║➽║ EXCLUSIVE Football News║

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33/1 Rodri and 10/1 Lamine Yamal win Player and Young Player of the Tournament awards
By Sporting Life
02:11 · MON July 15, 2024
Rodri has won the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament award, with team-mate Lamine Yamal winning Young Player of the Tournament.

On a cruel night for England supporters, it at least delivered for Sporting Life followers after the duo were advised at 33/1 and 10/1 respectively pre-tournament in our player of the tournament preview.

Spain overcame the Three Lions 2-1 in Berlin despite losing Rodri at half-time through injury.

The Manchester City midfielder played a key role in his national team's strong performances throughout the tournament, scoring once in their round-of-16 win over Georgia.

Teenager Yamal, meanwhile, who only turned 17 on Saturday, has stolen most of the headlines.

The Barcelona winger provided the most assists (4) at the tournament as well as scoring a stunning 25-yard equaliser against France in their semi-final.

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Eddie Howe ‘committed’ to Newcastle amid England talk – but with conditions
By Sporting Life
20:13 · SAT July 20, 2024
Eddie Howe has insisted his “unwavering” commitment to Newcastle will remain intact as long as he gets the support he needs to carry on his mission.

The 46-year-old was immediately installed as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to replace England boss Gareth Southgate, who announced his resignation on Tuesday in the wake of Sunday night’s 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.

However, Howe, who has been in charge at St James’ Park since November 2021, is adamant his current job remains the priority, provided he is allowed to continue to work in the way he believes best benefits the club after a summer of change on Tyneside.

Asked about the England situation at the Magpies’ training camp in Germany, the former Bournemouth boss told Sky Sports News: “It’s been a strange one for me because I’ve been absolutely cut off from it.

“Fortunately I’m out here, so it’s only through a mobile phone or someone telling me something that you hear about it.


“My commitment to Newcastle is unwavering and it has been since I came to the football club. As long as I have certain things for me – as in I’m happy, I’m allowed to work in the way I need to work in order to get the best out of me and I feel supported – then that will never change.”

Howe’s proviso is perhaps understandable – close allies Amanda Staveley, who brokered the deal which led to her Saudi-backed consortium buying out previous owner Mike Ashley, and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi have left the club and a new football board is now in place, with Paul Mitchell having replaced Dan Ashworth as sporting director and James Bunce arriving as performance director.

He will hope the dynamics which allowed him to drag Newcastle out of relegation trouble and lead them back into the Champions League in his first full campaign will not change dramatically, despite last season’s slightly disappointing seventh-place finish.

Howe said: “There’s been so much change that we need a period of time to know how we’re all going to work and set the boundaries. It’s for the benefit of Newcastle, not for the benefit of me because the club’s the most important thing in all of this.

“England is not important at all. It’s all about Newcastle United Football Club. I’m so proud to be the manager. I’ve loved every single second of managing the club since I’ve been here, I feel passionately about bringing success here long term.”

Howe’s comments came as the Football Association published a job profile detailing the qualities required in the next England manager and revealed it had “already identified a number of candidates” to succeed Southgate, with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter another featuring prominently in the betting stakes.

Next permanent England manager (odds via Sky Bet)
Eddie Howe - 2/1
Graham Potter - 5/2
Lee Carsley - 10/3
Mauricio Pochettino - 7/1
Frank Lampard - 8/1
Jurgen Klopp - 8/1
Odds correct at 2010 BST (20/07/24)

However, the FA insists the process is open to anyone who meets the set of criteria it released on Friday. The governing body has set August 2 as the closing date for applications.

The text of the role profile states: “Our succession planning process has already identified a number of candidates; in addition to this we are committed to open recruitment processes in the football industry.”

The FA said the role required someone to “lead and develop the England senior men’s team to win a major tournament and be consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the world”.

The right person would also provide “inspiring leadership” to the FA’s technical team and develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs who employ English-qualified players.

The FA have posted the job advert online
The FA have posted the job advert online
The successful candidate would need to hold a UEFA Pro Licence, possess “significant experience” of English football and have “a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions”.

They will be an “exceptional leader”, the profile said, “highly resilient” and “comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny”.

The successful candidate will have a track record of creating a “high-performing, positive team culture” and “strong personal values and integrity”, along with an understanding and willingness to embrace the role the England team have in inspiring the nation.

The profile concludes by stating the FA promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from everyone who meets the criteria.

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What do Liverpool need to do this summer? Uncertain futures affecting their transfer window
By Sam McGuire
13:14 · WED July 24, 2024
What do Liverpool actually need to do this summer?

Ask 100 supporters and you would probably get 100 different answers right now.

A combination of Jurgen Klopp leaving and four Sporting Directors in as many summers is why the Reds find themselves in their current predicament.

There’s been a lot of upheaval behind the scenes after a bit of a backroom staff exodus following Klopp’s departure. There are still key positions to be filled even though pre-season is already underway.

The focus for new Sporting Director Richard Hughes is determining what the future holds for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future is uncertain
The influential trio are into the final 12 months of their deals and the club need to know, one way or another, whether the three players so pivotal to the club’s success under Klopp are going to be plying their trade at Anfield beyond next season.

According to The Athletic, a priority for Hughes is getting the vice-captain Alexander-Arnold to commit his future to the club. And while this should be at the very top of his agenda this summer, some fans are bemused by the idea that the transfer window is going to be shaped by player renewals rather than fresh faces arriving.

In normal circumstances, it wouldn’t be a case of either or. Liverpool should be able to sort new deals while improving their squad.

But this is unchartered territory for the Reds.

