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  • Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

    Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich preview, team news, tickets, and prediction


    Hoffenheim will host newly crowned Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich in this match-day 34 clash at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim.

    As of the time of writing, Hoffenheim have 31 points from 32 games played and they are placed 15th on the log. Bayern Munich are top of the log with 76 points from 32 games and they have been crowned champions for the 2024-25 season.

    Hoffenheim’s season started with a penalty shootout win over the Kickers in the DFB Pokal before they kicked things off in the Bundesliga with a 3-2 win over newly promoted Holstein Kiel at home. The next three games against Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, and Union Berlin ended in defeats. Following their exploits in the league last term, they sealed a ticket to play in the Europa League, and their season opener ended in a 1-1 draw with Midtjylland. Back in the Bundesliga, they suffered a fourth successive loss at the hands of Bremen, before beating Dynamo Kyiv in their second Europa League game. The win in Europe helped put a stop to the losing streak in the league, as Hoffenheim played out a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart before a second league win of the season against Bochum in mid-October.

    Apart from progressing in the DFB Pokal, Hoffenheim failed to win a game for a month, and that led to the sacking of Pellegrino Matarazzo as their head coach. He was replaced by Christian Ilzer. The former SK Sturm Graz handler helped them beat RB Leipzig in late November to return to winning ways. However, the side failed to win in the rest of the year. In 2025 so far, Hoffenheim have won just four Bundesliga games.

    Hoffenheim’s season have been a difficult one, truth be told. Die Kraichgauer finished seventh last term, but they have struggled to replicate that performance, and that has seen them fall into survival mode. As things stand, they need a point from their remaining two games of the season to guarantee safety or if Holstein Kiel and Heindenheim failed to win their remaining games.

    Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s season was expected to be better than last term after they finished the season trophyless, and it has gone according to plan on the home front. The Bavarians lost the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen and the DFB Pokal, while eventual winners Real Madrid sent them out in the UEFA Champions League. Under Vincent Kompany, they have been consistent and finished 2024 on a strong note. However, they have suffered some disappointing results in the UCL and DFB Pokal. So they have to make do with just the league title this term.

    The Bavarians started the season with a 4-0 win over Ulm in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Bavarians won their opening four games against Wolfsburg, Freiburg, Kiel, and Werder Bremen before a 1-1 draw with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen at home. Bayern Munich maintained their strong run in the competition and have so far racked up 23 wins, six draws, and just two defeats with three games to go. They have remained the team to beat, and they have been crowned champions. So, the remaining games do not affect the season anymore.

    Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Bayern Munich thumped Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 before a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. A 4-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona then followed before a hard-fought 1-0 win over Benfica got them back on track. And they also defeated PSG by the same scoreline as some of the fine results in Europe under Kompany. Bayern took part in the knockout playoffs, where they struggled to beat Celtic on aggregate. In the following round, they faced Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, and they won the tie 5-0 on aggregate to set up a clash with Inter Milan in the Quarter-finals. However, they lost out narrowly 4-3 on aggregate. Another season on the continent did not go according to plan, but the board will most likely be pleased with their progress following the poor start in the early stages of the season.

    Hoffenheim vs Bayern München’s head-to-head record shows that in the previous 34 meetings, Hoffenheim has won 5 times, Bayern München has won 22 times, and 7 ended in a draw.

    Match Tickets

    The epic match at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim will kick off at 14:30 GMT+1 on Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

    The magnificent 30,150-capacity stadium will host this league clash between the home side and the champions.

    Getting Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich tickets could take a lot of work, given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.

    Team News

    Line Up

    Apart from Ozan Kabak, Grischa Prömel, and Valentin Gendrey, who are expected not to feature again this season, Hoffenheim do not have any fresh injury worries.

    Hoffenheim XI: Philipp, Kadeřábek, Nsoki, Østigård, Arthur Chaves, Bischof, Stach, Hložek, Kramarić, Bülter, Touré.

