Latest news with #ConferenceLeague
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
How Celtic & Rangers could benefit from SPFL rule change
These are the games scheduled to take place on the weekend of August 23/24, as published by the SPFL earlier today. With both Celtic and Rangers needing to progress via the play-off system this season, it's no coincidence the rule change has been passed by the SPFL. Last year, and in years gone by, the league has copped criticism from clubs involved in the play-offs who were unable to request postponements. For example, last August, Kilmarnock had to travel to Aberdeen away in between their two-legged Europa Conference League play-off against FC Copenhagen, which Derek McInnes highlighted on several occasions. As well as Glasgow's big two, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen could benefit from this new rule too. The Dons will enter the Europa League play-offs stage, and are guaranteed at least a place in the Conference League league phase. Hibs and Dundee United will both need to progress through a couple of rounds to even reach the play-off stage of the Europa League and Conference League respectively. As for Celtic, we know they will be involved in the Champions League play-off on the Champions Path. After the league fixtures were published today, we now know they will play one of those games in week ahead of the derby away at Ibrox. If they wanted to postpone their matchday three fixture, this would see them push back a home clash against Livingston. As for Russell Martin's men, they will have to push past Panathinaikos before coming up against future opponents - potentially either Benfica or Club Brugge - to progress to the play-offs of the Champions League. However, they could also end up in the play-offs of the Europa League, or even the Conference League. So, should the Ibrox club find themselves in that situation, an away game against St Mirren could be postponed. It remains to be seen if any of the aforementioned sides will take up the option, but at least they have the autonomy to make that call.
The National
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
How Celtic & Rangers could benefit from SPFL rule change
In a rather quiet fashion, it can be confirmed that teams involved in play-off rounds of the three UEFA competitions will be allowed to request postponements of their matchday three fixtures in the Scottish Premiership. These are the games scheduled to take place on the weekend of August 23/24, as published by the SPFL earlier today. With both Celtic and Rangers needing to progress via the play-off system this season, it's no coincidence the rule change has been passed by the SPFL. Last year, and in years gone by, the league has copped criticism from clubs involved in the play-offs who were unable to request postponements. For example, last August, Kilmarnock had to travel to Aberdeen away in between their two-legged Europa Conference League play-off against FC Copenhagen, which Derek McInnes highlighted on several occasions. As well as Glasgow's big two, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen could benefit from this new rule too. The Dons will enter the Europa League play-offs stage, and are guaranteed at least a place in the Conference League league phase. Hibs and Dundee United will both need to progress through a couple of rounds to even reach the play-off stage of the Europa League and Conference League respectively. As for Celtic, we know they will be involved in the Champions League play-off on the Champions Path. After the league fixtures were published today, we now know they will play one of those games in week ahead of the derby away at Ibrox. If they wanted to postpone their matchday three fixture, this would see them push back a home clash against Livingston. As for Russell Martin's men, they will have to push past Panathinaikos before coming up against future opponents - potentially either Benfica or Club Brugge - to progress to the play-offs of the Champions League. However, they could also end up in the play-offs of the Europa League, or even the Conference League. So, should the Ibrox club find themselves in that situation, an away game against St Mirren could be postponed. It remains to be seen if any of the aforementioned sides will take up the option, but at least they have the autonomy to make that call.
Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
When and How to Watch Flamengo vs Chelsea at the 2025 Club World Cup
Rabat – After a strong start in Philadelphia, Chelsea now turn their focus to a tougher challenge as they face Flamengo in their Second Club World Cup fixture this Friday. Enzo Maresca's side began the tournament with a 2-0 victory over LAFC on Monday evening. Pedro Neto opened the scoring before Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead with a well-placed header, meeting a precise cross from Liam Delap. The young forward, recently signed by the club, made a strong impression with his energy and decisive contribution. Another win could place the Blues in a comfortable position for a round-of-16 spot, but Flamengo arrive in top form. Under the guidance of former Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis, the Brazilian side have kept seven clean sheets in their last eight matches and sit at the top of their domestic league after 11 rounds. Flamengo vs Chelsea kicks off at 7 pm GMT+1 on Friday, June 20, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. While the match won't air on UK television, fans can follow the action online through or which are offering free streams. A live blog will also run throughout the matchday on Standard Sport. What to expect Maresca is expected to keep changes to a minimum, though Liam Delap may start in place of Nicolas Jackson after his standout performance against LAFC. In defence, Trevoh Chalobah could return to the lineup alongside Levi Colwill, giving Chelsea a solid base against Flamengo's quick front line. The Brazilians enter the match unbeaten in 15 of their last 16 games, with five consecutive wins across all competitions. Chelsea, however, also bring momentum, fresh off a 4-1 triumph in the Conference League final and a run of four straight victories. The two teams carry confidence and purpose into this clash, but Chelsea's quality in depth and recent performances could give them the edge. Prediction : Chelsea 2 – Flamengo 1 Tags: 2025 club world cupChelseaClub World CupflamengoFootball
