ROAD TO MADRID"19: Champions League Final Update

Will striking duo start in tonight's game? 

As the stage is set and preparations are wrapping up toward the all English final of Europe elite club competition in Madrid tonight, both teams would be looking  to name a strong line-up for tonight's game as both teams would need the service of their point men.

The biggest question remains about the line-ups by some distance is whether or not Tottenham striker Harry Kane  and Liverpool's Roberto Firmino will start tonight's final.

The England captain, who has scored 24 goals for Spurs this season, says he is “ready to go” after recovering from a damaged  ligament to his left ankle in the first leg quarter-final match against Manchester City.

Pochettino said at the pre-match press conference on Friday that he is yet to make any final decision on as regards his starting line-up, with the team due to train that evening.

"It’s difficult, you need to take a decision and tomorrow is another decision, we have all the information – we will use every detail to try to win.You can use only 11 players from the beginning – that is the most painful situation."

Jurgen Klopp also confirmed Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is fit following a groin injury – although he did not specify whether the Brazilian would make the starting line-up suggesting that he wouldn't want to let Spurs know his line-up since he did not know theirs.

"If Poch afterwards says the exact line-up then call me and I will tell you our line-up as well, so if not then I thought I’d keep at least a few question marks open, but he’s fit, he trains. If nothing happens from the moment he left the plane to now because I didn’t see him since then, then he should be fine."

Tottenham out to put stamp on Champions League history - Lloris

Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris hopes to help Tottenham "stamp" their name in Champions League history as he aims to help the North London outfit lift the trophy in their maiden final of the competition. Having already captained France to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Lloris can complete an impressive double with victory over Liverpool on Saturday in Madrid.

      Spurs produced a stunning comeback to eliminate Dutch champions Ajax on away goals and set up an all-English final in Europe's premier club competition, with the goalkeeper honoured to be leading the side out at the Wanda Metropolitano.

 Speaking at the pre-match press conference  Lori's said; 

"First of all, it's a privilege to be part of this successful team.Winning the World Cup was a massive achievement and it would not be possible without the help of my team-mates, and it's the case for the Champions League final.

"I feel like someone with a lot of privilege, but the most difficult thing is ahead of us - the game tomorrow.We want to put everything possible in to win it and to put a stamp on Champions League history."

Lloris who described the comeback win over Ajax, when they were 2-0 down at half-time in the second leg, as the best moment of his Spurs career and hopes he can top that moment in Madrid when they'll be taking on Liverpool in the finals of the champions league. The 32-year-old said; 

"The best example [of togetherness] was in Amsterdam after the game. This moment was one of the best moments in our Spurs career, obviously we want a better moment tomorrow after the game. As a professional athlete, I think it's important to enjoy the way you work." 

Lloris of course would have to be at hand to stop Liverpool lethal trio and keep the hope of winning the champions league for Pochettino's men in their first ever final in Madrid on Saturday.

'He's at the top of the list' - Liverpool defensive duo wary of 'fantastic' Lucas Moura.

Tottenham might be playing  in their first ever finals of Europe elite club competition, Liverpool fullback duo of Trent-Arnold and Robertson are under no illusions that  Spurs are underdogs going  into the encounter as both players have picked out Tottenham forward Lucas Moura as a major threat to Liverpool 's bid for Champions League glory in Madrid. The Brazilian who has been in brilliant form and have in the absence of injured talisman Harry Kane being the hero in the semi-finals for Mauricio Pochettino's side, scoring a hat-trick to overcome Ajax on away goals after Spurs had been 2-0 down at half-time in the second leg of the tie at Amsterdam.

  Though the english-man may be fit to return for the final, with Mauricio Pochettino yet to disclose whether or not he will bring the striker back into starting line-up. 

Arnold who of course have faced Lucas on several occasions in the premier league 

spoke of the forward's quality though  also aware of the treats Tottenham pose as a team aside the in-form Brazilian. Arnold while speaking at the press conference said; 

"[Lucas] Moura's at the top of the list in terms of their best players, we're used to how he plays and how Tottenham play as a team. It's not about us singling out players. As a team they've showed their quality."

Fellow full-back Robertson agreeing with his team-mate also had this to say: "Lucas was the hero at Ajax. He's a fantastic player with fantastic qualities. We've come up against him before and it's all about trying to deal with that."

Both full-backs were part of the Liverpool team that lost to Real Madrid in Kiev in 2018 finals would be looking  to go one better when they take on spurs in this year's final as they wouldn't be taking anything for granted.

The Scottish captain said; 

"I personally don't think they [Tottenham] are underdogs. The games we've had in the Premier League against them are the toughest we've played, they can cause us problems, but we can cause them problems too - as with any team. It's about who shows up better on the day".

Liverpool are not favourites against Tottenham in the Champions League final - Jurgen Klopp claims. 

Although Tottenham Hotspur  are widely perceived to be underdogs for the showpiece in Madrid, but the Reds boss does not feel that is the case as he feels

Liverpool are not favourites against Tottenham in the Champions League final, to be played in Madrid on Saturday. Speaking  in the pre-match press conference Jurgen Klopp has this to say;

"If I thought Tottenham had an advantage I would be mad," Klopp told a news conference on Friday. I know people say we are the favourites because we have more points in the league.

"But if you saw our games against Tottenham this season, it was only 2-1. There's no advantage before the game.”

Spurs are widely perceived to be underdogs for Saturday's clash, after finishing 26 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.

     Mauricio Pochettino has led Tottenham to their first European Cup/Champions League final while Liverpool are bidding for their sixth crown, although they have not won any silverware under the German having  lost in all three finals they've played in.

Jurgen Klopp also has this to say about his Argentine counterpart and Tottenham Hotspur.

"We have two proper football teams in the final. I respect a lot what Poch did.

"He had a very talented group when he came here. How they have improved has been really impressive. It's a real football final – both have to deal with that."

Hazard sign out in style

The Belgian has hinted at what seems to be his last match in the blue jersey after helping Chelsea to a Europa League final triumph over Arsenal in Baku on Wednesday. 

