Right, that’s all for today. Scott Murray will be here in a couple of hours for the build up to the first game of the 2024-25 Premier League season: Manchester United v Fulham. Goodnight!
The start of the WSL season is a month away, and clubs are still getting their squads together for the new season. Tom Garry rounds up today’s transfer news.
“I love football and always will,” says Thomas Nolan, lining up the B-word, “but nevertheless at the beginning of each new season (and especially because the summer ‘break’ from football seems to get shorted and shorter) there is a part of me that feels like Paul McGann in the bath in Withnail & I as he contemplates the return of Danny his drug dealer. ‘Will we never be set free?’
Unai Emery: It’s over
Okay, he didn’t quite say that, but he was keen to stress that he can’t make magic every year.
The expectations for this year are different because we are going to play in the Champions League. This is fantastic for us, it’s a new motivation and the best level in the football world.
We’re not contenders to be in the top four. There are seven teams who are contenders more than us. They have more capacity than us and we are trying to develop in every direction we can do. We have to be demanding, intelligent, hard-working.
I don’t want to get to the Champions League and not be competitive. I have experiences in different European competitions and we competed very well three years ago with Villarreal, getting to the semi-finals. It was fantastic, but now my challenge is to do something similar with Aston Villa.
I don’t know about getting to quarter-finals or semi-finals, but we have to be competitive and play each match facing the best teams in the world. In the Premier League, we have to keep the same competitive spirit we had last year.
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“Ah, Michu,” says Matt Dony. “The very definition of Man-Crush. He’s entertainingly discussed by (unsurprisingly) Elis James et al in this week’s Socially Distant Sports Bar podcast. Such a brilliant but unfortunate footballer. That season. Still thrilling.”
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy chats to Nick Ames
I don’t think you ever go ‘that’s it, I’ve done it’, because if you climb one mountain you look up and see another that’s even bigger. We want to do well this season, we want to show ambition. We don’t want to say: ‘We got here, back-to-back promotions, it’s brilliant and whatever happens, happens’.
“Cameron Archer, bought then sold without playing?” sniffs Karl Gibbons. “You what, Villa?!”
Must be something in the initials CA.
Transfer round-up
Here’s more on those transfers we mentioned earlier: Wilson Odobert to Spurs and Kalvin Phillips and Sammie Szmodics to Ipswich.
From the archive…
Some players burn brightly, but briefly. For a short time Michu burned like magnesium, a light enhanced by his relatively modest transfer fee in a world where money was taking over everything. Michu would not only become a fine player for a season at Swansea, but a yardstick against which all other transfers would be judged, his £2.5m fee used as a stick with which to beat every other club in the Premier League.
Brentford v Crystal Palace team news
Marc Guehi, who is wanted by Newcastle, is likely to start for Crystal Palace at Brentford tomorrow.
“Marc trained today with us, we talked together,” said the Palace head coach Oliver Glasner. ““He’s our player, he’s our captain and I can’t tell you anything else.”
Glasner was asked whether “superstar money”, around £65m, would be irresistible. “I don’t know how the chairman defines superstar money so it’s a question you have to ask the chairman.
“I think we talk now about many players where there are rumours. It’s Joachim Andersen, it’s (Eberechi) Eze, it’s Jordan Ayew and many others, it’s Adam Wharton, and it’s about many comments on rumours.
“As long as nobody tells me, ‘hey, gaffer, I will leave’ or the club tells me, ‘this player will leave’, we work with them every day and prepare the team so that we are competitive for a Premier League game.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta returned this week following his involvement with France at the Paris Olympics, while summer signings Ismaila Sarr, Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada could make their debuts.
Southampton sign Archer from Aston Villa
The centre-forward Cameron Archer, who returned to Villa Park from Sheffield United in June, has now been signed by Southampton for £15m.
“I just want to keep scoring goals and improve myself as a player, and I don’t think there’s a better place to do that than with Southampton,” said Archer. “I feel fit and ready, raring to go and get out on the pitch.”
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Mikel Arteta on what it will take for Arsenal to win the title
Break more of those records again, earn more points, for sure. It [89 points] won’t be enough. With the level we are competing with and every season is getting harder, we are going to have to improve again.
I don’t know what perfect is but it has to be very close to the numbers that we’ve seen in recent years. We had a gathering together with all the club players and the players were saying to me, ‘we’re going to be better, we’re going to do it, we want more’. They are the ones driving that ambition, so that’s always positive.
