Latest

Andoni Iraola has explained why he told Liverpool he wanted Lewis Koumas to remain at Anfield this season instead of going out on loan again.

The 20-year-old has been included in every matchday squad so far this term after impressing the manager in pre-season.

The versatile midfielder came off the bench against Newcastle United and Ipswich Town for his first Premier League appearances, and made his UEFA Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid in midweek when he replaced Alexander Isak late on.

The Wales international has spent the last two years developing his game while out on loan at Stoke City, Hull City and Birmingham City, but Iraola told Liverpool he wanted the talented youngster to be a part of the first-team squad this season.

The Basque native has “very few doubts” that Koumas is ready to contribute to the side after gaining experience in the second tier and sees his ability to play in multiple positions as a huge positive.

Iraola reveals why he fought to keep starlet at Liverpool

“The first week that I was here, I told the club I want him to stay,” Iraola told his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Fulham. “I had very few doubts because he can cover us as a seven, nine, ten and 11. He trains very well, has a good attitude and great player. He scores goals.

“He needs to add more like every young player, but he already has a good amount of experience playing in the Championship at a high level.

“I see him ready to help us and I like what he gives us. I am very happy to have him.”

Alexis Mac Allister is another player Iraola is pleased to have in his squad after he scored the winning goal in their comeback win over Atletico on Wednesday. The Argentine midfielder’s impressive performance came after he expressed sadness at not being offered a new contract by the club.

“I consider him a great player,” the Liverpool boss said. “He understands the game very well and has the experience which is quite good for our young team.

“I am very happy to have him in our team. I hope this level of performance and if he can improve it then even better.”

Read – Man City made Mac Allister enquiry amid Liverpool uncertainty

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak is regaining form after recovering from a broken leg that sidelined him for almost four months last season. The Swedish striker has scored three goals in the opening three Premier League games and provided the assist for Mac Allister’s winner against Atletico.

“I think he’s doing well,” Iraola added. “I’m happy with the improvements he’s doing game-to-game.

“Physically, he’s in a really good place. I think he moves with confidence and technically we know he is very good. He is understanding better what we need from the number nine position.”

Read – Barcola and Gakpo fitness update ahead of Liverpool vs Fulham

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Real Madrid are back in La Liga action this Saturday, welcoming Rayo Vallecano to the Santiago Bernabéu for their fifth matchday fixture of the season.

The hosts arrive in good spirits, currently placed fourth in the table with nine points from their opening four league games. Their domestic campaign began with three consecutive victories: a narrow 2–1 success against Espanyol, followed by an emphatic 4–1 win over Real Sociedad, and then a dominant 4–0 triumph against Málaga. Their only league blemish so far came in a 1–0 loss to Real Betis, but they responded immediately in midweek with a gritty 2–1 Champions League win over Inter Milan to restore momentum.

Real Madrid team news

Manager José Mourinho gets a significant boost ahead of this capital derby, as three key midfielders—Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, and Eduardo Camavinga—are all cleared to feature after missing the midweek European tie due to continental suspensions.

These bans were carried over from red cards in last season’s Champions League, which ruled them out against Inter but do not apply in La Liga.

In another positive update, reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has shaken off an illness and is back in contention for the matchday squad.

Mourinho must still manage several important absences. Defender Éder Militão remains out with a muscle problem, while forward Rodrygo continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury and left-back Ferland Mendy is sidelined with a hip issue.

On a brighter note in defence, Raúl Asencio has returned to full fitness after a pre-season knee injury and has been named in the squad for the first time this campaign.

Thibaut Courtois is projected to start in goal, with the defensive setup likely to include wing-back roles for Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella as part of Mourinho’s tactical plan.

Real Madrid predicted lineup

Possible Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 12th September.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano?

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano fixture will be shown live and exclusively on Disney+ Premium.

See More – Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn – Predicted lineup and team news

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Real Madrid returns to La Liga action on Saturday as they host Rayo Vallecano in a matchday five encounter of the league at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano – Match preview and team news

Date: Saturday, 12th September.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid.

Real Madrid team news

Real Madrid prepares to host their capital rivals following a domestic slip-up against Real Betis, but manager José Mourinho receives a massive boost to his squad depth.

Midfielders Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, and Eduardo Camavinga are all available for selection after serving continental suspensions during the midweek Champions League clash against Inter Milan.

Additionally, backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has fully recovered from an illness to rejoin the bench. However, the squad is still dealing with notable defensive and attacking absences.

Éder Militão remains sidelined with a muscle injury, while Rodrygo continues his recovery from a knee issue, and Ferland Mendy is out with a hip problem.

In positive defensive news, Raúl Asencio makes his first squad appearance of the season after recovering from a pre-season knee injury. Thibaut Courtois is expected to start behind a backline featuring Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella in the wingback roles.