  Hazard, 28, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and said that he is now "waiting on both clubs".

Hazard said in an interview with BT sport; 

"I think it's a goodbye, but in football you never know," he told BT Sport.

A move which Chelsea coach Sarri would be willing to avoid  though acknowledging the fact that the player already made his choice. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said:

"I know he wants to leave and I have to respect his decision. He is a wonderful player. It took two or three months for me to understand him as a man and now I do, he's a wonderful man.

"He's an extraordinary player. He is a strange boy but when he understands it is extraordinary."he told BT Sport.

Hazard last match would end a seven-year relationship with Chelsea, having joined them from French club Lille for £32m in 2012.

Hazard made 352 appearances for the Blues scoring 110 including his two goals in the final of this year's Europa League against Arsenal in Baku helping them to his second for the Club.

Stats and Records from Europa League finals in Baku: Chelsea trio joins elite, Peter Cech conceeds

•Chelsea won their fifth major Uefa European competition final, with only Liverpool winning more among English clubs (eight).

•Arsenal conceded four goals in a European match for the first time since a 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich in March 2017 and were the first team to do so in a Uefa Cup/Europa League final since Middlesbrough lost 4-0 to Sevilla in 2006.

•Chelsea became the first team to win a major European title without losing a game (W12 D3) since Manchester United in the 2007-08 Champions League.

•Arsenal have now lost five of their six major Uefa finals, including their last four in a row (1995 Cup Winners' Cup, 2000 Uefa Cup, 2006 Champions League, 2019 Europa League).

•Chelsea won 12 Europa League matches during 2018-19. Only one team have won more matches in a major Uefa European competition in one season (Atletico Madrid in 2011-12, 13 wins).

•Olivier Giroud became the first player to score 11 goals in major European competition for an English club since Alan Shearer in 2004-05 for Newcastle United.

•It is a record by a French player in a single European season, breaking the record held by Nestor Combin in 1963-64 (Cup Winners' Cup) and Just Fontaine in 1958-59 (European Cup).

•Chelsea's Pedro became the fifth player to score in a European Cup/Champions League and Uefa Cup/Europa League final, after Allan Simonsen, Dmitri Alenichev, Hernan Crespo and Steven Gerrard.

•In his final match, Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech conceded four goals in a match for only the third time in major European competition.

•Chelsea's starting XI featured no Englishmen, the first time a team had started a major European final without a player from their home nation in their starting line-up since Inter Milan against Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final.

•Eden Hazard scored twice for Chelsea, becoming the first player to do so in the final of a major Uefa competition for an English club since Mark Hughes for Manchester United against Barcelona in the 1991 Cup Winners' Cup.

Hazard on the double as Chelsea clinch Europa League

Eden Hazard's brace helped Maurizio Sarri claim his first major trophy as Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final in Baku on Wednesday. Hazard struck twice in the  second half of the encounter to confirm Chelsea's as eventual winners of this year's competition. 

After a goalless first half at the Olympic Stadium, the Blues started the second 45 minutes on a flying note with Olivier Giroud breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute haunting his former club before Pedro and Eden Hazard double stretched the lead in the 60th and 65th-minute respectively.

 Alex Iwobi pulled one back two minutes later with a stunning effort from outside of the penalty area but it proved to be just a consolation as this defeat indicates nothing  but confirms Arsenal spot in next year's Europa League marking another season without champions league football for the Gunners as they finished fifth place in the English premier league. 

Chelsea unveil Pulisic

Christian Pulisic has officially been unveiled as a Chelsea player following his £58million move from Borrusia Dortmund. The American international sign a pre-contract before the end of the season and has officially completed the move.In his first interview at the club,  the 20 year-old has stated his excitement joining  the club and playing alongside French international Ngolo Kante. Pulisic said: 

"There are so many players  here. I'm really  excited to play with Ngolo Kante. I'm pleased to meet him, I love him as a player the back-line  too Luiz, Rudiger and those guys.  I feel amazing and super excited, I can't wait. "

When asked about what the fans should expect from the midfielder, he answered 

"They can expect a really good team guy who's going to give everything, bring his attacking style to the team and do everything it takes to win games". 

Although Pulisic squad number is yet to be determined though  a couple  of numbers  are vacant and the midfielder can easily pick from. 

University team to represent Wales in next season Europa League.

Incredible isn't it. Such is the achievement attained over there in Wales as Cardiff Met University FC qualified for next season's Europa League yesterday after a thrilling play-off penalty shoot-out win over Bala Town.

  The South Wales outfit, whose squad comprises  largely of students pursuing PHD and Masters degrees in various subjects such as sport psychology, sport coaching, performance analysis and more, secured the final Welsh Premier League play-off spot having beaten Caernarfon Town in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Will Fuller was the hero for the day as he saved three penalties in the shoot-out after a 1-1 draw as Eliot Evans converted the winning penalty and sparked some quie incredible scenes amongst Christian Edward's side.

   Although they will have to go through a series of play-off rounds to confirm their spot in the second most prestigious club competition. In another development,  the women's team will play in next season's Women Champions League as it promises to be quite some European adventure for Cardiff Met University.

UEFA CHANGES RULE AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Liverpool will take on Tottenham Hotspur  in Madrid for the final of the Uefa champions league on June 1. As preparations intensify for both teams UEFA has indicated that there would be a change in the rules for the finals both in the champions league and the Europa League as teams would be able to name twelve substitutes as against seven that had been used in previous finals and also allow for substitution during extra time in case the game heads into extra time before proceeding to penalty as the case may be.  This will allow Jurgen Klopp and Pochettino to name prodigies in form of under-23 players in their match day squad for the Champions League as well as additional players for Arsenal and  Chelsea in the Europa League finals.

Liverpool Fc jets off to Marbella for training camp ahead of champions league show down with Tottenham Hotspur

Jürgen Klopp’s men jets off to Spain today as they prepare for the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid with a week-long training camp in Marbella, according  to the Echo.

