a good thing, and he has quality and energy to bring so much to United’s midfield.

England were handed a nightmare draw in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with the Lionesses to battle Spain for the only automatic berth in the group. Sarina Wiegman's side were able to defeat La Roja in the Euro 2025 final back in July but finished as runners-up to the world champions in the Nations League earlier this year, having failed to deliver the same level of consistency across the group stage as the side boasting two Ballon d'Or winners, in Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.

Official: England's 2027 World Cup qualifying draw confirmed

Despite being European champions, England were always likely to be dealt a tricky draw on Tuesday as they were only seeded in pot 2, because of that second-placed finish in the Nations League. It meant they would be pooled with either Spain, Sweden, France or Germany, though the eventual outcome was certainly the worst of the four, given La Roja's status as world champions, one they attained by beating the Lionesses in the World Cup final back in 2023.

The draw was kinder to England after that, adding Iceland and Ukraine to Group A2 as they avoided slightly trickier potential opponents, such as Denmark. However, only finishing top of the group will secure automatic qualification to the 2027 Women's World Cup, making it a brutal draw for both the Lionesses and Spain.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesExplained: How qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup works

Qualifying for the Women's World Cup in Europe is now done in a format similar to the Women's Nations League and it determines the composition of the next edition of the latter competition as well, which will also be played in 2027. Rankings from the Nations League decided seedings for World Cup qualifying, placing nations in League A, B or C.

There will be either 11 or 12 European representatives at the 2027 Women's World Cup. The winners of the four groups in League A will qualify automatically for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Teams that finish second, third and fourth in those groups will progress to the play-offs. In League B, placing first, second or third in the group secures a spot in the play-offs, while the six group winners and two best runners-up in the groups in League C will also make it to the play-off stage.

That process will pave the way for seven more nations to qualify for the World Cup and confirm the identity of the European representative in the intercontinental play-offs, scheduled for February 2027.

Dates for the diary: When qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup starts

Qualifying begins in the New Year, with the first women's international break of 2026 to commence on February 23. Teams will play their first two matches between February 26 and March 7, with matchdays three and four to take place between April 9-18 and the final two games of the group stage of qualifying scheduled for June 3-9.

The draw for the play-offs will then be held on June 24, with the two-legged first round taking place in October 2026 and the winners of those ties to play round two across the end of November and the beginning of December. 

The four nations that qualify automatically for the World Cup by finishing top of the four groups in League A will be free to schedule friendlies in the final two international breaks of 2026 instead, cherry-picking opponents in order to best prepare themselves for the tournament in Brazil.

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Getty ImagesEngland's next fixtures: Two more global tests in 2025

Having failed to qualify for the Nations League finals, which have taken centre stage in the final two international breaks of 2025, the Lionesses have already started preparing for the 2027 Women's World Cup and the different challenges teams at the tournament can present, scheduling in four friendlies against non-European opponents to close out their year. England faced hosts Brazil last month and were dealt a disappointing 2-1 loss, but bounced back a few days later when they beat a star-studded Australia side 3-0.

Wiegman's team will continue to test themselves against more unfamiliar opposition later this month, when they welcome China, the Asian champions, to Wembley on November. The Lionesses then close out a memorable 2025 in Southampton on December 1, with a first-ever meeting with Ghana, before turning their attention to World Cup qualifying and, the difficult task of toppling Spain, in the new year.

Tottenham Hotspur failed to return from the international break in style as they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa in North London in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Lilywhites did, though, make the perfect start to the match when central midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur fired in the opener in the fifth minute.

Unfortunately, stunning strikes from both Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia, who both fired the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box, meant that the away side travelled away from London with all three points.

Thomas Frank will be disappointed with the time and space that both players had to get their shots away on the edge of the box, as Spurs players failed to close them down on both occasions from range.

However, the former Brentford head coach should also be disappointed with how his side played in possession, as they failed to pose a consistent threat at the top end of the pitch.

One of the players who failed to produce an impressive performance for the Lilywhites in the final third was former Burnley attacker Wilson Odobert on the left wing.