They can’t commit to spending huge sums on new arrivals without knowing whether or not Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah need to be replaced.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a star for Liverpool
Through no fault of his own, Hughes finds himself in an unenviable position of having to negotiate three of the toughest renewals in the club’s history before he can even think about splashing the cash on new faces.

Who have Liverpool been linked with?
That is likely why there are so few reliable links to players so far this summer.

At one stage, Anthony Gordon appeared to be a target but those covering Liverpool have since reported this deal was being pushed by Newcastle in a bid to free them from the shackles of PSR.

The interest in Leny Yoro, revealed by Paul Joyce and David Ornstein, was brief after the club baulked at the idea of paying over £50million for the 18-year-old when he was into the final 12 months of his deal with Lille.

Leny Yoro
Liverpool opted against a move for Leny Yoro
There was a lot of noise surrounding Takefusa Kubo before James Pearce claimed sources at both Liverpool and Real Sociedad had dismissed the idea that the Japan international was set for a move to Anfield.

With the 2024/25 Premier League campaign kicking off in a little under a month, Liverpool are yet to welcome any new faces, they’re still to determine what is going on with Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk while, due to involvement in international tournaments, new manager Arne Slot is without a host of star names for the pre-season tour of America.

With time ticking on, there’s still a lot to address.

So, over the next few weeks, what do Liverpool need to do?

Are they searching for replacements?
Firstly, they need to know whether they need to go shopping for a right-back, a centre-back and a right-winger in the very near future.

If they’re having to replace three key players in 12 months time, this will likely shape their transfer spend this summer. Hughes isn’t going to sign off on a potential nice to have signing this window when he knows that big investment will be required next summer.

Virgil van Dijk celebrates winning Carabao Cup
Virgil van Dijk has led Liverpool to glory in the past
As Sporting Director, he’s stuck in limbo until he knows for sure what is going on with those three players.

Once that is a little clearer, other things take priority.

How will Slot use Alexander-Arnold?
If Alexander-Arnold is staying, where is his future for Liverpool? Is Slot going to use him as a right-back or is the Dutchman going to turn the right-back into a full-time midfielder?

If he’s viewed as a midfielder, is a new right-back needed or will the Reds simply have faith in Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez to fill that spot?

If the No66 is a midfielder, does that end Liverpool’s need for a midfield recruit? Is he the player to fill the void left by Thiago’s departure?

Trent Alexander-Arnold's heat map
If Slot opts to use Alexander-Arnold as a full-back, does Joe Gomez return to the centre-back shuffle on a permanent basis? It would leave Slot with a number of defensive options and it could well ease the need to sign a defender, despite the loss of Joel Matip.

This potentially limits the possibility of bringing in cover for Van Dijk though as there will be too many players vying for minutes.

It could mean the Reds use the transfer window to bring in a midfielder though.

Is a midfielder necessary?
Some believe this is already an area of strength for the Reds.

They have the bodies in the middle third but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have the depth required. For example, they don’t have any real out-and-out defensive midfielders.

Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister did well sitting for Liverpool last season but they aren’t destroyers and there’s an argument to be made that the Argentine World Cup winner is better in a more advanced role.

If he’s used on the left of a midfield three, what does that mean for Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones?

Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister is part of Liverpool's midfield
How does Slot manage Stefan Bajcetic’s development if a big-money sitting midfielder arrives?

On this very topic, this week, The Athletic reiterated the fact the Dutchman wants to give opportunities to academy players. He won’t want to block their pathways with new faces without giving them an opportunity.

So this will impact the club’s transfer strategy too.

What happens with Salah?
Then there’s the Salah situation.

If he’s staying, is an understudy brought in to help ease the load on the free-scoring right-winger?

If the plan is for him to depart in 12 months time, is his replacement signed this summer in an attempt to make the transition a little more seamless?

There is a world in which Liverpool, due to being handicapped by the decisions of key players, do nothing this summer and attack the 2024/25 campaign with the same group of players.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Arne Slot may have to work with the same Liverpool group as last season
And that playing under a new manager will be enough to eke that extra 10% out of certain individuals while Slot assesses the group he has ahead of a busy 2025 summer.

It could pay off if everyone stays fit and players adapt to Slot’s demands early on. It could see them have a transitional season and struggle.

It really would be a roll of the dice. It is an unnecessary gamble but one that this club has taken before, on multiple occasions, under former manager Klopp.

You could make the argument that Liverpool need to sign multiple players and address weaknesses across a number of areas, and you’d be right.

There are strong cases to be made to sign a left-back, a centre-back, a defensive midfielder and a right-winger, and it is difficult to argue against it.

But the biggest thing the 2019/20 Premier League champions need to do is figure out what is going on with Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold. Only then will they be able to move forward as a club and a team.

And only then will we really see what Hughes is all about as a Sporting Director.

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Tom Carnduff's Notebook: Brighton's style, changing roles and league favourites
By Tom Carnduff
10:47 · SAT July 27, 2024
I can't believe we're still so far away from the season getting underway.

A major European championship, combined with the Copa America, the Olympics beginning and then the friendlies means that my football viewing has been non-stop for a while now.

I do have to constantly remind myself of how early into the pre-season campaign we still are.

But we're still getting some good insight into the season ahead, even if the games aren't as frequent as they will be in the next week or so.

A lot of clubs are currently on tours elsewhere, with a few Premier League sides facing each other in the States. The first Notebook of the season looked at those playing games before they were scheduled to be abroad.

This does mean that there isn't as much to talk about this time around yet there are still a few points to highlight.

Brighton's fun could come at a cost
I spent my Wednesday morning watching Brighton's 5-1 win over Kashima Antlers to get a first look at how they may shape up under Fabian Hürzeler's guidance.

A note to say well done to the Premier League club by the way. Free to watch on their website without the need for an account - take note, those who charge to view these friendlies.