Metro
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Chelsea sent warning over £43m Man Utd and Liverpool transfer target
Chelsea have been warned they will be making a mistake if they peruse the signing of Manchester United and Liverpool traget Malick Fofana. The Lyon youngster is in high-demand after an eye-catching campaign for the Ligue 1 club who have already sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City this summer. Fofana is likely to command a fee in the region of £43million for a player they signed from Gent in January 2024 for just £17m. Ex-Chelsea defender William Gallas, however, believes Fofana should not be a player Chelsea are focusing on buying this summer, even if rival clubs could benefit from his talent. 'Malick Fofana is a young player that is still learning and I don't think that is the right move,' Gallas told Prime Casino. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'Chelsea have a lot of forward players already and I think they need experienced defenders now. They have won the Conference League but that right centre-back position is the one I'd look at, not wingers.' The Blues are currently involved in Club World Cup action in America and it remains to be seen what impact that tournament will have on their preparations ahead of the new Premier League season. Chelsea appear to have been handed a kind start to the season after the fixtures were announced earlier this week, but Gallas is concerned games against the likes of Crystal Palace and Brighton will be far tougher in reality than on paper. He added: 'Chelsea will want to get off to a good start as they look to go and finish in the top four and be in the race to win the title, but they've got a difficult start. Sun Aug 17 – Crystal Palace (h) Sat Aug 23 – West Ham United (a) Sat Aug 30 – Fulham (h) Sat Sep 13 – Brentford (a) Sat Sep 20 – Manchester United (a) Sat Sep 27 – Brighton & Hove Albion (h) Sat Oct 4 – Liverpool (h) Sat Oct 18 – Nottingham Forest (a) Sat Oct 25 – Sunderland (h) Sat Nov 1 – Tottenham Hotspur (a) Sat Nov 8 – Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) Sat Nov 22 – Burnley (a) Sat Nov 29 – Arsenal (h) Wed Dec 3 – Leeds United (a) Sat Dec 6 – A.F.C. Bournemouth (a) Sat Dec 13 – Everton (h) Sat Dec 20 – Newcastle United (a) Sat Dec 27 – Aston Villa (h) Tue Dec 30 – A.F.C. Bournemouth (h) Sat Jan 3 – Manchester City (a) Wed Jan 7 – Fulham (a) Sat Jan 17 – Brentford (h) Sat Jan 24 – Crystal Palace (a) Sat Jan 31 – West Ham United (h) Sat Feb 7 – Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) Wed Feb 11 – Leeds United (h) Sat Feb 21 – Burnley (h) Sat Feb 28 – Arsenal (a) Wed Mar 4 – Aston Villa (a) Sat Mar 14 – Newcastle United (h) Sat Mar 21 – Everton (a) Sat Apr 11 – Manchester City (h) Sat Apr 18 – Manchester United (h) Sat Apr 25 – Brighton & Hove Albion (a) Sat May 2 – Nottingham Forest (h) Sat May 9 – Liverpool (a) Sun May 17 – Tottenham Hotspur (h) Sun May 24 – Sunderland (a) 'It might not seem that way but having four London derbies will take it out of them. Those games will be fierce and there will be a lot of pressure from both sets of fans. 'Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham and Brentford will all be desperate to beat them, they would've been better off having some games with less pressure on to start the season. 'Pressure will be on the players because they are must-win games, it will not be easy for Enzo Maresca.' MORE: Cole Palmer makes surprise admission as he explains shirt number change MORE: Arsenal urged to sign 'unfairly treated' £40m Man City star MORE: West Ham approached by Juventus over £30m swap deal
Irish Independent
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Mohamed Salah leads nominations for PFA Men's Player of the Year award
The Egyptian was instrumental in the Reds' Premier League title success last season, scoring 29 goals and adding 18 assists. Earlier this year he was voted footballer of the year by the Football Writers' Association, and will now be favourite to win the vote of his peers. He is joined on the shortlist by team-mate Alexis Mac Allister, Arsenal's Declan Rice, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. Mac Allister was a key part of Liverpool's midfield, playing 35 times and contributing five goals and five assists. Palmer won the PFA Men's Young Player of the Year award for 2023-24 and while he arguably did not hit the same heights for the Blues last season, he still hit 15 goals and helped Chelsea win the Conference League. Rice starred in midfield for Arsenal, hitting a career-high nine goals while adding 10 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions. Isak was a key part of Newcastle's success in qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup, hitting 23 goals for the Magpies. Fernandes was a shining light in a largely disappointing campaign for Manchester United. He provided eight league goals and 10 assists for the Red Devils. This year's awards ceremony will be held in Manchester on August 19.
