Liverpool are most likely to be crowned Premier League champions this season, a research group has said.
Arne Slot led the Reds to the 2024-25 title in his first season in charge as they finished 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
And now, the CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) Football Observatory, has said Liverpool have the highest probability of lifting the trophy again, with a 28.9% chance.
Arsenal are given a 18.8% chance of winning the title, while Chelsea (16.2%) rank third – ahead of 10-time champions Manchester City on 14.4%.
Celtic are 63.3% likely to win the Scottish Premiership again, with rivals Rangers having a 28.9% probability despite enduring their worst league start since 1983.
In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid (40.6%) are most likely to reclaim the trophy, with Barcelona given a 29.6% chance of defending their title.
Bayern Munich stand out as Bundesliga favourites in Germany on 61.4%, ahead of Borussia Dortmund (8.8%).
In Serie A, the top three are Inter Milan (25.6%), Juventus (18.2%) and Napoli (17.4%).
Paris St-Germain, meanwhile, are 73.0% likely to win a fifth straight Ligue 1 title in France.
The CIES Football Observatory have developed a statistical model for predicting which clubs will win the title in 29 leagues.
The model combines sporting, economic and demographic variables, taking several factors into account – such as passes into the final third and transfer fees .
A 70-year-old watchman, Lawan Sani, has been arrested for allegedly molesting three teenage girls in Unguwar Sarakuna.
The suspect was said to have molested the victims 15 times.
Confirming this in a statement, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, Ahmed Wakil, said the case was reported about 4:00hours on September 1 after a distress call indicated that Sani attempted to rape a teenager where the old man served as a watchman.
“During interrogation, he confessed to having previously influenced the minor with N500 into the same residence. Investigation further indicated that the suspect had sexually molested two additional teenagers, names withheld, through the same techniques,” the statement read.
The Command’s spokesman added that the victims were invited for an interview and they confirmed the allegations, adding that the suspect had sexually molested them over 15 times and usually threatened them against disclosing to others.
He said both the victims and the suspect have been subjected to medical examination to determine their health condition.
See the full statement below:
Bauchi State Police Command has launched a discreet investigation following the arrest of a septuagenarian for multiple counts of Sexual assault involving teenage girls.
On the 01/09/25 at about 1600HRS a distress call was receipts indicated that an elderly man identified as one Lawan Sani ‘m’ aged 70yrs of Bakin Kura area of Bauchi was arrested on the spot in an attempt to commit an offence to wit rape with a teenager (real name withheld) ‘f’ aged 16yrs, of Unguwar Sarakuna Bauchi in a house situated at Unguwar Sarakuna area of Bauchi where the old man serve as watchman.
On receipt of the report, operatives attached to C Divisional Police Headquarters, led by the DPO, SP Naziru Abubakar Pindiga, quickly acted and arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, he confessed to having previously influenced the minor with N500 naira into the same residence.
Investigation further revealed that the suspect has sexually molested two additional teenagers, names withheld, through the same techniques.
Moreover, the three victims were invited to an interview in which the teenagers confirmed the allegations and further disclosed that the suspect had sexually molested them over 15 times on different occasions and usually threatened them against disclosing to others.
Subsequently, both the victims and the suspects were subjected to medical examination and autopsy to determine their health condition.
Being in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle and a bunch of keys.
On 06/09/2025 at about 0800hrs, information at the Command’s disposal indicates that an unknown person wandering at an exclusive hotel situated around Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi, in possession of a sienna LE gold and ash colour with registration number. DKN-254-DW. Upon receiving the information, a team of detectives attached to ‘B’ Divisional Police headquarters, GRA was immediately dispatched to the scene. Luckily, they arrested the suspect, Ibrahim Uzairu m ‘, aged 30, of Fantami area, Gombe State, and recovered the vehicle.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to conspired with the following individuals to steal the sienna, namely; Sani ‘m’ alias Mulmule, Abdullahi alias Abdul ‘m all of Gombe State.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects criminally conspired, went to Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Gombe State, and stole the sienna parked beside the road.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover more facts behind this case. After that, the suspect will be handed over to the Gombe State Police Command for further investigation.
