Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Tottenham's £65million signing Dominic Solanke will miss this weekend's Premier League encounter against Everton. 

Solanke, who made his debut for the club in their 1-1 draw with Leicester City in their opening game of the new season, picked up an ankle injury in the East Midlands.

The 26-year-old made a promising start to his Spurs career at the King Power Stadium, recording the most shots (three) and shots on target (three), with his eight touches in the opposition box only bettered by Son Heung-min (10). 

It serves as a huge blow for Postecoglou as he aims to improve on their fifth place finish in the division last season, with Solanke's arrival thought to be the missing piece to his front line. 

His 22 goal involvements (19 goals and three assists) for the Cherries was the joint-ninth highest in the division, but Spurs will now have to turn to their other striking options for the visit of Sean Dyche's side. 

"Dom picked up a knock in the last game," Postecoglou said. "He got through the game, but it flared up the day after, and he'll miss the game tomorrow.

"It's an ankle injury. He copped it really early on, someone went across his ankle."

After full-time on Saturday, Solanke will have missed more league minutes for Spurs than he did in the entirety of 2023-24 (88).

The striker had 100% availability for Bournemouth last season, missing only five league games across three seasons for the Cherries.

Postecoglou also confirmed that midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur would be unavailable for the fixture following a serious head collision against the Foxes. 

The Uruguayan was stretchered off in the 78th minute after an incident inside the area, but there was more positive news on defender Pedro Porro, who was seen struggling during the contest. 

"Irrespective of concussion protocols, any head injury we’ve always got to be more conservative from my perspective," Postecoglou said.

"He’s bounced back really well, he’s done all the tests and feels good but we’ll take our time with Rodrigo to make sure he’s absolutely 100 per cent before we put him out there again. It’s unfortunate for Rodrigo as he had a good game on Monday night.

"Pedro [Porro] is fine, he trained this week and we have no other concerns."

There will be a return for Yves Bissouma to Spurs' ranks, however, after he was suspended for the trip to Leicester following a video surfacing on social media of the Mali international inhaling nitrous oxide. 

"Biss is available but we've got some options there. The whole idea of trying to bulk up the squad is for these situations.

"He's available for selection. The bridge building continues," Postecoglou said.

Barcelona hope to have new signing Dani Olmo available against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday after facing issues with registering the midfielder, coach Hansi Flick said on Friday.

Barcelona host Bilbao in their second match of the season in LaLiga, having beaten Valencia 2-1 on matchday one.

Olmo, who arrived in a €60million deal from RB Leipzig after helping Spain win Euro 2024, did not feature in that match and is yet to be registered with LaLiga.

Barcelona have faced well-documented financial issues in recent years and sanctioned Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City on Friday, hoping that move will allow them to comply with the league's strict salary cap rules.

Flick hopes to receive positive news regarding Olmo's availability ahead of Saturday's match, saying: "It is not my job, we have worked well this week.

"Olmo is ready to play and I hope he will be in the team, that will be very positive for us. In training he is amazing and it is important to have him as soon as possible."

At Euro 2024, Olmo became the first Spanish player to score in three successive European Championship games, despite only starting three of La Roja's seven matches. 

His five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) were also the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists). 

Olmo scored 29 goals and added 34 assists across 148 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, for whom he created 32 chances in 21 Bundesliga outings in 2023-24.

Flick's side will be missing Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong due to injuries on Saturday but will welcome back Fermin Lopez, who rejoins the squad after winning the Euros and Olympic gold with Spain.

"From what I see, he [Lopez] will be ready to play. It was important for him to rest after two tournaments," Flick said.

Flick was also asked about the threat posed by Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who was linked with a move to Barca after starring alongside Lamine Yamal at the Euros.

"It's not my job to talk about a player from the opposing team," he said. 

"Bilbao are physically very strong and they have a great coach. It will be a tough game."

Jude Bellingham is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in training.

The Real Madrid star will definitely miss the next three Los Blancos matches, and England's games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League.

In a statement, Madrid confirmed Bellingham was suffering with a calf issue.