Injured striker Roberto Firmino will be at hand to welcome  his team mates,having flown out to Marbella to get a head start on his recovery and fitness regime with strength and rehabilitation assistant, David Rydings after sustaining a muscle injury. 

As the start of preparations for the massive end of season clash with Tottenham, the week in Marbella will be part of a warm weather training programme designed to get the Reds fired up for 1st June as this isn't  the first time Jurgen Klopp would be choosing the Spanish city with warm temperatures  for camping as they've been there earlier this season before the quarter final game against Bayern Munich.

They will be feeling the burn in training, and, with temperatures soaring to 23-28 degrees this week, they’ll also be to enjoy drills in the glorious sunshine.

TRANSFER UPDATES: who's heading where?

Ronaldo wants Mourinho at Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo is pushing for a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Juventus, Gazzetta dello Sport claims.
The Bianconeri would be looking to replace Massimiliano Allegri when he leaves at the end of the season after confirming his exit.
Ronaldo worked with Mourinho at Real Madrid and had a good relationship with the Portuguese tactician would be urging board to hire ex-Real Madrid boss as they both have the same agent - Jorge Mendes. The Portuguese attacker and Mendes are reportedly urging the Juve board to consider hiring Mourinho, who is eager to return to management of an unsuccessful spell with Manchester United.

Chelsea hands Giroud contact extension

Chelsea have activated a clause in Olivier Giroud's contract to extend his deal for an extra year which keeps him with the club for next season, Goal understands.

The World Cup-winning striker had been heavily linked with a return to his native France this summer but reports claim he would stay one more season with the blues. 

Man Utd hoping for Juan Mata  renewal.

The red devils are still hoping Juan Mata will sign a new contract at Old Trafford, with his existing contract set to expire in June - according to ESPN .

Manchester United are looking to hold unto the Spanish play maker and have tabled a fresh contract but reports claim there are also interest from Spain,Italy and a number of English rivals.

Arsenal ready to battle Juve for  Manolas.

The gunners and Juventus are ready to go head-to-head in a battle to sign Roma defender Kostas Manolas, according to reports via Calciomercato .

Arsenal who are short of players especially in the defensive department would be looking  to sign the As roma defender who is believed to have a release clause in his contract that both sides are willing to activate.

Guardiola to replace Kompany with McGuire at Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola would be looking  to replace long standing captain Vincent Kompany who is set to leave the citizens at the end of the season to join the Belgian side Anderlecht as a player/manager and sees  England defender as the ideal replacement.

Reports claim Manchester City would be  looking to pay a world-record fee for a defender in order to lure Harry Maguire from Leicester.

Leicester who would be looking  to hold on to one of their priced assets is adamant to sanction the sale of Maguire, who has five years left on his contract, which means City may have to pay in excess of the record fee close to if not more than £75million order to get their man.

Egypt unveils Afcon mascot as name is revealed.

Egypt is preparing to host the continent's biggest football competition next month and are rounding up proceedings ahead of the football mundial. The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations has revealed the official mascot for this year's  continental showpiece in Egypt .

The mascot which is in form of a 12 year-old boy with the ball at his feet joggling is revealed and referred to as "Tut".

Tut was unveiled wearing an Egyptian shirt and a pharaonic outfit and has his foot on the official ball for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

   The North African host will open the tournament against Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium on June 21. This year’s Afcon is set to run from June 21 to July 19 with 24 countries battling for glory.

Sterling and Jesus scores brace as city clinch Fa Cup

Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Manchester City ran rout over Watford in the FA Cup final to complete an historic domestic treble.

 Manchester City comfortably  clinched an unprecedented domestic treble by winning the FA Cup thanks to a Raheem Sterling-inspired 6-0 hammering of Watford at Wembley.

     Veteran  David Silva scored the opener in the 26th minute from Raheem Sterling assist before Gabriel Jesus added a second before half-time. At that point it looked over, but early into the second half the Clarets showed they were still in it after threatening to get their own goal but missed chances upon chances until it got away from them. Guardiola introduced De Bruyne off the bench and he added a third before Jesus struck again in the 68th minute, and Raheem Sterling got his double in the 81st and 87th minutes respectively. He could have had a hat-trick at the end but played in John Stones, who was denied by Heurelho Gomes,equaling the record for the highest scoreline in the finals of the Fa cup.

  Guadiola's manchester city have successfully completed the season's treble capping what has been a successful campaign.

equalling the record for the biggest win in the competition's final.

Robben and Robben bids farewell to Bayern Munich in style.

Departing veterans Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben both scored in their final game at the Allianz Arena on Saturday as Bayern Munich beat Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to wrap up a seventh successive Bundesliga title.

The fairytale farewell for club icons Robben and Ribery saw Bayern end an unusually tight title race two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund, who beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0.

Robben and Ribery, who will both leave the club at the end of the season, came off the bench against Frankfurt to score Bayern’s fourth and fifth goals and end Dortmund’s hopes of pulling off a final day miracle or Frankfurt doing them a favour at the Allianz Arena.

Their departure marks the end of a glistening decade of success for Bayern winning  multiple  titles including the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Super Cup,  seven Bundesliga title as the Bavarians are now set for a major squad overhaul ahead of next season.

Bayern wins seventh Bundesliga title

The German champions have won the Bundesliga title for the 2018/19 season after securing a 5-1 victory over Niko Kovac's former club Eintracht Frankfurt in the last game of the season making it the seventh title in a row.  Niko Kovac's team held a two-point lead at the top of the German top flight heading into matchday 34 and a superior goal difference to rivals Borussia Dortmund who won 0-2 away at Borussia Monchengladbach,with Bayern boasting of superior goal difference the only reason Bayern are top of the table, meaning a draw would have been enough to seal the crown even if their nearest challengers won at Borussia Monchengladbach .