In response to the increasing security challenges posed by advanced technologies, it is essential that we enhance our policing capabilities with improved facilities and equipment. This initiative aims to effectively combat the rising tide of criminal activity in our communities. While we acknowledge the complexities of this task, we remain committed to fulfilling our constitutional responsibility and ensuring the safety of all.
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+) mni, invites all stakeholders to join us in recognising that security is a shared responsibility. We encourage collaboration and support for the Nigeria Police Force from every sector as we work together to create an environment where citizens can live peacefully and confidently.
Molly Caudery believes she is capable of breaking the British pole vault record and winning a medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 25-year-old from Cornwall set a new British best of 4.92m last year and was the highest-ranked competitor heading into last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
However, Caudery did not make the Olympic final as she failed to register a successful vault in qualifying.
After an up-and-down season, she feels she is peaking at the right time for Tokyo – where she will begin qualifying on Monday with a view to making Wednesday’s final.
“I think if you jump a British record, not to take it for granted, but you’re probably going to be in that medal territory,” she told the BBC.
“I definitely am in that shape.
Caudery, who won European Championship bronze and the World Indoor Championships last year, came second in her most recent event at the Diamond League meeting in Brussels last month with a clearance of 4.80m.
She jumped 4.85m to win the British title in early August and hopes that a repeat of those heights can get her on the podium.
She continued: “Looking at past competitions and the kind of marks that have got on the podium in previous competitions, there’s always a mark around 4.80m.
“But with pole vault it could be 4.90m-plus if the conditions are great and it could be 4.70m if it’s raining or windy out there.
“There’s previous evidence to show what it would be around 4.80-4.85, but you just never know.”
Caudery said she has “learned so much” from her Olympic experience in Paris last summer, when she entered qualifying 35cm higher than the other athletes but failed to get over 4.55m.
Armed soldiers have been patrolling the streets of Kathmandu, ordering people to remain in their homes, following a wave of deadly protests in Nepal’s capital.
The Nepali army checked vehicles and people on Wednesday amid an indefinite curfew, imposed in a bid to “normalise” the capital after mass unrest saw demonstrators set fire to several government buildings and force Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.
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The protests, triggered by a social media ban, have escalated since Monday, when security forces killed 19 demonstrators and injured hundreds. Tens of thousands filled Kathmandu’s streets on Monday and Tuesday as the protests expanded to target corruption and unemployment in the country’s most violent tumult in decades.
“We are trying to normalise the situation first,” army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet told the Reuters news agency. “We are committed to protect the life and property of people.”
The army’s emergence from the barracks after Oli’s resignation seemed to do little to ease the uproar across the capital.
Late into Tuesday evening, demonstrators blocked roads and stormed the parliament, presidential house and central secretariat, while videos showed protesters beating Nepali Congress party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, the foreign minister.
Prompted initially by a now-rescinded government plan to block most popular social media platforms, protesters were galvanised by the deaths on Monday and widespread frustrations with alleged corruption and joblessness.
Pabit Tandukar, 22, was among those shot by live ammunition. “We were there for a peaceful protest. They were initially firing tear gas at us, and we were pushing back. Suddenly, I was shot,” Tandukar told Al Jazeera.
Demonstrators react as smoke rises from the parliament complex in Kathmandu [Adnan Abidi/Reuters]
While so-called “nepo kids” — the children of top politicians and government officials — show off lives of luxury on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, most common people have been struggling with an unemployment rate of nearly 11 percent, according to the World Bank. Millions have migrated abroad to Malaysia, the Middle East and South Korea to find jobs.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was the first to resign on Monday, followed by Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari and then Oli on Tuesday. President Ram Chandra Poudel, the ceremonial head of state, moved to appoint Oli to lead a caretaker government — though his location was unclear — and appealed to protesters to “focus on resolving the crisis without further bloodshed or destruction”.
Meanwhile, army helicopters ferried ministers to safe locations.
The protests have led to concern across South Asia over regional stability, with governments having been unseated in recent youth-led uprisings in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Neighbouring China weighed in on the unrest on Wednesday. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman told journalists that Chinese citizens in Nepal should “pay close attention to safety” and that Beijing hopes Kathmandu “can properly handle domestic issues and quickly restore social order and national stability”.