Bellingham missed 13 games in all competitions for Madrid last season, but they did not lose a single one, winning 11 and drawing twice, while their goals per game also lifted from 2.2 to 2.7.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who usually talks to the media one day before each game, decided to change the schedule so he could hold his final training session behind closed doors at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Los Blancos host Real Valladolid on Sunday.

But this unusual move had nothing to do with Madrid's display in a 1-1 draw at Real Mallorca last weekend.

"It's nothing special, I'm doing it just to test the pitch, because it has changed compared to last year," said the Italian, who was unhappy with the effort his side showed against Mallorca.

"I want the players to try the new pitch to see how they feel there. There is nothing superstitious or anything else behind it."

The Italian insisted, however, that he needs to see a better performance in order for him to deploy an attacking quarter of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Bellingham ahead of only two conventional midfielders.

"It was a pretty clear game to evaluate, we lacked balance, it's not very complicated. There is a clear solution," Ancelotti said.

"With such an attacking team, the forwards have to work a bit harder. We have tried to fix it with a lot of work this week."

Ancelotti expects a warm welcome by Madrid's fans for Mbappe's home debut.

"It's going to be a beautiful day for Mbappe, playing for the first time at the Bernabeu wearing Real's jersey... The fans are going to enjoy it a lot, I'm sure of that," Ancelotti said.

Pep Guardiola was delighted to see Ilkay Gundogan seal a "complete surprise" return to Manchester City but does not envisage a similar swoop for Raheem Sterling.

Gundogan returned to the Etihad Stadium on a one-year deal on Friday, just over 12 months after leaving the club to pursue a new challenge with Barcelona.

The midfielder won 14 trophies during a hugely successful initial stint at City between 2016 and 2023, making 188 Premier League appearances for the club.

Only 10 City players, meanwhile, have bettered his total of 44 Premier League goals for the club, while he also has 16 assists to his name in the competition.

Gundogan became available due to Barcelona needing to raise funds to complete the registration of new midfielder Dani Olmo, and while Guardiola was surprised to see the move go through, he is overjoyed to have his former captain back.

"When managers say, 'this is the transfer window, anything can happen', this is the real proof," Guardiola said as he previewed Saturday's meeting with Ipswich Town.

"It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well, me personally but also the staff and players, and we know the quality he played with last season at Barcelona. 

"He played at a high, high level, playing a lot of minutes and producing a lot. We didn't have any doubts when the possibility was open. We're absolutely delighted he's back.

"He knows everything so he doesn't need time to settle. If he has to play tomorrow then he knows everything. He is always in the right position and everyone is so thrilled he is back."

Gundogan's return has led to suggestions a similar move could be on the cards for Sterling, who is out of favour at Chelsea just two years after leaving the Etihad.

Sterling, who is second in City's all-time Premier League scoring charts with 91 goals, has been exiled from first-team training by new Blues boss Enzo Maresca and was stripped of the number seven shirt earlier this week.

Guardiola, though, would not indicate City are interested in the winger, saying: "He is a Chelsea player. I feel so attached with him because of the time we had together and I feel like that with all my players. 

"But he is a Chelsea player. If you had asked me about Gundogan previously, I would have said he was a Barcelona player. I wish him all the best."

Asked whether City would make any further moves before the transfer window closes, Guardiola said: "I don't think so but I don't know. 

"The market might provide us something that is financially good for us but at the moment I do not know."

Inter Miami forward Matias Rojas says Lionel Messi continues to have an influence on the side even while out injured, as they prepare for Saturday's huge top-of-the-table tussle with FC Cincinnati.

Having gone out of the Leagues Cup at the last-16 stage, Eastern Conference leaders Miami return to MLS action against a team currently one place and five points behind them.

They will be without Messi for the match, however, with next week's clash with the Chicago Fire seen as his earliest possible return date after he was injured in Argentina's Copa America final victory.

Rojas, who was brought in ahead of the 2024 season and has four league goals for Miami to date, says Messi does not switch off when out of action, however.

