The Premier League title race hots up this weekend as leaders Arsenal take on third-placed Manchester City, who sit just one point behind the Gunners with 10 games left to play. 

Mikel Arteta and his men will be looking to be the first Arsenal side to lift the trophy since 2004 in the remarkable ‘Invincibles’ season, despite coming agonisingly close in recent years.&nbsp; Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will want to spoil the party for Arsenal and secure yet another Premier League title for his team, to make it three titles in a row and his sixth since he joined Man City.&nbsp;Here at <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a>, we take a look into the five key battles between the two sides both on and off the pitch.&nbsp;<h1>Pep Guardiola vs Mikel Arteta&nbsp;</h1>The phrase ‘the prodigy becomes the master’ is a real term in this scenario as Arsenal manager Arteta was formerly an assistant coach at Man City, learning underneath Guardiola.&nbsp;The two managers will likely play a similar system to each other, with both sides wanting to dominate possession and play a high-tempo style of football in which they maintain the ball with quick passes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the reverse fixture, Arsenal got the better of Man City and snatched all three points - and this has been put down to the running of the Arsenal side which is likely to be deployed again.&nbsp;Arsenal outran their opponents in the reverse fixture and will come into this game being drilled on the same intensity and being told to utilise the midfield trio Arsenal have.&nbsp;Man City have excellent quality on the ball, however Guardiola does have some difficult choices to make with several first-team players being out of contention for this match, meaning the way Man City line-up isn’t confirmed.&nbsp;Both sides set up similarly, wanting to optimise their possession and frustrate their opponents, however Man City will use the wings for their play more than Arsenal, who tend to stay more central when attacking.&nbsp;The tactics which will likely be used by the sides suggest a very close game as both teams have excellent quality and play similarly. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Arsenal try and take advantage of the counter-attack, something Man City have been beaten by before.&nbsp;<h1>Battle of Midfield&nbsp;</h1>Both teams have two of the strongest midfields in the league with fantastic depth and variety between the players who can get up and down the pitch and be effective in both areas.&nbsp;Arsenal’s whole game plan goes through the midfield and all three of those who are used will need to be on very top form to pass their way through Manchester City’s defensive players.&nbsp;The three midfielders used by Arteta will likely be Declan Rice, Jorginho and Martin Odegaard who have all been performing at a level which will make them competitive when they visit the Etihad this Sunday.&nbsp;In possession, Arsenal use a 4-3-3 formation but out of possession, the midfielders form a more robust formation in which they lock off the centre of the pitch.&nbsp;This will heavily limit the play from Man City and they may struggle to get the ball to strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.&nbsp;&nbsp;Man City will attempt to combat this through the use of wing-play to stretch the midfield and allow them to create openings in the centre of the park.&nbsp;Man City have an incredibly talented midfield selection which, unlike their backline, hasn’t been plagued with injury in recent weeks and will be at full strength.&nbsp;The creative mastermind of Kevin De Bruyne and the solidity of Rodri behind him will be a huge benefit for Man City, who will look to exploit the gaps in the centre of the field left.&nbsp;Man City’s midfield has the experience and quality to know when to press the Arsenal back line and can be used to overload the Arsenal defence.&nbsp;Arsenal’s midfield are more tactical when they press, choosing not to in situations where they are least likely to get the ball back.&nbsp;However, Arsenal can sometimes use the likes of Rice to press the opposition’s defence to not disrupt the shape too much in midfield if he fails.&nbsp;<h1>Arsenal attack vs Man City defence&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>Arsenal have been constantly lacking a No 9 striker but seem to have found the answer with 33 goals in 2024 in the Premier League competition with the attacking line-up of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.&nbsp;This attack has helped Arsenal form a formidable team which has won every Premier League game in 2024, helping them maintain the top spot.&nbsp;This lethal combination sat in front of captain Odegaard can be very effective and Man City will struggle to find an answer for that, especially with the injury concerns.&nbsp;It has been reported goalkeeper Ederson is in doubt for the game which is a huge blow to the reigning champions, who use Ederson for his excellent build-up play and use of his feet.&nbsp;His loss will also affect the defence who play with confidence because they know of the quality Ederson possesses if they get into trouble.&nbsp;Man City’s injury worries with the defence don’t end there, as England internationals John Stones and Kyle Walker are in doubt to play with youngster Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji expected to take their places in the starting XI.&nbsp;Arsenal’s attack needs to exploit the fact that Man City will likely not be coming into this match with their strongest backline, and this could be a huge advantage for the Gunners.&nbsp;<h1>Erling Haaland vs Arsenal’s defence&nbsp;</h1>The star striker will be needed more than ever this weekend as he comes up against the statistically-strongest defence in the league, with Arsenal only conceding 24 goals this season.&nbsp;That being said, Haaland boasts the most goals in the league and if anyone is going to get the better of Arsenal’s defence, it is the powerful Norwegian.&nbsp;His main attributes are, however, nullified by the defensive variety Arsenal have at the back, his height and power in the air are matched by that of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, along with his pace being matched by the two centre-halves.&nbsp;Despite that, it’s Haaland’s movement and ability to make space which makes him such a threat and the Arsenal backline will need to be wary of this and ensure someone always remains close to the Man City striker.&nbsp;&nbsp;This then opens gaps for other City attackers such as Alvarez, Phil Foden or Jeremy Doku to exploit with their pace and finishing ability.&nbsp;This further proves why Arsenal’s defence needs to be structured and always disciplined to nullify the effect of Haaland and the other attackers.&nbsp;<h1>Gabriel Martinelli vs Rico Lewis&nbsp;</h1>Man City’s defensive injuries mean England Under-21 player Lewis is likely to take the right-back spot as Walker is out.&nbsp;Walker left the field of play in the first international friendly with a hamstring injury and will not play on Sunday.&nbsp;Lewis is a very talented young player who will fill the gap but lacks the experience of his counterpart and will need to be consistently switched on to play against the mercurial Martinelli.&nbsp;The Brazilian winger has scored six goals this season and compliments that with four assists in the 25 appearances he has made in the competition.&nbsp;Lewis, meanwhile, has only featured 10 times for Man City and during that time has struggled to keep a consistent run of games in the squad due to the excellent depth Man City boast and his lack of elite-level experience.&nbsp;The young player will likely be called upon on Sunday in what could be the defining game of the season in terms of the title race with both sides eyeing up the title.&nbsp;Lewis will need to be aware of Martinelli’s pace and ability to take on a man, which can almost be guaranteed when he faces a less experienced player.&nbsp;This can also suggest that Arsenal will focus a lot of their attack down the left-hand side as Martinelli will likely have the advantage over Man City down the left flank.&nbsp;Lewis has the pace and the bravery to stand up to Martinelli and we can assume he will be offered additional support by the right-centre back who may need to cover the young full-back.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/man-citys-pep-guardiola-confirms-defensive-blow-ahead-of-title-showdown-with-arsenal">Man City's Pep Guardiola confirms defensive blow ahead of title showdown with Arsenal</a>

Premier League analysis: Five key battles for Man City vs Arsenal

The two biggest sides in English football meet this weekend in the FA Cup quarter-finals as Liverpool make the short trip down the M62 to face Manchester United.

