There is enormous pride that comes with being a Lionesses player. And pressure, too.

Under Sarina Wiegman, our team went up a level and in 2022 we won the European Championship on home soil, a wonderful achievement but one which means we have had to live up to that since.

It’s been quite difficult for a few years but we feel we have now drawn a line under that.

Last time out we beat world champions Spain 1-0 at Wembley in the Nations League. The performance was a reset, with so many players going back to basics. The outside world might sometimes see us as good individuals but that night in February we played together as a team.

It was a big victory and one which we believe puts us on a good path to the defence of our European Championship title in Switzerland this summer. But we cannot just expect it to happen because we’re England and we won the trophy last time.

The same thing that happened to us after winning the Euros also happened to Spain – albeit it may not have been as well-publicised in this country as it was over there.

Spain really struggled for results for a while in the aftermath of beating us in the 2023 World Cup final. Of course, it can happen and you have a target on your backs as the winners. Opponents will up their game against you which, to be fair, has always happened when you play for England.

You find your level eventually and we’re a new England team now, in terms of personnel too.

You don’t need to shout about being the reigning champions. You don’t get given anything when you start playing again after winning silverware, whether you’re England, Spain or anybody else. That comes with the territory.

There’s that perception something changes when you’re the holders but look at the team we have now – there’s no Ellen White, for example, who started every match for us at the Euros. Others have moved on too. This is a different side.

Spain didn’t have one of their World Cup star players, Alexia Putellas, against us in that recent meeting but they did have players like Laia Aleixandri, who did not feature in their World Cup success. There are always good players in top sides who you have to look out for. It’s just that you can’t win every time, even if you’re world champions like Spain.

For us, I’m very proud of what we achieved three years ago but, as I have said previously, the England shirt can weigh heavily at times.

I think it can be especially hard if you are a young player coming into a team with that ‘reigning champions’ tag. The pressure is a lot.

You win a trophy, there’s that excitement and then the pressure grows to beat everybody. You look at younger players who have subsequently come into our team and made their debuts in front of huge crowds at Wembley Stadium. I try, as one of the senior players, to help 
them acclimatise to what our world is like now.

Through this, I’ve developed great relationships with midfielders Grace Clinton and Jess Park – who scored the winner against Spain – two young players I hadn’t really played with before. They ask me a lot of questions in training and I try to offer advice where I can.

With Jess, I’ve simply told her she is a very good player who is in the squad on merit and that she doesn’t need me to tell her how to play football. It’s true, these young players are good enough in their own right already.

All I can hope is that the youngsters learn to handle the expectation that comes with being an England player now. I’m sure they can but I am also sure it isn’t easy.

Things have changed for us and we have to allow this group of players to find their own way as we return to action this week with a Nations League double-header against Belgium – in Bristol on Friday, and in Leuven next Tuesday.

We might be the reigning European champions but this team is better off without the added pressure that label can bring. From now on, we just need to focus on what’s ahead.

As a British, female-led brand, ALIGNE are proud to be partnering with Lucy Bronze as we champion women in sport. Female athletes are the epitome of confidence and strength and Lucy represents everything ALIGNE stands for.

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Ian Wright admits he is concerned that Real Madrid will ‘exploit’ Jakub Kiwior during Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final next week.

Arsenal were dealt a huge setback in their 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday night as Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury.

Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that he is ‘worried’ over the extent of Gabriel’s injury, while Arsenal could also be without Ben White, who failed to make the matchday squad against Fulham, and Jurrien Timber, who was replaced in the second half at the Emirates Stadium.

Kiwior, meanwhile, covered in central defence alongside William Saliba in Gabriel’s absence in the win over Fulham and is likely to start against Everton on Saturday with Riccardo Calafiori still sidelined with a knee injury he suffered during the international break

Arsenal are then due to host Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie next Tuesday.

And Wright admits he is worried about Arsenal’s defensive solidity without Gabriel.

‘It’s a massive miss,’ Wright told Premier League Productions.

‘It’s just as big in respects of what Saka does for us going forward, then Gabriel going the other way, set-pieces, leadership, warrior that we need.

‘I think whatever you say, the drop-off from Gabriel, I don’t know how fit Calafiori is at the moment, but when you’re looking at someone going that quick and pulling up like that, that’s not two weeks, that a month, that’s six weeks, you can see it there, he knows himself.

‘The thing is, I know we’re jumping ahead and speaking about Real Madrid because it is a massive game, it is the big game of the season for us.

‘Without Gabi Magalhaes in that game you’re looking at Kiwior even today [against Fulham], there’s a couple of positional moves that you just cannot afford to do when you play against Real Madrid.

‘They are looking for any chink in the armour to exploit, so you need people who are absolutely bang on it, to be able to keep Real Madrid to no goals at home. If Gabi Magalhaes was there I would feel more confident about that.’

Wright also believes Arsenal need a positive result from the first leg next week to stand any chance of progressing past Madrid to reach the Champions League semi final, where they would play either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.

‘Missing Gabriel now, we need all the best players we can get out there for that particular game because we know what the Champions League means to Real Madrid and how much they want to win that, and how much good fortune they get in that tournament. We’re going to need everything we can get,’ Wright said.

‘We probably need to go to Real Madrid with something. You can’t look at a Real Madrid side with the players they’ve got and feel like they’re not going to at least get a goal here, so you have to go to the Bernabeu with something.’

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Rio Ferdinand took aim at three Manchester United stars for their roles in Nottingham Forest’s winning goal on Tuesday night – blasting one of them for failing to ‘take out’ Anthony Elanga.

Despite signs of a return to form before the international break, United suffered their 13^th Premier League defeat of the season against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, falling to a 1-0 defeat.

The visitors were undone after just five minutes.

Former player Elanga came back to haunt his old side, sprinting 85 meters in nine seconds up the pitch from deep in his own half, keeping his composure to calmly slot past Andre Onana.

United players tried in vain to halt the Swede who was too quick and too powerful.

Patrick Dorgu was initially beaten for pace with Alejandro Garnacho left on his backside after being easily shrugged off by the Forest winger.

Noussair Mazraoui also tried in vain to prevent the goal.

United legend Ferdinand identified three moments where United could have stopped Elanga during his searing run, blasting Dorgu’s defensive position at the start of the attack.

The former England international also took aim at Mazraoui for reacting too slowly in his box, insisting Garnacho should have taken one for the team and brought down Elanga while he still could.

‘I think there’s three moments where they could have maybe stopped this goal, Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

‘First of all, it’s a wonderful goal from Elanga, and you can’t take anything away from him in that sense.

‘But when you’re looking for a defensive point of view, Elanga is on the edge of the box there.

‘Dorgu’s got to be goal-side. You’ve got to think defensively first. You know the threat is pace.

‘Be in a better position to stop that. Then he’s behind, he’s chasing, can’t get back.

‘And Garnacho has a role to play here. You should take him out, foul him there. You’ve got to foul him there. Take him out. You can see the pace, you can see the support he has.

‘And Mazraoui’s got to make a decision. Before he gets into that box, you’ve got to go and engage the attacking player there. Go into the box, get closer to goal.’

Ruben Amorim has conceded Alejandro Garnacho is ‘trying too much’ after the Manchester United star’s frustrating display in the defeat to Nottingham Forest.

United registered 24 shots on target at the City Ground but failed to truly trouble Forest goalkeeper Mats Sels as they suffered their 13^th Premier League defeat of the season on Tuesday night.

Garnacho had more shots on goal than any other player on the pitch with six attempts in total – three of those off target and three blocked by Forest players.

The 20-year-old’s dribbling also let him down on a night where Anthony Elanga – a winger United sold in in 2023 – scored the game’s only goal with a sublime individual effort, racing forward from deep in his own half past three players before beating Andre Onana.

Garnacho, pursued by Chelsea and Napoli during the January transfer window, had a night to forget against Forest, with defeat leaving Ruben Amorim’s side marooned in 13^th place.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim defended his winger after what was an inpsiid all-round attacking display from his side.

While pleased with his efforts in tracking back, he did admit Garnacho was guilty of overlooking the runs of left wing-back Patrick Dorgu and making the wrong choices on the pitch.

‘He is trying,’ Amorim said. ‘Sometimes you have one day when you are doing the right things but in the final third we were not that good and that can happen.’

