Manchester United moved up to ninth in the Premier League table and within two points of the Champions League places with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Red Devils claimed all three points at Anfield for the first time since January 2016 after a late header from Harry Maguire sealed the victory for the away side.

Bruno Fernandes volleyed a brilliant ball to the back stick for the England international to nod the ball back the other way into the far corner, just six minutes after Cody Gakpo’s equaliser.

Whilst it was Maguire who scored the winning goal, United had Senne Lammens to thank for the three points because of his performance in goal.

Why Senne Lammens won Man Utd the game against Liverpool

United have had their fair share of troubles with goalkeepers in recent seasons. Altay Bayindir conceded 0.84 more than expected and made one error that led to a goal in the first six matches of the Premier League season, per Sofascore.

Lammens, however, has come in from Royal Antwerp and looks to be a safe pair of hands. After a clean sheet against Sunderland, the Belgian giant made four saves and prevented 1.25 goals, per Sofascore, against Liverpool.

The pick of the saves came in the first half when he prevented British-record signing Alexander Isak from scoring by smartly sticking a foot out to keep the shot out of his net.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Without his shot-stopping and calmness behind the defence, Man United may have only come away from Anfield with a point, or none, given how poorly Altay performed at the start of the season.

Whilst Lammens was a shining light in goal and should be considered undroppable, Mason Mount should be ditched from the starting XI by Ruben Amorim.

Why Man Utd should drop Mason Mount

The England international, who scored against Sunderland before the break, started as part of a fluid front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with Benjamin Sesko dropped to the bench.

It was a tactic that worked, to a point, as the movement across the front confused the Liverpool defence and created some promising moments, including Mbeumo’s goal.

Mount’s individual performance, though, suggests that the £66.4m signing from RB Leipzig should be brought back in to lead the line against Brighton next weekend.

Vs Liverpool	Mason Mount	Benjamin Sesko
Minutes	61	29
Shots	2	1
Big chances missed	1	0
Touches	19	19
Pass accuracy	58%	62%
Key passes	0	1
Big chances created	0	0
Successful dribbles	0	1
Duels won	1/3	4/6
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Sesko created more chances, completed more dribbles, and won four times as many duels, in roughly half as much time on the pitch.

The Slovenia international, who has scored two Premier League goals this season, offers a physical presence at the top end of the pitch that allows Mbeumo and Cunha to play off him, which they did not have when Mount and Cunha were rotating in the number nine role.

Mount played the role that was asked of him by Amorim and provided energy in the win over Liverpool, but his end product in and out possession was simply not good enough, as he had even fewer touches of the ball (19) than Lammens in goal (55), per Sofascore.

This is why the head coach should ruthlessly drop him from the starting XI in order to bring Sesko back in to lead the line against Brighton next time out, as the former Leipzig man is a natural number nine who can offer a greater threat in front of goal.

Forget Mainoo: Amorim has the next Pogba in "generational" Man Utd talent

Manchester United appear to have another elite-level star already within Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 18, 2025

Whilst it’s often big-money transfers that steal the headlines, nothing beats success from the academy. Discovering the next Harry Kane is still just as important as it was finding the original. Even in football’s current climate, academies still have an invaluable part to play in producing the greatest players in the world.

Whether it’s in English football, Amsterdam or La Masia, the next generation of stars need a platform to start somewhere. Building one of the best academies can be just as crucial as having the largest budget if used right – have both and the possibilities can be endless.

The CIES Football Observatory has now identified football’s best academies based on three factors…

Players – how many players in 49 worldwide leagues they’ve trained for 3 years between their 15th and 21st birthdays Minutes – official game-time from those players in the last year Level – the level of clubs those players have played for

Five Premier League sides feature in the top 100 academies in the world, but none of them crack the top ten. Manchester City sit highest at 21st, Arsenal are ranked 48th, and Chelsea just about make the top 50. Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 56th and Liverpool sit 75th in a ranking that they should hope to improve.