Despite not being in the running for the Premier League title this year, Man United will be looking to win some silverware and this is the competition they have a fighting chance with.&nbsp; Jurgen Klopp’s players know that the German is leaving at the end of the season and they will do everything they can to make his final season a good one as they march on for more trophies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here at <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a>, we take a look into the five key battles between the two sides, on and off the pitch.&nbsp;<h1>Erik ten Hag vs Jurgen Klopp&nbsp;</h1>The two managers set their teams up in a very different way to one another, which will make the upcoming game so interesting in terms of who dominates and has better chances.&nbsp;United tend to set up in a mid-block rather than pressing high up the field, almost waiting for the opposition to come to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;This utilises the strong midfield options United have and allows the forward players to conserve their energy for when they attack.&nbsp;When in possession, United would rather play the ball long and over the top for the forwards to chase rather than short, neat passes in the final third. This allows the attackers to use their pace and skill to their advantage.&nbsp;Klopp sets his men up in a very different way. Liverpool’s tactics involve a high-intensity press when the opposition gets the ball and quick transitions, helping Liverpool break away when winning the ball.&nbsp;They also like to play intricate passes in the final third and overload the opposition with a surplus of attacking players, which helps them create good chances.&nbsp;These tactics outline that Liverpool will likely have the majority of possession during the game.&nbsp;United will, however, be able to break on the counter-attack with their long balls due to the quantity of players Liverpool commit forward.&nbsp;<h1>The Battle of midfield&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>The midfield is always a huge battle in any match but especially with these sides, who both rely heavily on their midfield in order to play the way they want.&nbsp;United need their midfield to be full of energy and able to play with superior accuracy when playing the long ball over the top of the opposition defence for the forward to run on to.&nbsp;The mid-block system they use means that the midfielders such as Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro need to be defensively solid and quick to turn the ball over when given the chance.&nbsp;Liverpool’s midfield is regaining some strength as Ryan Gravenberch is reportedly back in training and with the international break coming up, Liverpool are expected to go for a full-strength side.&nbsp;The high press from Liverpool needs to be started from the attack but the midfield remains incredibly useful in the off-the-ball movement and ensuring a quick turnover in possession.&nbsp;Liverpool’s attacking threats also come in midfield from the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, who will join the attack as part of the overload on the United defence.&nbsp;This means that the midfield for Liverpool will need to be constantly switched on as they support when breaking down United’s mid-block whilst also providing an attacking threat.&nbsp;YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/virgil-van-dijk-fa-cup-clash-with-man-utd-laden-with-history-and-expectations">Virgil van Dijk: FA Cup clash with Man Utd laden with history and expectations</a><h1>Manchester United’s defence vs Liverpool’s attack&nbsp;</h1>A match-up which some might argue differs heavily in quality is the attack of Liverpool when faced with the defence of Manchester United.&nbsp;With Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw all out for the foreseeable future, United have a more makeshift defence than they would want, however they can be optimistic about the possible return of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.&nbsp;Centre-back Victor Lindelof will likely take the left-back spot with Raphael Varane and Maguire occupying the centre of the defence, with Diogo Dalot maintaining the right-back position.&nbsp;The standout name from the defence is Varane with a plethora of elite-level experience - and his leadership and command of the defence will be crucial to nullifying Liverpool’s attack.&nbsp;Liverpool are expected to name their strongest XI for this game with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah all expected to start.&nbsp;With the likes of Harvey Elliot and Cody Gakpo in the squad, Liverpool are inundated with high-quality attacking options which can cause the United defence serious problems.&nbsp;Salah, as everyone knows, is renowned for his performances during high-pressure matches and this is certainly one we could expect the tricky Egyptian to make a big impact on.&nbsp;His directness, pace and skill on the ball should be enough to get the better of Lindelof, who his match-up for the majority of the match will likely be.&nbsp;Alongside the reputation of the attackers of Liverpool, they have the numbers to back it up and have just come out of a European match against Sparta Prague when they scored four goals in only 14 minutes - lethal.&nbsp;<h1>Darwin Nunez vs Manchester United’s defence&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>Liverpool striker Nunez is an incredibly dangerous attacker, and it could be argued his unpredictability plays into that threat nicely despite his inconsistencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 14 goals to his name for the season, we know he is a threat when in front of goal and his movement off the ball makes defenders track him, allowing space for the likes of Salah and Diaz to move into.&nbsp;The defenders tipped to start for United are more than capable of dealing with the aerial threats which are supplied by the likes of Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool side.&nbsp;However they may struggle to cope with the running capabilities of Nunez, who is undoubtedly faster than everyone in the defensive line and will look to use that.&nbsp;United’s defence will need to be wary of this and drop off a yard or two in order to ensure he is kept under wraps and can’t use his pace to its full extent.&nbsp;By doing this, however, it will allow more space for Liverpool to attack and utilise their overload from the midfield.&nbsp;Nunez’s speed in the high press is also an effective tool against the United defence, who are going to need to pass the ball quickly into the midfield and around the press to avoid being caught out in a dangerous position.&nbsp;<h1>The return of Rasmus Hojlund&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund hit terrific form during February, scoring in every game he played that month.&nbsp;This extended his record to six matches which makes him the youngest to reach this tally ever - and Manchester United have him back after a short injury.&nbsp;His return will greatly benefit the United attack due to his prolific scoring nature and if he is able to return to his previous form, he should have a significant impact on the game.&nbsp;Hojlund’s greatest strength is his ability to move quickly into great scoring positions which the wingers such as Marcus Rashford and Antony can hit with quality crosses.&nbsp;This means the Liverpool defence will need to martial the young striker and by doing so, will leave gaps for the other attacking players to use their skills and make themselves and those around them space.&nbsp;Van Dijk has the aerial ability to dominate Hojlund but with United’s attacking options on the pitch, including the wingers and likely an attacker just off Hojlund, the Liverpool defenders will have a lot to think about.<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/match-centre/match-detail/2624821">Follow Manchester United vs Liverpool in Vodacom Soccer’s Match Centre</a>.

FA Cup analysis: Manchester United vs Liverpool - Five key battles 

Liverpool lock horns with Premier League title rivals Manchester City at Anfield this Sunday in a game which could be decisive in the race to be crowned kings of England.