Asked if Garnacho was showing signs of trying too hard by taking on too many shots, Amorim continued: ‘That can happen in the game.

‘The most important thing in the game is when he needs to run back he is running back.

‘Of course we want a player who is one against one, sometimes he is trying too much, he has Dorgu to make a movement but I think he wants to help the team and is doing the best.

‘Sometimes he doesn’t make the best choice but I think you can point to any player [and say that] today.’

Garnacho has scored eight goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season, hitting the back of the net in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City before the international break.

United are back in action on Sunday when they take on Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s side clinched a huge win over their neighbours in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in December with Amad Diallo, currently out injured, scoring twice for his side.

United then take on Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final next week.

Nuno Espirito Santo admits Ola Aina’s injury is a concern after the defender was forced off during Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday evening.

Anthony Elanga’s brilliant solo effort sealed the victory for Forest, who have tightened their grip on third place in the Premier League, moving eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea.

However, Forest have been dealt a huge injury scare as Aina was forced off shortly before half time.

The 28-year-old, who has made 30 Premier League appearances this season, is now a doubt for Forest’s next match against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Aina also filmed some of his Forest teammates celebrating after the win against United and a pair of crutches was spotted by his seat in the dressing room.

‘We have to assess,’ Nuno said of Aina’s injury after Forest’s win over United.

‘It’s always a concern when a player is injured by himself so we’re going to scan and see how it is.’

Asked if it is a calf injury, Nuno replied: ‘Not quite sure. I think the scan will say exactly.’

Nuno also explained his decision to replace Danilo with Morato before half time: ‘After we scored the game went away from us,

‘We lost control of the game, United created many, many problems.

‘The injury of Ola, I thought we needed an extra body to help us and Morato did good.’

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Mikel Arteta has revealed that Ben White is sidelined with a knee injury following Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

White was not included in Arsenal’s matchday squad as goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka, returning from his 10-week layoff due to a hamstring injury, sealed the win for Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking on White’s injury before the game, Arteta said: ‘He had a little niggle two days ago.

‘Yesterday we tried, he wasn’t feeling right, so we decided not to put him in the squad today.’

And when asked again about White after Arsenal’s win over Fulham, Arteta said: ‘It was something on his knee.’

In a separate interview, Arteta revealed that White suffered the knee injury during a training session on Sunday.

‘We lost Ben the day before,’ the Arsenal manager said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been dealt two fresh injury blows with both Gabriel and Jurrien Timber forced off during the win against Fulham.

Gabriel pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the first half, while Timber was replaced with 13 minutes remaining.

‘Worried because he never wants to come off and he had to,’ Arteta said of Gabriel after Arsenal’s victory.

‘He’s not very sure how big it is and what it is exactly but he felt he that he could not continue.’

Asked if Gabriel will be fit to face Real Madrid in the Champions League next week, Arteta replied: ‘Depends, there’s a week there but I will say with the way he is normally… difficult.’

On Timber’s injury, Arteta said: ‘He was struggling earlier, yesterday as well he wasn’t at his best but we lost Ben as well the day before so he did a big effort to try to play and he could not continue.’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a worrying update on Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s showdown with Real Madrid.

The two Arsenal defenders were forced off with injuries in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Fulham with Bukayo Saka scoring on his return.

Gabriel pulled up with a hamstring issue 15 minutes into Tuesday’s match at the Emirates.

The Brazil international received treatment on the pitch but was unable to continue,replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

Timber was also spotted struggling with an issue half an hour into the game, left in discomfort after stretching to block an effort from Raul Jimenez.

The Netherlands was able to continue but there was concern again late on in the game with Leandro Trossard brought onto replace him.

Timber withdrew from international duty last week due to illness but was passed fit to return to club duty this week.

Arsenal travel are in action at the Bernabeu next week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with doubts now hanging over two of their first-choice defenders.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta told reporters: ‘Gabriel and Jurrien, we don’t know how they’re going to be. We will be assessing them tomorrow.

‘Gabi felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know how big that is.

‘With Jurrien he was already struggling early. He couldn’t continue.’

Arteta also confirmed Timber’s issue was with his knee.

Ben White was not included in the Arsenal squad with Arteta revealing a minor injury issue ahead of kick-off.

With Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined with a knee problem, it leaves Arsenal with a major crisis at the back for one of their biggest games of the season.

Arsenal’s other available options at the back are William Saliba, Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney with Thomas Partey another option for right-back.

Ian Wright fears Gabriel Magalhaes could miss the rest of Arsenal’s season after he was forced off with an injury during the Premier League match against Fulham on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian defended pulled up with a hamstring complaint after sprinting back during an early Fulham counter-attack in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel was replaced by Jakub Kiwior after just 16 minutes as Arsenal went on to go a goal ahead through Mikel Merino’s deflected effort.

Bukayo Saka, who made his return from a 10-week layoff from a hamstring injury, scored Arsenal’s second goal before Rodrigo Muniz netted a late consolation for Fulham.

Arsenal are now due to play Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at home to Real Madrid next Tuesday.

But Wright believes Arsenal will now be without Gabriel for an extended period of time.

‘It is very concerning because for me, the way he’s pulled up, that’s not two weeks,’ Wright told Premier League Productions.

‘That’s like six weeks at least, could be out for the season, depending what happens with Arsenal.

‘But that’s a massive blow for us, with him and without him there’s a massive difference.

‘He is someone that is vital to what Arsenal are doing.’

Wright’s fellow pundit, former Arsenal, Chelsea and England midfielder Karen Carney added: ‘I think when you’re chasing [Adama] Traore in the first 15 minutes, I think that’s when he started to really stretch himself. You saw him pull up straight away.

‘It’s worrying because of how many injuries Arsenal have to hamstrings, and it’s even more worrying because in seven days’ time they’re going to be playing Real Madrid and you need this guy in your team, so it is a bit concerning.

‘Consistency, the pairing of the centre-backs, his physicality, his mentality, his standards, in every good team you need to have two solid, consistent centre-backs.

‘It would be a huge blow if it was a long-term thing.

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Ex-Manchester United defender and football pundit Paul Parker has named a shock player ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League’.

There are a number of world-class midfielders currently playing in the top-flight of English football, including Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who was impressively crowned Premier League Player of the Season last term.

Pep Guardiola’s English champions also have veteran superstar midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and the current Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, in their squad.

Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and the Chelsea duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez – who cost a combined total of £222m – are also considered by many to be among the very best current midfield players in the top-flight.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have James Maddison and out of the traditional ‘Big Six’, Bruno Guimaraes is particularly admired at Newcastle United.

But Parker has opted to pick a player from high-flying Nottingham Forest as one of the best midfielders currently featuring in the Premier League.

It’s not Morgan Gibbs-White, who has conjured up five goals and nine assists across 25 top-flight games this term, helping Forest up to third.

Parker has instead named Elliot Anderson as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle for £35m in July and has shined under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.

The 22-year-old, who played six times for England U21s but is yet to make his senior Three Lions debut, has provided six assists and one goal in 28 league games for Forest this term, mainly operating in defensive midfield.

‘When you look at Elliot Anderson, you have to look at his work rate,’ Parker told bettingexpert.

‘He is amazing and if he was playing for a more prominent side, he would be mentioned with England.

‘But he won’t because he plays for Forest, and it’s the same with Gibbs White. He should play for England, but he doesn’t even get looked at because he plays for Forest.

‘Anderson is a really good player and in my opinion he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.’

While Anderson is perhaps not as highly rated as some of the other Premier League’s top midfielders, there is one fellow pundit who agrees with Parker… Alan Shearer.

The Newcastle legend was left devastated when his old club sold Anderson to Forest, with the midfielder having progressed through the Magpies’ academy.

Speaking in December, Shearer declared that Anderson should be considered among the best Premier League signings of the season.

Anderson scored his first goal for Forest in January and provided an assist in their last top-flight match – a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

Harry Kane has distanced himself from speculation he could be set to return to the Premier League in the summer and insists he’s ‘extremely happy’ at Bayern Munich.

While Bayern missed out on silverware in Kane’s debut season, the 31-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation in Munich, racking up 77 goals in his opening 83 appearances for the Bundesliga club.