"Leo is always there. He watches everything and he talks to us before games," the Paraguayan said.

"He communicates more with those who can speak Spanish, he pays attention to what is happening, and he gives his opinion. 

"We are proud to be there, enjoying these moments with him. Sometimes I talk to my family to realise what is happening, but as I always say, I will not get tired of saying that we share our days with the best player in the history of football. 

"There are no words to describe what I feel every day."

With Cincinnati playing catch-up in the bid to be top seeds, coach Pat Noonan knows they cannot afford to be beaten at Chase Stadium.

"As far as the importance of it goes, with us being behind Miami, the significance of a result is certainly important for the end of the season," Noonan said.

"We're trying to be at home in the playoffs. Right now we're five points behind and trying to close that gap. It'll certainly be challenging to catch them if we don't get a result."

Cincinnati trounced Miami 6-1 on home soil when the teams last met in July, though Gerardo Martino's men were without several key players for that game, and Noonan expects a very different challenge this time around.

"It'll be completely different to our last matchup," Noonan said. "There's six different guys that could be on the field that weren't out there."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Luis Suarez

Miami have averaged 2.8 goals per regular-season game in 2024 when Messi has appeared, compared to 1.7 without the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Suarez's 12 goals in MLS this year are as many as Messi has managed, and he also scored twice in four Leagues Cup matches during the mid-season break. He will carry the Herons' foremost threat.

FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta 

In Messi's absence, perhaps another Argentine can take centre-stage.

Acosta has a league-high 29 goal contributions this season (11 goals, 18 assists) after posting 31 last season en route to the MVP award. 

He is one goal contribution away from becoming the fourth player in MLS history to record multiple seasons with 30 or more goal contributions.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Inter Miami won their first four matches against Cincinnati between 2020 and 2021, only to lose four of five against them in MLS since the start of the 2022 season (one draw), including the last three in a row.

However, the Herons have won five straight home matches in all competitions, scoring multiple goals in each of those victories.

This is their joint longest home winning streak in all competitions in club history, having also won five in a row between July and September 2021.

Miami have also scored 56 goals in 25 regular-season matches this term, and have won as many games without Messi appearing as they have with him (eight).

Cincinnati lost their last away match to the New York Red Bulls on July 20 by a 3-1 scoreline. They have not lost back-to-back road games in all competitions in over two years, since an eight-match losing streak that spanned the end of 2021 and the start of 2022.

However, they enter Saturday's match as outsiders, with Miami doing a decent job of coping without Messi this term.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 48.7%

FC Cincinnati – 25.5%

Draw – 25.7%

Ilkay Gundogan said helping Barcelona financially made his departure from the club easier to swallow after he sealed a return to Manchester City on Friday.

Gundogan joined Barca last year after enjoying seven trophy-laden campaigns with City, winning 14 pieces of silverware during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including captaining the side to a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble in 2022-23.

The midfielder made 51 appearances in his single season with the Catalan giants – more than any of his team-mates, scoring five goals and adding 14 assists in all competitions.

He also created more than twice as many chances (132) as any other Barcelona player, with Raphinha a distant second by that metric with 53.

Ninety-seven of those chances were created in LaLiga, the most by any Barca midfielder in a single season since Xavi laid on 109 under Pep Guardiola in 2009-10.

However, Barcelona needed to move Gundogan on after sealing a €60million swoop for Spain's Euro 2024 star Dani Olmo, with his salary reportedly preventing them from registering their new arrival.

In a farewell post on X, Gundogan confirmed his departure had partly been necessitated by financial reasons.

"Dear Culers, after just one year it's already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it," he wrote. 

"I have given everything to fight for the team and the club in the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my team-mates in the new campaign. 

"Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad. 

"Nevertheless, it's been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barca, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. 

"I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best. Visca el Barca!"

Marco Reus is available to make his debut for LA Galaxy as they look to consolidate their place at the top of the Western Conference when they take on Atlanta United.