Jurgen Klopp will be keen to bank all three points against Pep Guardiola’s defending champions as he attempts to claim the title once more in his final season on Merseyside. Guardiola, however, will be keen to spoil the party and claim a victory over Klopp’s league leaders, who could be leapfrogged by Arsenal if <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/match-centre/match-detail/2404785">Mikel Arteta’s Gunners shoot down Brentford at Emirates Stadium on Saturday night</a>.&nbsp;Here, <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a> takes a look at five key battles which will be on display in the <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/match-centre/match-detail/2404790">mouth-watering Anfield showdown</a>.&nbsp;<h1>Jurgen Klopp vs Pep Guardiola&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>The two greatest tactical minds of the Premier League in recent history come together for the final time in this division - so what can we expect from the managers?&nbsp;We can anticipate that both will come to play their own game and try and assert tactical dominance from the beginning. Neither team will be looking to sit back and hold out as both sides need a win and will do what they must to get the three points.&nbsp;Man City will likely try and dominate the ball with a possession game, limiting the chances of Liverpool as they look to maintain the ball.&nbsp;Liverpool can counter this style with a well-drilled press from the front as they put pressure on the Man City players and look to pounce on any heavy touches or poor passes.&nbsp;City have the quality of players to work around this press and if they manage to do so, it could create huge chances for them to find players in space and score goals.&nbsp;However, Liverpool have such quality up front and in midfield to press effectively. They could win the ball and even if they don’t, the defensive stability of Liverpool is frightening, and the Man City forwards will have a tough time.&nbsp;<h1>Battle of midfield&nbsp;</h1>The midfield battle between Liverpool and Man City is one for the ages, as Liverpool boasts a younger and slightly less conventional midfield three whereas Man City have some of the most renowned midfielders in world football with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.&nbsp;&nbsp;Liverpool do, however, have the likes of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, who are the likely three to take up the midfield positions as Thiago Alcântara remains injured and out of the squad.&nbsp;Despite these three not being the biggest of names, their chemistry and ability to work well together is fascinating, with all three able to perform well in a multitude of positions.&nbsp;Szoboszlai tends to take a more attacking role whereas Mac Allister can be seen more in a defensive position. This leaves Endo who can float between the two players and provide a rotation with either of them depending on the match scenario.&nbsp;Man City opt for a more attacking midfield with a typical 4-2-3-1 formation compared to Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation.&nbsp;Man City use the likes of Rodri (Rodrigo) and De Bruyne to sit in more which leaves Silva and Phil Foden to play on the wing and Julian Alvarez to sit behind the main striker in Erling Haaland.&nbsp;Despite De Bruyne sitting in a holding position, he often takes up a more attacking role which can lead to an overload in the midfield, giving the advantage the way of Man City and adding to the already dynamic attacking line-up.&nbsp;<h1>Erling Haaland vs Virgil van Dijk&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>The best striker in the Premier League coming face-to-face with the best centre-back in the Premier League leads to an inevitable conclusion of a truly brilliant match-up between these two.&nbsp;Haaland’s exceptional finishing is what sets him apart from other strikers in the Premier League, with his ability to find space in areas others wouldn’t and exploit it.Virgil van Dijk will have to be aware of the striker’s movement and try to ensure he doesn’t get in the spaces to take advantage of the Liverpool defence.&nbsp;Not only is it Haaland that Van Dijk will have to worry about, but it’s the entire City frontline who are all dangerous, which is what benefits Haaland so much. Defenders can’t concentrate on one player because there are threats all across the pitch which leaves gaps at the back.&nbsp;Because of this, Van Dijk will need to be able to keep his backline in order and ensure everyone is working together to try to keep compact when City attack.&nbsp;Many of Haaland’s strengths will be matched by Van Dijk such as his aerial ability and his pace.&nbsp;Both players will need to draw on all their experience and ability to try and outdo the other, but this will certainly be an interesting match-up.&nbsp;<h1>Mo Salah vs Nathan Ake&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>With Man City without a permanent left-back, Nathan Ake tends to take on the left-back role in the City defence but this position can be shared between himself, Josko Gvardiol or Manuel Akanji.&nbsp;With Ake’s recent performances and the fact that Gvardiol is only just returning from injury, we can assume Ake will be the starter.&nbsp;The defender has a huge task on his hands as he will be facing one of the best wingers in Premier League history, Mohamed Salah. The tricky Egyptian will inevitably play a massive role in the match and is well-known for being a “big-game player”.&nbsp;Ake will be under significant pressure to keep Salah under wraps and due to Salah’s undeniable ability, we can assume the ball will be going down his side of the pitch frequently.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ake isn’t someone classed as an experienced full-back and would more likely take on a centre-half role which will play into the hands of Salah, who can exploit his weaknesses to take control of that side of the pitch.&nbsp;Salah’s turn of pace and trickery on the ball are two key areas Ake will have to keep an eye on.&nbsp;<h1>Darwin Nunez vs John Stones and Ruben Dias&nbsp;</h1>Darwin Nunez is a fans’ favourite at Liverpool, and he can improve his reputation if he plays well against Man City.However, he will have the defensive duo of John Stones and Ruben Dias in his way - with the duo hoping to keep the goals out and Liverpool chances to a minimum.&nbsp;Nunez is a player who can really scare teams but has been known to threaten without an end product - this can make the player even worse to play against as you get drawn into a false sense of security.&nbsp;However, Stones and Dias have one of the most defensively-solid partnerships around and the likelihood of a loss of concentration on their behalf is minimal.&nbsp;Stones and Diaz have a plethora of experience playing at the very highest level in professional football to combat Liverpool’s attack and nullify the pace and movement of Nunez.&nbsp;Nunez’s pace is one of his strongest attributes which will be incredibly helpful when pressing the two Man City centre-backs.&nbsp;The ability of Nunez will be put to the greatest of tests this weekend, along with the rest of the players on the pitch, as two Premier League heavyweights go toe to toe.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/man-city-boss-pep-guardiola-avoids-engaging-in-war-of-words-with-liverpool">Man City boss Pep Guardiola avoids engaging in war of words with Liverpool</a>

Premier League title race: Liverpool vs Manchester City - five key battles

This Sunday hosts the final of the Carabao Cup where a pair of Premier League giants face off at Wembley as Chelsea take on Liverpool to see who will claim the trophy.

