Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato says his side are facing “a serious test” when they travel to Arsenal in the third round of the English Premier League.

The London derby will be played at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 6 September, with both teams looking to maintain their perfect starts to the campaign. Chelsea and Arsenal have each collected six points from their opening two matches.

Hato shared his expectations for the meeting as Chelsea prepare for one of the most demanding fixtures of the early season. The Netherlands defender recognises the significance of facing Arsenal away from home, with the two London clubs entering the match level on points.

The fixture will take place in north London at 18:30 Moscow time. That scheduled evening kick-off sets the stage for a meeting between two sides who have made identical starts to their Premier League campaigns.

For Chelsea, the match represents an opportunity to continue their progress after taking maximum points from their first two league games. Arsenal will enter the derby with the same record, ensuring that neither team has an advantage in the table based on points collected so far.

Hato’s assessment underlines the difficulty of the contest. Although the defender did not suggest that the result would decide the season, he described the match as “a serious test”, reflecting the level of challenge Chelsea expect at Emirates Stadium.

With both teams on six points, the contest also carries early importance in the Premier League standings. A victory would allow one of the London rivals to move ahead of the other after the third round, while the losing side would suffer its first defeat of the campaign.

The meeting is therefore set to provide an early measure of Chelsea and Arsenal’s form. Both have begun the season with two wins, but only one can leave the derby with an unbeaten record intact if the match produces a winner.

Hato will be part of the Chelsea squad preparing for the trip, with the defender having already looked ahead to the demands of the occasion. His description of the match as a serious test captures the competitive nature of a fixture involving two clubs who have each taken six points from their opening league matches.

The derby is scheduled for Sunday evening, with kick-off at 18:30 Moscow time. The venue will be Emirates Stadium, where Chelsea and Arsenal will meet in the third round of the English Premier League.

Liverpool have left Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa out of their squad for the Champions League league phase, while including three players who are currently injured.

According to journalist James Pearce, midfielder Endo and winger Chiesa will not feature in Liverpool’s European squad for the league-phase fixtures. However, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley have all been named despite their current injury problems.

Liverpool are expecting the injured trio to recover before the league phase comes to an end, allowing them to be available for at least part of the competition.

The decision means Liverpool’s Champions League selection contains places for Ekitike, Leoni and Bradley, even though none of the three is currently fully fit. Endo and Chiesa, by contrast, will not be eligible to represent the club in the league-phase matches.

Liverpool’s opponents in the competition will be Atletico de Madrid, LASK, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Club Brugge, Porto, Inter Milan and Lens.

The matches are scheduled to take place between 9 September and 27 January. Each of those fixtures will form part of the league phase, with Liverpool set to face the eight clubs named in their draw.

The squad has been finalised ahead of the start of Liverpool’s European campaign, with the club having to make decisions on which players to include for the opening stage of the tournament.

Ekitike, Leoni and Bradley are therefore part of the group selected for the league phase, despite the fact that all three are currently injured. Their inclusion reflects Liverpool’s expectation that they will be able to return before the competition reaches its conclusion on 27 January.

Endo and Chiesa will not be involved in those Champions League fixtures after being omitted from the list. The absence of Chiesa is particularly notable within the attacking options named for the tournament, while Endo is the only midfielder specifically identified as missing from the European squad.

Liverpool reached the quarter-finals in the previous edition of the Champions League. Their campaign ended at that stage when they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain.

The club will now begin this season’s league-phase schedule against a group of opponents that includes teams from Spain, Austria, France, Turkiye, Belgium, Portugal and Italy. Atletico de Madrid, Villarreal, Inter Milan and Lens provide the Spanish, Italian and French opposition, while LASK, Fenerbahce, Club Brugge and Porto complete the list.

The inclusion of three injured players gives Liverpool a potential route to using them later in the league phase, provided they recover as anticipated. Endo and Chiesa, however, will not be available for the matches covered by this squad submission.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he enjoys hearing people complain about his goals from the penalty spot.

The Portugal midfielder has scored 110 goals for the club, with 43 of those strikes coming from penalties. Rather than being frustrated by the attention given to that part of his record, Fernandes believes the complaints add to his enjoyment when he finds the net from 11 metres.

“I like it when people moan about my penalty goals,” Fernandes said.

His comments came after he scored a hat-trick in Manchester United’s recent Premier League match against Ipswich Town, which ended in a 5-2 victory. One of his three goals in that game was a penalty.

The three-goal performance added to Fernandes’ overall tally for the Red Devils and again highlighted the importance of penalties to his scoring record. Of his 110 goals for Manchester United, 43 have been scored from the spot, meaning penalties account for a significant part of his total.

