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Man United’s Rasmus Hojlund to miss three weeks with injury

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Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is expected to miss two to three weeks with a muscle injury.

United’s £72m summer signing scored for the sixth successive Premier League game in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Luton Town.

The Danish 21-year-old will miss the home league game against Fulham on Saturday and FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Erik ten Hag’s side also travel to derby rivals Manchester City and host Everton over the coming fortnight.

Hojlund has scored 13 goals in 30 appearances for United in all competitions since joining from Serie A side Atalanta on a five-year deal.

He failed to score in his first 14 Premier League games but has since hit form, scoring seven goals and contributing two assists in his past six.

Anthony Martial, United’s only other recognised striker, is sidelined following groin surgery.

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Scott McTominay is the club’s second-highest goalscorer in all competitions this season, behind Hojlund, with eight goals.

Hojlund’s double against Luton secured United a fourth successive league win to leave them sixth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

 

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Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Fulham for April 20

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Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Fulham for April 20

This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their Premier League clash with Fulham. The Blues once again play on Sunday after being in Europa Conference League action on Thursday, this time they come back to take on their local rivals Fulham who are quietly making a charge up the table and could secure European Football for themselves.

How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Rob Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have been sharing goalkeeping duties. In defence, Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Levi Colwill have been starting across the four spots. In midfield, James has also featured with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez as the other options in deeper midfield spots.

Enzo has also played in attacking midfield but that spot is usually reserved for Cole Palmer. Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Tyrique George have started on the wings, Christopher Nkunku has been the second choice at striker but has also been seen on the left wing. Nicolas Jackson is the starting striker.

Chelsea Recent Form & Tactics
Enzo Maresca has remained strict in his ideals with a system designed to protect the ball and keep possession. The base is 4-2-3-1 but shifts when on the ball into something different, recently that has been a 2-2-5-1 of sorts with the box-midfield left behind for a diamond shape that pulls Cucurella into a shadow striker role that Enzo also occupies at times. This does get more bodies in and around the box but leaves the defensive side more prone as all the weight is on Caicedo to help recycle the ball.

The Blues have won just twice in their last six outings including a defeat to Legia Warsaw, a blunt defeat to Arsenal, and a draw with relegation-bound Ipswich. The only wins in that time came against Legia and a fairly poor Tottenham. After a strong defensive run, things have dipped with four goals let in in their last two fixtures.

Chelsea Injuries to Consider
Per PremierInjuries there are four absentees from the senior squad again. Wesley Fofana, Marc Guiu, Romeo Lavia, and the suspended Mykhailo Mydryk are likely not available for this one.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
GK – Rob Sanchez

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LB – Marc Cucurella

CB – Levi Colwill

CB – Trevoh Chalobah

RB – Malo Gusto

DM – Moises Caicedo

DM – Enzo Fernandez

W – Jadon Sancho

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W – Pedro Neto

AM – Cole Palmer

ST – Nicolas Jackson

 

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Jurgen Klopp breaks silence as ex-Liverpool manager ‘targeted’ for Real Madrid job

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Jurgen Klopp breaks silence as ex-Liverpool manager 'targeted' for Real Madrid job

Jürgen Klopp’s agent Marc Kosicke has spoken out after the German was linked with the Real Madrid head coach role as Carlo Ancelotti looks set to leave the club this summer.

Klopp, 57, left his role as Liverpool head coach at the end of the 2023/24 Premier League season and has since been without a managerial role.

However, he is currently Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer and oversees the group’s footballing set-up.

In recent days, he has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as it has been widely reported that Ancelotti could be set to leave Los Blancos as early as later this month.

The likes of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola are seemingly of interest to Madrid with Klopp’s name also mentioned.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg issued an update via X on Friday afternoon (April 18).

“[There are] new rumours linking Jürgen Klopp with Real Madrid and Brazil,” wrote Plettenberg.

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“His top agent, Marc Kosicke, told us for Sky: ‘Jürgen is very happy with his new role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull.’

“Understand there continues to be concrete interest and enquiries about Klopp from top clubs and several federations.

“However, Klopp still has no intention of taking on a head coach role next season – not even at Real Madrid or with Brazil. Xabi Alonso remains Real’s top target.”

What has Jurgen Klopp said about returning to management?
Klopp gave his thoughts on potentially returning to management in March of this year.

“The last thing I am thinking about actually is to be a manager again,” the German manager revealed when he attended the 10-year anniversary of Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUFC) [quotes via Kick Off].

“I coached 1,081 games. I lost absolutely each final available. Some of them I won as well.

“And, no, I’m in a happy place.

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“If I wasn’t the manager of Liverpool FC, I wouldn’t be here today. So thank God.”

Of course, in January 2024, Liverpool announced that Klopp would leave with the 57-year-old citing that he was “running out of energy” as one of the factors behind his decision.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy,” said Klopp in an emotional farewell video.

“I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.

“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

 

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Kylian Mbappé cleared for Copa del Rey Final

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Kylian Mbappé cleared for Copa del Rey Final

Real Madrid have been handed a boost after tests confirmed Kylian Mbappé did not suffer a serious ankle injury and will be available for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26th at La Cartuja.

Mbappé’s availability comes as a dose of relief for Madridistas still reeling from the club’s elimination at the hands of Arsenal in Europe. The French forward had to be substituted with 15 minutes remaining in the second leg, just as Real Madrid were chasing a miracle comeback.

The score was locked at 1-1 when Mbappé twisted his right ankle during a contested challenge, prompting immediate concern on the Madrid bench.

