أعلن الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، بشكل رسمي، عن تغيير مجسم كأس دوري أبطال إفريقيا في الموسم الحالي 2024-2025، لتنتهي حقبة 17 سنة بالكأس القديمة.
وكان الاتحاد الإفريقي قد اعتمد شكل مجسم دوري أبطال إفريقيا في عام 2007، ليستمر حتى عام 2024، ومن المقرر أن يتوج بالكأس الجديد في عام 2025، أحد الفريقين المتنافسين على اللقب للموسم الحالي، بيراميدز وصن داونز الجنوب إفريقي.
ويعد النادي الأهلي صاحب الـ 12 لقبا، هو أكثر الأندية المتوجة بنسخة كأس دوري أبطال إفريقيا الأخيرة، إذا رفع الكأس في 7 مرات.
وكان نادي النجم الساحلي التونسي هو أول الأندية التي تفوز بالنسخة الجديدة في ذلك الوقت عام 2007 بالفوز على الأهلي بالمباراة النهائية 3-1.
طالع | كاف يوضح سبب تغيير شكل كأس دوري أبطال إفريقيا
ويأتي النادي الأهلي، هو آخر فريق حصد اللقب في النسخة الأخيرة للكأس من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد حصد اللقب الـ 12 على حساب الترجي التونسي.
– توج النادي الأهلي، بالنسخة السابقة من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في أعوام 2008 و2012 و2013 و2020 و2021 و2023 و2024.
– يأتي أندية الترجي التونسي ومازيمبي الكونغولي في المركز الثاني بالتتويج بالنسخة السابقة بـ 3 مرات.
إذ توج الترجي التونسي في أعوام 2011 و2018 و 2019، ومازيمبي حصد اللقب في أعوام 2009 و2010 و2015.
– ثالث الأندية حصدًا للقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا بشكله السابق، الوداد المغربي، حيث حصد البطولة في أعوام 2017 و2022.
– أندية وفاق سطيف الجزائري والنجم الساحلي التونسي وصن داونز الجنوب إفريقي، حصدا اللقب بالشكل السابق مرة واحدة.
وتوج وفاق سطيف باللقب في عام 2014، والنجم الساحلي 2007، وصن داونز الجنوب إفريقي في عام 2016.
An influential Newcastle United player could miss his side’s huge Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal through injury.
Newcastle preparing for Gunners after quiet window
The Magpies face one of their biggest matches of the season on Wednesday evening, as they take on the Gunners at St James’ Park in the second leg of their semi-final tie. Eddie Howe’s side secured a priceless 2-0 victory in the first leg, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, leaving Newcastle dreaming of their first domestic piece of silverware in decades.
The Magpies go into the midweek showdown on a worrying run of form, however, having lost their last two matches at home in the Premier League. They were defeated 2-1 by Fulham last weekend, and prior to that Bournemouth romped to a 4-1 victory at St James’.
As for Arsenal, they are purring after thrashing Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, so Howe will be well aware that this will be a massive challenge for his team. Now, a worrying injury update has emerged leading up to the game.
Newcastle handed pre-Arsenal injury scare
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie was the first to report Joelinton is an injury doubt for Newcastle’s visit of Arsenal on Wednesday, with the Brazilian nursing a knee issue picked up in the defeat to Fulham.
Not having Joelinton for the game would be a major setback for the Magpies, considering the 28-year-old is such a dominant force in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, but while Howe has confirmed there is concern in his pre-match press conference he did drop nine promising words for fans.
The Newcastle hero is also thought of extremely highly by his Newcastle teammates, with Downie revealing as much earlier this season, saying: “He’s running that midfield. You speak to any player, I was up speaking to Joe Willock today and he just started talking about how good he is.
“Callum Wilson, I heard him on his podcast the other week, saying the exact same thing. Sean Longstaff did an interview after the Manchester United draw. And he said, ‘Look, he gets to he gets a lot of stick. He is the best player in training every day’.”
Should the £150,000-a-week Joelinton miss out, Newcastle cannot let it affect them, however, as they look to avoid an Arsenal comeback and an elimination that would be an almighty blow for the whole club.