Kane’s extraordinary goalscoring exploits have helped Bayern open up an imperious six-point lead at the top of the league this term, meaning the England captain’s long wait for a trophy could soon come to an end.

Vincent Kompany’s side are also among the favourites in this year’s Champions League and face off against Inter Milan for a place in the semi-finals after seeing off Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.

But reports this week suggested Kane was ‘seriously considering’ a return to English football at the end of the campaign – and Liverpool have been linked with a stunning move for the former Tottenham forward.

There remains uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield and Kane’s name has been put forward as a possible replacement for the Egyptian on Merseyside.

But Kane still has two-and-a-half years left on his current contract with Bayern and it appears the striker has no immediate plans to switch clubs.

Asked whether there was any part of him that would like to return to English football in the future, Kane told ESPN: ‘I’m not sure.

‘I’ve said throughout my whole career that I’m not someone who likes to think too far ahead.

‘I’m extremely happy here, we have a fantastic team, fantastic coaching staff.

‘And I just feel like whilst I feel like I’m in the best condition, I want to play at the highest level possible and this is as high as it gets.

‘I know a lot can change in football in a short space of time and things can happen, but ultimately my focus is here.

‘I’m not thinking about any other league or any other team and, with football, I like to just go with the flow and at the moment, the flow is here at Bayern Munich.’

Kane said he was keen to ‘put to bed’ any stories that he could be set to end his stay at Bayern for a return to the Premier League after just two years away.

‘There’s a few random stories out there, for sure, so I don’t know where they come from,’ he added.

‘But, for sure, I’m happy here at Bayern Munich.’

Discussing Liverpool’s summer plans with Betfair, legendary ex-England striker Alan Shearer suggested Kane would be a ‘great option’ if he were keen on returning to the Premier League.

‘Liverpool will be looking for a centre-forward in the summer, I don’t doubt that and Harry Kane would be a great option for them because of the size of the club and he’ll score goals,’ Shearer said.

‘Whether Harry decides to stay in Germany or he decides to come back to the Premier League, he’ll have options.

‘I’ve always said that if he comes back to the Premier League then he’ll have a really, really good chance of breaking my record.

‘My Premier League record won’t last forever. I don’t know how long I’ve been at the top of the charts but it’s been a great privilege to be there when you look at the number of top-quality players there.

‘The record will go one day and when it does go, and if it’s to Harry, he knows I’d be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand because if anyone deserves it, he does.’

Manchester United were credited with a strong interest in Kane before the attacker sealed a £95million move to Bayern in August 2023.

Recent reports emanating from Germany claimed Kane had a £54m release clause in his contract at the Allianz Arena.

Nani has heaped praise on incoming Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda and admits he wishes the Sporting Lisbon winger was heading to Manchester United.

Chelsea spent over £40m to sign the 17-year-old star following his breakthrough season for Portuguese giants Sporting.

Quenda will spend next season on loan at Sporting before linking up with his new club before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Portugal U21 international was naturally linked with Manchester United after Ruben Amorim, who gave him his professional debut, left Sporting to take over the Premier League giants.

United were said to be interested in signing Quenda this summer but Chelsea quickly swooped in to secure his signature last month.

‘There is a kid at Sporting, Quenda, who is 17 years old and he is unbelievable,’ Nani told A Bola.

‘He has energy, he has speed, he can improve his physical ability, but he is a very intelligent player. Very mature. 

‘He knows how to play as part of a team, when he should calm down and speed up the game.  

‘Of course he can improve his finishing and be more consistent, because he also shoots very well, knows how to dribble, he’s skinny, but he’s a fantastic player and has the right attitude.’

Asked if he felt Manchester United had ‘missed out’ on Quenda, the ex-Old Trafford star added: ‘I think so.

‘There are no players like him at 17. Why did Chelsea sign him? Because they know that.

‘It’s difficult to have this type of player who is aggressive with the ball, taking the game forward and creating danger in the box.

‘And when he sees that there is no space to take risks, he knows how to calm down and play with the team. He really is a fantastic player.’

Sporting defender Ivan Fresneda recently delivered his verdict on incoming Chelsea signing Quenda.

‘I have a very good relationship with Quenda, I’m 20 and he’s 17. Because of our age, we also have that relationship,’ he told FlashScore.

‘I was surprised [by his rapid rise], of course. All you have to do is watch the training sessions, stay here for a week and see what that kid does, you’d go mad.

‘Chelsea’s interest doesn’t surprise anyone at the club. Quenda is going to be big in the future. This season, next season and from now on. He’s going to be something to talk about.’

Sporting assistant manager Tiago Teixeira has also spoke glowingly of Quenda, who has already played in the Champions League and looks set to help his club win the league title.

‘He is very, very good as a dribbler. He is impressive physically and can beat his direct opponent both inside and outside,’ Sporting assistant he told The Athletic.

‘I see similarities with Lamine Yamal. Both of them started playing senior football at 16, 17.

‘Yamal is already playing for Spain but Quenda has just been called up by Portugal for the first time and I’m certain he’s going to be a regular in the national team for years to come, and a star of the Champions League.

‘He will get better with age and keep growing in confidence. He has everything he needs.’

As part of their deal for Quenda, Chelsea also agreed to sign Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon for almost £20m.

Essugo, 20, will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer after spending this season on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas.

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Revenge is a dish best served cold was an ominous threat uttered by Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather but is generally accredited to Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, an 18th century French army general who preferred to be an author and notably wrote Dangerous Liaisons.

It’s just under two months since James Tarkowski smashed an unbelievable 98th-minute equaliser in the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, sending home fans into delirium and creating ructions on the pitch, so the Toffees best take heed of the proverb.

Referee Michael Oliver flashed red cards to Abdoulaye Doucoure, Curtis Jones, Reds manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw – and bad blood will have lingered. 

Now the return match at Anfield is with us it’s time to go to the mattresses and prepare for battle and it won’t take much for this to boil over, with both sets of fans baying for cards to be flashed left, right and centre.

Tim Robinson is a good appointment to be the man with the whistle as according to the Premier League app, he has shown just one red card in 11 top-flight matches this season while giving out 54 yellows. 

That’s some way off the pace set by Oliver, who has sent off six players and dished out 97 bookings in 21 games, while Robert Jones has also given half-a-dozen players an early finish while showing yellow to 75 players in 17 matches.

Robinson is unlikely to show a red card unless it is absolutely necessary and the number of yellows is unlikely to be excessive, so take under 4.5 cards at 11/10 with StarSports.

Liverpool will have been thankful for the international break after losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final and being eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, having already exited the FA Cup in more embarrassing circumstances at Championship basement-boys Plymouth Argyle.

Now they will be seeking to regain the swagger which put them 12 points clear at the top before the Premier League’s halt in play.

Everton are 15th in the table, 17 points clear of the bottom three, and are unbeaten in their last nine league games, with five draws in their last six as David Moyes continues to do a sterling job in his second stint in charge. 

They will be a tough nut to crack and while the Reds, who will be missing the injured, Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold, may be triumphant it won’t be by much. A 2-1 win is 17/2 with bet365 and the Toffees plus two goals is 3/4 in BoyleSports’ and Betway’s handicap markets.

• FA Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace can return to Premier League action with a bang by sending Southampton to a 25th defeat in 30 Premier League matches. 

The Eagles are flying high with 22 points from the last 30 available, a record only bettered by Liverpool, and they have won their last six away games in all competitions without conceding a goal.

Palace are 4/6 to win outright with Betfred and 7/4 with the same firm, bet365 and Sky Bet to win while keeping a clean sheet.

• Constitution Hill can return to winning ways following his shock defeat when falling four from home in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival by beating Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle on the first day of this week’s Grand National meeting.

Nicky Henderson’s stable star won the same race when jumping well to beat Sharjah by a comfortable three lengths 12 months ago and is 8/11 with bet365.

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Andoni Iraola has confirmed Justin Kluivert is an injury doubt for Bournemouth’s Premier League match against Ipswich.

The Cherries are back in action on Wednesday, three days on from their demoralising FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Manchester City.

Bournemouth will be looking to bounce back and boost their hopes of European qualification against a side who look destined to be relegated back to the Championship.

Iraola will, however, potentially be without Kluivert who was injured during the second half of Sunday’s cup defeat.

