Opinion

With the European transfer window shutting on Monday 31st January, many clubs will be making late moves to strengthen their squads or their bank balances.

The destination of this season’s Premier League title looks pretty set, doesn’t it? Reigning champions Manchester City are nine points clear of second-place Liverpool at the summit of the English top-flight table and no team has ever thrown away that sort of lead in the Premier League era at this point in a season.

As the English Premier League pauses for a two-week winter break, it’s time to take a look at the players who have made the most interceptions this season.

On Monday, Watford sacked Claudio Ranieri after just over three months in charge. 24 hours later, Roy Hodgson was appointed as the new Hornets boss.

The Premier League table saw huge changes as the likes of Manchester City dropped points just as almost everything went in the favour of Manchester United in their top four pursuit. Here, we look at the most interesting games from the past weekend.

Newcastle United have already made two signings in the January transfer window. They have added Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood to their squad for a combined total of over £40 million and the duo have already been in action for The Magpies in the Premier League.

On the 20th of January 2022, FIFA, the world football governing body announced changes to the football loan system. Clubs will be limited to a maximum of eight international loan signings in and eight loaned out.

Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are undoubtedly Manchester United’s two main men in the attacking sense with the former being the top scorer over the past two years, while the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the current top scorer for the club this campaign.

As expected, Everton dispensed with the services of head coach Rafa Benitez after a woeful 2-1 defeat at bottom of the table Norwich on Saturday.

The last few seasons have been a rather strange experience for everybody associated with Juventus. The Bianconeri dominated Serie A, winning nine straight Scudetto’s.

It’s a rare few days in European football this weekend as we witness four top flight derbies spread across the best leagues on the continent. Here, we go through them all and what makes these games so vital this weekend.

When Christian Eriksen fell to the ground in Demark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland back in July, everyone feared the worst. But just seven months after his collapse, the 29-year-old could be set for a remarkable return.

On Monday, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandoski was crowned the Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2021 – scooping the prize for the second year in a row.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in August 2021 amid great fanfare. His return was made all the better with two goals versus Newcastle United in a Manchester United 4-1 win.

There was a big game on the weekend in the English Premier League as league leaders and defending champions, Manchester City, welcomed second place and Champions League holders, Chelsea, to the Etihad Stadium.

Jurgen Klopp spoke about the future of Mohamed Salah this week while the forward was away on international duty with his country. Salah’s contract with Liverpool expires in June 2023 and the club  are obviously keen to tie him down to a new deal.

This season has been a disappointing one, to say the least for everybody connected with Everton. The Toffees are currently on a run of just one win in their last 12 matches in the Premier League and sitting 15th place in the table.

Football players’ market values continue to soar, despite the effects of the pandemic. With 2021 behind us, it’s time to check out the most valuable players in 2022.

European football is ramping up now in 2022 and with the Champions League over the horizon, many of the top five leagues are beginning to take shape. Here’s the best games to watch this weekend.

The African Cup of Nations kicked off on Monday with big expectations. As is usually the case, the competition features some top players.