Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a point to prove in what is a crucial week for the tactician, amid reports surrounding his future.

Enzo Maresca under some pressure at Chelsea

The Blues’ 3-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks largely to Trevoh Chalobah’s sending off just after half-time, has put more pressure on Maresca after a winless last few weeks in the top flight.

Chelsea haven’t picked up three points in the league since their 2-0 London derby win over Fulham in late August, with Maresca’s side just edging past Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup and losing convincingly to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Maresca hasn’t been helped by their lack of defensive options, and you can make a serious case that Chelsea really should’ve brought in a star centre-back in the summer as one of their top priorities.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are all injured right now, with Chalobah also suspended for their crucial next league game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Chelsea spent £285 million in the summer window, and were the division’s second-biggest spenders behind this weekend’s opponents. However, not a penny of that outlay went on a senior defender, and Maresca will undoubtedly be frustrated by that.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Reports suggest that Chelsea are backing Maresca for the time being, and this is echoed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, who say that the Blues don’t plan to make any immediate changes.

However, while this is their public standing, another reliable journalist, Simon Phillips, has revealed that there is “definite tension” between Maresca and Chelsea’s board — so he is far from bulletproof.

What’s more, it is believed that two big-name Chelsea stars are not fully buying into Maresca’s philosophies.

Cole Palmer and Reece James not fully behind Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Writing via his Substack, Phillips has named Cole Palmer and Reece James as the players who are not entirely convinced by Maresca, with the former sidelined after Chelsea’s decision to play him through a groin injury.

Phillips adds that sources close to Palmer are annoyed by the circumstances surrounding his groin problem, while the £130,000-per-week star himself is frustrated too, as he wants to be fit and firing in the build up to next year’s World Cup.

While Chelsea aren’t planning on sacking Maresca, Phillips suggests that the tactician could decide to walk of his own accord if things escalate any further, as it’s reported that he’s “not entirely happy” at Cobham about a “number of things”.

That being said, despite “many clubs lining up for him”, Maresca would seriously lose out financially if he did do that, so that scenario remains unlikely for now.

Just a few months ago, Pep Guardiola’s former pupil was celebrating back-to-back trophy wins with their triumphs in the Conference League and Club World Cup. We believe he should be given more time yet to turn things around, and Chelsea are planning to back Maresca with a much-needed centre-back signing in January.

That should go some way to alleviating the relationship between Maresca and Chelsea’s hierarchy, while a good run of games would also do wonders to change the mood.

England quick could be ruled out of a potential red-ball return for England Lions against India

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-2025Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England’s Metro Bank ODI series against West Indies next week, and could be in doubt for a proposed return to red-ball action for England Lions next month, after sustaining a right-thumb injury during his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals.Archer first sustained the injury while fielding during Rajasthan’s one-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 4. Although it initially appeared to be a minor issue, further assessments revealed ligament damage, and following the suspension of the tournament earlier this month, he did not return to India for this week’s resumption.He had initially been named in England’s 16-man squad for the ODI series that begins at Edgbaston on May 29, but will now be reassessed by the England medical team over the coming fortnight to determine when he may return to action.Lancashire’s left-arm seamer Luke Wood, who had already been named instead of Archer for the T20I series that follows in June, has been added to the squad in his place. Wood has played two previous ODIs in 2022-23, but has yet to take a wicket in the format.Archer’s omission from the T20I series had pointed to his probable inclusion in the second of England Lions’ two four-day matches against India that serve as warm-up matches next month’s five-Test series.The first, at Canterbury from May 30-June 2, runs concurrently with the ODI series, but the second, at Northampton from June 6-9, had been a realistic target for Archer, and could have constituted a first first-class appearance in more than four years, since a one-off appearance for Sussex versus Kent in May 2021.England’s selectors have subsequently named an initial 15-man squad for the two Lions matches, to be captained by Somerset’s James Rew and with the notable inclusion of Chris Woakes for his first matches of the season. There is scope to add further names to the mix, including Archer and Ben Stokes, who may seek further game-time in his return from hamstring surgery.Since 2021, Archer has been battling with a series of long-term injuries, including an elbow problem that required multiple operations, and a stress fracture of the back. He made his England comeback in May last year, in time for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, and also featured in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, prior to the IPL.

Glasgow Rangers have held positive Ibrox talks with a leading Gers manager target to replace Russell Martin.

Managers who could replace Martin at Rangers

Sunday’s 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Falkirk proved to be the last straw for Martin at Rangers, who was dismissed that evening.

Gers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have since written an open letter to Ibrox supporters, telling fans that a ‘rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already underway’ to find a new manager, with the pair ‘treating it with the urgency it deserves’ and are ‘deeply involved’.