Jurgen Klopp and his men will be keen to get their hands on some silverware since it has been announced this will be the German’s last season in charge of the Reds - but the ambition will be just as strong at Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino is still in search of his first English trophy.&nbsp; Here, <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a> takes a look into the five key battles which will be on display in <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/match-centre/match-detail/2603795">Sunday's showdown</a>.&nbsp;<h1>Pochettino vs Klopp&nbsp;</h1>The first key battle for Sunday remains in the hands of the managers of each side and how they will tactically line up to try and outsmart and outplay the other side.In the previous fixture, Liverpool triumphed emphatically with a 4-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield. The obvious stylistic benefit behind Liverpool was their aggression and ability to press Chelsea when out of possession.&nbsp;This was even noted by Pochettino in the post-match conference when he said: “It was so clear they were more aggressive than us.”&nbsp;But even the well-drilled press of Liverpool faced some issues as Klopp pointed out as they would start the press with Diogo Jota instead of Dominic Szoboszlai “and then they pass around us and go through”. However, Liverpool were able to deal with that and sort out their shape to readjust quickly.&nbsp;We can expect Liverpool to tactically line up in a similar fashion given how well their press worked last time against the same opponents, but it’s important to remember that Pochettino has had the past week free to prepare for this match and will know what to look out for and therefore, how to stop it as best they can.&nbsp;Klopp and Pochettino both have the determination to see this game through, both with sentimental reasons as to why they both badly want this piece of silverware.&nbsp;Klopp being in his last season at Liverpool would love to go out with a trophy or two and will push onwards to make that happen. As aforementioned, Pochettino is in search of his first trophy in English football and now has a fantastic chance to make it happen.&nbsp;<h1>The battle of the midfield&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>Both sides tend to use similar formations with Liverpool going with a 4-3-3 on most occasions and Chelsea sticking with their 4-3-2-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Liverpool utilise Alexis Mac Allister to sit just in front of the back four, for additional depth and defensive structure which leaves Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai to rotate between themselves as to who pushes further up and helps the attack.&nbsp;Chelsea play a flat two in front of the defence with both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez having the fluidity to move forward, meaning on the counter-attack they can be more at risk, but going forward they have a designated attacking forward in Conor Gallagher alongside the overload of the other midfielders.&nbsp;Both sides have incredible quality in their midfield and if used properly, Chelsea have the quality and intelligence to dominate the ball in midfield if the three midfielders can work together to zip the ball around and not be caught out by Liverpool’s impressive press.&nbsp;Both sides have a plethora of youth in their midfield so the energy and tempo of this game should match the level of energy in the players who take the midfield positions, all of whom will be hungry for some silverware.&nbsp;YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/europa-league-round-of-16-draw-liverpool-paired-with-sparta-prague-1">Europa League round of 16 draw: Liverpool paired with Sparta Prague</a><h1>Raheem Sterling vs Conor Bradley&nbsp;</h1>One of the biggest battles will come down the right-hand side of the pitch when the experience of Raheem Sterling meets the youth of Conor Bradley, who is currently filling in for an injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.&nbsp;Bradley has come into the Liverpool side and made a superb start, slotting in seamlessly to the right-back position all whilst being given the freedom to roam up the wing if he chooses.&nbsp;A good example of this is in the prior fixture against Chelsea when Bradley scored and managed to get two assists from the right-hand side in a performance which earned him man of the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, former Liverpool star Sterling will be looking to ensure Bradley has a tough game and I can imagine the game being very direct down that side of the field as Sterling will want to use his skill and pace to outsmart the young defender and give his side the advantage.&nbsp;Bradley is brand new to the elite tier of football, playing only four matches in the Premier League, but he has certainly impressed with three assists and one goal in those four games.&nbsp;Sterling, however, is quite the opposite and has racked up a mighty 371 appearances in the Premier League alone, 92x that of Bradley.You would expect Sterling to have an easier ride, but I can’t imagine that will be true as Bradley will have a point to prove to try and cement his spot in Liverpool’s back four.&nbsp;<h1>Nicolas Jackson vs Liverpool defence&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>The 22-year-old hasn’t been the most composed or formidable in front of goal this season, with only seven goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, what he is incredibly useful for is pulling defenders out of their original position which leaves space for the likes of Sterling and Cole Palmer to run in behind.&nbsp;Jackson’s pace is one of his stronger attributes and the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are going to have to be on top of their game to ensure he is not afforded the space to roam, whilst also ensuring they do not leave too many gaps which can be exploited.&nbsp;This is where I feel having the likes of Mac Allister will be a huge bonus for Liverpool as when Jackson is trying to open up the space, Mac Allister will be deep enough to drop back into a defensive position if it is needed to numb the Chelsea attack.&nbsp;Despite Jackson not being the most composed finisher in the league, it’s important to remember that he is still an attacking threat who does have the ability to hurt Liverpool and can score goals against top sides.&nbsp;A fine example of this is his hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season. Jackson is not one to be taken for granted and certainly not someone the Liverpool defence can ignore.&nbsp;<h1>Mohamed Salah vs Chelsea defence&nbsp;</h1>The main man of Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, is expected to return from injury after making a cameo appearance at the end of the most recent match in a win against Luton Town.&nbsp;Salah has been on the sidelines recently due to injury problems but is back to fitness and a lot of Liverpool supporters will be expecting him to be involved at the weekend - whether he starts or is left on the bench remains to be seen.&nbsp;The Egyptian is a typical big-game player and can create a moment of magic out of nothing. When the game is stale and slow, Salah has the ability to change that and put Liverpool on the front foot.&nbsp;With over 150 goals in a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League, Salah’s threat cannot be undermined, and his goal tally serves as a reminder that the Chelsea defence are going to need to look out for Salah and mark him closely to avoid him getting many opportunities.&nbsp;The man tasked with handling Salah will likely be England international Ben Chilwell, as he will take up the left-back role in the Chelsea defence.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will need to be aware of Salah’s trickery and quick feet before the game and allow himself some space away from the winger when they engage in a duel for the ball.&nbsp;Chilwell has extensive experience at the top level both internationally and domestically and will need to use all of that to prevent Salah from running riot…if he makes an appearance.&nbsp;Overall, the match-up on paper looks as though Liverpool should come away with the win as first place in the Premier League takes on 11th place with 25 points between them both, alongside the emphatic win for Liverpool in their most recent game.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, league standings mean nothing when it comes to cup competitions and both sides will be ready and raring to go for this showpiece event at Wembley Stadium.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/mauricio-pochettino-sparks-winning-spirit-in-chelsea-ahead-of-carabao-cup-final">Mauricio Pochettino sparks winning spirit in Chelsea ahead of Carabao Cup final</a>

Carabao Cup final, Chelsea vs Liverpool: Five key battles

Aston Villa take on Manchester United on Sunday in a game which promises a tight affair, lots of excitement and battles all across the pitch with so many players hitting good form at the moment.