Fernandes’ latest hat-trick included both a spot-kick and two goals from open play, as Manchester United recorded a five-goal victory over Ipswich. The result provided the setting for the midfielder to discuss the reaction that often accompanies his penalty goals.

The midfielder’s remark makes clear that public criticism does not lessen his satisfaction when he scores. Instead, he appears to relish the response from those who believe penalties should be viewed differently from goals scored during open play.

For Fernandes, however, the goals remain part of his contribution as Manchester United captain and as one of the club’s leading scorers. His 110-goal total includes the 43 successful penalties mentioned in his assessment of the public reaction.

The Portugal international’s three-goal display against Ipswich was the most recent occasion on which he added to that tally. One of those goals came from the penalty spot, giving him another example of the type of finish that has prompted the complaints he says he enjoys.

Manchester United’s 5-2 Premier League win therefore combined Fernandes’ scoring milestone with the latest expression of his attitude towards penalties. The captain has made his position clear: criticism of his spot-kicks is not something he wants to avoid, but a reaction he welcomes when those attempts end in goals.

Arsenal winger Christos Tzolis has spoken about his first months with the club after joining the Gunners from Club Brugge in a €40m move during July.

The 24-year-old Greece international moved to London in the summer and has now offered his initial impressions of life at Arsenal. His comments focus on the atmosphere surrounding the club as he settles into his new surroundings following his transfer from Belgium.

Tzolis arrived at Arsenal after leaving Club Brugge for a fee of €40m, making the move one of the notable pieces of business completed by the Gunners during July. The transfer brought the winger to a new club and a new environment after his time with the Belgian side.

Although he has only been with Arsenal for the first few months of the season, Tzolis has already made an early contribution on the pitch. He has played in three matches for the club and has recorded two assists during those appearances.

That return means the winger has been directly involved in two Arsenal goals since his arrival, despite having had limited time to establish himself at the club. His assists represent his first recorded attacking contributions for the Gunners in the opening stage of his Arsenal career.

The move from Club Brugge to Arsenal marks the latest step in the 24-year-old’s career. It has also placed him at a club where expectations are higher, following the €40m investment made to bring him to London in July.

Tzolis’s assessment comes as he continues the process of adapting to Arsenal after his summer transfer. The winger’s first months have included three appearances and two assists, while his reflections provide an early indication of how he has found the atmosphere at his new club.

For Arsenal, the immediate focus is on integrating their new winger and making use of the qualities that led to the decision to sign him from Club Brugge. For Tzolis, the opening period has involved adjusting to the club while contributing in the limited number of matches in which he has featured.

His two assists have given him a positive start in terms of measurable output. However, the Greek winger’s comments are centred on his broader experience of joining Arsenal and the atmosphere he has encountered during his first months as a Gunners player.

Tzolis now continues his Arsenal career after completing the €40m move from Club Brugge in July. At 24, he has begun his time at the London club with two assists in three matches, alongside his first impressions of the environment around Arsenal.

Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal to join Al-Hilal in a transfer worth €70m, according to Transfermarkt, making the 25-year-old winger the most expensive sale in the London club’s history.

The move sets a new benchmark for Arsenal’s outgoing transfers, with the previous record almost doubled. That mark had stood at €38m, the fee Liverpool paid to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal in 2017.

Martinelli spent seven years with Arsenal after establishing himself as part of the club’s senior squad. During that time, the Brazil international made 278 appearances for the club in all competitions.

He scored 62 goals for Arsenal and also provided 36 assists. His record transfer away from the club brings his spell in north London to an end and represents the biggest fee Arsenal have received for a player.

Martinelli has signed a contract with Al-Hilal which runs until 2030. The agreement commits the winger to the Saudi Arabian club for the next four years, following his lengthy period with Arsenal.

The €70m fee is significant because it marks a major increase on Arsenal’s previous record sale. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool in 2017 had been the club’s highest-value departure at €38m, but Martinelli’s transfer has surpassed that figure by €32m.

Across his seven years at Arsenal, Martinelli became a long-serving member of the squad, contributing 98 goals and assists in total across his 278 matches. His departure means the club has now completed its most valuable player sale on record, while Al-Hilal has secured a winger who has accumulated extensive experience with Arsenal.

The transfer also closes an important chapter of Martinelli’s career. He leaves Arsenal having spent the majority of his professional journey with the London side, recording 62 goals and 36 assists before agreeing to continue his career with Al-Hilal.

