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Wales seek Euros peak performance as squad to be named at mountain top

By in News, Sports News
FAW/Getty
Bruce Pope
BBC Sport Wales

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson and her backroom staff will have been deep in conversation over the past few days, weighing up the pros and cons of the players who will be selected to contest the 2025 Women’s European Championship.

The waiting – and the selection nerves – will be over on Thursday morning when Wilkinson takes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to reveal her squad.

The announcement will give joy to some and heartbreak to others, as Wales ramp up their preparations for the 16-team tournament.

Wilkinson has previously said she was clear on about 20 of the squad places, while there are others than can “go either way”.

A total of 23 players are likely to be named officially for the tournament but – as was the case with Wales and the men’s World Cup in 2022 – extra training places could be offered to players to form part of the travelling squad.

Wales, who have qualified for a women’s major tournament for the first time, will face holders England in Switzerland as well as 2022 Euro semi-finalists France and 2017 champions the Netherlands in the group stage.

Euro 2025 gets under way on 2 July, but Wales – the lowest ranked side in the draw – will kick-off their campaign against the Dutch in Lucerne on 5 July.

Relegation pain but experience gained

Wales players react during their Nations League defeat by ItalyReuters

On first examination, Wales’ recent relegation from the top tier of the Nations League is hardly the morale boost that Wilkinson would have hoped for going into the Euros.

Wales finished bottom of League A Group 4 with two draws and fours losses from matches against Sweden, Italy and Denmark – teams that have also qualified for the Euros.

But the frustrating campaign could well have a silver lining.

Apart from the 4-1 defeat by Italy in the last group game, with relegation already confirmed and Wilkinson opting to limit the participation of some of her Euro-bound stars, Wales never lost by more than one goal.

Although the lack of a win is a glaring minus, they came very close and have shown, not just to themselves but to the wider footballing world, they can mix it at the game’s elite level.

There is a hard-won, genuine belief that they belong in this company and – with a touch more composure, or that slice of fortune that so often decides sporting contests – can turn those close defeats and draws into wins.

As star player Jess Fishlock has already bullishly stated: “We’re not there to make up the numbers. I believe – and these girls believe – we’re going to get there and compete.

The Fishlock factor

Jess Fishlock celebrates scoring for WalesPA Media

That brings us nicely on to Fishlock, a generational talent and Wales’ record cap-holder and goalscorer.

With 162 caps and 47 goals, the 38-year-old Seattle Reign midfielder is the beating heart of Wales: fiercely competitive, a born leader, oozing class.

There have been injury niggles this season, but the fact that she continues to operate at the highest level in her late 30s is testament to Fishlock’s professionalism and hunger to at last represent her country on the big stage.

It is a stage she fully deserves to occupy, front and centre, even if it comes in the twilight of a career that has taken her from Cardiff to Seattle via top-flight clubs across the world including Melbourne Victory, Frankfurt and Olympique Lyonnais.

The Welsh men showed during their heady march to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 how much a close-knit squad of good professionals can achieve with that little sprinkle of stardust.

Gareth Bale provided that for the men and Fishlock can be a similar ace in the hole for Wilkinson’s side in Switzerland.

Former Real Madrid star Bale was far from a one-man band though, ably assisted by his midfield muckers Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey, a core that allowed the players around them to step up to the plate and flourish.

Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu were hardly household names before Euro 2016; after that tournament they are part of Welsh footballing folklore.

Fishlock has her own lieutenants, not least her Seattle team-mate Angharad James – who, with 132 caps, has so often lined up alongside her in midfield for club and country.

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Experience and potential

Fishlock, James, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Rachel Rowe and Kayleigh Barton boast a total of 638 international appearances between them.

Wales have a hugely experienced core at the heart of their squad even before you consider former captain Sophie Ingle, but more of the 141-cap midfielder and her chances of playing in Switzerland later.

While Wilkinson will turn to some players who represent clubs outside the top divisions, the bulk of her squad will be made up of those who have been tempered both sides of the Atlantic in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Those include strikers Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Hannah Cain (Leicester City) and Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace), plus Seattle defender Lily Woodham, who joined Palace on loan last season.

The raw pace of Ffion Morgan, Bristol City’s player of the season in their Championship campaign, provides Wilkinson with an important option in attack and the 25-year-old must surely be included.

