Erik ten Hag believes both he and former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will be successful this season, knowing they both must continue to prove their worth.
Ten Hag faces one of his Old Trafford predecessors on Thursday when United visit Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
The current United boss is a man under pressure after a difficult start to the season, despite delivering silverware in each of his first two seasons in England.
Those were the Red Devils' first trophies since Mourinho was in charge, with the Portuguese leaving Manchester in 2018 and subsequently working at Tottenham, Roma and now Fenerbahce.
Fener are now fourth in Turkey's Super Lig, eight points off the pace, albeit with a game in hand.
But Ten Hag has faith in Mourinho, just as he does in his own ability to turn United's fortunes around.
"Mourinho and I, we won a lot of trophies the last years, but you have to prove yourself every year," the Dutchman said. "When you don't win, we are always under criticism.
"We know that we are experienced enough. Professional football is about winning games, and when you don't win, the criticism is coming.
"But at the end of the day, it's about how you are at the end of the year.
"Mourinho is so experienced, he will lead this team to its best form, he will be successful and so will we.
"We are convinced we are in the right direction, that we follow the right path and we will achieve what our targets are."
Fenerbahce fell into the Europa League after losing a Champions League qualifier to Lille but have at least earned four points from their first two matches in Europe's secondary competition.
United have made hard work of winning two points across the same period, their European form no more impressive than domestic results, which have them 12th in the Premier League.
Going back to last season's miserable Champions League campaign, United are winless in five European matches, their worst run since the 1980s.
"Man United didn't win in Europe [since Mourinho's Europa League win] and it's also for us a target, what we want to achieve, and we have a big opportunity this season," Ten Had added.
"We have the quality, we have to win games. It's a new set-up, we are two games under way, we have two points, we know what we have to do and win games.
"This season we just started, we have two draws. First season, I think we won a lot of European games. Last season, obviously it was for domestic and also in Europe a difficult journey.
"But we are confident, we are confident we are capable to do this, to win games in the Premier League and in Europe."
Atalanta failed to turn their dominance into goals, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Celtic at Gewiss Stadium.
The hosts endured a frustrating day in Bergamo, where they were unable to find the breakthrough, despite registering 22 shots on goal to their opponents' four.
Atalanta had collected four points from their opening two games, and quickly established their authority on proceedings.
They went closest to scoring in the 18th minute, when Mario Pasalic rattled the crossbar with his header from Davide Zappacosta's cross.
The hosts continued to control the contest and push for the opening goal in the second half, enjoying just under 70% of the possession.
However, a combination of stubborn defending and Kasper Schmeichel heroics saw Celtic hold on for a hard-earned point.
Data Debrief: Italian Job well done by Celtic
Celtic had lost all seven of their previous Champions League away matches in Italy. The Hoops had also suffered defeat in eight of their last nine games in the competition on the road.
However, they held firm to stop the rot, with Kasper Schmeichel becoming the first Celtic goalkeeper to make as many as six saves and keep a clean sheet in a Champions League game on record.
As for Atalanta, they are only the second team in the Champions League (2008-09 onwards) to register 20+ shots and 50+ touches in the opposition box during a single match without scoring.
Brest and Bayer Leverkusen played out a 1-1 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday, ending both teams' winning starts to the competition.
The German champions took early control and were rewarded with a 24th-minute lead when Florian Wirtz completed a superb passing move with a low finish.
Brest's 39th-minute equaliser was even more spectacular, with 31-year-old Pierre Lees-Melou powering in a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box to score on his maiden Champions League appearance.
The hosts had the better of the second-half chances, with Mama Balde coming the closest to a winner following a quick counter-attack, but he could only hit the side netting.
Both sides had penalty shouts at the end of either half, with VAR reviews leading to neither being given, and there was nothing to separate the teams after 90 minutes.
Brest and Leverkusen are level on seven points from three matches, sitting third and fourth respectively, two points behind leaders Aston Villa.