Transfermarkt’s valuation of the deal places Martinelli’s move well above the previous Arsenal record. The comparison with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s €38m transfer underlines the scale of the latest agreement and confirms its place as the club’s biggest sale.

Martinelli’s contract at Al-Hilal is set to run through to 2030, giving the Brazilian a long-term arrangement with his new club. For Arsenal, the deal delivers a record outgoing fee and brings an end to a seven-year association with the player.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he has “mixed feelings” about returning to Sporting for the Champions League meeting between the two clubs.

The Red Devils will travel to Lisbon on 25 November for the fixture, which will be played during the competition’s overall stage.

The match carries particular significance for Fernandes because Sporting was the club where he established himself before joining Manchester United. The Portugal midfielder represented Sporting from the middle of 2017 until the beginning of 2020, when he completed his move to the English club.

Fernandes will therefore face his former side in an away match for Manchester United, having previously worn Sporting’s colours for more than two years. His comments point to the unusual nature of the occasion, with the midfielder preparing to compete against a club that formed an important part of his career before his move to Old Trafford.

The Champions League fixture will bring the two sides together in Lisbon on 25 November. For Manchester United, it is an away game in the overall stage of the tournament. For Fernandes, it is also a return to the club he represented immediately before moving to England.

His period with Sporting began in mid-2017 and ended at the start of 2020. He then joined Manchester United, where he is now the club captain. The upcoming meeting will consequently place him on the opposing side to Sporting for the first time in the circumstances described.

The reunion is the main focus of the fixture from Fernandes’ perspective. His connection with Sporting means the game is not simply another Champions League match, while his responsibility as Manchester United captain adds a further dimension to his return to Lisbon.

The midfielder has shared his expectations ahead of the encounter, describing his feelings as mixed. That response reflects the competing elements of the occasion: Fernandes will be representing Manchester United in an important European fixture, but he will also be returning to the club for which he played between 2017 and 2020.

Manchester United’s visit is scheduled for 25 November, with the game forming part of the competition’s overall stage. Sporting will host the Red Devils, and Fernandes will come up against his former club after leaving Lisbon for Manchester at the beginning of 2020.

The match will thus reunite Fernandes with Sporting while he leads Manchester United as captain. His time with the Lisbon club and his subsequent transfer to Manchester United provide the background to a fixture he has already identified as one involving “mixed feelings”.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has recalled how he was given the captain’s armband by Harry Maguire after the England defender lost the role in the summer of 2023.

Maguire was removed as Manchester United captain by then-manager Erik ten Hag, with Fernandes subsequently appointed as the club’s new skipper. Fernandes has now spoken about the handover and the conversation surrounding the change in leadership.

The decision marked a significant alteration in Manchester United’s captaincy. Maguire had previously held the position, but Ten Hag decided to end his time as captain during the summer of 2023. Fernandes was then selected to lead the “Red Devils”.

Fernandes has described the moment when he received the armband from Maguire, recalling what the Englishman said to him after the change had been confirmed. The account provides an insight into the transition from one Manchester United captain to another, although the source article does not include the exact words used by Maguire.

The Portuguese midfielder has since carried the responsibility of captaining Manchester United, following the decision made by Ten Hag. Maguire’s removal and Fernandes’ appointment took place at the same club and during the same managerial period, making the change an internal handover of leadership.

Manchester United’s next fixture will be away against Everton on Sunday, 6 September. The match will be played in the third round of the English Premier League.

The upcoming meeting with Everton will therefore take place against the background of Fernandes’ continued status as Manchester United captain. Maguire’s former role, the managerial decision that ended his captaincy and Fernandes’ promotion remain the key points in the story of how the armband changed hands.

The report centres on Fernandes’ recollection of that episode rather than on a new change to Manchester United’s leadership. Maguire is identified as the player who previously held the captaincy, while Fernandes is the midfielder who was appointed to replace him.

Ten Hag’s decision in the summer of 2023 established Fernandes as the new captain of the “Red Devils”. The latest comments revisit the moment when that decision became a personal handover, with Maguire passing the armband to his successor.

Manchester United will now prepare to visit Everton for their third English Premier League match. The fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September, and will feature Fernandes leading the side in his role as captain.

Gabriel Martinelli has completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, with the Premier League side officially confirming the transfer on their website.

The 25-year-old Brazil forward leaves Arsenal after seven years in north London, having made 278 appearances in all competitions and scored 62 goals for the club.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in July 2019 and went on to become part of a squad that secured major domestic honours during his time at the club. Arsenal won the league title last season, while Martinelli was also involved in the teams that lifted the FA Cup in 2020 and the English Super Cup in 2023.

