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Manchester City are keen on Eintracht Frankfurt's €60 million-rated youngster Hugo Larsson but face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool.

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• City target Frankfurt midfielder
• Liverpool and Arsenal also interested
• Bundesliga side demand huge fee for youngster

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pep Guardiola's side have opened initial talks for Larsson but have been warned that Eintracht Frankfurt will demand €60m (£50m) for the 20-year-old this summer, according to in Germany. Larsson is contracted to the club until 2029 but has plenty of admirers, with Arsenal and Liverpool among several top clubs who are believed to be keen on the youngster.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Larsson has become a key player for Frankfurt after arriving from Malmo in 2023. He's made 36 appearances in all competitions this season, despite only turning 20 in June of last year, and looks to have a very bright future ahead of him. City have already done business with Frankfurt this season, signing Omar Marmoush from the Bundesliga club in January, and could return for another of the team's gems at the end of the season.

• TELL ME MORE

  City have an ageing midfield and may want to strengthen in the summer with and bring in younger talent. Veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan could depart in the summer, while Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva both turned 30 last year. City will be well aware that replacements will be needed at some point.

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  WHAT NEXT

  Larsson will continue with Frankfurt for now and will be hoping to help his team secure Champions League qualification. The team are currently third in the Bundesliga and also have a Europa League quarter-final against Tottenham to look forward to.

The next FIFA World Cup is not until 2026, but there is already a sense of excitement building towards the tournament, as it is being hosted by 16 cities in three countries.

The competition will be played between 11th June and 19th July 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is the first time it will be hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994. This 2026 World Cup has another first, as it will host 48 teams instead of the usual 32.

The top World Cup goalscorers of all time

Some of the greatest players of all time have performed on the biggest stage.

By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 30, 2024

Over the years, many legendary players have made their mark on the competition, with some going on to compete at multiple World Cup finals. So as the countdown to the tournament continues, we have taken a look at the players who have made the most appearances at the World Cup.

14

Grzegorz Lato (Poland)

20 matches

First on this list is Grzegorz Lato, who won 100 caps for his national side, Poland. The former winger played in four World Cups as a player, playing a total of 20 matches.

The best Lato achieved with his country was a third-place finish in 1974 and 1982, but on a personal level, he also had a decent scoring record, as he netted 10 times in the competition.

13

Cafu (Brazil)

20 matches

Cafu is one of the most famous Brazil players to play the game and is still highly talked about now by the lucky ones who got to watch him play.

The Brazilian played in four separate World Cups, captaining his national team in his last two tournaments. Cafu played 20 times in the World Cup, and while he didn’t score, he made up for it by winning the competition twice in 1994 and 2002.

12

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

20 matches

Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger won 121 caps for his national team and was part of three World Cup squads.

The midfielder played 20 times in the competition, scoring two goals and providing six assists. The 2014 World Cup was one to remember for the ex-Bayern Munich midfielder, as he finally secured a piece of silverware with his country.

11

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

20 matches

A player who played with Schweinsteiger for Germany and Bayern Munich is Philipp Lahm.

The former Germany captain, who lifted the World Cup in 2014, also played 20 times in the World Cup, though he had more minutes than his former teammate with 1,920 minutes compared to Schweinsteiger’s 1,656.

Aside from winning the trophy in Brazil, Lahm memorably opened the German World Cup of 2006 with a special opening goal against Costa Rica.

10

Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

20 matches

Javier Mascherano was a very important player for club and country during his playing days, as he won 147 caps for Argentina.

The former midfielder played in four World Cups for his national team but was unable to claim success, as the furthest they got while he was in the team was the final in 2014, where they lost 1-0 to Germany.

Mascherano played in 20 World Cup matches during his career, making him one of Argentina’s most-capped players at the World Cup.

9

Hugo Lloris (France)

20 matches

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has played in four World Cups, with his last appearance being in the 2022 final against Argentina.

Lloris has appeared 20 times in the competition, keeping an impressive eight clean sheets along the way.

Lloris is lucky enough to call himself a World Cup winner as he played a big role in his country’s success in 2018. He is also France’s most-capped player for World Cup games.

