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A closer look at the battle to beat the drop in the Premier League
A closer look at the battle to beat the drop in the Premier League
Southampton have already been relegated from the Premier League, but the race to avoid joining them looks set to go down to the wire. Two of West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds and Leicester will play alongside the Saints in the Championship next season. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the relegation battle with two games to go. West Ham (Leeds H, Leicester A) Given their own plight and their opposition in the final two rounds of fixtures, West Ham will play a deciding role in who goes down. It will take an extraordinary set of results for them to be relegated as they are six points clear of Leeds with a significantly better goal difference, so would need to lose both games heavily and see a number of other results go against them. Their only concern will be how their European exertions affect them, with their match against Leeds coming days after a Europa Conference League semi-final second leg against AZ Alkmaar. Nottingham Forest (Arsenal H, Crystal Palace A) Seven points from the last four games has hauled Forest out of the bottom three and they now could stay up even if they lose their remaining fixtures. Safety will be assured if they draw with Arsenal at the City Ground and then Leeds lose at West Ham and Leicester fail to beat Newcastle. However, two defeats, including on the final day at Crystal Palace, and results going against them elsewhere would see them drop back into the Championship. Everton (Wolves A, Bournemouth H) Everton, on paper, have the kindest fixtures of those in the fight and they will fancy their chances of staying up, with their Bank Holiday win at Brighton last week looking pivotal. They will confirm their survival if they win at Wolves and then Leeds lose at West Ham and Leicester fail to beat Newcastle. Two defeats could be enough for Leeds to overtake them by drawing just one of their two games, although that will be dependent on a minor goal difference swing. Leeds (West Ham A, Tottenham H) Leeds are relying on other teams to lose, but they also have to do their own business under Sam Allardyce, with so many permutations still possible. The most worrying one is they will be sent back to the Championship if they lose at West Ham, Everton win at Wolves and Forest pick up a positive result against Arsenal. But, as mentioned, they could stay up by drawing just one game, if Everton and Leicester lose both of their matches. They will be hoping to take advantage of West Ham’s European distraction as Allardyce visits his old club on Sunday before a vital home game against Tottenham. Leicester (Newcastle A, West Ham H) Leicester, Premier League champions seven years ago, could be relegated if they fail to beat Newcastle on Monday night, Forest pick up a point against Arsenal and Everton beat Wolves. Defeat at St James’ Park would also mean Everton would only need two points from their final two games. To stay up, Leicester realistically need to win at least one of their remaining games at Newcastle or at home to West Ham, although it is possible two draws could be enough. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jofra Archer to miss Ashes summer with fresh stress fracture in his elbow Football rumours: Arsenal preparing £90million swoop for West Ham’s Declan Rice On this day in 2010: Dominant England beat Australia to win World Twenty20 final
1970-01-01 08:00
Chelsea swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Sjoeke Nusken
Chelsea swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Sjoeke Nusken
Germany midfielder Sjoeke Nusken will join Chelsea from Eintracht Frankfurt on a three-year deal from July 1, the Women’s Super League side have announced. The versatile 22-year-old has already appeared for the Frauen-Bundesliga side close to 100 times and will complete her move at the conclusion of the current campaign. Nusken, who has also won 15 caps for Germany and scored two goals, said: “I wanted to move to the Women’s Super League because it’s a good league, English football is very cool to play in and it’s the right thing to do now. “I’m very excited and happy to be at Chelsea and I’m looking forward to next season. “It’s a big club with such good players. I hope to improve my football skills. I’m very excited to meet my new team-mates and I can learn a lot from them.” Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said: “Sjoeke is a fantastic young midfield player whose ability to play the ball deep into the opponents’ half is not her only standout strength, there is everything from her interceptions, her reading of the game and her overall presence. She’s dynamic, she’s good aerially and she’s going to be a fantastic signing for this club.” Chelsea won the Women’s FA Cup for the third successive year on Sunday, beating Manchester United 1-0 in the final, and are in the running to claim a fourth consecutive WSL title. They can move two points clear of current leaders United at the top of the table if they beat West Ham in their game in hand on Wednesday, with only two rounds of the season left after that. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa gets new coaching job
Ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa gets new coaching job
Marcelo Bielsa has been appointed as Uruguay head coach. The 67-year-old had been out of football management since leaving Leeds almost 15 months ago. The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed Bielsa’s appointment on a deal running until the 2026 World Cup. He succeeds Diego Alonso as national team boss. Alonso’s contract expired after the World Cup in Qatar earlier this season, where Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage exit. Bielsa served as manager of Argentina from 1998 to 2004 and he also had a four-year stint in charge of Chile. Bielsa guided Leeds back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2020 and was one of the most popular managers in the club’s history. But he left in February last year following a run of four successive league defeats. His lengthy managerial career has also included spells with Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille. Uruguay are currently 16th in FIFA’s world rankings, with Bielsa’s first major campaign at the helm set to be next year’s Copa America in the United States. Read More Sam Allardyce hoping fear of relegation helps drive Leeds to safety Leeds paying the price for Orta’s muddled, messy attempts to rebuild AC Milan must overcome own history as well as Inter’s two-goal lead
1970-01-01 08:00
AC Milan must overcome own history as well as Inter’s two-goal Champions League lead
AC Milan must overcome own history as well as Inter’s two-goal Champions League lead
Confronted by their own ultras, AC Milan have encountered issue after issue in the build-up to Tuesday’s monumental return leg, but one problem is a lot more longstanding. It is also so immediate, since it is precisely the challenge against Internazionale. Milan might be the second most successful club in Champions League history, having played in the very first European Cup season in 1955-56, but that distinguished record has never seen them come back from more than a goal behind from a knock-out first leg. All that grand glory, and nothing to really inspire for this biggest of games against their greatest rivals. That might seem somewhat superficial but the profound potential effect should not be dismissed. You only have to look at last season, and this year's possible final opponent, for the greatest illustration of how it works. Real Madrid are the European champions in large part because their stadium had seen so many great comebacks, fostering this belief within the team as well as an aura around it. Milan have none of that. The only tie that comes close was a 1985-86 Uefa Cup first round against Auxerre but it’s hardly of the same scale, and would almost seem small-time to mention. Stefano Pioli has consequently been unable to inspire his players with any footage of the past. “We only talked about the derby,” the Milan manager said. That’s possibly just as well, because any look to history would mostly show Milan suffering from such comebacks. You don’t even have to go to the extreme of Istanbul, which is of course where this final is set to be held. There was Deportivo La Coruna in 2004 and Barcelona in 2013. Duly, this tie might also be decided by comebacks on the other side, albeit of a different nature. There is the return to prominence of some former Premier League stars, some of them well into their 30s. This entire tie was after all set in motion by Edin Dzeko’s soaring goal for Inter Milan in the opening minutes of the first leg. It may now be shaped by Simone Inzaghi’s use of those players. One of the reasons that Milan were so unprepared for Inter’s onslaught was because it was so difficult to second-guess what Inzaghi might do. One of the strengths of this season - if also, in the league, one of the weaknesses - has been how the coach can alternate his forward line. So it was in the first leg that he initially had the energy of Lauturo Martinez with the calculation of Dzeko. The Inter squad remain in awe of how intelligent the Bosnian is as a player, in that way that occasionally happens with senior pros who go onto a different level as they get older. Part of that has been how he conserves energy and visibly manages himself, though, which is why one of Inzaghi’s main relays up front has been between Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku. There is another comeback of sorts there, though. It could be glimpsed in the Belgian’s livewire introduction to the second half of the