Bayern got off to a flying start at Allianz with Kingsley Coman scoring just four minutes into the contest. Late in the first  half, Serge Gnarbry had his goal disallowed by VAR as Frankfurt got the equalizer early in the second period of the game through Sabastein Haller. Meanwhile Dortmund was already two up thanks to a Sancho goal, with Bayern wary of Frankfurt threat and what could  be the outcome if they  went on to take the lead, took the lead through David Alaba three minutes after the Haller's equalizer as Bayern went riot scoring additional  three goals  thanks to goals from Renato Sanchez and the veteran pair of Arjen Robben and Ribery on their last game at the club helping the Bavarians and themselves  to the seventh title.

Bentacur in awe of juve teammate Ronaldo's personality.

The Portuguese star has scored 21 goals to his name in his first Serie A season and has amazed his Juventus team-mates on and off the field including defender Rodrigo Bentancur who has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo for his winning mentality and says it is a pleasure playing alongside the Portugal forward for the Old lady.

Ronaldo joined the Turin side from Real Madrid last summer and he's  had a successful  first campaign winning the scuddetto and Italian super cup though missing out on the UEFA Champions League  and Copa Italia.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored or assisted 29 top-flight goals in 30 appearances, while also finding the net six times in nine Champions League outings.

what has impressed Bentancur most of all is the 34-year-old's humility off the field, combined with his hardworking and ambitious mindset. The Uruguayan told Marca; 

"When I heard about the signing, we all had the uncertainty of whether he was going to join us, if he was going to share in the dressing room - that's how it was," he told Marca;

"We were intrigued about his personality and we have seen a very simple guy. He has dinner with the group, stays with us in the rooms... he even loves the 'mate' that I brought from Uruguay ! He always stays chatting with us after dinner.

"It is amazing. It impresses us all how he trains. He never likes to lose and that is what has led him to win so much and be what he is.

He added, "Cris does not like to lose, he wants to win and score. Maybe, sometimes, we win 4-0 and he does not score - he goes mad at that. But it's because of his ambition. His winning mentality is what has led him to be among the two best in the world. He is a winner and he shows it in every game."

Reina gives verdict about Liverpool position

The former red shot stopper have made known his observations as regards the Ted's improvements and his excitement about Liverpool challenging for trophies.

The 37-year old who was a big part of the Liverpool side under Rafa Benitez which previously stormed Europe, and believes that the same could be happening again as the Reds compete for the Champions League.

 Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Reina said: 

“It’s good for football itself. That’s where Liverpool belongs and hopefully it will be like that for many years to come.

“They have done a fantastic job from the top of the club to the last player. They seem hungry to me and that’s important in football – to become even better and better.

Speaking about his affection for Liverpool, the Spaniard said 

"It’s home. I was there eight years – nine with the season I was on loan with Napoli. I consider Liverpool my home and it will always be like that.

“It’s what they say; once a Red, always a Red.”

Ajax African duo wins team award of the year

The duo of Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui has been named Ajax player of the year and Talent of the year.The morrocan duo scoop the top award at the end of the season ceremony in Amsterdam on Thursday with the duo helping Ajax to the Eredevise title ending a five year wait and the Dutch cup triumph.

Both men played a starling role in this year's champions league before been eliminated at the semi-final by Tottenham Hotspur. Intge 2018/19 campaign, Ziyech contributed 19 goals and 16 assists in 43 matches while his compatriot had 4 goals and one assist in 42 games across all competition.

The duo will be expected to help the morrocan national team at this year's African Cup of nations in Egypt as they'll be battling  Namibia, South Africa and Ivory Coast in group  D.

TRANSFER UPDATES: who's heading where?

Lallana set for Southampton return. 

Adam Lallana is pondering  a return to Southampton, the team from which he joined the Mersey side Red amid fears he might not be guaranteed playing time at anfield next season, according to the Express .Reoccurring injuries and set backs have again limited Lallana's playing time at Anfield, leaving his future in doubt.Lallana would welcome a return to Southampton and Klopp could look to cash in on the midfielder, with Liverpool demanding £13 million for him.

Juventus set to part ways with Allegri. 

The Italian champions have  made it known officially that the former Italy coach won't be in charge of affairs at the Old lady next season. 

A statement on the club's website reads:

"Massimiliano Allegri will not sit on the Juventus bench in the 2019-2020 season.

"The coach and the president, Andrea Agnelli, will meet the media together at a press conference, which will be held tomorrow, Saturday 18 May, at 2pm (CET) in the conference hall of the Allianz Stadium."

juventus performance at this year's champions league could be a major factor even after the signing of Portuguese star Christiano Ronaldo as they were dumped out by Dutch champions Ajax. Allegri who has won five Scudetti, four Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa Italiana titles during his time in Turin would have to move on next season. The 51 year-old Tactician wouldn't be short of suitor as Chelsea might require his service provided they part ways with Sarri or German champions  Bayern Munich who could also be looking to replace current coach Kovac ahead of next season.

Lewandowski on Man Utd radar.

2019-05-16T11:30:35Z 12:30

The Red devils are keen on putting what could be described as an unfortunate year behind and bring in fresh pairs of leg in various departments especially in the final third as they've made their interests in the polish international known according to Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, the Bavarians will attempt to tie the 30-year-old down to a new deal after the German Cup final on May 25, but he is unsure about extending his stay at the Allianz Arena as doubt has been castes over his future. 

According to reports, the Red Devils have made enquiries about Lewandowski's availability and might be tempted to launch a bid when the transfer market reopens.

Real Madrid completes £52.4m jovic deal

2019-05-16T17:30:01Z 18:30

The young striker has been the revelation of the Bundesliga season and his performance has gone unnoticed as Real Madrid have completed the transfer of Lukas Jovic from German side Eintracht Frankfurt, according to Sky.  

The 21 year-old Serbia international has enjoyed a what has been a breakout season in the German Bundesliga  netting 17 goals helping  Eintracht Frankfurt in the chase for Champions League qualifications ahead of this weekend's final round of fixtures. 

He's also been instrumental in their Europa League campaign this season which ended in the semi-final stage against Chelsea,Real Madrid  are now set to be closing on a transfer worth £52.4million.

Timo Werner could be heading to Liverpool  by summer. 

Liverpool could be the next destination for the German forward who is also linked with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

English Premier League giants and current runners-up Liverpool could be the next destination for 23-year-old German forward Timo Werner, according to Red Bull Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.

