Saturday, November 23, 2024
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Premier League build-up and latest football news – BBC

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Manager news conferences before busy weekend of Premier League action, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Spurs
Liverpool's Klopp and Jota receive manager and player of month
Klinsmann sacked by South Korea
Mbappe plans to leave PSG
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Tim Abraham, George Booth & Tasnim Chowdhury
Well that's all for today folks!
It has been a busy day for some of our Premier League managers as they have addressed the press before the action gets underway tomorrow at 12:30 GMT with league leaders Liverpool travelling to Brentford.
You can follow live text coverage of all the Premier League action on the BBC Sport website and app.
But, before the Premier League action tomorrow make sure to tune into BBC Two at 19:00 GMT as Chelsea host Man City in the WSL clash, and don't forget about the live text coverage here!
Chelsea v Manchester City (19:15 GMT)
Captain Alex Greenwood said Manchester City "don't get talked about as much as other teams" in the Women's Super League title race.
Chelsea are top of the table, three points clear of second-placed City and six above Arsenal in third.
City face Emma Hayes' side on Friday and can leapfrog the leaders if they win by three goals or more.
"We aren't mentioned as much as other teams and that's fine by us," Greenwood told BBC Sport.
"We'll keep doing what we do, we'll keep cracking on and looking after ourselves and taking care of business as we can. We've got a lot of confidence in the team right now and just need to keep with this momentum."
Read the full story here…
Chelsea v Manchester City (19:15 GMT)
Chelsea are not "overwhelming favourites" to win the Women's Super League title, said boss Emma Hayes.
The Blues are three points clear at the top of the table, but host second-placed Manchester City on Friday.
Chelsea are still in the hunt for four trophies, with knockout games in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League coming up.
"We have experience of being in this position and we understand what it takes to win titles," Hayes said.
Gareth Taylor's City side head to Kingsmeadow full of confidence after beating WSL rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.
City can go top if they beat Chelsea by three or more goals, but Taylor will not be labelling the game as a title decider to add motivation for his players.
"I don't think we need to hype it up any more," he said. "For us, normalising it is the sensible thing for us. When you play against Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United, the nerves and everything is there anyway.
Cesc Fabregas
Former Spain midfielder on the Planet Premier League podcast

Well, being faster than them in terms of mental and always knowing where your teammate is, always having good posture of your body to look forward, being clever in a way of coming to the ball at the right time, understanding when your your teammate is in need for you to come.
Always touch your opponent on the chest and get away from him with a little sprint of two or three meters that will make you win this. That is very, very important that is what helped me so much to play so many years in the Premier League. In my opinion, because I was very small, I was very skinny. I was training against Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Edu.
So it was impossible for me to make it if I was trying to be 50-50 in challenges with them. So I always had to be smarter with the ball faster. Very quick feet, one two touches. Never more than that, unless I knew for sure that I was completely alone.
I think my strength was that I was always trying to be one step, two steps ahead of the game. I know exactly when my opponent was very close to me or when I had two seconds to control and pass, always trying to play one-twos with the inside of my foot.
Listen to the podcast here.
Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport

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Hector Bellerin: Real Betis midfielder praises club's work on sustainability
Hector Bellerin's grandma was as big a 'Betico' as they come. She would hand him green and white gifts every Christmas. Even though he played his football in Barcelona, deep down the youngster's heart always belonged to Real Betis.
Bellerin initially got the chance to represent a club also adored by his father in 2021, on loan from Arsenal, and having now settled permanently in Andalusia, the defender's affinity has blossomed into something far deeper.
In Betis, Bellerin has found an institution with the same moral compass, one committed to championing sustainability and tackling social issues.
The 28-year-old is comfortable discussing such topics at length, from environmental concerns, to why other players don't speak out and the pressure on modern-day footballers.
He covers the role of masculinity and mental health, suggesting not all footballers want to "drive massive cars and be so strong and so manly", and feels clubs should be obliged to provide psychologists and allow players time to work on their mental health.
The defender has always supported Betis' social causes and while on loan participated in the Futbol Mas project with his girlfriend, visiting the poorest areas in suburban Seville to play football with youngsters and talk about emotions and relationships.
Now he takes a keen interest in Betis' Forever Green initiative, a project that over the past three years has helped them become La Liga's greenest club – among its many measures has been introducing electric bikes and scooters for employees.
"For me, sustainability has always been a big thing," explains Bellerin, who is also a shareholder at Forest Green Rovers.
"It is something I take into account in every single decision in my life and to be part of a football club that is conscious of that, that is trying to put systems in place for fans, for workers, for staff and players too, to make things easier in order to have a greener lifestyle, is important and an inspiration."
Read more on the story here.
Luton v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Cesc Fabregas
Former Spain midfielder on the Planet Premier League podcast

