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A grande final da Série D é hoje! Ferroviário-CE e Ferroviária-SP se enfrentam na decisão da quarta divisão, neste sábado (16), às 16h. Após o empate em 0 a 0 no primeiro jogo, os times voltam a se encontrar no Estádio Presidente Vargas, em Fortaleza (CE).

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Em busca do segundo título da Série D, o Ferroviário terá o apoio de sua torcida para a decisão, algo que ajudou o clube na semifinal contra o Caxias do Sul. Contra os gaúchos, também empataram no primeiro jogo, mas no Nordeste, com o apoio da torcida, deu o Tubarão da Barra.

Para a Ferroviária, esse será um dos maiores jogos da história do clube, já que nunca conquistaram um título nacional. Decidindo fora de casa a decisão, não será um problema para os jogadores, já que eliminaram o Athletic na semi-final em Minas Gerais.

FICHA TÉCNICA
FERROVIÁRIO X FERROVIÁRIA

Data: 16 de setembro de 2023
Horário: 16h (horário de Brasília)
Local: (Estádio Presidente Vargas, em Fortaleza (CE)
Onde assistir: TV Brasil, BandSports e F.Sports TV

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has launched a scathing critique of his side after they fell to yet another defeat in the Premier League. The Hammers were second best as they lost 2-1 away to fellow strugglers Leeds United at Elland Road and, after the game, the England winger did not hold back in his assessment of the team. With just four points in nine games, West Ham are in crisis.

• Leeds punish feeble West Ham

  West Ham were 1-0 down after just three minutes in Yorkshire when Brenden Aaronson was quickest to react to an Alphonse Areola stop that landed in the six-yard area. The USMNT star fired home to send the home fans wild and just 12 minutes later, they had doubled their lead. Taking full advantage of the Hammers’ frailties at set-pieces this season, Joe Rodon rose highest to knock in a header from a corner and all-but wrap up the game for Leeds.

  As he so often has done the last few seasons, Bowen was on a one-man mission to come up with the goods for the Hammers. The skipper fashioned a number of chances out of nothing for him and his team-mates, but until the 90th minute, they failed to beat Lucas Perri. Producing a deft flick from Bowen’s whipped cross, Mateus Fernandes was able to glance into the corner and create a few jitters around the ground.

  The Leeds faithful needn’t have worried, though, as it was too little, too late. West Ham were on the losing end of another Premier League game, their seventh from nine game this season, and they remain deep in relegation trouble. Only Wolves have accrued fewer points than the Hammers this season, and could leave Bowen’s team rooted to the bottom of the table should they win their game in hand against Burnley on Saturday.

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• AFP
  

  Bowen slams feeble Hammers performance

  Speaking to Sky Sports, via the, after the game, Bowen shared his grievances about the performance which, he said, was "not good enough". The winger was frustrated that they had once again conceded from a corner and slammed the feeble defending.

  He was open and honest at the state of the atmosphere at the club, and laid bare the worrying state West Ham find themselves in.

  "A dressing room when you're second bottom of the league is low. The only way this will change is if we step up and show some fight. We need more of that. It's easy to hide and be scared almost. It's easier said and harder to do sometimes," Bowen said. "You have to face up to the reality of where we are and we're in trouble now."

  The West Ham skipper continued to admit that they were not playing, but insisted that "we're the only ones that can change it".

  "We've talked as a group, but it's down to the players as well. We speak to each other, but there's only so much. It's got to come from within. We haven't been great at home, but now is the time to roll your sleeves up."

• No new manager bounce for Nuno

  The defeat also spells the fourth game without a win for new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese coach was hurried through the door shortly after his questionable dismissal at Nottingham Forest to replace the outgoing Graham Potter.

  Yet, if the Hammers’ hierarchy were expecting to get a new manager bounce, those hopes have fallen flat fast. Aside from a 1-1 draw away at Everton in Nuno's first game in charge, the club have not won a single point since August.

  The fear of relegation will continue to grow at the London Stadium for as long as this poor run of form continues. Concerns will not be eased by the performances of the newly-promoted teams, with Sunderland (14 points), Leeds (11) and Burnley (7) already proving far stiffer competition than recent new arrivals in the division.

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• AFP
  

  What comes next?

  West Ham are joined in the relegation zone by two of Nuno's former clubs. Wolves prop up the table, but could leapfrog the Hammers by the end of the weekend, and Forest, now managed by Sean Dyche, will be determined to add to their victory over Porto in midweek.