We are still not sure . We still have to train this afternoon. It’s still less than 48 hours since the FA Cup game against Manchester City.

‘Some players finished with some issues – normal issues. I expect them to be ready,’ said Iraola speaking at his pre-match press conference.

‘Probably, Justin [Kluivert] is the one we are more in doubt of, because he finished with some issues against City and we have to check today if he is ready to go or if at least he can help us with some minutes against Ipswich.

‘I hope everyone else could be ready again for tomorrow.’

Iraola will at least be able to welcome back key defenders Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen who were suspended last weekend.

He said: ‘It’s good to have them available again. They have given us high levels and they are in a good moment of form.

‘We are probably now weaker in the offensive side. But it’s difficult to have the perfect starting 11 and we have to adapt game by game.’

Both players have been linked with moves away this summer with Kerkez seen as a natural replacement for Andy Robertson by Liverpool, while Huijsen is said to be on Real Madrid’s radar.

Asked what message he had for clubs linked with the defensive duo, Iraola added: ‘I don’t comment. For me, I don’t have to give other clubs any comments.’

Timo Werner faces an uncertain future as he is seemingly unwanted by loan side Tottenham or parent club RB Leipzig.

The 29-year-old initially joined Spurs on loan in January last year and was extended last summer to run until the end of the this season.

While there was enough promise in the first six months for Tottenham to want to keep the German around, things have not gone well since.

It has been a very poor season for Spurs and Werner has not contributed much, with no goals in 18 Premier League appearances and one in 21 across all competitions.

Tottenham have an option to buy Werner in the summer for just £8.5m but it seems unlikely that they will take up that opportunity given his form and RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer appears to have confirmed that.

‘Timo Werner is currently at Tottenham. We spoke with his agent two or three weeks ago. I think the loan isn’t going quite as well as we might hope,’ Schafer told RB Live.

‘[Leipzig will] think about Timo Werner and all the players who are returning in the summer in due course.’

It does not seem likely that the forward has much of a future at Leipzig either, with Schafer adding: ‘We want to have a team on the pitch starting this summer that corresponds to what I’ve already answered several times.

‘We need a breath of fresh air, a new spirit, to recapture that attitude, that life, brutal energy that has distinguished this club.’

Even with Tottenham struggling with a lot of injury problems this season, Werner has started just four Premier League matches and has faced open criticism from manager Ange Postecoglou.

After a Europa League draw with Rangers in December, the Australian said of the former Chelsea man being subbed off.

‘When you’ve got 18-year-olds in the team, it’s not acceptable to me,’ Postecoglou said when asked about Werner’s withdrawal.

‘I said that to Timo, he’s a German international. In the moment we’re in right now – it’s not like we’ve got many options, I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves.

‘His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable. We need everybody, including him, to be contributing because we don’t have the depth to leave people out if they perform poorly.

‘I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys, and tonight wasn’t that.’

Expanding on those comments at a press conference on Friday morning, Postecoglou said: ‘We’re in a fight here. I’m not going to go around worrying about bruised egos. We want to achieve things, we want to be successful and we’re down to the bare bones in players.

‘If someone is fit and able to contribute and someone who feels they need a bit extra [motivation], they are probably not the right person. If they can’t give me extra right now, that shows me where they are at.

‘We are in a difficult situation because of where we are squad wise. We have 15 fit players. If you want to make excuses there’s millions of excuses of them why they can’t be successful. If that’s you, move on, go somewhere else.

‘Last night wasn’t about Timo Werner wasn’t about him. It could have been someone else. Other players could have given more. It’s not about Timo, it’s about the situation we are in. It could be anyone. It’s not about bringing someone down or blaming someone.’

BBC presenter Gary Lineker has revealed three reasons why he snubbed offers to join Sky Sports, where he ‘could’ve earned a lot more’ money.

The former professional footballer has presented Match of the Day on the BBC since the late 1990s, marking the longest tenure in MOTD history.

Lineker is set to step down in May after 26 years in the role and will depart the BBC entirely after next season’s FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup.

But the ex-striker – who played for Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham – is adamant that he will not be joining a rival broadcaster next.

There are three reasons why Lineker never joined – and will not join – a new broadcaster, including his loyalty to the BBC, having been there for so long.

The second reason is because he claims the BBC attracted bigger audiences than Sky and the third is due to his successful podcasting work.

Lineker is a co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, which produces a number of shows including The Rest is Football, which he presents himself along with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

Across 13 shows, Goalhanger Podcasts collectively achieve over 40 million downloads per month, with The Rest Is Politics also notably successful.

Speaking about his future in broadcasting in a new interview, football icon Lineker said that he will be very much focusing on his podcast empire.

‘I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast,’ the 64-year-old former England international footballer told FourFourTwo.

‘I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.’

Lineker has been in talks with Sky on a number of occasions but his loyalty to the BBC, where he begun his career in the media, always prevailed.

‘We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC,’ Lineker added.

‘I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.

‘I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.

‘It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.

‘Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18.’

Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have formed a three-person presenting team to replace Lineker on Match of the Day for next season.

Erling Haaland has been ruled out for up to seven weeks with an ankle injury, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

Haaland required treatment during the 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday and was forced off in the second half.

The Norway international, who has scored 21 goals across 28 Premier League games this season, left the Vitality Stadium on crutches.

City released a statement on Monday night to confirm their striker was set to ‘seek specialist consultation’ to confirm the full extent of the injury.

Guardiola has now held talks with City’s doctors, who have confirmed that the 24-year-old forward will be ruled out between five and seven weeks.

That makes Haaland a huge doubt for the FA Cup final on May 17 if City manage to defeat Nottingham Forest in the last four of the competition.

If there are no setbacks, Haaland should be able to feature in the final Premier League game of the season on May 25 against Fulham before the Club World Cup across June and July, and he could be back even earlier if his period of injury is closer to the five-week mark.

Which games will Erling Haaland miss?

With Erling Haaland set to miss at least the next five weeks of action, here is every game he is almost certain to miss…

• Leicester City (home) – April 2 – Premier League
• Manchester United (away) – April 6 – Premier League
• Crystal Palace (home) – April 12 – Premier League
• Everton (away) – April 19 – Premier League
• Aston Villa (home) – Rearranged, date TBC – Premier league
• Nottingham Forest (neutral) – April 26 – FA Cup semi-final
• Wolves (home) – May 2 – Premier League

If he’s out for the full seven-week period, Haaland will also miss the Premier League clash at Southampton and a potential FA Cup final. If City lose in the semi-finals, though, Haaland would miss a top-flight fixture with AFC Bournemouth instead.

‘They told me the doctors between five to seven weeks,’ Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday.

‘So hopefully the end of the season and by the Club World Cup he will be ready.

‘Sometimes there are years when these kinds of things happen. It happened all season.

‘I would say that it could have been different if it was the end of the season [before the Club World Cup].

‘So with all the injuries we have had this season, I’m so sorry for them and for Erling as well. [I wish him] a good recovery, as speedy as possible, then come back.’

Haaland will miss a number of important games for City, most notably the away clash at Manchester United on April 6 and the FA Cup semi-final showdown with Forest on April 26.

Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs which specialises in injury welfare and performance analytics working with the Premier League, has spoken exclusively to Metro about Haaland’s injury.

‘[It is] highly possible [that Haaland suffered a] syndesmosis sprain, or what is sometimes called a high ankle sprain,’ Smith told Metro.

‘The syndesmosis ligament wraps around your ankle and sort of binds it all together and keeping the joint held together.

‘It is a really difficult injury because every time you weight bear and your lower leg pushes into your ankle it squeezes apart. If you’ve damaged that ligament is starts to open that up and splay it.

‘It is a more traditional injury to get in rugby or American football and it comes from getting your foot squashed like that in a tackle and having your foot and ankle almost pushed back up into that joint and separates it.

‘It looked very similar to how something like that would happen and if that’s the case, depending on how bad the sprain is you could be looking at anything from four to almost 12 weeks.’

Roberto Di Matteo has named two strikers Chelsea should be looking to sign this summer and urged his former club to launch a shock move for Emiliano Martinez.

Despite spending over £1bn on signings in recent years, there remains a number of obvious holes in the Chelsea team, most notably up front and in goal.