Likewise IFK Norrkoping’s Carrie Jones and fellow midfielder Alice Griffiths, who spent the second half of the season on loan from Southampton at fellow Championship side Durham.

Newcastle United’s 26-year-old defender Lois Joel – another competing in the second-tier Championship that has been rebranded as WSL2 for next season – will likely also go as cover across the backline, but it remains to be seen how much youthful enthusiasm Wilkinson will add to her grizzled veterans.

The likes of Sunderland forward Mary McAteer, 21, Manchester United’s once-capped 18-year-old midfielder Mared Griffiths and club-mate defender Scarlett Hill, 17, Aston Villa goalkeeper Soffia Kelly, 18, fellow stopper Poppy Soper – the 23-year-old from Blackburn Rovers – and Bristol City forward Tianna Teisar, 19, have all been called into the squad during the Nations League campaign.

Injuries and recoveries

Wales' Sophie Ingle and performance coach Dan Gordon during a training session at the Vale Resort in CardiffFAW

A corner piece of Wilkinson’s selection jigsaw is Ingle, the former captain who has sat out the whole season with a serious knee injury sustained in a pre-season match in September.

The 33-year-old, who will leave Chelsea this summer, has still not played since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a pre-season friendly with Chelsea last September.

However, the noises coming out of the Wales camp have been positive on her progress, with Wilkinson saying Ingle is “on track” to be part of Euros selection after the “milestone” of training with team-mates in a session before the game with Italy.

A fit-again Ingle would be a huge fillip to the Wales squad, not just for what she brings on the field but for her calming influence and leadership off it.

Knee injuries have been the bane of Wales’ preparations, in common with so many women’s teams, with Mayzee Davies the latest ruled out of Euro 2025 after the 18-year-old Manchester City defender ruptured her ACL in the Nations League defeat by Denmark at the end of May.

Wales are also without forward Megan Wynne, who suffered an ACL injury in Perth Glory’s final game of the season in April.

Gwalia United goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan-Jones is another ruled out with an ACL injury, although Wilkinson has said the 33-year-old, capped 59 times, will travel with the squad to help their preparations.

The injury to O’Sullivan-Jones will be less keenly felt by Wales, however, as fellow stoppers Olivia Clark and Safia Middleton-Patel have been the preferred choices during the Nations League campaign.

A few days after the squad announcement, Wales will head to the Algarve in Portugal for a training camp.

The Cascade resort is a Wales favourite, having previously played host to both the women’s and men’s teams, while Wilkinson also spent time there during her 183-cap playing career with Canada.

After some finishing touches are applied, Wales will then decamp to their Euro 2025 base in Weinfelden in the north of Switzerland.

While Wilkinson’s selection will be confirmed on Thursday at 1,085m above sea level, Wales’ highest summit is dwarfed by the Swiss alpine ranges and there may yet be – at least metaphorically – some daunting mountains to climb when the action gets under way there.

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Wales’ Euro 2025 fixtures – Group D

Saturday 5 July

Wales v Netherlands (17:00 BST, Lucerne)

Wednesday 9 July

France v Wales (20:00 BST, St Gallen)

Sunday 13 July

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[UPDATED] Killings: President Tinubu Visits Benue, To Meet Stakeholders

By in News, Nigeria News

Before making his visit to the Yelwata community in the state’s Guma Local Government Area, President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

Around 12:58 p.m., Tinubu made an arrival at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi.

The visit was designated a public holiday by the state government.

Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu’s photo in the file.

In light of the bloody attacks that have resulted in the loss of lives, the president is scheduled to meet with key stakeholders in the state.

Read more about killings: CDS Assures Benue Residents: “The Armed Forces Are With You”

Tinubu to meet with Industry Partners

Tinubu is scheduled to meet with victims’ families, people who have been displaced, or people who have been inflicted directly in the community.

He will preside over a significant town hall meeting with important stakeholders at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where he will also meet with political, religious, and traditional leaders.

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, visited the Yelewata community in the state’s Guma Local Government Area. NPF’s image

The meeting is a part of a larger effort to address the state’s crisis, which has affected rural communities in particular.

Governors from across the nation, particularly those from the North-Central states, the governors from the state level, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the state, Governors from the nation, Governors from the North-Central states, the National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume,

Service chiefs, key members of the National Assembly, All-Party leaders, and other well-known figures, particularly those from Benue’s affected communities, are also expected to attend.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), APC National Working Committee (NWC), and other prominent members of the National Assembly, particularly those from Benue’s affected communities, are among the other prominent attendees.

