Man Utd re-sign Rafael until 2016

Market: West Brom draw no bet

Odds: 8/15 @

In what is a real Midlands derby on Friday night, Birmingham will welcome West Brom to St. Andrew s for what could be a fiery affair.

Starting with the hosts, while Birmingham might have shown some extended inconsistencies this season, the Blues are coming off the back of a thrilling display away from St. Andrew s. Mounting a stunning last-gasp comeback against Swansea as they eventually snatched a 4-3 victory in south Wales, John Eustace will be desperate for his side to build on that performance. However, despite claiming just their second win from their previous nine domestic showdowns across all formats, the one-time Premier League outfit have continued to show a host of issues on home soil. Almost finding themselve…

Widespread concern met the decision for Denmark and Finland to return to the pitch less than two hours after Christian Eriksen had first collapsed in Copenhagen on Saturday.

An alarming incident prompted serious fears for Eriksen s life, fears that were eased but not eradicated by positive updates on the midfielder s condition.

For those watching from afar, the swift restart could not have been anticipated. There was wonder instead for how Belgium and Russia could possibly play later.

The Belgium squad features Eriksen s Inter team-mate Romelu Lukaku and long-term Ajax and Tottenham colleagues Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.

But, sure enough, confirmation was forthcoming of the resumption in Group B s first fixture, set for 20:30 CET, with Belgium s…

Getafe are interested in prolonging the stay of Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood at the Estadio Coliseum, according to . The La Liga are willing to explore options for making the transfer permanent, but at this point, it is believed another loan deal would be easier to do.

United suspended Greenwood back in January 2022 following accusations of attempted rape, coercion and assault, which were eventually dropped due to a withdrawal of key witnesses from the proceedings. The 22-year-old forward joined Getafe on a temporary basis in September last year, scoring seven goals and producing five assists in 22 appearances in all competitions since.

As for United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently addressed the issue of Greenwood, saying that a decision on the future of the pla…

Prediction: Spain win

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The international break is upon us as we gear up for the first set of fixtures at this level since the World Cup last winter. The primary focus will now be on UEFA Euro 2024, with the road to qualification beginning over the course of the next few days. Today, we ll take a look at what should be an incredibly competitive encounter as Spain and Norway begin their journey to try and reach Germany next year.

Spain

It was another similar story for Spain at the 2022 World Cup. They showed great promise and had a few tremendous results, but they ultimately couldn t get themselves over the finish line. Oh, and as has been the case so often since their golden era came to an end, they were knocked out by a side th…

Former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern is determined to become Livingston’s number one as he bids to banish the “frustration” of making just one appearance in the last three years.

The 39-year-old joined the bottom-of-the-table Lions on loan from cinch Premiership rivals Hearts last week to provide competition and cover for Shamal George after Jack Hamilton suffered an injury that could keep him out until March.

McGovern – who won 32 caps for his country and featured at Euro 2016 – has not played since being given a one-off run-out for Norwich in an FA Cup tie at Wolves in February 2022, but he is adamant he is not resigned to being a back-up keeper for what remains of his career.

“I’ve got some stiff competition with the other goalkeep…

Emma Hayes says that the Conti Cup “is absolutely important to her” ahead of Chelsea’s final against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Blues will be looking to keep their quadruple hopes alive, having lost the final of the competition in the past two seasons.

Chelsea suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in 2022 before they lost 3-1 to Sunday’s opponents last season.

It’s the final up next.

Let’s bring that trophy home.

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW)

Hayes, whose side beat Arsenal 3-1 in the Women’s Super League two weeks ago, highlighted the importance of her team giving their all at Molineux.

“Have you watched our performances in the last two Conti Cup finals? Because I have and they have – again and again,” H…

Southampton manager Russell Martin was proud of his players for beating QPR 2-1 after another week of dealing with transfer disruption.

Adam Armstrong bagged his fourth goal of the season after Samuel Edozie and Jack Colback had cancelled each other’s strikes out in the first half.

Saints were without Che Adams – who is wanted by Everton – and Bayer Leverkusen-bound Nathan Tella after weeks of uncertainty around the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia.

“There has been so much change and disruption, so I am pleased with the mentality of the group,” Martin said.

“Che wasn’t in a place to give it everything he’s got. He and Nathan both played last week despite the noise but it has been a long week for both of them.

“The first…

Emre Can of Juventus is keen on a move to Manchester United, according to Tuttosport (via ).

Having already suffered a huge disappointment of not being selected in the Champions League squad, the 25-year-old midfielder is unhappy about a general lack of game-time under head coach Maurizio Sarri. Can believes he played well last season, but this term he simply hasn t been given a chance to stake a claim for a place in the team. He has only made three competitive appearances so far, least of all central midfielders in the squad, with the combination of Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi and Sami Khedira the setup Sarri prefers in the middle of the park.

Can s situation has attracted attention across Europe, but his preferred option would apparently be Manchester United who se…

Stefano Pioli has become the latest head coach to lead both Inter and city rivals AC Milan. 

Former Inter boss Pioli joins an exclusive club after replacing Marco Giampaolo at Milan, who finally lost faith just seven Serie A games into his tenure.

Pioli is no stranger to San Siro, having spent a season on the blue side of Milan in 2016-17.

Inter had won 12 of their first 16 Serie A matches under Pioli before a run of five losses and two draws prior to his sacking in May two years ago.

Official Statement: Stefano Pioli

— AC Milan (@acmilan)

As Pioli prepares to take the reins amid backlash from Milan fans and the hashtag #PioliOut , we look at the coaches to have worked on both sides of the divide in a fierce rivalry dating back to …

For now, at least, the future of Pep Guardiola is secure.

The Manchester City manager has signed a new two-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2023.

There is no denying Guardiola has brought spectacular success to City, but few would deny there have been some concerning signs in the early stages of the 2020-21 season.

So, is his new deal the right decision?

There s unfinished business says Pep

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— Manchester City (@ManCity)

GUARDIOLA HAS MADE CITY HISTORY – THEY CAN T RISK HIM GOING ELSEWHERE
By John Skilbeck

If City ever seriously considered a future without Guardiola, then a glance across town should have given them pause for thought: if you ve got a proven winner, cling to him for dear l…