Chelsea have missed Nicolas Jackson since his recent injury lay-off but the Senegal striker was hardly prolific before his setback, going eight games without a goal.

Chelsea’s Champions League-winning manager Di Matteo ‘likes’ Jackson but believes the club should be looking to sign another striker in the summer, naming Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen as two players he would love to see arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper has also been a problem position for the Blues and Di Matteo has recommended a shock move for ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Martinez to fix the ‘issue’.

Martinez has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world since joining Aston Villa in 2020, helping Argentina win the last World Cup.

‘When it comes to strengthening the team in the summer, I’d probably be looking through the middle, first of all,’ Di Matteo told Ladbrokes.

‘It’s a very talented team, but they’re probably lacking a bit of experience, maybe, in terms of players who’ve had a lot of success, playing many years in the Premier League, knowing certain ways to win games.

‘You can only gain that experience with time, and minutes in the league. I like Nicolas Jackson a lot, and he’s someone who can only get better.

‘I still think, though, Chelsea need a striker who is going to score them 25 goals a season – if you want to win the league, or challenge, that’s what you need.

‘That’s not a criticism of Jackson though; I also think another striker would allow you the option to sometimes play with two up-front.

‘I’d also look at the goalkeeper – that’s been an issue for Chelsea in the last couple of seasons, so maybe an experienced goalkeeper, with a big personality, who can come in and have an immediate impact on the back four.

‘That’s very important; that there’s a trust from your defenders to the goalkeeper, and vice versa.

‘For me, there’s one name at the top of my mind who has those attributes… Emi Martinez, from Aston Villa. He’s at the right age now, he’s won titles, he’s a big personality.

‘Up-front, there are a couple of options you could go for. Alexander Isak, at Newcastle – he’s been playing in the Premier League for a while now, so he knows very much what the league is about.

‘Then you’ve got Victor Osimhen, who has already been linked with the club before and he’s a top, top striker. I’d be looking at either of those two, personally.’

Di Matteo also discussed Chelsea’s main priority between now and the end of the season.

Maresca’s side looked set to mount a title challenge earlier in the season but have since dropped to fourth in the Premier League table.

‘It’s very tight in the top half of the table – there’s just five points separating Chelsea in fourth and Bournemouth in 10th,’ Di Matteo added.

‘All of those clubs right now will be looking at the top five, and Champions League qualification, as a realistic goal.

‘That’s Chelsea’s priority now; Champions League football would be seen as a step up – an improvement. I think they’re more than capable of doing it; they have a strong team, and some injured players are coming back – there’s definitely reason to be optimistic.

‘I really like Enzo Maresca – his team plays great football, on the front foot, and they create a lot of chances. Things could be better in terms of conversion, but there’s a good system in place there.

‘I don’t see an issue there, with Maresca, at all. He’s a very dynamic, well-prepared, knowledgeable manager and coach.’

After almost three weeks without a game, Chelsea return to Premier League action on Thursday night with a London derby against Tottenham.

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Wolves host West Ham on Tuesday night with just one place between the teams near the foot of the Premier League table.

The home team at Molineux go into the game in 17th place with the Hammers just one spot ahead of them after a thoroughly disappointing season so far.

While neither side is in a great position, there is no real threat of relegation for West Ham and Wolves are strongly expected to avoid the drop.

There is still work to do for Vitor Pereira’s side as they are only on 26 points, but a nine-point cushion between them and Ipswich and Leicester looks like it will be too big for those clubs to bridge.

This has been a fixture which West Ham have enjoyed in recent years, winning the last three meetings and seven of the last nine.

Much has changed at both clubs recently, though, with their last meeting coming in December when West Ham won 2-1.

There were different men in both dugouts for that game, with Julen Lopetegui getting the better of Gary O’Neil, now replaced by Graham Potter and Pereira.

When is Wolves vs West Ham?

The match kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday 1 April at Molineux.

Is Wolves vs West Ham on TV tonight?

Unfortunately not, the televised match on Tuesday sees Nottingham Forest host Manchester United, which will be shown live on TNT Sports.

There is a midweek Match of the Day show this week, at 10.40pm on Wednesday on BBC One.

Wolves vs West Ham team news

Wolves remain without star striker Matheus Cunha due to suspension, while Leon Chiwone, Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez Medina and Sasa Kalajdzic are all on the long-term injured list.

West Ham are without Crysencio Summerville while Michail Antonio is out for a long period of time.

Wolves vs West Ham odds

13/10 Wolves
13/8 Draw
15/8 West Ham

Odds courtesy of Betfair

What have the managers said?

Vitor Pereira

‘It’s a big opportunity for us to get three more points, to keep fighting with our supporters, to make them proud, to play with passion, and that’s all,’ said the Wolves boss. ‘The players, the team give me the confidence that tomorrow we will compete, for sure, for the three points, and next game, we’ll compete again for three points. This is the spirit that I want to see in my team.

‘A strong team, technically and tactically. The work of the coach is very good. It is a team with confidence, with ball players, with high quality, but I have a fantastic team in a fantastic city, fantastic weather, and tomorrow, for sure, we’ll compete.’

Graham Potter

‘Wolves have always had a talented group, a talented squad,’ said the Hammers boss.

‘The previous manager, Gary [O’Neil], probably was a little bit unlucky in terms of how the season started for them and then you get behind the mark a little bit.

Credit to the new manager, as he’s come in, he’s stabilised the team, got results and good performances, and it’s clear what they’re doing in terms of how they attack, how they defend.”

Jadon Sancho has been urged to cut ties with both Chelsea and Manchester United this summer.

Sancho hoped to revive his career at Chelsea, the club he supported growing up, after joining the west London club last summer.

The England international secured a loan move away from Manchester United and was expected to sign permanently with Chelsea at the end of the season.

It was reported at the time that Chelsea had agreed to sign Sancho on a permanent transfer for between £20-25m, but it recently emerged that the Blues could cancel the agreement at the cost of £5m.

Sancho has underwhelmed at Stamford Bridge following a bright start but Chelsea are still expected to turn his loan move into a permanent transfer.

However, the situation has been complicated by recent reports suggesting Sancho himself is questioning his future at the club and could push for a summer move.

Sancho is reportedly keen to secure a move back to former club Borussia Dortmund and Dietmar Hamann has thrown his support behind that transfer.

It was at Dortmund that Sancho first burst onto the scene after he left Manchester City’s academy in 2017 and the 25-year-old also impressed on loan at the German club last season.

‘Borussia Dortmund might just be looking at Jadon Sancho because although it started well at Chelsea, it looks like it hasn’t worked out,’ ex-Germany midfielder Hamann told PokerScout.

‘It looks like Chelsea might pay millions to send him back to Manchester United, so it looks like he might be an option for Dortmund this summer.

‘They tried to keep him last summer but it wasn’t possible, I think he wants to go back. Dortmund wouldn’t be struggling like they are if he had stayed, he has been absolutely brilliant for them.

‘He took Dortmund to the Champions League final last season and I think they would have him in a heartbeat.’

Another pundit, Emmanuel Petit, is reluctant to say Sancho is ‘not good enough for the Premier League’ despite his recent struggles at Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, the World Cup winner does not believe Sancho is ‘showing the quality’ to even play for United, a club sitting 13th in the Premier League.

‘I won’t say that he’s not good enough for the Premier League because that reminds me of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne,’ he told PokerFirma.

‘He was at Chelsea and then things didn’t go well for him, he returned to Germany and then came back. We all know what happened with him at Man City.

‘This question is the same for so many Manchester United players. I think some of them have qualities, but they don’t have the confidence.

‘It’s been a mess at the club over there and for Sancho, I think he might be affected by the club’s struggles off the pitch.

‘I think there are questions about his weight, sometimes, and his ability to fight mentally. And this is something he has to learn, especially when you play for top clubs.

‘At the moment, I won’t say he doesn’t have the talent to play for the top clubs in the Premier League. But who knows in the future, things can change very quickly.

‘But at the moment, he hasn’t shown the quality to stay at Chelsea, and he hasn’t shown the quality to even be at Manchester United, and that’s really something because they’re having a rotten season.’

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Former Chelsea star Joe Cole says it would be a purely ‘business decision’ if Manchester United were to sell Kobbie Mainoo in the summer.