  The tests keep coming for West Ham, too, with Newcastle visiting east London next weekend before they face a must-win game against Burnley. Relegation could become a real possibility, and the impact of such humiliation would be costly.

What defines a legend? A modern-great? In Arsenal terms, it’s Thierry Henry, the club’s record goalscorer.

It’s also Dennis Bergkamp. It’s Tony Adams. All three icons are cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium.

It’s also Arsene Wenger. While his stint in north London ended without many trophies, he is the most successful Gunners manager in the modern era. He was the one who drove the move from Highbury to the Emirates. He was the one who achieved a double, the one who reached a Champions League final.

He is also the only manager to have a golden Premier League trophy. No club in history since the old English First Division was rebranded have achieved an unbeaten season. Few have brought as much to the game as Mr Wenger.

Current boss Mikel Arteta has a great deal to achieve before he can be recognised in the same light but a major trophy come the end of 2025/26 would undoubtedly help.

It’s safe to say Bukayo Saka is certainly also heading down the legendary route.

Where Bukayo Saka ranks among Arsenal players in the Emirates era

The date was 29th November 2018. The setting: a freezing cold stadium in Ukraine. The opposition were Vorskla Poltava. What was the significance? Well, Saka made his first-team debut for the Gunners.

Brought into the fray by Unai Emery, he appeared from the bench in a 3-0 win aged 17 years, two months and 24 hours.

Since then, it’s safe to say the winger hasn’t looked back. Initially making his first forays at senior level as a left-back, even appearing there during Arteta’s first match in charge, he is now one of the best wingers in the world.

Only a few weeks ago, he cemented himself as one of the finest players of the Emirates era by registering his 100th goal involvement in his 200th Premier League clash, finding the net from the penalty spot against West Ham last time out.

The poster boy for this Arsenal team and indeed the Arteta project, journalist Charles Watts claimed he was “the best right winger in the world” back in 2023 and while Mo Salah may have overtaken him in that regard, certainly in the Premier League, he’s still right up there.

As far as Emirates Stadium icons go, he sits very close to the top of the tree. Other candidates include current teammates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Declan Rice is up there too.

Yet, does he come close to eclipsing the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie? Considering the way in which the pair left, you’d have to say yes at this current moment in time.

Does he eclipse Mesut Ozil? The German is one of the finest playmakers we’ve ever seen over the last two decades but even his time in the English capital ended in tears.

Alexis Sanchez left in strange circumstances as well but Saka still has some way to go before he eclipses the Chilean’s numbers. He found the net on 80 occasions in 166 matches, most notably scoring 30 times in the 2016/17 campaign. Saka’s best season in front of goal stands at 18 so there is room for improvement there.

The club’s number 7 is no doubt already a club icon but who’s next on the conveyor belt of talent?

Arsenal star could become an all-timer like Saka

Saka is Hale End. He has served as the inspiration for a whole number of footballers trying to make the jump from academy to first-team life.

His influence has already proven to be a beacon for the likes of Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly earned his England debut last term and Dowman is currently the talk of the town having become the second-youngest player in Premier League history when he made his top-flight debut at the age of 15 a couple of months ago.

1. Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 5 months

2. Max Dowman

15 years, 7 months

3. Jeremy Monga

15 years, 8 months

4. Harvey Elliott

16 years, 1 month

5. Matthew Briggs

16 years, 2 months

Dowman is the shiny new toy and so it’s easy to forget about fellow Hale Ender Ethan Nwaneri.

Now 18, Nwaneri is the only player to make his Premier League bow at a younger age than Dowman and since then, he’s gone from strength to strength.

While he is yet to find the net in 2025/26, largely now playing as an attacking midfielder, he showcased that he was a true game-changer in 2024/25.

Last campaign, the teenager predominantly played on the right flank when Saka was out injured and he made a remarkable impact. In total, the youngster bagged nine goals in 37 matches and created two assists. One of those included a stunner in the rout over Manchester City.

He earned rave reviews in the process. After starring in the Champions League, TNT Sport pundit Joe Cole stated that Nwaneri was “the most exciting footballer in England and maybe Europe.” Fine praise indeed.

Cole is certainly a huge fan of the teenager, remarking at another point in the season that he was like the great Lionel Messi.