8

Uwe Seeler (Germany)

21 matches

Uwe Seeler was a former Germany international who won 72 caps for his national team, with 21 of those coming in the World Cup.

Seeler scored nine goals and chipped in with eight assists during those appearances, but he was unable to be a part of a team that won the tournament, coming closest when England defeated West Germany at Wembley in 1966.

7

Wladyslaw Zmuda (Poland)

21 matches

Wladyslaw Zmuda is another former Poland international who represented his country in four World Cup tournaments. He was awarded the Young Player Award after the 1974 World Cup, with his performances at centre-back taking Poland to the third-place play-off, where they beat Brazil.

Zmuda was also captain of the team that was knocked out in the semi-finals in 1982, where they were beaten by eventual winners Italy.

6

Diego Maradona (Argentina)

21 matches

Diego Maradona is another Argentina player who played in multiple World Cups for his country.

Maradona earned 91 caps for his national side, scoring 34 goals in the process, and was seen at the time as one of the greatest to play the game.

Maradona played 21 times in the World Cup and had an impressive record in the competition, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. The Argentinian was also a World Cup winner in 1986.

5

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

22 matches

It may not surprise many football fans to see Cristiano Ronaldo near the top of this list given he has been playing football for a long period of time and doesn’t look like he’s going to stop anytime soon.

Ronaldo has played in five World Cups, playing a total of 22 games, but his record when it comes to goals is arguably underwhelming, as he’s only got eight to his name. The 39-year-old has no World Cup winner’s medal, but it is surely at the top of his wish list before he retires.

Manchester United are reportedly exploring a move for Ipswich star Liam Delap after cooling their interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

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• United in search of a No.9
• Had set their sights on Gyokeres
• Have now shifted focus to Delap

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Initially, Gyokeres seemed a natural fit for United, especially given the fact former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is now in charge at Old Trafford. However, United have been cautious about committing to Gyokeres due to Sporting CP’s high asking price and his wage demands. Moreover, they might face stiff competition from Arsenal, who are heating up their interest in the striker after the appointment of Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.

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  According to Delap has emerged as an attractive option for United due to his age and the potential to secure him at a reasonable price of £40 million, which could be activated if Ipswich fail to retain their top-flight status. Moreover, United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, has a strong connection with Delap, having worked with him during his time at Manchester City’s academy, which could play a vital role during any negotiations.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko also remains on United’s list of potential reinforcements. The club has been tracking the Slovenian forward since 2018, previously holding discussions about signing him in 2022 and again last summer. However, Sesko opted to extend his contract, delaying any move to the Premier League. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen is also said to be on United's radar, but his high salary demands pose a significant challenge for United’s restricted budget. One way to facilitate the transfer financially could be a player-swap deal, with Napoli showing genuine interest in Alejandro Garnacho. However, it remains to be seen if United would be willing to part with one of their brightest young talents.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  As transfer discussions continue, United’s immediate focus will be on their upcoming clash against rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. With the club struggling to break into the league’s top half, securing a positive result against City could provide a much-needed boost.

Chelsea have been one of the form sides in front of goal so far in the 2024/25 Premier League season. According to Sofascore, Enzo Maresca’s side have scored 38 times in the top flight, which just two sides have bettered. They are Liverpool with 45 and Tottenham Hotspur with 41.

Cole Palmer, who has 12 goals to his name, and Nicolas Jackson, who has scored nine times in the top flight, have shouldered much of the goalscoring burden. Certainly, the Senegalese centre-forward has been the only striker who has scored more than two goals in the league for Chelsea.

They are reportedly looking to add another striker to their squad to supplement those goals.

Chelsea target new striker

The player in question here is Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Evan Ferguson. The Irishman has struggled to find his best form over the past two seasons, with injuries impacting his game time. However, he is still a player with high potential.

With that in mind, it might not be a surprise that Chelsea are looking at signing him in January to add to their goal threat. According to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Blues are one of the sides who are ‘keeping tabs on Ferguson’s situation’ as the winter window gets underway.

However, they will face fierce competition from other Premier League sides. Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Fulham are also interested, and West Ham United have reportedly made contact.

The Seagulls are believed to be open to a loan deal which could include an option or obligation to buy the striker at the end of his temporary move.