Mainoo broke out of United’s academy to make his senior debut in January 2023 and the 19-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the club’s few shining lights across an otherwise turbulent period.

The young midfielder has made 60 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood team and was also one of England’s standout performers as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions finished runners-up at last year’s European Championship.

But widespread reports in January suggested United were ready to listen to offers for Mainoo, with INEOS eager to balance the books and comply with Premier League spending regulations.

Under PSR rules, the sale of homegrown talent represents ‘pure profit’ – and academy products Dean Henderson, Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and James Garner have all been offloaded by the Red Devils in recent years.

While Ruben Amorim has been adamant that Mainoo remains central to his plans, it’s understood Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation and could look to lure the England international away from Old Trafford when the summer transfer window opens for business.

‘Manchester United are in the same situation as a few other Premier League clubs, where they’re going to have to sell academy players to avoid breaking Financial Fair Play,’ ex-Chelsea and England winger Cole told Paddy Power of the speculation surrounding Mainoo’s future..

‘There’s no way that Manchester United will want to sell Kobbie Mainoo from a technical and football perspective, but if they do sell him, it will be a financial and business decision.

‘I’d imagine that Kobbie probably doesn’t want to leave United, but he’ll want clarity on where he fits at the club.

‘He’s an England international and one of their better players, so the club looking to sell him will purely be to balance the books.’

Cole is confident the sale of Mainoo would go down like a lead ballon among United supporters.

‘I always worry for football clubs like Manchester United, who are predominately making business decisions over football decisions, and over time, that’s not going to do down well with the fans,’ he added.

‘They want to know the club is going in the right direction, they want to see great players and they’ll want to see Kobbie Mainoo in a United shirt because he’s a brilliant footballer.’

United fans will, no doubt, have been relieved to read some conflicting reports of a possible breakthrough in talks over Mainoo’s contract at the Theatre of Dreams this month, with the teenager’s current deal due to expire in 2027.

Mainoo is said to be demanding wages of around £180,000-a-week to fall in line with some of United’s more established first-team stars.

In January, United head coach Amorim distanced himself from rumours that Mainoo could be set for the exit door at the end of the season.

‘Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players that we build for this club,’ the Portuguese said when quizzed on the rumours surrounding Mainoo.

‘But we know the position that this club is in at this moment, we will see but I really like our players, especially from our academy. I’m really happy with Kobbie, he’s improving and also [Alejandro] Garnacho.

‘The focus is that we have to improve our academy. And you have to bring more [through]. That is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage of.

‘The players that come from their academies. To play, to feel the shirt, but also to sell them. So our focus is to bring more [through].’

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Ruben Amorim has provided fresh confidence that Amad Diallo will return before the end of the season in a huge boost to his Manchester United side.

Prior to his injury, Amad had been one of the outstanding performers for Amorim’s side, providing a constant threat either from right wing-back or just behind the striker.

The Ivory Coast international notched up nine goals and seven assists this season, with his fine form rewarded with a bumper contract extension until 2030.

However, the 22-year-old’s season came to a crashing halt after he sustained a serious ankle injury in training.

Amad had to undergo surgery on the problem, with the United star suggesting he would be out of action for ‘a long time’.

While no official timeline was given for Amad’s recovery, it was first feared that he could miss the rest of the season as he continued his rehabilitation.

Optimism grew in the week, however, when Amad posted a cryptic hint on social media which appeared to suggest that his recovery was going better than expected.

And Amorim appeared to confirm that news in his press conference on Monday, suggesting the Ivorian could well still play a part for United this season.

‘I don’t know, I think he’s going to play still,’ the Portuguese head coach said.

‘He’s still playing this season. I don’t know when, but we are really confident on that.’

While his return would still appear some weeks of, it would come as a welcome boost for Amorim’s side who have sorely missed the winger’s creativity.

Still languishing in 13th place in the league, the Red Devils face a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with the Manchester Derby coming just five days after the midweek clash with Forest.

Amorim’s side then travel to France for their first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon on Thursday before a trip to St James’ Park to take on newly-crowned Carabao Cup winners Newcastle United the following Sunday.

‘It is really important for us to have these players available for us to fight. I think it is a very good moment in our season,’ Amorim conceded.

‘I know we will have at least three games in the Premier League that are really tough. The Europa League is also really important.

‘I don’t know which place we are going to finish in, but we want to win games. We still have matches to finish in a different position. We are more confident, so we are looking up. We want to win games and are looking up at the moment.’

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Manchester United have been warned that Aston Villa are ‘too wise’ to ‘fall into the trap’ of signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent transfer.

Rashford moved to Villa Park on loan during the January transfer window and has largely impressed under Unai Emery, providing four assists in the Premier League and scoring his first goals for the club in Sunday’s FA Cup win over Preston.

Aston Villa are not obligated to sign Rashford permanently but can decide to do so for around £40m due to a clause in the deal.

Ruben Amorim sanctioned Rashford’s departure after freezing him out at Manchester United and it appears unlikely that he will perform a U-turn and reintegrate him back into the Old Trafford squad.

That means United will look to cash in on Rashford but may need to find another suitor as Aston Villa are ‘too wise and too canny’ to sign him on a long-term deal, according to Simon Jordan.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace owner said: ‘I could have bet you any money in the world that Rashford would come alive for Aston Villa.

‘Fantastic, but wait until Villa have got to write a cheque out. I think they’re too canny and too wise to fall into this trap.

‘It’s one thing having a player on loan, playing a small percent of his wages so it’s a small transaction. You have him for four months, it costs you £5-6million, nothing, nobody cares.

‘Everybody knew Marcus Rashford was going to lift a leg at Villa. I think the system helps as well.

‘I just think Villa are too wise for it and first of all, they’re not going to want to pay over £300,000 a week and a transfer fee. It’s too big of a deal.’

While Villa’s desire to keep Rashford is unknown, the England international has been urged not to return to Manchester United.

‘Marcus is having a good time at Aston Villa,’ former Premier League star Emmanuel Petit told PokerFirma. ‘Step by step, he has to return to his best level.

‘For the last two, three years, I think he disappeared from the radar, so the most important thing for him is to get back to his best level by paying regular football.

‘He made the move in January and was back in the England squad. It looks like he made the right decision for his own career in terms of leaving United.

‘Should he go back to Manchester United in the summer? I don’t think so.

‘Rashford needs to concentrate on getting his fitness and his game back. That’s his number one priority between now and the summer.

‘He shouldn’t be thinking about where he will be playing next season. But at Manchester United, he disappeared for a couple of years.

‘The most important thing for him is to come back to the right level. And then after that, maybe he can think about something else, but put those thoughts on ice right now.’

Amorim was asked about Rashford’s upturn in form at Aston Villa at his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

‘We have a lot of games to play and I am focused on my team and my players and Marcus is not my player at the moment,’ he said.

‘But every player that performs well on loan is good news for my club so I am happy with that.’

Rashford, meanwhile, said it was a ‘great feeling’ to register his first goals since December 1 in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Preston and insisted he was ‘enjoying his football’ at the Midlands club.

‘It’s a great feeling,’ he told BBC Sport. ‘It’s always nice for a forward to get a goal, so hopefully it continues.

‘I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. My body feels good and I’m enjoying my football for now.’

Rashford could be set for an exciting end to the season at Villa as Emery’s side prepare for a FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace and Champions League quarter-final against PSG.

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Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, with Arne Slot set to make some late calls on stars struggling with injury.

The Reds look to continue their march towards the Premier League title against their local rivals, currently sitting 12 points clear at the top of the table with nine games to play.

There have been disappointments in recent weeks after suffering defeats in the Champions League last 16 and Carabao Cup final, but Slot will not want to relent on their superb Premier League campaign.

However, he will take on Everton without Trent Alexander-Arnold as the full-back is out with an ankle injury.

‘The situation is unfortunately that he’s injured,’ Slot said of the 26-year-old. ‘Otherwise people will have probably spoken about him that he had one or two brilliant performances for the England team.

‘But he’s injured and for him that means he’s fully focussed on his recovery and for us it means that we’re trying to help him to be back as soon as he can.’