The 35-year-old's signing until the end of the 2026 MLS season was confirmed last week after he brought the curtain down on a 12-year spell at Borussia Dortmund

Despite leaving Europe, Reus still holds ambitions of lifting silverware in the United States, with the Galaxy in a promising position as MLS returns following a break for the Leagues Cup.

The Galaxy are top of the Western Conference on 49 points, four behind East leaders Inter Miami in the race for the Supporters' Shield.

In his introductory press conference, Reus said: "I'm here to help the team and to win championships. So that's the reason you play football. And of course that’s the reason why I’m here.

"The goal is for the club to win the championship and be successful. It's been 10 years since we won the championship, the time is now and I'm ready, I think the team is ready, so we're ready."

Reus joins an attack that has already scored 50 goals this season, the third most of any MLS side, and the Galaxy will hope his signing further galvanises their trophy bid as they aim to move on from their disappointing defeat to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup.

Saturday's opponents, Atlanta United, also suffered an early exit from that competition, and they will hope a good showing can set the tone for a strong run-in.

Atlanta have not played in nearly three weeks, but veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan welcomed the break in terms of providing both a physical and mental reset, as the Five Stripes approach the last nine matches of the regular season.

The ex-Aston Villa man said: "For us, it's been a time to hit the reset button and really look at things.

"We have been able to use it to our advantage. We understand the necessity to get points. We understand the urgency."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec

Reus may be the new attraction, but Gabriel Pec has contributed to a goal in a Galaxy-record 11 straight regular-season home matches.

He has been involved in 17 goals (9 goals, 8 assists) in 13 home matches this season as only Lionel Messi (19) has more goal involvements in regular-season home matches in MLS in 2024.

Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze

Saba Lobjanidze (one goal, three assists) has been involved in each of Atlanta's last four regular-season goals.

His last two assists, both against the Columbus Crew on July 20, came off corners after he had not recorded an assist off a corner in his first 29 career MLS matches.

MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN

The Galaxy have won nine of their last 12 regular season matches (L3) dating back to late May. This is the first time LA have won nine times in a span of 12 league games since July-September 2014, the Galaxy's last MLS Cup-winning season.

Atlanta, meanwhile, have lost three straight regular-season road matches for the first time since April 2022. It has been five years since the Five Stripes had a longer league losing streak on the road, losing six in a row on their travels in May-July 2019.

The Galaxy earned their first points against Atlanta the last time the sides met, winning 2-0 at home in July 2022. Atlanta had won the first three meetings between the sides by a combined score of 9-0.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

LA Galaxy - 50.0%

Draw - 25.3%

Atlanta United - 24.8%

Arne Slot has seen "new things" from Joe Gomez in recent weeks and has praised the centre-back's work ethic amid suggestions he could leave Liverpool.

Gomez has been tipped to leave Anfield after falling behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konata and Jarell Quansah in the pecking order in the heart of defence.

He made 32 Premier League appearances throughout Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge in 2023-24, yet 15 of those came from the bench and he was often fielded at full-back when the Reds endured injury problems.

Gomez was left out by Slot as his reign began with a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town last week, having been linked with a move to Aston Villa or Newcastle United. 

However, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Brentford, Slot hinted Gomez could be involved and praised his approach to training.

"He's been in the right place for three weeks. He's worked really hard since he came back," the Dutchman told reporters.

"He didn't play a lot in the Euros, we had to manage his load, that's why he wasn't in the team last week. 

"This week he had a good week in terms of load. He's one of the players I see new things from."

In Gomez's absence, Quansah partnered Van Dijk at Portman Road but was replaced by Konate at half-time, with Slot later explaining that change had been made in order to win more duels.

Liverpool won just 41.5% of duels in the first half as Ipswich produced an energetic display, with that figure creeping up to 54.5% after Konate replaced Quansah.

Asked how Quansah reacted to his withdrawal, Slot said: "In a way you would expect a player to react. I spoke to him immediately after the game.

"At the end of that conversation he asked if he could train on Sunday. So he should have done recovery, he wanted to train. 

"Unfortunately, I think on Tuesday, he picked up a bit of an injury, so he couldn't train on Wednesday, we will see if he can train today.

