For the first time in a long time, there is a lot to be excited about for West Ham United fans.

After a dreadful start to the season, which saw them become one of the early favourites to go down, Nuno Espírito Santo has got them back on track.

The East Londoners picked up just their second Premier League win of the season against Newcastle United, and then got their third on Saturday, against Burnley.

On top of the uptick in form, fans have finally got to see Freddie Potts from the start, and he has been sensational in the middle of the park, although his brilliant form could signal the beginning of the end for another West Ham star.

What makes Potts so special

West Ham have a proud history of producing top-quality players from their academy, such as Declan Rice, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, and there is every chance that Potts could be another.

Now, that is certainly a lot to say about someone who has only just made his second competitive start for the club, but as his last performance made very clear, he is a special midfield talent.

For example, against both Newcastle and Burnley, the Barking-born put in quintessential all-action midfield performances.

One moment, he was fulfilling his defensive duties perfectly, and then the next, he was helping to initiate an attack, either through his exceptional range of passing or by carrying the ball through the centre of the park.

With his recent performances, it’s easy to see why respected analyst Ben Mattinson described the academy gem as someone who is “so smooth on the half-turn and composed under pressure.”

In addition to raw ability and mentality, the West Ham supporter also has considerable experience.

For example, he spent last season on loan with Portsmouth in the Championship, where he made 38 appearances, and the season before that in League One with Wycombe Wanderers, where he made 43 appearances nd was named the Player of the Season.

Season

23/24

24/25

Team

Wycombe

Portsmouth

Appearances

43

38

Goals

2

1

Assists

3

4

In all, it looks like Potts is going to become one of West Ham’s most important players this season, but in doing so, he could force one of the club’s signings of the decade to move on.

The West Ham player who could be replaced by Potts

There are a few West Ham players who could see their places in the team threatened by the emergence of Potts this season, such as Andrew Irving and Guido Rodriguez.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, while they might succeed elsewhere, it would be fair to say both of them have been disappointments in East London, which is not the case for Tomáš Souček.

The Czech international might not be anywhere near his best anymore, but when you take into account the totality of his achievements in Claret and Blue, it would be hard not to describe him as one of the club’s best signings this decade.

He initially joined the Hammers from Salvia Praha just over five years ago, and since then has made 254 appearances, in which he’s scored 44 goals and provided 13 assists.

More importantly, though, he was a crucial part of the side that won the Conference League in 2023, making nine appearances in the competition that season, totalling 507 appearances.

There can be no denying the fact that the 30-year-old has given everything during his time at the club and will undoubtedly go down as an icon for it.

However, with his contract expiring in a year and a half, and Potts emerging as a potential game-changer in the middle of the park, the Brod-born titan’s time in East London might be coming to an end.

Ultimately, Souček has been an incredible signing for West Ham, but Potts may eventually be one of the reasons his time with the club comes to an end.

West Ham star with "KDB-type quality" looks like Nuno's new Gibbs-White

The incredible talent could play a massive role in helping Nuno keep West Ham United in the Premier League this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 11, 2025

Southampton have been urged to appoint a 52-year-old manager instead of giving interim boss Tonda Eckert the job on a full-time basis.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert on a permanent basis

The Saints are preparing for a return to Championship action this weekend and look set to be under the leadership of caretaker manager Eckert once again.

The 32-year-old has won both of his matches as interim boss so far, defeating QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to take Southampton away from any relegation trouble.

A trip to Charlton Athletic is next on the agenda for Eckert, and recent reports have suggested that he is set to be given the Southampton job on a permanent basis.

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, a plethora of available and in work managers have been linked with the job. However, Sport Republic are yet to appoint a permanent successor.

Eckert appears to be in pole position after his start to life at St Mary’s with the first team, and he has impressed Finn Azaz, who said:

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

However, Southampton and Sport Republic have been urged to consider another rumoured target.

Southampton urged to move for Brendan Rodgers

Talking to Football League World, Southampton pundit Martin Sanders urged the Saints to appoint Brendan Rodgers.

Now out of work after leaving Celtic, Rodgers was linked with the St Mary’s vacancy at the beginning of November, although it doesn’t seem as if Sport Republic have made a move for the Northern Irishman who they admire.