“These touches he produces in and around the box, I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi,” the former Chelsea star said. “I don’t want to put any more pressure on the kid’s shoulders, I’m sure he’ll deal with it. He plays with such confidence and he’s a beautiful player.”

After such an impressive season, it’s easy to forget just how young this kid is. Dowman is getting all of the hype now but let’s shine a light on Nwaneri again.

He may have only played 145 minutes in the Premier League this term but he is already streets ahead of his peers in the same age group. Some might argue he’s also ahead of Saka at the same age.

During the England international’s first full campaign a senior player he only beat the goalkeeper on four occasions. Nwaneri had five more.

So, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about the teenager, particularly as in the words of Arsenal content creator Leo Da Silva, he has the potential to be “an all-time like Saka.”

Forget Lewis-Skelly: Edu sold an Arsenal talent who's "England's future LB"

Arsenal may come to regret letting this Hale End star slip through their fingers.

4 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 11, 2025

West Indies captain won’t be available for selection after consulting with specialist

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jun-2025

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been ruled out of the team’s third and final ODI against England at Taunton on Saturday. Matthews suffered a shoulder injury while fielding in the first game of the series in Derby, and subsequently sat out Wednesday’s encounter in Leicester.The precautionary move to prevent further aggravation of the problem comes after Matthews visited a specialist in London on Thursday. With the series already lost, West Indies also have an eye on their upcoming home series against South Africa, which starts with an ODI in Barbados next Wednesday.”It’s unfortunate Hayley’s picked up an injury and she won’t be available for the last ODI here in England,” West Indies head coach, Shane Deitz, said. “She’s played a lot of cricket over the past few years and obviously injuries are part of being an elite level athlete in all sports.”We will miss her greatly on and off the field, but there’s a great opportunity for other players to step up as Realeanna Grimmond did in the second ODI. She stepped up in Hayley’s role and played a great innings so it’s a great opportunity for other players to be able to fill the void that Hayley leaves with bat and ball and leadership on the field.”The medical team are looking at options now for what’s best for her long-term future to get her body 100 percent right and continue her fantastic career.”Matthews was named Player of the Series during the T20I leg of their tour, despite a 3-0 defeat for her side. She added an innings of 48 in the first ODI, as West Indies went down by 108 runs, and then watched from the sidelines as England took an unassailable lead with a 143-run victory in the second game.In her absence, West Indies will once again be captained by Shemaine Campbelle as they look to end a disappointing tour on a high note.

Sachin Tendulkar wanted to ensure that the Pataudi name would remain wedded to India vs England men’s Test series. So together with the BCCI and the ECB, he came up with the idea that the winning captain be granted a medal in the former India captain’s honour.Previously, an India tour of England would involve them playing for the Pataudi trophy. But now, it has been renamed to Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honouring Tendulkar and James Anderson. While taking pride in that, Tendulkar spoke of how he wanted to preserve the legacy of one of India’s greatest leaders.”I remember some time ago,” he told ESPNcricinfo, “when the Pataudi Trophy was retired by ECB and BCCI, and then a few months down the line, when I was informed about this – the trophy being named after the two of us – that came as a pleasant surprise. The call that I made immediately after that was to the Pataudi family and I spoke to them; [I] also spoke about keeping the Pataudi legacy alive, [and] said, ‘I’ll have some ideas. I will come back to you’.Related

• Tendulkar predicts 3-1 series win for India

• Gill says India will go all out to take 20 wickets

• Pant relishes 'senior' tag but also focuses on 'individual' game

“I shared my thoughts with BCCI and ECB. I thought the outcome was very good. We decided that the Pataudi Medal of Excellence would be given to the winning captain because he was known for his leadership skills. The legacy is kept alive. I’ve always believed that someone who’s contributed to Indian cricket and cricket across the globe should always be respected and remembered.”The new trophy features imagery of Anderson and Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures. They are the most-capped players in the history of Tests: Tendulkar played 200 matches, and Anderson 188.”It’s a reflection of our contribution to our respective nations in Test cricket,” he said. “I’ve played for 24 years, and Anderson played for 21 years. So both of us put together, it’s a substantial number of years – 45 years put together of international cricket, especially Test. That makes me feel happy. I know the appreciation is in a different way as naming the Trophy after us.””It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself,” Anderson said in a statement. “The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special – full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments.”To be recognised in this way is a real honour. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold in England this summer. It promises to be compelling, competitive cricket – exactly what you’d expect from two great sides. This is elite sport at its finest.”Tendulkar, who first faced Anderson in Tests in 2006, said playing against the fast bowler was an “integral part” of his career, recalling the “challenging” times playing in tough conditions in England.”In 2003, I played against him in South Africa during the World Cup,” Tendulkar said. “In England, I played against him in 2007. But along the way, there have been many battles, and some ended up in a good result, some didn’t. But all in all, when you look back, you feel that I enjoyed those challenging moments, and that’s what one prepares for.”That journey was a beautiful [one], and in that, multiple experiences taught to me so much in life. And playing in England was an integral part of that, and Anderson was an integral part of it.”The first Test between India and England begins at Headingley on Friday.