Why Ferguson would be a good signing

Since bursting onto the scene in the 2022/23 season, it has not been an easy ride for 20-year-old Ferguson. He missed 17 games for club and country last term, a total of 164 days with two separate injuries.

With that being said, his talent is clear to see. In 79 appearances for Brighton so far, he has 17 goals and five assists, coming in 3525 minutes, the equivalent of just 39.1 90 minute games. That averages out to a goal contrition every other 90 minutes, a strong record.

Indeed, his breakout campaign in 2022/23 was impressive. He played 25 times for the Seagull’s first team, scoring ten goals and grabbing four assists. That includes six strikes in 19 Premier League games.

Indeed, he was so good that season that comparisons can be made between the Irishman and one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian himself was on fire in his debut season in England, scoring 36 goals in just 35 games.

The expectations were different for both going into the 2022/23 campaign. No one really thought Ferguson would become the clinical finisher he did, yet he exploded out of nowhere.

Haaland had all the expectations on him, as the big-money signing with a reputation for scoring goals week in, week out.

The pair can be compared on FBref for their extraordinary campaigns in their first full season of the Premier League.

For example, the Brighton striker had a non-penalty expected goals tally of 0.5npxG per 90 minutes and averaged 1.61 shots on target per game. Haaland is not too far ahead, with 0.75npxG and 1.72 shots on target each game.

Ferguson is clearly a player rated by his fellow peers. Kylian Mbappe has previously noted his talent, describing him as a “very good striker” before Ireland and France played each other back in 2023. That is high praise indeed from one of the world’s leading attackers.

This could be a smart signing for the Blues on a loan deal. Ferguson could help to supplement the goals scored by Jackson and Palmer, whilst also not having the pressure of being a first-choice striker himself. His talent is there, and perhaps it can be unearthed once more at Stamford Bridge.

7 players Chelsea could sell in January

Who could be off in the winter window as Enzo Maresca tinkers with his squad?

By
Barney Lane

Jan 2, 2025

The U.S. lost for just the second time in the Emma Hayes era, with Brazil responding late to shutout loss over the weekend

Just three days after a 2-0 victory in the hills of Hollywood, the U.S. women's national team saw Brazil completely turn the tables, with winning 2-1 courtesy of a 95th-minute winner from forward Amanda Tuesday night in San Jose.

The contest was a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match between the two nations, and the two teams' second meeting of the current international window.

Emma Hayes rolled out the youngest XI she has deployed in her 20 games as USWNT coach in front of a capacity crowd of 18,000. However, with seven changes to the starting XI from Saturday's win – and seven second-half substitutions – the U.S. could not find a winner.

The U.S. took the upper-hand early, as they found the lead just 34 seconds into the match. An absolutely stupendous run from Alyssa Thompson saw her take the ball up nearly 70 yards on her own, before Catarina Macario – who was born in Brazil and moved to the U.S. when she was 12 – pounced on a loose ball in the box to score her 10th international goal, and the seventh-fastest in USWNT history.

Manchester City playmaker and former NWSL MVP Kerolin equalized midway through the first half for Brazil, capitalizing on a defensive error on the right side between both Gisele Thompson and Tara McKeown. The winger curled home a lovely effort, drawing Brazil level.

Hayes made a handful of changes in the second half, making five substitutions in total by the 58th minute – but the introductions lacked influence, while Brazil's didn't. After ending regulation at a 1-1 deadlock, seven minutes of stoppage-time were added – which was enough for super-sub Amanda to capitalize in the 95th minute.

It was just the second loss of the Hayes' era – but the second in their last three matches, with the first coming in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup final to Japan in February. While Hayes has continually said she's playing the long-game, focusing on development as much as wins, she had a clear message for her team after the loss.

"She just kind of said the World Cup in two years is going to be like this, times 200," Alyssa Thompson told TNT after the match. "We know it’s far away, but also we want to build from this, just like the Japan loss, and continue to, like, grow, and know this was not our best performance.."

Despite splitting the two matches with Brazil, there were still some strong performances this camp – and a few standouts from Tuesday's loss. GOAL rates the USWNT's players from PayPal Park.