The transfer brings an end to his spell with Arsenal, who thanked Martinelli for his contribution to the club’s successes and wished him and his family all the best for the future.

The fee has not been disclosed by Arsenal, but Transfermarkt reports that Al-Hilal have paid 70m euros for the Brazilian.

Martinelli’s Arsenal career began after his move from Ituano in July 2019. Across the following seven years, he played 278 matches in every competition, finding the net 62 times.

He leaves with three pieces of major silverware listed among his achievements at the London club. Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2020, followed by the English Super Cup in 2023, before claiming the league championship last season.

Martinelli has also established himself as an international player with Brazil. He has won 27 caps for his country and was part of the Brazilian team that claimed Olympic gold.

He represented Brazil at the 2024 Copa America and appeared at the two most recent World Cups. His move to Al-Hilal now marks the next stage of his career after seven seasons with Arsenal.

The Saudi Arabian club will be Martinelli’s first destination since he left Ituano for Arsenal in 2019. Arsenal’s announcement formally confirmed that the transfer is permanent, rather than a loan arrangement, and ended his association with the London side.

Brighton and Leeds will meet on Saturday, 5 September, in the third round of the English Premier League, with the hosts rated as favourites but the match expected to end without a winner.

The prediction for the game is that both sides will score and share the points at the final whistle. Brighton are expected to have the stronger claim on paper, yet Leeds’ unbeaten start to the campaign suggests Daniel Farke’s side should be capable of making the contest competitive.

Brighton began the new season in impressive fashion, producing a dominant display in front of their home supporters against Aston Villa. Fabian Hurzeler’s team scored four unanswered goals to secure a convincing victory and collect three points in the opening round.

Their second match brought a much more dramatic outcome. Brighton travelled to face Chelsea and were involved in a seven-goal contest, but ultimately lost 4-3 to the London side. The result ended Brighton’s run of six matches without defeat.

Despite that setback, Brighton’s opening performances have shown they can create chances and score regularly. Their four-goal victory against Aston Villa was followed by another three goals at Stamford Bridge, although defensive vulnerabilities prevented them from taking anything from the game.

Leeds have yet to lose in this season’s Premier League. They opened their campaign away from home against Nottingham Forest and returned with all three points after securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Their next fixture was played at home, where Brentford provided the opposition. Leeds found themselves behind from the 41st minute, but they recovered late in the match to earn a 1-1 draw. That result extended their unbeaten run to four matches, during which they have recorded three victories.

The previous meetings between the clubs also point to a balanced fixture. Brighton and Leeds have faced one another 53 times. Brighton have won 20 of those matches, while Leeds have prevailed on 19 occasions. The remaining 14 encounters ended level.

Those figures underline how little separates the sides across their overall head-to-head record. Brighton hold a narrow advantage in victories, but Leeds have arrived at this match in the better immediate run of results.

Bookmakers have made Brighton the favourites to win. However, the pre-match assessment does not expect either team to establish a decisive advantage. Brighton’s attacking output, combined with Leeds’ ability to respond after falling behind against Brentford, supports the view that both teams can find the net.

The forecast is therefore for Brighton and Leeds to score, with neither side able to secure victory. The prediction is that the points will be shared.

Tottenham have left forward Richarlison out of their Premier League squad for the current season after head coach Roberto De Zerbi told the 29-year-old he was no longer part of his plans.

According to ESPN, Tottenham informed Richarlison of the decision before the transfer window closed, giving him time to look for another club. However, he remained at Tottenham when the deadline passed.

Turkey remains a possible destination for the Brazilian, with clubs in the country able to register new signings until 4 September. Fabrizio Romano’s latest information suggests Richarlison is close to joining Trabzonspor.

The proposed move would offer Richarlison a route away from Tottenham after the club made clear that he would not be included in their Premier League plans. The decision was communicated before the end of the window rather than after it, allowing the player an opportunity to consider alternatives.

Despite those discussions, no transfer was completed before the main deadline and Richarlison stayed with Tottenham. The possibility of a move to Turkey remains open because the registration period there extends beyond the deadline that applied to the club in England.

Richarlison joined Tottenham in 2022. Since arriving, he has made 134 appearances for the club, scoring 34 goals and registering 15 assists.

His omission represents a significant change in his position at Tottenham, where he has been part of the squad since his arrival. The club’s decision, combined with De Zerbi’s message that he is no longer being considered, leaves his immediate future uncertain.

For now, Richarlison remains a Tottenham player, but Romano’s report indicates that negotiations with Trabzonspor could provide a late solution. Any move would need to be completed before Turkey’s registration deadline of 4 September.