He might still be in the job, but it feels like time has run out for Graham Potter at West Ham United.

The Englishman has been the club’s manager since January, and instead of leading them into an exciting new era, the team have regressed under him.

He has overseen 25 games with the Hammers, winning just six, drawing five and losing a staggering 14, which has seen him amass just 0.92 points per game.

The situation is so dire now that there is a real chance of relegation unless something changes, so it’s probably a good thing West Ham are now linked with someone who could be their new Sam Allardyce.

West Ham target Potter replacement

With just how badly they’re playing at the moment, it is surprising that Potter is still in the West Ham dugout, but with the number of coaches linked with the club, that could soon change.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

One of the managers most heavily touted for a move, or in his case, a return to the club, is Slaven Bilic.

However, considering he hasn’t managed in a top league for around five years, we are unsure whether he’s the right option.

Nuno Espírito Santo, on the other hand, would be a seriously exciting appointment, but as he has only just left Nottingham Forest, we aren’t sure this is a move all that likely to transpire.

Interestingly, another name has popped up, someone who would be a better fit than Bilic and more likely than Nuno: Sean Dyche.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the former Everton and Burnley boss is someone the club have been in contact with in case they fire Potter.

While he might not be the most inspiring choice, he is reportedly “itching” to return to top-flight management and could be just what West Ham need, an Allardyce figure, if you will.

Why Dyche would be West Ham's new Allardyce

So, it would be fair to say that describing someone as a club’s new Allardyce might not be the best way to make fans excited about a potential appointment.

Moreover, while he didn’t send them down, and did a far better job than plenty of their recent managers, the West Ham faithful weren’t particularly enamoured with Big Sam during his four years at the club over a decade ago.

However, with the club down in the relegation zone, morale at a considerable low in the fanbase and this season’s newly promoted sides looking dangerous, what the Irons need is stability and someone to ensure the worst doesn’t happen.

That is what the former England manager was a specialist at doing and what Dyche would be able to do if he was hired to replace Potter.

The “remarkable” manager, as dubbed by former professional turned pundit Ally McCoist, was called in by Everton to save them from the drop in January 2023, and he did just that, before being replaced once the club was stable.

24/25

16th

23/24

15th

22/23

17th

21/22

18th

20/21

17th

19/20

10th

18/19

15th

17/18

7th

16/17

16th

14/15

19th

That is why he could be an excellent option for the Hammers, as he could come in for this year, get the fans back onside, make the team more difficult to play against and then make way for a more progressive coach in the summer.

Moreover, even though he was brought in to save the Toffees from going down, the Englishman’s record there was far better than Potter’s is in East London.

Games

83

25

Wins

26

6

Draws

24

5

Losses

33

14

Points per Game

1.23

0.92

For example, the former Burnley icon oversaw 83 games for the Merseysiders, of which 26 were wins, 24 were draws and 33 losses, resulting in a pretty decent points per game average of 1.23.

Ultimately, Dyche wouldn’t be the most inspiring of choices, but like with Allardyce back in the day, he’d be a safe pair of hands to ensure the worst doesn’t happen this season.

Bilic upgrade: West Ham approach "incredible" manager admired by Mourinho

The experienced manager would be a brilliant hire for West Ham United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 22, 2025

Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur boss generated huge excitement amongst the fanbase this summer, with the Dane having the chance to build on the Europa League triumph.

He spent seven years in charge of Brentford before his arrival, often relying upon talents such as Bryan Mbeumo to provide the goods within the final third across the capital.

The Cameroonian international thrived under Frank’s guidance in the Premier League, netting 20 times in the top-flight last season, subsequently making him one of the division’s hottest properties.