Data Debrief: Wirtz shines as Leverkusen stutter again
It has been a mixed season for Leverkusen so far, with Xabi Alonso's side not quite hitting their free-flowing best from last term.
Wirtz once again starred for the visitors and became the fifth player born after the millennium to score 15 major European goals, after Phil Foden, Rodrygo, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior.
In fact, since his European debut in August 2020, he has been directly involved in more goals in major European competitions than any other German player (27 - 15 goals, 12 assists).
As for Lees-Melou, he became the second-oldest Frenchman (aged 31 years, 151 days) to score on his Champions League debut, after Daniel Bravo in 1994 (31y 217d).
West Indies suffered a series-defining loss in the second One-day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka, as they again went down by five wickets in Pallekele on Wednesday.
The defeat, which resulted from another disappointing batting performance, saw Sri Lanka taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, leaving the Caribbean side with mere hopes of salvaging pride in the final game on Saturday.
After a dismal batting collapse that saw the West Indies at a shocking 58-8 in the rain-affected contest, which was reduced to 44 overs per team, it was an historic ninth-wicket partnership between Sherfane Rutherford (80) and Gudakesh Motie (50 not out) that added a glimmer of respectability to their total.
The pair put together 119 runs, the highest-ever ninth-wicket stand in West Indies' ODI history, with Rutherford smashing four sixes and seven fours in his 82-ball knock, while Motie’s maiden ODI half-century came off 61 balls and included six boundaries, as they lifted the side to 189.
However, the damage had already been done by Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack led by spinners Wanindu Hasaranga (4-40) and Maheesh Theekshana (3-25). Seamer Asitha Fernando had 3-35. Their batting unit led by an unbeaten 62 from captain Charith Asalanka then surpassed their target with some degree of comfort.
Scores: West Indies 189 (36 overs); Sri Lanka 190-5 (38.2 overs)
After being asked to take first strike, the West Indies’ top and middle order, with the exception of Rutherford, again failed miserably, as they crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy assault. In fact, besides Rutherford and Motie, opener Brandon King (16) was the only other batsman in double figures, which tells the tale of the alarming regularity in which the wickets fell.
By the 16th over, the Caribbean side had lost eight wickets for just 58 runs, with no batsman managing to stabilize the innings. However, in what seemed like a foregone conclusion, Rutherford and Motie showed resilience and defiance and gave the team a fighting chance, but their efforts were ultimately too little, too late.
West Indies bowlers initially showed some promise, as vice captain Alzarri Joseph (2-30) and Motie (1-18) picked up early wickets, but Sri Lanka's steady chase, led by Asalanka, ensured there would be no upset.
Asalanka, who struck seven fours and a solitary six in his 61-ball knock, anchored the innings with the assistance of Sadeera Samarawickrama (38) and Janith Liyanage (24), after Nishan Madushka (38) earlier got things going.
West Indies captain Shai Hope expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly with the batting, as they are now left to play for pride in the third and final ODI.
“I really don't like to focus on things we can't control. Today it was disappointing. We just need to get through the powerplay and negate the spin threat. We needed to limit the dot balls so hopefully we can play better in the last game. We are not putting enough revs on the ball, bowling quickly as well, and so we need to take lessons from Sri Lanka’s spinners,” Hope said in a post-game interview.
“We didn’t put enough runs on the board, and that’s been the story for us in this series. We’ve got to do better in the third game.”
Heung-min Son will miss Tottenham's Europa League clash with AZ, head coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed.
The Spurs skipper returned from a hamstring injury during their victory over West Ham at the weekend, but was absent from training on Wednesday.
Postecoglou said Son would not be risked for the visit of the Eredivisie side on Thursday, with Tottenham aiming to make it three wins from three, having opened their campaign with victories over Qarabag and Ferencvaros.
Although, Richarlison is available and could make his first start of the season, after returning from injury as a substitute against West Ham.