The RB Leipzig forward’s whose contract with the club expires in 2020 and is expected that the club would sell him this summer. Bayern Munich have long been interested in the German forward and are predicted to be his next destination but perhaps the epl will come with a good challenge for the German international.

Leipzig CEO said "We have submitted an offer and we know that Timo would rather not extend – but that can still change. Maybe he doesn’t even want to go to Munich. Maybe he wants to go to [Thomas] Tuchel in Paris or, I have no idea, maybe to Jurgen Klopp [at Liverpool] or Lucien Favre [at Dortmund]".

Ever since joining RB Leipzig from VfB Stuttgart, Werner have been a consistent deliver. He has so far made 112 appearances for the Red Bulls and has scored 61 goals in the process.

Barcelona set to trigger Griezmann clause.

The Athletico Madrid star looks finally set to complete a move to Camp Nou, as it is understood that Barcelona are willing pay £108 million to secure the signature Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid this summer, according to Sky Sports. 

The France international confirmed on Tuesday that he would be leaving the Spanish side, having spent five seasons and has been constantly linked with a move away in recent years with Barca looking to finally  secure the signature of the man they have been chasing for a long time and would be readily at hand  to trigger the 28-year-old's release clause.

Neymar wants PSG to sign Coutinho

PSG star Neymar is trying to convince his team to secure the signature of his national team-mate Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho has already being linked with a move away from Barcelona in the near future after not being so impressive.The Brazilian pair have a close friendship, having played together at various age grade levels in the national team are eager to play alongside each other at club level. Neymar would be also be hoping that the former Liverpool star follows his lead in leaving Camp Nou for the French capital.

Semedo to considers Premier League or  Serie A offers

According to Spanish news outlet Marca, the Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo is considering quitting  the club this summer amid interest from England and Italy.
The 25-year-old who joined the club two years ago has made 44 appearances in 2018-19 but has found game time reduce after falling down the pecking order to Sergi Roberto would fancy a move to either of the league in bid to secure more playing time.
Reports suggest suitors from the Premier League and Italian Serie A are interested in him and are ready to offer as much as €35 million £30m for him with Barca the willing to let him go to finance other summer recruitments.

Bayern hoping to sign Man City Sane

Bayern Munich have opened talks with Manchester City over possibilities of a summer move for Leroy Sane, the Daily Record reports.The Germany international is yet to sign a contract extension as talks have been stalled as City may be forced to sell the German star if he does not agree a new contract. The 23 year-old was often left out of Pep Guardiola's starting XI this season, with City giving Bayern permission to speak with the German's representatives over contract terms.
City may feel that selling Sane is the best option, as he has so far rejected the club's offers to extend a contract that runs out in 2021.

Hudson-Odoi wants Hazard's No.10 shirt at Chelsea

The Chelsea starlet would be looking to wear the jersey number of the Belgian international after he moves on with Real Madrid being his likeliest destination. Hudson-Odoi who is one of the most sort after young player in the football right now and the clubs young player of the season could include the jersey number when his contract talks is discussed with his representative. Subject to strong interest from top teams which include rivals Manchester United and German club Bayern Munich who tried to lure him over on four occasions in January, with the Bavarians assuring him of his preferred no 10 jersey. 

Returning from a successful surgery on a rupture Achilles Tendon in Spain, the 18 year-old England international would be looking to resolve issues as regards his future at the club perhaps after the Europa League final against Arsenal at the end of the month. 

Ndidi named in premier league young team of the season.

Whoscored.com compiled a team of young best players in the league for the 2018/19 season that has just been concluded. The team comprises of liverpool right back Trent Arnold, Manchester United Marcos Rashford as well as two other Leicester players, Midfielder Madison and Left back Chilwell. In goal is Bournemouth shot stopper Mark Travers, with center half pairing of West Ham Issa Diop and Tottenham  Juan Foyth, Liverpool Arnold and and Leicester Ben Chilwell completing the back four.  Wilfrid Ndidi and James Maddison sits in the middle of the park flanked by Burnley's Dwight McNeil and Everton Richarlison to complete the four-man midfield while Manchester United forward Marcos Rashford and Wolverhampton Diogo Jota completes the attacking role in a 4-4-2 formation.

Super Eagles release provisional list for Afcon 2019.

The Nigerian Football Federation has released a 25-man list of players selected to represent Nigeria at this year's African Cup of nations to be held in Egypt. Super eagles coach Gernot Rohr's team would begin earnest preparation for the continental competition as they would be battling Guinea, Madagascar and new comers Burundi in group B. The provisional list comprises of some regular faces with surprise exclusion including Trapzonspor midfielder Oganyi Onazi and HJk Helsinki left back Ederson Echejiele as John Obie Mikel is recalled back to the team following successful talks with the German tactician. The 25-man squad includes:

Goalkeepers 

Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa) and Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus).

Defenders

William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Ola Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07,Germany); Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey).

Midfielders

Semi Ajayi (RotherhamUnited, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel); Mikel John-Obi(MiddlesbroughFC, England);              Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England);        Okenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England);  Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC,  England).

Forwards

Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Odion Ighalo(ShanghaiShenhua, China); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain);Moses Simon (Levant FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK,Turkey); Samuel Kalu(Girondins Bordeaux, France); Ahmed Miss (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark).

All players invited will on Sunday, June 2, report at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Asaba  ahead of the friendly on June 8 with Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba,Delta state before departing to Egypt for their final  training camp in Ismailia where they will take on Senegal in what would be their last pre-Afcon friendly on June 16.

Golden boot award good for Africa - Auba

The individual award for the highest goal scorer in the English premier league for the 2018/19 season was shared amongst  three African stars which includes Liverpool duo of Mohammed Salah and Saido Mane as well as arsenal front man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the African trio were tied on 22 goals each. The Gabonese scored twice on the last day of the season against Burnley taking his goal tally to 22 goals. He was quick to praise his African counter part as he believes it's an evidence of the exploits of African footballers playing abroad. He said;

"It [golden boot] means a lot and I'm really happy and proud of it.I'm sharing this trophy with Mane and Salah, I like these two guys and we're representing Africa ,so it's a good sign for the continent. I'm really  proud  and I have to thank  my teammates for helping  me to get  it".