A number of targets have already been linked with a move to Glasgow, including former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl who is “appreciated by senior figures” at Ibrox.

Another candidate currently out of work is Sean Dyche. The former Everton and Burnley boss has been without a job since leaving Goodison Park, and he is thought to be very keen on moving to Glasgow.

In Europe, there have also been more names mentioned to come in and replace Martin. Dutch head coach Mark van Bommel is another “interested” in replacing Martin, whereas Spanish manager Quique Setien is also on the Gers’ radar after leaving Beijing Guoan.

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A ‘fan favourite’ and one of Rangers’ top targets, though, is former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, and there has now been a positive development over a return to Glasgow for the former title winner.

Rangers hold positive talks with Steven Gerrard

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers have now had ‘positive progress in talks with Gerrard’ over a reunion at Ibrox.

It was stated on Monday that discussions were set to continue and that negotiations are complex, however, the ball appears to be rolling in regards to a move back to Glasgow for the 45-year-old.

Gerrard, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, averaged 2.15 points per game during his 192 matches in charge of Rangers between 2018-2021, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2020.

Gerrard’s record at Rangers

Days in charge

1,228

Games

192

Wins

124

Goals per game

2.12

Players used

65

His assistant from his time at Ibrox, Gary McAllister, was even asked about a return to Rangers with Gerrard on Monday, to which he said:

“We had a wonderful time there. We really enjoyed our time there. Steven did an amazing job to get that 55th title.

“He’s always going to be linked with Glasgow Rangers, he loved his time up there. You never know what can happen.”

Rangers look set to take their time when appointing their fourth manager of 2025 due to the current international break, but by the looks of things, a return to Ibrox for Gerrard is a real possibility.

Newcastle United are in a position to kick on in the Premier League this season and could now look to the January window for a new lease of life in the engine room.

Eddie Howe admits Elliot Anderson regret at Newcastle

PSR rules have taken quite the direction in recent years, and clubs have had to sell homegrown talent to ensure they are able to meet their objectives in line with financial regulations.

Last year, Elliot Anderson netted Newcastle £35 million after moving to Nottingham Forest and given the sides’ clash this weekend, Eddie Howe admitted he would love the England international to one day return to the North East.

He said in his pre-match press conference: “I don’t know, but certainly from my perspective I would love him to. I’m very respectful of the fact he is at another football club and I would never normally talk about a player in that way, so I won’t change that stance.

“But yes, it is very regretful a player from the academy who had given so much, and the club had given so much too, the coaching staff, all those years here and how people tried to develop those talents, for him not to be utilised here is a real shame.”

Whether Howe’s comments are meant in a complimentary manner or not, there is a certainty that he will be in the market for further talent to strengthen his side’s bid for European football.

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Newcastle at centre of Manuel Locatelli and Sandro Tonali debacle

According to Calciomercato, Newcastle are targeting Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli and Sandro Tonali is wanted in exchange by the Italian giants, creating an intriguing state of affairs.

Former Liverpool chief Damien Comolli, who is now general manager of Juventus, reportedly dreams of bringing the Italy international to Turin. The Magpies are reluctant to part ways with their star midfielder unless a bid of just under £70 million were to arrive, but it is possible Comolli will halt any Locatelli deal unless Tonali is free to move the other direction.

Manuel Locatelli – 2025/26 Serie A

Sandro Tonali – 2025/26 Premier League

Chances created: 4

Chances created: 10

Pass accuracy: 86.2%

Pass accuracy: 83.8%

Duels won: 22

Duels won: 21

Goals: 0

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Assists: 1

All statistics via Fotmob

Indeed, the ex-Reds man is unlikely to allow Locatelli to leave in a straight player for cash transfer. Dusan Vlahovic has been mentioned as another potential option that may become a makeweight in negotiations.

From a Newcastle perspective, it wouldn’t make a tonne of sense to let one of their best assets depart for Italy, given Locatelli is also two years older than his compatriot.

Either way, the transfer market could be lively come the New Year and stranger things have happened as clubs fight it out for new additions.

Lewis Hamilton has now decided between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the Formula 1 legend insisting he is a “big” fan of one of the players in the ‘GOAT’ debate.

Hamilton chooses between Ronaldo and Messi

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is now on the horizon, with the eighth edition set to take place in Baku from September 19th to 21st, in what is round 17 of the Formula 1 season, and McLaren head into the race in a strong position to win back-to-back constructors’ championships.

McLaren are currently 337 points clear of second-placed Ferrari, courtesy of finishing second and third at Monza, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris collecting 617 points between them up to this stage.

Hamilton, on the other hand, hasn’t won in Azerbaijan since 2018, and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has admitted the 40-year-old has struggled after making his big move to the Scuderia.

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Vasseur said: “I don’t know if we underestimated the importance of the change. Probably, because he spent 10 years at McLaren, then 12 with Mercedes, but it was a kind of continuity – two teams based in the UK with the same engine, same environment.

“[Joining Ferrari] is a complete change for him, in his life, the culture of the team and everything. To do it in three test days in the winter period is quite difficult – and I think also the expectation was huge.”

The Briton will be looking to get back on track in Baku, after a mixed year so far, but there are no doubts over the fact he is one of the best F1 drivers of all time, having won a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championships.

Alongside his clear love of F1, the Ferrari driver is also-well known to be a big football fan, having been a supporter of Arsenal growing up.

Hamilton has also decided between Ronaldo and Messi, claiming he is a fan of both players, saying:

Messi signs off in emphatic fashion in Argentina

The 38-year-old may no longer be playing in Europe, but he is still performing at the top-level, scoring a brace against Venezuela in his final home game for Argentina in the most recent international break.

Having racked up a remarkable 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances during his time with Barcelona, while also winning eight Ballon d’Ors and the 2022 World Cup, it is difficult to argue with Hamilton’s assessment of the Rosario-born star being the greatest of all time.

Winning a second World Cup in 2026 could arguably end the debate, and Argentina have now sealed their place at the competition, which is due to take place across North America from next June until July.

If you ask most fans which team had the best defence in the Premier League, most would likely say Arsenal.

Likewise, given the amount of money they spent in the summer, Liverpool would likely be described as having the best attack by most.

However, when it comes to the midfield, opinion could be split, although with players like Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard, it might just be Mikel Arteta’s side again.

In particular, Zubimendi and Rice have had brilliant starts to the campaign, and what’s even more impressive is that the North Londoners could have had an even stronger midfield had they not sold an international who is a hybrid of the Spaniard and Englishman.

Zubimendi's start to life at Arsenal

Considering the club spent the best part of a year chasing the former Real Sociedad star, paying around £52m for his services and beating Real Madrid to do so, it would be fair to say that there was a level of expectation that he’d start his Arsenal career in positive fashion this season.

Fortunately, while there have been a few moments in which he’s clearly been surprised by the speed of English football, that is exactly what has happened.

For example, the game-changing Basque star has started all six Premier League games so far, as well as the Champions League clash away to Athletic Bilbao.

In those games, he has racked up two goals, both of which came in the game against Nottingham Forest, courtesy of a sensational volley and a perfectly placed header.

Moreover, there have been several times when he should have earned himself an assist, most recently when he played a perfectly dinked ball over the top of Newcastle United’s defence on Sunday, only for Nick Pope to pull off a brilliant reaction save and stop Jurrien Timber.

He’s not just been a goal threat, though, as, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 7% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for blocking passes and the aerial duels won, both per 90.

In short, Zubimendi has come in and almost straight away has become Arteta’s conductor from deep, helping break up opposition attacks and kickstart them for the Gunners.

He’s not the only summer signing making a splash in midfield in the Premier League this season, though, as a former Arsenal star who has been compared to the Spaniard and Rice is having a great campaign himself.

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However, although the pair are playing at the moment, they have not been compared to both Zubimendi and Rice, unlike Granit Xhaka.

Yes, the Swiss international, who left the club for around £21m in the summer of 2023 and then joined Sunderland this summer, is the former Arsenal star playing so well he’s been compared to two of Arteta’s very best players.

The comparison stems from FBref, which has concluded that in the Premier League this season, the Englishman has been the third most similar midfielder to the Black Cats ace, and the Spaniard is the eighth most similar.

To gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached, you can take a look at the underlying numbers in which the former Gunners star ranks closely to the two international stars.

Xhaka & Rice
Statistics per 90	Xhaka	Rice
Non-Penalty Expected Goals	0.02	0.03
Expected Assists	0.10	0.10
Through Balls	0.17	0.19
Switches	0.50	0.58
Shot-Creating Actions	3.33	3.29
Goal-Creating Actions	0.67	0.58
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 PL Season

When it comes to the former West Ham United captain, these metrics include non-penalty expected goals, expected assists, through balls, switches, shot-creating actions, and more.

It’s clear from these numbers and the eye-test that, like the Englishman, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace still has a wand of a left foot, and as Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley puts it, is “still one of the best passers in Europe.”