"Sonny was a bit sore after the weekend," Postecoglou told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "He was never going to be involved tomorrow. [We will] leave him out of tomorrow, and see how he is from there.
"Richy got through this weekend really well, [he is into] almost the second week of training now. [He is] ready to go in terms of being available.
"We've started the competition really well so far, [with] different challenges in both games. We've exposed some of our young players to European football, a positive growth from that.
"From our perspective - here at home - it's a good opportunity to continue our form."
Juanpe said it was "a dream come true" after his goal helped Girona to an historic first Champions League victory in their history.
Michel's side, who are embarking on their maiden campaign in Europe's premier competition, got their first win on the board after seeing off Slovan Bratislava 2-0 on Tuesday.
After opening with successive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Feyenoord, Girona took a first-half lead through Miguel Gutierrez, before Juanpe's deflected free-kick sealed the victory 17 minutes from time.
And the 33-year-old defender, who is in his ninth season with Blanquivermells, was proud to play his part of a momentous day for the club.
"It's a dream come true. We watched this competition on TV, and this is the pure elite," he said. "I'm very happy. When I scored, I looked at the scoreboard to make sure it was true, my entire football career was going through my mind.
"It's an important triumph and one of the most important moments of my career, scoring in the Champions League with Girona."
"I am very happy for Juanpe," head coach Michel added. "He has been here for many years, and now he has scored in the Champions League.
"We must be happy and proud of these players. Most of their performances were incredible."
Steve Cooper insisted that he will treat Leicester’s upcoming Premier League fixture like “any other game” as he prepares to face former club Nottingham Forest for the first time.
Cooper spent two years at the City Ground, guiding the Tricky Trees to the top-flight in his first season in charge, despite taking over the club when they were bottom of the Championship.
The Welshman guided Forest to safety in his first season in the Premier League but was dismissed in December 2023 after a run of one win in 13 matches.
Coming into Friday’s game on the back of consecutive wins, Cooper was not drawn into the emotions of facing his former employers and is confident the Foxes can continue their forward momentum.
"I'm looking forward to it like any other game. It's a very good culture here and even though we didn't get the results in the early season, it's always been a motivated and hard-working training ground,” Cooper said.
"We look forward to every single game day. Forest is the next game, it doesn't matter who we are playing because we are so focused on ourselves. We are enjoying the journey that we are on.
"It was important we brought in extra players in the summer and in they had to bring some experience and know-how."
Forest, meanwhile, travel to their East Midlands rivals after downing Crystal Palace on Monday, moving them to eighth in the Premier League table after eight games.
The Tricky Trees have improved under Nuno Espirito Santo this season, though the Forest boss was quick to praise the job Cooper had done in his short tenure with the Foxes.
"Tough team, tough match. They have come from two good performances and two good results, it’s not easy to achieve back-to-back wins in the Premier League, they have done it. That should tell that they are in a good moment playing good,” Nuno said.
"It is going to be hard and tough, and you go there to try and fight and be better than them. It’s always the same philosophy.
Nuno will, however, not be on the touchline at the King Power Stadium as he serves the second game of his three-match ban, but said his absence from the sidelines will not affect preparations.
"We have taken care of that and making sure things go normal like they did in this game. We have constant communication with the coaching staff, we know that we are trying to prepare that in Leicester and hopefully, we can do the same,” he concluded.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Leicester – Facundo Buonanotte
Buonanotte has been involved in five goals in his last six Premier League appearances for Leicester (three goals, two assists).
The 19-year-old could become just the 10th teenager to score or assist in four appearances in a row and be the first since Evan Ferguson for Brighton in January 2023.
Nottingham Forest – Elliot Anderson
Anderson is one of only three players to create five or more chances and complete five or more dribbles in a Premier League match this season after his impressive display against Crystal Palace (five chances created and six completed dribbles).