105.1

Benfica (POR)

93

2,582

0.807

98.7

Barcelona (ESP)

76

2,773

0.875

98.3

River Plate (ARG)

97

2,305

0.805

97.6

Ajax (NED)

80

2,690

0.841

95

Boca Juniors (ARG)

86

2,516

0.808

83.4

Sporting CP (POR)

76

2,488

0.811

77.9

Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

77

2,532

0.732

77.0

Defensor SC (URU)

88

2,222

0.726

74.8

Real Madrid (ESP)

58

2,817

0.853

73.8

Velez Sarsfield (ARG)

70

2,406

0.805

10 Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)

One of three Argentine clubs in the top 10, Velez Sarsfield are not a well-known club but their academy has produced some undeniable gems. Both Nicolas Otamendi and Diego Simeone graduated from the Argentine club before enjoying fantastic careers in European football.

The former even became a Premier League winner at Manchester City and is now playing his football at Benfica in the latter years of his career. Nowadays, the likes of Dilan Godoy could be next in line to benefit, having been promoted from Sarsfield’s academy and enjoyed first-team football for the first time this season.

9 Real Madrid (Spain)

A less surprising name on the list, Real Madrid are ranked 9th in CIES’ list of the world’s best academies. It’s easy to assume that they’d be higher, given their place as arguably the world’s biggest team, but their focus has often been set on welcoming Galactico-esque signings such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Nonetheless, that’s not to say their academy hasn’t produced some impressive talent in recent years. The likes of Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia both came from Madrid’s academy and both now play their part in Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad.

8 Defensor SC (Uruguay)

Like Sarsfield, Defensor SC’s inclusion on this list will surprise many, but the Uruguay-based side have trained as many as 88 current professional players at the time CIES conducted their rankings.

They have been one of the most consistent breeding grounds for young talent in South America and have helped the likes of Maxi Gomez on their way. Given the influence that South America has on the transfer market these days, with Moises Caicedo and Murillo arriving before thriving in the Premier League, Defensor could be ones to watch.

7 Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)

Having trained 77 active players, Dinamo Zagreb find themselves higher than Real Madrid on this list. Having produced the likes of Luka Modric, however, that should come as little surprise.

It’s not just the veteran midfielder still representing the academy, either. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol also graduated from the Croatian club and is now a Premier League winner. Now, questions will arrive as to who the next big product to come out of Zagreb will be. Whoever it is has quite the shoes to fill.

6 Sporting CP (Portugal)

The academy that made the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, Sporting CP discovered a gem and have used their academy ever since. These days, graduates such as Goncalo Inacio, Geny Catamo and Geovany Quenda are stealing the show in products that reflect the success of Ronaldo after the academy was named after one of football’s greatest-ever players.

Aside from the Real Madrid legend, one stat which really stamps home the impact of Sporting’s academy is the fact that 10 of their graduates played their part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory.

5 Boca Juniors (Argentina)

The second Argentine team in the top 10, Boca Juniors remain one of the biggest clubs in South America and their academy reflects that. Icons such as Carlos Tevez have come through what is known as ‘The Boca Factory’ and the likes of Alan Varela and Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur have followed suit in recent years.

The Boca Factory doesn’t look likely to cease production anytime soon, either, given Valentin Barco has emerged from the academy into European football in the last two years.

4 Ajax (Netherlands)

Who remembers Erik ten Hag’s 2018/19 Champions League side? It was built on the success of Ajax’s famous academy and would have been enough to make the late-great Johan Cruyff proud.

In a golden generation, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek all stole the spotlight and soon secured moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Barcelona and Manchester United. Whilst those in Amsterdam are still seeking their next crop of generational talent, they have still made CIES’ top 10 football academies in the world.

3 River Plate (Argentina)

Argentina really is the place for young talent. Alongside Boca and Sarsfield, River Plate have been ranked inside CIES’ top 10 and sit as high as third. It’s no wonder, either. They’ve trained 97 active players and are responsible for blessing European football with talents Julian Alvarez and Real Madrid’s latest young gem Franco Mastantuno.

When it comes to attacking stars, there aren’t many more reliable clubs in world football than River Plate. Both Madrid clubs have benefitted from that and Man City could be next in line if Claudio Echeverri realises his increasingly-impressive potential.

2 Barcelona (Spain)

Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez – the list could go on. La Masia remains the most famous football academy in world football, even if CIES have deemed it second best. Just when they seemed down and out on Europe’s top table, the Spanish giants turned towards their academy to unearth some undeniable gems.