Both sides come into this fixture having won their previous Premier League outing as Aston Villa sailed to victory against Sheffield United, putting five past the Blades and maintaining an all-important clean sheet. Man Utd, meanwhile, took the blade to David Moyes’ West Ham in a 3-0 victory which has helped keep their European hopes alive.In the reverse fixture played at Old Trafford, Manchester United came away victorious in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, a game which required Rasmus Hojlund to secure the winner in the 82nd minute to complete a wonderful comeback for the Red Devils.Here at <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a>, we are incredibly excited for this match-up and look at five key battles which will <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/match-centre/match-detail/2404744">commence on Sunday afternoon</a>.<h1>Unai Emery vs Erik ten Hag</h1>The first key battle is that of a tactical one between two great managers in Unai Emery and Erik ten Hag, with both managers instilling a different style of play to try and get the better of their opponent.One area which will be key is the high-line and possession-based football Aston Villa play to try as they dominate the ball whilst moving through the centre of the pitch when attacking.However, this style of play does leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks which United should be able to take advantage of effectively with the pace of their attacking players.Despite this, United have been known to be caught offside frequently and this could be a huge lifeline for the Villains, who can deploy an effective offside trap to numb the sting of the attacks.A huge strength of Manchester United is the individual skill each player holds in their attacking line-up with Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all able to take a man on and beat him which is going to be crucial on Sunday.&nbsp;However, Aston Villa will look to control this by being aggressive with their opponents on the pitch, not shying away from challenges and hoping to nullify their individual skills.Ten Hag gave some kind words towards his managerial opponent in a press conference, saying: “I think it is very good how he developed his team and how they want to play, in and out of position.”The Dutchman also claimed that since January, “every game is now a final” and that mentality will be no different this weekend as United will be looking into a third straight win in the competition if they can overcome Villa.Emery wants his side to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat to Chelsea and has put emphasis on this match, calling it a “very important game” which could be a difference maker in whether they achieve Champions League football for next season.<h1>The battle in midfield</h1>In a close game between two top sides, most of the play and the flow of the game will be controlled through the middle of the park and most notably the two central midfielders.&nbsp;In both recent Premier League line-ups, the two sides played in a similar formation so we can only assume that the same will happen this weekend.Aston Villa’s midfield duo contains Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara, two strong and physical midfielders who have excellent ability on the ball and can quite easily dominate the middle of the pitch with their presence and technical ability.These two midfielders tend to work in a pivot system where one will push further and the other will sit back to be more defensive and this can change throughout the game.We saw this against Sheffield United when Luiz pushed higher up the field and released excellent through balls behind the Sheffield United defence, putting Ollie Watkins through on goal on multiple occasions.United will try to counter their midfield presence with a mixture of youth and experience with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo playing alongside veteran Casemiro.The energy and workload that Mainoo can take on is beyond impressive and his constant ability to hassle the opposition when they have the ball will be incredibly advantageous when defending against the possession-based Villa side.Casemiro brings a plethora of experience to the side and is possibly one of the best in the world at reading the game with his tactical understanding and then knowing how to combat the play ahead of him.&nbsp;Similar to the Villa set-up, it is likely that Casemiro will sit further back than Mainoo when in possession as a defensive buffer between them and the United attack.<h1>Ollie Watkins vs Manchester United defence</h1>Ollie Watkins is currently one of the league’s most in-form strikers and is doing all he can to be involved in the England Euros side this summer with 11 goals and 10 assists so far this season in 23 games.Watkins in his current form, paired with the rejuvenated John McGinn and Leon Bailey, makes for a formidable attacking threat which United’s defence will need to be wary of.&nbsp;Villa have so far this season scored a whopping 49 goals which is tied third best in the entire league behind Manchester City and leaders Liverpool.Manchester United have a strong defence, however, and will be technically capable of handling the attack of Aston Villa as they have only conceded 32 goals this season.&nbsp;Plus, with Raphael Varane likely making his return to the side, he will be able to command the backline and maintain organisation throughout the match.Villa’s attacking tactics will be exciting to watch as they tend to go through the middle of the pitch and utilise the space behind defenders when they move forward, another thing the Manchester United defence will need to know about as a deeper defensive line may be deployed to combat this style of attack.<h1>Rasmus Hojlund vs Aston Villa defence</h1>Aston Villa aren’t the only side to have an in-form striker in their side as United striker Rasmus Hojlund has scored in each of the last four games he has started, which has helped them pick up some crucial points in their charge for the European spots.This has come in real handy for the Red Devils who have struggled to find the back of the net this season, scoring only 31 goals in 23 matches in the Premier League and Hojlund being their top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions so far, four of which have come in the last five Man Utd games.Aston Villa boast a strong defensive ability with the side only conceding 30 goals this season in the Premier League, with Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa making a huge difference at the back.We know United can heavily rely on the individual skills of players to help boost their attack but with Hojlund not being known for his tricks on the ball, this could show a shift in the attacking mentality of United as they play more as a team which end with Hojlund being the focal point and the predominant finisher around the box.<h1>Wingers vs full-backs</h1>Despite Villa mostly attacking through the centre of the park, their wingers have a part to play, especially when stretching the backline to make space for the likes of Watkins to get behind the defence.Leon Bailey himself has registered seven goals and six assists this season from the wings of the pitch and full-backs Matty Cash and Lucas Digne have been reliable and more attack-minded on the flanks.This helps Villa create an overload of people in the attacking third and has contributed to their excellent goalscoring record and this will have to be controlled by the likes of Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw for Manchester United.Shaw and Dalot have started to create quite the partnership on the flanks, and both have the ability to get higher up the pitch and make an impact, providing a reliable option for United wingers Rashford, Garnacho or Anthony.&nbsp;Dalot has registered a goal and an assist from his full-back position whilst Shaw has recently returned from an injury and has made 10 appearances so far this season.All the wingers at United can happily take a man on to progress up the field and this sort of play can be expected from the wide men who use their technical skill to turn nothing into something and create chances for the central players of Fernandes and Hojlund.This is something Aston Villa full-backs Digne and Cash will try and prevent by being aggressive off the ball, ensuring the wingers have little space to work in and trying to force them to recycle the ball and give away possession.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/man-utds-erik-ten-hag-optimistic-despite-lisandro-martinez-injury">Man Utd's Erik Ten Hag optimistic despite Lisandro Martinez injury</a>

Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Five key battles

All sports fans, not just F1 followers, were shocked to the core this week when Lewis Hamilton announced he would be joining Ferrari in 2025.

