فالفيردي يكسر صمته ويصدر بيانًا صادمًا بشأن رفضه المشاركة في مباراة ريال مدريد وكيرات

كسر فيديريكو فالفيردي، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، صمته، وأصدر بيانًا صادمًا تجاه الشائعات التي أشارت إلى أن الدولي الأوروجواياني قد رفض المشاركة في مواجهة الفريق الملكي أمام كيرات الماتي بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ريال مدريد استعاد عافيته من جديد وحقق انتصارًا كبيرًا على نظيره كيرات الماتي بخمسة أهدف نظيفة، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا لحساب الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري.

وشهدت هذه المواجهة جلوس فالفيردي على مقاعد بدلاء ريال مدريد، حيث لم يشارك اللاعب البالغ من العمر 27 عامًا في أي دقيقة من المباراة.

وورد أن قرار جلوس فالفيردي على مقاعد البدلاء جاء بعدما رفض اللاعب طلب المدرب تشابي ألونسو بالمشاركة في مركز الظهير الأيمن، في ظل غياب داني كارفاخال، وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد للإصابة.

ولم يقم فالفيردي بإجراء عمليات الإحماء في مباراة ريال مدريد وكيرات وظل على كرسي البدلاء للنهاية.

طالع .. رد فعل غريب من محمد صلاح على دكة بدلاء ليفربول أمام جالطة سراي

وانفجر فالفيردي غضبًا عبر حسابه الرسمي في “إكس”، حيث أكد أن كل الأقاويل الدارجة عن رفضه المشاركة مع ريال مدريد غير صحيحة.

وقال فالفيردي: ”قرأت مقالات عديدة أساءت لسمعتي، أعلم أنني خضت مبارياتٍ سيئة وأعي ذلك، لا أخفي أمري وأواجه الانتقادات وجهاً لوجه لكنني أشعر بحزن عميق”.

وأضاف: ”قد يقول الناس الكثير عني لكن لا يمكنهم تحت أي ظرف من الظروف أن يقولوا إني أرفض اللعب، لقد بذلت قصارى جهدي وأكثر من أجل هذا النادي ولعبت وأنا مصاب ولم أشتكي قط أو أطلب راحة”.

وأوضح فالفيردي في حديثه: ”علاقتي بالمدرب جيدة مما يمنحني ثقة كافية لأخبره بالمركز الذي أفضله في الملعب، لكنني كنت دائمًا أوضح له أنني جاهز للعب في أي مكان، في أي رحلة وفي كل مباراة”.

واختتم فالفيردي: ”لقد وضعت قلبي وروحي في هذا النادي وسأواصل ذلك حتى لو لم يكن ذلك كافيًا في بعض الأحيان أو لم ألعب كما أريد، أقسم أنني لن أستسلم أبدًا وسأقاتل حتى النهاية، وسوف ألعب أينما النادي احتاجني”.

The Top 100 Best FPL Team Names for 2025/26

A new year of Fantasy Premier League football is just around the corner, with the database now open for managers to select their 15-man squads for the 2025/26 season.

Prices have been revealed for the upcoming campaign and there have also been some changes in regards to the rules of FPL, such as how assists will be recorded.

However, before you can get started with building your squad, a team name is required, which is arguably one of the most important points of FPL. Whether it be a play on past or present footballers, having a name that stands out can always get an extra laugh out of mates and work colleagues.

Ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, we’ve taken a look at 100 of the best FPL names around today in a variety of different categories.

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ByBen Goodwin Jul 5, 2025 100 of the best FPL names for 2025/26

Current Premier League players

Ait Nouri Geller

Baby Reijnders

Back of the Neto

Beef Cherki

Bowen 747

Brennan Jerry’s

Cheesy Garnachos

Dunk and Disorderly

Eze Come, Eze Go

Haalandaise Sauce

Hakuna Mateta

Kai Me a River

Kinder Mbeumo

Livin’ Saliba Loca

Luke Kyle Walker

Major League Saka

Net Flekken Chill

Palmer Violets

Pro Evolution Saka

Shiver Me Timbers

Club based names

AC/DC United

Ajax Trees Down

Bayer Neverlosin’