It was a mixture of a few first team players and youngsters. The Seagulls lined up in a 3-4-3 formation with Kaoru Mitoma used as a left wing-back in the first-half.

They remain a good watch. The succession plan was in place so there was no expectation that they'd drastically change their base way of playing. It remains one intent on attack.

Brighton's build-up positions
Brighton's build-up positions
The forward players are advanced in the build-up, with midfielders rotating in and out to try and provide a passing option to the centre-backs. They also encourage the opposition to press them when the centre-backs are in possession - it's a team craving space to attack.

Brighton's left centre-back occasionally moved forward to add more numbers
Brighton's left centre-back occasionally moved forward to add more numbers
It was interesting to see the left centre-back of the trio occasionally drive forward into midfield when another defender has it to try and swell the numbers in that area. Don't be surprised if we get an open play goal from whoever is it that position at some stage across the opening weeks of the campaign.

Brighton look controlled in possession and create enough chances, it's just their ultra aggressive approach out of it which may catch them out this season.

Obviously, this is just one game where the majority of first team players weren't available but it does give us an insight into their ideal way of playing under the new coach.

Brighton commit players forward in a high press
Brighton commit players forward in a high press
A man-to-man set-up saw them break away when the opposition were playing backwards in their own half. It's a gamble that will pay off at some stage as they catch a goalkeeper or defender out but it does leave spaces behind to play into.

They looked to regain their shape but there's a period of time in an opposition attack where they've bypassed half of the outfield players facing them.

Against those who were strong at fast breaks last season - think Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Wolves - Brighton may face some issues.

I need to see a little bit more of them before their opening game against Everton though to fully understand if this may be a long-term problem or not.

Get into the Gruev
I've been keen to see Leeds in the early stages of pre-season given their odds to win the Sky Bet Championship title - they are well clear of their rivals across all the bookmakers' lists.

Daniel Farke's side are a best price of 7/2 to finish top with Burnley next up at 8s, followed by Luton and Middlesbrough at 11/1. The early signs suggest a really good season.

They beat 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 4-1 as part of their top secret pre-season tour on Wednesday with Mateo Joseph getting two (remember the top goalscorer shout for when the odds become available).

Farke did speak about a desire to add more numbers to the midfield before the transfer window closes and this does create some value in backing Ilia Gruev to strike in the early weeks if this doesn't happen.

He looked in a far more advanced position with Ethan Ampadu his midfield partner. That led to him gaining possession high up the pitch before connecting with Brenden Aaronson's through ball to round the goalkeeper and score the first of the contest.

Ilia Gruev's starting position
Ilia Gruev picks up the ball high up the pitch
Ilia Gruev's scoring position
He then connects with a through ball to round the keeper and score
The 24-year-old only found the net once last season - his clever, deceptive free-kick against Norwich in the play-off semi-final - which does hopefully mean big prices will be on offer when they take on Portsmouth on opening weekend.

If Gruev is starting alongside Ampadu, there's every chance we see a repeat. This midfield pairing may give him more licence to get forward and contribute in attack.

Oh, and this game may have been on a delay, but Leeds were another to broadcast this without the need for a subscription.

Derby's off-day
Results aren't massively important at this stage of pre-season - a lot of the focus on 'fitness' and 'getting up to speed' - but Derby's 4-0 defeat to Chesterfield on Wednesday caught my eye.

It was a strong-looking Rams side as well travelling to a side who are favourites to win Sky Bet League Two.

The nature of the goals was the biggest problem. Perhaps we can put to down to still being in July and a team who are yet to get going, but this is on the back of a training camp in Spain.


The first saw Ebou Adams and Callum Elder nearly collide before Ollie Banks chipped the goalkeeper inside the area, the second a cross that found Will Grigg with space in between two defenders for a header.

The third a bizarre free-kick that the trialist goalkeeper - which social media says is Rohan Luthra - allowed the ball to go over him with no effort to make the save.

The fourth and final had Darren Robinson bullied off the ball before James Berry converted from close range - another who was unmarked.


I want to make clear that my look at them for relegation is nothing to do with this result, the 5/1 was something that caught my interest on the basis of a newly-promoted side, yet it has made me put the Rams on the radar for the remainder of their pre-season campaign.

This looks a squad still short for the step-up in leagues.

The short-priced favourites
When it comes to the new season, the main talking point across the entire EFL is arguably Birmingham.

The Blues suffered relegation from the Championship and have spent significantly as they look to bounce back at the first time of asking.

Some bookmakers have gone as short as 15/8 that they win the title. It's a balance between a stacked squad but an inexperienced manager and the fact that this division has proven tricky for previous 'giants'.

They faced Rangers on Wednesday night and secured a 2-1 win. Rangers were poor - so much so that they were booed off by the away end at half-time - but Birmingham looked sharp enough with a few weeks still to go.

Birmingham committed players forward
Birmingham committed players forward
The intent to attack was there, they weren't afraid to commit men forward and this will cause serious problems for opposition defences. Whether or not they can achieve this against the low-blocks they'll often face is another matter.

But if there is the opportunity, they have the quality to punish opponents.

I won't be backing them to win the league just because of the price, even though I'm confident they'll be strong contenders. I will be seeing the other attack-minded sides in the opening few weeks though and targeting goals when Birmingham come up against them.

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Noussair Mazraoui: What would Bayern Munich star bring to Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd?
By FootballTransfers
09:07 · WED July 31, 2024
Manchester United are not known for their shrewdness in the transfer market, but their latest potential acquisition shows that under Ineos things could be different.

Noussair Mazraoui was brought to Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Ajax by their former director of sport, Hasan Salihamidzic.

There was great anticipation about a player who had shone in the Eredivisie, but things didn’t go to plan - which is why Bayern are now looking to make a sale somewhere below market value this window.