Newcastle host Bournemouth on 5 September as the two sides open the Saturday football programme in the third round of the English Premier League. Newcastle have made the stronger start to the season, while Bournemouth are still searching for their first win, but the prediction for this meeting is a 1-1 draw.

Newcastle

Matthias Jaissle’s side have collected four points from their opening two league matches and remain unbeaten across their past four games.

Newcastle began their campaign at home to Liverpool and looked set to claim victory after producing a strong performance. However, Liverpool scored in the eighth minute of added time at the end of the match, leaving the teams to share the points in a 2-2 draw.

The Magpies then secured a convincing away win against Tottenham Hotspur in London. They scored twice without reply to take all three points and build on their encouraging opening result.

Newcastle are regarded as the favourites for Saturday’s fixture by bookmakers, according to the available pre-match assessment.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s start has been less rewarding, although Marco Rose’s team have faced difficult opposition in their first two league games.

Their opening match came away from home against Manchester City. Bournemouth had a realistic opportunity to take points from that contest after moving in front in the 26th minute. Manchester City eventually turned the game around, scoring in the 84th minute and again in the first minute of added time to secure a late victory.

Bournemouth then welcomed Everton. The teams exchanged goals before finishing level at 1-1. Bournemouth’s difficulty in closing out matches was highlighted again as they conceded during stoppage time.

The Cherries are now on a four-match run without a win, leaving them looking to arrest that sequence at St James’ Park.

Head-to-head record

Newcastle and Bournemouth have met 24 times in competitive football.

Newcastle have won seven of those encounters, while Bournemouth have recorded eight victories. The remaining nine matches ended in draws.

The recent overall form points in different directions: Newcastle have avoided defeat in four successive games, whereas Bournemouth’s winless run has also reached four matches.

Prediction

The expectation is that both teams will score in what could be an open contest.

Newcastle’s early-season results, home advantage and status as bookmaker favourites make them the more likely side to control the match. Bournemouth, however, have shown that they can create problems against strong opposition, having led Manchester City for much of their opening fixture.

The predicted result is Newcastle 1-1 Bournemouth.

Betting and viewing information

The supplied match preview does not include specific odds, but notes that bookmakers make Newcastle favourites.

It also lists free viewing options with bookmakers following quick registration. The advertised sources are Winline, through winline.ru, and Fon.bet, through fon.bet. Both listings are marked as advertising.

Hull City have intervened after their new forward, Robinho Vaz, was subjected to racist abuse linked to his background shortly after joining the club from Roma on loan.

The abuse was directed at Vaz after his move to the English league, with a number of accounts sending offensive messages about the player. The incident has led to the Hull City hierarchy becoming involved as the club responds to the attacks aimed at its latest recruit.

The matter has also been referred to the police. Officers are now working to identify the accounts from which the abuse was sent to Vaz, meaning the incident has moved beyond online condemnation and into a formal investigation.

Vaz arrived at Hull City from Roma on a temporary basis and was immediately exposed to abuse based on his origin. No further details have been provided about the accounts under investigation or what action may follow once those responsible are identified.

The case represents another episode of racism in European football, with Vaz becoming the latest player to face discriminatory abuse after changing clubs. In this instance, the messages appeared soon after the forward’s arrival in England, prompting action from both the club and the authorities.

Hull City’s involvement underlines the seriousness with which the club has treated the situation. The abuse was not left solely as an issue for the player to deal with, and police were contacted to investigate the source of the messages.

The identity of the people behind the accounts has not been disclosed. Police are attempting to trace them as part of their inquiries into the abuse directed at Vaz.

For now, Vaz remains a Hull City player on loan from Roma. His move to the English league was intended to begin a new spell away from the Italian club, but his arrival has instead been overshadowed by the racist attacks.

The incident adds to concerns about discriminatory behaviour surrounding football in Europe. In Vaz’s case, the response has included both intervention from Hull City’s leadership and an investigation aimed at finding those who sent the offensive messages.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has explained Bradley Barcola’s move to Liverpool, saying the France forward wanted more playing time and a more important role than he could guarantee at the French club.

Enrique said Barcola’s decision was linked to his desire for a greater involvement in the team. The PSG manager’s explanation came after the attacker completed his move to Liverpool, although no further details about the transfer were provided.

“I cannot guarantee him more playing time,” Enrique said, identifying playing opportunities as the central issue behind Barcola’s departure.

Barcola had wanted to be used more regularly and to take on increased responsibility within the squad, according to Enrique. The manager indicated that he was unable to make that commitment, leaving the player to pursue a move to Liverpool.

