Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Why Maresca 'fell in love' with his second string players despite bad performance

Enzo Maresca has been criticised a few times this season because of his rotation policy. But in reality, it’s essential that he rotates. He just needs his second string to play well when they’re in the team.

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Newcastle ‘miles ahead’ of Sunderland despite recent defeat

Sunderland managed to beat Newcastle United in the Premier League recently but the Magpies are well ahead of their rivals in other aspects. Newcastle are currently one of the wealthiest clubs in the world and they have a talented squad at their disposal.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 16

'I didn’t…' – Enzo Maresca makes big claim about sporting directors as tensions continue to rise

Chelsea beat Cardiff 3-1 today, adding to the win over Everton at the weekend. But the main storyline at the club remains the tensions between Enzo Maresca and his bosses.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 16

Maresca claims absent Chelsea star has 'muscle problem' and won’t be able to play this weekend

When the team news for tonight’s game against Cardiff was announced, there was a lot of rotation, as expected. However one player who everyone was keen to see – and expecting to see – from the usual second string, wasn’t included.

Crystal Palace News / Caught Offside / December 16

Crystal Palace will compete with Everton for 23-year-old wide player

Crystal Palace and Everton are interested in signing the KRC Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi. According to Sacha Tavolieri, the 23-year-old could be available for a fee of around €10-12 million in January. Crystal Palace and Everton are hoping to sign him.

Soccer News / Esteemed Kompany / December 16

A host of Manchester City fringe players must seize their opportunity against Brentford

Up next for Manchester City is a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow night. Pep Guardiola’s side enters every match and competition they play in to win and claim silverware.

Leicester City News / Caught Offside / December 16

Leicester looking at Premier League ahead of January window

Leicester City are looking to improve their squad during the January transfer window. They have identified Eiran Cashin from Brighton and Anthony Patterson from Sunderland as targets (via Foxes of Leicester). They have been quite vulnerable defensively and they need to improve in that area of the pitch.

Nottingham Forest News / Caught Offside / December 16

Richard Keys pinpoints one decision that has led to West Ham’s downfall

West Ham United have had a season to forget so far. They are fighting for survival in the Premier League and Richard Keys believes that their decision to get rid of David Moyes has cost them dearly.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 16

Carragher joins growing chorus losing faith in Vicario after City Ground catastrophe

Guglielmo Vicario’s season at Tottenham keeps splitting opinion, because each weekend brings either a moment that saves points or an error that shifts the mood around the club.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 16

Martin Zubimendi misses Arsenal’s return to training. Is he injured?

Arsenal players were given a day off following their victory over Wolves at the weekend, taking advantage of a rare midweek break with no competitive fixture scheduled.

Report: Injury to 27-year-old could now scupper Wolves transfer plans

Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks. Turkish outfit Besiktas are interested in signing him and they have already opened negotiations with the Premier League club regarding a potential move, according to journalists Yeni Açık and Ertan Süzgün.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 16

Gabriel makes progress in his recovery but when can he return to full training?

Gabriel is making steady progress in his efforts to return to first-team training and competitive action for Arsenal as quickly as possible. The defender has been sidelined for around a month after sustaining an injury during the November international break while representing Brazil.

Soccer News / Esteemed Kompany / December 16

Manchester City will be without an attacking weapon for several weeks

Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-nil at Selhurst Park without Jeremy Doku. The Belgian international missed last Sunday’s match due to a leg injury.

Nottingham Forest News / To The Lane And Back / December 16

Tottenham injury update with mixed news on Udogie, Solanke and Kulusevski

The Evening Standard reports that Tottenham slipped from a promising week into another frustrating low after defeat to Nottingham Forest, and the injury list still shows no sign of shrinking, which continues to affect the mood around the club.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 16

What should Arsenal do with Kiwior after this loan spell?

Jakub Kiwior moved on loan from Arsenal to FC Porto this season, a transfer that allowed the Gunners to complete the signing of Piero Hincapié. The move was anticipated, as Kiwior has been in excellent form, but he faced limited opportunities at the Emirates.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 16

Cardiff vs Chelsea – Team News: Enzo Maresca goes full rotation despite criticism with just one first team star

Chelsea face Cardiff at the Cardiff City Stadium in just over an hour, and the teams are in! Enzo Maresca was always going to be rotating his team for this one, it was just a question of how much he was willing to change.

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Nottingham Forest News / To The Lane And Back / December 16

Alasdair Gold gives scathing verdict on Tottenham forward, does not hold back

Tottenham forward Richarlison has experienced a rollercoaster spell during his time at N17. There is no doubt that the Brazilian possesses immense talent capable of playing for a top Premier League club.

Sounders bring back GK Stefan Frei for 13th season

The Seattle Sounders are bringing back goalkeeper Stefan Frei for his 13th season after re-signing the 39-year-old free agent on Monday to a deal that runs through June 2027.

Soccer News / Yardbarker / December 16

Shocking reds, late winners and the Isak derby: Best games of the 2025-26 Premier League season

Here's a look back at some of the Premier League's wildest matches of the year.

Bombshell Ruben Amorim update has emerged after 4-4 draw against Bournemouth

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Soccer News / Last Word On Sports / December 16

Chelsea vs Cardiff Confirmed Lineups for Carabao Cup

These are the Chelsea vs Cardiff confirmed lineups for their Carabao Cup tie. The Quarter-Final will see Premier League meet League 1 leaders in one of the more lopsided outings in this stage of the draw.

Soccer News / Field Level Media / December 16

Minnesota United acquire M Peter Stroud from Red Bulls

Minnesota United FC acquired midfielder Peter Stroud from the New York Red Bulls on Tuesday in exchange for $475,000 in general allocation money. Stroud, 23, appeared in 66 MLS matches (43 starts) with the Red Bulls from 2023-25 and contributed four assists.

Hoffenheim News / Field Level Media / December 16

Red Bulls acquire former FC Dallas D Justin Che

The New York Red Bulls announced the acquisition Tuesday of former FC Dallas defender Justin Che. Che, 21, arrives from Danish Superliga side Brondby IF and is signed through 2028 with an option for 2029.

Manchester United News / Extratime Talk / December 16

Bruno Fernandes’ Form Remains a Constant for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes’ form continues to help Manchester United, but they have now failed to win yet another match at home. The Red Devils drew 4-4 in the Man United vs Bournemouth Premier League game at Old Trafford on Monday, December 15.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 16

Manchester City’s Form Raises Hopes of Yet Another Title Triumph Under Pep Guardiola

Manchester City’s form continues to impress. In the most recent Crystal Palace vs Man City Premier League game, the Cityzens won 3-0 at Selhurst Park. They are still two points behind Arsenal on the Premier League table, but their recent form is quite good.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 16

West Ham vs Aston Villa 2-3: Morgan Rogers’ Brace Keeps Aston Villa’s Dreams Alive In The Title Race

A second-half brace in the West Ham vs Aston Villa game from the ever-brilliant Morgan Rogers saw the visitors record their sixth successive Premier League victory and keep within touching distance of leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City in the early-season title race.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 16

The two Chelsea stars picked for Team of the Week and why the stats favoured them

With Manchester United’s thrilling draw against Bournemouth concluded, the Premier League’s 16th gameweek draws to a close, and we can take a look back at the stars of the week.