Given their crucial role in resolving conflicts and mobilizing the local community, traditional rulers from various ethnic groups in Benue are also anticipated at the meeting. Their input is crucial to any long-lasting peace initiative because of the state’s complex ethnic and religious diversity.

The Elders’ Council, Benue State House of Assembly, and the executive chairs of the 23 Local Government Areas in Benue are expected to be present.

Yelwata Attack

Last Friday, bandits who are alleged to be armed herders attacked the Yelwata community, killing at least 59 people and forcing over 3, 000 people to flee.

Read more about Gov Alia’s alleged herdsmen killing 59 in a recent attack on the country.

Youths in rage who demanded an end to the killings in the state reacted to the incident.

Youths who are protesting the Benue killings

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and key opposition figures also condemned the killings.

General Christopher Musa, the commander of the military, issued a directive to the president on Tuesday to direct military leaders to pursue the perpetrators of the recent wave of killings in Benue State.

We must discover their location. We must pursue them. And I’m giving my commanders that instruction.

We’ve seen some places where we believe they’re preventing them from gathering. In order to dislodge them, we’re going to pursue them. During a meeting with traditional rulers in the state capital Makurdi, General Musa said, “We shouldn’t wait until they come in and attack people.”

Spate of murder

The recent attack that occurred last Friday in the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area set off President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State.

At least 59 people were killed in the attack, according to Governor Hyacinth Alia, and hundreds were internally displaced. However, many of the people who were impacted predicted a death toll of more than 200.

alleged herdsmen have been conducting vicious attacks on the state’s North-Central region over the years, and they have certainly reached their highest level in recent months.

In the state’s six-months of operations, which have claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands of families homeless, have been occurring so far this year.

33 People Die in Gwer West, Apa

In a coordinated attack on the Gwer West and Apa local government areas of the state earlier in June, alleged herdsmen reportedly killed about 33 people and left many residents missing.

Logo for 72 In Ukum

In addition to the state’s Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area, and Logo Local Government Area, over 72 people were killed in an additional attack in April.

The police had reported that a sizable number of the suspected militia had invaded the state’s Sankera axis, and they had moved in to engage the militia in Gbagir.

The neighboring Logo local government area was attacked by another group of militia while the Gbagir operation was in progress, the statement continued.

11 In Otukpo

No fewer than 11 people died as a result of the suspected herdsmen’s attacks on the Otobi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State in April.

In the attacks, the marauders killed a large number of people and burned many homes.

Otukpo had previously been attacked in February when six people were killed by suspected herdsmen in the Okpamaju community of Okete Ward and Ewulo Ward’s Asa settlement.

Kennedy Angbo, a lawmaker for Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, claimed that many people were injured, displaced, and homes were destroyed by three days of sustained attacks in his district.

Visit of the NSA

The National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Benue State and held a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi when the attacks increased in April.

Following the massacre in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas, President Bola Tinubu made the visit.

What transpired was a tragedy, an evil deed. However, good people must band together to combat evil when it strikes. This issue will be resolved collectively. This difficulty affects everyone, Ribadu advised the stakeholders.

The NSA emphasized Benue’s continued importance as a crucial component of the nation and pledged to not leave the state alone with the security crisis.

Bridgerton star left traumatised and ‘housebound’ after terrifying phone robbery

By in Entertainment News, News

Genevieve Chenneour has revealed the trauma that followed a frenzied robbery earlier this year, revealing how the attack left her dealing with anxiety, agoraphobia, and a painful breakup.

After a terrifying phone robbery, Bridgerton star is left traumatized and “housebound.”

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour has opened up about the emotional and physical aftermath of a violent phone theft that she says left her at her lowest.

Zachariah Boulares, a repeat offender, attacked the 27-year-old in a west London cafe after grabbing her phone in a daylight robbery on February 8. The actress is best known for her role as gossip-loving Clara Livingston in Bridgerton. He admitted guilt for the offense, including assaulting Kurcishi and stealing the phone.

Chenneour later acknowledged that the incident left her deeply shaken, both physically and mentally, as she fought back and managed to restrain the thief during what she described as a “life or death” struggle.