    The season is almost over, but Bayern Munich, who will be taking part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, have several first-team members nursing one injury or the other. Alphonso Davies is not expected back until December, Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, and Raphael Guerreiro are out until May. Meanwhile, Kim Min-Jae is out until mid-July. Manager Vincent Kompany is expected to make changes to his squad for this game and the subsequent ones due to the number of injuries.

    Bayern Munich XI: Jonas Urbig; Konrad Laimer, Sacha Boey, Eric Dier, Josip Stanisic; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich; Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry; Harry Kane.

    Prediction

    Hoffenheim have a higher chance of sealing safety way before this game. It will take a miracle for them to go down from here. By the way, getting Hoffenheim tickets is quite important because the champions are coming to town.

    On the other hand, Bayern Munich are already champions, so not much is expected from them. With the expanded FIFA Club World Cup coming in the summer, Vincent Kompany might be using a game like this to prepare his fringe squad members.

    In the past four meetings between the clubs at Hoffenheim, the home side have won twice and lost just once. So, that stands in their favour, and one might be tempted to back them once again to avoid defeat to the champions.

    Hoffenheim 2-2 Bayern Munich.



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  • Amad put on a show during his second-half cameo, Ruben Amorim has to start him in the Europa League final – Man United News And Transfer News

    Amad put on a show during his second-half cameo, Ruben Amorim has to start him in the Europa League final – Man United News And Transfer News



    Old Trafford was witness to yet another magical European night as Manchester United came back from a goal down to thrash Athletic Club 4-1 in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday.

    An aggregate win of 7-1 against La Liga’s meanest defence is no mean feat and sets it up brilliantly for the final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao in 13 days’ time.

    Despite an aggregate 3-0 lead, it was a tough start for the hosts as the Basque side dominated the first 45 minutes, getting a goal in the 31st minute.

    They put the home side under a lot of pressure at the start of the second half, which Leny Yoro helped weather on his own at times. That prompted Ruben Amorim to make a triple substitution, which changed the game completely.

    Brilliant cameo

    Mason Mount grabbed a brace, while Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act as well. And the head coach did not fail to mention Amad’s contribution as well.

    In 27 minutes, he grabbed the assist for Hojlund’s goal, which he put on a plate for the Dane after fabulous work down the right.

    His ability to maneuver in tight areas and dribble past players is magical to witness and on Thursday, he completed a 100% of his dribbles during his cameo.

    He had one shot which was blocked while three of his touches were inside the penalty box while one of his passes was into the final third.

    Selection dilemma for Amorim

    Not only with the ball, the Ivorian was class off it as well, recovering the ball twice while winning all his ground duels as well as aerial duels (all stats via fotmob).

    This display will certainly make Amorim think about who he is going to start either side of the attacker against Spurs at the San Mames on May 21.

    While Alejandro Garnacho runs straight at defenders, and is very direct, the Ivory Coast international can do a lot of different things and it is good for the head coach to have multiple options ahead of the biggest game of the season.

    Amad’s return from injury has been timed just right with the 22-year-old netting once and assisting one in his last two substitute appearances.

    Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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  • Ajax vs Twente preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

    Ajax vs Twente preview, team news, tickets, and prediction


    Ajax and FC Twente will clash at Johan Cruijff ArenA for this match day 34 encounter in the 2024-25 Eredivisie League campaign. It is the final game of the season.

    As of the time of writing, Ajax have garnered 74 points from 31 games and they sit top of the Eredivisie standings with four points ahead of second-placed PSV. Twente are 5th on the log with 51 points from 31 matches.

    Ajax, who last won the league title in 2022, wanted a return to the top of Dutch football, and they went ahead to appoint one of the promising coaches in world football – Francesco Farioli. The Italian signed a three-year deal, and he was quite vocal about bringing the club back to where it belongs during his unveiling.

    The Italian manager is on the verge of doing that with three games to go until the end of the season. Ajax are currently top with a four-point lead, and they could even wrap up the league title with more results or if other results go their way.