We know the things that we can still do better and how the players can still evolve. How we have evolved as a club is huge as well. How we feel playing at Emirates Stadium is another one. Those margins are huge and we have to really, really use them.
Whether it is pain, whether there are experiences, whether there are moments really as well where you have to accept that somebody else has been better. This is sport and you want to get to where you aren’t at the moment. That as well is really inspiring.
It’s like you’re trying to climb the highest mountain, the most difficult leap in the world and you’re surrounded by people trying to achieve the same ambition. We’re certainly gonna try.
West Ham v Aston Villa team news
Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins will be included in Villa’s squad, but he hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll start the game. Watkins returned to training later than most of his teammates after his exploits at Euro 2024.
Leicester news: Daka ruled out for months
Here’s Steve Cooper on Leicester’s injury woes, with Patson Daka out for the forseeable.
Patson is not great. He’s suffered quite a serious ankle injury.
He’s had an operation and will be out for a few months. Vards has been injured since the second week of pre-season, he’s closer to returning but will be a little while.
It’s not great. Conor Coady will be out for a few more weeks with his hamstring.
Vards is at the latter stages of rehab. With his experience, he understands his body and will have a big say in that process of returning.
The Foxes are facing the prospect of a tough campaign on their return to the top flight, with the threat of a points deduction and not much in the way of new faces.
Enzo Maresca on Conor Gallagher
Conor is back, he’s training and doing some medical tests. He won’t be involved on Sunday; he’s still trying to find a solution with the club. Hopefully we can find a solution that makes everyone happy.
It’s just not football. But if you like cricket, and you loved Graham Thorpe, this might be for you.
Here’s our tribute to Graham Thorpe https://t.co/tzUvjzUsfD
— The 80s and 90s Cricket Show (@CricShow80s90s) August 16, 2024
A couple of big transfers involving Championship strikers: Tommy Conway has joined Middlesbrough from Bristol City in a £4.5m move. The Scotland striker, who was out of contract next summer and unwilling to sign a new contract with his boyhood club, had plenty of interest from rival clubs but has joined Michael Carrick’s Boro. Sammie Szmodics, the top goalscorer in the division last season, and also once of Bristol City, has joined promoted Ipswich in a deal that could be worth up to £11m.
Pre-season optimism
“Cannot see anything less than bottom and all but down by Christmas,” writes Leicester fan Graham Randall. “Absolutely disaster around here. One fit centre-forward who has barely played for us. The players with PL experience left (with the exception of Vardy and Ricardo) are the clowns who got us into trouble last time. Might beat Derby’s record for the lowest points total.”
You’re only 2,000/1 to win the league.
Football Daily has arrived, and it is a defiantly underwhelming piece of work.
More from Pep Guardiola
I’m pretty sure [Foden, Walker and Stones] won’t be ready for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe 15 minutes.
The important thing is everybody is back and except for Oscar [Bobb] the rest are OK. He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well and he will be back in three or four months. We are so sad for him.
[On whether City will sign anyone else this summer] Maybe or maybe not, we will see. I’m really pleased with the squad I have, we will see. I’m set.
Chelsea v Manchester City
The champions will be without Rodri, who is being rested after his majestic performance at Euro 2024, for their trip to Stamford Bridge. “No chance” said Pep Guardiola when asked if he saw the ending of Presumed Innocent coming Rodri would be in the squad.
Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones could be in the squad. Guardiola also confirmed that Oscar Bobb will be out for 3-4 months after fracturing a bone in his leg.
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Read Louise Taylor on Eddie Howe
Howe has clearly relaxed since late June when, before the sudden departure of his long-term ally, Newcastle’s former co-owner, Amanda Staveley, the hierarchy were forced to sell two promising young players, Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, in order to allay concerns about meeting profit and sustainability rules.
Ipswich sign Phillips and Szmodics
Thanks Xaymaca, hello everyone. Let’s start with the news that Kalvin Phillips has joined Ipswich on a season-long loan. And why not? That feels like a shrewd signing, though I guess there are no guarantees he will regain the form that made him such a brilliant player for Leeds.
“Kalvin has much to offer us in terms of his qualities both on and off the ball, and he is a really humble and likeable character,” said the Ipswich head coach Kieran McKenna. “He has been a key member of a newly promoted team in the Premier League before and of course made a big impression for Leeds United during that period.”