The Gabonese wouldn't be taking part in this year's continental competition as the Gabon national team failed to qualify  for  the Afcon 2019.

Zidane names Madrid first choice goalkeeper

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has made it clear that come next season, Thibaut Courtois would be the number one goal keeper ahead of Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican international was zidane first choice during his first appointment as head coach but the summer purchase has since been favorite this term. Reports had it that Navas would be looking  to move on to another  team to be assured of more playing time. The 32-year-old could be playing  his last game for zidane's side against  Betis at the Bernabeu bidding farewell after helping  them to three champions league title, One la-liga, three European super cup, four world club cup and one Spanish Super Cup in space of five seasons playing 161 games in process (conceding 157 and keeping 52 clean sheets) 

EPL SPECIAL

Manchester City are champions of England for the second time in a row.

Pep Guardiola's men were up to the task in what would go down as the most keenly challenged premier league run-ins of all time.

City clinched their second successive Premier League title, overcoming 83 seconds of sheer panic at Brighton - after the hosts had taken the lead - to eventually run away 4-1 winners and the very vital three points enough to seal the league trophy. Also creating history by becaming the first team to retain the Premier League title for 10 years. Thanks to two quick response to the host's lead by Kun Aguero and defender Laporte before Mahrez third and Gundogan scoring the fourth at the American Express  Community Stadium. 

This win takes their  total point tally for the season  to  98 points one better though with an equally  superior goal difference than closest rival Liverpool who's win against Wolverhampton wanderers at Anfield  takes their  season total to 97 points. City set the Premier League win record last season and they have matched it this time around. 

City have won the title by a single point, because they won every single one of their last 14 matches. Only once before has a Premier League team won more than 13 games in a row, and that was City last season when they won 18.

Football fans all over the world can only congratulate the not only lousy but resilient Manchester City.

''Toughest title of my career'' - Pep Guardiola.

After piping their fiercest rival to become the premier league champions for the 2018/19 season, the Spaniard confessed that this gruesome title race had been the toughest he's ever been in. Judging from his success at Barcelona and Bayern Munich in recent years, the Manchester City manager was quick to acknowledge the resilience and competitiveness of Jurgen Klopp's charges as they were pushed all the way by a Liverpool side that finished just one point off the pace, confessing to the fact that he's never worked this hard for his success. 

He told Sky Sports : “We have to say congratulations to Liverpool and thank you so much, they pushed us to increase our standards.

“It's incredible, 98 points, to go back-to-back. We made the standard higher last season and Liverpool helped us.

“To win this title we had to win 14 [league games] in a row. We couldn't lose one point.

“It's the toughest title we have won in all my career, by far.”

African Trio shares Epl golden boot award to set record. 

Liverpool attacking duo of Mo Salah and Saido Mane as well as Arsenal front man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were joint leaders on the goal scorers chart for the just concluded season on 22 goals respectively. Though the Liverpool pair missed out also on the prestigious premier league trophy but would rather get the gold boot which was shared amongst them  as consolation with both players eyeing the UEFA Champions League as redemption while the Arsenal man would  also be looking  forward to winning  the Europa League  atleast ending  the season with a silver ware and the latter hopes of playing in the champions league hanging on Arsenal winning the Europa League.  

The prolific trio also made history with this achievement as the first time the golden boot will be shared amongst Africans. 

The Gabonese star has enjoyed a productive first full campaign in north London, despite seeing the Gunners miss out on a top-four finish.

Ndidi set Epl tackle record.

The Nigerian and Leicester city midfield enforcer has finished the 2018/19 Epl campaign as the player with the highest number of tackle picking  up from where he stopped last season. The combative midfielder was also the highest tackler last season and also the foxes young player of the year last season.

He topped the  tacklers chart last season with 138 tackles a figure he had bettered this season with 144 tackles thus becoming the first player in the English top flight league to top the tacklers chart for two consecutive seasons. other high tacklers include second placed Everyone man Gueye (143) and Crystal Palace's full back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (128).

'It's a shame' - Bale's agent responds to Zidane leaving him out of Real Madrid squad again

The Welsh star was omitted from Madrid's 19-man squad for the meeting with Real Sociedad with Bale having also been left out of the 3-2 win over Villarreal. Gareth Bale's agent has responded to Zinedine Zidane's decision to leave the Welshman out of his Real Madrid squad for the second game in a row, insisting "it's a shame" that the forward isn't playing more. 

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett had previously suggested that a move elsewhere could be sanctioned pointing at the Premier Leauge a possibility in the summer.

He said: "It's a shame Bale is not playing.

"Should he be playing more after being left out of the last two squad lists? I can only hope that he keeps playing for Real Madrid . But that's up to Mr. Zidane. Zidane makes the decision."

It's been something of a disappointing 2018-19 campaign for Madrid in general, with the club currently third in the Liga table, 15 points behind champions Barcelona.

The 29 years old is contracted to Madrid until 2022 and has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Los Blancos this season.

It's been 'Divock Origi week' at Liverpool - Klopp

The Belgian forward played a stalling role in what was a memorable week for the Merseyside reds. All thanks to the heroics from the striker, and all hasn't gone unnoticed by the manager. The German was even quick to tag the week "Divock Origi's week ", after helping Liverpool overcome Newcastle and most recently Fc Barcelona at Anfield to book a place in Champions League final. Absence of regular attacking options due to injuries for Roberto Firminho and Mo Salah have left Jurgen Klopp with no option but to trust the Belgian to lead the line,  an opportunity he made good use of. He said "When you think about how much he was not playing, maybe you think that I don't like the player that much or I don't trust him too much. That is actually not right.

"Divock was just so unlucky and I'm very happy that he is really back on the landscape again."

The manager was quick to acknowledge the contributions made by the striker who has 6 goals in as many starts this season. 