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Mandy McGlynn (7/10):

  She got the start after Phallon Tullis-Joyce had a clean sheet on Saturday. Nothing she could do about either goal. Was reliable when Brazil threatened, and imposed her presence in the box. Made two big saves late in regulation, and overall did well.

  Gisele Thompson (6/10):

  Completely beaten and caught out on Brazil's opener. However, she recovered very well and played a composed final 65 minutes.

  Tara McKeown (5/10):

  Caught out of position on Brazil's opener; didn't communicate with Gisele Thompson, which resulted in the initial equalizer. However, was composed in moments and recovered well to close out first half.

  Emily Sonnett (7/10):

  The most experienced player on the pitch, she held her own and was a leader off the ball. Exactly what you want from a veteran, who had 106 caps entering the game, compared to 81 for the rest of the starting XI.

  Avery Patterson (6/10):

  A quiet night on her flank in just her second cap, but a solid showing. She held her own defensively, and didn't find herself stretched in transition when going forward.

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  Midfield

  Korbin Albert (6/10):

  The second-most capped player in the XI, she led in the midfield by example, helping link both ends of the pitch. A solid showing.

  Claire Hutton (6/10):

  Didn't quite stand out, but didn't put a foot wrong, either. A solid display from the KC Current youngster, as she continues to emerge in the midfield as an option.

  Lily Yohannes (5/10):

  Poor in transition and struggled to make an impact in the midfield on and off the ball. Frequently beaten in 50-50 chances, accompanied by a few poor touches, her youthfulness was on display – though a few bright moments did emerge with her passing range.

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  Attack

  Alyssa Thompson (9/10):

  Lightning quick on the counter all night, and perhaps the most threatening attacker in space. Impressive.

  Catarina Macario (9/10):

  Fantastic hold-up play and vision throughout her performance. Smart in moments when knowing to run, pause or switch the field of play. Good instinct to finish on the opener, too.

  Michelle Cooper (6/10):

  Looked a tad inexperienced at times, but was also lively. Good in transition, but struggled finding her spot in the front-three off the ball.

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  Subs & Manager

  Jaedyn Shaw (6/10):

  Brought on for Yohannes, but struggled to stand out in the final-third in the final 45 minutes.

  Alana Cook (5/10):

  Brought on at halftime, and was completely beaten in a foot race for Brazil's stoppage-time winner. Not the moment she was hoping for.

  Yazmeen Ryan (7/10):

  Lively and energetic, she lifted a stagnant attack in the closing stages. However, her service was poor – she overplayed open attackers on more than one occasion.

  Lindsey Heaps (6/10):

  Brought on midway through the second half, she provided some much-needed physicality in the middle of the park.

  Sam Coffey (6/10):

  Subbed on with roughly 30 minutes to spare, she brought composure to the midfield.

  Crystal Dunn (6/10):

  Replaced Patterson to close out the match. Brought some life and energy to the back line.

  Ally Sentnor (N/A):

  Replaced Alyssa Thompson with 15 minutes to spare.

  Emma Hayes (7/10):

  Making seven changes to the starting XI from the team that won Saturday proved to be costly, as the U.S. sacrificed experience on the pitch for opportunity with a younger group. Then again, she has said this camp was as much about experimentation and learning as it was about wins. Throughout the first 45 minutes there were clear-cut ideas in the attack, and an outline of how they wanted to operate in transition. Her imprint was evident in how they operated going both forward and tracking back defensively. Come the final 45, though, the energy levels faded – even with changes to the attack and midfield, resulting in a reduced attacking output.

With the January transfer window well and truly underway, Aston Villa are reportedly in danger of losing one of Unai Emery’s star men amid Barcelona’s recent contact.

Aston Villa transfer news

It’s a big month for the Villans and their Champions League ambitions. On the pitch, they’ve struggled to hit top form under Emery but managed to secure all-important results nonetheless. Losing once in their last four games in a run that includes a 2-1 defeat of Manchester City, it was Leon Bailey’s first goal of the season which put those at Villa Park in high spirits once again against Leicester City last time out.

The winger’s goal comes at a good time too, given how his place is at risk amid reports that Aston Villa are chasing the signature of Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen this month. A sudden return to form could instantly save Villa plenty of money and put Emery’s side back on course to qualify for European football for the second season running.