Here, <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a> looks at five footballing moments that made our jaws hit the floor. <h1>Jurgen Klopp announces departure from Liverpool FC</h1>Despite the January transfer window supplying little shocks, something which did make us stop and take notice was the announcement made by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.Seemingly out of nowhere, the successful manager took to social media and the Liverpool website to announce he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season - and wouldn’t be coming back to manage a different English club.His future remains a mystery to most with some speculating a move back to Germany or a move to Spain could hang in the balance. However, the only thing confirmed is that he will be leaving Liverpool and he has devastated the entire fanbase of the Merseyside club.<h1>Sir Alex Ferguson retires from Manchester United</h1>When Sir Alex Ferguson retired, not only did it signal the end of his reign at Manchester United which spanned 27 years, but it signalled the end of Manchester United’s reign as the kings of England and the Premier League.Upon his retirement, fellow scot David Moyes was put in charge under the advice of Sir Alex, but failed to live up to expectations, leaving Manchester United seventh in the Premier League before being sacked in his first year.Manchester United have never fully recovered since the departure of Sir Alex, the man who boasted a win percentage of 59% across 1,500 matches.&nbsp;The club have not won the Premier League since 2013.<h1>The return of the king</h1>When Cristiano Ronaldo made his Manchester United debut back in 2003, nobody would’ve guessed the immense trajectory of his career in professional football - or how he would become renowned as one of, if not the greatest, footballers of all time.Ronaldo made his return to Old Trafford in 2021 under Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and despite off-field issues and elements when Ronaldo was unhappy with the work ethic of the club, he was the club’s top scorer for the season.His return was commemorated with some excellent commentary from Peter Drury and a second-debut brace for the Portuguese forward as he helped Manchester United to a win over Newcastle United.Ronaldo made it clear he was excited to be back at the first club which gave him his big opportunity in Europe, taking to Instagram to say “I’m back where I belong! Let’s make it happen once again!”.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/rasmus-hojlund-hails-man-utds-generational-talent-kobbie-mainoo">Rasmus Hojlund hails Man Utd's 'generational talent' Kobbie Mainoo</a><h1>Leicester City defy all the odds and win the Premier League</h1>The 2015/16 Premier League will live long in the memory for one reason: Leicester City.The “top six” mostly had an underwhelming season and Tottenham Hotspur were seemingly striding towards Premier League glory - only for underdogs Leicester to claim the crown, having been 5,000/1 to do so in the betting at one point.The Leicester side was renowned for their determination, and everyone loved this classic underdog story, with players like N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy all becoming household names.Kante and Mahrez joined Chelsea and Manchester City respectively following the Foxes’ glorious triumph.<h1>Aguero turns Manchester blue</h1>“Manchester City are still alive here…Balotelli, Agueroooooooo…I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again” are the famous words spoken by Martin Tyler when a last-gasp winner from Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero snatched the title away from their fiercest rivals, landing Man City the title for the first time in 44 years.The monumental finish to the 2011/12 season was made even better by the fact that it was between the Manchester rivals and until this goal, Man United had the trophy within their grasp.Man City were 2-1 down to relegation-battling QPR when the game entered injury time, when Edin Dzeko popped up with a header in the 92nd minute and the rest, as they say, is history.This goal sparked a new area of dominance for City who completed an historic Treble for only the second time in English football history, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season alongside winning all-but three Premier League titles since that day.We are sure to have some shocks between now and the final day of the season, but you’ll never see anything like this ever again.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/pep-guardiola-shuts-down-rumours-of-erling-haaland-discontent-at-man-city">Pep Guardiola shuts down rumours of Erling Haaland discontent at Man City</a>

Five Premier League moments that rocked the football world

Premier League giants Manchester United travel to Wales on Sunday to take on League Two Newport County in what has the potential to be a banana skin game for the Red Devils.

You would expect Erik ten Hag’s side to have the quality to beat mid-table Newport - but they are no pushovers, boasting one of the highest scorers in League Two and the ability to press high up the field when United try and play their football around their defence. Here, <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a> takes a look at five things Manchester United fans need to know about Newport County ahead of the FA Cup showdown.<h1>Strike Partnership</h1>Newport County’s Will Evans often takes the headlines for his incredible 15 goals so far this season, but his strike partner Seb Palmer-Houlden certainly goes under the radar.&nbsp;The two play like they’ve known each other for years and complement each other tactically during the game. Especially with the use of the high press, when both players get involved, they can be incredibly dangerous to play against.&nbsp;With Palmer-Houlden being such a young age at just 19, he has the potential to grow into a regular starter for Newport County - here’s hoping his energy and passion are on show this Sunday.<h1>The Style</h1>Manager Graham Coughlan has implemented a tricky style of football which is difficult to break through, using a tiki-taka approach with the ball, maintaining possession and frustrating the opposition - then when the ball is lost, triggering a high press.&nbsp;This has seen four of the top eight players for most possession won in the final third being from Newport County. Of those include strike partners Will Evans and Seb Palmer-Houlden which again highlights their strengths go further than goalscoring.&nbsp;The tiki-taka style is also working with the stats as in four of the last five matches, Newport have come away with the majority of possession with highs of 65%.<h1>Varied Midfield</h1>Newport has a varied midfield with each player having independent qualities which means they work well as a group and can be tough to break through.&nbsp;Five of the Newport midfield have been within the goals this season, showing that their goals can come outside of the main striker Evans.&nbsp;One player to look out for is Harry Charsley, an excellent midfielder and one who could catch the eye due to his prior experience around Premier League clubs.<h1>Solid Delaney</h1>Club captain Ryan Delaney joined the club this season and has already gained the captain’s armband. The centre-half is a well-built and physical defender standing at a whopping 6ft 4ins.Delaney’s physical presence alongside his ability with the ball has made him a commanding centre-half and one which Manchester United’s attack will look to stay away from.&nbsp;The respect he demands on the field makes it seem like he has played in a Newport shirt for years - and that’s only a testament to his ability.<h1>Young talent</h1>Newport County boasts some incredible young players who have adapted well to the men’s game and hold a lot of talent and potential for their future.&nbsp;An example is Lewis Payne who plays in midfield and is currently on loan from Southampton.&nbsp;His off-the-ball work and ability when on the ball is second to none and this is all topped off by his impeccable work rate.&nbsp;The young talent doesn’t end there with the aforementioned striker Palmer-Houlden only being 19 years old himself.Manchester United may have the big names, the players and the money - but Newport are not going to be pushed over this weekend.&nbsp;The side come into this game off the back of a win over Welsh rivals Wrexham in League Two, leaving them standing in 14th place, so confidence is high.You can follow <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/match-centre/match-detail/2596924">Sunday’s game in Vodacom Soccer’s Match Centre</a>.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/liverpools-jurgen-klopp-jokingly-declines-david-wagners-fa-cup-request">Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp jokingly declines David Wagner's FA Cup request</a>

FA Cup focus: Five things Man Utd need to know about Newport County

The 2024 January transfer window is well underway, with clubs up and down the English leagues trying to utilise this time to improve their current squad before the window slams shut for the rest of the season.