Xhaka & Zubimendi
Statistics per 90	Xhaka	Zubimendi
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.16	0.14
Passes into the Penalty Area	0.67	0.51
Tackles Won	0.83	1.02
Interceptions	1.17	1.19
Successful Take-Ons	0.17	0.17
Carries	36.2	37.1
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 PL Season

Then, when it comes to the San Sebastián-born ace, the similarities tend to fall on the more defensive side of things, with their tackles won and interceptions per 90 being a key area in which the pair rank closely.

Ultimately, there is a strong case for Arsenal having the best midfield in the league, thanks largely to Rice and Zubimendi.

However, just think how much better their squad would be had they also kept hold of Xhaka.

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A torcida do São Paulo realizou neste sábado (16) uma grande festa em frente ao CT do clube, na Barra Funda, para apoiar a equipe na saída do ônibus da delegação rumo ao Aeroporto de Guarulhos.

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A aglomeração de torcedores no local começou por volta das 11 horas da manhã e, poucos minutos depois, a avenida Marquês de São Vicente, via em que está situada a saída do centro de treinamentos, foi tomada por torcedores que portavam bandeiras, baterias e fogos de artifício.

A concentração, que foi convocada pela Independente, organizada do clube, contou com massiva participação da torcida são-paulina, que cantou a plenos pulmões para incentivar os jogadores.

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A saída dos atletas e comissão técnica está programada, para às 13h30. É esperado que diversos carros e motos acompanhem a escolta do ônibus até Guarulhos, onde é aguardada uma nova concentração de torcedores para proporcionar o ‘incentivo final’ antes do embarque rumo ao Rio de Janeiro.

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Turning their focus towards the transfer market, Newcastle United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch a defensive star who kept Nick Woltemade quiet.

Ross Wilson "delighted" to be at Newcastle

It’s been an important international break for the Magpies. Not only have the likes of Woltemade and Anthony Gordon been bang in form for their nations, but those back at St James’ Park have also made an interesting move to hire Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest.

The sporting director follows Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell in the role, and will be hoping to help guide the Magpies into a more organised transfer window when January arrives.

Just how soon he’ll get to make his mark is the big question. Whilst Newcastle did spend big in the summer to welcome the likes of Woltemade and Anthony Elanga, it was more of a late shopping spree than detailed plan – something Wilson should look to change.

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With European games to balance with domestic action these days, further reinforcements would not be a bad idea and Newcastle’s scouts have already reportedly been spotted watching a potential defensive addition.

Newcastle send scouts to watch Charlie Cresswell

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle scouts have now been spotted watching Charlie Cresswell ahead of a potential January move. The England U21 international, valued at £15m, has built on last season’s form to enjoy another solid start for Toulouse in Ligue 1 and has now found himself on the radar of several Premier League clubs.

Described as “strong” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Cresswell particularly impressed at the U21 Euros in the summer and even pocketed a certain Woltemade against Germany in the final.

As England ran out 3-2 winners, Woltemade failed to create a single chance and failed to complete any of his dribbles. Cresswell, meanwhile, made 14 defensive contributions and was not dribbled past once. It was a colossal performance from the former Leeds United man.

As Fabian Schar and Dan Burn hit 33 years old, signing the Toulouse defender in a move worth just £15m could quickly turn into the ultimate bargain transfer for those at St James’ Park.

Harry Kane looks a major doubt for England’s friendly against Wales after missing training on the eve of the game.

Thomas Tuchel’s side welcome their neighbours to a sold-out Wembley on Thursday before attention turns to Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

Two England stars doubts to face Wales and Latvia

Kane seems set to miss the first game of October’s double-header, having sat out training on Wednesday along with uncapped Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.

The Football Association said the pair were “following their own respective routines indoors” as the remaining 22 players trained at St George’s Park.

Kane arrived at camp with an ankle issue sustained late in Bayern Munich’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Speaking after the game, the striker said: “I am recovering at the moment – I took a knock. A few days and then I should be fine, so no problem for the national team. I will be there on Monday.”

Marc Guehi will join boss Tuchel at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference at Wembley having travelled down from St George’s Park, where under-20 internationals Shea Lacey, Lakyle Samuel and Harrison Murray-Campbell took part in training.

سجل فريق طلائع الجيش، الهدف الأول في شباك الزمالك، خلال اللقاء الجاري الآن بينهما ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويواجه الزمالك، طلائع الجيش، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري بعد ثنائية ناصر ماهر وهدف الدباغ أمام طلائع الجيش

وأحرز محمد عاطف لاعب طلائع الجيش هدف فريقه في الدقيقة 80 من رأسية قوية بعد عرضية رائعة داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وتشير النتيجة في الوقت الحالي إلى تقدم الزمالك بثلاثية مقابل هدف بعد هدف عاطف وتقليص الفارق. هدف طلائع الجيش الأول أمام الزمالك