In his absence, Joe Willock arguably looks the most likely player to take his colleague’s place in Howe’s starting lineup, but Sean Longstaff is also an option, should the manager want a more defence-minded player accompanying Bruno and Tonali.
Premier League Table: Latest EPL standings for 2024/25 season
Stay up to date with the English Premier League standings after matchday 33.
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025
A huge night is in store for anyone of a Newcastle persuasion, and if they can make it to the final next month, one of the biggest occasions in the club’s history awaits.
The Test captain replaces Aaron Finch as the leader of the ODI team ahead of next year’s World Cup, but there could be multiple leaders used when Cummins is rested
Alex Malcolm and Andrew McGlashan17-Oct-2022
Pat Cummins is now Australia men’s captain in two formats•AFP
Pat Cummins has been named Australia’s new men’s ODI captain, replacing Aaron Finch who stepped down last month, but he is set to be supported by a wider leadership group rather than a traditional vice-captain.Cummins, who is also the Test captain, will now lead in two formats although it is unlikely he will play every ODI in the lead-in to the 2023 World Cup given his workload.”I have thoroughly enjoyed playing under Finchy and have learnt an enormous amount from his leadership,” Cummins said on Tuesday. “They are significant shoes to fill although we are extremely fortunate to have a one-day squad with a huge amount of experience.”There were a number of candidates to take over from Finch, including current vice-captain Alex Carey who stepped in as ODI captain last year on the West Indies tour when Finch was injured. There was also talk David Warner could return to the role if his leadership ban was overturned. Mitchell Marsh was also sounded out for the role but opted to remain in the ranks.Finch’s retirement, and the current composition of both the ODI and T20I teams, meant CA was limited in the number of options who could captain in both white-ball formats. CA had a preference to have just two national captains rather than three. As a result the option of having Cummins captain both the Test and ODI side while Finch continues to lead the T20I side was viewed as the best option. It is also set to be a campaign-focused appointment for the World Cup rather than a multi-year term.Cummins has regularly been rested from the ODI team in recent times including the last two series that Australia played against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in August and September.Related
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Chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed that Cummins’ appointment was a “no brainer” but noted that he will likely be supported by a number of leaders underneath rather than one vice-captain, with multiple players possibly leading the team in different games when Cummins is rested.”We’ve got 14 games until that World Cup, and we think Pat’s the perfect person to lead this group,” Bailey said.”I think we’ve been really clear, not just with Pat but all our multi-format players that we will continue to manage them as best we can, across all formats. [We’re] very clear on prioritizing key series. And I also think that we’ve got a number of players within the group who can assume the leadership should they need to. I don’t expect Pat to play every one-day game in the lead-up to the World Cup. And so I expect that we might see two or three guys taking leadership for a game at some stage.”In our one-day team, we do feel like we’ve got some strong leaders, some really experienced members of the team, and some developing leaders. So regardless of Pat being there, I think we are moving away from this concept of a captain taking over and their leadership being all-encompassing.”Australia’s next ODI cricket is in late November with a three-match series against England. If Australia reach the T20 World Cup final there will be just a three-day turnaround to the opening game in Adelaide and with the Test summer starting shortly after, which begins a run of up to 15 Tests in eight months, that is the type of series Cummins could yet sit out.After the England matches, Australia’s next ODIs are not until late March with series against India and Afghanistan.Cummins said he was comfortable stepping aside from certain series given the leadership in the group.”Just because you’re captain it doesn’t mean you have to play every single one of these ODIs,” Cummins said. “We’ve still got potentially 15 Test matches before the next World Cup so I think the confidence looking around the group knowing we’ve got lots of strong leaders there that even if I’m captain and I’m not there I don’t have to worry about at all.”There remains a possibility that Warner could be one of options to step in for Cummins when needed in the future with the chances of his leadership ban being overturned becoming more likely after the CA board proposed a change in their code of conduct.”I welcome Cricket Australia’s review into the code of conduct,” Bailey said. “I think that’s excellent. What I do hope is that happens in a really timely manner. Again, I think the longer that drags out, it just leads to speculation. I don’t think that’s helpful. And certainly, I don’t think it’s helpful for Davey.”