After the 51-year-old took charge of the Lilywhites, a real sense of excitement built at the prospect of the Dane bringing the 26-year-old with him in an attempt to sustain the recent European triumph.

However, despite interest in his signature, Mbeumo would move to Manchester United in a £71m transfer – a huge amount of money and potentially a slight overpay.

As a result, the new boss has had to rely on another summer addition and one player already on the books to try and provide the impact he desires within attacking areas.

Kudus & Johnson’s start to the 2025/26 season at Spurs

After missing out on Mbeumo’s signature, Spurs forked out £55m for the services of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United to try and hand the manager his next version of the Cameroonian.

Such a deal may have been an expensive one, but it’s a transfer that has been worth every penny to date, with the Ghanaian already registering one goal and four assists in his first ten outings.

His first goal for the Lilywhites came in the recent triumph over Leeds United, subsequently highlighting his ability to pop up with crucial goals when the side need him most.

Kudus isn’t alone in falling into that category, with teammate Brennan Johnson also able to score key goals for the Lilywhites, as seen by his winner in the Europa League final last campaign.

Whilst he’s already scored three times across all competitions, the Welsh international has failed to start a single league game since the end of August and has rapidly fallen down the pecking order.

The 24-year-old will likely be disappointed with his lack of action, which has potentially been impacted by the arrival of Kudus during the recent transfer window.

Whilst both are hugely talented players, it remains to be seen if any can reach the levels produced by Mbeumo in recent times, but one other star already in the ranks could achieve such a feat, given the similarities in their careers.

The Spurs star who could be Frank’s next Mbeumo

Over the last couple of seasons, Spurs have splashed the cash to try and compete with teams around them, as seen by the respective deals to land Kudus and Johnson.

Around £400m has been spent in recent years to catapult the club to the needed success, with such spending undoubtedly helping them claim European glory back in May.

Various recruitment strategies have been in place over recent times, often signing a mixture of youth talent for the future, or players entering their prime and able to make an immediate impact.

However, players sometimes cross over both categories, as seen by the arrival of attacker Wilson Odobert from Burnley back in the summer of 2024.

A deal for the Frenchman certainly came out of nowhere, with the Lilywhites hierarchy paying £25m for his signature after the Clarets suffered relegation back to the Championship.

Whilst the 20-year-old has only made 30 appearances throughout the injury, he’s still managed to impress in North London and show glimpses of his potential and talents.

Odobert, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, has already scored three times for the club, two of which came during their Europa League-winning campaign in 2024/25 – already highlighting his ability to produce the goods in key moments.

Whilst his goalscoring tally isn’t as impressive as Mbeumo’s, the similarities are there for everyone to see, with the Frenchman moving to England from Troyes.

The now Man Utd talent did the exact same upon his transfer to Brentford back in the summer of 2019 – subsequently needing time to make a huge impact in England.

Wilson Odobert – PL stats (24/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

16

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

85%

Successful dribbles

1.3

Chances created

0.9

Shots taken

1.4

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Recoveries made

3.6

Stats via FotMob

He struggled to register double figures in goals for each of his first three top-flight campaigns, but the Bees’ patience was certainly rewarded, as seen by his tallies and fee generated in recent times.

Odobert could do the exact same for the Lilywhites in the years ahead, with the club and fanbase needing to support the winger in his attempts for success in North London.

At just 20, he has bags of time to live up to the potential he arrived with, but it’s crucial that Frank works his magic once again to create another world-class attacker.

Related Spurs have signed an incredible "freak talent" who could be their new Bale

The sensational gem could become Tottenham Hotspur’s new Gareth Bale.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 8, 2025

Should he get anywhere close to Mbeumo’s level, it would be a sensational piece of business and one that could help the Lilywhites sustain their recent success in Europe or even domestically.

The Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Guardians are set to begin a three-game series between two division-leading teams. The Guardians, who have been one of the most surprising teams in 2024, hold a 5.0 game lead in the AL Central while the Mariners have a commanding 9.0 game lead on the AL West.

In this article, I'm going to dive into everything you need to know to bet on today's series opener.