Ipswich have also signed the excellent Blackburn forward Sammie Szmodics for around £9m. He scored 33 goals last season and already has three in 2024-25.
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That’s all from me. I’m handing over to Rob Smyth who will keep you updated for the rest of the day.
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In all fairness, Adam Morris was commenting from memory. He says:
“The comments I made are the personal recollections of someone who was 10 years old at the time. If people read what I wrote properly they would not leave such fatuous comments. I left off the word “I am” going into my 60th season with a lot less optimism. In other words I had plenty of optimism in 1964/65 (because 63/64 had been good). We finished two places above relegation, not one in 1963, pardon me for not being to remember a stat from 60 years ago. I should have said we survived relegation by one win (two points). As for the May timescale, it says, “changed by May 1965”. We won the league on goal difference at the 26 April 1965, so by May things had changed. I didn’t say the season ended in May. How pedantic do you want?”
Many neutrals will be watching Ipswich Town intently this season as they return to the Premier League after 22 years away. They’re already off to a good start due to Ed Sheeran’s investment his boyhood club. Read the full story below.
Back in 2024, Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, spoke about Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham Hotspur.
“‘For us without Dom, my job is going to be more difficult because he is a hell of a player,” the Bournemouth boss said at a press conference. ‘But there is also a personal side, that you want the best for him. We will want him to score a lot of goals, to beat every opposition, to be as good as he is. I am sure he will be because his behaviour has always been top. It is not easy to score the goals he has scored, to have the performance he has had. For sure, he has had offers before, he was very happy here, he has been until the last day. It is also a good chance for him, but we wish him all the best.’” PA Media
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Steve Kelly is right on both counts. But perhaps Adam Morris was initially referring to the 1962/63 season when Manchester United finished 19th. Yet even then, that wasn’t one place above relegation.
Steve Kelly responds to Adam Morris’ earlier comments about Manchester United:
“United finished second in the league in 1963/64, with the King (Denis Law) hitting 30 league goals - and winning the Ballon D’Or for ‘64 - as well as a certain G. Best breaking through to the first team. So to say expectations weren’t high for 64-65 season is not really true at all.
“And then 64-65 was a triumph indeed - but one which happened in April, rather than May. Effectively on April 26 with the win over Arsenal (or mathematically two days later when losing at Villa, if pedantry is the only game in town).
“This coming season - 5th a realistic ambition, I’d say.”
For those of you who are more concerned with the fashion than the football, we’ve reviewed each club’s kit this season. Read the full breakdown below.
Rick Harris is concerned about the number of injuries over the last couple of seasons:
“I thought last season suffered from too many injuries and burnout of many players who because of the stupid and corrupt decision by FIFA to hold a winter World Cup in 2022, hadn’t had a proper rest before being expected to go again full throttle.
“Manchester United are already off to a dreadful start with new signing Yoro and main striker Hojlund out injured for months, and Oscar Bobb shone just briefly in the Community Shield for City before suffering a fracture in training. I hope that these are just isolated misfortunes rather than the norm.”
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Tottenham have just signed Wilson Odobert from Burnley. Read the full story below.
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Not sure what to expect from the opening weekend of the season. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read our report below.
Meanwhile, there’s a lack of transfer activity from Liverpool but the Reds’ manager, Arne Slot, remains confident in his team.
New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists his side have not been weakened by a lack of signings. The Reds are the only Premier League team yet to bring anyone in after their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was ended when the Spain international rejected a move to Anfield … ‘I’ve said many times already our squad is really strong and it’s not easy to find players who can help us or strengthen the squad,’ he said ahead of their Premier League opener at Ipswich. ‘Zubimendi was one of them to be fair but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. We are in a good place.’” PA Media
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Away from Manchester United, there are reports that Newcastle have made a fourth bid for the Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guéhi.
“Eddie Howe has insisted Newcastle will not pay ‘silly’ money to further strengthen their squad at the same time as admitting they may have to sell in January. The Magpies open their new Premier League campaign at home to Southampton on Saturday still locked in negotiations with Crystal Palace over their £65million-rated England defender Marc Guéhi, the kind of marquee signing which has so far eluded the club this summer.