Junior Firpo is dreaming of seeing Neymar at Leeds United but, with a £100m ($134m) spend being speculated on, could a Premier League deal happen?
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Whites heading back to the big timeReady to splash the cash this summerBrazilian superstar currently at SantosFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Whites are readying themselves for a return to the big time in 2025-26. Automatic promotion out of the Championship has been confirmed, with Daniel Farke seeing his side bounce back from the disappointment of play-off final heartache last season.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Firpo has been a key performer for Leeds, with the ex-Barcelona full-back seeing his experience put to good use. He is hoping to be joined by more household names at Elland Road in the not too distant future.
WHAT JUNIOR FIRPO SAID
Firpo, who left Camp Nou for West Yorkshire in 2021 when Leeds were a Premier League side, has told when asked who he would bring in if money were no object: “If I could, I would sign Neymar for Leeds.”
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Brazilian superstar Neymar is currently back in his homeland with Santos. He has been nursing more injury problems there, at 33 years of age, but is determined to grace the 2026 World Cup and may take on another challenge at club level before reaching those finals.
Heading into the final 48 hours of the window, Chelsea have been sitting ducks up to now in the transfer market, waiting for their opportunity to strike.
Enzo Maresca’s side have suffered a poor drop-off in form in recent weeks, and fans are now expecting their goal-scoring issues to be addressed in this window, either adding a direct left-winger or a box dominant centre-forward to the squad.
Any additions could also see some departures, with João Félix and Christopher Nkunku both potentially facing the exit door having played understudy to Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson so far this campaign.
Chelsea monitoring new striker
According to reports from The Telegraph, Chelsea are “making checks” on Sporting striker, Viktor Gyokeres, along with a list of other players including Ipswich’s Liam Delap, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Chelsea’s only natural senior centre-forward is Jackson, with Nkunku playing as a deputy striker so far this season despite preferring to play as a number ten, and Marc Guiu, who is just 18-years-old, getting the odd chance to prove himself in Conference League games too.
Gyokeres has made 33 appearances for Sporting so far this season, scoring 34 goals and, providing seven assists, proving himself to be “the hottest striker in Europe”.
How Viktor Gyokeres compares to Evan Ferguson
Ferguson has been linked with a big move away from Brighton since breaking through in the 2022/23 season, where he scored six Premier League goals in 19 appearances, aged 17.
Michael Owen
1998
25
126
Robbie Fowler
1994
22
140
Nicolas Anelka
1998
12
221
Francis Jeffers
1999
12
172
Wayne Rooney
2005
11
175
Evan Ferguson
2023
11
143
Fast-forward to now, the 20-year-old has suffered from some injury issues, playing just 390 minutes this season, scoring one goal.
When comparing Gyokeres to Ferguson, the metrics are night and day. Gyokeres is already the finished article, creating for himself and others, providing instant output and still being effective in all phases, dropping to help link play and running the channels.
Goals
1.23
0.67
Assists
0.26
0.20
xG
0.70
0.50
Progressive Carries
4.38
1.04
Progressive Passes
1.88
1.32
Shots Total
4.40
3.09
Goals/Shot
0.20
0.22
Key Passes
2.66
1.04
Shot-Creating Actions
4.06
2.08
Aerial Duels Won
0.63
0.85
Ferguson has shown he can be a clinical finisher, averaging 0.22 goals/shot in the 2022/23 season, and winning more aerial duels with 0.85 per 90 in that term. Whilst the Irishman has plenty of potential as a box-dominant striker, Gyokeres offers an instant solution, whereas the Brighton ace remains a slightly unknown quantity due to his injury problems over the past few seasons.
Brighton & Hove Albion'sEvanFergusonlooks dejected after Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha scores their second goal.
Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez, has labelled Gyokeres “one of the best signings in Europe” signings in Europe, joining Sporting from Coventry in 2023 for around £20m. The Sweden international has gone on to score 77 goals in 83 appearances, providing 22 assists.
Thus, Chelsea would be getting an elite finisher in the Sweden international, someone who has a track record of scoring at an incredibly high rate, which could be the difference between the Blues getting three points in some games, instead of one. The extra physicality would also help in regards to creation, allowing wingers to cross with more of a target than Jackson in the box.
