football
Bangladesh team to leave for Maldives Tuesday in hunt for SAFF title
Bangladesh national football team will fly for the Maldives Tuesday at 2:30 pm in the hunt for the title of the five-nation SAFF Championship 2021 beginning on October 1 at the National Stadium in capital Male.
It will be the first assignment for Oscar Bruzon, the newly appointed Spanish interim Head Coach of national team. Bruzon, head coach of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football champions Bashundhara Kings, has been hired for the SAFF assignment.
In the five-nation South Asian regional football, Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka in one of the two opening day's matches on October 1 at 10: pm (Bangladesh Time).
In the remaining league matches, Bangladesh will play India on September 4 at 5:pm , hosts Maldives on September 7 at 10; pm and Nepal on September 13 at 5: pm , all at the national football stadium in Male.
After the league basis matches, two top teams will play final on October 16 at 9 pm at the same venue.
In a pre-tour press conference at BFF office on Monday, both the Bangladesh interim head coach Oscar Bruzon and team captain Jamal Bhuiyan expressed their high hope of clinching the SAFF title this time, despite the Bangladesh failed to overcome the group stages in the last four meets.
Apart from head coach and captain, team manager cum BFF member Satyajit Das Rupu and media manager Hasan Mahmud were also present at the conference.
Addressing the journalists Bangladesh captain said, "We are playing together for long, we have a good understanding, we worked hard in last few days, now we are confident and our players are committed do something giving our best to achieve the target"
Replying to question, Jamal Bhuiyan said, as per current FIFA ranking, India is the favourite, but we treat all the opponents equally , now our first target is to beat Sri Lanka.
Coach Bruzon is also optimistic about making memorable his first assignment by clinching the title.
Earlier on Wednesday (Sept 22), Bruzon announced a 26-member preliminary squad for the competition.
Two expatriate booters --Rahbar Wahed Khan of Canada and Tahmid Islam of France -- who were included in the Jamie Day's squad for the Three-nation Cup in Kyrgyzstan, including promising custodian Mitul Marma , were not considered this time in Bruzon team.
The highest ten players including Nigeria-born Bangladeshi citizen Eleta Kingsley were picked up from BPL champions Bashundhara Kings while five booters from Dhaka Abahani and four players from Saif SC included in the squad .
Earlier this month, Bangladesh team, coached by Jamie Day, toured Kyrgyzstan to play three matches-- two in the Three Nations Cup and one friendly against Kyrgyz U-23 team as part of their preparation for the SAFF Championship, but lost all the three matches.
Selected players for SAFF Championship are: Anisur Rahman (GK), Bishwanath Ghosh, Topu Barman, Tariq Raihan Kazi (DF), M Atiqur Rahman Fahad (MF) ,Biplo Ahmed, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, Mohammad Ibrahim, Eleta Kingsley, M Matin Miah (FW) (Bashundhara Kings),
Shahidul Alam Sohel (GK), Tutul Hossain Badsha ((DF) , Sohel Rana, M Saaduddin (MF), Jewel Rana (FW) (Dhaka Abahani); M Rahmat Miah, Riyadul Hasan, Yeasin Arafat (DF), Jamal Bhuiyan (MF), (Saif SC);
Rakib Hosssin, Manik Hossain Mollah (MF), (Ctg Abahani); Rezaul Karim (DF) (Sheikh Jamal); Mohammad Atikuzzaman (DF) (Mohammedan SC)
; Ashraful Islam Rana (GK) (Sheikh Russel), Mehdi Hasan (DF) Muktijoddha SKC); and Sumon Reza (FW) (Uttar Baridhara).
Women's Football: Sabina scores hat-trick as Bangladesh crush Hong Kong 5-0
A brilliant hat-trick by captain Sabina Khatun helped the touring Bangladesh national women's football team earn a 5-0 victory over Hong Kong in a friendly match at the JAR Academy Training Ground in the Uzbek capital Tashkent Sunday.