During this period, the world’s most lucrative league has been busy with huge names coming and going from the Premier League on a daily basis, with some clubs making massive strides towards their end goal for the season. Here, <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a> takes a look into the top five biggest transfer deals for the Premier League so far this January.<h1>5. Fabio Carvalho (Liverpool to Hull City, loan)</h1>The Portuguese winger has moved to Championship side Hull City for the remainder of the season. This takes my No. 5 spot with some close competition with the likes of Donny Van De Beek making a move abroad and Spurs signing the ‘Romanian Van Dijk’ - but the quality of Carvalho and the step down into the Championship stands out to me.Starting his senior career at Fulham, he signed for the London-based club in 2020 after spending five years in their youth set-up. Overall, he registered 40 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring 11 goals and helping them gain promotion back to the Premier League.Carvalho is a great pedigree of player and Liverpool have seen that, signing the youngster in 2022 for a reported fee of £5million (rising to £7.7million with add-ons) and has so far scored twice for the Merseyside club. At the beginning of this season, he was sent on loan to RB Leipzig which was cut short after only making nine appearances and failing to score.He now makes the drop down to England’s second tier for the remainder of the season to Hull City amidst reported interest from other Championship clubs - it was supposedly the playing time he was guaranteed at Hull which swung the decision.Carvalho is one for the future and is a great player to have amongst the ranks for Liverpool - and a successful loan move for the back end of this season could be how he kickstarts his career in the Premier League.<h1>4. Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich, loan to buy)</h1>England international Dier has followed his former captain Harry Kane and made the move across Europe - and now plies his trade for German champions Bayern Munich.This takes my No.4 spot because of how surprising this move is. After only making four Premier League appearances this season, a move away from the club was warranted - but it was expected that he would stay in the Premier League.Dier simply isn’t suited to Ange Postecoglou’s system of a high line as he much prefers to be in the centre of a back three, controlling a robust and solid defence. This change of style saw him play 198 minutes of football and within that, he was in a defence that conceded eight times.His move abroad makes sense in terms of wanting the game time and it’s reported he’s very interested in winning his spot back in the England side for Euro 2024. That largely depends on how he does at Bayern Munich - something Gareth Southgate will be keeping tabs on.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/who-will-jose-mourinho-manage-next-after-roma-sacking-napoli-newcastle-or-england">Who will Mourinho manage next after Roma exit? Napoli, Newcastle...or England?</a><h1>3. Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC, free transfer)</h1>Another Tottenham departure - and one which may not have the shock factor as the others - but a transfer which signifies the end of a flourishing career at the highest level.From being captain last season to not making an appearance for the club this season, Hugo Lloris makes a move to the USA in what will likely be his place of retirement.The veteran goalkeeper has made nearly 400 appearances in the Premier League over his time at Tottenham and can look back on a highly-decorated career, with a World Cup winners’ medal being the highlight.Spurs have reportedly let the Frenchman go for just £1.5million and Lloris will join players such as Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Vela in Los Angeles, with the club sitting third in the Western Conference.<h1>2. Timo Werner (RB Leipzig to Tottenham Hotspur, loan to buy)</h1>Timo Werner has made his return to the Premier League after a considerably disappointing spell at Chelsea where he registered just 10 goals over two years at the club.The German sharpshooter left Chelsea for RB Leipzig in 2022 and has since scored 11 goals for the German side. He is back in London on loan for the remainder of the 23/24 season.Werner has joined an energetic and fast-paced Tottenham side and has already made a strong start, bagging an assist in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on his debut.Tottenham’s fast, possession-based style of football should suit Werner due to his athleticism and unrivalled pace on and off the ball.This could work out to be one of the signings of the season.<h1>1. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund, loan)</h1>At No.1 is the return of former Man City youth star Sancho to his beloved Borussia Dortmund, for whom he spent four years before making his move back to England with Manchester United.Having joined the Red Devils in 2021, Sancho went on to make just 58 appearances. He fell out of favour with manager Erik Tan Haag after disagreements around his behaviour at training and the following disputes online.Sancho since has claimed to be a ‘scapegoat for a long time’ and feels as though he has been treated unfairly by the Manchester club - so a move away was certainly the most beneficial decision for both club and player, especially as United will be glad to have such an unsettled player off the books.Sancho’s move to Dortmund started well with his first game seeing him come off the bench to assist Marco Reus in a conclusive 3-0 victory.Dortmund currently sit fifth in the Bundesliga table but the signing of Sancho could be the difference between the Europa League and Champions League for the German giants.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/jadon-sanchos-stunning-borussia-dortmund-return-sparks-merchandise-frenzy-3">Jadon Sancho's stunning Borussia Dortmund return sparks merchandise frenzy</a>

Transfer window opinion: The five best Premier League-based deals so far

Tottenham have signed Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin from Genoa in a deal worth up to £26.7million.

The agreement also sees Tottenham full-back Djed Spence move to Genoa on loan for the remainder of the season. Dragusin becomes Tottenham’s second signing of the January transfer window with German striker Timo Werner making his return to the Premier League on loan from RB Leipzig - and the pair could both make their debuts in the upcoming fixture against Manchester United.With Tottenham’s current defensive injuries of Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal have been the central defensive cover due to a lack of reinforcements - but the signing of Dragusin changes that.The 21-year-old has joined Spurs on a deal lasting until 2030 and the club have confirmed he will take the No 6 shirt.&nbsp;He arrives off the back of an impressive start to the season in the Serie A with Genoa after a career playing at several elite clubs such as Juventus, Sampdoria and US Salernitana 1919.Here, <a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/">Vodacom Soccer</a> takes a look into the Romanian international and picks out 10 things you need to know about Tottenham’s new signing.1. Statistically, Radu Dragusin has been the best defender in the air so far in the Serie A, winning 58 aerial duels in the first half of the season.2. Dragusin can use the ball effectively, with an impressive passing accuracy of 82.8% and the ability to play a successful long ball over 30% of the time.3. The young centre-half is a whopping 6ft 3ins which is just shy of Virgil van Dijk’s 6ft 4ins frame and means he is taller than both Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo.4. Dragusin rejected a move to German giants Bayern Munich after giving his word to Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou that he would join Spurs.5. He has been known for his aggressive play on the ball and confidence to not shy away from a tackle, that being said he has only been booked once this season and hasn’t seen a red card in the previous two seasons.6. Dragusin has the ability to play at either centre-back position, typically playing on the left side though he is right-footed - making him the perfect recruit in an injury crisis.7. Dragusin has only been dribbled past a single time this season in his 19 Serie A starts.8. When younger, he was brought into the Juventus first-team training sessions to learn from veteran defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, with the latter mentioned as being disappointed when the defender left Juventus.9. Both his parents represented Romania internationally, his father playing volleyball and his mother being a basketball player.10. Juventus paid 250,000 euros for Dragusin to join their youth set-up as both Chelsea and PSG were interested in the player.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:&nbsp;<a href="https://vodacomsoccer.com/news/five-reasons-why-man-city-will-win-the-premier-league-title-again">Five reasons why Man City will win the Premier League title (again)...</a>

Ten things you need to know about Tottenham’s new signing Radu Dragusin

The English Capital is home to great clubs at all levels of the football pyramid, including giants of the game who have produced and refined some of the finest talents in world football.

Premier League players who have moved from London to the Saudi Pro League

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Broadcast journalism student at Leeds Trinity University. Commentator and BBC freelancer. Editor and host of LookSportMedia.

Mason Mount's return from injury has come at a crucial time for Manchester United, with manager Ruben Amorim keen to integrate him into his preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Amorim sees Mount as a strong fit for one of the two attacking midfield roles, drawing on his experience at Chelsea and with England.Mount made his comeback just before the international break, featuring in the matchday squad against Leicester City. He then played 12 minutes as a substitute in United's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, his first appearance since 15 December.The midfielder almost marked his return with a goal, curling a shot just wide of Matz Sels's post shortly after replacing Joshua Zirkzee.Given his past injury concerns, Mount's minutes are being carefully managed.However, his availability is seen as a significant boost for Amorim, who is looking to implement his tactical approach in the closing months of the season."If you look at the history of Mason Mount, he played in this system many times, especially in Chelsea, he played left-hand, right-hand [side]," said Amorim, as quoted by the club's official website."So I think it's a very good position for him."United face a challenging run of fixtures in the next fortnight, including crucial clashes against Manchester City, Lyon, and Newcastle United.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ruben Amorim: Mason Mount well-suited to number 10 role at Man Utd

Manchester City and the Premier League are gearing up for a fierce legal battle as the verdict in the Citizens' long-running financial fair play saga draws near, according to fresh reports. 