What Wilson Odobert needs to do to kickstart his Spurs career

The £40k-per-week starlet has so many interesting qualities that suggest that he has the potential to be a star. He’s dynamic, he has great speed, he can take players on in one-on-one situations, he has a terrific first touch.

However, and this is the crucial bit, the end product is not quite there for him yet. Per Sofasore, Odobert completed three of his four attempted dribbles, which is great, but he only created one chance in 79 minutes on the pitch.

The France U21 international was unable to turn his completed dribbles into dangerous situations for Spurs in the final third, as evidenced by his statistics.

Minutes

79

Chances created

1

Big chances created

1

Shots

2

Big chances missed

1

Dribbles completed

3/4

Duels won

3/8

As you can see in the table above, Odobert missed the only ‘big chance’ that came his way and only created one chance for this team, which shows that the forward did not do enough with the opportunities that he created for himself by dribbling past defenders.

The next step for him, therefore, to kickstart his Spurs career is to improve his consistency in his end product when he gets into good positions around the opposition’s box to ensure that when he does get into those areas, he makes the right decision, whether that is to shoot, pass, or cross.

Given the lack of natural quality out wide within the Spurs squad, for the left flank, it may make sense to stick with Odobert and be patient with him to hope that the experience of playing week-in-week-out helps him to build consistency in his play.

However, one of the other attackers in the starting XI was even worse than Odobert and should be brutally dropped from the team by Frank, Mathys Tel.

Why Mathys Tel should be dropped

The France U21 international was selected to lead the line ahead of Richarlison for this match, which seemed like a fair call given his recent form. Tel scored in the 2-1 win over Leeds United before the international break, whilst he also scored two goals and registered one assist in two matches for France’s U21s.

There is no doubt that he has quality. He has shown it in flashes, in that win over Leeds and for France, but he is still a young player who is learning and developing, which means that there will also be low moments for him.

Unfortunately, his performance against Aston Villa was one of those low moments, as the former Bayern Munich forward failed to make a positive impact in his hour on the pitch in North London.

He was even worse than Odobert as part of the front three that started the match, as he was unable to even create a chance for his side, whilst his compatriot at least created one ‘big chance’.

Minutes

60

Shots on target

0

Big chances missed

1

Touches

15

Possession lost

9x

Duels lost

7/8 (88%)

Chances created

0

As you can see in the table above, the Frenchman was completely ineffective in and out of possession throughout the match, with no shots on target or chances created, and seven of his eight duels lost.

Tel did not provide a threat at the top end of the pitch, as either a scorer or a creator, and he was far too easy to play against for the likes of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres, who marked him out of the game with relative ease.

The one chance that the 20-year-old star did have to run at the Villa defence, he turned down several opportunities to set up Mohammed Kudus or Rodrigo Bentancur to his right to take Konsa on and was easily stopped by the England international. He had plenty of time to make up his mind and play a pass across, but took too long and did not provide quality in his one-on-one duel with the defender.

Given that Richarlison is Tottenham’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, with three goals to his name, it feels like the right time to drop Tel from the starting line-up after an underwhelming display against the Villans.

Tel, as aforementioned, has quality and can be impactful at his best, but Frank’s job is to ensure that he can provide that quality consistently for Spurs, as that is not the case at the moment.

Unfortunately for Tel, though, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani are both waiting in the wings to take the number nine position, which means that he cannot afford to have poor performances like this one, hence why the manager must ruthlessly ditch him from the team.

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Whereas, with Odobert, there is not a natural and top-quality left-wing option who can be dropped into the side next time out, which is why he may keep his place for now.

Harry Kane might not be plying his trade for Tottenham Hotspur anymore, but he’s a player who will forever remain in their history for his efforts in North London.

The England international was a product of the Lilywhites’ academy setup, subsequently bursting through the ranks before securing his place in the first-team back in 2014.

He would make 435 appearances for the club during his decade in the first-team, even breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in their history.