    Based on where they finished last season, Ajax started their season early with the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, knocking out Vojvodina, Panathinaikos, and Jagiellonia to book their spot in the new group stage format of the second-tier European competition.

    In the Eredivisie, Ajax beat Heerenveen 1-0 to get the season underway, but they lost 2-1 to NAC Breda in their second league game of the season. Farioli’s men then thumped Sittard 5-0 to return to winning ways. Taylor Kenneth, Bertrand Traore, Youri Baas, Devyne Rensch, and Chuba Akpom scored in the rout. On the road, De Godenzonen failed to win as they drew 1-1 with Go Ahead Eagles. Ajax went on to win nine of the next ten games in all competitions to continue their strong start to the season.

    However, a run of mixed results at the end of 2024 set them back a bit, but they got back on track in the new year. In the Europa League, they were knocked out in the round of 16 stage by Frankfurt. Back in the league, Ajax have not lost at home. It goes to show how strong they have been there this campaign. Ajax should have wrapped up the league title weeks back, but they lost 4-0 to Utrecht and drew 1-1 with Sparta Rotterdam.

    After that home draw, striker Wout Weghorst said it was an important point regardless. “We regained control in the second half,” Weghorst also told ESPN. “But the ball just wouldn’t go in. Two minutes before the end, it even went in at the other end. Fortunately, we managed to equalise just after. It’s an important point. We kept going after conceding. We showed we have the mentality to come back.”

    As for Twente, they finished third in the league last season and got a play-off spot in the UEFA Champions League. They fell short against German side RB Leipzig to drop to the Europa League. De Tukkers started the domestic season with a 2-1 win over NEC on the road. Alec Van Hoorenbeeck and Sam Lammers scored in the win. That match day one result was followed by a stalemate with Sparta. Another draw against Zwolle on match day three, and a first loss of the league campaign at the hands of Utrecht, plus two consecutive wins over Heerenveen and Almere City, meant Twente continued their fine start to the domestic season. They defeated NAC Breda to finish the month of September on a high note.

    In the Europa League, they held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Sam Lammers cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s opener for the Premier League side. On match day two, they also drew with Turkish side Fenerbahce before a home loss to Lazio. De Tukkers went ahead to draw their fourth European game against Nice.

    Despite failing to win any of their first four games, Twente won the final two to book their spot in the knockout playoffs phase, where they were bundled out by semifinalists Bodo Glimt. At the moment, Twente have just one win in their past six games in the Eredivisie. Ajax have been the team to beat in the Dutch top flight this season, and with some wins or if other results go their way, the title will be theirs.

    On the other hand, Twente are making a push for a place in Europe once again. The UEFA Champions spot looks done and dusted, so they will make do with either the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Conference League for next season. In terms of the head-to-head, from the past 47 games played between Ajax and Twente since 2004, Ajax have won 22 games, Twente have won 12 games, and the remaining 13 games have been stalemates.

    Match Tickets

    The epic match at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam will kick off on Sunday, 18th May 2025, at 13:30 GMT. The 55,885-capacity stadium will host this Dutch League match between Ajax and Twente.

    Getting Ajax v Twente tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.

    Team News

    Line Up

    Manager Francesco Farioli is fond of rotating his squad, and some changes might be made to the last team that started against Sparta. Youri Baas and Branco van den Boomen are the only players currently injured, while Jordan Henderson should return from his suspension for this game.

    Ajax possible XI: Matheus; Gaaei, Sutalo, Rugani, Hato; Berghuis, Klaassen, Taylor; Traore, Brobbey, Edvardsen.

    For Twente, Ricky van Wolfswinkel has impressed since his return from an injury layoff and could be given a start in this final league game of the season. Twente could still be without the services of Sam Lammers (shoulder) and Taylor Booth (muscle), while Gerald Alders is listed as a minor doubt.