“I just hit rock bottom following the phone incident and the breakup.” She told The Times, “Possibly, this all needs to happen so I can start fresh.” “It’s been a major shock and terrifying for me, but now I can prioritize my career, my friends, and myself.”

The actress ended a long-term relationship, left her seven-year home, and says she now avoids large public events in addition to getting a concussion. I later received a concussion diagnosis from my doctor. After that, I experienced drowsiness for several weeks, and I was terrified to leave alone. I’m still here.

Genevieve Chenneour
After a terrifying raid in London, Genevieve Chenneour’s phone was stolen, she was left concussed.
Continue reading the article.

She said, “I didn’t want to leave.” We already, I believe, have our wits about us around random men and strangers, I mean. Therefore, it only made me agoraphobic to experience this while dealing with that fundamental level that many women experience. It was very difficult to leave the house.

The terrifying confrontation occurred inside Joe & The Juice in Kensington High Street, where Chenneour was approached from behind by Boulares and his accomplice. She told This Morning the scuffle lasted around five minutes, during which she physically restrained him.

It kind of “went round the corner” and ended up being a complete scrap between Boulares and his accomplice. And since I was threatened with being stabbed, life and death is what I think about. So I remember kicking him with my leg to make room for himself if he had a weapon in his possession.

The terrifying confrontation occurred inside Joe & The Juice in Kensington High Street
The terrifying confrontation occurred inside Joe & The Juice in Kensington High Street(Image: Met Police)

She has become more cautious in public since the incident. She continued, “As a woman, I’m already hypervigilant,” explaining that she is skipping festivals this year because she is anxious about being around large groups of men “in minimal clothing.”

Boulares, who can now be identified at age 18, has a long history of violent crimes, most notably one in which singer Aled Jones was killed 18 months prior. Boulare was given a 24 month sentence, but he was only 14 when he was released.

Since then, he has been found guilty once more of assaulting and robbery on May 29.

Zacariah Boulares
Genevieve Chenneour, Bridgerton star, was taken a cell phone by Boulares at Joe &amp, The Juice in Kensington.

She remarked, “He needs psychological care and incarceration.” “If criminals are not properly rehabilitated, they’ll likely commit more crimes, and possibly even worse crimes,” says the statement.

Continue reading the article.

Chenneour has made connections with other victims of similar attacks who have reported experiencing the same persistent anxiety since going public. She claims that the event has altered her life, but she hopes it will also be the start of something fresh so that she can assist others who have gone through similar experiences.

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READ MORE: Maura Higgins swears by this Sol de Janeiro body oil for her glowy holiday skin

Jones loses Wales captaincy before World Cup

By in News, Sports News
The Huw Evans Agency
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Before the 2025 World Cup, Wales head coach Sean Lynn removed Hannah Jones from the position of captain.

Before the world championship and the two-game World Cup warm-up tour to face Australia in July and August, Jones, 28, has been let go of his position.

Before the 2023 Six Nations, when Wales finished third, the center became the center’s captain. He has won 65 caps.

In addition to Jones’ contract dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in 2024, Wales finished third in the next two competitions.

“This is a new chapter for the team,” said Lynn, “and I’m determined to influence the changes we need with the squad, coaches, and staff to build real success on solid foundations.”

After last year’s contract dispute, Jones stated in March that she was considering her international future.

WRU members admitted to serious errors during a drawn-out negotiation process, during which players had to endure ultimatums and threats to withdraw from major tournaments.

While Ioan Cunningham, the WRU head coach, left with mutual consent, the organization apologised and conducted an independent review.

After winning three consecutive league titles with Gloucester-Hartpury, a team that included Jones, Lynn was appointed as Wales’ head coach.

He made the initial decision to retain Jones as his skipper, with the addition of flankers Alex Callender and scrum-half Keira Bevan as vice-captains, but he has since made the switch.

We will call for a fresh voice in a deliberate effort to develop the leadership within the squad, according to Lynn, who performed a professional job in difficult circumstances that have been well documented.

“Creating a new culture”

Wales finished bottom after losing all five of its matches, including a resounding defeat in the final game against Italy.

When I was hired by the WRU, Lynn stated that the job I had always wanted was the one I wanted, and that I needed the authority to establish new team standards and challenge coaches, players, and staff to build a team that would inspire pride.