There’s no pretending there aren’t a hatful of better full-backs in the world right now, but there is a real possibility that Mazraoui and United could be a match made in heaven, especially if they can keep him fit.


The 26-year-old is a gifted footballer and there’s no doubt we would see glimpses of that in the Premier League next season. But his injury record has impeded him from truly growing.

Over the course of two seasons at Bayern, Mazraoui has made 55 appearances. From this, he has contributed a single goal as well as eight assists across all competitions.

His time at Ajax was similarly challenging. During his five years in Amsterdam, he managed to complete only 30 full 90-minute matches in just two of those seasons.

His struggles with injuries continued at Bayern, where he has failed to reach 2,000 minutes of play across two seasons at the Allianz Arena.

Noussair Mazraoui Transfer Value – how much is he worth?
Noussair Mazraoui Transfer Value
Mazraoui currently has an Expected Transfer Value of (ETV) of €21m, down €10m from when Bayern bought him.

Our data ranks him as the second best Moroccan player in the game, behind Paris Saint-Germain fullback Achraf Hakimi.

Mazraoui stats – what do the numbers say?
Mazraoui began his football career with his local club AVV Alphen aged 4. French football legend Zinedine Zidane was thought to be his inspiration, and Mazraoui attempted to mould himself on the former Real Madrid midfielder to a degree.

It worked, and after a year with Alphense Boys he was recruited to Ajax’s youth academy.

Mazraoui was eventually playing under Man Utd’s current head coach Erik ten Hag, who is now looking to rekindle that relationship.

Noussair Mazraoui's Bundesliga stats
Mazraoui is exactly the kind of player who is capable of filling in almost everywhere - which is something of a blessing for Man Utd, who endured a horrendous injury record last season.

He’s a very technical player who has no problem playing wide, inverted or contributing to the build-up phase when needed.

Though he can tackle and carry, Mazraoui has great passing intelligence and composure on the ball too, which is why he has been fielded in the centre of the pitch on occasion.

Mazraoui's stats show the depth of his versatility - he averages 2.64 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes as well as 6.93 progressive passes. Defensively, he makes tackles at rates of 2.41 and interceptions at 1.50 respectively.

Speaking broadly in a statistical sense, Man Utd will be upgrading 1v1 maestro Aaron Wan-Bissaka to a player who is capable of pushing into the final third to forge opportunities as well as the ability to fill in as a defensive midfielder and on the opposite side as a left-back.

Noussair Mazraoui's heat map
But as well as his injury record, Mazraoui and Ten Hag’s relationship must work for this move to succeed.

In his first season season with Bayern, the Moroccan took aim at head coach Julian Nagelsmann, voicing his frustration publicly about not playing in a manner similar to Jadon Sancho.

“I feel forgotten. The situation is disappointing. I’m no longer the second option in my position - but 3rd or 4th,” the player told Bild.

“If the situation stays like this, that’s not what I want. And not what I deserve. I’ll fight - then we will see.”

Acquiring Mazraoui for around €20 million could prove to be a shrewd piece of business. However, fitness issues remain a concern.

If United can address these, they might unlock the player his natural talent suggests.

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om Carnduff's outright predictions: Best bets and tips for Championship and League One
By Tom Carnduff
10:40 · MON August 05, 2024
Football betting tips: Sky Bet EFL 24/25
2.5pts e.w. Mateo Joseph to be Sky Bet Championship top goalscorer at 14/1 (Ladbrokes 1/4 1,2,3,4)

2pts e.w. Middlesbrough (+13) Sky Bet Championship handicap winner at 18/1 (Sky Bet 1/4 1,2,3,4)

1pt e.w. Rhys Healey to be Sky Bet League One top goalscorer at 40/1 (Ladbrokes, Coral 1/4 1,2,3,4)

1pt e.w. Sam Cosgrove to be Sky Bet League One top goalscorer at 66/1 (General 1/4 1,2,3,4)

CLICK HERE to add the selections to your Sky Bet bet slip
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power |


It's been a non-stop summer of football, yet I'm so excited for the return of the Sky Bet EFL.

It delivers the genuine entertainment that can be lacking in the Premier League. Three leagues of pure drama with storylines throughout - you'll never find a stage in the season where there isn't a talking point.

This campaign sees the introduction of my weekly tipping column, which I believe allows me to look at games from literally anywhere in the world (I hope). It'll mostly be focused on games in the UK, Germany and Romania... probably.

Sporting Life Football team profit Outrights
The first edition is, as you've probably guessed, an EFL focus, with the Championship and League One in the staking plan. That doesn't mean I don't have any fancies from League Two but this has been well covered elsewhere (you can watch/listen to the This Week's Acca outright preview here).

So, let's get into it.

Boro's bounce back
The Sky Bet Championship is Leeds' to lose in 24/25. Last season's beaten play-off finalists who hit 90 points and look more than prepared for a title charge that, on paper, should be largely untroubled.

But below them, it's quite wide open. Questions surround the three teams who came down from the Premier League, and they shouldn't be as strong as Leicester or Southampton.

MIDDLESBROUGH's 23/24 campaign was one of disappointment but injury more than played its part. They should be a strong outfit again under Michael Carrick's guidance.

Prices of 11s and 12s are available on them to win the title - which is a tricky ask - but the 11/8 on a top six finish is a good bet. Instead, the +13 HANDICAP start is the most appealing at 18/1.

CLICK HERE to back Middlesbrough (+13) handicap winner with Sky Bet
Ipswich, unsurprisingly with the benefit of hindsight, won the handicap table by a mile at +11 last season, while Burnley triumphed at +8 the year prior.