With the day's well-deserved victory over higher-ranked Hong Kong, Bangladesh found some relief after their frustrating performance in the just-concluded Group G matches of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 qualifiers against Jordan and Iran in Tashkent last week.
The national women's football team suffered a 0-5 defeat against both Jordan and Iran in Tashkent.
Read: Women's Football: Brahmanbaria beat Mymensingh 3-1 to reach semifinal
In Sunday's match against Hong Kong, Tohura Khatun opened the score for Bangladesh in the18th minute. Sabina Khatun made a hat-trick, scoring the remaining four goals in the 43rd, 53rd, 57th and 85th minutes.
Earlier, the women's team played two FIFA Tier-1 international friendlies against Nepal in Kathmandu recently as a part of their preparations for this month's AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers.
Bangladesh conceded a 1-2 defeat against the hosts in the first match and played out to a goalless draw in the second one.
Read: Women's Football: Bashundhara Kings clinch league crown
The matches were the first international fixtures for the national women's team in more than two and a half years after playing the semifinal of the SAFF Championship against India in March 2019.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2021: Match Preview and Prediction
Arsenal will take on Tottenham in a premier league encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (September 26). Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is yet to score in the Premier League this season. He was highly linked with Manchester City during the summer transfer window of 2021. It's unclear if this has had a significant influence on Kane's performance this season, but the Tottenham star hasn't been in his usual form. This match is crucial for both teams in their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League 2021-2022 season. The match preview of Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2021 is discussed in this article.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2021: Probable Team Lineups
There has been no news of injuries in the Arsenal campaign. All of the squad members are available for selection. Granit Xhaka is back in the squad after a three-game suspension. As a result, Arteta is free to pick his best starting lineup for this crucial matchup.
Probable Playing XI (Arsenal):
Aaron Ramsdale (GK), Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB), Ben White (CB), Gabriel Magalhaes (CB), Kieran Tierney (LB), Thomas Partey (CM), Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM), Martin Odegaard (CM), Bukayo Saka (RW), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST), Emile Smith Rowe (LW)
Read: Lionel Messi is Leaving Barcelona Despite Wanting to Stay
Tottenham will be without Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon in this encounter against Arsenal. While Brazil's Lucas Moura will be available for selection. The captain of Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane is poised to make his 250th Premier League appearance. So, this might be a historic encounter for Harry Kane.
Probable Playing XI (Tottenham):
Hugo Lloris (GK), Emerson Royal (RB), Cristian Romero (CB), Eric Dier (CB), Sergio Reguilon (LB), Tanguy Ndombele (CM), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM), Dele Alli (CM), Lucas Moura (RW), Harry Kane (ST), Son Heung-min (LW)
Read: Messi breaks down, says he wasn’t ready to leave Barcelona
Head-to-Head Contest: Arsenal vs. Tottenham
The stakes are high for two managers and neither of the team can afford to lose the match. The pressure on them will increase if things do not go their way. Two teams have met a total of 203 times, with Arsenal dominating the record with 83 wins. On the other hand, Tottenham have won 66 games and drawn 54 others.
Both sides have played each other 58 times in the Premier League. Arsenal lead the head-to-head battle with 21 victories. Tottenham have won 14 league games and drawn 23 others. Arsenal's David O'Leary has made the most appearances (35) while Tottenham's Harry Kane has scored the most goals (11) in the north London derby.
Read: Lionel Messi Contract: PSG Set to Sign Former Barcelona Forward
Prediction: Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2021
Arsenal are a slight favorite to win this Sunday's (September 26) league match against Tottenham. If Spurs perform to their best ability, they will have a good chance in this encounter. Mikel Arteta has a wide range of offensive alternatives available to him. He has the capability to go all-in against their most fierce rival. If such is not the case, he may opt to play it safe and try to win the game. Arsenal's best option with the present setup will be a 4-3-3 formation.