    Twente possible XI: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Van Hoorenbeeck, Lagerbielke, Kuipers; Vlap, Sadílek; Ltaief, Steijn, Unuvar, Van Wolfswinkel

    Prediction

    Ajax have been excellent in the Eredivisie this season, and they are going to be champions in a matter of days. They also have a solid form at home this season, and Twente might not be able to hinder them from picking up another win. By the way, get your Ajax tickets early enough to catch the game.

    On the other hand, Twente have only won once against Ajax since 2009, and they have just a win in their past six games at the time of writing. In addition, they have just one win on the road in their last four.

    Ajax 2-1 FC Twente



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  • Everton slap £70 million price tag on Jarrad Branthwaite to end Manchester United’s chances of signing him – Man United News And Transfer News

    Everton slap £70 million price tag on Jarrad Branthwaite to end Manchester United’s chances of signing him – Man United News And Transfer News



    Manchester United currently have three centre-backs out injured, while two are set to leave in the summer, and Ruben Amorim could do with help in the defensive department once the transfer window opens.

    Lisandro Martinez is out till next year with an ACL injury. Even upon his return, the World Cup winner could be set for a position change.

    Matthijs de Ligt suffered an injury against Brentford and will miss at least the next two games. Ayden Heaven is also sidelined.

    Add Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof‘s impending departures, and all Amorim has are Leny Yoro, an ageing Harry Maguire and an unfit Luke Shaw. Young Tyler Fredricson has impressed but he needs to bulk up.

    Defence needs help

    Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for INEOS, who failed with two bids for the Englishman last summer.

    Talks of a move have refused to die down amid the 22-year-old’s imperious form for the Toffees this season.

    Amid another potential summer approach, Teamtalk have suggested that David Moyes’ return has changed the Merseyside outfit’s outlook with the owners set to back the former United boss in the market.

    And Everton will not allow the England international to leave for anything less than £70 million and they will not change their valuation come what may.

    Everton not budging

    “Everton are point-blank refusing to part with Jarrad Branthwaite for anything less than their valuation this summer no matter which side wants to sign him, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk, leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s big transfer dream facing capitulation.

    “Sources have confirmed the Toffees have slapped a £70 million (€82.6m, $93.7m) minimum price tag on the defender – and they’re not budging.”

    Lots of clubs were interested in Branthwaite with the centre-back helping the Toffees keep nine clean sheets. But it seems he could be staying put for now.

    United have other positions in greater need of reinforcements and it is unlikely INEOS will sanction such an extensive outlay on a centre-back this summer.

    Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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  • Man United legend Wayne Rooney hits out at Ruben Amorim over Bruno Fernandes’ role – Man United News And Transfer News

    Man United legend Wayne Rooney hits out at Ruben Amorim over Bruno Fernandes’ role – Man United News And Transfer News



    Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has questioned Ruben Amorim’s use of Bruno Fernandes.

    Despite United’s struggles in the Premier League, Fernandes has been outstanding this season – arguably playing the best football of his career – and has clearly adapted well to life under Amorim.

    Fernandes has notched an impressive 19 goals and 18 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.

    Amorim has primarily utilised the skipper in a midfield pivot, but he has also impressed when deployed in one of the two No. 10 roles.

    When operating in a deeper role, Fernandes has been instrumental in helping United break the lines and progress up the pitch, while in the No. 10 position, he’s consistently showcased his creativity and vision in the final third.

    It remains to be seen in which position his long-term future lies but Rooney feels the Portugal international is less effective when playing deeper.

    Speaking on The Overlap, Rooney explained that it isn’t right that defensive-minded players are sometimes allowed to be more involved in attacking play than Fernandes.

    “The game now is very much positional. For instance, at United now, the creative players are coming back and the wingbacks are going higher.”

    “The attacking players are lower than the defensive players. If you have good attacking players, you want them [higher up the pitch].”

    “Like I think Bruno has done really well in midfield, but I want to see Bruno higher, in and around the penalty area where he can shoot and create.”

    Rooney added, “You’re ending up with so many defenders up the pitch and your midfield players who are good attacking players filling in at fullback spots and stuff. In some ways it’s OK if you’ve got the personnel.”