Michael Carrick will be hoping to continue Middlesbrough's momentum this season
Middlesbrough will be hoping for an improved season under Michael Carrick
The Clarets' appointment of Scott Parker to replace Vincent Kompany this time around is questionable meaning I have no interest in them at +5. Luton are another who I'm uncertain on at +10.

It's based upon Leeds' potential of gaining more points than they did last time out. Say they win the title with around 93, some of the current points handicaps won't be enough to push them close.

The average points tally of the side who finished sixth across the past three seasons was 72.3. You'd therefore need a side floating around the +21ish handicap to run them close in this market.

I'm not convinced enough in the play-off potential of those on that marker to catch-up at the top, while others on +26 and +28 may not break 60 points.

I'll side with Carrick's side bouncing back with a positive season that, at the very least, lands them in the top six. That should see them a strong contender in the handicaps.

Mateo's time to shine
And with Leeds fancied for success this season, it's worth looking towards their attack to star.

The summer has seen Archie Gray depart but permanent deals for Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle, combined with the loan addition of Joe Rothwell, means the squad looks more to Daniel Farke's liking.

Gray was the breakout star last season and the new campaign should see MATEO JOSEPH grab the headlines, with the young forward an interesting pick to be the CHAMPIONSHIP'S TOP GOALSCORER.

CLICK HERE to back Joseph to be top goalscorer with Sky Bet
The 20-year-old's pre-season tour in Germany delivered three goals across two games against Hannover and Schalke, with a brace when starting in their FA Cup loss to Chelsea last season.


Farke has been playing a slightly adjusted system in pre-season, potentially preparing for life without Crysencio Summerville, and they do look a better attacking unit even if it is only the early stages still.

We could see a pairing of sorts with Joel Piroe, with Georginio Rutter pushed out wider. What this means for Joseph is the ability to play as an actual centre forward and he's shown he is probably the best at the club.

Even if they stick with the 4-2-3-1, Joseph is likely to be the most advanced with the talented Rutter behind. Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James provide threats from wide, as will the player brought in to replace Summerville.

This is a gamble, of course. There is no guarantee he remains a starter or adapts to playing at this level on a regular basis. But this is a player with huge ability and one who started their final pre-season game against Valencia. That strongly suggests involvement as the first choice.


Naturally, he found the net in that game too.

Joseph has proven his eye for goal. He had 17 in 28 Premier League 2 appearances before his first team involvement saw him moved up the order to the first team squad.

I can see both sides of the argument for Joseph being favourite in this market. I'm happy to take the risk given his situation though.

Rhys to Heal Huddersfield's chances
Into Sky Bet League One, where Birmingham are expected to secure the title with ease after a summer of significant spending.

Some bookmakers have gone as short as 7/4 that they finish top - prices that are far too short for my interest over the course of a season.

Huddersfield are a team that probably represent the best value at this stage, with striker RHYS HEALEY a TOP GOALSCORER contender at 40/1.

CLICK HERE to back Rhys Healey to be top goalscorer with Sky Bet
The 29-year-old scored three in 11 appearances following his January arrival from Watford and pre-season indicates that he's expected to play a big part over the next few months.


I'm slightly concerned by reports linking them to another striker signing this window but confident enough that Healey will still see plenty of minutes regardless of what happens.

Claiming the number 11 shirt from the 44 he had previously also strongly hints at far more first team involvement under Michael Duff's guidance.

A pre-season tour of Austria delivered two goals in three of the games - those against Aris Limassol and Lecce - and the fact one of them was from the spot suggests potential penalty duties going forward.

I have faith in Healey's goalscoring potential based on a prolific spell at Toulouse in the French second division. He netted 20 in 32 league appearances during the 2021/22 season before injury disrupted his following campaign.

If he can stay fit, there's every chance he plays a significant part in what could be a positive season for the Terriers. I'll side with Healey getting a decent percentage of their goals.

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Tom Carnduff's Notebook: Talking points for Sky Bet Championship opening weekend
By Tom Carnduff
12:07 · TUE August 06, 2024
It's finally the week of the Sky Bet EFL season.

Football's never-ending cycle renews for its 2024/25 edition, with 72 clubs battling it out for glory, unfounded hope or simply survival across the three divisions.

The Notebook has been looking at a number of topics throughout the summer but this edition, as you'd expect, puts focus on the Sky Bet Championship ahead of its kick-off on Friday night.

Games are split across Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so whatever happens, we're going to get talking points to keep us occupied throughout.


Fair to say I am quite excited for it to begin. There are a number of things to consider for the next few days, all of which are discussed below.

Blades in for a slow start?
Sheffield United's summer has largely been one of frustration. Slow work in the transfer market but fairly positive when things have happened.

Kieffer Moore and Callum O'Hare are the eye-catching permanent additions, with the arrival of Harrison Burrows from Peterborough another big plus after his League One campaign.

But so much still needs to happen as the Blades aim for a Premier League return.

Callum O'Hare
Callum O'Hare has joined Sheffield United this summer
This is a squad still lacking in enough depth for a 46-game season. To say this is a significant four weeks for the club would be an understatement.

Takeover talk continues and whether or not that actually happens before the window (cliché time) SLAMS SHUT will have a huge impact on their position in the final table.

Injuries are already starting to hit too. While they may not have the toughest of starts, there may be some value in opposing them across the first few weeks of the season.

Preston are by no means a quality outfit in this division but I may give some serious consideration to the 2/1 general price on them winning come Friday night.

Hull's worrying pre-season
Another side who have cause for concern following pre-season is Hull, with a thin squad desperately needing reinforcements on the back of a summer campaign which delivered four defeats and two draws from six outings.

Results aren't everything but it is a big worry. This doesn't look a team massively prepared for the early parts of the campaign.