On the other hand, Tottenham will try to play it safe at first, but they are capable of winning this fixture. Nuno Espirito Santo's team should play 4-3-3 to strengthen their offensive flank. Tottenham's primary objective would be to avoid losing the game and, if possible, to win it. It should be an exciting match to watch, starting on Sunday at 9.30 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Read Premier League 2021-2022: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool win their respective matches
Match Prediction: Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2021
Arsenal 1 – 1 Tottenham
Verdict
There are no clear favorites in the Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2021 contest. Because neither club has been in terrific form in the Premier League this season. Arsenal are presently in 13th place in the table, with 6 points from five games. On the other hand, Tottenham have secured seventh place, with 9 points from six games.
Both sides have a youthful squad that includes some experienced players. Arsenal have won its last two Premier League games, while Tottenham have lost both of their previous two fixtures. In this perspective, Arsenal will be slightly ahead of Tottenham during the encounter. The Gunners will benefit from home advantage. On the other side, Spurs fans are hopeful that Harry Kane will regain his rhythm against the Gunners. This is shaping up to be a thrilling north London derby.
Read FC Barcelona: Four Potential Replacements for Ronald Koeman
AFC Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh suffer another embarrassing defeat against Iran
Bangladesh National Women's Football team completed their Group G engagements of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India' 2022 Qualifiers empty handed after another embarrassing 0-5 goals defeat against Iran on Wednesday.
This was their 2nd last group match at the Bunyokar Stadium in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. In the first group match, Bangladesh also conceded a frustrating 0-5 goals defeat against Jordan last Sunday, featuring a hattrick by captain Maysa Zaid.
After Wednesday’s match, Bangladesh team were eliminated from the three-nation group G with two humiliating defeats as only group champions will qualify for the final round of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in India next year.In the match, Iran dominated the first half by 3-0 goals.
Captain-cum-midfielder Behnaz Taherkhani struck twice in the 31st and 61st minutes, defenders Melika Motevalli and Golnoosh Khosravi scored one goal each in the 4th and 14th minutes respectively while Hajar Dabbaghi netted the remaining goal for Iran in the 55th minute.
Read: AFC Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh lose 0-5 to Jordan After the match, Bangladesh women’s team remained winless after playing four international matches—two in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup group match in Uzbekistan and the remaining two in the FIFA Tier-1 Women’s International Friendlies against Nepal in Kathmandu this month. On way to Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Women's team played two FIFA Tier-1 Women's International Friendlies against Nepal National Women's team in Kathmandu as a part of their preparations for this month's AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers..In two preparatory matches in Kathmandu, touring Bangladesh conceded 1-2 goals defeat against Himalayan nation Nepal in the first match last Thursday and played to a goalless draw in the 2nd match on Sunday.With these matches, Bangladesh national women's team returned to international football after more than two years and a half since playing the semifinal of SAFF Championship with India in March 2019.
Metz vs. PSG Match Preview: Will Lionel Messi Start?
Lionel Messi's life in Paris is going to be more complicated than expected after three outings and still without a goal. Messi looked perplexed when he was taken off in the 75th minute of a league match against Olympique Lyon on Sunday (September 19). Mauricio Pochettino clarified his stance in the post-match press conference. According to his remark, Messi has a slight injury and he did not want to risk him. PSG's next league encounter is on Wednesday (September 22) against Metz. Will Lionel Messi start this match for PSG? The match preview of Metz vs. PSG is discussed in this article.
Probable Team Lineups: Metz vs. PSG
A good number of Metz players are injured, and three of them will miss the rest of the season. So, they are concerned about picking the best starting XI for this matchup.
Probable Playing XI (Metz): Alexandre Oukidja (GK), Kiki Kouyate, Dylan Bronn, Matthieu Udol, Fabien Centonze, Habib Maiga, Pape Sarr, Pape Ndiaga Yade, Lamine Gueye, Farid Boulaya, Ibrahima Niane
Read FC Barcelona: Four Potential Replacements for Ronald Koeman
Aside from Lionel Messi's knee issue, Paris-Saint-Germain have a long list of injuries to worry about. A number of PSG's key players were ruled out of the match against Metz due to injuries. The Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, regular captain Marquinhos, Brazilian Rafinha, Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Spanish left-back Juan Bernat all will miss this fixture. However, the absence of those players will not make PSG's team any weaker than their opponent. They have enough depth in their squad to deploy a solid starting lineup against Metz.