"He reacted in a way that every player should react. I don't think there was that much in it, though. 

"Maybe the language was a problem, what I said was that he did not lose every duel, but he lost one or two important ones, one of them just before half-time.

"From what's been said to me, it sounds like what I said was that he lost every duel."

Ilkay Gundogan has completed a return to Manchester City from Barcelona, the Premier League champions confirmed on Friday. 

Gundogan, who made 304 appearances across seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium from 2016 to 2023, has signed a one-year deal with Pep Guardiola's side. 

The 33-year-old won 14 honours during his initial stint at City, including their maiden success in the Champions League last year, when he became the first German to captain a non-German side in a major European final. 

His most prolific season in England came in the 2020-21 campaign, netting 17 goals and adding four assists in 46 appearances in all competitions. 

Gundogan becomes City's second signing of the transfer window following the arrival of Savinho from Troyes, and will serve as an experienced addition to Guardiola's side as they chase a record-extending fifth straight Premier League title.

Last season, Gundogan contributed 19 goal involvements (five goals and 14 assists) in all competitions for Barcelona, creating the most chances (97) in LaLiga.

He also completed 2,116 of his 2,337 passes in the Spanish top flight, figures only bettered by Joules Kounde (2,286 from 2,517) in the Barca squad.

Gundogan told City's website: "My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.

"I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success.

"It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.

"Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.

"You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again." 

Son Heung-min believes he must win a trophy at Tottenham to assume legendary status at the club.

The South Korean has been an inspirational figure at Spurs since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015, scoring 162 goals in 409 games.

However, a trophy has proved elusive for both him and the club, with runners-up finishes in the 2018-19 Champions League and 2020-21 EFL Cup, but Son still hopes he can lift silverware before his time at Spurs is over to leave a lasting impression.

He told BBC Sport: “I don’t think I’m a legend of this club. As I’ve said, I want to win something with Spurs, then I will be happy to be called [a] legend.

“This is one thing I want to do. I joined Spurs to win a trophy so I hope we can make it special for this season.”

The South Korean predominantly led the line for his side in Ange Postecoglou’s first season but is happy to return to a wide left role in 2024-25, in order to accommodate new striker Dominic Solanke.

He said: “It’s the gaffer’s choice. I will do anything for him. I think I already said if you put me as the keeper, I would be a keeper.

“You’re facing different teams in the Premier League; some are sitting back, and it can be really tough for me to even get a shot off.

“I like to prepare on the left side to create something and in one-on-one situations, something which I think I’m really strong at, but in an open game I don’t mind staying in the middle.”

Son has now been captain at the club for over a year since Hugo Lloris’ departure and has relished the added responsibility throughout that time.

“It’s been good," he said. "We were learning a lot of things last year.

"Being a captain of a Premier League team takes a lot of responsibility, it’s hard dealing with young players, it’s like school! But it’s a joy and I’m still learning – it’s not easy but it’s a good thing to do.”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wants Noni Madueke to stay beyond the summer transfer window, but conceded "anything can happen".

The Blues are looking to offload the likes of Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Romelu Lukaku and Trevor Chalobah before the window closes on August 30.

But Madueke, who scored in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Servette in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off, is someone Maresca wants to develop and improve.

Though the Italian wants to see a more consistent level from the former PSV winger, who scored five Premier League goals in 23 appearances last term and outperformed his expected goals (xG) by 2.5.

He said: "I really like Noni. The only problem is that he has to understand that he has to be consistent during the week in training.

"He's a good player and he’s doing well with us."

Maresca believes the 22-year-old will be an important member of the squad for the season, especially with the club involved in four competitions.

Though the former Leicester City boss knows much can change in the final days of a transfer window.

He said: "Yeah absolutely. But the reality is until the window closes, anything can happen.

"But for sure Noni is the kind of player that I like. We have so many games. If it's to today it will be the next one. He's doing well since he started with us.

"The only thing he has to improve is consistency, every day, every day work hard. Then he will get minutes for sure."