    “But every team is doing it now and I think it’s a little bit too much.”

    United are back in action on Thursday when they host Athletic Club in the return leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.

    Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images

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  • Manchester United prepared to make a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo – Man United News And Transfer News

    Manchester United prepared to make a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo – Man United News And Transfer News


    Manchester United could make a concrete move for Brentford wide forward Bryan Mbeumo this summer, as per reports.

    United’s winless streak in the Premier League extended to six games after their 4-3 defeat at Brentford. This time, the Red Devils were undone by their defensive fragility, but Ruben Amorim’s biggest concern this term has been the side’s lack of forward quality.

    Apart from the three relegated sides, only West Ham United and Everton have scored fewer Premier League goals than United this term.

    It has been widely reported that the Mancunians are interested in the likes of Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen as they look to find a new number nine to spearhead their attack.

    Should United fail to get their hands on their main targets, they could reportedly intensify their interest in Mbeumo, who was one of Brentford’s standout stars this Sunday.

    Givemesport claim that Mbeumo will become a “more realistic” target for United if they do not manage to land the strikers they want this summer.

    It is understood that Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha is the “priority for their vision of signing a new attacker.”

    The technically proficient Brazilian is expected to play as one of the two number 10s in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. However, the ex-Atletico Madrid man is also capable of playing as a centre-forward.

    The report suggests United could consider signing Mbeumo to play on the flanks and pushing Cunha more centrally if the likes of Delap and Osimhen don’t arrive.

    The Cameroon international has also featured as a striker under Thomas Frank but he thrives on the right flank.

    Despite not playing centrally, Mbeumo has cemented himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific players this season. He has scored 18 goals and registered seven assists so far. As such, his arrival would certainly strengthen United’s attack, irrespective of how Amorim decides to use him.

    At this point, however, United are focused on getting the deal over the line for Cunha, as per Fabrizio Romano. The race for Mbeumo’s signature, meanwhile, is described as “open”.

    Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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  • Alejandro Garnacho sparked comeback chances vs Brentford, his form will please Ruben Amorim – Man United News And Transfer News

    Alejandro Garnacho sparked comeback chances vs Brentford, his form will please Ruben Amorim – Man United News And Transfer News



    Keeping Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg in mind, Ruben Amorim decided to make a lot of changes to his Manchester United team for their game against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

    The visitors did score first through Mason Mount, but subsequently conceded four times as the hosts used their superior physicality to bully the United backline into submission.

    Alejandro Garnacho sparked hopes of a late comeback with a long-range screamer while substitute Amad added a third in added time. But the away side eventually ran out of time and ended up losing 3-4.

    The comeback spirit on show was commendable and a reminder that one cannot take the Red Devils for granted at any stage of a game while the return to goalscoring ways for the Argentine was another huge boost.

    Garnacho returns to form

    It has been an up-and-down campaign for him but he has still managed 11 goals and 10 assists and at 20, there is a lot more to come from Garnacho should United not sell him in the summer.

    The 20-year-old has hardly got any rest since January and while his finishing has often let him down, his effort cannot be understated.

    He never gives up and every time the Argentina international gets the ball, his only thought is to take on his man. His goal was a thing of beauty as he curled hom from range after carrying the ball on his own from midfield.

    The versatile attacker could have had another at the stroke of half-time but he fluffed his lines from an accurate cutback from Mount, who tried to return the favour for his goal.

    Worked his socks off again

    On Sunday, he grabbed a goal and an assist while taking two shots. The Carrington graduate made five key passes, while creating five chances, the most among his teammates.

    He completed a 100 percent of his long balls while also getting one successful cross in. The United No 17 completed 31 out of 39 passes with two of them being into the final third.

    He worked hard off the ball as well, completing one clearance, and one tackle while recovering the ball five times. Garnacho also won two ground duels (stats via sofascore).

    The Argentine star is expected to start against Athletic Club and Amorim will expect more direct running from him as United look to qualify for the final.

    Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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  • Three Academy wonderkids spotted travelling with the senior stars for Brentford clash – Man United News And Transfer News

    Three Academy wonderkids spotted travelling with the senior stars for Brentford clash – Man United News And Transfer News



    Manchester United’s travelling squad to London for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brentford includes Academy wonderkids Chido Obi, Tyler Fredricson, and Harry Amass.

    As revealed by The Manchester Evening News, 21 members of the first-team squad were pictured at the railway station before their train to London.

    Ruben Amorim had taken the likes of Sekou Kone, Jaydan Kamason, and Bendito Mantato to Bilbao to train with the senior stars in preparation for the clash against the Bees.

    Given the Red Devils will play Athletic Club in their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, the head coach was expected to ring in the changes for the game at the Gtech Community Stadium.

    Academy stars will get their chance

    Noussair Mazraoui had already been ruled out while Diogo Dalot is sidelined until the Europa League final should United qualify. This is why Kamason’s chances of earning a first team debut were considered quite high.

    Harry Amass would come in for Patrick Dorgu, who is also very tired as per the head coach.

    With Casemiro in need of rest after his heroics in Bilbao, Kone was also expected to partner Manuel Ugarte in midfield. Chido Obi was likely to receive his first start given Rasmus Hojlund is the only fit striker at Amorim’s disposal.

    But given each position in the table is worth an estimated £3 million, Amorim did point out that he is eager to end the season on a high.

    “Then every position we have in the Premier League, you win more money. So that is important. Then it is fighting for your pride.

    “Of course, we don’t have anything to fight for. We have the second leg, which is really important for us. We know that, but we need to be competitive in every game.”

    More could be travelling

    Given Thomas Frank’s side are in contention to qualify for the Conference League, they are expected to go all out to secure a win at their den.

    It must be remembered that this list includes only those who were photographed so more could have travelled with the team.

    We will get to know officially on Sunday before the game. Hopefully, Amorim hands a few more wonderkids their chance to shine against the Bees.

    Confirmed United squad members vs Brentford: Onana, Heaton, Bayindir, Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro, Lindelof, Fredricson, Shaw, Amass, Dorgu, Casemiro, Ugarte, Eriksen, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mount, Garnacho, Amad, Hojlund, Obi

    Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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  • A week of goodwill… and now for the finale – East Lower


    On and off the pitch, Arsenal are barely putting a foot wrong at the moment. Top of the table, a smooth passage to the 4th round of the FA Cup and talk of an imminent (and expensive) reinforcement to whet the appetite. (Strong whiff of a saga about this, with breathless updates emerging even during the writing of this post, so who the hell knows).

    UPDATE: looks like that ship has now sailed. €100m is nuts.

    That’s a wrap

    There’s been a lot of hard work off the pitch too – some of it thanks to Arteta and the players, some of it thanks to the the club’s execs and some thanks to fan input – that has been well documented, resulting in a sea change in the matchday atmosphere. There’s a good, warm buzz at the moment, something that got another shot in the arm this week with the unveiling of the new stadium wraps. 

    How good are they? The collaborative nature of the project has paid huge dividends. Arsenal’s history runs through them, but they’ve also managed to bring all the different strands together that make up modern Arsenal. Really, really impressive and I can’t wait to see them up and running. Bravo to all involved.

    All or something 

    The feelgood factor is such that I’ve even started watching All or Nothing. Just the six months late then – you can always count on me being ahead of the zeitgeist.

    As everyone hoovered it in record time, I steadfastly and perhaps a little inexplicably couldn’t bring myself to watch it. I had a couple of doubts, I suppose. The first was that I worried I would find the reality of their existence a bit mundane, that it would smash the mystique and I might end up not warming to them especially. I was wrong about that, or at least I was if the three episodes I’ve seen are any guide. Everyone is for the most part quite engaging, some are quite quirky, and seeing their strengths and weaknesses is a nice window into the reality of being human.

