Pep Guardiola says the new Champions League format brings “incredible games” every week and Manchester City’s aim is to finish in the top eight. City have four points from their opening two games and lie in eighth in the early table, two places above Tuesday night’s opponents Sparta Prague. The new 36-team league format sees each team play eight games, …

Bologna defender Sam Beukema has revealed that he’d like to play in the Premier League one day, naming both Liverpool and West Ham United as two potentially tempting destinations. The 25-year-old has shone since joining Bologna AZ Alkmaar, and he’s really making a name for himself with some strong performances in Serie A. Bologna are also in the Champions League …

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast in a brilliant chat with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff has named Joe Willock as the “most underrated” player at the club. Willock has been very unfortunate with injuries over the last 18 months, but when he has been fit he’s been a great addition to the team and …

Hansi Flick will be in for a special outing tomorrow night as his Barcelona team take on his former employers Bayern Munich in the league phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. The German tactician has taken this Barça side to another level since becoming the manager in the summer and will hope that the progress can be demonstrated with …

Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund has been linked with Chelsea (Photo by Carsten Harz/Getty Images) Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs showing an interest in the potential transfer of exciting young English winger Jamie Gittens as he continues to impress at Borussia Dortmund. According to Bild, the Blues are alongside Tottenham in eyeing up Gittens, who could cost as much …

Massimo Brambati’s analysis of Juventus’ narrow 1-0 win over Lazio highlights the significance of the victory, especially given the challenges the Bianconeri faced. The team was missing several key players, which made the fixture much more difficult despite Lazio being reduced to ten men early on due to Alessio Romagnoli’s red card. The absence of Juventus’ key players forced the …

First of all, I want to say that I have been largely impressed with the performances of Noni Madueke so far this season, and he has absolutely earned his place in Enzo Maresca’s ‘best Xl’. I can’t take anything away from him really and I think he’s been good. However, for me, it is time to start Pedro Neto ahead …

Match Preview Celtic head to Bergamo to face Atalanta tomorrow night with all eyes on Brendan Rodgers’ tactical approach. The Scottish giants attempted to play their usual expansive game in their last Champions League away fixture but came hopelessly unstuck, losing 7-1 at Borussia Dortmund. Rodgers said afterwards he would stick to his principles but that could cause more problems …

Daniel Farke has praised Patrick Bamford. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images Leeds United missed out on promotion to the Premier League by a whisker last season, and Daniel Farke has suggested Patrick Bamford’s omission was one cause. The striker, who is apparently growing frustrated with his lack of minutes, is considering leaving the club where he has spent the past …

By Favian Renkel and Justin Ruderman Welcome back to Week 30 of Justin and Favian’s Weekly MLS Awards where SBI staff writers Justin Ruderman and Favian Renkel bring you a glimpse at the best of each week in MLS. The final Best of MLS for 2024 is in the books! Here is a closer look at this week’s selections: Player …