Eddie Howe said it is "business as usual" for Kieran Trippier despite reports suggesting the defender wishes to leave Newcastle United.

Trippier was left out of Howe's team for Newcastle's win over Southampton last week, with Tino Livramento preferred at right-back.

On Thursday, reports emerged that Trippier was looking to move away from St James' Park, with Everton having supposedly discussed a loan move for the 33-year-old.

Galatasaray and Atalanta were among the other clubs mooted to hold an interest in Trippier, who joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in 2022, but Howe reiterated his desire to keep the England international.

Ahead of facing his former club Bournemouth, Howe said: "The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week.

"I'm surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. A valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first class.

"He's trained really well since he came back from the Euros, I think he's only had two weeks of training hence the reason why he didn't start last week.

"He continues to be really valued by all of us. He's just trained as normal and he's been very good. I'm not really sure where this has come from. He's preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday."

Trippier also saw the team captain's armband taken by Bruno Guimaraes, though Howe insists he is still very much part of Newcastle's leadership group.

"Jamaal [Lascelles] has been promoted to club captain, so he's going to oversee the other captains," Howe added. 

"He's an incredible leader behind the scenes, and Kieran and Dan [Burn] in the leadership group continue their roles. Bruno has stepped up to be team captain, but we need eleven leaders on the pitch, regardless of who wears the armband."

No defender created as many chances in the Premier League last season as Trippier (65), who registered 10 assists in 28 top-flight appearances.

The former Tottenham full-back crafted 26 goalscoring opportunities from set-pieces, while his 212 crosses also topped the charts among Premier League defenders, with 69 of those being successful. 

Trippier played for Everton boss Sean Dyche during his time at Burnley, before leaving for Spurs in 2015, though the Toffees manager has suggested right-back is not a priority position for his team heading into the final week of the window.

Sean Dyche has conceded Everton are in a tough situation when it comes to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's future.

The striker, who joined Everton from Sheffield United in 2016, has less than a year remaining on his contract.

While a new deal is on the table, Calvert-Lewin – who played in Everton's 3-0 defeat to Brighton last week – is yet to put pen to paper.

And with just a week remaining in the transfer window and the club's finances tight, Dyche acknowledged Everton may have to cash in should an offer present itself.

"Any offer of a certain level would have to be looked at by the club," said Dyche, who hinted the budget for any more incoming players was tight.

"We are in a better position because of player trading and how much we have lowered the wages but it is not solved.

"Therefore there would still be a moment where the big people at the club get a phone call and then it is down to them."

Calvert-Lewin is still expected to lead Everton's line when they face Tottenham on Saturday.

The 27-year-old scored seven league goals last season, though he was the top flight's biggest expected goals (xG) underperformer, with his tally coming from 12.93 xG.

Indeed, Everton were the biggest xG underperformers as a team last season, scoring 15 goals fewer than would have been anticipated based on the quality of chances they created.

Dyche has other immediate concerns, however, with James Tarkowski, who has sustained an injury, and Ashely Young, who is suspended, joining a long list of absentees for the Spurs match.

"We are stretched unfortunately," said Dyche. "We are down to around 14 recognised first-team players at the minute – that is not perfect."

Everton were linked with a loan move for Kieran Trippier on Thursday, though Dyche played down those reports.

However, the club's ownership situation may soon become clearer, with American businessman John Textor, who holds a 45% stake in Crystal Palace, confirming he has put those shares up for sale in order to facilitate investing in Everton.

Textor confirmed he had lodged a bid to buy the remaining 55% of Palace, but suggested his fellow owners at Selhurst Park do not wish to sell up.

The American wrote on his website that he was attempting to sell his shares in the Eagles "so that we can pursue a relationship with the Everton club and community".

Arsenal made a solid start to their latest Premier League title challenge last week, beating Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

Matchday two, however, promises to present a far tougher challenge for Mikel Arteta's team as they face the team that could be considered responsible for their failure to finish as champions in 2023-24.