Rayo Vallecano team news

Rayo Vallecano enters this challenging Madrid derby severely depleted, leaving head coach Beñat San José with major selection headaches across the pitch.

The visitors will be entirely without key attacking threats Fran Pérez and Jorge de Frutos, who are both suspended following red cards against Racing Santander.

The injury list is equally punishing, as forward Randy Nteka was ruled out late after sustaining a muscle strain in training.

He joins goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who is recovering from tibia fracture surgery, and star playmaker Isi Palazón, who remains out with a muscle injury.

Long-term absentee Raúl de Tomás also misses out, while full-back Ivan Balliu is a major doubt due to heavy ankle bruising.

Dani Cárdenas will start in goal, protected by Florian Lejeune and Pathe Ciss, while Sergio Camello is expected to lead a heavily rotated attack at the Bernabéu.

Form

Real Madrid

Real Madrid enters this match with strong momentum, sitting fourth in La Liga with 9 points from four matches. They started the domestic campaign perfectly with a 2–1 win over Espanyol, a 4–1 thrashing of Real Sociedad, and a 4–0 victory against Málaga. Despite suffering a minor domestic setback in a 1–0 defeat to Real Betis, they immediately bounced back in midweek with a hard-fought 2–1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano has endured a highly inconsistent start to the season under Beñat San José, leaving them 14th in the standings with 4 points. They began with a 2–1 loss to Sevilla and a 1–1 draw against Alavés. After suffering a heavy 5–2 defeat at the hands of Barcelona, they finally found some relief by securing a chaotic 3–2 victory over Racing Santander, despite receiving two late red cards.

Predicted lineups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

Rayo Vallecano: Cardenas; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Pedrosa; Lopez, Valentin, Diaz; Tsitaishvili, Camello, A Garcia

How to watch Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano?

In the United Kingdom, the Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano match will be broadcast exclusively live on Disney+ Premium.

Read Also – Latest

See More – Home

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

AC Milan and Lazio—both still unbeaten in Serie A this season—meet in their next fixture on Saturday at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

AC Milan arrive in the capital in strong shape, having taken seven points from a possible nine so far. They opened the campaign with a 2-1 win away to Torino, then followed that with a commanding 2-0 victory over Venezia at San Siro, keeping a clean sheet. Before the international break, Ruben Amorim’s side were held to a tight 1-1 draw by Juventus, with Alphadjo Cissé finding the net for the Rossoneri. Now, Milan are keen to keep their momentum going and test themselves against Lazio’s well-organised, hard-to-break-down defence.

Lazio team news

Milan travel to Rome with far fewer injury concerns than earlier in the season, giving Amorim a largely full squad to choose from as they aim to extend their good run.

The main absentees are centre-back Mattia Gabbia and midfielder Warren Bondo, who remain out with their respective injuries.

Former Lazio defender Mario Gila has been dealing with an ongoing knee problem, but he is expected to play through the discomfort and help stabilise the back line against his old club.

In attack, US international Christian Pulisic has fully recovered from a minor muscle issue, yet Amorim has suggested he will still be careful with his minutes.

That caution could benefit young forward Alphadjo Cissé, who is pushing for another start after scoring against Juventus and impressing in recent outings.

With experienced midfielders Luka Modrić and Adrien Rabiot helping to set the tactical tone, Milan’s core lineup is already well established, allowing the coach to reintroduce returning players gradually from the bench rather than forcing them straight into the XI.

Lazio predicted lineup

Possible Lazio starting XI: Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Estupinan; Rabiot, Cisse; Ramos

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 5pm BST on Saturday, 12th September.

How to watch Lazio vs AC Milan?

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Lazio vs AC Milan match will be shown live on DAZN.

See More – Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn – Predicted lineup and team news

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

AC Milan and Lazio, two of the six unbeaten teams in Serie A till now, meet each other in their next match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio vs AC Milan – Match preview and team news

Date: Saturday, 12th September.
Kick-off: 5pm BST.
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Roma.

Lazio team news

Lazio face a severe squad crisis ahead of tonight’s clash at the Stadio Olimpico, forcing manager Gennaro Gattuso into navigating a heavily depleted roster.

The Biancocelesti will be completely without the services of several key first-team players due to an extensive injury list, including Patric, Adam Marusic, Danilo Cataldi, Nicolò Rovella, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Luca Pellegrini, and Alessio Furlanetto.

On a more positive note, the hosts received a major fitness boost as star striker Andrea Pinamonti resumed full training after shaking off a painful ankle knock picked up against Udinese, clearing him to start up front.

Additionally, new defensive signing Diogo Leite has been passed fit and will bolster the bench.

AC Milan team news

AC Milan arrive in Rome in far better health, with manager Ruben Amorim managing a mostly complete squad as they look to continue their strong momentum.