Head coach Howe declined to comment on reports that a fourth bid had been tabled for the player and revealed there was ‘nothing close’ on the transfer front.” PA Media
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“My big hope is that more youth breaks into the first team this season, particularly Harry Amass the left back who looks like a gilt edged prodigy in pre-season. I think we should see off Fulham without too many issues. After that, its really down to key players not getting injured. If they all stay fit, and its a big if, if Rashford gets his finger out and finds his best form, if de Ligt can rediscover the form he had under ten Hag at Ajax, we may well be dark horses for the top prize. Back on earth after a reality check, 5th place would be a serious improvement.”
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Manchester United’s prospects this season has Adam Morris reminiscing:
“Going into my 60th season at Old Trafford with a lot less optimism than my first (64/65), though there are parallels. 1963 had seen United finish one place above relegation and winners of the FA Cup. One season on from that, expectation still wasn’t at its highest, though that had changed by May 65 (we won the league that month) …
Outside of the Premier League, there’s big news in the Scottish Premiership:
“Rangers and Celtic have reached agreement with the league over the return of away fans later in the season. The Scottish Professional Football League spoke to both clubs after it emerged earlier this week that the impasse over visiting allocations would continue into 2025 … An SPFL spokesperson added: ‘The presence of away fans is a vital ingredient of the passion, drama and excitement that is the hallmark of the William Hill Premiership. We are pleased that Rangers and Celtic are committed to achieving the return of away supporters to their derby matches as soon as possible.’” PA Media
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“The main thing for me was to feel the desire and passion for Emile to come to our football club,” Silva said. “That made me really push our board and convince them that he is going to be the right guy to have. I know that he is going to make our fans love him – it’s like a statement for us. I know that last season was tough in terms of minutes played but he is a top talent who we want to make him play at his best level.
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Emile Smith Rowe for £34 million appears to be a great signing for Marco Silva’s Fulham as the former Arsenal man will be hoping to revive his career at Craven Cottage. Read more about Fulham’s record signing below.
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Silva requires his Fulham team to continue to reflect his own image – flinty, willing to take risks and the game to opponents – to achieve ambitions that seem outwardly modest but reflect the reality of the club’s situation.
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Fulham will likely be battling it out at the other end of the table. Our writers have predicted a 15th place finish. Read John Brewin’s preview below.
Krishnamoorthy isn’t quite as optimistic as ten Hag:
“Tonight’s game is the ONLY chance for United to top the table at least for 13 odd hours. Hope they do not blow it but oh we are talking about United who needs no opposition to disintegrate.”
Here’s Kevin Fletcher’s take on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s appointment as Manchester United’s assistant manager:
“Has the great man been brought in to learn the new football chiefs [sic] ideas so next season he can step up to the big job?”
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Erik ten Hag and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been careful to state time is required for Manchester United to enjoy serial days of glory again and after the team finished a record Premier League low of eighth place last season you can understand their logic. But, privately, each may fancy their chances of being dark horse contenders, at least for a respectable chunk of the championship race.
Our writers have tipped Manchester United to finish 5th. Read Jamie Jackson’s full Premier League preview below.
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United begin their campaign at home to Fulham on Friday night with Ten Hag looking to improve on their worst Premier League finish. “We also won two trophies, which gave us belief that we are capable of winning,” Ten Hag said when asked if they can use last season’s league disappointment as motivation.
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The Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is pretty excited. He said his side “want to win every competition in which we are taking part, definitely also the Premier League.” Read the full story from Will Unwin below.
And on a Friday? Well, I guess that’s how it is these days. How excited are you for the new season?
To quote that Premier League advert: “it’s a bit much innit?” We’ve barely had a break from football thanks to the Euros and the Olympics. Yet, the Premier League is back … already.
The Premier League is back...already?! 🥵 pic.twitter.com/upqdnN7srr
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 15, 2024
It’s the Premier League!
The Premier League is BACK, and we’re bringing the noise. It’s time for #TheKickOff 🔊 pic.twitter.com/bbqm7xTRgn
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 12, 2024
Preamble
Hello and welcome to this football live blog.
The Premier League is back!
It’s time to take off your England shirt and take down your Union Jack after the Euros and Olympics. Now’s your chance to dig out your team’s scarf and embrace the Premier League tribalism again.
It’s a new season so expect new signings, new managers and the same start of season tension you feel every year.
We’re kicking off with Manchester United v Fulham at 8pm. Email me with your thoughts and keep refreshing this page for updates.
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