Ross Barkley is playing at a fantastic level. I'm very happy for him because he lost his way a little bit. He lost his confidence and now he's back at it.
He took maybe two steps backward to be able to perform again at the level that that he knows he can.
He's surrounded by good players, so he can also have this license to go forward as we seen. Luton always saw Ross as a number eight, more box-to-box.
For this Luton side to play with players of this personality that gives them two seconds extra in possession on the ball.
That makes this team tick because we were saying before, he cannot be defending for 90 minutes. Especially against teams like Man Utd and Man City.
You need to hold onto the ball a little bit to create something and to give air to your teammates. And he's the guy to do it and he's doing it very well.
Listen to the latest Planet Premier League podcast here.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, says manager Unai Emery.
The 24-year-old tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in the Premier League.
Villa forward Emiliano Buendia and defender Tyrone Mings are also sidelined with ACL problems.
"When they are injured for a long time, it's the worst in football," said Emery.
"It's more difficult for the player, as a person, when they are injured.
"We've had two injuries for a long time, for all the season, with Buendia and Mings.
"Now it's the same for Kamara. Maybe, more or less, in September or October he is coming back."
Defender Diego Carlos will be out of action for up to four weeks because of a hamstring injury suffered in training this week.
Villa, who are fifth in the table, travel to Fulham on Saturday.
Newcastle v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Bournemouth
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on Newcastle: "We need goals tomorrow because Newcastle is a really offensive power, you see in the last games they’ve scored three, four. They are scoring a lot of goals so it’s not going to be easy for us not to concede.
On Newcastle conceding: "You can see it both ways, it’s a team that scores more than they concede. It’s true they do concede but they do score a lot of goals. Almost at home and away, they’re scoring. It’s very strange if they don’t score two, three goals in every game. It’s true sometimes they open the game, there is chances for both teams, they are very good at the front."
Nottingham Forest v West Ham (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
West Ham United
West Ham boss David Moyes on Nottingham Forest: "They're a good team, they've got lots of good players, and it's going to be a tough task there. Steve Cooper did a good job, and I think Nuno Espirito Santo has come in and made an impact. We know we're going to have to be fully at it tomorrow, but we're looking forward to it.
"We lost on the opening day of the season to Forest last year. It's always a great atmosphere at the City Ground and there's a lot of history at the club.
"I think you set up your team to get a result, regardless of the opposition. We want to keep up the good results we've had, and if we can pick up another five or so wins this season, it will get us in a good position."
Luton v Man Utd (Sun, 17:30 GMT)
Luton Town
Rob Edwards on facing Man Utd and Kenilworth Road: “We’ll have to try and play as well as we can, that’s obvious. If we play well we can rock them off their rhythm.
"We need to be brave and on the front foot and if we’re good we can stop them from having the game they want.
“Our aim will be on us, so if our performance is good enough then who knows, maybe we’ve got a chance. If we don’t perform to our maximum, they’re Manchester United.”
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Good news about Mo Salah, I've gone early with him back in my fantasy Premier League team, hoping it pays off or I'm in big trouble.
Shaun, Melbourne
Luton v Man Utd (Sun, 17:30 GMT)
Luton Town
Manager Rob Edwards on Luton's team News: “Teden Mengi is fully fit and available.
“He’s been brilliant for us this year. For a younger player to step up, come away from home, out of his comfort zone, and performed at the highest level as he has is astounding.
“I’m not surprised with anything he does, but perhaps I was surprised by how quickly he adapted to his surroundings and his teammates. Hopefully he’ll continue that. He has a high ceiling and I know he will be desperate to play this weekend.”
“Tahith Chong been really affective coming on, especially when there’s more space and we’re a transitional threat.
“He also gives us a bit of balance with a left-footer on that side and he’s certainly pushing for a start. He’s shown many strengths in many areas and he’s somebody who trains full throttle every single day.”
Luton v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Luton Town
Luton boss Rob Edwards, on upcoming fixtures: "Exciting few weeks ahead playing Manchester United [next] and then Liverpool at Anfield which is then quickly followed up by Man City in the FA Cup.
"Kenilworth Road is fairly unique and there are bits we can learn and take [from facing Man Utd earlier this season].
"But there was lots of things to like about that day [in the 1-0 loss to Man Utd] when I watch it back we are a different team which is really good.
"I think Sunday will be a different type of fixture."
Everything Luton in one place – bookmark the page or if you’re using the app hit the bell icon for club notifications
Brentford v Liverpool (St, 12:30 GMT)
Brentford
Brentford boss Thomas Frank on Roy Hodgson: “It was tough news. You want the best for everyone, especially a guy like Roy who I know well. He’s done so much for football during his career. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery”
BBC Sport has a dedicated Brentford page packed with news, analysis and fan views – get it here
Brentford v Liverpool (St, 12:30 GMT)
Brentford
Brentford boss Thomas Frank on Liverpool: "We are facing the top of the league team; a team in form in many ways. They have top players and a top manager [Jurgen Klopp].
“I think Liverpool are the best offensive team in the league, because they are very difficult to close down when they are on it.
“They play in behind, they play crosses, they combine, they do one v ones, they are good on set-pieces. They have created the most xG, which is completely aligned to how they play offensively.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge, but we are up for it, and we believe in ourselves. We believe that we can get a result.”
BBC Sport has a dedicated Brentford page packed with news, analysis and fan views – get it here
Brentford v Liverpool (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport

It was a rainy day at Liverpool training ground but Jurgen Klopp arrived for his news conference earlier on with a big smile.
And, no wonder he was in a happy mood. The German has Mohamed Salah back available for the game at Brentford at 12:30 GMT on Saturday.
Salah returned to full training this week after sustaining a hamstring injury playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations on 18 January.
Klopp will also be able to call on keeper Alisson Becker as well as defenders Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for a game he called “super tricky”.
Konate is back from a one-game suspension, Alisson and Gomez have recovered from illness and Bradley is back at Liverpool following the death of his father.
However, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai remain out, with Klopp saying neither had been rushed back after respective knee and hamstring injuries.
Klopp had plenty of praise for Brentford and added that his team will have to be at their best to get the win to keep their noses in front in the Premier League title race.
Brentford v Liverpool (St, 12:30 GMT)
Brentford
Brentford boss Thomas Frank on the return of Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa from Afcon: "They’ve been important and good for us, so it’s good to have them in training. They’ve come back with energy having had, in many, many ways, fantastic experiences. Unfortunately, they finished second and fourth rather than first and third, but we are very proud of them and what they achieved.”
Fulham v Aston Villa (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Fulham
Fulham manager Marco Silva on his side's current form: "It's really positive, the mood during this week. We had a busy period in December and January. We are stronger now. When you have more of the squad available, it's good for competition."
On playing at Craven Cottage: "People know what they're going to face when they come to Craven Cottage. The fans play a big part and we hope that, together, we can keep the same form at home."
Fulham v Aston Villa (Sat 15:00 GMT)
Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on winger Leon Bailey signing a new deal with the club: "Of course we are happy with him. His process when I arrived here was to get better, but sometimes we were trying to work with him and be consistent.
"His performances have been better at home than away but he is working hard not only when we are with the ball, in the attacking third, but when we need to compact and defensively strong. We tried to get him to be balanced and consistent. I have been demanding with him and also he wanted to stay here.
His commitment with Aston Villa is perfect. The suopporters love him but of course we have to try to be one step ahead to increase our levels and with him it's the same. He must continue working and be demanding each match. Tomorrow we are away at Fulham and hopefully we can get the best performance from him on the field."
Fulham v Aston Villa (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Boubacar Kamara's injury is a serious setback for Aston Villa and, with Fulham usually strong at home, this is a difficult game for Unai Emery's side.
It feels like Villa have to win this, with Tottenham and Manchester United both hitting form in the race for the top four.
But Fulham have started scoring again, with Rodrigo Muniz getting two goals in their win over Bournemouth last week, and I feel like they will get something here as well.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Read the rest of Chris Sutton's Premier League predictions for this weekend's games here...
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