Sanders said that Rodgers “ticks every box” and a move would “show real ambition”.

Rodgers has previous Championship experience with Swansea City, winning the playoffs with the south Wales side in 2011, and almost 15 years later, a return to the second tier could be what a number of Southampton fans would welcome.

Southampton can end Eckert experiment by hiring "insanely talented" manager

Chelsea have been given a boost in their search for a world-class striker next year, as one of Europe’s finest marksmen could choose a switch to Stamford Bridge over Barcelona and PSG.

After their damning 2-1 loss at home to newly-promoted Sunderland, Enzo Maresca’s side have returned to winning ways after three victories in their last four games across all competitions.

In truth, the criticism of Chelsea can be overblown sometimes, considering that defeat to the Black Cats was their first and only loss in nine matches — a run which includes impressive victories over Liverpool, Tottenham and José Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League.

The Blues are now third in the Premier League table and six points behind league leaders Arsenal, but pundits like Jamie Carragher are adamant that Chelsea could use something different to their pretty similar options throughout the team.

Reports suggest that BlueCo partly agree with Carragher’s statement, as they’re making transfer plans ahead of next year despite spending close to £300 million in the summer.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

After his latest injury blow and being hauled off just six minutes into Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Qarabag last week, midfielder Romeo Lavia is expected to be sidelined for at least one month with a quadriceps problem, and Chelsea were already looking at new midfield targets before the Belgian’s return to rehab.

It is unclear whether Chelsea could look to strike a midfield deal in January, or whether it’s one for next summer instead, but it is reportedly more clear that Maresca wants a new centre-back to come in at the very least as BlueCo prioritise a defender.

Other media sources indicate that Chelsea may well bring in another striker next year as well, despite Joao Pedro’s excellent form and the return of Liam Delap.

Julian Alvarez reportedly refuses to rule out joining Chelsea ahead of Barca and PSG

Speaking to the Chelsea Chronicle, journalist Graeme Bailey has said that £211,000-per-week forward Julian Alvarez is one to keep an eye on.

The former Man City sensation has dazzled under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid this term, netting nine times in his last 15 outings, and he finished his debut 24/25 season at the La Liga side with nearly 30 goals in all competitions.

This incredible form is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest hitters, including PSG and Barca, but Bailey has suggested that Alvarez is refusing to rule out a Chelsea move.

Maresca could have his pick of new centre-forwards with the pacey Emmanuel Emegha poised to arrive from sister club Strasbourg in 2026.

Alvarez would be the cherry on top, but according to some reports in Argentina, those within Barca are convinced that Atletico could demand as much as £176 million to let the 25-year-old leave – so Chelsea may even have to break the Premier League transfer record.

Leeds United youngster Harry Gray has been in the spotlight among the fanbase once again this week after scoring two goals in a 3-2 loss to Accrington Stanley for the U21s.

The 17-year-old striker has scored seven goals in eight games in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2 combined, to go along with a hat-trick against Scunthorpe in the English National League Cup.

Whilst Gray is, as evidenced by his goalscoring form, an exciting prospect for the Whites, he is not an attacking midfielder who will come up to the first-team and improve Daniel Farke’s side in the wide areas, where they have been struggling on the right wing with Brenden Aaronson.

Why Leeds need an upgrade on Brenden Aaronson

The USA international, to his credit, did play a key role in the club’s 2-1 win over West Ham United last month, scoring his first goal of the season from close range.

However, that was only his second goal in 48 Premier League appearances for Leeds across two seasons at the level, per Sofascore, which is a concern moving forward.

The American winger did assist Lukas Nmecha against Nottingham Forest before the international break, but he has yet to prove that he can deliver a consistent end product in the top-flight.

Two goals and four assists in 48 top-flight matches is far from an impressive haul for the former RB Salzburg man, which is why the Whites may look for an upgrade on him.

Whilst Gray is shining at academy level, Farke could look beyond him and to the U18s to find the player who could end Aaronson’s Elland Road career, in Sam Alker.

Why Sam Akler could end Brenden Aaronson's Leeds career

The 16-year-old talent, who does not turn 17 until next March, has caught the eye with his performances at youth level, so much so that he has attracted interest from across Europe.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have both been credited with interest in the attacking midfielder, which speaks to the level of talent that he has shown during his time at Thorp Arch.