first leg. The Inter squad are now talking about Lukaku being back at the level he was when he left Inter in the summer of 2021 in the first place - when he was being hailed as the new “king of Serie A”. One reason is he was discomfited by a difficult adjustment period at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, and was then intent on getting 100% ready for the World Cup. That rush probably set him back, as the displays in Qatar showed. Lukaku has really only been back to full fitness since February and that has helped generate “great momentum”. He has the feel back. He has the finishing back, as the weekend’s brace showed. That gives Inzaghi a satisfying sort of dilemma. It is increasingly difficult to leave Lukaku on the bench. He could tear at Pioli’s side. The one caveat to all of this, as well as to the first leg, is that Milan will have a comeback of their own. Rafael Leao will return to the line-up, which makes them a very different proposition. It was so conspicuously what was missing from their display on Wednesday - if also some proper defending at the back. Milan had so much process, but no product. It looked like they couldn’t really hurt Inter. Leao changes that. It should force a change in Inzaghi’s approach. Whether it changes this to the level that it changes Milan’s history remains to be seen. “Those who play football know that the matches are never finished until the end,” Pioli also said. “And we believe in it.” Inter, however, have the reality of that two-goal lead. It’s a lot to come back from. Read More Glorious Milan derby proves football does not need Super League False 9? Edin Dzeko shows the value of an old-fashioned centre-forward AC Milan are back – but not as you remember them Inter vs AC Milan team news and predicted line-ups Is Inter vs AC Milan on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Bundesliga title battle continues as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund ease to wins
1970-01-01 08:00
Inter vs AC Milan line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League semi-final as Rafael Leao to return
Inter vs AC Milan line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League semi-final as Rafael Leao to return
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter are 90 minutes away from the Champions League final after securing a 2-0 advantage against AC Milan. Early goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan leave Inter strongly placed to set up a meeting with either Manchester City or Real Madrid. Milan were short of threat in the first leg, but should be boosted for this encounter by the return of Rafael Leao. The forward has been passed fit to play after recovering from injury and may be required to play a key role if his side are to overturn the deficit. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Inter vs AC Milan? The second leg of the semi final is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 16 May at their shared San Siro ground in Milan. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on BT Sport 1 with coverage from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via the BT Sport app or online player. Team news Inter were able to rest a number of their first choice side in the win over Sassuolo, with Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu and Alessandro Bastoni in line to return to Simone Inzaghi’s starting lineup. The manager is expected to name a lineup identical to the one that secured a 2-0 first leg lead. Stefano Pioli should be boosted by the availability of Rafael Leao after the forward missed last week’s game due to a thigh injury. Junior Messias and Rade Krunic could also be fit to contend for selection. Predicted line-ups Inter XI: Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Dzeko, Martínez. Milan XI: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjær, Theo Hernández; Tonali, Krunić; Saelemaekers, Brahim Diaz, Leao; Giroud. Odds Inter win 19/17 Draw 5/2 Milan win 41/14 Prediction A draw is enough to ensure Inter’s progression through to the final. Inter 1-1 Milan (3-1 agg.) Read More False 9? Edin Dzeko shows the value of an old-fashioned centre-forward Mauricio Pochettino agrees Chelsea terms and plots summer transfers UEFA rebuts claim Istanbul in doubt as Champions League final host after election Is Inter vs AC Milan on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Bundesliga title battle continues as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund ease to wins On this day in 2006: Liverpool win thrilling FA Cup final against West Ham
1970-01-01 08:00
Is Inter vs AC Milan on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League semi-final
Is Inter vs AC Milan on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League semi-final