Jennifer Aniston was seen glowing on the red carpet for The Morning Show as her partner Jim Curtis quietly supported her at the event in New York
Jennifer Aniston was seen glowing on the red carpet for The Morning Show as she was joined by her new man(Image: Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston was glowing as she was supported by her new boyfriend on the red carpet. Jennifer celebrated the upcoming new series of The Morning Show alongside her co-stars Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup and Mark Duplass.
Jennifer’s new man Jim Curtis was also in attendance and was seen standing to the side and watching on as Jennifer posed for the paparazzi. Whilst he didn’t appear in the pictures, Jim was nearby.
The pair were first linked together back in July when they celebrated the US holiday in Mallorca alongside some of her famous friends including Hollywood star Jason Bateman and his wife, Amanda Anka.
Jennifer attended the New York premiere of her new show(Image: WireImage)
She was joined by The Morning Show co-star Reese Witherspoon(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
“They are being super private but have been spending a lot of time together. They are happy and really into each other,” a source had said at the time. Later, Jennifer and Jim were seen with Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid in Malibu and then he was seen supporting his girlfriend at an event for haircare brand, LolaVie, in Los Angeles.
Teasing what’s to come in the new series, showrunner Charlotte Stoudt shared: “We blew everything up last year with the biggest bomb we could possibly build.
“So, we have to ask ourselves how is the band going to get back together, and what will that look like? We get into the world of DeepFakes and AI and the misinformation in the fog of war that we’re seeing now in the Middle East and stuff. We’re looking at who can trust. And can you trust what you’re seeing? Can you trust yourself? Can you trust your news outlet?”
Jim has been quietly supporting his girlfriend
Jennifer is now dating Jim Curtis(Image: Getty Images)
Jennifer previously revealed she is always open to love but never seeks it.
“A good place to be is to be open to love, but not seeking it. That way you don’t put any pressure on the situation, and if it happens organically, then amazing,” she said, “No matter how long I have been in the industry, I will never get used to people thinking they have any sort of right to know about your personal life.”
Discussing her bond with her Morning Show co-star Reese Witherspoon, she praised her friend’s work ethic.
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“We have a great personal relationship, but we also have a great working relationship. I wish people could see how hard Reese works, she honestly has one of the most incredible work ethics out of anybody I know,” she added.
For a second night in a row, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) say their ships have come under attack while docked in Tunisia.
Late on Tuesday, the Alma, a British-flagged vessel, was hit while moored off the port of Sidi Bou Said, sparking a fire that was later contained. Nobody was injured.
The remnants of the projectile used in Tuesday night’s attack on the Sumud Flotilla [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
The incident follows Monday night’s strike on the flotilla’s main ship, the Family Boat, which also caught fire after being hit by a suspected drone in the same port.
The Family Boat – a 23-metre (76ft) Portuguese-flagged vessel carrying the flotilla’s steering committee – had six people on board.
Video from a nearby ship, verified by Al Jazeera, appeared to show an incendiary device falling onto the vessel before an explosion. Passenger Miguel Duarte told Middle East Eye he saw a drone hovering overhead just before the blast.
The Tunisian National Guard dismissed claims of an attack as “completely unfounded”, attributing the Family Boat fire to a discarded cigarette. The GSF, however, accused Israel, saying the strike damaged the ship’s main deck and storage areas, though passengers managed to extinguish the blaze. All crew and activists were reported safe.
Where is the Global Sumud Flotilla now?
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a coalition of more than 50 boats seeking to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, set sail on August 31, 2025, and arrived at Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port on September 7. It plans to continue its journey towards Gaza on Wednesday.
The flotilla is carrying humanitarian aid and supplies, and its organisers say the mission is intended to draw international attention to the ongoing blockade.
Which countries do the flotilla delegates come from?
According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, delegations from 44 countries have committed to sail to Gaza as part of the largest maritime mission to break Israel’s illegal siege.
According to the group, participants are unaffiliated with any government or political party.
Flotillas trying to break Israel’s siege of Gaza
Several flotilla vessels have attempted to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza in the past.