Chelsea must axe "ridiculous" star who's worth millions more than Ferguson
Liverpool are pushing toward the Premier League title. It’s far from over, but the Reds have a seven-point lead on Arsenal in second and are showing little sign of suffering the total collapse that would be required for something so significant.
And with the summer, comes the unknown. Arne Slot has worked wonders in reshaping Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to his own design, willing it into a new and more controlled version. However, it’s a plain truth that he is also thriving through the brilliance of Mohamed Salah, the leadership of Virgil van Dijk, the matchless creativity of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
All three of these Anfield heavyweights could be plying their art elsewhere by the start of the 2025/26 season, for they are all entering the final few months of their contracts.
However, they aren’t the only Redmen touted for a summer move. One or two further first-team members could be sold – and for a pretty penny at that.
The player(s) Liverpool could sell in 2025
The coming summer will be one of investment, but that’s not to say that Liverpool won’t be open to cashing in on a superstar, should there be just cause.
Darwin Nunez, for example, is the roadblock between a free-scoring number nine and a fourth season of imbalanced output from an admittedly brilliant frontline. There was recent intrigue in the 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool for a fee rising to £85m in 2022, but FSG could not abide the loss of such an important member of the make-up at the season’s midpoint with it all on the line.
Darwin Nunez celebrates for Liverpool
It’s understood that Saudi interest in Nunez was genuine this winter and that offers were even been prepared to exceed €75m (£62m). This would present Liverpool with a significant cash influx for a player who has never really lived up to the club-record price tag.
With Luis Diaz playing so much of the campaign as a patchwork centre-forward, it does feel like Slot and co are gearing up to part ways with Nunez. This is a shame.
Diaz, by the by, has also been linked with a transfer to the Gulf of late, with Barcelona also interested for a while now, and Liverpool would look to claim a whopping £67m fee for the Colombian’s sale.
However, Liverpool aren’t likely to be eclipsing their record transfer sale. Why don’t we take a moment to revisit the departure of Philippe Coutinho, a crushing blow at the time but, well, the spark for illustrious heights, in the end.
Why Liverpool sold Phil Coutinho
There was a time when Coutinho was the shining light in Liverpool’s team, one whose magic skills on the ball guided the club through dark post-Suarez days and into the Klopp era.
He shepherded Anfield’s lost denizens into a new beginning, with his ultimate moment that of his sale, leaving for a jaw-dropping £142m fee, enabling funds to be directed back into the market. Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were the targets. They’ve done alright.
Liverpool actually signed Coutinho for a small sum, purchasing the little Brazilian from Inter Milan for £8.5m in January 2013. He played 201 times for the Reds and notched 97 goal contributions.
Liverpool remains the team that he has played the most football for and by some distance at that (Barcelona are second, having used Coutinho 106 times).
Philippe Coutinho: PL Stats 17/18
Match Stats*
#
Matches (starts)
14 (13)
Goals
7
Assists
6
Shots (on target)*
3.9 (1.2)
Pass completion
79%
Key passes*
2.9
Dribbles*
2.8
Tackles*
1.2
Duels won*
5.6
Stats via Sofascore (* = per game)
Coutinho led a lengthy career on Merseyside, but it was the final six months of his stay that proved the most fruitful on the field. Of course, this may be because in August 2017 Coutinho handed in an official transfer request after Barcelona had a bid rebuffed.
When Liverpool doubled down on their stance, he remained a committed part of the project, not exactly frogmarched out onto the pitch, but Coutinho no doubt knew that La Blaugrana intrigue would persist and that he had to prove himself worthy of a place at Camp Nou.
Philippe Coutinho scores for Liverpool
In the end, as stated already, this mattered little to Klopp’s grand plans. Or rather, it mattered greatly but proved to be a watershed moment for a team that had rediscovered its identity and needed a sprinkling of quality across defensive positions to ascend to the next level.
Steven Gerrard once hailed Coutinho as a “world-class player” and it’s clear to see why. However, the South American’s determination to leave for pastures new in Spain may stand as a cautionary tale for those who wish to make such a move.