His tally of 280 goals surpassed the record set by the late Jimmy Greaves, but his talents within the final third have also been reflected in his international career.

Kane has scored 74 goals for his country, which has also allowed him to break the record set by former Manchester United talisman Wayne Rooney.

However, in 2025, the Lilywhites have a crop of fellow English talents, with many hoping to follow in the striker’s footsteps in being a mainstay on the international stage.

Spurs’ star performers for England in recent years

Alongside Kane, Spurs have had numerous players who have represented England at international level, many of whom have starred and made themselves key members of the squad.

Dominic Solanke and James Maddison have both previously been named in the Three Lions’ squad, but have been unable to make any appearances in recent months due to their respective injury issues.

However, Djed Spence is the latest player to break into Thomas Tuchel’s squad, even starting the friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday night.

The full-back featured for 90 minutes in the triumph over Craig Bellamy’s side, subsequently pocketing teammate Brennan Johnson and firing shade at the winger on social media.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, with the defender completing 98% of the passes he attempted, whilst also winning 100% of the tackles he entered.

With the 25-year-old the latest player to make his mark for England, there will be hope that another youngster in the Lilywhites ranks can follow in his footsteps in the years ahead.

The Spurs star who could be England’s next superstar

After making 19 appearances for Spurs last season, 18-year-old winger Mikey Moore is a player with a huge future ahead of him in North London.

He’s spent the majority of his life on the books of the Lilywhites, but was catapulted into the limelight last season as a result of the injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou.

Such a situation even led to the teenager scoring his first professional goal in the meeting with Elfsborg in the Europa League – a moment that will undoubtedly stick with him forever.

However, he was loaned out by Thomas Frank this summer, subsequently joining Rangers until the end of the 2025/26 campaign to gain valuable minutes to continue his progression.

He’s not the only talented Englishman within their ranks, with 16-year-old star Luca Williams-Barnett another player who is set for a bright future in North London.

The attacking midfielder has been starring way above his age group over the last few seasons, with the youngster featuring in the U18s for the majority of 2024/25.

He ended the year with a staggering 23 goals and nine assists in his 24 outings for the Lilywhites, resulting in a jump up once again – now becoming a key member of the U21 side.

Such form has led to the teenager being handed his first senior appearance against Doncaster Rovers last month – with analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him “one of England’s best talents”.

Williams-Barnett’s first-team outing is one thing, but he’s also managed to thrive in the youth ranks once again, now registering eight goals and five assists in his nine outings in all competitions.

Luca Williams-Barnett

9

Rio Kyerematen

5

Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny

4

Oliver Irow

3

Yusuf Akhamrich

3

Tynan Thompson

3

Dane Scarlett

2

Dante Cassanova

2

His numbers for the U21s are nothing short of sensational, with the teenager now boasting the best record of any player in the squad – an unthinkable feat for someone playing five years above their age category.

Williams-Barnett has also cemented his place in the England U18 setup, making three appearances already this campaign and scoring on two occasions – further showcasing his incredible talents.

Given his tender age, there’s no denying that the attacker needs more time in the academy system to develop before being able to make the jump into the first-team squad.

However, if he continues on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t emulate Kane’s success, whether that be in North London for Spurs or even on the international stage for England.

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Two decades. For a club of Arsenal’s prestigious standing, 20 years without touching the Premier League trophy is inexcusable.

Mikel Arteta has changed the narrative in north London, raising this club from the rubble and turning them into bona fide contenders. But contenders are not champions, and that is the next step.

Two decades. Too long. But Arteta has changed things, alright, and there’s a building momentum about the Gunners which is leading toward silverware.

Three times in a row, Arsenal have finished the Premier League season as runners-up, but last weekend’s slender win over Fulham has seen them shift three points clear at the top, ahead of Manchester City and stretching clear of Liverpool, with the defending champions having lost three games on the bounce.

Careful, calculated progress on the transfer front has built Arteta’s vision, and the signings struck this summer may prove decisive in finally restoring glory to the Emirates.