The odds that they would find the exact player to take Lionel Messi’s throne seemed impossible, but up stepped Yamal – a player who already looks destined to break records at just 18 years old.

1 Benfica (Portugal)

It takes a lot to beat La Masia and Barcelona on this list, but Benfica have done exactly that. Edging out their Spanish counterparts, Benfica trained as many as 93 players during CIES’ latest ranking and many of those stars are performing at the highest level.

Some of the best talents to benefit from their focus on young stars over the years include Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves – now one of the best midfielders on the planet – and Man City’s Bernardo Silva many moons ago.

It’s an academy which has funded Benfica over the years thanks to big-money moves for Joao Felix as well as others and now one that they’ll hope to see result in Liga Portugal glory in years to come.

Robinson was also impressed by the composure showed by Jacobs in his maiden international game

Firdose Moonda16-Jul-2025Tim Robinson has only done it once (maybe twice if you consider this game) but already, he can tell he won’t be able to get enough of being the player that seals the deal for his team.”It’s a great feeling contributing to a win for your country and it’s an addicting feeling and one that I hope to replicate later on,” Robinson said after his career-best 75 not out contributed to New Zealand’s 21-run win in the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series.Related

Robinson, Duffy, Henry step up as NZ subdue South Africa

Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs shared a sixth-wicket stand of 103 – New Zealand’s second highest in that position – and took the innings from a stuttering 70 for 5 for a competitive 173 for 5. While the Harare Sports Club is known for being fairly flat and conducive to run-scoring, Robinson credited South Africa’s four-seam attack with making things difficult for New Zealand upfront.”The Proteas bowling was exceptional,” he said. “Their lengths and the use of the long side was really impressive and they bowled really well with the newer ball. It was hard to find momentum when we were continuing to lose wickets but as we got on and took it deeper and deeper, we could capitalise.”Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson gave New Zealand late impetus•Zimbabwe CricketIt was, in fact, against South Africa’s seamers that Robinson and Jacobs found runs. Robinson took 27 runs off 20 balls he faced from Corbin Bosch, including five fours, and 23 off 15 balls from Gerald Coetzee, off whom he hit both sixes, but that was only once they were together for some time and had worked out their run-scoring strategy.”The way we thought about it was that the longer we spent at the crease, the easier runs would come,” Robinson said, “and we couldn’t quite afford to lose many more wickets. We tried to take it as deep as we possibly could and then run hard to the long side.”New Zealand ran 29 singles and six twos to what Robinson referred to as the longer side, compared to South Africa’s 21 singles and three twos, which was ultimately the difference between the two sides. They both hit 13 fours and six sixes but New Zealand’s fielding kept South Africa quieter than they would have liked when they needed to counterattack with quick singles. New Zealand also managed to finish their innings strongly, with 95 runs from the last nine overs and 43 from the final three.The composure shown by Jacobs, in his first match, was a highlight and Robinson was full of praise for his batting partner. “He’s an amazing guy. You look at him and he’s quite the big guy and you think he should hit a big ball and he sure does,” Robinson said. “It was fantastic batting with him. What stood out for me was when he came out he was very calm and looked to really enjoy it. He looked completely comfortable out there and played a really really good knock. He’s going to play a lot of cricket and it’s very exciting watching him bat.”New Zealand will next play hosts Zimbabwe, who lost to South Africa in the series opener on Monday, in two days’ time and expect they will have to change their approach slightly.”Zimbabwe are going to pose a different challenge on Friday and we pride ourselves on trying to adapt as quick as we possibly can,” Robinson said.

Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday made it four wins from four in the Champions League for the high-flying Gunners so far in 2025-26. Bukayo Saka, captain for the night, got the ball rolling from the penalty spot, before Mikel Merino took over as the Spain international, playing in place of Viktor Gyokeres, scored twice in a clinical performance in the Czech capital.

Gabriel Magalhaes has made his name in recent seasons as a force with his head at attacking set-pieces, but the centre-back almost gave Arsenal a very early lead in spectacular fashion – his left-footed drive after the ball was only partially cleared by Slavia just narrowly missed the target.

