Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Leeds United: Reece James rested, Palmer makes return

Enzo Maresca is expected to rest a few key Chelsea players after a very demanding week, with Reece James and Wesley Fofana likely out of the starting line-up for Wednesday's clash with Leeds United.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Injury woes continue for Barcelona as player ruled out until 2026

Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but their victory at the Spotify Camp Nou has come at a cost. Dani Olmo was injured in the process of scoring their second goal, and it has now been confirmed that he is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Manchester United News / centredevils / December 2

Gary Neville awarded honorary degree

Gary Neville has been a major part of Manchester United’s Premier League era, having won eight league titles and two Champions League. The former right-back came through the Class of ‘92, captained the side under Sir Alex Ferguson in their era of dominance, embodying the standards that defined United’s most successful period.

Soccer News / Football Espana / December 2

Diego Simeone praises Barcelona star – 'I don’t know how he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or'

Atletico Madrid were beaten by Barcelona on Tuesday, which brought to an end their seven-match winning run across all competitions. Los Colchoneros had taken the lead early on courtesy of Alex Baena, but goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres ensured a disappointing defeat.

RB Leipzig News / Football Espana / December 2

Hansi Flick confirms Barcelona star is 'fine' following victory over Atletico Madrid

Barcelona came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, with goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. It is a result that sees the Catalans extend their lead at the top of La Liga to four points ahead of Real Madrid, who are in action on Wednesday evening.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 2

Spalletti compares Juventus 2-0 Udinese to lions against mice: ‘The real lion gives his all’

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has described his Juventus outfit as ‘lions’ and says that ‘a real lion gives all its strength, even against a mouse’

Werder Bremen News / Caught Offside / December 2

Report: West Ham plot Man United raid to improve key area in January

West Ham United are looking to add more quality to the attacking unit, and they have identified Joshua Zirkzee as a target. The player has struggled for opportunities at Manchester United, and a report from La Lazio Siamo Noi claims that West Ham are prepared to provide him with an exit route.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 2

What Arsenal told Chelsea about a possible Lewis-Skelly move

Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a target for Chelsea as he continues to struggle for regular game time at Arsenal. The Blues have a reputation for strengthening their squad with highly rated young players, making Lewis-Skelly a natural candidate for their interest.

RB Leipzig News / Esteemed Kompany / December 2

Manchester City 5 Fulham 4: City player ratings from a match that didn’t make sense

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City beat Fulham 5-4 at Craven Cottage tonight in a match that was the perfect advertisement for the Premier League.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / December 2

Real Madrid on tenterhooks after latest Vinicius Junior contract update

Vinicius Junior continues to attract a lot of speculation – in particular, regarding his future as a Real Madrid player. The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season, and so far, there has been no agreement reached on an extension.

Soccer News / The Celtic Star / December 2

Wilfried Nancy set to take Celtic training ahead of Hearts clash

Wilfried Nancy is en-route to Glasgow to become Celtic’s new permanent manager. The Frenchman emerged as Celtic’s preferred candidate to replace Brendan Rodgers with Paul Tisdale pushing hard for the appointment of the Columbus Crew boss.

Crystal Palace News / Caught Offside / December 2

Report: Crystal Palace make their move to sign Frenchman in January

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Sacha Boey from Bayern Munich during the January transfer window. According to a report via GMS, they are looking to improve the squad in January, and they have identified the defender as a potential target.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 2

Player ratings: Juventus 2-0 Udinese – David unlucky not to have scored twice

Juventus are through to the Coppa Italia quarter-final after a 2-0 victory at home against Udinese on Tuesday evening, thanks largely to decent performances from the likes of Jonathan David, Weston McKennie, Teun Koopmeiners and Juan Cabal.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 2

Has Declan Rice exceeded expectations at Arsenal?

Declan Rice joined Arsenal for £100 million in the summer of 2023, yet some fans are not fully aware of the size of the investment. His performances have consistently justified the fee, often exceeding the contributions of players who have cost more.