Probable Playing XI (PSG): Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Achraf Hakimi, Presnel Kimpembe, Thilo Kehrer, Nuno Mendes, Ander Herrera, Georginio Wijnaldum, Leandro Paredes, Ángel Di María, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar
Read Premier League 2021-2022: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool win their respective matches
Head-to-Head: Metz vs. PSG
Both teams have met 34 times in total, with PSG leading the head-to-head battle with 23 victories. On the other hand, Metz have only won six games and five have resulted in a draw.
All of Metz's victories over PSG have come in league matches, while PSG have won a league cup match in addition to 22 league matches.
PSG have won 13 games at Saint-Symphorien, with the remaining 10 triumphs coming at Parc des Princes.
Read FIFA sets talks with soccer leaders on biennial World Cup
Prediction: FC Metz vs. Paris-Saint Germain
Paris Saint-Germain are the clear favorite to win the league match against FC Metz on Wednesday (September 22). Metz will have a very slim chance in this match if PSG play to their full potential.
Mauricio Pochettino has a variety of attacking options at his disposal. He could go all-in against the home team. If not, he may choose to play it safe and try to finish the game as quickly as possible. If Messi plays, PSG's best option will be a 4-3-3 formation. However, if Messi is rested, PSG may opt for a 4-2-3-1 system with Neymar upfront.
Read Pele: First Brazilian football player to be dubbed as the greatest of all time
On the other hand, FC Metz can only hope to save this match. So, they may use a 5-3-2 formation to strengthen the defensive line. Metz's main goal would be to block PSG's attack and fight till the end for a glorious draw.
Prediction: Metz 1 – 4 PSG
Verdict
With or without Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain are the favorite in the Metz vs. PSG match. Because Metz are currently in the bottom position in the points table with three points from six games, while PSG are in the first position with a perfect record after six matches. They have enough strength in the squad to overcome Metz even if their best players are rested. Metz will be sorely tested at home in order to avoid a humiliating defeat. Things might become even worse for the host team if Lionel Messi does indeed play for PSG in this match.
Read Champions League 2021-2022: Results of the first round of the group stage
BFF announces preliminary squad for SAFF Championship 2021
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Wednesday announced a 26-member preliminary squad of Bangladesh National Football team for the SAFF Championship'2021 due to start in the Maldives on October 1.
In the five-nation South Asian regional football, Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka in one of the two opening day's matches on October 1. The match will start at 10: pm Bangladesh Time at the national stadium in the Maldives capital Male.
In the remaining matches, Bangladesh will play India on September 4 at 5pm, hosts Maldives on September 7 at 10 pm and Nepal on September 13 at 5pm - all at the National Stadium in Male
The highest ten players including Nigeria- born new Bangladesh citizen Eleta Kingsley were picked up from BPL champions Bashundhara Kings while five booters from Dhaka Abahani and four players from Saif SC included in the squad .
Read: BFF removes Jamie Day as national team head coach, Oscar steps in
Newly appointed interim head coach of Bangladesh national football team Oscar Bruzon announced a 26-member preliminary team today (Wednesday) dropping three players from previous national squad, including two expatriate booters.
Two expatriate booters --Rahbar Wahed Khan of Canada and Tahmid Islam of France -- who were included in the Jamie Day's squad for the Three-nation Cup in Kyrgyzstan, including promising custodian Mitul Marma , were not considered this time in Oscar Bruzon team.
