This weekend’s fixtures are as much about the past as the present and Huddersfield against Cardiff is the most evocative of the lotThe haiku is generally considered the shortest form of poem in the world. Related: Sergio Agüero embraces defending to erase Pep Guardiola’s doubts | Jonathan Wilson Related: Premier League managers should forget the mythical 40-point mark Continue reading...
Chelsea and Arsenal promise goals and flaws, Fulham must tighten up and will sparks fly between Benítez and Warnock?Friday football countdown: latest news and more – live!With two teams in flux, Chelsea’s derby with Arsenal is a meeting that promises goals. Both sides are vulnerable in defence and dangerous in attack. Although beaten comfortably in the end, Huddersfield exposed Chelsea’s weakness to attacks down the wings last week and Arsenal may aim to do likewise, while David Luiz, in particular, will likely struggle to keep up with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the middle. But Chelsea’s midfield thrusters – who could include Eden Hazard from the start as well as N’Golo Kanté in all-new Roving Mode – could wreak havoc at the...
Manchester United and Leicester under pressure to start well, Emery’s formidable opening task, heightened ambitions for Brighton and Wolves Related: Summer transfer window verdict: how every Premier League club fared Related: Transfer window 2018 – every summer deal from Europe's top five leagues Related: The big Premier League preview – Football Weekly Extra Continue reading...
Wanderers return to the Premier League has been built on a sprinkling of exceptional talent, an inspiring manager and a strong squad ethic – plus a little help from Jorge MendesWolverhampton Wanderers are back in the big time and, really, the only surprise is that it has taken this long to get here. For the past two years, Wolves have explicitly worked towards promotion and the end product on the pitch is a team decorated with a handful of luxuries, one that will prove a welcome addition to the top flight. However, moans and groans concerning their relationship with the super-agent Jorge Mendes have not only become tiresome but linger like a bad smell. For Wolves, it is only the...
With a win in Friday’s Championship clash all but guaranteeing a top-flight place, it’s worth considering how much reaching the Premier League means to every employee at a clubWe’ve been wowed by the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo and blown away by Liverpool’s performance against Manchester City but this week’s crucial games aren’t over yet. The Champions League quarter‑finals may be only at half-time but in the Championship there is a match that is about more than a trophy because it has the potential to change the lives of the players, backroom staff, the kitman and even the tea lady.Cardiff v Wolves on Friday night is a huge game, where the victor is all but guaranteed a place at the top...