    The second thing holding me back was my innate dislike of cheesy management and motivational techniques. And I have to say, I do find Arteta’s methods in this show a bit awks. 

    Strong memories of going to pre-natal classes with Mrs Lower (many years ago now) and worrying about being asked to sit in a circle and take my shoes off. Yes, I am that bloke.

    Well anyway, it is cheesy but who’s having the last laugh? Six months on and you can see how together they are and how much everyone (except the FA) loves Arteta. Perhaps I should rub my hands together and stand in a circle with my friends a bit more. 

    The elephant in the room 

    Hand-rubbing vibes all round, basically, but tomorrow looms large and has the capacity for the week to be seen through a slightly different prism. A bad result wouldn’t dent the general mood for long, but it is a huge game with an awful lot at stake.

    Given City’s loss today, with Utd scuttling up the rungs, a win tomorrow would be giant. But history tells us that will be a big ask – we’ve drawn twice in eight seasons there and lost the rest. We need to hit the ground running and it would be nice not to be on the wrong end of soft decisions. 

    Looking forward to it? Yes and no. Not much if I’m honest, just because. Ask me again at 6.15pm tomorrow. I might love it, I might hate it.

    Come on you reds!



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  • Ruben Amorim must turn to these five Academy wonderkids for Brentford game – Man United News And Transfer News

    Ruben Amorim must turn to these five Academy wonderkids for Brentford game – Man United News And Transfer News



    Manchester United pulled off one of their most spectacular away results in their European football history, dismantling Athletic Club 3-0 in their Europa League semi-final first leg tie on Thursday.

    The result was scarcely believable, with Spanish media thinking it would be a cakewalk for the Basque side given their defensive record and their attacking prowess.

    The Spanish side were fourth in La Liga heading into Thursday’s tie, having conceded only 10 times at San Mames in all competitions while the Red Devils were languishing in 14th position with one of the worst goalscoring records in the division.

    Yet what followed was almost unbelievable with the Red Devils netting thrice in the first-half through Casemiro and a brace from skipper Bruno Fernandes while Harry Maguire bamboozled his marker on the right wing!

    What a first leg!

    But the tie is not yet over and the 20-time English league champions cannot get complacent ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford, which is why Ruben Amorim is expected to ring in the changes for Sunday’s Premier League game against Brentford.

    The head coach has already indicated that Noussair Mazraoui will not be playing while key stars like Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes could all be given a rest.

    Certain clues as to the makeup of the team against the Bees could be taken from the substitutes bench on Thursday which saw quite a few Academy graduates.

    Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, who were both ineligible, also made the trip to Bilbao as Amorim wanted to use them in training on Friday, which is expected to be held locally.

    Given Joshua Zirkzee is out for the season and Rasmus Hojlund is the only striker available, there is a good chance the Dane could be left on the bench. Which is why Chido could be about to start his first game finally.

    Kone has impressed for the U21s and there has been a growing clamour to hand him a start and the Malian could be given the nod in place of Casemiro and alongside Manuel Ugarte, who should be fit to start given he only played for 60 minutes.

    Changes expected

    With Diogo Dalot out, Jaydan Kamason looks in line for his first start of the season after impressing for the age-group teams with Harry Amass expected to be on the opposite flank.

    Tyler Fredricson could also get the nod due to the lack of fit centre-back options. Amorim only has Jonny Evans, who does not fit the head coach’s vision. Leny Yoro, Maguire and Victor Lindelof could all be rested as well.

    Bendito Mantato could also be a surprise pick, but it is likely he will have to be happy with a place on the bench given Amad is in need of minutes ahead of the second leg.

    Jack Moorhouse, Godwill Kukonki and James Scanlon could all make the bench but a start looks unlikely given the Portuguese tactician has already reminded players of the importance of finishing the season strong.

    Every position the club gain between now and the end of the season could be worth a lot and could ultimately help Amorim in his quest of earning a bigger war chest to work with in the summer.

    Feature image James Fearn via Getty Images

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