Mariners vs. Guardians Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line:

• Mariners -1.5 (+168)
• Guardians +1.5 (-205)

Moneyline:

• Mariners +106
• Guardians -124

Total:

• 8.5 (Over -104/Under -115)

Mariners vs. Guardians Probable Pitchers

• Seattle: Bryce Miller (5-5, 3.48 ERA)
• Cleveland: Triston McKenzie (3-3, 4.10 ERA)

Mariners vs. Guardians How to Watch

• Date: Tuesday, June 18
• Time: 6:40 p.m. EST
• Venue: Progressive Field
• How to watch (TV): ROOTNW, Bally Sports Great Lakes
• Mariners record: 43-31
• Guardians record: 44-25

Mariners vs. Guardians Key Players to Watch

Seattle Mariners

Cal Raleigh: The Mariners' catcher may not have a great batting average at .202, but the guy knows how to hit dingers. He leads the team in both home runs (12) and RBIs (43), while ranking third in WAR (1.5). He may be the most underrated part of the Mariners success this season.

Cleveland Guardians

Jose Ramirez: The Guardians' third baseman leads the team in virtually every single stat including batting average (.269), home runs (18), RBIs (62), on base percentage (.330), and hits (71). You're going to want to pay attention when he steps into the batters box.

Mariners vs. Guardians Prediction and Pick

I believe regression is coming for the Mariners this season. Their offensive numbers haven't been good enough to support their record. For example, they're just 25th in the Majors in OPS this season at .667. The Guardians have been batting at a far more sustainable rate, clocking in at .717 which ranks 12th.

The starting pitching matchup in this game is largely a wash, but Cleveland has a significant advantage when it comes to the bullpen.

The Guardians have the best bullpen in the Majors, especially of late, sporting a bullpen ERA of 1.94 over the last 30 days. The Mariners' bullpen sits 16th in that time frame at 4.06, so even if Cleveland gets down early, they'll never be out of it.

I'll back the Guardians to get the job done at home.

Chelsea are now believed to be very keen on signing a player who Man City boss Pep Guardiola seriously rates behind-the-scenes, with a new report suggesting they’re pressing for a deal.

Chelsea prepare for Premier League return against Nottingham Forest

On the field, Enzo Maresca is gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest — a match which serves a few intriguing narratives.

As Chelsea prepare to take on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side, the Blues are sweating over the fitness of a few stars.

Injuries continue to plague Chelsea, with several key players already unavailable for selection. Dario Essugo remains sidelined with a long-term injury and won’t return until early next year, while Cole Palmer, who is Maresca’s star man, remains out with a niggling groin problem.

Adding to Chelsea’s woes upfront, number nine Liam Delap continues to nurse his hamstring, with reports suggesting the summer signing won’t be back until around November/December time.

Delap’s physical presence and goal-scoring instinct have been missed, and his absence limits Maresca’s striker depth at a time when goals are desperately needed.

Defensively, Levi Colwill, won’t be back until next year after he suffered an ACL tear in pre-season, leaving Maresca with Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo as his only centre-back options right now.

To make matters more complicated, Enzo Fernández, Chelsea’s influential attacking midfielder, could be a doubt to play Forest after withdrawing from international duty. Fernandez pulled out of Argentina’s squad citing knee inflammation, raising some concerns about his fitness ahead of the trip up north.

Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro didn’t travel to represent their countries due to knocks, and while all three could return to face Forest, alongside Andrey Santos and Tosin, the latter pair haven’t been spotted in Cobham training this week.

Postecoglou, meanwhile, will be looking to exploit Chelsea’s injury woes and secure vital points, with the Australian’s job reportedly on the line after a torrid start to life at the City Ground.

Chelsea’s lack of depth in certain areas has been exposed due to injury, and particularly their lack of experience.

Maresca fielded the youngest ever Premier League side on average last season (24 years, 36 days), and their starting eleven to play Benfica was Chelsea’s most youthful team in Champions League history.

Chelsea arguably need more experience in their side if they’re to become Premier League title challengers, so it makes sense that BlueCo hold an interest in the likes of AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan to solve that problem.

Now, according to reports from Italy, Chelsea could turn to another quality veteran in ex-Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Chelsea "pushing" to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on free transfer

As per Corriere dello Sport, the Al-Hilal midfielder, who earns a whopping £418,000-per-week in the Gulf, could return to Europe next year once his contract expires, even if the Saudi Pro League side want to extend it.

Milinkovic-Savic is attracting serious interest from England, Turkey, La Liga and Serie A, with “half of Europe” considering the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

Maresca’s side are among the pack, and it is believed that Chelsea are pushing to sign Milinkovic-Savic as the West Londoners “like him a lot”.