Aston Villa – under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery – beat the Gunners home and away last term, with April's 2-0 win at the Emirates allowing Manchester City to inch ahead at the top of the table and claim a fourth straight title.

Villa also started with a win last week, with Jhon Duran stepping off the bench to fire them to a 2-1 victory at West Ham.

Ahead of Saturday's headline clash at Villa Park, we run through all the best Opta facts and stats around the game.

What's expected?

The Opta supercomputer makes Arsenal favourites for victory on matchday two, though not overwhelmingly.

Across 10,000 pre-match simulations conducted by the supercomputer, Arsenal were victorious in 51.1% of cases. Villa repeated last season's heroics against the Gunners in 24.7% of scenarios, while 24.2% saw the points shared.

Villa's double over the Gunners last term accounted for 40% of the Premier League defeats suffered by Arteta's team (2/5). They have recorded three straight Premier League wins against them on two previous occasions, in November 1993 and February 2021.

In fact, Villa have won five of their last nine Premier League meetings with Arsenal (four defeats), keeping a clean sheet in every victory. 

That is as many wins as they had managed in their previous 46 league matches against the Gunners (14 draws, 27 defeats).

Arsenal, though, have won 14 away Premier League games against the Villans, their joint-most wins at a single away venue in the competition, having also triumphed 14 times at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park.

The Gunners have also scored 98 Premier League goals against Villa in total, only netting more against Everton (124), West Ham (109) and Tottenham (105). Liverpool and Manchester United (five opponents each) are the only teams to have netted 100 or more Premier League goals against more different clubs.

Watkins to cause more Arsenal woe?

Villa may have made a winning start to their campaign, spoiling Julen Lopetegui's West Ham debut with an entertaining win at the London Stadium, but Emery will be looking for a more convincing performance this time out.

Only Liverpool (2.65 versus Ipswich Town) created a higher expected goals (xG) figure than West Ham's 2.46 on matchday one of the Premier League season, albeit 0.78 of that figure came from a Lucas Paqueta penalty – perhaps harshly awarded against Matty Cash.

Of the 11 teams to give up the most expected goals against (xGA) in the division last weekend, Villa were the only one to taste victory – Brentford were the next-most porous victors, allowing Crystal Palace 1.17 xG in a 2-1 win on Sunday.

Villa will need a far better defensive display if they are to stifle Arsenal on Saturday, while they will also be desperate to get more service to Ollie Watkins, who did not attempt a single shot before his 62nd-minute withdrawal versus the Hammers.

Watkins only registered two touches in the West Ham area, one fewer than his replacement Duran, also recording the fewest touches (15), passes attempted (five) and completed (four) of all 22 starters.

Facing an Arsenal side likely to press high and leave space in behind could suit Watkins, though, as he plays his way back into peak condition after helping England reach the Euro 2024 final.

Watkins capped April's 2-0 win at the Emirates with a delightfully dinked finish that put Arsenal on the back foot in the title race, his fifth goal in eight Premier League meetings with the Gunners.

He has been on the winning side in four of those eight games (four losses), and only against Brighton and Hove Albion (six) has he scored more top-flight goals than he has versus Arsenal. The visiting defence must be wary.

Solid spine key for the Gunners?

Villa are the only team to beat Arsenal in the Premier League in 2024, with Arteta's team winning 17 of their 19 games this calendar year (one draw, one loss). In English Football League history, the most wins ever recorded by a team through their first 20 matches in a year is 18, by Liverpool in 1982 and Man City in 2019 and 2021.

The Gunners have been particularly impressive on the road, winning on eight of nine Premier League road trips (one draw) in 2024, scoring 28 goals, conceding three and keeping seven clean sheets in that time.

Arsenal only allowed opponents to create a total of 5.89 xG in those matches, an average of 0.65 per game. The league's next-best ever-present defensive team this year, Man City, have given up 12.39 xGA in 10 road trips.

In the last two seasons, the Gunners have kept 21 away clean sheets (10 in 2022-23, 11 in 2023-24), more than they managed in their previous four campaigns combined (20).

If they can maintain similar levels of solidity in 2024-25 – particularly on their travels – then another title tilt appears a realistic goal.

