Thursday means a recap of all the EPL latest news stories, rumours, injuries and much more besides. And it has been a busy week, especially at Everton with a potential (and long-awaited) takeover set for completion and talk of a new manager coming in at Goodison.
However, it is not just in Liverpool where the action has been focused. There’s been a busy week of Carabao Cup Third round ties and of course, the usual assortment of EPL latest news including transfer rumours. Just like we saw last week with Arsenal’s rumoured interest in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
As always, if you fancy a bet on the Premier League, check out the outright, pre-match and In-Play betting markets available at bet365 Sport!
After the drama and controversy that surrounded Premier League Gameweek 5, the build-up to Gameweek 6 has been as exciting as ever!
So let’s begin with a look at the EPL latest news coming out of Everton’s Goodison Park!
EPL Latest News – Gameweek 6
Gareth Southgate’s Potential Return to the EPL
Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, might be making a return to EPL club management. According to reports, Everton’s prospective new owners, The Friedkin Group, are considering him as a replacement for the current boss, Sean Dyche. The Friedkin Group is set to take over Everton from owner Farhad Moshiri and is exploring managerial changes. Southgate is a top candidate for the role at Everton.
After leaving the England job following the Euro 2024 final, Southgate has been working as a technical observer with UEFA. The change in Everton’s ownership provides Southgate an opportunity to return to the Premier League after a 15-year hiatus.
Southgate’s managerial career began at Middlesbrough in 2006 but ended with relegation after three years. He rebuilt his coaching credentials with the England Under-21 team and was promoted to senior manager after Sam Allardyce’s resignation.
As England manager, he achieved considerable success, including taking the team to two European Championship finals. Despite stepping down after a defeat by Spain, he has not managed at the club level since 2009.
Reports from talkSPORT suggest that The Friedkin Group has shortlisted Southgate as a possible successor to Dyche amid growing dissatisfaction among Everton fans due to poor early-season performances.
Everton currently lies 19th in the Premier League table and an early relegation candidate due to back-to-back defeats and blown leads against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Current owner Farhad Moshiri has been reluctant to make drastic changes due to financial constraints; however, The Friedkin Group’s impending takeover may signal a shift in direction. The Friedkin Group also owns Roma and recently sacked Daniele De Rossi after poor form at the Italian club.
They are expected to install their own choice of manager if they complete their purchase of Everton. Dyche’s contract expires at the end of the season but could be cut short if results do not improve.
What Would Southgate Bring to Everton?
Southgate’s experience managing high-pressure situations with the national team makes him an attractive option for Everton’s new owners. His calm demeanour and strategic approach have earned him respect despite not managing at club level for over a decade.
He consistently demonstrated strong leadership during challenging periods with England. Although his club management experience is limited, his success with England suggests he could revive Everton’s fortunes. His ability to develop and play young players and foster a strong team ethos could be valuable for Everton, which has struggled with consistency in recent years.
Potential Impact of Southgate’s Appointment
Appointing Southgate would signal a new era for Everton as The Friedkin Group looks to stabilise both on and off-pitch performance. With financial backing from new owners, Southgate could rebuild the squad and restore a competitive edge for the team in the EPL.
His track record with the England team shows he can handle the pressure and bring out the best in his players. This could be exactly what Everton needs to turn their season around and avoid relegation.
That could be critical for the future of the club, given they are due to move into their expensive 52,000 capacity new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Manchester City Midfielder Rodri’s Injury Update
Manchester City midfielder Rodri suffered a serious knee injury during the Premier League game against Arsenal on September 22. The injury occurred midway through the first half when Rodri stumbled while making a near-post run to attack a right-wing corner. He was helped off the field by City’s medical staff and replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Initial reports suggested Rodri sustained anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. Manchester City confirmed ligament damage but did not disclose the precise nature of the injury, pending further tests. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, confirmed that surgery would be required and that Rodri would be out for a long time. Guardiola mentioned there are opinions that the injury might be less severe than initially expected.
Rodri traveled to Spain for specialist consultation following initial tests in Manchester. He is expected to be treated by Dr. Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, who is renowned for ACL treatment and has previously treated several City players. Guardiola described Rodri as “irreplaceable” due to his vast skill set.
Despite this, Guardiola expressed confidence in finding solutions with other midfield options like Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Rico Lewis.
Prior to his injury, Rodri had commented on the increased workload on players due to an expanding football calendar, suggesting it could lead to a strike if not addressed. Rodri played over 4,327 minutes across 50 games last season as City retained their Premier League title. He is a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or alongside Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior due to his influential role in City’s success and Spain’s Euro victory.
Last season, City lost three Premier League games without him due to suspension but have fared better this season with wins against Chelsea, Ipswich Town, and West Ham during his absence. An ACL tear typically takes six to nine months to heal; thus, missing the rest of the European club season is feasible for Rodri.