There remain doubts over Alisson Becker and Conor Bradley despite both being in training after injury, while Ryan Gravenberch is expected to be involved against the Toffees.

Alisson suffered a clash of heads while playing for Brazil on March 21, but has seemingly recovered after the nasty incident.

‘Ryan is ok although we have to train one more time, but he’s ok,’ said Slot.

‘Ali trained with us as well, but the last check has to be made. I think that’s this afternoon after the session, if he’s available to play.

‘And Conor is training with us again but we have to make a decision on whether he’s playing and if playing means coming in or starting, that is something that I keep for myself.

‘He’s only had a few sessions after being out quite long so we have to make a smart decision with that as well.’

Alexander-Arnold’s injury comes amid the expectation that he is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season and sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

There still remains uncertainty over the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah as well, who are also into the final weeks of their contracts at Anfield.

However, Slot insists that the intense speculation over whether the club legends will be staying or leaving is not taking focus away from matters on the pitch.

‘For eight months it went a bit up and down with all kind of talks about him, Virgil and Mo,’ said Slot. ‘But we’ve never been focussed on those talks, we’ve always been focused on what we have to do.

‘That for Virgil and Mo is trying to win the Merseyside derby and for Trent it is making sure he is fit as soon as he can.’

Former Manchester United star Nani says he would ‘love’ to see Viktor Gyokeres complete a move to Old Trafford.

Gyokeres, 26, has established himself as one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football with his extraordinary goalscoring exploits for Sporting over the last two years.

Across a phenomenal debut season in Lisbon, Gyokeres racked up 43 goals in all competitions to attract strong interest from the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester City and United.

Gyokeres is just one away from equalling that tally this term and the Portuguese champions have grown increasingly resigned to losing their star striker when the summer transfer window opens for business.

Ruben Amorim received widespread praise for the work he did with Gyokeres as Sporting stormed to the club’s first Primeira Liga title in 19 years last season.

And Amorim’s move to the Theatre of Dreams last November has intensified speculation that Gyokeres could be set to follow in his footsteps, with Sporting reportedly willing to do business for a fee in the region of £58million at the end of the campaign.

Featuring as a guest on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, ex-United winger Nani described the tough challenge he faced coming up against Sporting and Gyokeres his last ever match for Estrela da Amadora.

‘My last game of my career was against Sporting. We lost 6-1 I think or 6-0, I don’t know [actually 5-1],’ Nani told his former United team-mate Ferdinand.

‘It was incredible. After ten minutes we were losing 3-0.

‘But the way they play, the striker they have, Gyokeres, it’s amazing. The way they played was amazing.

‘The patterns they have on the team, the way they move the ball. The wingers, this [Geovany] Quenda kid, was making a difference as well.’

According to Nani, Gyokeres has added a level of ‘maturity’ to his game this season and now has all the attributes to succeed at a top club in the Premier League.

‘The last few games I saw him play, he’s much more mature,’ the four-time Premier League winner explained.

‘He’s not playing the same, he’s using his qualities on the right moments now, he’s not losing energy every time.

‘Now, he sets the ball back to the players who have to run with the ball. He controls the game for the team.

‘He’s making goals, he’s making assists, so I think he’s a player who can play in the Premier League. Trust me.

‘If he was playing the same today as he was one year ago I would say no because, in the Premier League, the defenders will eat him because he just wants to run with the ball.

‘But now, he’s playing with his head and he’s really strong. It felt like he was a rock! Powerful. I swear, I swear.’

The former Portugal forward continued: ‘I would love to see him at Manchester United because we need players.

‘If he can go to Manchester United and do the same that he’s doing here, I would be very happy because he scores so many goals.

‘He scores every week! If he doesn’t score, he assists, he creates for the team.

‘He’s very powerful, he’s a player who can run for 90 minutes at the same speed. It’s incredible.

‘You need to come to Portugal to see one game and you will see how strong this guy is.

‘Playing back to the goal and rotating… oh my god! No defender can stop him.’

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Mikel Arteta has said he is ‘very excited’ about the summer transfer window and expects to oversee a ‘big’ period of spending to help take Arsenal the ‘next step’.

Arsenal are expected to invest heavily on a new striker in the summer after failing to bolster Arteta’s attacking options during the January transfer window.

The Gunners did express interest in signing several forwards – even making an official bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins – but their failure to complete a deal has proved costly since the window shut.

Arsenal still had hopes of chasing down Premier League leaders Liverpool a few months ago but have since slipped 12 points adrift of Arne Slot’s side.

As well as signing a striker, Arteta is also keen to bring a new midfielder to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Martin Zubimendi heavily linked with a move.

A big-spending summer will require some departures, however, and ex-England striker Darren Bent believes Gabriel Jesus will be the ‘first to go’ when the transfer window reopens.

Jesus suffered a season-ending injury in January but had underwhelmed for Arsenal even before that blow, scoring 26 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

Asked which players he expects Arsenal to offload to make way for incoming signings, Bent said on talkSPORT: ‘Gabriel Jesus. He’s got to go.

‘I think he will be the first to go, Gabriel Jesus. Because when I think of the left side, it’s Trossard and Martinelli.

‘You keep Trossard for an option off the bench, but not as a starter; he plays too many minutes. You’ve got Trossard and Martinelli on the left.

‘Centre-forward, you’ve got Havertz at the minute and Gabriel Jesus. Gabriel Jesus can go. On the right, you’ve got Saka and Nwaneri. It’s that centre-forward role, I think, that needs to be looked at.’

Arteta ‘very excited’ for summer transfer window

Arsenal were one of the few Premier League clubs not to make any signings in January.

Arteta expects a different approach from the Gunners in the summer, however, telling reporters: ‘It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.

‘When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

‘Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary.

‘But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.’

Arsenal appointed ex-Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director over the weekend.

Berta, who will be in charge of the club’s transfers, said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.

‘I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

‘The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.

‘I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.’

After over two weeks without a game, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Tuesday night against London rivals Fulham.

Arteta’s side then face Everton this weekend before turning attentions to a huge Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was giving little away on his selection headaches ahead of a clash with Manchester United on Tuesday night.

High-flying Forest are enjoying an incredible season as they sit third in the Premier League table with just nine games to play.

However, there has been frustrating news of late on the injury front, with two of their star performers suffering setbacks.

Morgan Gibbs-White collided with a post during the FA Cup quarter-final win over Brighton at the weekend, while Chris Wood missed that game after suffering a hip problem on international duty with New Zealand.

Espirito Santo was asked about the English midfielder first, telling a press conference on Monday that he will be assessed right up till Tuesday afternoon before the meeting with the Red Devils.

‘We need to assess many of the players. We are doing this,’ said the Forest boss. ‘The game is later on in the day, so we will have the rest of today, the morning and the afternoon to assess the players. We will make a decision on them then.

On Wood’s progress, he added: ‘He is improving. He is getting better day by day.

‘We have to assess him every day. It is all about him being pain free and then getting back to fitness. We are recovering well.

‘The joy and the happiness of coming through and getting to play at Wembley will give us an extra run for tomorrow, for sure.’

It has been a quick turnaround after playing 120 minutes against Brighton on Saturday, followed by the penalty shootout win, which the Portuguese admits is tough on his squad.

‘It’s very difficult on the players but we see them and they are recovering well,’ he said. ‘They are always being positive so we are confident we can perform again against a good team.

‘In this short turnaround, it is all about recovering. We’re going to be OK.’

Every game is huge for Nottingham Forest as they continue their push for the unlikeliest of Champions League finishes, so the manager will want his star men back as quickly as possible but without rushing them and risking further injury.

The game against Manchester United at the City Ground is followed by a trip to Aston Villa and then a home meeting with Everton and an away match at Tottenham, before the huge FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 26.

While Espirito Santo has concerns over two key players another standout performer will be fit and ready to go on Tuesday in the form of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

‘He’s improving. He has had some outstanding performances this season and is getting better and better,’ his manager said of the winger. ‘You have to have pleasure and enjoy who you work with and Callum is a happy boy playing and working with his team-mates.’

Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal are primed to invest heavily this summer and make significant additions to his squad in the transfer window.

The Gunners appear destined to finish the season as runners-up for a third year in a row having failed to keep pace with runaway leaders Liverpool.