“Developing more leaders is one of the many steps on that journey, and we will all do that together.”

In order to emphasize his desire to change in the senior national squad, Lynn has named a 45-member summer training squad that includes a number of brand-new faces.

Before traveling to Brisbane on July 26 and then Sydney on August 1, the coach wants to reduce his squad to 30 players.

In a warm-up at Rodney Parade in September, Wales defeated Australia for the first time in their history before suffering a crushing defeat at WXV2 a week later.

Wales will have three weeks to recover from their jet lag before the 10-year-old Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will take place at eight different locations in England.

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Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster smiles as she poses alongside rarely-seen son

By in Entertainment News, News

While Sir Rod Stewart’s absence didn’t go unnoticed, Loose Women star Penny Lancaster was enthralled at the Royal Ascot with her son, Alastair Wallace Stewart, who was present at the Royal Ascot.

The wife of music legend Sir Rod Steward pictured with their son(Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)

Alastair, the rarely seen son of Sir Rod Stewart and her husband, is a picture of Penny Lancaster enjoying a day at the races.

Penny Lancaster turned heads at Royal Ascot as she stepped out in a glamorous vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress, joined by her son Alastair, 19. The model, 53, oozed elegance on the opening day of the prestigious racing event, teaming the floral frock with gold heels, a chic Annabel Fenley percher hat and a £1,100 Loewe Bee basket bag.

The mother-son duo had a memorable time together in a special public appearance weeks before Sir Rod’s epic Glastonbury show.

A picture of a woman with her son posing at the royal ascot
Alastair was spotted in a classic morning suit and grey top hat(Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)

The couple’s son looked fresh in a classic morning suit and grey top hat as he enjoyed the VIP experience at the Berkshire event – a rare public outing for the teen.

Additionally, Penny and Sir Rod, who have eight children overall, four sons and four daughters, and five different women, share the 14-year-old Aiden with him. The couple was last seen together on May 23 at Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning’s premiere in London. However, due to illness, Rod, 80, had to cancel yet another Las Vegas performance just days later.

Continue reading the article.

He had been scheduled to perform at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum on June 5 but changed his mind after being given a rest while recovering from the flu. The singer, who is currently performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, expressed regret on Instagram by posting: “I’m awfully sorry to have to cancel my show on June 5th. As I recover from the flu, my doctor recommended a little more rest. I appreciate your compassion and compassion. Rod”.

Despite the setback, Sir Rod has a full schedule for his remaining years, including the legendary Legends concert at Glastonbury later this month. He recently acknowledged that the thought of retiring terrifies him. “I enjoy touring now more than I’ve ever done at this ripe old age of 80,” he said.

Rod Stewart attends the 2025 American Music Awards at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sir Rod had a recent health scare where he had to cancel a series of gigs (Image: Getty Images)

“I’m doing seven concerts in Vegas and then I am everywhere around the world. I’m playing Athens, Germany, three nights in Buenos Aires, two nights in Rio, it goes on and on and on.”

It keeps me in shape. He continued, “I would probably die if I didn’t do it, you have to be fit to do it.”

He also touched on how, over the years, he’s witnessed so many people quit their jobs, retire, and have nothing to live for.

people sitting at a table posing
They enjoyed their prestigious day at the royal event (Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)

What do I do today, “I don’t know what they do with themselves; they must get up and go”? The betting establishment is down. Have a beverage? I don’t know”. he stated

The Royal Ascot event runs through to Saturday, with King Charles and Queen Camilla expected to take part in the traditional carriage procession.

Continue reading the article.

Fans warned of short-notice changes as PL fixtures released

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Emily Salley
journalist for BBC Sport
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Due to the number of teams playing in Europe, fans have been given a warning by the Premier League that matches may be moved “relatively quickly” next year.

In the 2025-26 season, a record nine top-flight organizations qualified for Uefa competitions.

Fans should take this into account when planning their attendance to games, according to the Premier League, which stated there is an “increased likelihood” that games will be rescheduled if English teams advance to the latter stages.

Next year, the Champions League will feature players from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham.

While the Premier League is appreciative of this accomplishment, the Premier League’s statement read, “While it will come with an impact on the scheduling of league games.”

If our clubs advance to the knockout rounds of these competitions, there is a greater chance of Premier League games moving on relatively short notice, according to the statement.