They've spent the summer adjusting to Tim Walter's way of playing but, as highlighted in a previous edition of The Notebook, they are far too open defensively and teams will make the most of this.

Hull boss Tim Walter
It could be a tough time at Hull for Tim Walter
Hull have been presented with a favourable set of opening fixtures as they start with home games against Bristol City and Millwall alongside a trip to Plymouth.

However, due to their poor organisation, I'd be hugely surprised if Hull managed to keep a clean sheet in August despite facing 'easier' opponents, and the 2/1 that Bristol City find the net twice on the opening weekend makes some appeal.

Bristol City to score 2+ goals and Hull 6+ corners looks an intriguing little multiple when prices are fully available based on what I've seen from their pre-season showings.

Are West Brom ready?
This is quite a negative column so far isn't it? Sorry about that, but it always seems easier to talk about the clubs to avoid rather than those to target (I think).

Next up is West Brom, with the simple question: are they actually ready for this season?

Ten of the 20 players who featured in their final day victory over Preston - a result which secured their spot in the play-offs - are no longer at the club. Only five have been brought in.

Carlos Corberan
Carlos Corberan's West Brom could struggle in the opening weeks
It appears to be a clear out. Sky Sports then reported over the weekend that the club are working under an 'EFL-imposed business plan' which does limit their ability to bring players in.

Pre-season concluded with a 4-1 hammering to Birmingham, their fifth defeat from six - four of those coming against sides who will play their football at a lower level this season.

We have, of course, got to factor in that this is pre-season and the variety of squads.

A trip to Loftus Road to face QPR awaits them next. Good prices are available on that contest - the home side certainly appeal based on the state of their opponents.

Set-piece joy for Leeds?
Leeds's price for success keeps getting shorter. Daniel Farke's side are 11/4 in places to be lifting the Sky Bet Championship title at the end of the season.

So how do we actually find some value in this team? I've looked towards Mateo Joseph as top goalscorer at 14s in my outright preview of the season having been very impressed with his pre-season showings.

Set-pieces could be the way to do this in the opening few weeks.

Against Valencia, their centre-backs had great chances to score. Pascal Struijk saw a header saved from a Dan James free-kick while Joe Rodon was also denied having risen highest from Ilia Gruev's corner - both of those coming in the first-half.

Pascal Struijk's chance vs Valencia
Pascal Struijk's chance vs Valencia
Joe Rodon's chance vs Valencia
Joe Rodon's chance vs Valencia
Leeds are 4/11 to beat Portsmouth on opening weekend and we can expect their corner count to go quite high considering it's a home contest.

What that presents is both Struijk and Rodon, the likely centre-back partnership, with chances to score. Some bookmakers will likely offer big prices on either in the anytime market.

Expect to see a number of names at short odds when the players are priced up - anything at 10s or above on a centre-back may therefore provide appeal.

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Niclas Füllkrug: What will the German hitman bring to West Ham United?
By FootballTransfers
14:58 · WED August 07, 2024
West Ham have had something of a shakeup in recruitment recently. Over the past two years or so, slowly but surely, they’ve changed the way they operate when it comes to player acquisition.

Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville and Mohammed Kudus now occupy the flanks for the Hammers along with Jarrod Bowen - whose flair and goalscoring ability is in no way inferior.


West Ham may be firmly rooted in the establishment of English football, but now they have been modernised, behaving in a way not dissimilar from clubs in Germany, Austria and Hungary.

With Tim Steidten as their technical director, the club are heavily involved in the data market with numbers and xG seemingly taking precedence over big names.

Despite his age, their signing of Niclas Füllkrug is very much in the same vein. Crucially the club will be looking at his 0.45 goals per 90 minutes and hoping that will translate from Germany to the Premier League.

It was just one season for the striker at Borussia Dortmund, but his time at Signal Iduna Park has now come to an end with the 31-year-old moving to London on a four-year deal.

Niclas Füllkrug transfer value - how much is he worth now?
According to our algorithm, Füllkrug currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €12.5m.

His actual transfer fee was an overall package of €32m including add-ons, but only time will tell if it was money well spent.

Niclas Fullkrug transfer stats
Part of the reason the cost was so high is likely that AC Milan and Atlético Madrid were also considered to be interested parties. This was no one-horse race for the German’s signature.

The stats - what can Füllkrug add to West Ham?
Coming through Werder Bremen's youth academy, it took a while for Füllkrug to get going in his professional career.

He struggled to find consistency as a goalscorer, both in the Bundesliga and in the second-tier 2.Bundesliga, and ultimately failed to secure a regular spot with Die Werderaner.

It has only been since the 2022/23 season with Bremen that he finally found a good run of form in Germany’s top division, before landing a €17m switch to Dortmund.

Niclas Füllkrug shot map 23/24
West Ham had initially targeted Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran this summer, but negotiations fell through. They have instead opted for a player with more experience - one they have admired since last year.

Steidten has known Füllkrug since his time at Bremen, and believes he can spice up the club’s attacking intent for the upcoming season. The veteran offers a vast physical presence as well as efficiency in front of goal.

At international level for Germany he has scored a goal every 64 minutes. In the Bundesliga last season he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 29 games. If he is given quality service in the penalty area, goals will come in the Premier League for Füllkrug.

He can also dominate both in the air and on the ground, averaging 5.09 duels per 90 minutes last season. It’s an intriguing mix of physical force and finishing power.

Niclas Fullkrug 23/24 stats
Working in Julen Lopetegui’s system will be interesting. In midfield, the Spaniard likes technical players who can execute deft passes and open up dangerous situations in the half space. He also loves a false nine, someone who can hold back defenders and find team-mates on the wing further ahead.

"It is a position where you get smarter with every situation you experience in the box, where you learn and develop a better feel for the next situation," Füllkrug said last year.