The comments offer Enrique’s explanation for why Barcola is no longer at Paris Saint-Germain. Rather than attributing the transfer to a disagreement over the player’s ability or attitude, the coach focused on the limits of what he could promise regarding selection and minutes on the pitch.

Barcola’s move has therefore been presented as the result of differing expectations over his role. The forward wanted to play more and become a more significant figure in the team, while Enrique could not guarantee that his involvement would increase.

Liverpool are the club to which Barcola has moved, with Enrique’s remarks coming after the transfer. The statement does not include information about the length of Barcola’s contract, the transfer fee, or the date on which the deal was completed.

The PSG manager had also previously spoken about the Ballon d’Or, although the source report does not give details of those comments. His latest remarks instead centre on Barcola’s decision to leave the club and the playing-time concerns behind it.

Enrique’s explanation suggests that the forward’s future was shaped by his search for regular opportunities rather than simply by a change of club. At Paris Saint-Germain, the coach could not assure him of additional minutes or a more prominent position, while Liverpool became his next destination.

The move brings to an end Barcola’s time with Paris Saint-Germain, with the player now set to continue his career at Liverpool. Enrique’s comments make clear that the Frenchman’s wish for a larger role was a key factor in the transfer.

No other reasons for the move were given in the report, and Enrique did not provide further information about how Barcola’s playing time might have been managed had he remained at Paris Saint-Germain.

Leeds defender Joe Rodon is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury during the first half of the club’s Premier League match against Brentford.

The 28-year-old Wales defender was forced to leave the game after sustaining the problem before the interval. The extent of the injury has not been specified, but Rodon is expected to miss a prolonged spell for Leeds.

Rodon has been with Leeds since 2023 and has made 139 appearances for the club in all competitions. His absence will now leave the team without a defender who has played a significant role in the side over the past three years.

The injury occurred during the opening half of the meeting with Brentford, ending Rodon’s involvement in the match and creating an immediate defensive concern for Leeds. No precise timetable has been given for his return.

Rodon extended his Leeds contract in August, committing his future to the club for a further four years. That agreement underlined his ongoing place in the squad, but the latest injury means Leeds will now have to manage without him for an extended period.

The Welshman joined Leeds in 2023 and has since accumulated 139 appearances across all competitions. His record includes matches in the Premier League and the club’s other competitions, taking his total to nearly 140 games in Leeds colours.

Although further details of the injury have not been provided, the confirmed lengthy absence means Rodon’s next appearance for Leeds will not come in the immediate future. The club’s focus will be on coping with his unavailability while he recovers from the damage sustained against Brentford.

Rodon’s contract runs for another four years beyond the extension agreed in August, giving Leeds a long-term commitment from the defender despite the current setback. For now, however, the club must prepare for a prolonged period without one of their established defensive options.

The injury came at a difficult point in the Premier League campaign, with Rodon unable to complete Leeds’ match against Brentford. His absence is the latest development surrounding a player who has remained part of the club since arriving in 2023 and who has now made 139 competitive appearances for the side.

Leeds will await further information on Rodon’s condition, but the initial update confirms that the defender is set to miss a considerable amount of time.

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says Ismaila Sarr needs time to process the collapse of a possible move to Liverpool, with the club also ruling out a January departure for the forward.

Liverpool had considered the 28-year-old Senegal international as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. However, the proposed transfer ultimately did not go ahead, leaving Sarr at Crystal Palace.

Sage was asked about the situation and indicated that the player would need time to come to terms with what had happened.

“He needs to digest this,” said Sage.

The Crystal Palace manager also dismissed the prospect of Sarr joining Liverpool during the January transfer window. According to Sage, the club has no intention of allowing the forward to leave midway through the season.

That position is particularly firm because Crystal Palace are involved in European competition. Sage’s comments therefore make clear that the club’s current plan is to retain Sarr for the remainder of the campaign, rather than revisit the transfer situation in January.

Liverpool’s interest had centred on the possibility of Sarr filling the role that could otherwise be left by Salah. The Senegalese forward was viewed as a possible option for the Premier League club, but the move was not completed.

Sage’s latest comments address both the immediate aftermath of the failed transfer and the possibility of a future move during the season. While Sarr had been considered by Liverpool, Crystal Palace do not plan to release him while their European commitments continue.

The manager’s position also means that the transfer will not be revived in January, at least according to the club’s current plans. Sarr is expected to remain a Crystal Palace player despite Liverpool having explored the possibility of signing him.