Bayern Bru

Bayern Maiden

Bilbao Baggins

Borussia Teeth

Cameroon Diaz

ChampagneSuperRovers

Cry Me A River Plate

Expected Toulouse

Fiorentina Turner

Imaginary Madrid

IsYourMotherwell

One Night In Palace

Pathetico Madrid

Spartak Costco

Sub-standard Liege

SucculentChineseLille

The Molde Peaches

Former players

Absolutely Fabregas

Benteke Fried Chicken

Blink 1-Eto’o

Cleverley named

Crouch Potato

Delph & Safety

Diego Costa Coffee

Hakuna Juan Mata

Ibe Gotta Feeling

Kings of Leon Osman

Krul and the Gang

Lady Yaya

Ninja Skrtels

Men Behaving Chadli

Moves Like Agger

Pepe Pig

Pjanic at the Isco

The Wizard of Ozil

Tinchy Sneijder

Two’s Kompany

Classics

50ShadesOfAndyGray

ABCDE FC

Alisson Blunderland

Backstreet Moyes

Ctrl + Alt + De Ligt

DropItLikeIt’sSlot

Flying Without Ings

Game Of Throw-Ins

Gangsters Allardyce

Giroud Awakening

Khedira Pin Drop

Klopps and Robbers

Löw Island

MurderOnZidanesFloor

Neville Wears Prada

Norfolk n’ Good

Obi 1 Kenobi 0

Sound of the Lloris

TAA Very Much

The Cesc Pistols

Who Ate All Depays?

Underrated

Areola Grande

ABCDE FC

Charli xGx

Farke The Bus

Gavi Barlow

Gross Misconduct

Hotel? Thiago

How Dalot Can You Go

I Baleba Can Fly

Isak Newton

Just 1 Cornet 0

Lallanas in Pyjamas

MacAwoniyi Cheese

Rubber Digne Rapids

Rutter Woke Nonsense

Snoop Udogie Dogg

Stone Cole Steve Palmer

Tea & Busquets

Thomas The Frank Engine

Turkish De Ligt

You’re a Wissa Harry

Gardner cleared of concussion after Wareham head clash

The Australia allrounder will train on Saturday before a call is taken on whether she will play the second match

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2024

Ash Gardner was a last-minute absentee from the opening T20I•Getty Images

Ashleigh Gardner has been cleared of concussion after the allrounder’s bizarre collision with Georgia Wareham before Australia’s T20I against New Zealand.Gardner missed Australia’s series-opening win in Mackay on Thursday night, after she and Wareham clashed heads during a warm-up game.Wareham has also been cleared of any concussion symptoms after recovering from the knock to play in the five-wicket win.Gardner, the reigning Belinda Clark Medallist, initially laughed off the incident before leaving the ground in tears. The 27-year-old has had a wretched history with concussions with seven throughout her professional career. The issue prompted Gardner to see a neuropsychologist in 2018, after suffering four in the space of 20 months. Saturday’s news will therefore come as a welcome relief to Gardner, with both she and Wareham a chance to play the second T20 against New Zealand in Mackay on Sunday.Australia also have other injury concerns ahead of next month’s World Cup in the UAE with Grace Harris (calf) and Kim Garth (knee) both missing the New Zealand series.Beth Mooney, who will pay her 100th T20I in the second match of the series, said Australia would be looking to sharpen up.”It was a good game for us, not a great one,” Mooney said. “So we’re looking to sharpen up every facet of the game, maybe getting off to a bit of a better start with the bat in terms of wickets lost, and then with the ball, maybe tidying up a few different areas there.”[New Zealand] got 140 on the board and they perhaps were a few runs short, so we’ll have to adjust tomorrow night if they come out pretty hard.”On the landmark game, which will come at the scene of one of her greatest performances, the unbeaten 125 against India in 2021, Mooney said: “It’s always nice to play one game for Australia, but to play a 100 when there was probably a time where I didn’t think I’d play any is very special.”New Zealand were without Sophie Devine for the first game of the series as she continues to recover from an ankle injury with a cautious approach being taken ahead of the T20 World Cup

The new Fellows: West Brom looking at deal to sign "outstanding" EFL star

Ryan Mason has already won himself one standout signing since entering the pressurised West Bromwich Albion hot-seat.