Premier League Clubs Concerned About Legal Costs
In related EPL latest news, Premier League clubs are increasingly concerned about the rising costs associated with legal battles. These concerns include the financial implications of Manchester City’s 115 charges.
The term “eye-watering” is used to describe the significant expenses involved in these legal disputes. The growing legal costs are becoming a burden for many clubs, and there is a fear that these expenses could spiral out of control.
Additionally, several Premier League clubs have reportedly stated that they want to see City punished severely if they are found guilty of the breaches. A points deduction is deemed insufficient by many who want to see City relegated at least one division, if not more, if they are found guilty.
Carabao Cup Third Round Results & Fourth Round Draw
The remaining Carabao Cup Third Round ties were played this week and the results of all third round matches were as follows:
- AFC Wimbledon P-P Newcastle United – This game was postponed due to flooding and a pitch-collapse at AFC Wimbledon’s ground. The game will be replayed on the 1st October at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
- Stoke City 1-1 Fleetwood Town (Stoke win 2-1 on penalties)
- Preston 1-1 Fulham (Preston win 16-15 on penalties)
- Brentford 3-1 Leyton Orient
- QPR 1-2 Crystal Palace
- Everton 1-1 Southampton (Southampton win 6-5 on penalties)
- Blackpool 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday
- Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley
- Brighton 3-2 Wolves
- Coventry City 1-2 Tottenham
- Walsall 0-0 Leicester (Leicester win 3-0 on penalties)
- Manchester City 2-1 Watford
- Chelsea 5-0 Barrow
- Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Aston Villa
- Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
- Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
The draw for the Fourth Round of the Carabao Cup was made after the midweek fixtures this week and saw the following eight games come out of the hat.
Carabao Cup Fourth Round Draw
- Preston North End v Arsenal
- Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
- Manchester United v Leicester City
- Newcastle United or AFC Wimbledon v Chelsea
- Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
- Brighton v Liverpool
- Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday
- Southampton v Stoke City
The ties are expected to be played on the week of the 29th October 2024.
Other EPL Latest News Stories
West Ham’s Struggles Continue
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui apologized after a 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. West Ham went up early but collapsed after Edson Alvarez’s red card. Their next match is against Brentford in the Premier League, and they currently sit 14th on the table. The team needs to bounce back quickly to avoid slipping further down the standings.
Arsenal’s Impressive Performance
Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers with a score of 5-1 in the Carabao Cup third round. Jack Porter made his senior debut at age sixteen against Bolton Wanderers due to injuries and cup-tied players. Arsenal’s performance was dominant, and they will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches.
Heung-min Son Praises Dejan Kulusevski
Heung-min Son praised Dejan Kulusevski’s work rate and adaptability within the team. Son’s comments highlight the positive impact Kulusevski has had since joining the squad. His contributions have been crucial in helping the team achieve their goals this season.
Martin Odegaard Injury Update
Martin Odegaard revealed he suffered ankle ligament damage while on international duty with Norway. This injury is a setback for Arsenal, as Odegaard has been a key player for the team. The club will need to manage his recovery carefully to ensure he returns to full fitness.
Wojciech Szczesny Comeback Rumours
There are rumors that former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny might come out of retirement to join Barcelona as a second-choice keeper. Szczesny’s potential return to top-flight football has generated excitement among fans. His experience and skills could be valuable for Barcelona as they look to strengthen their squad.
Manchester United Contract Talks and Twente Draw
Manchester United is set to open contract talks with youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo. The club is keen to secure the futures of these promising talents. Their development will be crucial for United’s long-term success.
In related EPL latest news, United manager Erik Ten Hag also faced criticism this week after United could only draw 1-1 at home to Twente Enschede in the Europa League Matchday 1.
Tottenham Manager Ange Postecoglou Update
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed no new injuries ahead of their Europa League tie against Qarabag. However, Cristian Romero is suspended due to a previous red card incident. Tottenham will need to navigate these challenges as they aim for success in the Europa League.
Rodrigo Bentancur Incident Clarification by Heung-min Son
Heung-min Son addressed Rodrigo Bentancur’s past comments, stating they have moved on as friends despite FA charges against Bentancur for racist language use earlier this year. Son’s clarification aims to put the incident behind them and focus on their performances on the pitch.
Liverpool Name Targets if Top Duo Leave?
Should Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah leave Liverpool this summer, the Reds are believed to have their replacements lined up. Arne Slot has identified Bayer Leverkusen wingback Jeremie Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold’s possible replacement while Real Madrid striker Rodrygo is believed to be the player Liverpool would target if Salah leaves the club according to the EPL latest news.
Conclusion – EPL Latest News Gameweek 6
The Premier League continues to deliver exciting news and developments. From Gareth Southgate’s potential return to club management with Everton to injury updates and legal concerns, there is never a dull moment in English football.
Fans can look forward to thrilling matches and intriguing storylines as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the Premier League’s latest happenings.