The failed move is now something Sarr must process, in the words of his manager, while continuing with Crystal Palace. The club’s priority is to keep the 28-year-old available during the season, with its participation in European competition cited as a key reason for refusing to consider his departure.

For Liverpool, the proposed deal ended without Sarr becoming Salah’s replacement. For Crystal Palace, Sage’s comments provide a clear indication that there will be no mid-season exit for the forward.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says he is searching for the best combinations within his squad as his side prepare to face Ipswich in the third round of the Premier League.

Iraola discussed the shortage of some players during his pre-match news conference, addressing the selection issue before Liverpool’s meeting with Ipswich. His comments centred on how he can balance the available options and identify the most effective combination for the upcoming fixture.

Liverpool go into the match in 13th place with two points from their opening games. Ipswich are one position higher in the table, having collected three points.

The standings mean there is little separating the two clubs at this early stage of the Premier League campaign. Ipswich’s single-point advantage places them 12th, while Liverpool will begin the third-round fixture in 13th.

For Iraola, the immediate focus is on making the most of the players available to him. The Liverpool manager’s remarks came in response to questions about the absence or limited availability of certain members of the squad, although no further details about the affected players were provided.

His task is therefore to assess the alternatives at his disposal before finalising the line-up for the Ipswich game. The search for the right balance will be particularly important with Liverpool still looking for their first significant movement up the table after collecting two points from their opening matches.

Ipswich, meanwhile, have a narrow advantage over their opponents in both points and league position. Their total of three points leaves them 12th, one place above Liverpool, who have two points.

The third-round contest offers both sides an opportunity to improve their early position. Liverpool will be looking to convert Iraola’s preferred player combinations into a stronger result, while Ipswich will aim to protect their advantage over the Merseyside club in the table.

Iraola’s comments underline the importance of squad availability ahead of the fixture. With some players unavailable, the manager must continue weighing up his options and decide which group can provide the most suitable response against Ipswich.

The upcoming match will be Liverpool’s third Premier League fixture of the season and Ipswich’s third as well. At this point, the difference between the teams remains minimal, but the result could alter their positions and points totals.

For now, Liverpool sit 13th and Ipswich 12th. Iraola’s selection decisions will be watched closely as he attempts to find the best combination of players for Liverpool’s next Premier League challenge.

Liverpool have been identified as the favourites to beat Ipswich in Friday’s Premier League meeting, despite beginning the season with two draws and still waiting for their first win.

The third-round match is scheduled to begin at 22:00 Moscow time on 4 September 2026. Ipswich, promoted from the Championship after last season, have taken three points from their opening two fixtures, while Liverpool have collected two.

Ipswich began their campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Sunderland. They were unable to build on that result in their second match, suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat away to Manchester United.

The promoted side have scored four goals in their opening two games but have conceded six, leaving them with an uneven start to life back in the Premier League.

Liverpool have also produced mixed results at the beginning of the new campaign. The visitors drew 2-2 away to Newcastle in their opening fixture before recording the same scoreline at home against Nottingham Forest.

Those results mean Liverpool remain unbeaten after two rounds but have not yet secured a victory. Their next opportunity comes against an Ipswich side that has already shown it can win at home, although the hosts also conceded five times in their most recent match.

Form and head-to-head record

The available figures point to a closely watched contest, but bookmakers’ experts rate Liverpool as the stronger team and make them the favourites to win.

Ipswich have lost only once in their past five matches in all competitions, recording four victories during that run. Liverpool, meanwhile, have gone four games without defeat, although three of those matches ended in draws.

The head-to-head record also offers encouragement to the visitors. Liverpool have avoided defeat in normal time in each of their past six meetings with Ipswich.

The betting forecast therefore expects Liverpool to claim their first Premier League victory of the season. The recommended prediction is a Liverpool win.

A section providing the match odds is included with the fixture information, although no specific prices are stated in the available preview.

The match can reportedly be watched free through bookmakers following rapid registration. The listed advertising sources are Winline, at winline.ru, and Fon.bet.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says he is “very pleased with all our signings” after the club’s work in the summer transfer market.

Iraola gave his assessment of Liverpool’s recruitment ahead of their next league fixture, with the club preparing to face Ipswich on 4 September.

Liverpool currently sit 13th in the championship and will meet Ipswich in the third-round match. The fixture provides the immediate focus for Iraola and his team after a summer in which the club added several players to its squad.

The manager’s comments represent a positive judgement on the club’s transfer activity. Iraola said he was satisfied with all of Liverpool’s acquisitions, offering his backing to the work completed during the summer window.

No individual signings were named in the assessment, but Iraola’s overall message was clear: he is happy with the players Liverpool brought in. His remarks came as the club prepares for the next stage of its league campaign.