 

Sofiane Feghouli and Mbaye Diagne's goals send Galatasaray top of Turkish Super Lig

Goals from Sofiane Feghouli and Mbaye Diagne was enough to help the Yellow-Reds to edge the Black Sea Sparrowhawk at Caykur Didi Stadium on Saturday.
The morroco international opened the scoring  early in the first half thanks to an assist from Nigerian Onyekuru before Vedat muriq equalized on the stroke of half time. Umar gave Rizespor the lead in the 76th minute before two late goals  in space of five minutes from Diagne turned the tie in Galatasaray's favour.

Allez Allez Allez! The story behind famous Liverpool chant

There are few clubs in England who better embody both football and music as much as Liverpool do. With Merseyside the birthplace of all four of the Beatles and home to the Anfield club, it's natural that Liverpool and its supporters would incorporate song into the framework of their club .

"You'll Never Walk Alone" has long been Liverpool's official anthem, philosophy and mantra, played at Anfield and sung by its scarf-bearing supporters before every kick-off and all over the world.

In recent seasons, however, there has been another song that has captured the hearts and minds of Liverpool fans, mostly sung during European games with the chorus comprising just three words: " Allez, Allez, Allez!"

The three words have become synonymous with Liverpool and can be heard loudly from wherever their fans congregate in numbers, even through the television, the latest iteration of a European anthem in the vein of 2005's "Ring of Fire".

But how did the chant come about, who wrote it, and how did it get popular? 

What is the story behind Allez Allez Allez?

"Allez Allez Allez" is a relatively new Liverpool chant, despite its popularity and reputation. It was the trademark song to accompany the Reds during their quest for European glory in 2017-18, when they reached their first Champions League final in 11 years. It has a unique origin story, having first been sung by a group of travelling, singing Liverpool fans in Porto in February 2018.

Originally inspired from a 1980s Italian disco classic whose lyrics had been shared by supporters form Genoa , Napoli , Atletico Madrid and Juventus, it was during the away leg at Estadio do Dragao where the first rough inklings of the song was born.

The original 1985 song "L’Estate Sta Finendo” (“The Summer Is Ending”) by disco duo Righeira was a hit in its native country. Its spread across Europe has been curious, starting from Abruzzo, a small city in southern Italy , before reaching Turin, Naples, and Madrid.

Supporters from a host of clubs across the continent had taken their turns singing the song during their European away days, each adapting uniquely for their own use and changing the lyrics. Italian teams, though, always started their versions the same way – with the lyrics "un giorno all’improvviso"

But it was around February 2016 that the song started gaining popularity by the sharing of YouTube videos. Scottish side Rangers had adopted it as well, and by the time that Porto played Dortmund in the

Europa League later that season, it had been a staple in their songbook – and is, according to them, how it was noticed by Liverpool supporters and adapted for their own.

And so, in February 2018 when the Reds were 5-0 up against Porto, a handful of fans who had seen videos of the chant doing the rounds on social media tried to get a new Liverpool version going.

Not everyone knew the words straight off the bat, but the melody was catchy enough. More and more fans were able to follow along with the simple "Allez Allez Allez" chorus.

Footage of the game – and the song – was shared online and quickly went viral. Shortly after, fans at the Newcastle game were caught on video singing it, followed by fans at Anfield for the return leg against Porto.

The song in its current and most well-known iteration, however, with its full lyrics, were written by Scouse musician and Liverpool fan Jamie Webster.

Webster was in the stands at the Estadio do Dragao when he caught onto the tune, already sensing its immense potential. He immediately got to work on his guitar fleshing out the verses, speeding up the tempo, completing the lyrics and perfecting the melody to turn it into the song as we know it.

“I’d heard murmurs of it at Anfield before,” he told the New York Times.

“But in Porto there was a group of lads singing it. People didn't know the words, but they were trying to follow them. I wanted to get it out there."

Webster performs regularly around Liverpool, giving him the chance to work out the best possible version of the song. He debuted his own, full version of the song a few days after the Porto game to Reds supporters, to raucous reception.

“I just knew straight away, the first time I played it… people of 65 years of age singing along, it was absolutely bouncing in the pub," he told i Sport .

“Then we played Man United away. We got beat 2-1 but all the fans stayed in the seats absolutely bouncing for another hour after.”

From then, the story writes itself. The chant took off spectacularly and became a massive hit, with fans singing it at every opportunity in and out of Premier League and European games – but reaches full decibels during Champions League nights.

The song was bellowed out on the road to the Kiev final in 2018, and continued to be sung passionately from Liverpool terraces as the Reds booked their spot in a second successive Champions League final in 2019 against Tottenham in Madrid.

As for Webster, he's been able to take the song he adapted and its lyrics around the world, even duetting on it with Liverpool goalkeeper and guitar-player Alisson.

The singer was also invited along to Liverpool's U.S. pre-season summer tour in 2018, and was given a surprise when Jurgen Klopp joined him for an impromptu rendition and a few bars in Michigan.

“It was great when Klopp came to see me,” said Webster. “It wasn’t like he had to be there. He asked ‘what’s this lad doing here’ and so the club explained a bit to him about what I’d done so he came down to see me.

“It just goes to show what sort of man he is. He’s the closest thing you can get to a modern-day Shankly I think. Everything he does and says shows his passion for the people of Liverpool.”

It's not hard to see why "Allez Allez Allez" has earned its permanent place in the Anfield songbook.

What are the lyrics to Allez Allez Allez?

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2019

We conquered all of Europe,

And we will never stop,

From Paris on to Turkey,

We've won the f*cking lot!

Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly,

The Fields of Anfield Road,

We are the supporters,

We come from Liverpool!

Allez, allez, allez!

Allez, allez, allez!

Allez, allez, allez!

Allez, allez, allez!