Indeed, the Baggies forked out £3m on the services of Nathaniel Phillips to strengthen at the back, with Phillips just fresh off a relegation-saving season at Derby County in the Championship on loan from Liverpool. Now, he’s West Brom’s first major foray into the market.

Coventry City’s Tatsuhiro Sakamoto in action with Derby County’s Ebou Adams andNathanielPhillips

Transfers at the Hawthorns are unlikely to halt there, though, as West Brom aim to bolster all over the pitch in the wake of Baggies stalwarts Grady Diangana, John Swift, and Semi Ajayi all leaving for nothing.

West Brom interested in another centre-back

A big chunk of West Brom’s long-standing servants are now nowhere to be seen in the West Midlands, as Mason prepares to leave his mark on proceedings.

It’s been heavily commented on, but the 33-year-old does have his past Tottenham Hotspur connections he can fall back on when targeting some sensational summer acquisitions, with both Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear reportedly in their sights when assessing the cream of Spurs’ young crop.

Away from treading down this familiar North London path, however, West Brom could be about to win a much-talked-about 22-year-old prospect from the EFL.

West Brom-based X account DOOD has speculated that Mason and Co. are interested in the possibility of acquiring Stockport County powerhouse Ethan Pye this summer, although nothing is in motion as of yet.

It’s clear when looking at his sublime 2024/25 season – which ended with him winning every personal Hatters accolade possible – why West Brom are hunting him down as a possible partner for Phillips in the heart of defence.

After all, many of West Brom’s star performers once plied their trade in the lower depths of the EFL, as the promotion hopefuls now hope that Pye can be another to burst into life up a division, much like Tom Fellows managed after an early lower league education.

How Pye can be Fellows 2.0

Looking at the final West Brom lineup fielded at the close of the 24/25 campaign is enough to validate how many of the Baggies’ seasoned first-teamers have the third tier to thank for an initial boost in confidence, with Darnell Furlong once loaned out to Swindon Town in League One, before his big Hawthorns break.

Two goals and five assists would come the experienced right-back’s way during his formative County Ground switch, which is amazingly five more goal contributions than Fellows would register on the books of Crawley Town prior to his moment in the spotlight.

The rest is history now for the Solihull-born ace, however, with the homegrown product one of the first names on the Baggies’ teamsheet last season when collecting a blistering 14 assists in Championship action.

Pye will hope he can be as much of a standout figure for the second tier side down the line if a move is finalised, considering the Manchester-born defender has also had to endure many a lower league loan, before developing into one of Dave Challinor’s integral pieces of the jigsaw last season at Edgeley Park.

Pye’s league numbers for Stockport (24/25)

Stat (* = per game)

Pye

Games played

35

Goals scored

1

Assists

1

Touches*

73.7

Accurate passes*

44.4 (79%)

Ball recoveries*

4.5

Total duels won*

7.3

Clean sheets

11

Stats by Sofascore

Only two years prior to his breakout 24/25 offering Pye was plying his trade in the National League with Gateshead. Now, much like Fellows back at the Hawthorns, the Hatters’ success largely depended on the 22-year-old last season, with a mighty 7.3 duels won per game by Pye as Stockport dared to dream about promotion up to the Championship.

Hailed as “outstanding” by West Brom-based journalist Chris Hall, this could be a buy that sees West Brom repeat their unbelievable Fellows magic, with Pye more than ready to make a splash up a level.

It does appear to be only faint murmurs at this point, but West Brom will surely want to make more moves soon as the new season edges closer, with Pye perhaps the next figure to join the intriguing Mason project.

West Brom can secure perfect Swift replacement by signing "incredible" star

West Bromwich Albion could instantly respond to John Swift leaving the Hawthorns by snapping up this EFL ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 2, 2025

Birmingham can land the next Auston Trusty by signing "astounding" £6m star

Birmingham City might well have stormed to the League One title in part due to their electric attacking arsenal consisting of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, and many others, but the Blues’ defence also shone all season to ensure the title was triumphantly lifted.

Indeed, Chris Davies’ men would only ship 31 goals across the course of the memorable 46-game marathon, as the likes of Christoph Klarer and Ben Davies routinely bullied third-tier attackers.