This campaign, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah against Bournemouth and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka against Leicester have achieved that feat.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
Leicester have won their last two Premier League home games against Forest (December 1998 and October 2022), having won neither of their first two in the competition (D1 L1).
After winning none of their first six Premier League games this season (D3 L3), Leicester have since won both of their last two. The Foxes last won three successive matches in the competition in January 2021 under Brendan Rodgers.
And expect an entertaining affair. There have been at least four goals scored in all four of the Foxes Premier League home games against Forest.
But Forest arrive at the King Power Stadium with confidence. They are unbeaten in their last six away games in the Premier League (W4 D2); their longest run without an away defeat in the top-flight since February-October 1995 (12 games).
The Tricky Trees also won 2-0 against Leicester in their last league meeting (January 2023), last winning consecutive league games against the Foxes in March 2005 and December 2009.
Only Liverpool (three) have conceded fewer goals than Nottingham Forest (six) in the Premier League so far this season, while Nuno’s side also rank third for expected goals against (8.81). They conceded 20 shots against Crystal Palace last time out, yet still held them to under one expected goal (0.97).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Leicester – 37.3%
Draw – 26.4%
Nottingham Forest – 36.3%
Another star wide receiver is on the move, as NFL.com reported on Wednesday that the Kansas City Chiefs are finalising a trade with the Tennessee Titans for five-time Pro Bowl selection DeAndre Hopkins.
The Titans will reportedly receive a fifth-round draft pick that can become a fourth-rounder if certain conditions are met. Tennessee will also retain some of Hopkins' remaining salary to facilitate the trade.
Hopkins, who recorded his seventh career 1,000-yard season in 2023, fills an obvious need for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who have been hit hard by injuries at the wide receiver position.
Kansas City lost top wideout Rashee Rice to a season-ending right knee injury in Week 4 and is also without projected starter Hollywood Brown, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and aiming to return for the playoffs. Veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster is also currently sidelined after injuring his hamstring in the Chiefs' win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Hopkins has just 15 catches totalling 173 yards and one touchdown in six games this season while hindered by the 1–5 Titans' instability at quarterback, but bounced back from a pair of injury-plagued campaigns during his first season in Tennessee in 2023. The three-time All-Pro registered 75 receptions for 1,057 yards with seven touchdowns while playing in all 17 games.
The 32-year-old missed a total of 15 games over the course of the 2021 and 2022 seasons while then with the Arizona Cardinals. Hopkins dealt with hamstring and knee injuries in 2021 and sat out the first six games of 2022 while serving a suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Tennessee signed Hopkins, who spent his first seven seasons with the Houston Texans from 2013-19, to a two-year, $26 million contract following his release by the Cardinals in May 2023.
The 6–0 Chiefs are the NFL's lone unbeaten team this season despite an offence that's lacked consistency. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has just one 300-yard passing game thus far and has thrown more interceptions (eight) than touchdown passes (six).
Hopkins became the third accomplished veteran wide receiver to be traded in just over a week. The New York Jets acquired six-time Pro Bowl honouree Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15, and the Buffalo Bills swung a deal with the Cleveland Browns for Amari Cooper the same day.
The much-anticipated inaugural Global Super League (GSL) is set to take place in Guyana from November 26 to December 7, 2024, with five powerhouse teams from across the globe competing for a lucrative US$1 million prize. The tournament will be held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence and promises to deliver exciting T20 cricket action.
The competing teams include representatives from the West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, England, and Bangladesh. Leading the local charge will be the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise that is expected to bring a strong contingent of players to the competition. They will be joined by the Lahore Qalandars from Pakistan, Victoria from Australia, Hampshire Hawks from England, and Rangpur Riders from Bangladesh.
Each team will play a round-robin format, facing off against every other team, with the top two teams advancing to the final on December 7. The tournament will span 11 matches over the course of two weeks, with all games scheduled to be played under lights at the Providence stadium, providing prime-time entertainment for fans.