Aston Villa News / Caught Offside / December 2

Former Premier League boss feels 'great player' from Aston Villa 'wants to move'

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has not been at his best this season. He has scored just once in 19 appearances across all competitions, and he has been linked with a move away from the club.

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

The 'Last pair of 100-yard rushers by team' quiz

The '1,500-receiving-yard NFL seasons' quiz

The 'Five game-winning-drives in a season' quiz

The 'Turkey Leg/Galloping Gobbler winners' quiz

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 2

Report: Tottenham and Everton join six-way race for former Liverpool ace

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are interested in signing Tyler Morton from Lyon. The 23-year-old has done quite well for the French outfit since joining the club from Liverpool.

Vancouver Whitecaps News / Yardbarker / December 2

Three key Vancouver players who could decide MLS Cup final

Inter Miami will host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday in the 2025 MLS Cup Final. It's set to be a fascinating game, with both teams making their first appearances in the championship match.

Lionel Messi versus Thomas Muller: A rivalry told through three classic matches ahead of MLS Cup Final

The 'Major League Soccer Cup champions' quiz

Nottingham Forest News / Caught Offside / December 2

Why Liverpool and Man City have left Man United worried in pursuit of 23-year-old

Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move away from Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. The 23-year-old has done quite well in the Premier League, and it is no surprise that top teams are interested in him.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 2

Despite impressive starts to goals ratio Tottenham fans refuse to rate Richarlison highly

The pressure is mounting on Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank. The north Londoners fell to a 10th home league defeat of 2025 against Fulham on Saturday night, leading to fan frustrations after the game.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 2

Maresca explains his message to players ahead of Leeds test with title talk growing

Chelsea had two tough games last week but play two sides much lower down the league this week. Enzo Maresca was asked in his press conference how he intended to make sure his side kept their focus.

Sporting KC part ways with interim coach Kerry Zavagnin

Sporting Kansas City announced a mutual parting with interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin on Tuesday. Zavagnin, a former player and assistant coach who has been with the team for 26 seasons, took over when Peter Vermes was fired on March 31 after an 0-5-1 start to the 2025 season.

Soccer News / Last Word On Sports / December 2

Newcastle vs Tottenham Confirmed Lineups for December 2

These are the Newcastle vs Tottenham confirmed lineups for their Premier League clash. They have the distinguished honor of taking the 8:15 kick-off slot for out first round of midweek December fixtures as the entire league gets set to be put through their paces and juggle competing in multiple games a week for the near future.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 2

Chelsea could make big future fee on defender who is thriving after injury

While some of Chelsea’s loanees are doing really well this season, there were others we were starting to get worried about. One of those was Aaron Anselmino, who had a bright start to life at Dortmund but then suffered a series of really frustrating injury setbacks which prevented him from playing nearly as much as he could in the last few months.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 2

Fantasy Football Matchweek 14: Buy, Sell, Injury Report

As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 14 of the Premier League, scheduled from Tuesday, December 2, to Thursday, December 4, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategise effectively to maximise their points.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 2

Manchester United vs West Ham United: Three Key Factors, Predicted Lineups, Injuries

Manchester United vs West Ham United is going to be the final match of Matchday 14 of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, as the reignited Red Devils face off against an unpredictable West Ham side at Old Trafford on Thursday, December 4.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 2

Why Chelsea’s goal stood against Arsenal despite recent controversies

Inconsistency has continued to affect decisions across several Premier League matches in recent seasons. Goals that appear straightforward are often reviewed extensively, with some being ruled out by VAR for interference, while others that seem identical are allowed to stand.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / December 2

Leeds vs Chelsea: Three Key Factors, Predicted Lineups, Injuries

Leeds vs Chelsea is going to be a thrilling match in Gameweek 14 of the 2025/26 Premier League when the two sides fight for three points at Elland Road on Wednesday, December 3.