Interestingly, Guardiola is said to hold the Serbia international — who racked up over 340 appearances for Lazio as a general of their midfield — in “high regard”.

Milinkovic-Savic chipped in with 69 goals and 58 assists during his time in Rome, and hasn’t wavered in the Middle East with 30 goals and 26 assists under his belt for Al-Hilal.

The Serb’s proven creativity and ingenuity in the engine room could be attractive for Chelsea, and he could provide serious competition for Fernandez, who plays a very similar role.

On a free transfer, the appeal is obvious, but Milinkovic-Savic would almost certainly have to take a pay cut given Chelsea’s wage structure.

Kylian Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday after he scored 31 league goals in just 34 games during his debut season at Real Madrid in 2024-25. Club president Florentino Perez demanded further glory from the Frenchman, who expressed his gratitude to everyone and admitted that he dreams of winning more titles and defending the individual award next year as well.

Mbappe presented with the European Golden Shoe

Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu, with all Real Madrid players and coaching staff in attendance – except for the injured Dani Carvajal. The French forward earned the honour after scoring 31 La Liga goals last season.

In his debut campaign with Madrid, Mbappe netted an impressive 44 goals in 59 matches across all competitions. Although Arsenal frontman Viktor Gyokeres scored 39 goals in Liga Portugal with Sporting CP last season, he finished second in the Golden Shoe standings due to the league’s lower coefficient of 1.5 points per goal. Among players from Europe’s top five leagues, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah came closest to challenging Mbappe, with 29 goals that helped propel the Reds to the Premier League title.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPerez makes his demands clear to Mbappe

Madrid president Perez congratulated Mbappe for his achievement and urged the forward to continue on the same path. “Today we are very happy because an award as prestigious as the Golden Boot is given to one of the best players in the world," began Perez. 

"Dear Kylian, congratulations. This is the fruit of your labour, and I want you to know that I, as president of Real Madrid, am very proud to have a player like you. You perfectly represent the values of this club, which is the most decorated club in the world. You will always remember this day. It is your first Golden Boot, but from here you are building your own history. The fans adore you and will always be by your side.

"Last season you won the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. You scored 31 goals in La Liga, 44 in all competitions. At Real Madrid, we've had three Golden Boots: Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo Nazario (who won at Barcelona), and Cristiano [Ronaldo]. In your time here, you've experienced the demands of this badge. Only constant improvement and camaraderie will do. This Golden Boot helps you further enhance the history of Real Madrid. Congratulations to you and your entire family."

Mbappe eyes successive European Golden Shoe wins

During his acceptance speech, the 26-year-old expressed his gratitude to his Real Madrid team-mates and also shared his goals with the team. “It’s a pleasure to receive the Golden Boot! Thank you all so much. This is an important moment for me," said the Madrid No.10. 

"It’s the first time I’ve won it. It means a lot. I have to thank my teammates, who have come here and helped me in every way, to find the best version of Kylian. We have an incredible group and we hope to win many titles this season.

“It’s a tremendous pleasure to play for Real Madrid. Everyone knows it was my childhood dream, and now I’m here. I hope to be here for many years to come. To bring joy to the Madrid fans, who have shown me affection since the first day I arrived, and even before. Today is a great day. I hope we continue like this, because the most important thing is the collective. Without all the people here, it would be impossible to win this award. Thank you to the entire club: doctors, staff, and everyone who helps me on and off the pitch… Without them, you can’t win something like this. I’m very happy and I want to keep making history. It was 31 goals… and I’ve started this year very well, so… Of course I want to win it again next season!”

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GettyMbappe aiming for Ronaldo's milestone this season?

Mbappe has begun the 2025-26 season in breathtaking form, scoring 16 goals in 13 games. He has failed to find the back of the net twice: against Mallorca in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League. With 11 goals in the league already, he will once again be among the frontrunners to lift the European Golden Shoe next season.

What's more, he could also become the first Real Madrid player since his idol Ronaldo to score 50 goals in a season. The Portuguese legend scored 51 goals in the 2015-16 season, which was also his sixth consecutive season reaching a half-century of goals at club level. Mbappe has never scored 50 goals in a single season, with his tally of 44 being his best-ever tally across a season. However, at this pace, he could comfortably reach the milestone by the end of the season, possibly even aiming for 60 goals.