The meeting with Ipswich will be Liverpool’s third-round game and comes while they occupy 13th place in the championship. That position gives added importance to the fixture, although Iraola’s comments focused on the quality of the squad-building process rather than the team’s current standing.

Liverpool’s preparations will now centre on the match at hand. Iraola has made his view of the summer recruitment clear, saying he is pleased with every acquisition made by the club.

The manager’s assessment comes before Liverpool’s game against Ipswich on 4 September. The result will affect the club’s position in the championship, but the only information provided by Iraola on the transfer window is that he is very satisfied with all of Liverpool’s new arrivals.

His comments also underline the connection between the summer market and the opening stages of the season. Liverpool are 13th in the championship, and their fixture against Ipswich is scheduled for the third round. Iraola’s public response to the recruitment has nevertheless been wholly positive.

The manager’s statement, “I am very pleased with all our signings”, is the central message from his review of Liverpool’s summer activity. He did not single out one player or identify any particular deal, instead expressing his approval of the club’s acquisitions as a group.

Attention will now turn to Liverpool’s meeting with Ipswich on 4 September. With the club sitting 13th in the championship, the third-round contest is the next opportunity for Iraola’s side to improve its position. For now, however, the manager has offered a firm endorsement of Liverpool’s work in the summer transfer market.

Enzo Fernandez says he already feels settled at Manchester City after completing his move from Chelsea on the final day of the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old Argentina midfielder has spoken about his first impressions of life at his new club, describing Manchester City as a place where he feels “at home”.

Fernandez’s transfer was completed on the final day of the summer window, bringing his time at Chelsea to an end and beginning a new five-year association with Manchester City. His agreement with the English club runs for five years.

The midfielder’s comments provide an early indication of how he has adapted following the move. Despite only recently changing clubs, Fernandez says his initial experience at Manchester City has been positive and that he already feels comfortable in his new surroundings.

His arrival represents a fresh stage in the career of a player who has now made the switch between two English clubs. Fernandez moved from Chelsea to Manchester City during the final hours of the summer transfer window, with the length of his contract confirming the club’s commitment to the Argentina international.

For Fernandez, the immediate focus has been on settling in after the transfer and forming his first impressions of Manchester City. His assessment is clear: he feels at home at the club.

The 25-year-old’s five-year contract means his future is now tied to Manchester City for the long term. The midfielder has therefore begun his time at the club with a secure agreement in place after leaving Chelsea at the close of the summer window.

Fernandez’s remarks came as he reflected on the early stages of his move to Manchester City. While the transfer was completed only on the deadline day, he has already expressed a strong sense of belonging at his new club.

The move concludes a period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter at Manchester City for the Argentina midfielder. His first comments since arriving have centred on his positive response to the club and his feeling that he has quickly found a home there.

With his five-year deal now agreed, Fernandez is set to continue his career at Manchester City after making the late-window move from Chelsea. The transfer was finalised on the last day of the summer transfer window, and his early message is that he is comfortable with the change.

“At Manchester City, I feel at home.”

Former Manchester City player Joey Barton is facing continued legal trouble after judges rejected his hopes of securing release in connection with a March assault near a golf club.

Barton had hoped to pay bail and leave custody while the case continued. However, according to Italian website derbyderbyderby.it, the judges took a different view and have decided that he should remain behind bars.

The court has classified Barton as a socially dangerous repeat offender, making it unwilling to grant him his freedom at this stage. His next hearing has been scheduled for 8 March 2027, when he will have another opportunity to seek release.

That prospect is described as uncertain, given the court’s current assessment of his status.

The case relates to an incident in March in which Barton assaulted a man close to a golf club. Before the confrontation, Barton and the man who later became the victim had been drinking alcohol together. The consumption of alcohol is presented as an obvious trigger for the dispute that followed.

Barton had been seeking a route out of custody through bail, but the latest court decision has prevented that from happening. Instead, he must wait until the scheduled hearing in 2027 before his position can be reconsidered.

The decision represents a further setback for the former footballer, whose latest attempt to regain his freedom has failed. For now, the court has chosen detention over bail, citing its view that Barton represents a danger to society and is a repeat offender.

His prospects of release will therefore remain unresolved until the next hearing. Even then, the outcome is far from guaranteed, with the court’s present stance suggesting that any application for freedom could face significant difficulty.

Barton’s football career included a spell with Manchester City, but the current proceedings concern the alleged assault near the golf club rather than his time in the game. The legal process is now set to continue with the next hearing more than a year away, on 8 March 2027.