Coutinho’s never quite been the same, albeit winning hordes of silverware in Spain and out on loan with Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League.
Liverpool cashed in at the perfect time, banking an absurd sum for a talented player, one that actually stands as a 1570% increase from that one-time package that was paid to Inter.
Philippe Coutinho signs for Barcelona
Football is built on variables, and had Coutinho decided to remain as the playmaking centre-point of Klopp’s system, things might have been so different for a side that went on to conquer the biggest prizes that Europe has to offer.
Harking back to the likes of Nunez, you can see why FSG might be tempted to cash in for big bucks once again on a coveted forward, with Michael Edwards’ track record in the market hardly something that leaves a lot to be desired.
Market Movers
In any case, given that Liverpool signed the attacking midfielder for a smart fee, enjoyed the finest football of his career and sent him off to La Liga for £142m, he can only go down as a comprehensive success.
He's outperforming Diaz: Liverpool will rue selling "world-class" star
Liverpool may be looking to invest in a new wideman in the coming transfer windows.
Dhaka Metropolis earn a promotion to tier 1 for the next season, while Chattogram Division slide to tier 2
Mohammad Isam17-Nov-2022Rangpur Division lifted their second NCL title after beating Sylhet Division by five wickets in the last round in Bogra. They wrapped up the win on the third morning of the game, after being set a target of 88 in the fourth innings of a low-scoring game. Rangpur last tasted NCL success in the 2014-15 season.Chattogram Division were at the other end of the tier 1 points table despite their 27-run win over Dhaka Division. They will be relegated to tier 2 in the next season.Dhaka Metropolis, meanwhile, earned a promotion to tier 1 after their seven-wicket win over Barishal Division.Best batters Zakir Hasan, Sylhet’s captain and wicketkeeper, was the tournament’s highest run-getter with 442 runs that included a maiden double-hundred. Veteran Jahurul Islam and Towfiq Khan were the second and third highest scorers respectively, while newcomer Abdullah Al Mamun was adjudged Player of the Tournament for his 326 runs and 11 wickets for Rangpur.Rajshahi’s Tanzid Hasan was the only batter to score more than one century in the competition. He finished the NCL with an unbeaten 126 against Rajshahi in the last round. Imrul Kayes was the other batter to score a hundred in this round.Best bowlers Sumon Khan of Dhaka was the highest wicket-taker this season, with 33 scalps at an average of 11.15. This is the lowest bowling average for any fast bowler who has taken a minimum of 30 wickets in a season in the tournament’s history.Sumon finished up with a seven-wicket match haul against Chattogram. His new-ball partner Salauddin Sakil also took 27 wickets, while Rajshahi’s Nahid Rana, who took a five-for against Khulna in the final round, was the second-highest wicket-taker with 32 victims.There were many left-arm spinners among the top wicket-takers but the fast bowlers vindicated the BCB’s decision of introducing the Dukes ball in the NCL, by bowling aggressively for most of the competition.Sumon Khan finished as the leading wicket-taker in the NCL•BCBBest match The Rangpur-Sylhet game would have decided the NCL title although Rangpur had a healthy lead going into the last round.Rangpur bowled out Sylhet for just 107 in the first innings with Shohel Rana taking three wickets. Musfik Hasan, Robiul Haque and Mamun took two wickets each.Rangpur took a first-innings lead of 81 despite Ebadot Hossain’s five-wicket haul. However, Sylhet once again struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 168 in their second innings. Rangpur needed only 89 to win the match, and the title. They knocked off those runs in just 23.3 overs despite losing five wickets.Points to ponder Rangpur made a slow start but finished the tournament with four wins. Sylhet and Dhaka had the title in sight till the fourth round but floundered in their last two games. In tier 2, the plight of Rajshahi Division and Khulna Division is concerning as both are giants in the first-class circuit. Both sides will continue in tier 2 in the next season as well.Players to watch Among the newcomers, the Rangpur duo of Musfik and Mamun was impressive, while Zakir and Sumon got the most runs and most wickets respectively. What would also please the Bangladesh team management was Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring 73 against Dhaka, while Ebadot taking 5 for 38 against Rangpur. Both are expected to play an important role during Bangladesh’s home series against India next month.