Davies will know he needs that same switched-on approach from his back-line as they navigate a step-up in quality, with Birmingham once possessing a rock-solid option at this level in the form of Auston Trusty, before he eventually moved on to pastures new at Celtic.

Trusty's standout loan spell at Birmingham

The American titan would join the building on loan the season before Birmingham’s relegation to League One, but that isn’t to say he entered a camp that was sky-high on confidence.

The Blues had been locked into many a relegation scrap before his arrival, with a worrying 75 goals leaked during the 2021/22 season when Trusty was still on the books of Arsenal.

Whilst Trusty’s added presence could only see Birmingham finish in an equally disappointing 17th position in the league the next campaign, his importance to the cause was definitely noticeable.

By the end of his St. Andrew’s stint, the 6-foot-3 defender would tally up four league goals from 44 games – which included this audacious flick beating Seny Dieng – away from bringing the goals conceded number down to a more respectable 58.

Winning a valiant 6.2 duels on average too, the American ultimately ended the campaign having claimed the club’s Player of the Year award, prior to sealing a permanent switch to Sheffield United.

Davies, meanwhile, will be crying out for similarly dominant performances from his batch of defenders when making the step back up, with this potential new signing going on to be his own iteration of the now Celtic regular if everything slots into place.

Birmingham could land the next Trusty

After all, despite boasting such an impressive defensive record during their promotion success story, Birmingham will know how demanding the Championship can be, meaning improvements could be sought after.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The ambitious Blues are reportedly in the race to sign Luton Town powerhouse Teden Mengi to help in this regard, with Burnley, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough all also keen on adding the ex-Manchester United defender to their rosters this summer, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.

The in-demand starlet previously joined the Blues on loan for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, albeit with a recurring hamstring injury limiting him to just ten appearances in all competitions. Now, another opportunity to thrive at St Andrews could be on the cards.

Straight off the bat, there are plenty of comparisons to be made between Mengi and Trusty, with the pair having been noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the Premier League, as per FBref, during the 2023/24 season with Luton and Sheffield United, respectively.

That likeness was particularly seen in their ability to sniff out the danger in their own penalty area, with Mengi ranking in the top 11% for clearances made per 90, while Trusty ranked in the top 9% for that same metric.

Equally, the 6-foot battler’s early education came at the illustrious Red Devils in the Premier League, much like his centre-back counterpart calling the Emirates home as a youngster.

Moreover, Mengi has managed to forge a successful career for himself away from his hometown club – much like the American has at Celtic – as seen in the 23-year-old’s current spell with Matt Bloomfield’s Hatters now attracting interest from various suitors.

Mengi’s Luton numbers (23/24) + (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Mengi (23/24)

Mengi (24/25)

Games played

30

20

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

0

1

Touches*

44.4

48.1

Accurate passes*

24.2 (78%)

27.8 (77%)

Ball recoveries*

4.2

4.2

Clearances*

4.5

3.9

Total duels won*

4.3

3.6

Stats by Sofascore

As can be seen looking at the table above, Mengi has shone in spurts for Luton, particularly when the underdogs were battling bravely against the Premier League drop, with the Manchester-born enforcer winning 4.3 duels on average across his 30 top-flight appearances.

The then Luton manager, Rob Edwards, would even label Mengi as “astounding” for his ability to perform under such pressures, with his addition to Davies’ camp now perhaps viewed as a worthwhile boost to their defensive numbers, away from just relying on the old guard of Klarer and Co.

After all, the last time Birmingham purchased a former Premier League starlet to help out the back in the form of Trusty, it went down as a golden purchase, with Mengi – who Football Transfers value at £6m – potentially viewed down the line as another successful buy.

More exciting than Gray: Birmingham eyeing up new move for "special" star

Birmingham City could seal an even more exciting signing than the return of Demarai Gray by winning this special attacker’s services.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 9, 2025

Everton make contact over summer deal for "brilliant" £120k-p/w Man Utd ace

Everton are close to beginning their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now move a step closer to completing a free transfer for an established Premier League defender, per reports.

Everton enjoying a peaceful end to Goodison Park era

Safety was the desired result when David Moyes took over at Goodison Park, and it is fair to say the former West Ham United boss has passed his remit with flying colours since returning to Merseyside.