The jackpot has been struck multiple times, but Martin Zubimendi may well be the cream of the crop.

Martin Zubimendi's start to life in London

Arsenal have made some top signings this summer, strengthening across the park and stepping that bit closer toward the silver-laden success that the Arteta era deserves.

Zubimendi is the man who makes it all tick, and he might come to prove the signing of the summer – not just for Arsenal, but across the Premier League.

Arriving from Real Sociedad for £60m in July, the deep-lying midfielder has added quite the dimension to Arteta’s engine room. He is 26 years old and mature, and it shows.

Crisp, tempo-setting passing is his forte. FBref data records that Zubimendi ranks among the top 9% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for pass completion and the top 12% for passes attempted per 90. He’s a maestro, plain and simple.

Zubimendi’s work platforms the show-stopping success of the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. There is such balance coursing through Arsenal’s team, and if they do manage to get their hands on the Premier League title this term, Zubimendi will be will be lauded as one of the biggest difference-makers.

While Zubimendi has been one of the best number sixes in the top flight, there are some who would rival him for that crown. Among them, a former Arsenal star.

You probably know who.

The former Arsenal star who's rivalling Zubimendi

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones made an interesting point after his struggling side returned to winning form against Eintracht Frankfurt. He said that an elite central midfielder makes the bedrock of a successful, title-winning outfit.

And over at Arsenal, Zubimendi is that man, but it’s interesting to note that Granit Xhaka is rivalling the Spain international for newly-promoted Sunderland.

He knows the Premier League well. After all, Xhaka arrived at Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2015 and made 225 appearances in the division before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen and then returning to English shores and taking the captaincy at the Stadium of Light.

He went through all the emotions at Arsenal, but left the club regarded as an important piece of their modern history. Combative, tenacious and never afraid to channel his power and strike on goal, Xhaka was almost unplayable on his day, and Arteta will be happy that he has found his new version of the Swiss machine in Zubimendi.

Now 33, most were uncertain he would thrive after joining Regis Le Bris’ side this season, so late into his career and surely content with winning silverware over in Germany under Xabi Alonso’s wing.

But the new Real Madrid boss has fuelled his lieutenant with a late-career fire for more, and, as the statistics will show you, he has been an integral part of Sunderland’s success this season, going punch for punch with one of the division’s finest in Zubimendi.

Having started all nine of Sunderland’s matches, Xhaka would stake a compelling case for being in the Premier League Team of the Year so far; the Wearsiders are fifth in the standings, and they have lost only two of their nine matches.

Zubimendi vs Xhaka in the Premier League (25/26)

Stats (* per game)

Zubimendi

Xhaka

Matches (starts)

8 (7)

8 (8)

Goals

2

0

Assists

0

3

Touches*

69.6

69.9

Accurate passes*

53.8 (90%)

44.1 (82%)

Key passes*

0.8

1.2

Big chances created

1

4

Dribbles*

0.1

0.3

Recoveries*

3.3

4.8

Tackles + interceptions*

2.8

3.1

Duels won*

3.5 (51%)

6.2 (62%)

Data via Sofascore

Zubimendi is not defined by statistics. He is an immense midfielder, elegant and intelligent, and has even been hailed as “one of the best Emirates era signings” by Arsenal content creator Jamie Kent.

But even so, we cannot take anything away from Xhaka’s start to the season. The man has been hailed as a “genius” signing for the Black Cats by Sky Sports’ Don Goodman, and you can see why.

Arsenal are happy to see him succeed. It’s nice to watch Xhaka return to England and do so well. There’s a man who played an important role in the ascension of this outfit in modern times. He’s firing on all cylinders, but would Arsenal replace their Spanish summer signing with the veteran? We need not answer that one.

20 years is too long to go without the Premier League title. Too long for a club like Arsenal. But they are getting there, piece by piece.

It’s too early to say with total conviction, but the Londoners stand as good a chance as they’ve ever had to claim the title this year, and with Zubimendi orchestrating in the middle of the park, they might just reach their goals.

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