It’s not just incomings that the Midlands club have to worry about, however. According to Sport in Spain, Barcelona have now made contact with Jhon Duran’s representatives over securing his signature as soon as this month as their failure to register Dani Olmo threatens to derail an otherwise solid first season under Hansi Flick.

Often forced to settle for a place on Emery’s bench, it will be interesting to see whether Duran will be able to resist Barcelona’s potential pursuit and if the La Liga giants will even have the funds to welcome such a player from a fellow Champions League side this month.

Aston Villa now ready to move for "sensational" £42m star on loan

The midfielder will be allowed to leave his current club this month.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 8, 2025

The £75,000-a-week forward is certainly one to watch, with his performances pushing him beyond a substitute’s role throughout the current campaign.

"Special" Duran has big decision to make

There has been no greater headache for Emery this season than the decision to start one of Ollie Watkins or Duran. The former has enjoyed a solid campaign and it could be argued that his work off the ball is better than his competition, but there’s also no denying the pure goalscoring ability of the latter, who will not want to settle for a place on the bench forever.

What is currently a luxury for those at Villa Park could quickly become a problem and there’s no doubt that Duran has quite the decision to make, particularly if Barcelona come calling this month.

The numbers build Duran’s case for a starting spot even further, with seven goals to his name despite making just four Premier League starts all season. Emery is certainly aware of that quality though, having praised his forward in abundance since his arrival.

Speaking after Duran’s brace against Liverpool last season, Emery told reporters as relayed by beIN Sports: “Jhon Duran is a special player. We have to try and help him. He is a good guy, and he needs a team behind him. He is getting our demands better. He was very clinical and today was important for him.”

Chelsea legend John Terry insisted there is "no comparison" between Jose Mourinho's Blues and Arsenal's Invincibles as his side "were way better".

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• Mourinho took charge of Chelsea in 2004
• Inspired the Blues to the league title
• Amassed 95 points en route to championship glory

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In the summer of 2004, Mourinho arrived in West London after guiding Porto to an unlikely Champions League triumph. He succeeded Claudio Ranieri, who had finished second in the Premier League to Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles during Roman Abramovich’s first season as club owner.

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  At his unveiling, Mourinho famously declared himself “a special one” – a statement that seemed prophetic. Within months, he had instilled a winning mentality in a Chelsea squad that would go on to make Premier League history. The Blues amassed 95 points, suffered only one defeat – a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City – and set a defensive benchmark that still stands: just 15 goals conceded over an entire season.

• WHAT TERRY SAID

  Twenty years since that historic league triumph, Terry has reignited a classic Premier League debate – insisting the iconic Blues side of 2004-05 eclipsed Arsenal’s famed “Invincibles” team.

  “I don’t think there’s any comparison between Chelsea 04-05 and the Invincibles," he told "I think we were way better. We lost one game, which we should never have lost to Man City. Arsenal drew 12 games.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea registered 10 consecutive clean sheets at one point in the season, with goalkeeper Petr Čech and defenders like Terry and Ricardo Carvalho forming an unbreakable wall at the back. When Chelsea sealed the title with a 2-0 win away at Bolton Wanderers on April 30, 2005, they had conceded only 13 goals in the league. They would let in just two more across the final three games, ending the campaign with a defensive record that has yet to be bettered.

Chelsea now want a Paris Saint-Germain star with a link to the club through midfielder Moises Caicedo, who happens to share the same agent as the Ligue 1 ace.

Chelsea considering new left-back for Enzo Maresca

While a lot of the talk has centered around Chelsea’s hunt for a new centre-back in January, leading to their serious interest in re-signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, it is also believed that a new left-back is on the agenda for 2025.

Chelsea told Kobbie Mainoo transfer stance after making first contact

The west Londoners are reported frontrunners to tempt him away from Old Trafford.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 9, 2025

Chelsea have held initial discussions with Palace over a deal for Guehi, according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, with one report from The Sun even claiming that BlueCo lodged a low-ball bid for the England international which was rejected out of hand.

The latter claim is yet to gain traction, but what appears to be certain is that Guehi is attracting serious interest from Chelsea as Enzo Maresca scours the market for a new central defender.

Injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have exacerbated their need for another body in that area, but it is now claimed that Chelsea could even bring forward their plans to secure left-back cover.

Chelsea have been monitoring Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in that regard, with Phillips sharing via his Substack that a new full-back is now possible for this month.

Chelsea add PSG left-back Nuno Mendes to left-back shortlist

The reporter also states that PSG left-back Nuno Mendes has found his way on to their list of targets. The Portugal international, rumoured to command a price tag of around £58 million, is out of contract in 2026 and Luis Enrique’s side may be forced into making a tough decision on his long-term future soon.

The 22-year-old was forced to spend the majority of last season out with a hamstring injury, and appears to still be fighting to get back to his best. Mendes has been called one of the best left-backs in world football, though, and he’d be quite the signing for Chelsea in place of the exit-bound Ben Chilwell in that position.

Phillips writes that Chelsea have identified Mendes as a potential signing from PSG, and he interestingly employs the exact same representatives as midfield mainstay Caicedo (AS1), who helped to facilitate the Ecuadorian’s marquee move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton.

That being said, a new full-back in January will apparently depend on whether Renato Veiga leaves.

“Chelsea have many names on the left back shortlist, but the latest one we are now hearing about via a top SPTC source, is PSG’s Nuno Mendes,” wrote Phillips.

“The Portuguese international left back will have a year left on his current contract come the summer of 2025. You hear me speak about opportunities all the time, and there might be one here that Chelsea are looking at. But so are many other clubs, he has a lot of interest.

“So, new left backs will depend on the Veiga situation and whether he pushes to go out to play this month or not. Remember, there are a number of Chelsea fringe players who are frustrated with their current game time and could still push to go this month.”

GOAL US looks at the title race, Aston Villa's push for the Champions League, and Chelsea's European hopes

Is this the week Liverpool finally win the title? Or, more accurately, the one where Arsenal definitely lose it? In truth, Liverpool haven't been very good for quite a while. As CBS Sports analyst and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher told GOAL, they aren't bad champions, but there have been some poor challengers.

And it would be a bit dramatic to blame Arsenal for having the audacity to finish second, while also knocking Real Madrid out of the Champions League. But it does feel like a real gap between the two sides of the same team. If Arsenal lose to Ipswich on Sunday – not likely, but you certainly wouldn't bet against it – then Liverpool will hoist their 20th first division title.

That would essentially wrap up what has been an underwhelming season at the top. In the middle, though, things are getting tasty. Five teams will make the Champions League this year. There are nine teams who with a shot, with six games to play. The likelihood here is that they all take points off each other and no one really makes it with any sort of conviction.

That would make for immense cinema. And it all starts with Aston Villa-Newcastle on Saturday. A Magpies win could see Newcastle lock in their chances. But if Villa edge them at home, then it's all wide open all over again.

Chelsea are also in the mix, and could do with a real turnaround. They made it to the semifinals of the UEFA Conference league, but that can do little to mask the fact that they at home to (Legia Warszawa on Thursday. That's a performance – and a result – they could do with forgetting. There is a chance for redemption against European hopefuls Fulham on Sunday, though.

GOAL US looks at all of those plot points and more in the Premier League Primer, a weekly rundown of what to watch from an American perspective in England's top flight.

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  Arsenal, and the art of (maybe) throwing it all away

  Ask any Arsenal fan, and they might genuinely forget that there's a Premier League game to be played this weekend. That's understandable. The Gunners have just won perhaps their most important tie in recent history, beating Real Madrid comprehensively over two legs in a Champions League quarterfinal. In this case, the cliche really does apply: it doesn't get any bigger than this.

  And let's face it, Mikel Arteta just needs to win at this point. If it's to be a first Champions League in club history, few will complain. Still, there is a way this can all be rather soured – albeit momentarily. If Arsenal lose to Ipswich Sunday at 9 a.m. ET, and Liverpool get the job done in their fixture, they will surrender the league title for the third straight season.

  Very few will complain if Arteta wins the European Cup and then has the audacity to fail to win the league. But the inevitable might yet become a reality. Suddenly, a European dream seems like the only realistic chance of a successful campaign – just the small matter of a rampant PSG in the way of that.