A run of only four losses in 15 matches across all competitions have pulled the Toffees well clear of the drop zone, with their Premier League status secure after a raft of impressive results despite a clear lack of squad depth.

Everton manager David Moyes andBetoafter the match

Incredibly, Goodison Park will host just two more Everton matches before being consigned to history as the Blues move across town, which could pave the way for some exciting additions to enter the fold if the Friedkin Group flex their financial muscle this summer.

Nantes winger Moses Simon could be one of first arrivals of the new era for a fee in the region of £12.8 million, offering a potential solution should Jack Harrison return to Leeds United. Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg is also on Everton’s radar, illustrating the calibre of reinforcement the Toffees have in mind to kickstart a new dawn under Moyes.

Shades of Cahill: Everton chasing PL "revelation" to upgrade on Doucoure

David Moyes is looking to strengthen his Everton team in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2025

Following years in the doldrums, the Blues finally appear to be on the up and have aspirations of progression once they arrive at Bramley Moore, but PSR regulations may limit their scope to spend at a lavish rate. Free transfers may be an intelligent way to attract quality while keeping the books in check, so it won’t some as a surprise to hear that Everton could utilise this mode of transfer action.

Everton make contact over Victor Lindelof move

According to CaughtOffside, Everton have made contact over a move for Manchester United star Victor Lindelof in an attempt to fend off competition from several other clubs for his signature. Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United have also registered their interest, while Inter Milan, Juventus and Benfica are lingering in the distance.

Victor Lindelof’s Manchester United record

Appearances

277

Goals

4

Assists

7

Trophies

1 EFL Cup, 1 FA Cup

After falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford, £120,000 per week earner Lindelof is set for a new challenge in the prime of his career and has no shortage of offers in his hunt for a new club. His availability on a free transfer combined with experience of the English top-flight is a lucrative commodity for sides to consider heading into next season.

Everton have several players set to see their deals expire on Merseyside and may have a void to fill in the heart of defence, making Lindelof an inexpensive solution providing they can meet his wage demands in negotiations.

Everton make contact with representatives of "very dangerous" summer target

Everton are believed to have made contact with a “very dangerous” player’s representatives, as they eye a move for him in the summer transfer window.

Everton contact defender and eye further signings

The Blues know the importance of a big summer, as they prepare for life in their new stadium and hopefully an exciting second spell under David Moyes.

Everton have reportedly already made contact with Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko over a switch to the club at the end of the season, amid doubts over Jarrad Branthwaite’s long-term future. The 27-year-old has averaged 3.3 clearances per game for the Dutch side this season, also completing 90.4% of his passes, outlining his all-round quality.

Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres in action with Slovakia'sDavidHanckoand Milan Skriniar Jakob Akersten Brode

Hancko isn’t the only central defender being looked at by the Blues, however, with Burnley key man Maxime Esteve also seen as an option. He has played a huge role in the Clarets remarkably only conceding 12 goals in the Championship this season, and at 22, he is still early in his career.

Elsewhere, Everton have been backed to sign Liverpool winger Ben Doak this summer, which would cause plenty of controversy. The 19-year-old has been out on loan at Middlesbrough in 2024/25 and there is no guarantee that he has a long-term future at Anfield.

Everton make contact with versatile ace's agents

According to a fresh update from Kicker [via Sport Witness], Everton have contacted Merlin Rohl’s representatives over a move to Merseyside, as they look to get a summer deal over the line.

The SC Freiburg star has been linked with a move to the Blues in the past and Moyes knows him well, having come up against him four times during his spell in charge of West Ham. The 22-year-old only signed a new deal last year, but his current club are aware of the interest in him.

Rohl is a young player with plenty of long-term potential, with Christian Streich calling him a “difference-maker” and Antonio Di Salo saying of him: “He fought his way into [Freiburg’s] team. That’s not easy. He focused on defensive work and also came into his own offensively. He’s very quick and determined. He’s very dangerous.”

In truth, Rohl’s 2024/25 season hasn’t been his most productive, with only 11 starts coming his way in the Bundesliga due to injury problems, and no goals and one assist recorded.

That doesn’t change the fact that he could be a real asset for Everton, however, not least because of the versatility that he possesses in his game. The German is predominantly a central midfielder, but he can also thrive in more of an attacking midfield role, on the right wing and even as a second striker. This would immediately give Moyes more options.