Selected players are: Anisur Rahman (GK), Bishwanath Ghosh, Topu Barman, Tariq Raihan Kazi (DF), M Atiqur Rahman Fahad (MF) ,Biplo Ahmed, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, Mohammad Ibrahim, Eleta Kingsley, M Matin Miah (FW) (Bashundhara Kings),
Shahidul Alam Sohel (GK), Tutul Hossain Badsha (DF) , Sohel Rana, M Saaduddin (MF), Jewel Rana (FW) (Dhaka Abahani); M Rahmat Miah, Riyadul Hasan, Yeasin Arafat (DF), Jamal Bhuiyan (MF), (Saif SC);
Rakib Hosssin, Manik Hossain Mollah (MF), (Ctg Abahani); Rezaul Karim (DF) (Sheikh Jamal); Mohammad Atikuzzaman (DF) (Mohammedan SC)
; Ashraful Islam Rana (GK) (Sheikh Russel), Mehdi Hasan (DF) Muktijoddha SKC); and Sumon Reza (FW) (Uttar Baridhara).
FC Barcelona: Four Potential Replacements for Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman has been a disappointment since taking over as manager of FC Barcelona in August 2020. Koeman's tactical decisions and team analysis have been subpar. Barcelona won the Copa del Ray by defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in the final in his first season as manager, but they were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16 and finished third in La Liga 2020-2021 season. According to reports in Spain, Laporta is considering replacing Koeman with a manager who is familiar with Barcelona's style of play and can make better tactical decisions. Let's take a look at four possible Ronald Koeman replacements.
Four Probable Candidates to Replace Ronald Koeman at FC Barcelona
Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta opted to extend Koeman's contract for another season despite his unimpressive style of play. However, he has made little progress in terms of strategy, and Barcelona's recent results have been awful.
Moreover, Koeman has a terrible track record against big opponents. He only won one big game against Juventus in October 2020. Apart from that, he has lost two El Clasicos, yet to win against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, and failed to beat PSG in the 2021 Champions League round of 16. Bayern Munich beat Koeman's Barcelona 3-0 at Camp Nou in a group stage encounter of the 2021-2022 Champions League season.
Read: Lionel Messi is Leaving Barcelona Despite Wanting to Stay
Barcelona's hierarchy has become frustrated with Koeman's poor performance as a manager. According to reports, they are on the hunt for a suitable suitor for Koeman.
4) Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte is probably the big name available on the market. He stepped down as manager of Inter Milan after winning the Serie A last season. Conte has a proven track record in both the Italian and Premier Leagues. He is quite clear about what he expects from his team.
Conte has a distinct vision and playing style. He has the ability to bring out the best in his players and take the Barcelona team forward. Conte's approach may not be fully compatible with FC Barcelona's philosophy, but he can provide consistency within the group. Barcelona may consider him as a successor for Koeman if they are unable to persuade their other top targets.
Read: Messi breaks down, says he wasn’t ready to leave Barcelona
3) Erik ten Hag
Appointing Erik ten Hag would be a great replacement given his recent performances with Ajax. Erik ten Hag’s team has been in excellent form in European competition in the previous three seasons and his style of play is well suited to Barcelona's system.
What's more fascinating is that Ajax has stayed tough and attack-minded despite losing some well-known players. They play more aggressively and terrorize the opposing defense. However, Erik ten Hag must be convinced that he would get the best out of the present Barcelona squad after taking over as manager.
Read: Lionel Messi Contract: PSG Set to Sign Former Barcelona Forward
2) Xavi Hernandez
One of Barcelona's all-time great footballers Xavi Hernandez will surely take over as manager of FC Barcelona at some point in the future. However, is he ready to take up the post right now? Because he has yet to coach a European club and has been in charge of Qatar's Al Sadd since 2019.
Xavi is well-versed in Barcelona's culture and organizational structure. He might be an instant success at Camp Nou, or he could be a complete disaster. However, it will be a sensible decision to take a chance on club legend Xavi Hernandez.
Read Barcelona recalls right back Emerson from Betis loan
1) Roberto Martinez
Spanish manager Roberto Martinez coached three English teams before taking over as manager of Belgium's national team in 2016. He hasn't had much success as a manager, but he has done a good job both at the club level and with the national team.