"Extremely important are your finishing skills and the sense for your team-mates, to know your teammates well, to know [when to go] for the near post, the far post, the short run, the deep run.”

Füllkrug would obviously work in such a blueprint at West Ham given his physical stature and high volume of assists.

Bringing him in now will raise some eyebrows given his age, but a lot of No.9s in Europe today are finding their best form well into their thirties - and he could just be the next.

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Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City: City win on penalties
By Sporting Life
19:17 · SAT August 10, 2024
A horror moment for Manchester United veteran Jonny Evans gifted the Community Shield to Manchester City after a penalty shoot-out.

Evans lifted his spot-kick over the crossbar before Manuel Akanji tucked in the winning penalty as Pep Guardiola’s side secured the first silverware of the season.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had inflicted more Wembley misery on the four-time Premier League winners when he repeated his FA Cup final goalscoring heroics from just 77 days earlier with nine minutes remaining.

But another substitute Bernardo Silva, headed a last-minute equaliser for City to make it 1-1 and take the match to spot-kicks.

Andre Onana saved from Silva early in the shoot-out but Jadon Sancho, back for United following his bust-up with Erik Ten Hag, saw his kept out by Ederson.

Evans then blazed United’s eighth penalty high over the top before Akanji secured a 7-6 win for City.

City were without their contingent of Euro 2024 finalists with England trio Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones rested as well as triumphant Spain midfielder Rodri.

But despite whatever the relative merits of this annual curtain-raiser are, Guardiola certainly seemed to be taking this one seriously when he gesticulated furiously at his coaching staff before storming down the tunnel at half-time.

Jack Grealish was a surprise absentee while Kevin De Bruyne and Silva started on the bench.

So it was left to their supporting cast to provide the early fireworks and Jeremy Doku was the first to show any attacking intent, nutmegging Diogo Dalot down the left before fizzing in a low cross just behind debutant Nico O’Reilly.

Oscar Bobb then fed James McAtee, who came closer still when he curled his shot around Onana and back off the inside of the far post.

United, with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes the furthest forward and Marcus Rashford playing on the left wing, created their first chance just before the half-hour when Amad Diallo curled a shot across goal and wide.

And it was Ten Hag’s side who should have scored moments later when Diallo played a one-two with Casemiro and squared the ball for Mount, who was just too slow to react for what would have been a tap-in.

Rashford, who, like Grealish, was left out of England’s squad in Germany, had an early chance to impress the watching interim national boss Lee Carsley when Casemiro found him unmarked on the left, but he stabbed his shot tamely across goal and wide.

United thought they had taken the lead eight minutes into the second half when Lisandro Martinez played in Fernandes, who curled a superb effort over Ederson and into the net, but the Portugal star was flagged offside.

A raft of substitutes for both sides followed, including debuts for young United midfielder Toby Collyer and City’s £30million summer signing, the Brazilian winger Savinho.

Then came a big moment for Rashford, Garnacho squaring the ball to leave the forward clean through, 14 yards out, unmarked and with just Ederson to beat – only for a hurried, first-time effort with his left foot to clip the post.

A United goal was coming, though, and it arrived nine minutes from time when Fernandes swept the ball across goal and Garnacho expertly applied the finish.

But with just a minute to go City hit back, Bobb swinging in a cross and Bernardo Silva rising above Facundo Pellestri to nod home the equaliser and take the encounter to spot-kicks.

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Jake Osgathorpe's Premier League and Championship 24/25 outright tips, predictions, best bets and preview
By Jake Osgathorpe
18:36 · SUN August 11, 2024
Football betting tips: 24/25 outright
Premier League

8pts Arsenal to win the Premier League at 15/8 (General)

6pts Newcastle to finish in the top four at 9/4 (Betfair, Paddy Power)

2pts e.w. Alexander Isak top scorer at 18/1 (Betway 1/4 1,2,3,4)

2pts e.w. Bruno Fernandes most assists at 14/1 (bet365, William Hill 1/4 1,2,3,4)

Championship

6pts Leeds to win the Championship at 7/2 (General)

4pts Cardiff to be relegated at 9/2 (BetVictor)

Multiples and BABs

1pt Arsenal, Leeds and Birmingham all to win their leagues at 38/1 (bet365)

0.5pt Arsenal to finish top four, Leeds, Huddersfield and Rotherham to finish in top 6, Birmingham to finish in top 2 & Doncaster, MK Dons and Port Vale to finish in top 7 at 125/1 (Sky Bet)

CLICK HERE to add the selections to your Sky Bet bet slip
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power |

Yes, we know the Euros only finished a few weeks ago, but believe it or not the new club football season starts next week.

We've only just got over the heartbreaking defeat for England in the final, and now we again board the rollercoaster ahead of another turbulent club season - both following your team and on the betting front.

Last season was a good one for me, especially with the outright bets, which returned +40.6pts profit. It's also worth highlighting just how much profit the entire Sporting Life football team has generated from outrights in the last two seasons... It's pretty ridiculous.

Sporting Life Football team profit Outrights
We are doing things slightly differently with the outrights this season, as rather than us providing an article or two for each specific league, all of me, Jimmy and Tom have been given license to tip what we want from whichever league we want in our own columns.

I've chosen to focus on the Premier League and Championship, as those are the two leagues I feel I have the best grasp on at this stage, and hopefully the staking plan provides a bit of something for everyone, with some shorter, middling and longshot prices posted.

If you like or don't like any of my selections, want to share yours or just have a footy chat, you can find me on X under @JAKEOZZ.

Here's hoping for more outright success!