Everton struck gold on “constant threat” who’s worth more than Longstaff

Everton made a good investment with the signing

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 7, 2025

The fact that the Blues manager has seen him up close as many as four times also means he knows his qualities as a footballer well, so the positives easily outweigh the negatives when it comes to Everton signing him.

Sri Lanka appoint Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands as batting and spin-bowling coaches

Wood has been contracted for one year and Ferdinands for two

Madushka Balasuriya04-Oct-2025Sri Lanka have hired Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands as batting coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively, of their men’s national team. They will replace Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge in the roles.Kandamby had been Sri Lanka’s batting coach since December 2023, while Wijetunge has been a fixture at SLC having been in the role of spin-bowling coach since February 2006. It is understood that the decision to shake up the coaching staff was taken after Sri Lanka’s T20I series defeat to Bangladesh at home in July.Wood has been given a one-year contract. Earlier this year, he had conducted a week-long “power-hitting programme” with Sri Lanka’s national players and impressed SLC during his brief stint. In August, he was named Bangladesh’s batting coach on a short-term contract, but they had opted not to extend it upon its conclusion in September.He has previously worked with the ECB, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Middlesex, and Punjab Kings.Ferdinands will be in the role for two years, where he is expected to “lead spin bowling training, match preparation, performance analysis, and player development”.”Holding a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, Ferdinands brings extensive expertise in applying science to enhance cricket performance,” an SLC statement said. He has previously worked at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, “delivering biomechanics-based coaching programmes for elite players and coaches”. “A specialist in both wrist and finger spin, Rene has also served as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket, carrying out performance evaluations and injury-risk assessments for leading bowlers.”Whether it’s scoring rates or six-hitting frequency, Sri Lanka have been closer to the bottom than the top of the table over the past decade, while their spinners have frequently struggled to produce results on flatter tracks. SLC will be hoping that the appointments of Wood and Ferdinands address these concerns.

Fabregas says Arteta has just made a "great move" at Arsenal after tactical decision

Como manager and ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas has now heaped praise on Mikel Arteta following a key Gunners tactical tweak.

The Premier League frontrunners take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later today, pitting Arteta’s side against the surprise package of the season.

Arsenal arrive on Wearside in utterly imperious form. The north Londoners have won their last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight consecutive victories without conceding a single goal.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

They’re aiming to win five successive Premier League games without conceding for the first time since 1987, while their run of eight clean sheets in all competitions matches a club record set way back in 1903.

It’s been nearly 13 hours of football since anyone has scored against them, which is quite simply unbelievable, and they of course boast the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues as a result.

That being said, Regis Le Bris’ side pose a tough challenge. Sunderland enter this game having defied all pre-season expectations spectacularly. They’ve accumulated 18 points from their opening 10 fixtures – the most any promoted side has managed at this stage since Hull City’s 20 points in 2008-09.

Their remarkable home form has been key, remaining unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this campaign.

Arsenal are still favourites to win this one, though, following their imperious start to the season — which is made all the more impressive by their mountain of attacking injuries.

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard are all unavailable with knee or muscular problems — even if Jesus returned to training this week — Meanwhile, striker Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out with a potential hamstring injury until after the international break.

This leaves Arteta pretty short of forward options, with Mikel Merino likely to continue in an emergency striker role.

Merino’s second-half brace secured a 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague in midweek, adding to his very impressive tally of 11 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this calendar year.

The midfielder has been nothing short of inspirational when called upon to play an unfamiliar role by Arteta, and Fabregas is certainly impressed by the former Real Sociedad star.

Fabregas praises "great move" by Arteta to play Merino as Arsenal striker

Speaking in an interview with Calciomercato this week, Fabregas stated it was a “great move” by Arteta to play Merino as a striker once again in the absence of Gyokeres — claiming he’s done very well in the role.

Merino had never played striker before featuring there for the first time against Leicester City back in February, where he scored both goals in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory after replacing the injured Kai Havertz.

Since then, he’s excelled in the position.