Martinez is an experienced coach who has a clear vision. However, he needs to adapt his approach to Barcelona's style of play. Is he really the ideal coach for Barcelona at this time? Though recent speculations indicate that Roberto Martinez is the frontrunner to succeed Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.
Read: End of an era: Barcelona says Messi won’t stay with the club
Verdict
Xavi Hernandez might be a perfect fit considering his Barcelona connections. He knows more about the club than any of the possible suitors. Though Xavi has no managerial experience in European club football, which might be a big block in his path to becoming Barcelona's manager. Roberto Martinez may also be a good fit for Barcelona. However, it's uncertain whether he will be willing to take over as manager given the club's current position. Antonio Conte and Eric ten Hag are two well-known European managers that can offer stability to the Barcelona team. Whoever gets the job will have a huge task ahead of them to make things better.
Read Barcelona reaches deal with Ag ero to boost team s attack
AFC Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh to play Iran in last group match on Wednesday
Bangladesh National Women's Football team will play Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday in their last Group G match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 Qualifiers.
The match will kick-off at 4 pm Bangladesh Time at the Bunyodkor Football Stadium in Tashkent.
Bangladesh made a frustrating start in the three-team Group G of the AFC Cup after suffering a humiliating 0-5 goal defeat against stronger Jordan at the same venue last Sunday, featuring a hattrick by Jordan captain Maysha Ziad Jbarah.
Ahead of the match against Iran, Bangladesh team made their gym and activation session at the team hotel Tuesday morning from 11:30 to 12:30 pm and had their practice session at the training ground of the match venue in the afternoon from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
Earlier, BFF member and chairman of its women’s wing Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, now in Uzbekistan, announced a special award for Bangladesh team amounting to US $ 3,000 for win and US $ 1000 for a draw, but, Bangladesh are far away from achieving the target after conceding a huge defeat.
Read: AFC Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh lose 0-5 to Jordan
Only the group champions will qualify for the final round of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in India next year.
On way to Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Women's team played two FIFA Tier-1 Women's International Friendlies against Nepal National Women's team in Kathmandu recently as a part of their preparations for this month's AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.
In two preparatory matches in Kathmandu, visiting Bangladesh women’s team conceded 1-2 goal in the first match and played to a goalless draw in the 2nd match.
It is mentionable that Bangladesh national women's team returned to international football after more than two and half years with the matches since playing the semifinal of SAFF Championship with India in March 2019.
Premier League 2021-2022: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool win their respective matches
The Premier League 2021-2022 season is heating up. There were some intense battles on matchday 5. The biggest shock in this weekend's fixtures was the reigning English Premier League champion Manchester City's 0-0 draw at home against Southampton. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United all came out victorious in their respective games. Chelsea have climbed to the top of the Premier League standings after a convincing victory against London rival Tottenham Hotspur. The under-pressure Arsenal team clinched their second victory of the season against Burnley. Let's take a look at the results from this week's Premier League matches.
Results of the Matchday 5 in the Premier League 2021-2022 Season
Winners
Chelsea are the biggest winner in this week’s fixtures. Winning a London derby away from home is always special. Thomas Tuchel once again showed his brilliance as Chelsea manager by leading his team to a three-point victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea dominated Spurs for the entire game, eventually winning 3-0. Chelsea has now climbed to the top of the table with 13 points after this victory.
Brighton's performance has been impressive since the beginning of the season. They have only lost once in five games. They overcame a tough Leicester City team 2-1 at home on Sunday (September 19).
Read FIFA sets talks with soccer leaders on biennial World Cup
On Sunday, Manchester United defeated West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium in London. West Ham grabbed an early lead, but Ronaldo equalized in the 35th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in outstanding form since returning to Manchester United this season. Jesse Lingard clinched the victory for the Red Devils after a fantastic goal in the 89th minute. Manchester United have stayed in the top four thanks to this win.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 at Anfield to earn three crucial points. Liverpool moved up to the second spot with this victory.
