Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Newcastle vs Chelsea: Starting XIs, confirmed team news for Premier League clash

Enzo Maresca has named his Chelsea side to face Newcastle United in the Premier League. Chelsea are searching for their first away league victory over Newcastle in four meetings after losing the previous three.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Xabi Alonso ‘despairing’ at latest Real Madrid development

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso once again face a variety of questions on Friday during his pre-match press conference before his side face Sevilla, prodding at his job security and his relatonship with the club.

Bologna News / SempreInter.com / December 20

Inter Milan & Germany Defender Lacks Confidence After Another Key Mistake In Supercoppa Defeat To Bologna

Italian media have once again placed the spotlight on Yann Bisseck following Inter’s Supercoppa Italiana exit against Bologna, with La Gazzetta dello Sport describing the defender’s latest handball as a recurring and damaging pattern.

SS Lazio News / The Laziali / December 20

Lazio & Atalanta Swap Deal Brewing With Five Players Up for Discussion

Lazio and Atalanta could work out an exchange deal in January, as five players could move from Bergamo to Rome or vice versa. The Biancocelesti are currently awaiting the green light from the supervisory committee to resume their transfer activity.

Bologna News / SempreInter.com / December 20

VAR ‘Saved Referee Chiffi Twice’ In Inter Milan Supercoppa Loss To Bologna

Italian media have offered a far more critical assessment of referee Daniele Chiffi in Inter Milan’s Supercoppa loss to Bologna after VAR intervention was required on two major occasions to prevent decisive errors.

Soccer News / SempreInter.com / December 20

Inter Milan Penalties Labelled ‘A Disaster’ Without Talismanic Turkish Star After Defeat To Bologna In Supercoppa Semi

Inter Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana journey ended in bitter fashion in Riyadh, with Italian media delivering a harsh verdict on a penalty shootout loss to Bologna that unravelled without Hakan Calhanoglu on the pitch.

Bologna News / SempreInter.com / December 20

No Complaints As Referee Gets Key Decisions Right In Inter Milan Supercoppa Defeat To Bologna

Italian media have largely backed the officiating in Inter Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Bologna, with La Gazzetta dello Sport giving positive marks to referee Daniele Chiffi for his handling of the key incidents.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 20

Paul Merson impressed with Arsenal star who has defied his earlier prediction

Paul Merson initially doubted Arsenal’s decision to sign Noni Madueke in the summer, a view shared by several supporters who questioned the move at the time.

Nottingham Forest News / To The Lane And Back / December 20

Thomas Frank reveals his plan that he’s dreaming about to achieve with Tottenham

Tottenham defied the odds last season by lifting the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance. That historic triumph ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy and cemented the Australian tactician’s name in the history books at N17.

Soccer News / SempreInter.com / December 20

Former Barcelona Goalkeeper Redeeming Factor As France & Germany Youngsters Slip Up For Inter Milan In Bologna Defeat

Josep Martinez emerged as one of the few positives for Inter on a disappointing night in Riyadh, as Italian media delivered mixed verdicts on the Nerazzurri’s performances following their Supercoppa Italiana exit against Bologna.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 20

Similarities between Inter and Milan Supercoppa exits: ‘Risk calculated badly’

La Gazzetta dello Sport argues that Napoli and Bologna showed more desire than Inter and Milan in the Supercoppa semifinal, while Nerazzurri and Rossoneri ‘calculated risk badly.’ Napoli and Bologna will meet in the Supercoppa Italiana Final on Monday after eliminating Milan and Inter, respectively.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 20

'100% be there'- Thomas Frank makes big claims on Tottenham’s transfer activity in January

Tottenham showed a clear statement of intent in the summer by spending a staggering £180m on new signings to strengthen the squad for the current season.