The action kicks off on Tuesday, November 26, when the home favorites, Guyana Amazon Warriors, take on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament’s opening fixture at 7 pm. The following day, Hampshire Hawks will face Rangpur Riders in what promises to be a thrilling contest between two strong cricketing nations.
On Friday, November 29, the Amazon Warriors will return to the field for a highly anticipated clash against Victoria, one of Australia’s premier teams, while Saturday, November 30, will feature a doubleheader with Hampshire Hawks going head-to-head with the Lahore Qalandars in the morning fixture.
The action continues into December, with Sunday, December 1, offering a thrilling day of cricket. In the morning, the Rangpur Riders will face Victoria, followed by a night game featuring the Guyana Amazon Warriors against Hampshire Hawks, a match that promises to draw huge interest from local and international fans alike.
The competition heats up on Tuesday, December 3, as Victoria takes on Lahore Qalandars, followed by a clash between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Rangpur Riders on Wednesday, December 4. The final round of group-stage fixtures will take place on Thursday, December 5, when the Lahore Qalandars square off against the Rangpur Riders, and Friday, December 6, when Hampshire Hawks meet Victoria.
The two teams with the highest points at the end of the group stage will battle it out in the final on Saturday, December 7, at 7 pm, with the winner walking away as the inaugural GSL champions and claiming the largest share of the US$1 million prize fund.
With top-tier talent from across the globe, including players from the Caribbean, Australia, England, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the Global Super League promises to be one of the most exciting new T20 competitions in the cricketing calendar. The tournament will not only showcase international cricketing stars but also provide a platform for emerging talent to shine on the global stage.
Jose Mourinho believes his former clubs Manchester United and Tottenham are the two favourites to win this season's Europa League.
Mourinho's Fenerbahce welcome United on matchday three, with both sides aiming to maintain their unbeaten starts to this season's competition.
The Red Devils, who have opened with two draws against Twente and Porto, ended their five-game winless streak across all competitions with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday.
United's difficult form has seen the pressure intensify on Erik ten Hag. But Mourinho, who was in charge at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018, thinks it is only a matter of time before things click into place for the Dutchman.
"If I have to say now which are the two biggest candidates to win the Europa League, I think it's easy - Manchester United and Tottenham," he said.
"The Premier League has a different level of quality, intensity, pace, tactical culture - a different level of everything. [On Thursday] I think we are going to play against one of the two strongest teams.
"They have a better team than their results are showing. I studied them the maximum I could. We watched everything in the Premier League, [and previous Europa League games against] Twente and Porto - there is work there. They will succeed sooner or later."
Mourinho, who oversaw a second-place Premier League finish with United during the 2017-18 season, also cheekily asked if he would be entitled to a winner's medal, due to potential charges against Manchester City for allegedly breaching financial rules.
If found guilty of the charges dating from 2009 to 2018, City could face severe punishment, including being stripped of titles.
One of those could be from the 2017-18 season, when Pep Guardiola's side became the first team to finish a Premier League campaign with 100 points, 19 ahead of Mourinho's United in second place.
"I think we still have a chance to win that league!" Mourinho joked. "Maybe, they punish Manchester City with points [deducted], we win that league, they have to pay me the bonus, and give me the medal."
Real Madrid have confirmed that both Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo will miss their upcoming Clasico encounter against Barcelona through injury.
The LaLiga champions revealed that Courtois had sustained an injury to the adductor in his left leg during their 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Madrid also said that Rodrygo, who was replaced by Aurelien Tchouameni in the 85th minute against Dortmund, will undergo an MRI scan later this week.
The Brazilian was seen holding the back of his leg shortly before playing a role in Lucas Vazquez's goal seven minutes from time.
Rodrygo has impressed for Carlo Ancelotti's side this term, notching five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) in 13 appearances in all competitions.