Besides the matches mentioned above, Aston Villa's 3-0 win against Everton was crucial. Because they have climbed into the top ten in the points table. Arsenal won 1-0 against a weak Burnley team. This win gave Arsenal some breathing space after a dreadful start to the season. Mid-table club Watford also won a key away match against Norwich (3-1).
Read Pele: First Brazilian football player to be dubbed as the greatest of all time
Losers
Tottenham were the biggest loser in this week's fixtures. Their 3-0 loss against Chelsea will have a significant impact on their mindset. Spurs must find a way to make their team even more dynamic in order to remain competitive in the league.
Another surprising outcome this week was Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Southampton. Southampton were well-organized throughout the game, which frustrated Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side has to be more consistent to defend the Premier League title.
Everton's 3-0 loss to Aston Villa and Leicester City's 2-1 loss to Brighton were both disappointing. Everton did not expect to lose by such a large margin.
Read Champions League 2021-2022: Results of the first round of the group stage
West Ham United had a real chance to draw the game against Manchester United, but David De Gea saved Nobel's penalty in the final minute and secured a victory for Man Utd. From West Ham's perspective, it was a disappointing performance.
Both Norwich City and Wolves lost their comparatively straightforward home matches. In order to avoid relegation, they needed to win these games. Newcastle United and Leeds United drew 1-1. Both sides should be pleased with their outcomes given their current strengths.
Bottom Line
It's too early to predict who will win the Premier League 2021-2022. Because there are still 33 matchdays left in the season. However, Chelsea might be considered the Premier League's hot favorite this season based on their recent performances. Manchester City may struggle in the second half of the season because they rely heavily on their attacking midfielders and need a proper no.9 striker. Liverpool and Manchester United will battle it out for the Premier League title until the end. Overall, we can anticipate an exciting Premier League title race between these four teams.
Read Lionel Messi’s Charity Work: Exemplary philanthropy of legendary Argentine Footballer
FIFA sets talks with soccer leaders on biennial World Cup
FIFA will finally start speaking to soccer clubs, leagues and players’ unions this month in the latest steps announced Monday in its push to organize a men's World Cup every two years.
All 211 member federations have also been invited to online talks on Sept. 30 as part of consulting on the future of national team soccer, including a biennial men’s World Cup.
FIFA first sought approval this month from retired players, including World Cup winners who went to Qatar for a two-day conference, and commissioned surveys of fans in selected countries.
That process was criticized as flawed by FIFPRO, the global union for active players, which is now set to get a meeting with FIFA.
Also read: FIFA Eying to Organize World Cup Every Two Years
A “new phase of consultation” will start with organizations representing players, clubs, leagues and the six continental governing bodies, FIFA said Monday in a statement.
European soccer body UEFA has warned it could boycott if the World Cup moves from its historic four-year cycle, and South American counterpart CONMEBOL is also opposed. Their members dominate World Cups on the field but combine for fewer than one-third of the 211 federations who vote.
FIFA argues biennial World Cups will give more players and teams the chance to compete in meaningful games, improve talent globally and raise more money to fuel development programs.
Opposition has focused on diluting the World Cup’s appeal, distorting the balance between domestic and international soccer and overloading players in a crowded schedule. The prestige of UEFA’s European Championship and CONMEBOL’s Copa America also risk being hit by playing more World Cups.
Also read: Argentina to Face Brazil in FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers
The World Cup debate has overshadowed an ongoing review of the FIFA-managed International Match Calendars which mandate when clubs must release players to national teams.
The men’s calendar expires in 2024 and there is broad agreement the current system is outdated. It requires players to travel for matches in separate windows at least four times during each domestic season.
FIFA has proposed streamlining the calendar with smaller tournament qualifying groups, potentially playing all matches in a single block in October.
The women’s calendar expires in 2023, when their next World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Women’s soccer could be crowded out by clashes forced by having more men’s World Cups, the German soccer federation said last week.
FIFA’s proposed changes are being led by Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal coach who is now global development director for world soccer. He has suggested decisions could be made by December.