Slavia pressure in response didn't test David Raya as shots were either blocked or flew off target, before the Gunners regained a creative foothold and Saka had a pair of efforts saved by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic midway through the first half. Leandro Trossard was also denied in a spell of pressure that would have pleased Arteta on the touchline.

Arsenal were also peppering the Slavia box with corners, which directly led to making the breakthrough. A delivery from Saka was met at the near post by Gabriel and deflected behind, which prompted a VAR intervention after striking Lukas Provod’s arm before it went out of play. The referee pointed to the spot after consulting the pitchside monitor and Saka showed no mercy as he smashed the subsequent spot-kick into the net.

Slavia, disappointing since the very early stages, unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty of their own a couple of times, but Arsenal were firmly in control by the time the half-time whistle came. The second goal came, meanwhile, straight after the restart and was as simple as you like as Trossard supplied the cross from the left and Merino, somehow completely unmarked in the middle, turned the ball in six yards out.

Merino's second of the night, and Arsenal's third, was another simple one. Declan Rice's floated ball into the box looked like it should have been Markovic's to claim, only for the goalkeeper not to make it before Merino got his head there instead, flicking into the empty net.

The Gunners survived a late penalty decision when substitute Ben White seemed to upend Provod, but appeared harsh on second look and VAR intervened to determine it was not a foul.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Fortuna Arena…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (6/10):

  Slavia didn't manage a shot on target until deep into stoppage time, so his goal was pretty much unchallenged. Commanded his area well.

  Jurrien Timber (6/10):

  Saw surprisingly little of the ball in possession, with only 35 touches until being withdrawn after 73 minutes.

  William Saliba (6/10):

  One his easier nights after Slavia's early impetus seemed to fade after the opening 15 minutes.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Typically made himself an attacking threat as much as he was a defensive force and was directly involved in winning the penalty that broke the deadlock.

  Piero Hincapie (6/10):

  Made his full Champions League debut for the Gunners. Departed the pitch shortly after being left in a heap, but it appeared to be a planned substitution anyway.

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• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

  Made tidy use of the ball in midfield but struggled to impose himself physically.

  Christian Norgaard (5/10):

  Gave the ball away more easily than Arteta would have liked. Only won three of nine duels on the ground and in the air.

  Declan Rice (8/10):

  Completed more passes than anyone else and the pitch, and by extension created the most chances. Comes away with an assist for the ball into the box that gave Merino the second of his brace.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (8/10):

  Continues rising to the occasion and is now the first-ever Arsenal player to score in four successive Champions League away games.

  Mikel Merino (9/10):

  Back in the No.9 role after Gyokeres was ruled out due to the injury and repaid that faith from his manager. Probably couldn't believe how much space he was given when doubling Arsenal's lead, but crucially made sure to make the opportunity count. His second showed just as much striker's instinct. The ball didn't really stick when it was fired into him, but with two goals what does it matter?

  Leandro Trossard (7/10):

  Assist for Merino's goal aside, the Belgian was consistently involved in promising Arsenal attacks, including a previous attempted cross towards the stand-in striker that was only just cut out before it reached its mark.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Eberechi Eze (5/10):

  Hardly involved off the bench.

  Max Dowman (6/10):

  This monumental season keeps getting better for the 15-year-old, who is now the youngest player in Champions League history.

  Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

  On at left-back as Arteta looked to freshen things up for the final stages.

  Ben White (5/10):

  Both full-backs were replaced simultaneously, with White going to the right. VAR saved him from conceding a penalty.

  Andre Harriman-Annous (6/10):

  Another Champions League debut, but at 17 a relative veteran compared to Dowman.

  Mikel Arteta (9/10):

  Gyokeres made it seven injured players, plus Zubimendi's suspension, so the boss really had to rely on his squad's depth for this one. Made other changes too, opting to rest Calafiori and Eze from the start. Everything worked as hoped and he could then rotate again at 3-0 up.

يستعد نادي ريال مدريد لمواجهة رايو فاليكانو يوم الأحد المقبل خارج ملعبه، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.

ويحتل ريال مدريد المركز الأول في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني بـ30 نقطة، ويحتل رايو فاليكانو المركز العاشر بــ14 نقطة.