The teenage whiz, who was described as a “standout” in the academy set-up by Como scout Ben Mattinson, has delivered two goals and two assists in 15 games as an attacking midfielder, per Transfermarkt.

Youngest Leeds players to debut in the Premier League

Player

Debut age

Aaron Lennon

16 years, 4 months, 7 days

James Milner

16 years, 10 months, 6 days

Rob Bowman

17 years, 2 months, 16 days

Wesley Boyle

17 years, 5 months, 22 days

Alan Maybury

17 years, 5 months, 26 days

Harry Kewell

17 years, 6 months, 8 days

Alan Smith

18 years, 17 days

Andy Gray

18 years, 1 month, 29 days

Stephen McPhail

18 years, 1 month, 29 days

Noel Whelan

18 years, 4 months, 4 days

Via Transfermarkt

If Farke were to hand Alker a debut in the next match, he would rank between Aaron Lennon and James Milner in the list of the club’s youngest debuts in Premier League history.

This shows both how rare it is for a 16-year-old to debut in the Premier League and the level of talent you need to do so, given the careers that Lennon and Milner went on to have.

Leverkusen and Dortmund seemingly feel that the England U16 international is a huge talent, given their reported interest, and that is why handing him a first-team debut in the coming weeks could be a smart move by Leeds.

Giving the 16-year-old ace a chance in the Premier League would show him that there is a clear pathway to regular football at Elland Road, which could prevent him from being tempted by the prospect of a move to Germany.

Related Leeds have a Gelhardt upgrade out on loan who's 'similar to Summerville'

Leeds United might need to recall at least one of their loan stars…

Posts ByRobbie Walls Nov 14, 2025

Aaronson made the move from attacking midfield to right wing this season in the Premier League, which is why it is his career at the club could be under threat by Alker’s emergence in the first-team, as the youngster could make a similar transition, unlike Gray, who is a natural number nine.

If the English attacking midfielder can make the step up and show that he belongs at first-team level, he could develop into the upgrade that Leeds need on the wing, negating any need for Aaronson at Elland Road.

MatériaMais Notícias

Fora de casa, o Vasco foi derrotado pelo Athletico-PR por 1 a 0, neste domingo (5), pela 5ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O meia Erick foi o autor do único gol da vitória do Furacão.

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➡ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Com o resultado, o Cruz-Maltino segue com apenas três pontos e não deixa a zona de rebaixamento com a 17ª colocação. Por outro lado, a equipe dirigida por Cuca chegou aos 10 pontos e entrou no G4.

O Athletico-PR volta a campo nesta quarta-feira (8) e visita o Deportivo Rayo Zulliano, pela 4ª rodada da Sul-Americana. Já o Vasco volta a jogar somente no próximo fim de semana, onde encara o Vitória, pelo Brasileirão.

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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Athletico-PR 1 x 0 Vasco – Brasileirão
5ª rodada

🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 5 de maio de 2024, às 16h (hora de Brasília)
📍 Local: Ligga Arena, em Curitiba (PR)
📺 Onde assistir: Globo e Cazé TV
🟨 Arbitragem: Anderson Daronco (árbitro); Luanderson Lima dos Santos e Michael Stanislau (auxiliares); Pablo Ramon Gonçalves Pinheiro (VAR).

ATHLETICO-PR
Bento; Leo Godoy, Kaique Rocha, Gamarra e Esquivel; Fernandinho, Erick e Zapelli; Canobbio, Pablo e Cuello. Técnico: Cuca.

VASCO
Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Maicon, Léo e Piton; Hugo Moura, Matheus Carvalho e Galdames; Rossi, Vegetti e David. Técnico: Rafael Paiva.

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Tudo sobre

Athletico-PRBrasileirãoVasco

فتح يايا توريه، أسطورة الكرة الأفريقية، النار مجددًا على بيب جوارديولا، مدرب نادي مانشستر سيتي، مشبهًا المدير الفني الإسباني بالثعبان.

ومن المعروف أن جوارديولا علاقته سيئة حقًا بيايا توريه، حيث لم يكن الثنائي على وفاق سواء في برشلونة، أو في مانشستر سيتي.