The midfielder has netted an astonishing 19 goals for club and country combined in 2025, including his midweek brace against Slavia Prague that also took his Arsenal tally to three headed goals this season. His 6 foot 2 frame makes him a major aerial threat inside the area, while on the deck he’s incredibly strong, using his muscular frame to dominate physical 50-50s.

Com Abel Ferreira e Allianz Parque, Palmeiras tem trunfo para avançar à final do Paulistão

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras encara o Novorizontino nesta próxima quinta-feira (28), no Allianz Parque, em jogo que vale a vaga do atual bicampeão na grande decisão do Paulistão 2024.

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E para eliminar a grande surpresa da competição, o Verdão conta com um ótimo retrospecto de Abel Ferreira em jogos eliminatórios no Allianz Parque.

Desde que o português chegou ao Brasil, o Palmeiras decidiu 23 vezes jogos eliminatórios no Allianz Parque, e acabou terminando 18 vezes como o classificado ou campeão e apenas cinco vezes eliminado.

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Com Abel Ferreira, o Palmeiras também jamais foi eliminado no Allianz Parque em jogos de Campeonato Paulista. As cinco eliminações foram em jogos de Copa do Brasil e Libertadores.

O duelo diante do Novorizontino será o primeiro mata-mata do Verdão na sua arena em 2024, uma vez que o duelo diante da Ponte Pretam pelas quartas do Paulista, aconteceu na Arena Barueri.

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+ Endrick se torna o 4º jogador mais jovem a marcar pela Seleção Brasileira!

Confira todos os jogos do Palmeiras em mata-matas na era Abel no Allianz Parque:

Temporada 2020

5/11/2020 – Palmeiras 1 x 0 Bragantino – Oitavas de Final Copa do Brasil (volta) – classificado


2/12/2020 – Palmeiras 5 x 0 Delfín-EQU – Oitavas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado


15/12/2020 – Palmeiras 3 x 0 Libertad-PAR – Quartas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado


12/1/2021 – Palmeiras 0 x 2 River Plate-ARG – Semifinal Libertadores (volta) – classificado


7/3/2021 – Palmeiras 2 x 0 Grêmio – Final Copa do Brasil (volta) – campeão

Temporada 2021

9/6/2021 – Palmeiras 0 (3) x (4) 1 CRB – Terceira Fase Copa do Brasil (volta) – eliminado


21/7/2021 – Palmeiras 1 x 0 U. Católica-CHI- Oitavas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado


17/8/2021 – Palmeiras 3 x 0 São Paulo – Quartas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado

Temporada 2022

2/3/2022 – Palmeiras 2 x 0 Athletico-PR – Recopa Sul-Americana (volta) – campeão


23/3/2022 – Palmeiras 2 x 0 Ituano – Quartas de Final Paulistão (único) – classificado


26/3/2022 – Palmeiras 2 x 1 Bragantino – Semifinal Paulistão (único) – classificado


3/4/2022 – Palmeiras 4 x 0 São Paulo – Final Paulistão (volta) – campeão


6/7/2022 – Palmeiras 5 x 0 Cerro Porteño-PAR – Oitavas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado


14/7/2022 – Palmeiras 2 (3) x (4) 1 São Paulo – Oitavas de Final Copa do Brasil (volta) – eliminado


10/8/2022 – Palmeiras 0 (6) x (5) 0 Atlético-MG – Quartas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado


6/9/2022 – Palmeiras 2 x 2 Athletico-PR – Semifinal Libertadores (volta) – eliminado

Temporada 2023

11/3/2023 – Palmeiras 1 x 0 São Bernardo – Quartas de Final Paulistão (único) – classificado


19/3/2023 – Palmeiras 1 x 0 Ituano – Semifinal Paulistão (único) – classificado


9/4/2023 – Palmeiras 4 x 0 Água Santa – Final Paulistão (volta) – campeão


13/7/2023 – Palmeiras 1 x 2 São Paulo – Quartas de Final Copa do Brasil (volta) – eliminado


9/8/2023 – Palmeiras 0 x 0 Atlético-MG – Oitavas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado

30/8/2023 – Palmeiras 0 x 0 Deportivo Pereira-COL – Quartas de Final Libertadores (volta) – classificado

05/10/2023 – Palmeiras 1 x 1 Boca Juniors-ARG – semifinal Libertadores (volta) – eliminado

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