AC Milan must fight back from behind with Inter well-placed to advance to the Champions League final. A strong first-half performance saw Simone Inzaghi’s side secure a two-goal advantage in last week’s first leg. Inter will now enjoy the advantage of the support of the bulk of the crowd as well as usage of their San Siro changing room, a privilege denied to them in the “away” leg. A weekend defeat to Spezia also saw Milan lose ground in the race for a top-four finish, leaving Stefano Pioli seeking a swift and significant improvement to try and secure a final place. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Inter vs AC Milan? The second leg of the semi final is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 16 May at their shared San Siro ground in Milan. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on BT Sport 1 with coverage from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via the BT Sport app or online player. Team news Inter were able to rest a number of their first-choice side in the win over Sassuolo, with Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu and Alessandro Bastoni in line to return to Simone Inzaghi’s starting lineup. The manager is expected to name a lineup identical to the one that secured a 2-0 first-leg lead. Stefano Pioli should be boosted by the availability of Rafael Leao after the forward missed last week’s game due to a thigh injury. Junior Messias and Rade Krunic could also be fit to contend for selection. Predicted line-ups Inter XI: Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, ÇalhanoÄŸlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Dzeko, Martínez. Milan XI: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjær, Theo Hernández; Tonali, Krunić; Saelemaekers, Brahim Diaz, Leão; Giroud. Odds Inter win 19/17 Draw 5/2 Milan win 41/14 Prediction A draw is enough to ensure Inter’s progression through to the final. Inter 1-1 Milan (3-1 agg.) Read More Mauricio Pochettino agrees Chelsea terms and plots summer transfers UEFA rebuts claim Istanbul in doubt as Champions League final host after election False 9? Edin Dzeko shows the value of an old-fashioned centre-forward Inter vs AC Milan team news and predicted line-ups Bundesliga title battle continues as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund ease to wins On this day in 2006: Liverpool win thrilling FA Cup final against West Ham
1970-01-01 08:00
Football rumours: Arsenal preparing £90million swoop for West Ham’s Declan Rice
Football rumours: Arsenal preparing £90million swoop for West Ham’s Declan Rice
What the papers say Arsenal are about to open talks with West Ham over a £90million swoop for their captain Declan Rice, the Daily Mail says. The 24-year-old England midfielder is the Gunners’ priority and they are ready to break their transfer record for him. The Telegraph reports that Wolves will demand £45 million for Barcelona target Ruben Neves. The Spanish giants have long been admirers of the 26-year-old and are now preparing to make a move but will have to pay a significant fee to end the Portugal midfielder’s six-year spell at Molineux. Elsewhere, Newcastle are keen on Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his midfield this summer, the Mail writes. The 23-year-old England international is expected to be part of an extensive Stamford Bridge clear-out. And the Manchester Evening News says Phil Jones, 31, and Axel Tuanzebe, 25, are expected to be among the Manchester United players released in the summer. The two centre-backs are rumoured to be among the five high-profile departures. Social media round-up Players to watch Bernardo Silva: Le Parisien reports that the 28-year-old Manchester City midfielder is Paris St Germain’s top target as they look to bring him in to replace Argentina forward Lionel Messi, 35. Dominik Szoboszlai: Sky Sports Germany says Newcastle’s interest in the 22-year-old Hungary midfielder has intensified in recent weeks. He has a 70 million euro (£60.9m) release clause in his RB Leipzig contract. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Vladimir Kara-Murza's mother speaks to the BBC
Vladimir Kara-Murza's mother speaks to the BBC
Elena Gordon's son Vladimir Kara-Murza was convicted of treason for criticising Putin's war in Ukraine.
1970-01-01 08:00
Thai Tycoon’s Property Unit to Boost Spending on Tourism Boom
Thai Tycoon’s Property Unit to Boost Spending on Tourism Boom
The property and hotel development unit of Thailand’s richest man plans to more than double spending for acquisitions
1970-01-01 08:00
Florida rejects social studies textbooks that mention social justice, taking a knee and other content of 'concern'
Florida rejects social studies textbooks that mention social justice, taking a knee and other content of 'concern'
Florida rejected nearly 35% of social studies textbooks submitted by publishers for approval, including those that referenced social justice and "other information that was not aligned with Florida Law," the state's Department of Education announced Tuesday.