Manchester City and Newcastle United are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium at 3pm on Saturday, with the two sides returning to Premier League action after both prevailing in the FA Cup fourth round.
Heading into the match, City and Newcastle are level on points and goal difference, with the hosts sitting one place higher in fifth courtesy of goals scored.
Both sides will be hoping to continue their push for the top four, and there could be an opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea if results go their way.
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1 ByRoss Kilvington Feb 10, 2025 Man City vs Newcastle team news
ManchesterCity's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal
Man City
City’s season went on a significant downward spiral following Rodri’s ACL injury, and the midfielder remains sidelined, with the target remaining for him to recover by the end of the season.
Manuel Akanji is also facing a spell out after surgery, whereas Jack Grealish and Nico Gonzalez appear to be 50/50.
Newcastle
Newcastle also have their fair share of injury concerns, with Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles not expected to return until next month, while Harvey Barnes is a little behind schedule in his return from a thigh injury.
Anthony Gordon was not part of the squad that secured a 3-2 victory against Birmingham City last time out, with the winger suffering a thigh issue but is expected to feature at the Etihad. Dan Burn has also recovered from a groin strain, however, fellow defender Sven Botman will be out.
Where to watch Man City vs Newcastle on TV
Manchester City v West Ham United -EtihadStadium
As the fixture is a Saturday 3pm kick-off, it is not available on TV in the United Kingdom.
However, viewers in Canada can watch on fuboTV, while in the USA the game can be followed on Peacock.
Man City vs Newcastle referee & VAR
The referee appointed for the game is Andy Madley, who will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor. Tim Robinson has been selected as the fourth official and on VAR is John Brooks, assisted by Lee Betts.
As can be seen, both clubs win more than they lose with Madley in charge, with the ref yet to give a penalty against Man City in 12 games.
Games
12
13
Record
8W, 2D, 2L
6W, 5D, 2L
Cards received
14 Yellow, 0 Red
30 Yellow, 2 Red
Cards to opponents
21 Yellow, 1 Red
31 Yellow, 2 Red
Penalties for/against
1/0
4/2
Man City vs Newcastle form Man City
ManchesterCity's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates
The Sky Blues’ form has picked up somewhat since the turn of the year, managing to keep themselves in the hunt for the Champions League places with victories over the likes of West Ham United, Chelsea and Ipswich Town.
However, the 5-1 defeat against Arsenal in their last Premier League outing is likely to be a cause of concern for Pep Guardiola, with his side once again looking extremely poor from a defensive standpoint.
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
Tue 11th Feb
Real Madrid (h)
Champions League
L 2-3
Sat 8th Feb
Leyton Orient (a)
FA Cup
W 1-2
Sun 2nd Feb
Arsenal (a)
Premier League
L 5-1
Wed 29th Jan
Club Brugge (h)
Champions League
W 3-1
Sat 25th Jan
Chelsea (h)
Premier League
W 3-1
Newcastle
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match
There are plenty of things to be excited about at St. James’ Park, however, with the Magpies booking their place at Wembley with a 2-0 victory in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal last week.
Eddie Howe’s side progressed to the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-2 win against Birmingham City last time out, and they have picked up the fourth-highest number of points in the Premier League over the last 10 games.
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
Sat 8th Feb
Birmingham (a)
FA Cup
W 2-3
Wed 5th Feb
Arsenal (h)
EFL Cup
W 2-0
Sat 1st Feb
Fulham (h)
Premier League
L 1-2
Sat 25th Jan
Southampton (a)
Premier League
W 1-3
Sat 18th Jan
Bournemouth (h)
Premier League
L 1-4
Man City vs Newcastle head-to-head
Given their rise since the Sheikh Mansour takeover in 2008, City now have a positive record against Newcastle, and they are undefeated in their last 11 Premier League encounters against Saturday’s visitors, winning eight times.
Guardiola’s side were unable to prevail in the reverse fixture earlier this season, however, with the two sides having to settle for a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park back in September.