وأفاد صحفي سكاي سبورت “فابريزيو رومانو” أن تدريبات ريال مدريد شهدت أخبارًا سارة بعودة المدافع النمساوي المخضرم دافيد ألابا في جزء منها.

اقرأ أيضاً.. رد فعل بايرن ميونخ بعد تواصل ريال مدريد مع أوباميكانو

ولذلك فإن تشابي ألونسو قد يعلن عن استدعاء دافيد ألابا لقائمة ريال مدريد استعداداً لمواجهة رايو فاليكانو، ويطمح الفريق لتحقيق انتصار مهم خارج ملعبه.

وشهدت تدريبات ريال مدريد مشاركة أيضاً لاعب خط الوسط الأوروجوياني فيدريكو فالفيردي بشكل طبيعي، وواصل كل من كارفاخال ورودريجو وماستانتونو وتشواميني برنامج التعافي للحاق بالمجموعة في أقرب وقت ممكن.

Mexico have revealed the jersey they’ll wear at the 2026 World Cup, marking a return to the traditional green that fans have long associated with El Tri. Inspired by the nation’s cultural roots, the kit features subtle Aztec motifs and will debut on Nov. 15 against Uruguay in Torreón – months before Mexico open the tournament on home soil.

@MiSeleccionMXBack to tradition

After experimenting with darker and alternative tones in recent years, and Adidas have unveiled a home kit that brings back one of the country’s most recognizable colors while paying homage to Mexican heritage.

The jersey features the brand’s signature three stripes across the shoulders, an embossed holographic crest, and a central pattern inspired by the Piedra del Sol – a nod to the design worn during the 1998 World Cup in France. Red and white details on the collar and sleeves complete the classic look, while the phrase “Somos México” is printed on the back of the neck.

Advertisement@MiSeleccionMXConnecting with Mexican culture and pride

“Every design starts from the idea of connection – with the people, with culture, with pride,” said Rafael Pereira, Adidas’ sports marketing director, in an interview with . “We wanted a shirt that feels iconic, that makes Mexicans proud of their identity.”

Mexico will debut the new uniform on Nov. 15 in a friendly against Uruguay in Torreón, Coahuila, before wearing it again four days later against Paraguay – closing out their 2025 calendar ahead of the World Cup.

@MiSeleccionMXDebut date set

The full kit includes white shorts and red socks with green and white accents, evoking memories of Mexico’s classic World Cup look. Fans, however, are already divided on social media – many have praised the design’s cultural tribute, while others expected something bolder for a host nation’s kit.

The fan version of the home jersey will retail for $107, while the authentic “player” edition will cost $161. Long-sleeve and goalkeeper versions will range from $107–172.

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@MiSeleccionMXMexico gears up for opening day

Mexico are set to open the 2026 World Cup on June 11 at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, where the team is expected to take the field in their new green uniform – a symbolic moment marking both a return to tradition and a celebration of national identity.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na quarta-feira (11), Leila Pereira concedeu uma entrevista coletiva recheada de polêmicas no Palmeiras. Entre os assuntos debatidos, um deles acabou ficando em segundo plano, que foi o do planejamento para abrir concorrência para novos patrocinadores interessados em ocupar as posições que hoje são da Crefisa, sua empresa, na camisa do clube. O processo se assemelha a uma licitação e é chamado de BID.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

– Temos contrato e vamos honrar até o final. Vou ser candidata a reeleição no Palmeiras e se o associado tiver confiança no meu trabalho e eu for reeleita, terei o maior prazer de continuar patrocinando. Mas nós faremos uma BID, uma concorrência, caso vier alguém pagamento acima do valor que vou me propor a pagar, desde que seja uma empresa idônea – declarou a mandatária palmeirense.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

+ Eles têm o faro! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$750 com Sané, Højlund e Chiesa na Data Fifa!

+ Sábado recheado! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$830 com combinada da Série B

O termo BID vem de “Bidding Process”, que em tradução para o português significa “Processo de Licitação”. Ou seja, Leila quer abrir para o mercado a possibilidade de outras empresas oferecerem suas propostas para patrocinar o Palmeiras. No mundo empresarial, nem sempre os valores mais altos são os mais vantajosos, mas sim o pacote que acompanha o projeto apresentado, dependendo dos desejos da instituição que abriu para os “lances”.