The Rossoneri will only be missing centre-back Mattia Gabbia and midfielder Warren Bondo, who remain sidelined with their respective injuries.

Former Lazio defender Mario Gila has been managing a persistent knee issue but is expected to push through the pain barrier to anchor the defence.

In attack, American star Christian Pulisic has fully recovered from a minor muscular problem, but Amorim hinted he will remain cautious, especially with youngster Alphadjo Cisse pushing for another start after scoring against Juventus.

With Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot anchoring the tactical setup, Milan’s starting unit remains highly settled, allowing the manager to ease his returning stars back into the rotation slowly from the bench.

Form

Lazio

Lazio boast a perfect start to their Serie A campaign, securing a flawless nine points from their opening three matches. Gennaro Gattuso’s side kicked off with efficient 1-0 victories over Bologna and Genoa, before grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Udinese just before the international break. Demonstrating immense defensive resilience, they have conceded only one league goal so far, making their depleted backline’s resilience the structural foundation of their early-season success.

AC Milan

AC Milan remain highly formidable and unbeaten, collecting seven points out of a possible nine. The Rossoneri started aggressively with a 2-1 victory over Torino, followed by a dominant 2-0 clean sheet win against Venezia at San Siro. In their final fixture before the break, Ruben Amorim’s men shared the spoils in a tense 1-1 draw against Juventus, courtesy of an Alphadjo Cisse strike. Eager to preserve momentum, they aim to breach Lazio’s stingy defense tonight.

Predicted lineups

Lazio: Mandas; Mussolini, Doekhi, Provstgaard, Tavares; Frattesi, Belahyane, Taylor; Cancellieri, Pinamonti, Zaccagni

AC Milan: Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Estupinan; Rabiot, Cisse; Ramos

How to watch Lazio vs AC Milan?

You can watch the Lazio vs AC Milan match live on DAZN in the UK.

Read Also – Home

See More – Latest

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Borussia Dortmund will face newly promoted SC Paderborn 07 at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday in their next Bundesliga fixture.

Dortmund go into the game in outstanding form, having secured victories in each of their last four matches across all competitions. Under the guidance of head coach Niko Kovač, the Black and Yellows have collected the maximum six points from their opening two Bundesliga matches and are firmly positioned close to the top of the standings. Their latest league appearance produced an exciting 3-2 away win against TSG Hoffenheim, while they followed that result with another narrow 3-2 victory over Villarreal CF in their midweek UEFA Champions League opener.

Borussia Dortmund team news

The German side have also been handed a significant boost in defence before the encounter, although Kovač still has to deal with a number of important absences.

Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini have both recovered from their respective ankle and rib problems, providing welcome news for the Dortmund backline.

The pair returned to full team training during the week, and Kovač confirmed that both defenders are fit and ready to challenge for places in the starting XI.

However, Dortmund picked up fresh concerns during their Champions League match against Villarreal. Konstantinos Karetsas was forced to leave the pitch after suffering circulatory problems and severe dehydration. As a result, he has been ruled out of Saturday’s Bundesliga meeting with Paderborn.

The club will also continue to be without long-term absentees Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias, both of whom are recovering from ACL injuries.

Filippo Mane and Justin Lerma remain unavailable because of muscle problems, while Samuele Inacio will miss the game after receiving a two-match suspension. This fixture will be the second and final match of that ban.

Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup

Possible Borussia Dortmund starting XI: Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Svensson; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Beier; Nwaneri, Sabitzer; Guirassy

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 2:30pm BST on Saturday, 12th September.

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn?

The Borussia Dortmund vs SC Paderborn 07 match will not be available to watch live in the UK because it falls under the country’s Saturday 3pm television blackout regulations.

See More – Bournemouth vs Brentford – Match preview and team news

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Borussia Dortmund play the newly promoted side Paderborn at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday in their next Bundesliga fixture.

Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn – Match preview and team news

Date: Saturday, 12th September.
Kick-off: 2:30pm BST.
Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund team news

Borussia Dortmund has received a massive defensive boost ahead of the match, though manager Niko Kovač must still navigate several key absences.

In a major lift for the backline, both Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini have fully recovered from ankle and rib issues respectively.

Both players returned to team training this week, and Kovač confirmed they are healthy and ready to reclaim their places in the starting lineup.

However, the squad faces new setbacks following mid-week Champions League action against Villarreal, where Konstantinos Karetsas had to be substituted due to circulatory issues and severe dehydration, ruling him out of this clash.

Long-term absutes Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias remain completely sidelined with ACL tears. Additionally, Filippo Mane and Justin Lerma are unavailable due to muscle injuries, while Samuele Inacio sits out as he serves the second match of his two-game suspension.

Paderborn team news

Paderborn manager Ralf Kettemann travels to Dortmund with a relatively short injury list, though the missing players present distinct challenges as the team searches for its first goal of the Bundesliga campaign.