A win against Fulham tonight would reduce the gap to nine points ahead of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield, but even the most positive of optimists would concede the title is a foregone conclusion.

With that in mind it is, perhaps, understandable that some minds have already begun to drift towards the summer, particularly given last weekend’s confirmation of Andrea Berta’s appointment as Sporting Director.

Arsenal kept their powder dry in January, with many of their top targets unattainable, and opted against making any new signings.

Kai Havertz’s season-ending hamstring injury rendered that decision a huge error, but it will at least mean Arteta is armed with a warchest this summer that should allow him to plug the gaps in a squad that has come tantalisingly within reach of the trophies he and his fanbase craves.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s game against the Cottagers, Arteta outlined his priorities for the close season and said: ‘First of all we need to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase certain quality and skills that we need to now go to the next step.

‘It is going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.

‘I said as well that the last five were big. So every summer is big because it’s an opportunity.

‘It’s a big summer for many things because first of all you have to maintain all the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.’

Arsenal’s immediate focus will, however, centre on beating opponents who have provided stubborn resistance against them of late and haven’t lost any of their last three games against their London rivals.

Bukayo Saka’s likely return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for four months represents a welcome boost and Arteta insists he and the club’s medical team have done everything possible to ensure the England star has made a full recovery.

‘Bukayo is ready to go,’ Arteta said. ‘It’s another massive weapon with him. It is a massive boost for him and the team to have him come in at the most important part of the season.

‘We know his impact [and] how important his role and contribution is to success.’

‘There is not a single player in the squad that has produced the numbers of Bukayo in the past three seasons — that’s it.

‘We have ­remained very competitive without him and many other players. That’s a big credit.’

Wayne Rooney has revealed three teams ‘made approaches’ to sign from from Manchester United.

Rooney looked set to leave Old Trafford in 2010 after a public fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson resulted in him handing in a transfer request.

The ex-England striker even released a statement in which he confirmed his desire to leave, insisting it was not down to money but ambition.

But Rooney then made a U-turn and signed a new five-year contract at Manchester United, ending up staying at the club for another seven years.

The footballer-turned-manager ended his United career with more than 550 club appearances and five Premier League titles to his name.

Rooney remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer but admits the second-half of his career could have turned out very differently.

‘When I told Manchester United in 2010 that I did not want to sign a new deal and put in a transfer request, three clubs came in for me,’ Rooney told BBC Sport.

‘Manchester City are often talked about as being one of them, but I don’t think that was ever an option for me – the teams who made an approach were Chelsea, Real and Barcelona.

‘In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some talks did take place.

‘A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days but it was Barcelona whom I thought about the most, and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

‘In the end I decided to stay at United, but Barca had an incredible team then and any player would have loved to have played in it.’

Current England star Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a similar dilemma to Rooney but is expected to force through a move from Liverpool to join La Liga giants Real Madrid this summer.

That decision has sparked a backlash from some Liverpool fans who see no reason for Alexander-Arnold to leave, but Rooney sympathises with the 26-year-old.

‘Real are the same now with superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, so of course it must be appealing to Alexander-Arnold to think about playing alongside them – anyone would feel the same,’ he added.

‘He has been at Liverpool for almost 20 years – since he was six – but the reality is that most players move at some point – that’s why there are so few one-club men like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

‘I would not blame Alexander-Arnold for wanting to do something a little bit different – like a fresh challenge in a new country – Spain would be a really good move for him.’

Alexander-Arnold looks set to leave Anfield as a Premier League winner, with Liverpool 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal ahead of Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby against Everton.

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Bukayo Saka is poised to make his long-awaited return for Arsenal tonight. But after three months on the sidelines having undergone hamstring surgery followed by meticulous and cautious rehabilitation, the battle to keep him fit and fresh is only getting started.

As has been the norm for the last four seasons, Saka was in imperious form throughout the first half of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Injuries have been a constant headache for Mikel Arteta this season with Martin Odegaard missing three months of action between September and December. But Saka’s absence has delivered the biggest blow.

The gap between Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool was just three points the last time he appeared for the Gunners on 21 December. A 12-point chasm now separates the two with title hopes in north London all but extinguished.

In another measure of his relentless influence on the side, despite not playing in 100 days Saka is still Arsenal’s leading man in goals and assists this season. His haul of 22 goal involvements keeps him three clear of any of his teammates.

With titanic Champions League quarter-final ties against Real Madrid looming large, Arsenal need their leading man back to his best quickly. Arteta has confirmed Saka is in line to start against Fulham this evening in news that was celebrated across the red half of north London.

But protection will be key. Gabriel Martinelli, sidelined for four games with a less severe hamstring issue, was still gradually introduced to the team, coming off the bench twice before starting against Chelsea prior to the international break. Given the extent of Saka’s injury, even more trepidation is expected.

Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs which specialises in injury welfare and performance analytics working with the Premier League, sees stringent measures being taken in the coming weeks.

‘Absolutely Arsenal will be careful,’ Smith told Metro. ‘It was a serious injury. They need to find the right balance to make sure he is strong enough and make sure he is capable of meeting the demands of the game while still playing that really explosive style of football he has.’

Delving into the details behind Saka’s injury, Smith continued: ‘The scarring that we have seen is on the outside of his knee where his hamstring tendon attaches into the back of his lower leg. You have three muscles, two are inserted on the inside of your knee, one inserts on the outside of your knee. If that was on the inside of his knee in one of those tendons, that is a lot of force, a lot of power but not a lot of protection either. I am sure they will be extremely cautions with that.

‘They need to find the right balance to ensure he is capable of delivering that kind of physicality he normally would. I have no doubt as they start to bring him back they will be monitoring and measuring everything around him that to make sure he is feeling good and responding well.’

Saka’s ability to stay fit despite being one of the most fouled players in the league has broken records, once playing in 87 successive Premier League matches. Only Everton’s James Tarkowski has made more Premier League appearances than the Londoner since the 2021/22 season.

But a hamstring tear means in the short-term at least, those sort of demands cannot be placed on the player. A return this week could be the start of a three-month period where Saka’s hamstring remains under constant scrutiny back at London Colney.

Smith continued: ‘Once they get him out there and he has played his first game or two, there will be a two-to-three month period where they are paying veery special attention to him across a number of different data points and metrics that will help Arsenal understand how he is transitioning back into normal performance management compared to an individual programme. So there’s lots to do still.

‘Every time he plays they [Arsenal’s medical staff] will be straight back at it at the training ground, testing his hamstring muscle strength, testing his biomechanics, testing his muscular endurance. They will be looking at getting him that exposure [back to first team football], getting back to the training centre to see how he responds. From there, they can give him a bit more exposure, get him back in again and see how he responds again and make sure everything looks okay. They will keep doing that until they feel he has built of a level of resilience and robustness so they can start putting the pieces together more frequently.’

While Mikel Arteta won’t admit it yet, Arsenal’s title challenge appears to be over. That will inevitably create the temptation to limit Saka’s minutes in the Premier League to ensure he is kept safe for those huge Real Madrid games and the big European nights beyond that this season that could lie in wait.

While it is difficult to predict exactly how Arteta and his staff will plot Saka’s game time in the coming weeks, there is still a long road ahead.

‘Saka has had a lot of downtime which in some respects is great but ideally they would have wanted him with more football under his belt to come back in at the end of the season ready,’ Smith said.

‘Of course, a world class player coming back in can really help drive them towards the end of the finishing line but they also have a player who hasn’t had a lot of football. Even if the physical side of things is great, will he be match fit, will he be sharp? Can he just slot back in tactically and technically? These are questions Arteta and his staff will find the answers to.’

Nottingham Forest have taken a commanding step towards securing Champions League football with victory over Manchester United at the City Ground.

Anthony Elanga’s superb solo effort against his former side five minutes into the game was the difference on Tuesday night.

Racing forward from deep in his own half, the Sweden international evaded challenges from three United players, keeping his cool too slot past Andre Onana.

Diogo Dalot was denied by the cross bar in the second-half but United struggled to create anything of real note.

Harry Maguire was denied an equaliser deep in injury time with Murillo making a stunning goal line clearance to deny the centre-half.

The result keeps Forest in third place, now eight points clear of fourth place Chelsea and nine ahead of Manchester City.

United remain marooned in 13th.

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