Arsenal did endure some shaky spells against Wolves last time out, with Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha guilty of passing up huge chances to level when Gary O'Neil's team built up a head of steam, but the Gunners gave up just 0.47 xGA – the fifth-lowest figure of any team on matchday one.

Jurrien Timber came on to steady the ship for the Gunners late on after missing the majority of 2023-24 through injury, while new signing Riccardo Calafiori was an unused substitute.

It remains to be seen whether Arteta will introduce either player to his lineup at Villa Park, where Arsenal must be wary of the direct running of Watkins, Leon Bailey and company.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa – Jhon Duran

Duran came on to score the winner against West Ham last week, having been linked with the Irons throughout the transfer window.

Among all players to score at least five Premier League goals, Duran has the second-best minutes-per-goal ratio (six goals, one every 103 minutes), behind only Erling Haaland (one every 85 minutes). 

Five of his six strikes, meanwhile, have come as a substitute (83%). That is the second-highest ratio by any player to ever score at least five Premier League goals, behind Matt Derbyshire, who scored nine of his 10 goals from the bench.

Arsenal – Bukayo Saka

Saka registered a goal and an assist in Arsenal's victory over Wolves last week, also creating the joint-most chances (three) of any player on the pitch. He has now been on the winning side in 99 of his 171 Premier League matches with Arsenal. 

Another victory would make him the fourth player to reach 100 wins in the competition before turning 23, after Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Phil Foden.

The England winger was involved in 11 attacking sequences against Wolves on matchday one, more than any other player on the pitch, ahead of Havertz and Thomas Partey (eight apiece).

Caleb Porter has likened the final games of the season to cup finals, as New England Revolution prepare to return to action against CF Montreal.

The Revs have had a three-week break ahead after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to New York City FC in the Leagues Cup round of 32.

After a slow start to the season, New England sit bottom of the Eastern Conference, though are only five points behind Atlanta United in ninth.

And Porter believes his refreshed team have what it takes to challenge for the playoffs if they can string together a winning run.

"Every game is a cup final, these last 11," Porter said. "We're going to go for it.

"Obviously, our goal is to take it one at a time and win every game. We don't need to win every game to probably get in, but that's going to be our mindset.

"If we can win our home games, and then win half the road games, then I think we'll be in good shape."

Meanwhile, Montreal were also knocked out of the Leagues Cup in the round of 32, suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union.

They resume their MLS campaign in a strong position, sitting fifth in the table, but have had problems in the build-up to this game after a public falling-out between head coach Laurent Courtois and striker Josef Martinez.

Courtois said he felt "betrayed" by the Venezuelan after he refused to take part in training, but Montreal president Gabriel Gervais says the problem has now been dealt with.

"This case is closed," he said. "For me, it's non-negotiable. Someone who is not disciplined cannot be here."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CF Montreal – Josef Martinez

Josef Martínez has scored eight regular-season goals against New England, tied for his most against any MLS opponent (also eight vs. D.C. United and Orlando City).

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Carles Gil has been involved in a goal in each of his last four regular-season MLS matches (one goal, four assists).

The Spaniard's longest streak of consecutive regular-season matches with a goal contribution is five straight, done three times, most recently in 2022.

MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN

Montreal have won three of their last four home matches against New England, keeping clean sheets in all three wins. Montreal had won three of their previous 16 matches against the Revs (drawing one, losing 12), managing just two clean sheets in those games.

In fact, Montreal have lost only one of their last nine home matches in all competitions (four wins, four draws) with the lone defeat coming against Toronto FC on July 20. No American team has won at Stade Saputo since Columbus on May 15.

Meanwhile, New England are unbeaten in four straight matches in all competitions (won one, drawn three, including a penalty shoot-out loss in the Leagues Cup Round of 32), equaling their longest run of the season. The Revs' last longer unbeaten run was a six-match stretch that spanned last year's Leagues Cup.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

CF Montreal – 43.4%

Draw – 26.7%

New England Revolution – 29.9%