The visitors will have to cope without the presence of Sven Michel, who is officially ruled out of the clash due to a nagging groin and muscle issue.

Paderborn’s midfield depth is also tested by the long-term absence of Timur Gayret, who remains out of action while recovering from a serious ACL tear.

Defensively, Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant is sidelined as he continues to rehabilitate an outer ligament knee injury, while Lasse Eickel is also unavailable for selection due to an ongoing back injury.

Despite these absences, Kettemann has a largely stable core available as he aims to orchestrate a defensive game plan capable of frustrating the Dortmund attack.

Form

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund enters the match in spectacular form, riding a four-game winning streak across all competitions. Under manager Niko Kovač, the team has taken maximum points from their opening two Bundesliga fixtures, comfortably sitting near the top of the table. Their most recent outings include a thrilling 3-2 away victory against TSG Hoffenheim in the league and another hard-fought 3-2 win over Villarreal CF in their midweek UEFA Champions League opening encounter.

Paderborn

Paderborn has endured a difficult start to their campaign after earning promotion back to the top flight. Ralf Kettemann’s side is still searching for its first Bundesliga victory of the season and has yet to score a goal. They opened their league campaign with a 0-0 draw away at Mainz 05, which was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat at home against SC Freiburg.

Predicted lineups

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Svensson; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Beier; Nwaneri, Sabitzer; Guirassy

Paderborn: Noll; Ter Horst, Scheller, Hansen; Curda, Castaneda, Obermair; Ulrich, Vidovic; Philippe, Pieringer

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn?

The Borussia Dortmund vs. SC Paderborn 07 match is affected by the UK’s Saturday 3pm TV blackout regulations

Read Also – Home

See More – Latest

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Arsenal travel to Sunderland on Saturday looking to make it four wins from four in the Premier League, having already secured five straight victories across all competitions this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side beat Napoli 1-0 in the Champions League in midweek and head to Wearside boasting the division’s lowest expected-goals-against total. Arsenal have not lost to Sunderland in the Premier League since 2009, a run stretching 17 matches, and won the sides’ most recent meeting 3-0 in February.

Arsenal team news

Cristhian Mosquera (muscle) and Jurrien Timber (groin) are both doubtful for the trip north, while William Saliba (back) remains a long-term absentee. Arteta reported no fresh fitness issues from the Champions League win over Napoli, but is expected to make several changes regardless.

Kai Havertz, restored to the side having been rested in Naples, is set to lead the line, with Christos Tzolis — already on four assists in his first five games for the club — recalled to the front three. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori are also in line to return, with Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes waiting for their opportunity from the bench.

Arsenal predicted lineup

Arsenal possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League match kicks off at 20:00 on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

How to watch Sunderland vs Arsenal?

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Everton travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday looking to extend an unbeaten start to the season that has yielded two wins and two draws.

David Moyes’s side sit eighth on five points after Ainsley Maitland-Niles rescued a point against Manchester United with a 25-yard strike in stoppage time last weekend. Road form remains a concern, however, with Everton winless in their last six league away matches and having lost five straight Premier League away games specifically against Saturday’s opponents.

Everton team news

James Garner is not considered fully fit after the injury that opened the door for Maitland-Niles to make an impact off the bench, meaning Hayden Hackney — who set up Tyrique George’s leveller against United — could partner Harrison Armstrong in central midfield. Maitland-Niles is set to continue at right-back in place of auxiliary defender Merlin Rohl.

Jack Grealish, back after his second debut for the club, should reclaim Brennan Johnson’s place in the starting XI. Christian Norgaard, out until October, remains Moyes’s only other fitness concern.

Everton predicted lineup

Everton possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Armstrong, Hackney; George, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League match kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton?

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Tottenham Hotspur host Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side sit 18th after collecting a single point from three games, and a repeat of last weekend’s goalless draw at Forest would leave them without a goal in four straight league matches for the first time in the club’s history. Spurs’ only win and clean sheet in their last 12 top-flight home fixtures came against Saturday’s opponents, a fact De Zerbi’s side will hope to lean on.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

James Maddison trained ahead of the trip to Forest but was left out of the squad and remains a doubt with a shoulder injury sustained in the opening-day defeat to Brentford. Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are all continuing their recoveries from knee injuries. Mykhaylo Mudryk, who made his first competitive appearance in over 600 days against Forest, has since picked up a new ankle injury that will keep him out for six to eight weeks.

With those options unavailable, De Zerbi is expected to continue with Savio and Mathys Tel in the wide attacking positions, while Mohammed Kudus continues to build up his minutes gradually after a lengthy spell out.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Bentancur; Savio, Fernandes, Tel; Solanke

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League match kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton?

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok