Premier League, WSL and FA Cup first-round buildup: football news – live updates | Soccer

Key events

Gabriel close to a return

While it’s bad news for Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel could make a return to the side if he navigate today’s training session without a hitch.

“We have a training session today, if he can complete that, he will be available,” Arsenal’s manager said.

However, Calafiori and Odegaard are “definitely out” and Ben White’s status is now “wait and see”.

That is Ben’s quality, he can play two different positions” Arteta said of White, adding that his current injury is not a recurrence of his gammy groin and more related to a joint issue..

“He can adapt. We are demanding. For him to do that job, having not played there for over a year, was very impressive.”

Elsewhere, Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out and won’t be back before the next international break.

Mikel Arteta is the first PL boss to speak to the press this morning.

He started by sending his thoughts to those impacted by the horrific floods that have already claimed more than 150 lives in Spain.

“We are trying to pull together in this situation. We ask everyone to pull together and show their support. It is terrible what has happened,” Arteta said.

In a wide-ranging interview, his first with a newspaper since departing from his director of football role, Nils Nielsen covers a lot of ground with Tom Garry.

FA Cup First Round gets underway today

The world’s oldest cup competition, one stretching back all the way to 1871, gets going today.

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Well, OK, we’ve already had four qualifying rounds, but today marks the official start of the first round of the FA Cup.

There are loads of games this weekend – too many to list in full here – but I will wish supporters of Notts County, Alfreton Town, Tamworth and Huddersfield the best of luck for this evening.

Notts County currently sit third in League Two and welcome Alfreton Town who occupy seventh spot in the National League North standings.

Huddersfield, who last played in the Premier League in 2019, are seventh in League One and make the trip to Tamworth who’d do well to upset the Terriers given that they’re down in 16th in the National League table.

Any of our readers going to these games? Anyone else heading off to an FA Cup game? Holla!

As always, we kick off our Friday fare with the 10 things to look out for this Premier League weekend.

Louise Taylor says its time for Tonali to take charge at a Newcastle outfit that could do with some leadership.

Andy Hunter shines a light on Arne Slot’s selection headaches.

And Will Unwin wonders if Manchester United’s midfield has enough oomph with Manuel Ugarte kicking lumps out of the opposition in those central areas. Can we keep Cole Palmer quiet?

Premier League fixtures this weekend:

  • Newcastle v Arsenal (12:30 Saturday)

  • Liverpool v Brighton (15:00 Saturday)

  • Ipswich v Leicester (15:00 Saturday)

  • Bournemouth v Man City (15:00 Saturday)

  • Southampton v Everton (15:00 Saturday)

  • Nott’m Forest v West Ham (15:00 Saturday)

  • Wolves v Crystal Palace (17:30 Saturday)

  • Tottenham v Aston Villa (14:00 Sunday)

  • Man United v Chelsea (16:30 Sunday)

  • Fulham v Brentford (20:00 Saturday)

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Preamble

What a week of football that was. Rodri and Aitana Bonmati won golden balls. Real Madrid threw a tantrum. Manchester United sacked their manager, put five past Leicester with their interim boss and confirmed the signing of another.

We’ll pick at the bones of a mad few days and look ahead at the action taking place this weekend. Can’t stop, won’t stop!

As always, your thoughts and quips are welcome. Drop me a line and let’s have some fun together. I especially want to hear from United and Madrid fans so please, if you’re in the sharing mood, get in touch!

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