The outcome could shake up the top flight like never before.An independent commission kicked off proceedings in September last year, wrapping up in December after dissecting 115 charges leveled against Manchester City by the Premier League. The investigation first sparked to life back in 2018, but it wasn't until February 2023, after several legal hold-ups, that the charges were formally laid, and the matter was handed over to the commission.The accusations cut deep. Manchester City are alleged to have dodged rules requiring clubs to provide accurate financial details, everything from sponsorship deals to manager and player wages.They're also said to have flouted UEFA's financial regulations and the Premier League's own profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).On top of that, the league claims the Citizens didn't cooperate fully with their probe. The charges span every season from 2009-10 to 2022-23, a hefty chunk of their trophy-laden era.A decision is expected any day now, and according to The i Paper, it could "significantly change the race for the top five and even the relegation battle." Whispers around the football world suggest that if Manchester City are found guilty of the most serious breaches, they might face a points deduction so severe it could dump them into the relegation zone this season.But the drama doesn't stop there. The report warns of "legal warfare" on the horizon, with rival clubs potentially lining up to demand compensation if Manchester City are pinned down. Experts are calling it a "crazy situation" for the Premier League, predicting a flood of lawsuits that could rack up legal bills in the nine-figure range, hundreds of millions of pounds, if the charges stick.Carlos Hurtado, a sports lawyer with Baker McKenzie, told The i Paper the threat of compensation claims against Manchester City is "real and serious."He pointed to a separate case that's got everyone's attention: Burnley's upcoming bid to extract damages from Everton. The Clarets argue they deserve a payout for lost revenue after slipping into the Championship in 2022, a season when Everton breached PSR but stayed up.Hurtado admitted Burnley have a "compelling case," though proving it won't be easy. That hearing, set for this summer before a three-person panel, has Premier League clubs watching like hawks."It's possible the Burnley and Everton case could set a precedent," Hurtado said. "Clubs that feel they were disadvantaged by Manchester City's alleged breaches might seek compensation. Just like relegation, missing out on European spots or a higher league finish hits club revenues hard. Any claims would hinge on lost opportunities and cash due to rule-breaking."The stakes couldn't be higher. If Manchester City are hit with a guilty Verdict, the fallout could reshape the Premier League table and spark a legal firestorm.For now, fans and pundits alike are holding their breath, waiting for the commission to drop the hammer, or let the Citizens off the hook. Either way, football's heavyweights are ready for a fight.

Man City could face financial firestorm as FFP verdict nears

Real Madrid are set for a huge clash with Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg today, and Carlo Ancelotti has admitted the prospect of a final is lifting the club.

Speaking ahead of the tie, the Italian boss shared his thoughts on the mood as they prepare for their 50th match of a gruelling season, one that could hit 72 games if they reach the Club World Cup."We're in good shape," Ancelotti said. "The squad are buzzing, motivated, and fit. The South American lads are back from the international break, and we're excited about the chance to play in another final. In recent years, we've done well in the Copa."The veteran manager, no stranger to the demands of top-level football, also reflected on how the game has changed. "Things were different back in the day," he noted."The wear and tear wasn't as intense. Football's evolved, the way we prepare for matches, the injuries, it's all shifted. We've got to manage it and hope for an extra day here or there to recover and plan properly. This season's going to test us, but we're handling it well despite the injury setbacks."On the goalkeeper situation, Ancelotti kept his cards close to his chest. "Andriy Lunin or Thibaut Courtois could play tomorrow," he said with a wry smile. "If they're both injured, Fran Gonzalez will step up. And if we don't make the final, none of them will get a game!"One player who's caught the eye this season is young starlet Arda Guler. Ancelotti was full of praise for the teenager. "He's not worried, he's happy and training well," the boss said. "Whenever he gets a chance, he takes it. He's calm, and he's in the mix tomorrow because he's been brilliant in the cup."Competition for places at Real Madrid is famously fierce, and Ancelotti didn't shy away from that reality. "I do consider him," he said of Guler. "It's about a lot of factors. He's got everything except the lack of competition, and that's not a flaw. This club's history shows even the biggest stars have had to bide their time on the bench. Vinicius Junior waited a couple of years, Rodrygo Goes too, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, it's part of being at Real Madrid."The manager also had some advice for Kylian Mbappe, amid ongoing speculation about a future move. "If I could tell him anything, it's to match what Cristiano Ronaldo achieved here," Ancelotti said. "He's got the chance to become a legend like Cristiano."Another talking point was the impact of Castilla youngster Nico Paz, who's been turning heads. "He's made a real difference," Ancelotti admitted. "I don't know him too well, but I've got a fond memory from the 2014 final when I took a photo with him, he's Marcelo's lad, and Xabi Alonso's son. Seeing that snap resurface now is perfect. The whole club's excited about him. If he's got half his dad's quality, we've hit the jackpot!"Ancelotti also touched on the strain on his coaching staff. "Expanding the team… ours is pretty lean," he said. "I've got two assistants, some analysts, and a goalkeeping coach. We're thinking about it, but the real issue is time to prep for games. More staff wouldn't change the workload on the pitch, I don't think that's the answer."As for rivals Barcelona, Ancelotti was diplomatic but proud. "Barcelona play lovely football, while Real Madrid have their own high-quality style," he said. "I love how we play, and I enjoy watching Barcelona too. You can't really compare them, it's down to the players. Barcelona might play well, and people say we play badly, but I've loved how Real Madrid play for the last three years. It shifts with the squad, you can't always keep the same identity."The excitement's palpable as the Whites chase another trophy.

Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid eye another cup final

Arsenal are preparing for a crucial summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad following a challenging season.

With nine games remaining, the Gunners sit 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, making a title challenge increasingly unlikely.Mikel Arteta's side has struggled with attacking depth, largely due to injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. As a result, Arsenal are prioritising reinforcements in the forward positions.A new striker is high on their agenda, with Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko all emerging as potential targets.Arsenal have lacked a consistent goal-scoring presence this season, and bringing in a prolific number nine could be crucial for their ambitions.In midfield, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is a key target, with Arsenal keen to add a composed, defensive-minded player to complement their existing options.Meanwhile, Athletic Club's Nico Williams is being considered to bolster the wide areas, providing much-needed cover and competition for Saka."It's going to be a big [summer] and we are very excited about it," Arteta told a press conference."When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step."Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary."But it's a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team." &nbsp;