The Premier League made the fixture list for the 2025-26 season’s schedule announcement on Wednesday.

On Friday, August 15, Liverpool, who won the league in Arne Slot’s first year in charge, will kick off their title defense at Anfield.

Sunderland, who have been newly promoted and are now back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17, face West Ham at home the following day.

Everton, the champions of the championship, travels to Elland Road for the Monday night game, while Burnley, who was first promoted to the top flight after asking, travels to Europa League champions Tottenham, who will be led by Thomas Frank for the first time in a league game.

Fans of Everton will have to wait until the second round of fixtures before watching them face Brighton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

With a strong debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will hope to resurrect their infamous trophyless season.

The 380 games that will be played over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds will come to an end on May 24.

The Premier League stated that the maximum player rest time is allowed at the start of the 2024-2019 season, which will be 82 days after the 15 August launch.

Clubs will not be required to play twice in less than 48 hours during the holiday season.

Depending on the live broadcast selection, some games may be moved to Boxing Day even though there are no games listed for December 26.

Some clubs will be without players for six Premier League matchweeks due to Morocco’s 21 December to 18 January, which will result in the African Cup of Nations.

The US, Canada, and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup just 18 days after the season is over.

Premier League full coverage of the week’s opening games

All times BST

Friday, August 15

Liverpool v Bournemouth (20: 00)

On August 16th,

Aston Villa v Newcastle (12: 30)

Brighton v Fulham (15: 00)

Brentford vs. Nottingham Forest (15:00)

Sunderland v West Ham (15: 00)

Tottenham v Burnley (15: 00)

Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (17: 30)

Sunday, August 17

Chelsea v Crystal Palace (14: 00)

Arsenal vs. Manchester United (16:30)

18 August, Monday,

Man Utd’s season opener is the trickiest.

A graphic showing the difficulty of the first five fixtures for Premier League teams

The first five games for each team are difficult, according to data from Opta.

Manchester United have the toughest start, according to their “power rankings” data, where they have lost three of the top four of the previous season in their first five games.

With games against holders Liverpool and Manchester City, who have already won the previous four titles, Arsenal are expected to have the next toughest start, as they look to strengthen their three consecutive second-place finishes.

Despite facing Champions League opponents Newcastle in their opening game, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are said to have had the simplest start to the campaign.

Important things to watch out for are “The Devil is in the Details” and

Simon Stone
Chief football newscaster

Sometimes, the devil can be found in a set of fixtures in the details.

How will England’s Thomas Tuchel react if he discovers Liverpool must play Arsenal at home, Chelsea away, and then Old Trafford rival Manchester City away from home just before the September, October, and November international window openings?

With nine teams in Europe and six in the Champions League, the Premier League confirmed in their fixtures announcement that “there is an increased likelihood of Premier League fixtures moving at relatively short notice, after our fixture announcements, if our clubs progress to the knockout rounds of these competitions.”

Before that, there may need to be some juggling when the first expanded lot of TV fixtures are released, either later this month or early in July, so no one will be aware that any of England’s Champions League representatives will be playing on a Tuesday and cannot therefore take the coveted Sunday TV slot from the previous weekend.

After five of their first six Champions League matches, Manchester City will play at home, which can irritate managers after a protracted midweek away trip. Instead, they will face four away games right away.

Chelsea has five away games before those first ten Champions League games, which can be grating for managers after a protracted midweek break (basically managers moan), but they do have five at home.

Manchester United’s form from the previous season might not be as good as it once was, but they will face Manchester United in the one weekend between matchdays seven and eight, so manager Mikel Arteta may hope that his team’s fate will be in the league by then.

Given that their matchday five European opponents will fall between a north London derby with Tottenham and a similarly high-energy trip to Chelsea, Arteta will likely be interested in finding out who they face on Tuesday.

Although the late kick-off will be what will really cause a stir, Newcastle and Manchester City will travel to Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, respectively, in the 27 December fixtures.

Given that lengthy trips for Burnley, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Brentford, and Chelsea have been confirmed, the Premier League’s holiday season is well and truly over by January 3.

After their incredible Europa League victory over his old club Lyon, Manchester City new boy Rayan Cherki will not have to wait long for a chance to carry out his stated desire to “kill” Manchester United. On September 13, Ruben Amorim’s side travels to the Etihad Stadium.

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