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  Aston Villa recovering from a devastating loss

  Football is a game of inches. And Ezri Konsa was so, so, so, so close from turning a forgettable Champions League loss into a night for the ages. The Aston Villa center back stretched every sinew in his neck, but simply couldn't get on the end of a cross to complete what might have been a remarkable comeback against PSG in the Champions League.

  And with that, Villa's European campaign ended – a quarterfinal spot is a commendable return to Europe for a club that has always sort of belonged there, anyway. But now, there's plenty of work to be done to get them back there.

  It is officially confirmed that the top five spots in the Premier League will lead to Champions League qualification. With six games to play, Villa are in seventh, one point off fifth, with four wins in their last five games. In other words, the numbers look pretty good.

  The fixture list, however, does not. Newcastle at home, at 12:30pm on Saturday, will be tough. The Magpies are rampant at the moment, and Villa will need Man United loanee Marcus Rashford, as well as former PSG man Marco Asensio, to continue their fine form.

  After that, it's Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Manchester United to round it all off. There aren't really any easy games in the Premier League, but that is a pretty nightmarish slate to finish what they hope could be another important step.

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  Jadon Sancho, Chelsea hero?

  A few months ago, we were all scratching our heads wondering how Enzo Marseca – a remarkably underwhelming appointment – had made Chelsea title contenders. Something didn't make sense here. Was Cole Palmer carrying? How could Nico Jackson score goals all of a sudden? Surely, something had to give.

  Yep. Palmer has been woeful for a few months now, and Chelsea have slid down the standings from a surprising second to a miserable sixth. They are still very much within a shout here – just one point behind Man City. But they have also won just two of their last five, needed late heroics from Jadon Sancho – yes, you read that right – to salvage a draw against Ipswich at home.

  Bleak stuff. Sancho's return to form has been a valuable thing. The winger is a baffling player, so full of quality yet so polarizing for his off-field antics and supposed lack of hard work in training. On his day, he's world-class. He likes to do this every now and then, tease with a handful of world beating performances.

  And this could be a timely moment for another. Should he start on Sunday at 9 a.m. ET against Fulham, he will be matched up against Antonee Robinson. The American left back has struggled slightly of late, and admitted that he has played through an injury for months. It's high time for Sancho to shine.

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  American ties

  + Chris Richards will be in action for Crystal Palace as they take on Bournemouth on Saturday morning. A better defensive showing will be needed after the Eagles were battered by Newcastle midweek.

  + Tyler Adams will face off against him, in the mix for a Bournemouth side looking to win consecutive games for the first time since January.

Cole Palmer endured another frustrating afternoon as he struggled in Chelsea's narrow 1-0 win over Everton, extending his goal drought to 17 games.

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• Palmer hasn't scored since January
• Maresca blamed for over-coaching talented youngster
• Avoid repetition of the same words & topics

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer's worrying form showed no signs of turning at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The 21-year-old was regularly caught in possession, and failed to influence the game as Chelsea suffered through a laboured second-half performance.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  The watching public made their feelings about the display know on X. @TheKopWatch said: "Cole Palmer is getting the Jack Grealish treatment at Chelsea. He’s just an average robot now because he’s over coached. Modern football 😴"

  And user @leecarty8 posted: "Have we all been catfished a bit by Cole Palmer?"

  Another poster, @ElSaminou added: "Cole Palmer i don’t know what to tell him. Chelsea should probably sell him next season."

  @fullback03 said: "The Cole Palmer drop off is frightening. I think he might actually be holding chelsea back here. Slow, poor touches and can’t pick a pass either. What happened to him?"

  @CricketRea45554 questioned: "Is Cole Palmer a one season wonder? Still a good player obviously but no where near as good as some people will have you believe"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite Palmer's struggles, Chelsea have laid down a marker for the other players in the race for Champions League qualification. Maresca's men made the most of their early kick-off jumping into fourth place.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR COLE PALMER?

  Despite his issues, you still wouldn't bet against Palmer popping up with a vital goal in the run-in. The Blues have maybe the hardest slate of games remaining, as they take on champions-elect Liverpool, as well as two tricky away trips to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.