Tottenham Hotspur News / the Boy Hotspur / December 20

'Done deal, Good signing for the club, will do well' A former Spur is calling it…

This is one out of the blue, and does come with a cautionary note. There are strong ongoing rumours linking Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson with a potential January move to Crystal Palace.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Most multi-rushing-TD NFL games' quiz

The 'NFL's active TD-catch leaders' quiz

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NFL 5-passing-TD games' quiz

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 20

Arteta admits he needs to earn a new Arsenal contract

Arsenal continue to place their trust in Mikel Arteta, who has now completed six years as manager. The club is in a considerably stronger position than when he arrived at the Emirates, reflecting progress across several seasons.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 20

West Ham have £50m transfer kitty for January – three signings wanted

West Ham are ready to shake up Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad in January, as they seek a vast improvement from the first half of the season. A number of areas are to be addressed, and there will be funds available to spend.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 20

Crystal Palace line up January move for Tottenham star

Crystal Palace intend to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad in January, as they seek to continue competing across three competitions. The Eagles are sitting pretty in the Premier League, while they will also harbour hopes of defending their FA Cup title from last season, as well as winning another trophy in the UEFA Conference League.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 20

Thomas Frank shares polished verdict on Brennan Johnson amid transfer buzz at Tottenham

Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting eleven under Thomas Frank this season. The Welshman has started just six of the Lilywhites’ 16 Premier League matches, underlining that he is not a central part of Frank’s plans at N17 moving forward.

Nottingham Forest News / Caught Offside / December 20

Eddie Howe has concerns about three Newcastle players

Newcastle have had a difficult season up until now, with Eddie Howe’s side only 12th in the Premier League standings after 16 matches. The team has struggled as a whole, although there have been individuals whose woes have stuck out more than most.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 20

Will Jack Grealish play for Everton against Arsenal?

Jack Grealish suffered a late fitness scare during his most recent appearance for Everton and was close to being ruled out of the upcoming match against Arsenal.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 20

'The connection' – Enzo Maresca praises two Chelsea stars for their on pitch chemistry

Enzo Maresca has spoken on the connection between Alejandro Garnacho and Enzo Fernandez ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle. The Blues make the long trip to the north east on Saturday lunchtime looking for a first win at St James’ Park since 2021.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 20

Journalist: Player yet to feature this season attracting loan interest, Blues haven’t made final decision

Dario Essugo is attracting interest from Levante as the La Liga outfit assess a potential loan deal according to Ben Jacobs. Essugo arrived at Chelsea in the summer from Sporting Lisbon, and made his debut at the Club World Cup, however he’s yet to play in the Premier League.

Soccer News / the Boy Hotspur / December 20

Tottenham looking to steal ferocious €30m star from under noses of European giants

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi recently. They remain keen on signing the 26-year-old in January, and the player is seeking an exit as well.

Soccer News / Stretty News / December 20

Amid Semenyo talks: Midfield duo with 313 PL apps now being targeted by INEOS as Amorim’s ‘preference’ confirmed

Manchester United are continuing their quest to sign Premier League-proven stars by targeting Antoine Semenyo, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves. Numerous reports on Friday confirmed that the Red Devils were well and truly among the mix for Antoine Semenyo’s signature, along with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur News / the Boy Hotspur / December 20

Tottenham join Premier League tug-of-war for 'proven and experienced' La Liga star

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs interested in signing Ruben Vargas from Sevilla. The 27-year-old has done quite well for the Spanish club, and Tottenham are hoping to secure his signature in January.

Soccer News / Yardbarker / December 19

Tyler Adams's MCL tear is a setback and an opportunity for USMNT

U.S. Men's National Team and Bournemouth star Tyler Adams just can't catch a break.

USMNT's Tyler Adams out up to three months with MCL tear

USMNT watch: How are American stars faring abroad before World Cup?

New York Red Bulls appoint USMNT legend Michael Bradley as head coach

The 'FIFA Club World Cup champions' quiz

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 19

Fantasy Football Matchweek 17: Buy, Sell, Injury Report

As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 17 of the Premier League, scheduled from Saturday, December 20, to Monday, December 22, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategise effectively to maximise their points.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 19

Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Three Key Factors To Consider, Predicted Lineups, Injuries

Aston Villa vs Manchester United will be a fascinating clash on Matchday 17 of the 2025/26 Premier League as the Red Devils fight to end the amazing winning run of Unai Emery’s side when the two teams meet each other at Villa Park on Sunday, December 21.