His 16 chances created is a total only bettered by Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior (both 21), though Madrid are not without their reserves at the top end of the pitch.
Real are already without Dani Carvajal and David Alaba for the visit of their fierce rivals, but have welcomed Brahim Diaz back into training after a month-long lay-off.
When Canadian professional golfer and celebrity entertainer Todd Keirstead stands out on course, it is not just for his remarkable skills but for the way he’s using his talents to give back.
Known for his extraordinary trick shots that leave spectators amazed, Keirstead, who has been playing golf for over 20 years, found a way to turn his passion for the game into a powerful tool for charitable fundraising, and his unique blend of showmanship and philanthropy was on full display in Jamaica recently.
Keirstead’s appearance at the Baxter Canadian Travel Advisors Golf Tournament at the Sandals Golf and Country Club was more than just for an exhibition of incredible talent, as his jaw-dropping trick shots were designed with a larger goal in mind –raising funds for the Sandals Foundation’s junior golf programme, an initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of golfers in Jamaica.
The programme helps provide access to golf for young players who might otherwise not have the opportunity to engage with the sport, offering training, equipment, and mentorship.
“Anything that involves giving back is near and dear to my heart and I love when kids are introduced to this sport. This sport has given me so much; it's allowed me to travel the world and if I can give back, plus put a smile on kids face and show them what can be done through golf,” Keirstead told SportsMax.Tv.
“I also have a national adaptive golf programme where I work with people with varying disabilities and injuries, showing them that they can play the game of golf again because a lot of them gave up the game because they don't think they can play. But if I can show them that, yes, maybe you can't play the way that you used to, but here's an adaptive way to play golf, which is such an incredible sport,” he added.
While his impressive abilities—which involve performing shots blindfolded and even hitting balls from various parts of people’s bodies—saw him once win Trick Shot of the Year, complemented by features on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, TSN, and TMZ, Keirstead’s focus extends far beyond simply entertaining the crowd.
For Keirstead, who survived skin cancer in 2023 when he endured seven surgeries in just four months, every shot he takes is a chance to bring attention to causes that matter, as he is driven by a mission to empower and educate.
“I’ve always believed that golf can be more than just a sport; it can be a vehicle for change. I was doing a demonstration back in 2014, and I realised a lot of the shots that I was doing for pure entertainment value were actually emulating the individuals I was with. So I was hitting golf balls blindfolded, and there were individuals that lost their sight. I was swinging golf balls with one arm, showing the correlation between golf and tennis, and there were arm amputees present,” Keirstead, who is also a part of Paragolf Canada, explained.
“I was hitting golf balls off my knees, and there were people present with double leg amputations. So it immediately turned the light bulb on to me that this wasn't so much entertaining anymore; it was more inspiring, showing these individuals who suffered horrific physical situations, here's an adaptive way to play. I've travelled around the world, working with wounded military people, people in car accidents, individuals that suffered drugs, and just giving back to them through the game of golf,” he shared.
According to Keirstead, the Sandals Foundation’s junior golf programme is a perfect fit for his mission, as it is focused on providing resources and support to budding young golfers who dream of making it big in the sport.
In fact, the cheerful personality believes that by combining his passion for golf with a deep commitment to giving back, he is demonstrating that charity doesn’t have to come in the form of a traditional donation—it can come in the form of time and a willingness to inspire others.
“I would love to work at different golf courses here in Jamaica, helping draw tourism here as well and give the whole island an experience. Being able to give back through what I love doing is a gift, and if I can use my platform to help young golfers get the opportunities they deserve, that’s what makes it all worthwhile,” he declared with a broad smile.
“It’s amazing to see how something as simple as a golf ball can create a ripple effect of change. When these kids are given the opportunity to play, to learn, and to grow in the sport, they’re also learning life skills—discipline, focus, resilience, and that’s what we’re really investing in,” Keirstead ended.