SBG new offer - https://m.skybet.com/lp/acq-bet-10-g...OOTBALL_B10G40
Go in again on Gunners
We'll start in the top division, where I'm happy to wade in again on ARSENAL TO WIN THE LEAGUE.

CLICK HERE to back Arsenal to win the Premier League with Sky Bet
Last season they fell one point short when tipped at 5/1 on these pages, landing us each-way money, but I feel more confident this time around, for a number of reasons, and am keen to go back in again at a shorter price win-only.

They showcased an incredibly high level of resilience to push Manchester City all the way last term, something they failed to do the season before, staying on strongly by winning 13 of their last 15 league games.

xP per gameweek PL 23/24
Excellent performances were maintained right until the final whistle of the season, which was the issue in 22/23 where they 'bottled' the league.

xP per gameweek PL 22/23
Their levels over the last two campaigns have been incredible. They have only won two fewer and lost three more games than City over that span, highlighting just how close they have been.

The gap undoubtedly closed last campaign, as Arsenal's underlying process was identical to City's, and with question marks around Liverpool post-Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea and Manchester United's continuing issues and Tottenham having to deal with European football, for me this title race is a straight shoot-out between the best two sides in the country.

xGD per game PL 23/24
I've not even mentioned the looming 115 charges Manchester City face either. The hearing is in November, and given the case doesn't have a precedent, if found guilty, it is unclear what the punishment could be. It could be as serious as a huge point deduction or the club even being kicked out of the Premier League.

This could be serious for City, so much so that the bookies have priced Pep Guardiola's side as the 11th favourites to be relegated this season at 16/1 - taking no chances.

So, with all the off-field question marks around City, the other challengers looking weak and Arsenal performing at City's level last season, this could well be the year that the Gunners get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 2004.

And I do want to stress - even if City don't get any kind of punishment, I still think Arsenal can do with Liverpool did in 20/21 and break the City cycle.

Magpies to swoop
I promise, I'm not just regurgitating the tips from last season's Premier League outright, but I simply can't leave NEWCASTLE TO FINISH TOP 4 unbacked at 9/4.

CLICK HERE to back Newcastle to finish in the Top 4 with Sky Bet
Last season Eddie Howe's men were the victim of some rotten luck with injuries, combined with an increased number of games, and it did halt their progress. But they still managed to finish seventh while posting the fourth best underlying numbers in the league.

They averaged 2.22 xGF and 1.64 xGA per game, racking up 1.72 expected points (xP) per game, so while they do have to tighten up a tad at the back and improve results away from home, the process is in place for them to be a real problem for the 'establishment' once again.

Eddie Howe seems happy - and popular - at Newcastle
Newcastle do appear hamstrung by FFP in terms of spending big money on players, but the squad they have at their disposal is more than good enough to repeat their success in 22/23, especially as they have no European football to contend with this season.

Overall, Howe's side have been the fourth best team across the last two seasons on every single underlying metric, so a continuation of those levels will have them right in the mix, and with all of their direct rivals having to deal with Europe, the Magpies should have an edge just like two years ago.

Avoid Prem relegation market
The bottom of the table was a joke last season. Sheffield United and Burnley went down with a whimper, while Luton - for all their proactiveness and spirit - were only able to hang around until the end of the season due to points deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Let's hope it's more competitive this time, but the three promoted sides - Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton - are the three favourites for the drop, followed by Everton.

Dyche
I'm scratching my head as to why the Toffees, with no more pending charges (I think), are fourth favourites given the way the played last season, and the same with Forest as fifth favourites. Both sides put up mid-table underlying numbers and should steer clear of the drop again - even if the pair are hit with any more points deductions.

It does seem highly likely that we see the three promoted sides go straight back down for the second season running, so I won't be advising any selections. I was close to pulling the trigger on Wolves at 4/1 though, for data reasons (of course).

Concern for Wolves?
According to the underlying data, Wolves were the fourth worst team in the Premier League last season, bettering only the three sides that dropped. They finished 13th and well clear of trouble, mainly thanks to an unsustainably good goalkeeping season from Jose Sa.

PS xG overperformance
His post shot xG over-performance of +8.9 led the league, and tells us that he singlehandedly saved nine more goals than the average keeper should have based on the on-target attempts he faced.

He did similar in 21/22 (+7.3), but in the 22/23 campaign he underperformed by nearly six (-5.6). A similar regression would see a near 15-goal swing in Wolves' goals conceded numbers, and could have them bang in trouble.

It is also worth noting that the Old Gold have been struggling for a few seasons now too. Of the 17 teams to play in both 22/23 and 23/24, Wolves rank dead last on all major metrics (xGF, xGA, xGD, xP).

Gary O'Neil
Gary O'Neil's CV does read two jobs, two survivals, but the underlying process from his time at Bournemouth and Wolves screams relegation. At the Cherries he posted an xGD per game of -0.58 and accumulated 0.97 xP per game, while last season's xGD per game at Wolves was worst (-0.67) though they did collect marginally more xP (1.04).

But, the fact of the matter is that, with the ever widening gap between the Championship and the Premier League, it's likely we see two or maybe even all three promoted sides relegated again, meaning it's simply not worth taking a punt on an established top flight side falling through the trap door - and that's before we factor in any possible in-season managerial changes that so often rejuvenate teams.

Alexander the Great
I don't usually get involved in top scorer betting but I simply have to put up ALEXANDER ISAK TOP SCORER at 18/1.

CLICK HERE to back Alexander Isak to be top scorer with Sky Bet
The Swede was red-hot last season, finishing behind only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer having netted 21 goals in a tired Newcastle team that was decimated by injuries and the task of managing midweek football.

That won't be the case this season, with the Magpies taking no part in Europe, and compared to some of his rivals in the betting, Isak's process suggests that his scoring rate is highly likely to be repeatable.