Courtesy: Goal.com

Yaya Toure finally retires from professional football

The Ivorian legend and former Manchester City player finally  retires from professional football on Friday chasing  a career  in coaching. The 35 year old retires with social medias in melt down with tributes from all over the world.The former Barcelona man call quit a 23 year playing  career as one of if not the most decorated player in Africa after winning  the African player of the year award  four times and also guiding Cote d'ivoire to the 2015 Africa cup of nations triumph. Yaya also had lots of achievement in the round leather  game at club level  which includes one UEFA Champions League winners medal, three-time English premier league, two-time Spanish La liga amongst  other  club achievements. 

We can only wish him best of luck as he takes up another  challenge.. 

Not Van Dijk, Not Sterling Guardiola names who deserved PFA award.

The Manchester City coach has stated who he felt is deserving of the PFA award, the Spaniard when asked who he felt deserves to win the prestigious award, whether Raheem Sterling or Liverpool's defender Van Djik as a result  of the good season both players have had was quick to dismiss both in favour of yet another man city player in person of Bernardo Silva. 

Guardiola said this about the winger;

 "He was the best and not just in our team; I don't vote. He can play incredibly anywhere, give me a team and he could  play well there. He does everything good. Any team in the world he could play-by far".

TRANSFER UPDATES: who's heading where?

 PSG joins Athletico in Richarlison chase

Everton star striker Richarlison has been monitored keenly by Atletico Madrid and PSG as both teams are looking to sign the Brazilian.

The Mirror claims the £70 million​ ($91m) rated striker has caught the eye of the French and Spanish sides, who see him as a perfect replacement for departing stars.

Arsenal keep strike duo

The gunners are hoping to tie star strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette down to long-term contracts, according to the Daily Mail.

The North London outfit is ready to offer around £250,000 per week or more to the star forwards to entice them to commit their futures to the Gunners.

The pair have been directly involved in 69 goals in 97 games across all competitions this season and have been Arsenal's best players under Unai Emery.

Inter and PSG to fight over Lukaku

Serie A side Inter and Ligue 1 outfit PSG are set to fight it out over the signing of Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku.

The Express claims that the French side would be willing to pay United back nearly all the money spent on the forward.

But the Belgian has made it clear in the past that he would like to make the jump to Italy, keeping Inter in the running for his signature.

Rakitic to swoop Barca for Inter. 

The Italian giant are on the verge of securing a €50million move for the Croatian midfielder.The Nerazzuri are keen to mount serious challenge come next season to break Juventus dominance and have seen the Barcelona man as an integral part of their plan. Competitions for space have been tough with players such as Arthur, Vidal, Busquet plus the arrival of Ajax De jong adding to the midfield ranks, the Spanish giants would be willing to cash in on the Croatian international with the Italian assuring him more game time, it could only be a matter of time before the deal is done. 

David Luiz gives Chelsea another boost despite transfer ban 

After several weeks of which the blue's defender had casted doubts  over his future, the Brazilian has finally signed a contract  extension, after helping  the blues book a place in this year's Europa League final in Baku yesterday.

The club announced on Friday  that the defender has signed  an extension  keeping  him in Stamford Bridge till 2021 campaign after making   48 appearances for the blues in all competition this season. 

Liverpool and Tottenham battles to sign Maxi Gomes.

Both premier league giants are keen on adding dimension to their  attacking rank and the 22 year old Uruguayan international have been monitored by both teams. The Celta vigo star has notched 13 LAliga goals this season taking his tally to 30 goals in just two campaigns. The goal poacher is said to have a £43milllion  release clause which could be triggered by either of the two suitors.

Real Madrid closing in on £100million Hazard deal. 

Chelsea star Eden Hazard is close to agreeing terms to join Real Madrid , according to the Independent. Chelsea have reportedly demanded a £100 million transfer fee for the Belgiam international who has been a subject of transfer speculation for the Spanish club.

As talks between Hazard's representatives and Real have been going on for some time, but both are now keen to get negotiations wrapped up quickly ahead of the summer transfer window.

Another era of galacticos in the making?

Barcelona set for summer overhaul 

The Spanish champions could see as many as 10 players depart the club this summer, 

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jeison Murillo will return to their clubs after successful completion of their loan spell, while Thomas Vermaelen who would be a free agent will not have his contract renewed.

Jasper Cillessen will go if Barca receive a fee of about€30 million (£25m/$35m) while the club will let Malcom depart if they recoup €35m of the €41m they paid last summer.

Other departures could include Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic, Rafinha and Denis Suarez and club record signing Philippe Coutinho as they look to make a summer overhaul.

Neymar on verge of  PSG exit

PSG's struggles in Europe, along with their poor play in recent weeks has left the Brazilian star pondering over a move away from the French giants.

Neymar who has also been a subject  of transfer speculations hasn't had it his way in recent times, really occurring injuries as well as on pitch controversies which include a ban for hitting a fan  could be possible reasons for the change of mind over his future 

The Brazil is not short of suitors as Real Madrid is reportedly keen on bringing him to the Spanish capital.

TIKI-TAKA: are we approaching the end of its dominance in club football biggest stages?

The renowned style of play which centers around the dominance of possession and gradually dismantling opponents with striking blow as widely adopted by teams such as Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich has helped these teams dominate Europe especially  for a long period  in contrast to other philosophies and play pattern such as the dogged defending and counter-attacking by teams such as Athletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Chelsea some years ago,  or the Heavy  Metal or Gengen-pressing as well as the Counter-pressing played by teams such as Dortmund and Liverpool under Jurgen klop. Judging form the fact that the possession  based philosophy had been successfully adopted by successful teams in recent times, teams such as Chelsea, Tottenham as well as Liverpool all play an entirely different pattern leaving arsenal as the only team in the finals of Europe elite club competition with its(Possession-based) identity.This could possibly mean an end of an era of possession football and a new age of mentality and aggressive attacking play as employed by the other teams in the final.

Let's get into the trills.

Feel free to drop your comments.

European Club Competition Finals : All English Affairs

This year, all finals of European club competitions would be keenly contested by teams from England. A record-breaking feat achieved by teams from England as this would  be the very first  time in  history that both the UEFA Champions League as well as the UEFA Europa League will have individual finalist from one county in form of liverpool Fc, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC respectively.