Michael Keane believes Everton have made themselves hard to beat and is looking forward to testing that theory against Fulham in the Premier League.
The Toffees started the season with a run of four consecutive losses, but have since turned things around, going unbeaten in their last four in the top-flight.
Their 2-0 victory over struggling Ipswich Town last weekend helped move them five points clear of the relegation zone in the early standings.
And Keane is delighted with the uptick in their form as they look to extend that run at Goodison Park on Saturday.
"We've become hard to play against," Keane told evertontv.
"Obviously, against Newcastle, it wasn't our best performance but we grinded it out by doing all the ugly things really well and [last week], I think we played a lot better than we did and we got a deserved win.
"To have four games unbeaten now, it gives you that momentum and that confidence going into the next games."
Meanwhile, Fulham have suffered back-to-back losses against Manchester City and Aston Villa in recent weeks, following a five-match unbeaten streak in the league.
Marco Silva is looking to get back to winning ways against his former club and has won his last two away games against Everton in the Premier League.
However, the Cottagers went down to 10 men against Villa, having given up their lead, and Silva was left bemused by the decision that will leave him without Joachim Andersen for the trip to Merseyside.
"[Villa was] not the best performance from us," Silva said.
"But we're all confused [about the red card], we all don't understand, even for you, for fans for staff, managers and players, we're all confused because when things happen, we try to understand why and respect."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Everton – Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil has been involved in six goals in his last six Premier League appearances (three goals, three assists) for Everton.
He is only the third Toffees player with three goals and three assists in the opening eight games of a season, after Francis Jeffers in 1999-00 and James Rodriguez in 2020-21.
Fulham – Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez has scored or assisted in each of his last five Premier League appearances for Fulham (four goals, one assist).
No Cottagers player has done so in six games in a row, while only three players have scored or assisted in six in a row aged 33 or older: Gus Poyet aged 34 in 2001, Dennis Bergkamp aged 35 in 2004, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic aged 35 in 2017.
MATCH PREDICTION: EVERTON WIN
Since losing their first four Premier League matches this season, Everton are unbeaten in four games (W2 D2). Only once have the Toffees gone five unbeaten under Sean Dyche, doing so in April and May this year.
And their record in October is impressive - Everton have kept six clean sheets in their last seven such Premier League games (W4 D2 L1), including both games this season. Since 2022-23, the Toffees have averaged 0.75 points per game in August and September (P20 W3 D6 L11) compared to 1.55 points per game in October (W5 D2 L4).
Since Dyche's first Premier League games in charge of Everton, only Arsenal (33) have scored more goals via set pieces (excl. pens) than the Toffees (27).
However, Everton were unbeaten in their first 27 home league games against Fulham between 1949 and 2018 (W23 D4), winning each of the last 22 of those. Since then, they have lost their last three at home to the Cottagers.
In fact, Fulham are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against the Toffees (W3 D2), keeping four clean sheets in the process. All three of those wins in that run have come at Goodison Park.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Everton – 40.9%
Draw – 26.7%
Fulham – 32.4%
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Hong Kong Open due to a foot injury as she races to be fit for the Billie Jean King Cup next month.
Raducanu has not played since retiring midway through her quarter-final against Daria Kasatkina in the Korea Open last month.
The Briton revealed she had sprained ligaments in her foot and has subsequently missed four tournaments, including the China and Wuhan Open.
Raducanu was targeting a return at next week's WTA 250 event in Hong Kong, but has pulled out of the event after confirming she would not be fit to feature.
"I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week. Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit," she wrote on X.
"I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future! In the meantime, I am doing what I can to be ready for BJKC [Billie Jean King Cup]."
But the world number 55's latest withdrawal has raised concerns about her chances of competing for Great Britain at the Billie Jean Cup.
Raducanu is in Great Britain's squad of five players for the competition, joining Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls.
Anne Keothavong's side take on Germany on November 15 in Spain, though Raducanu faces an uphill battle to be fit.
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