In 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement successfully reached Gaza, marking the first break of Israel’s naval blockade. The movement, founded in 2006 by activists during Israel’s war on Lebanon, went on to launch 31 boats between 2008 and 2016, five of which reached Gaza, despite heavy Israeli restrictions.
Since 2010, all flotillas attempting to break the Gaza blockade have been intercepted or attacked by Israel in international waters.
The map below shows the approximate locations where prominent flotillas were stopped, some encountering deadly Israeli forces.
2010 – Gaza Freedom Flotilla
In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara in international waters. The assault killed 10 activists and injured dozens, leading to global outrage. The ship was carrying humanitarian aid and more than 600 passengers.
The Mavi Marmara was owned and run by the Humanitarian Relief Foundation, or IHH, a Turkish NGO. The incident severely strained Israel-Turkiye relations and drew widespread condemnation for violating international law.
In 2013, Israel apologised for “operational mistakes” in the raid. A compensation deal is still being negotiated between the two countries. Israeli soldiers and officials who took part in the attack are being tried in absentia in Turkiye for war crimes.
2011 – Freedom Flotilla II
Freedom Flotilla II was launched in 2011 as a follow-up to the 2010 mission. Organised by a coalition of international activists and NGOs, it aimed to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla involved more than 300 participants from around the world and was set to sail on 10 vessels.
However, intense diplomatic pressure from Israel, coupled with reported sabotage of ships and restrictions by host countries like Greece, prevented most boats from departing.
Only the Dignite-Al Karama came close to reaching Gaza. The 17-passenger French vessel initially declared an Egyptian port as its destination upon leaving Greek waters, but activists later announced they were heading for Gaza. Israeli naval commandos intercepted the boat and towed it to Ashdod. The activists were detained for questioning and later deported.
2015 – Freedom Flotilla III
Freedom Flotilla III was launched in 2015 as the third major attempt by international activists to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the mission included several vessels, with the Swedish-flagged Marianne of Gothenburg leading the effort.
On June 29, 2015, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Marianne about 100 nautical miles (185km) off the Gaza coast, in international waters. Commandos boarded the ship and diverted it to Ashdod. The activists on board were detained and later deported, with some crew members released after six days.
Activists on board Thales of Miletus, a boat from the third Gaza Freedom Flotilla, sailing in the Mediterranean back to Greece after departing from the Israeli port of Ashdod, where the flotilla was forced to land by Israeli forces [File: Getty Images]
2018 – Just Future for Palestine
The Just Future for Palestine Flotilla – also known as the 2018 Gaza Freedom Flotilla – was part of a continued effort by the FFC to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The campaign included two main vessels, Al Awda (The Return) and Freedom, along with two support yachts, Mairead and Falestine.
On July 29 and August 3, 2018, both Al Awda and Freedom were intercepted and seized by the Israeli navy in international waters. All on board were arrested, with some reporting being Tasered, assaulted, or beaten by Israeli forces.
Most participants were held in detention before being deported to their respective countries.
2025 – Break the Siege ‘Conscience’
While preparing to sail to Gaza on May 2, the Conscience was struck twice by armed drones, just 14 nautical miles (26km) off the coast of Malta. The attack triggered a fire and caused a significant breach in the hull, forcing the 30 Turkish and Azeri activists on board into a desperate effort to bale out water and keep the ship afloat.
Four people sustained minor injuries in the assault, including burns and lacerations.
2025 – Madleen
Despite the attack on the Conscience, the Madleen departed Sicily on June 1, carrying food and medicine. On July 7, the boat was intercepted by Israeli naval forces 100 nautical miles (185km) off Gaza in international waters. Twelve crew members were detained, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, MEP Rima Hassan, and Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad. The ship was towed to Ashdod, 30km (19 miles) north of Gaza, where the activists were held before being deported.
2025 – Handala
On July 27, 2025, the activist vessel Handala – named after the iconic Palestinian cartoon figure symbolising resistance – was seized by Israeli naval forces in international waters, approximately 50 nautical miles (90km) from Gaza.
On board were 19 unarmed activists and journalists from various countries, including two French members of parliament and two Al Jazeera reporters. The FFC condemned the action as a violent interception in violation of international maritime law, emphasising the non-military nature of their mission and the intended aid delivery.