Celtic are now eyeing up a very late swoop to sign a new star for Brendan Rodgers as they look to remain active in the transfer window right up until the deadline, according to a fresh report.
Celtic win again
A 3-1 win over Motherwell continued Celtic’s impressive Scottish Premiership campaign to date, keeping them 10 points ahead of Glasgow rivals Rangers with a game in hand on their title rivals.
They also qualified for the qualifying round of the Champions League despite a final-day loss to Aston Villa, and have been drawn against German giants Bayern Munich as they look to book a spot in the knockout stages.
Dream Kvistgaarden alternative today: Celtic could sign "brilliant" £8m ace
Celtic could land dream alternative to Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this player on deadline day.
ByDan Emery Feb 3, 2025
After their latest SPL win, Rodgers admitted that his side expected to be active on transfer deadline day as they looked to replace Kyogo, who departed for Marseille earlier in the month, with the Celtic boss adding that a loan move appeared likely amid links to Kelechi Iheanacho.
“I would think so. I think that to get the one that we would want for that longer term, if it’s not there, then I don’t want to just bring in anyone just for the sake of it. I’ll always look from within”, he revealed.
“We play so many games. And how we want to play takes a lot of work, a lot of intense work. My feeling was always once Kyogo was gone, was to have someone else come in. So that’s the plan. And hopefully that can be the case, and we execute that by Monday night.”
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“I don’t expect it to be hectic, but I would hope that we could come out of this window stronger. And that’s always been the plan.”
But now it appears a striker is not the only position that could be targeted on deadline day, with a fresh report claiming the Bhoys are exploring a shock permanent move for a player who would fall firmly in the ‘one for the future’ category.
Celtic eyeing move for Motherwell ace
Now, as per a report in The Scottish Sun, Celtic are weighing up a late move to sign Lennon Miller from Motherwell in the final hours of the transfer window.
Still just 18 years old, Miller has been a mainstay in Motherwell’s midfield this season when fit, grabbing two goals and six assists, though he has not featured since December through injury after fracturing his ankle.
A Scotland U21 international, he was hailed as a player with “unbelievable talent” by former Rangers and Scotland man Barry Ferguson 12 months ago.
However, it is the Hoops who could look to strike a deal for him, with the report claiming that having had one offer rejected already this month, Celtic “are now weighing up an improved offer for the talented midfielder ahead of Monday night’s deadline.”
He won’t come cheap though, with Motherwell thought to be demanding well in excess of £4m to make a deal happen this late in the transfer window for their skipper. Miller remains under contract until 2026 as things stand, meaning that Motherwell will not be forced into a sale unless a bid meets their valuation.
Is it one that Celtic could get over the line in the final hours of the window?
Pep Guardiola says it will be "almost impossible" to replace Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City but stopped short of calling for a U-turn on his exit.
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Article continues below
De Bruyne set to leave Man City
"Almost impossible" to replace him
Guardiola addresses chances of exit U-turn
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Belgian international announced that this season at City would be his last and that he would run down his contract this summer, something he was not entirely happy with. Some fans have hoped that his recent upturn in performances, including the winner against Wolves on Friday, would make the club change their minds. And while manager Guardiola talked up the 33-year-old, it seems a new deal will not be in the offing.
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WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
He said about De Bruyne on Sky Sports: "Just thank you. His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers and today the goal again. I'm happy that it is finishing that way, and we have one more game in the Etihad."
On whether his stay could be extended, he replied: "I want the best for Kevin so it cannot be possible to have done these many years without him. He has been an incredible player but the situation is what it is. It's almost impossible to replace this kind of player. It is not just the performance, it is what he means to the heart for our fans for many, many years. The success we have belongs to the players."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
De Bruyne will go down as City's greatest-ever player and will make it into many all-time Premier League XI's because of what he's done at City over the past decade. But time waits for no man, with the ex-Chelsea player increasingly struggling with injuries, and his consistency is, arguably, not what it was. He is on a huge salary, and as a result, there will be a parting of the ways but there could be one last hurrah this term via the FA Cup.
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WHAT NEXT?
De Bruyne's next City game could be away to already relegated Southampton next Saturday in the Premier League.