وتسبب جوارديولا بشكل رئيسي في رحيل توريه عن صفوف برشلونة عام 2010، ثم جاء المدرب الإسباني ليدرب الدولي الإيفواري السابق في مانشستر سيتي وتسبب في رحيله كذلك عن النادي الإنجليزي.

وقال توريه في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة ديلي ميل: “لا أرى رجلاً أمامي، بل أرى ثعباناً”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. جوارديولا بعد فوز مانشستر سيتي المثير على فولهام: اللاعبون لا يحترمونني وفقدت شعري

وأضاف توريه في حديثه عن جوارديولا: “اتصل بي مدرب برشلونة آنذاك وقال لي، عليك أن تعود الأمر مهم، ثم قالت لي زوجتي هل ستستمع إلى هذا الهراء؟ لقد عاملك معاملة سيئة، والآن يريدك أن تبقى، وأنت ستبقى؟ دعنا نذهب إلى مانشستر يا أخي”.

واختتم توريه: “لم يشركني هذا الرجل في المباريات طوال العام، وفي نهاية العام، أتألق في كأس العالم عام 2010 ويأخذني مرة أخرى إلى برشلونة، كانت زوجتي تخبرني عنه وتقول لي، إنه شيطان، إنه ليس رجلاً، إنه شرير، كانت تراه شخصًا سلبيًا”.

توريه لعب تحت قيادة جوارديولا في برشلونة لمدة موسمين، قبل الرحيل إلى مانشستر سيتي خلال صيف عام 2010، وذلك مقابل 30 مليون يورو.

ثم عمل توريه بعد ذلك مع جوارديولا لمدة موسم ونصف في مانشستر سيتي، قبل فسخ عقده مع النادي الإنجليزي والتوقيع مع أولمبياكوس اليوناني في صفقة انتقال حر.

In the Mariners' 10th-straight win on Tuesday night, a 12–5 victory over the Royals, American League MVP hopeful Cal Raleigh had a truly historic performance.

Raleigh notched his 55th and 56th home runs of the 2025 season. With the first homer, he surpassed the legend Mickey Mantle for the most home runs by a switch hitter in a single season. Raleigh's second homer of the night tied him with Ken Griffey Jr. for the most home runs hit by a Mariners player in a single season. That's pretty good company to join on both regards.

MLB Network interviewed Raleigh after his monumental performance, and he acknowledged that it hasn't fully sunk in how historic this game was for him.

"My name shouldn't be in the same sentence with those guys, Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr.," Raleigh said. "I don't really have words for it, I don't really know what to say. I'm sure one day it will set in."

Raleigh has led MLB in home runs for the majority of the season, and he now holds a three-homer lead over the Phillies' Kyle Schwarber as of Tuesday night.

There's still time left this season for Raleigh to continue increasing his home run total and etching his name in even more history books.

The Cubs hosted the Brewers on Thursday for the last of their five-game series this week—their final meetings of the season. The Brewers took the first game of the series and a nine-game lead in the National League Central, but the Cubs chipped away at the lead by winning the next three games before the Brewers took the final game of the series.

Though the Cubs still trail the Brewers in the division race, Chicago put aside the rivalry to honor late Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker, who died in January after over 50 years as the team's commentator.

As a tribute to Uecker, the Cubs played a video of him singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on the jumbotron at Wrigley Field. In this rendition from Uecker, he changed the lyric "Let me root, root, root for the home team" to "I'll root, root, root for the Brewers, you do the same for the Cubs."

It's the latest way the Brewers and teams across MLB have honored indelible Uecker this year.

The Brewers have worn patches in honor of him on their jerseys all season, and star Christian Yelich hit two home runs while using a custom Bob Uecker bat for MLB Player's Weekend. This Sunday, the Brewers will host a celebration of life for Uecker before their game against the Giants. The ceremony will be hosted by his longtime friend, Bob Costas, and feature tributes to Uecker across the stadium.

Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of South Africa’s one-off T20I against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan because of a hamstring strain.Ottneil Baartman has been named as replacement for the T20I, scheduled for October 11. He has also been included in the T20I squad for the three-match series against Pakistan later this month. Lizaad Williams, who is already part of the T20I squad, has been added to the ODI squad for the Pakistan series.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Maphaka had an injury scare while playing for Lions against Western Province in a four-day domestic match at Newlands last week. He bowled 5.5 overs in the first innings but had to leave the field with hamstring discomfort. He was taken for a scan which revealed no major damage and returned to take the new ball in the second innings. His 3 for 26 in ten overs led Lions’ charge to victory by an innings and 134 runs.However, CSA later stated that “subsequent scans and medical assessments revealed a grade 1-2 injury, and he will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks”.South Africa’s long tour of Pakistan begins with two Tests from October 12, followed by three T20Is from October 28 and as many ODIs that will conclude on November 8.

South Africa’s squad for Namibia T20I

Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman

South Africa’s squad for Pakistan T20Is

David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman

South Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIs

Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

Mhatre’s 65 gave India A a strong start, but they slumped from 90 for no loss to 234 all out to concede a 75-run first-innings lead

Shashank Kishore31-Oct-2025

Ayush Mhatre top-scored for India A with 65•PTI

Prenelan Subrayen is, in every sense, a marathon man. How else does one describe a cricketer whose spirit refuses to be dimmed, even after the repeated heartbreak of being reported for a suspect action? Each time he has been forced to rebuild, he has returned with more fire, more resolve, more love for his craft than before.At 32, Subrayen’s career is just two Tests old. Earlier this month in Pakistan, he played the first Test in Lahore, and made way when Keshav Maharaj returned from injury for the second Test in Rawalpindi. Then, last week, he learned of his non-selection for the India tour.Related

Temba Bavuma named in South Africa A squad for India tour

Bavuma to return as South Africa captain for India Tests

'He told me you'll play' – Sai Sudharsan on Gambhir's 'impeccable' support

Kotian leads India A's fightback after Hermann brothers hit fifties

But in his first outing since that disappointment, Subrayen reminded everyone of his qualities. On Friday in Bengaluru, he wheeled away tirelessly, bowling 22 overs unchanged to rip through the heart of India A’s batting order and restore South Africa A’s advantage by stumps on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test. From 90 for no loss, India slumped to 234 all out as Subrayen picked up 5 for 61. Having pocketed a 75-run first-innings lead, South Africa A ended the day 30 for no loss.Subrayen’s five scalps included some noted names. He deceived Ayush Mhatre in flight as he advanced, forcing him to chip to midwicket for 65, the highest score of the India A innings. Devdutt Padikkal mistimed a lofted hit to mid-off as he stepped out, and Rajat Patidar was bowled through the gate attempting to drive against the turn.Subrayen employed as many as four catchers around the bat at most times. Tanush Kotian, who has bailed Mumbai out of tough situations time and again, was out jabbing to one of them, short leg, and Khaleel Ahmed mistimed a slog to long-on to give Subrayen his 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.While Subrayen did the bulk of the damage, others had moments to remember too. Okuhle Cele is likely replay his ball to dismiss Rishabh Pant over and over.Midway through the second session, when Pant walked out to bat for the first time since returning from his broken foot, there was a sense of anticipation around the ground among the handful present. He charged down the pitch first ball, and swung hell for leather, only to connect with thin air.Cele then bowled short at Pant, attempting to target his ribcage, not wanting to give him any room to drive or slash. And on 17, the tactic found its reward, Pant jabbing to Zubayr Hamza in the slips while attempting to fend one away.The only India A batter to make an impression with the bat was young Mhatre. He fearlessly drove on the up, played a few delightful straight drives, and took on spin from get-go. All of this brought him a 46-ball half-century. He was eventually out for 65, his knock containing 10 fours.B Sai Sudharsan, his opening partner, was edgy for much of his 94-ball stay. Early on, an attempt to pinch a single to mid-off nearly had him run out on 2; he was saved by a full-stretch dive at the non-striker’s end. Sudharsan alternated between denying himself outside off and poking at deliveries that left him. Eventually, Tshepo Moreki worked him over with an away-going delivery that he nicked behind for 32.This was when Subrayen stepped up and began his marathon spell, which has now put South Africa A firmly in the driver’s seat with two full days remaining.