1970-01-01 08:00
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa named head coach of Uruguay
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa named head coach of Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa has been appointed as Uruguay head coach. The 67-year-old had been out of football management since leaving Leeds almost 15 months ago. The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed Bielsa’s appointment on a deal running until the 2026 World Cup. He succeeds Diego Alonso as national team boss. Alonso’s contract expired after the World Cup in Qatar earlier this season, where Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage exit. Bielsa served as manager of Argentina from 1998 to 2004 and he also had a four-year stint in charge of Chile. Bielsa guided Leeds back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2020 and was one of the most popular managers in the club’s history. But he left in February last year following a run of four successive league defeats. His lengthy managerial career has also included spells with Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille. Uruguay are currently 16th in FIFA’s world rankings, with Bielsa’s first major campaign at the helm set to be next year’s Copa America in the United States. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Liverpool won’t let up in battle for top-four spot, says Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool won’t let up in battle for top-four spot, says Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp vowed Liverpool will maintain the pressure in the race for the Champions League after a routine 3-0 win at Leicester. Curtis Jones’ quickfire double and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fabulous goal kept their push for the top four alive while plunging the Foxes closer to the drop. Second-bottom Leicester are two points from Premier League safety with two games left and go to Newcastle next Monday. Victory means Liverpool have booked European football next season and they sit fifth, a point behind Newcastle and Manchester United, who have both played a game less. Klopp said: “Our job is to keep the pressure (on Newcastle and Manchester United), but if not this is already better than we could have expected six or seven weeks ago. “I have no clue what it means to us. Four or five years ago we had Chelsea on our neck and they were winning all the time. I think it was the year we finished fourth and had to go in the qualification. “We had to win the last game and until the last we had to win, win, win, because behind us they were always winning. We have to keep them on their toes and then we will see what happens Jurgen Klopp “We made it anyway and that’s what I expect them to do as well, if I am honest. “But it keeps you on your toes and that’s our job – we have to keep them on their toes and then we will see what happens. “Six or seven weeks ago I didn’t believe it could happen. What we lacked at the time was consistency. “The game never became the game it could have been, a real fight, challenges everywhere, because we controlled it in a really convincing way.” Alisson Becker snuffed out an early chance for Jamie Vardy and Liverpool swiftly took control, with Jones’ double ending the game as a contest before the break. The midfielder opened the scoring after 33 minutes when he arrived unmarked at the far post to steer in Mohamed Salah’s cross. Three minutes later he collected another Salah pass to swivel and blast past Daniel Iversen from just inside the box. Leicester had capitulated and only Iversen’s smart save stopped Cody Gakpo making it 3-0 soon after. Harvey Barnes tested Alisson early in the second half, but there was little fight from the Foxes and Liverpool ultimately eased to victory. Alexander-Arnold rubber stamped the points with a stunning 25-yard strike following Salah’s short free-kick with 19 minutes left. Salah should have made it 4-0 rather than shoot wide after going clean through and Leicester were booed off. They are teetering on the brink of relegation two years to the day since lifting the FA Cup for the first time. Boss Dean Smith said: “We are all supporters in here, we all support clubs, and you want to see your club winning. We got beaten by a team who physically overran us when they got a 2-0 lead. “I wouldn’t question our fight, our attitude, but I understand and we all should hear the supporters. If you are losing 2-0 or 3-0 at home and fighting a relegation battle I understand fans react in certain ways. “Of course I do (believe they can survive). I don’t like playing Monday nights, I don’t think it’s right. We will certainly know what we will have to do at St James’ Park next week. If you are losing 2-0 or 3-0 at home and fighting a relegation battle I understand fans react in certain ways Dean Smith “Goals change games. I could throw their goalkeeper 50 balls and they wouldn’t score from one of his big kicks. “It was a really disappointing goal to give away. For the second, Wilf (Ndidi) has tried to read a pass and they play it to Jones who scores a good goal. “Our minds get a little frazzled then and we needed to get into half-time without any further pain.”
1970-01-01 08:00
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