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+ Leila Pereira lança desafio que pode aumentar valor do patrocínio do Palmeiras

No caso do Palmeiras, o valor definido para o mercado será aquele que a Crefisa se propuser a pagar, se alguém chegar com cifras maiores e/ou uma proposta mais vantajosa, terá prioridade. Atualmente, a empresa de Leila desembolsa R$ 81 milhões fixos por ano por todos os espaços da camisa. Parte da torcida alviverde questiona que essa quantia já está defasada, até pela marca ser exclusiva no uniforme.

– Até hoje não chegou nada. Estou sempre aberta a propostas, mas o que desejo é que finalize o nosso contrato de patrocínio em dezembro de 2024 e só então que vamos abrir para novas empresas que queiram patrocinar o Palmeiras.

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Como disse Leila, esse processo somente será aberto a partir de dezembro de 2024, quando termina o mandato da presidente e o contrato de patrocínio, que foi renovado em 2021, na época em que o presidente era Maurício Galiotte. Segundo a apuração da reportagem, de fato nenhuma outra empresa abordou o Verdão de forma oficial para um contrato de patrocínio para a equipe masculina.

No Feminino, que fazia parte do pacote do patrocínio da Crefisa, Leila abriu mão da exclusividade para que o mercado bancasse a modalidade. O processo deu certo e quatro marcas estampam atualmente o uniforme das jogadoras.

+ Do amor ao ódio: o passo a passo da implosão da relação de Leila Pereira com organizada do Palmeiras

A verdade é que ansiedade da torcida terá que esperar, pois estamos a mais de um ano de esse processo ser aberto. Enquanto isso, o clube permanece com o patrocínio das empresas de Leila Pereira, que também dá direito a bônus por títulos e metas.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update

The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.

Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn’t believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.

He stated via The Athletic’s Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:

Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.

Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.

With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.

Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.

Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are ‘ready to accept’ a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.

BlueCo ready second approach for "fantastic player" after rejected £61m Chelsea offer

The west Londoners have already had a bid knocked back.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 10, 2025

Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.

In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who’s been called a “very unique” defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.

Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca’s high-octane style of play.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.

The defeat in the final league match of MLC 2025 meant San Francisco Unicorns finished third on the table, and will have to play the Eliminator

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2025

Andre Fletcher scored his second century of the tournament•Sportzpics for MLC

Los Angeles Knight Riders notched up only their second win of MLC 2025, but did it at the worst possible time for San Francisco Unicorns, denying them a chance of making the top two on the points table.Unicorns gave the massive chase of 244 their best shot, but it was firstly too many runs, and secondly, they missed the services of Romario Shepherd with the bat, after he hared in off the boundary line to try and take a catch in the first half, hurt his ankle, and wasn’t available for the rest of the game.Sanjay Krishnamurthi kept Unicorns in the chase with a 40-ball 92•Sportzpics for MLC

The total of 676 runs scored in this, the last game of the league phase, was way ahead of the norm in Lauderhill – the top innings score in the other eight games had been 188 – and it was all thanks to Andre Fletcher, Alex Hales and Sherfane Rutherford in the first half and Sanjay Krishnamurthi in the second.For a while, Krishnamurthi threatened to eclipse Fletcher’s 118, getting to 92 off just 39 balls with seven fours and seven sixes by the end of the 14th over. At that stage, 68 were needed off five overs, the game having been reduced to a 19-overs-a-side affair after a rain delay more or less halfway into the Knight Riders innings. But Jason Holder sent Krishnamurthi back first ball of the 15th, and despite some lusty hitting from Xavier Bartlett, who hit Corne Dry for three sixes and a four in the 16th, Unicorns ran out of steam. Shepherd was missed a great deal.The chase had started badly for Unicorns, though. Karthik Gattepalli, the left-arm spinner on MLC debut, opened the bowling with Dominic Drakes and, after Drakes had removed Finn Allen in the first over, accounted for Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in the second on his way to returns of 3 for 31.