Initial signs were cautiously optimistic, with the club’s medical staff noting the absence of structural damage pending further imaging. Now, with radiological tests confirming the positive prognosis, Mbappé has been cleared to return in time for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

Before the trip to Seville, Madrid will face Getafe in La Liga at the Coliseum. While Mbappé’s recovery is progressing well, it remains unlikely he will feature in that match. The medical staff are keeping a cautious approach, prioritizing his full fitness for the final over any domestic appearance beforehand.

 

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‘Hot-shot Emenike’ scores fantastic brace to lift club

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‘Hot-shot Emenike’ scores fantastic brace to lift club

The name Emenike is synonymous with memorable moments in the world of football, particularly for enthusiasts who recall the spectacular feats of Emmanuel Emenike, a former Super Eagles striker and the top scorer of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring ability, Emenike made a significant impact on the Turkish league, where his performances for Fenerbahce were nothing short of electrifying.

Emmanuel Emenike’s legacy continues to resonate, firmly etched in the memories of fans in both Turkey and Russia. His time at Spartak Moscow was marked by remarkable displays on the pitch, leading to unforgettable moments that endeared him to supporters. His goal-scoring prowess has ensured that he is remembered as a legend, synonymous with exciting football and resilience.

In a fresh twist to the Emenike legacy, Kingsley Emenike has emerged as a promising talent in the football arena. The young striker showcased his exceptional skills during a recent match in the Latvian top league, where he scored two impressive goals in FS Jelgava’s commanding 4-1 victory over BFC Daugavpils.

Kingsley’s performance not only highlights his capability but also indicates his determination to carve out his own path in the beautiful game, much like the esteemed former striker.

At just 20 years old, Kingsley Emenike joined the Latvian premier division in March and has wasted no time in making his mark. His dedication to goal-scoring and unwavering commitment on the field suggest that he is well on his way to emulating the success and glory achieved by Emmanuel, and perhaps even establishing his own legendary status in European football.

Fans and pundits alike are eager to witness the unfolding of Kingsley’s journey, as he aims to leave his own imprint on the sport.

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“I am here to make my mark, I am excited for the two goals and I want to keep up by scoring more goals in the subsequent games. I am more motivated and ready to lift the team because they believe in my ability and I am ready to prove a lot for the club,” said Emenike.

“I am determined to leave my stamp on this season,” Emenike declared with enthusiasm.

“Scoring those two goals has ignited a fire within me, and I can’t wait to keep that momentum going in the upcoming matches. My passion has reached new heights, fueled by the unwavering faith my teammates have in my skills. I am eager to rise to the occasion and showcase my true potential for the club, that means so much to me.”

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo joins film industry, unveils new studio

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Cristiano Ronaldo joins film industry, unveils new studio

Cristiano Ronaldo has ventured into the film industry, marking his debut by partnering with British film producer Matthew Vaughn to establish an independent film studio called UR•MARV.

This collaboration has already led to the production and financing of two action-packed films, with plans for a third installment in the same series.

The financial specifics of their 50-50 joint venture have not been disclosed. Their investment comes at a time when streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are increasingly backing independent filmmakers, providing a global distribution network that can help their films reach a wider audience and fuel the growth of the independent film industry.

Ronaldo shared his excitement in a statement on Thursday, “This is an exciting chapter for me, as I look ahead to new ventures in business.”

His partner, Vaughn, said, “Cristiano has created stories on the pitch that I could never have written, and I look forward to creating inspiring movies with him – he’s a real-life superhero.”

At 40 years old, Ronaldo has significantly expanded his business portfolio over the last decade. His investments include stakes in a hotel chain, a porcelain manufacturer, and a media company in Portugal. He has also recently acquired a tennis and padel club in Lisbon.

Moreover, Ronaldo has expressed an interest in owning football clubs once he retires, further broadening his business interests.

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Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr with a reported annual salary of around US$200 million, continues to shine on the field but has not yet revealed when he plans to retire from professional football.

Vaughn, on the other hand, has built a reputation for reinventing action cinema with his sleek, fast-paced approach and a flair for blending humor with high-stakes drama. He made his directorial debut with the gritty crime film Layer Cake (2004) and quickly followed up with bold, genre-defying hits like Kick-Ass (2010) and X-Men: First Class (2011).

Variety reported that Vaughn’s big breakthrough came in 2014 with the launch of the Kingsman series—a high-octane spy saga known for its slick visuals, tongue-in-cheek tone, and explosive set pieces, all under the banner of his production company, Marv. Most recently, he directed Argylle (2024), a globe-trotting espionage adventure starring Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard. With two more Kingsman films on the horizon, Vaughn shows no signs of slowing down.

 

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‘IT’S POSSIBLE’ – Osimhen breaks silence on Real Madrid transfer news

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'IT'S POSSIBLE' - Osimhen breaks silence on Real Madrid transfer news

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has reacted to the transfer speculations linking him to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer.

According to Pulse, Real Madrid is reportedly preparing for a future without Vinicius Jr. and has lined up three players as possible replacements for the Brazil international.

In a move that would send Mbappe back to his favoured left-winger position, Real Madrid are eyeing Osimhen, valued at €75 million. …Continue Reading.

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The camp of Osimhen has sends positive responds to the Bernabeu fans saying the move is possible.

According to one of Victor Osimhen’s sources, “Victor is a fighter and a serial winner, playing for Real Madrid is possible,” the source told ThePapers.ng.

Vinicius is being tempted with a mouthwatering offer of €200 million per season by the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Even Madrid may also be tempted to jump at the offer of €300million for the signature of the Brazilian forward.

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According to Spanish medium, Fichajes, Real Madrid view Osimhen as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian continues to be linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Vinicius has again been in strong form for Real Madrid during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 19 goals and registering 13 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.

Los Blancos sources alleged that the Saudis are preparing the bid to submit to Real Madrid in the summer window.

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