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Arsenal have received a fine of £500,000 ($665,000) from the Professional Game Board (PGB) for breaching FA Cup rules during last season's third-round tie against Manchester United in January. The breach concerned FA Cup Rule 192, which stipulates that for matches other than a semi-final or the final, the away club is entitled to claim 15 per cent of the tickets issued.

Man Utd left short by Gunners

Man Utd were due 9,000 tickets for the match at the Emirates Stadium, but were left over a thousand short, receiving just 7,956. This was attributed to safety concerns by Arsenal, who cited issues with housing away supporters in the upper tier due to persistent standing. The PGB determined that Arsenal had failed to comply with the rule, but the £500k fine is suspended, conditional on the Gunners confirming their ability to comply with ticketing requirements for the upcoming FA Cup third round and demonstrating continued compliance in any subsequent rounds of the current season's competition. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited fans denied chance to watch penalty thriller

Unfortunately for United fans who weren’t able to secure a ticket they missed a classic. United dumped Arsenal of the cup in a dramatic third-round clash, winning 5-3 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 following extra time. The visitors initially took the lead courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes strike in the 52nd minute, but their advantage was short-lived as Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card for a foul, reducing United to 10 men and Arsenal quickly capitalised, equalising two minutes later through Gabriel. The game intensified with a controversial penalty awarded to Arsenal for a foul on Kai Havertz by Harry Maguire, but Altay Bayindir, saved Martin Odegaard's penalty. Arsenal pressed for a winner in the remaining time, creating numerous chances including a missed open goal opportunity by Havertz, but Bayindir's performance kept United in the game. In the shootout, United converted all five of their penalties, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the decisive spot-kick after Havertz missed for Arsenal. The win saw United progress to the fourth round, where they beat Leicester City at home before being eliminated on penalties by Fulham in the fifth round.

Grand ground plans for Gunners

Arsenal are exploring a significant expansion and modernisation of the Emirates, nearly two decades after moving from Highbury in 2006. The current plan aims to increase the stadium's capacity from 60,700 to over 70,000 seats, which would make it the largest club ground in London, surpassing Tottenham and West Ham. This proposed £500 million ($664.2m) project seeks to boost matchday revenue and address a season ticket waiting list exceeding 100,000 fans. A dedicated working group is actively assessing design options, including altering the gradient of the stands and reconfiguring seating arrangements, with most changes expected to occur within the existing structure. However, the tight 17-acre site, nestled in a residential area with nearby railway lines, presents a complex logistical challenge and planning permission could take up to five years to secure. Should construction commence, Arsenal may be required to temporarily relocate their home matches, potentially to Wembley Stadium, echoing a move made by Tottenham during their stadium rebuild. While the expansion aims to secure the club's financial future and competitive edge, the move could impact the men’s and women’s teams. No final decision has been announced, as the club continues to weigh-up various options.

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Getty Images SportThird round drama returns in January

The draw for the third round of the will be held shortly after the completion of the second round proper, which takes place around the weekend of December 6. This is when clubs from the Premier League and Championship enter the competition and the third round ties themselves are scheduled to be played on/around the weekend of January 10 next year. 

Manchester City’s summer was defined by both change and ambition.

After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing third and ending the season without a trophy for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s debut year, the club knew reinforcements were needed.

Out went long-serving figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan and Kyle Walker, taking with them a wealth of experience and winning mentality.

In came Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït-Nouri to refresh the outfield ranks.

But the most intriguing business arrived between the posts.

Ederson, who had been at City since 2017 and redefined the modern goalkeeper with his ball-playing ability, departed on deadline day for Fenerbahçe.

In his place came not one but two new stoppers – James Trafford, a record-breaking signing from Burnley, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s captain and widely regarded as the world’s best goalkeeper.

City’s reshaped squad has shown flashes of potential, most recently in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford courtesy of Erling Haaland’s ninth goal of the season.

But while Guardiola’s side currently sit fifth, much of the conversation has centred on how the goalkeeping department will evolve.

Why Donnarumma is Man City's best signing for years

The deadline day signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma raised eyebrows across Europe.

City spent £26m to lure the 26-year-old from Paris Saint-Germain, where he had amassed 161 appearances, kept 56 clean sheets, and crucially played a starring role in delivering the club’s first Champions League triumph.

With 76 caps for Italy and the captain’s armband at international level, Donnarumma arrived with pedigree few can match.

His performances for PSG last season – including several man-of-the-match displays in Europe – reaffirmed his reputation as the finest shot-stopper in the world.

Standing at 1.96m, he commands his area with authority, particularly in aerial situations, and is renowned for producing big saves under pressure.

However, what makes this move fascinating is how it fits into Guardiola’s philosophy. For years, the Catalan has prioritised goalkeepers who excel with the ball at their feet.

It was that desire which saw Joe Hart replaced by Claudio Bravo in 2016, and later justified the faith placed in Ederson, who delivered not only saves but four assists last season through his pinpoint distribution.

Donnarumma, by contrast, is less accomplished with the ball. His strength lies in traditional goalkeeping qualities – reflexes, reach and shot-stopping.

Chalkboard

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

This suggests either a tactical evolution for Guardiola or a pragmatic response to City’s first trophyless season in seven years.

Having witnessed Liverpool lift the title in 2025, Guardiola may have decided solidity and reliability outweigh artistry for the moment.

So far, Donnarumma has featured six times for City this season, keeping three clean sheets and producing a stunning derby save against Manchester United.

All of that has helped to ensure that another of City’s summer signings has already become rather redundant.

Man City star on borrowed time after Donnarumma signing

For James Trafford, the summer promised a fairytale return.

A boyhood City supporter, the 22-year-old rejoined the club from Burnley in a deal worth up to £31m – making him the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.

It was a transfer designed to signal the beginning of a new era, with Trafford earmarked as the long-term heir to Ederson.

His rise had been meteoric. Last season, he was a cornerstone of Burnley’s record-breaking Championship campaign, playing 45 games, keeping 30 clean sheets and conceding just 15 goals.

Such a run of form deservedly saw him named among the PFA Championship team of the Season.

His remarkable consistency included a run of 12 consecutive shutouts and 910 minutes without conceding – feats that attracted serious interest from Newcastle before City swooped in.

Matches Played

45

Minutes

4,050

Save Percentage

84.5%

Penalties Saved

2

Goals Against

15

Since returning, Trafford has been given opportunities, playing three times already this season.

While he impressed against Brighton despite a 2-1 defeat, he also endured difficult moments, most notably a costly error against Tottenham when his misplaced pass led to João Palhinha’s goal.

With Donnarumma arriving weeks later, the writing may already be on the wall.

The statistics tell a curious story. Trafford boasts a save percentage of 84.5% compared to Donnarumma’s 67.6%, concedes fewer goals per 90 (0.36 versus 1.08), and completes more passes at greater progressive distances.

By those metrics, Trafford arguably looks the more Guardiola-esque option.

Yet the Italian has the experience and reputation that will inevitably command the manager’s trust in key fixtures.

At just 22, Trafford’s potential remains enormous, but his pathway to becoming City’s long-term No.1 may already be blocked.

Should Donnarumma cement his place, Trafford could soon be faced with a difficult decision – whether to bide his time and develop at City or seek opportunities elsewhere to avoid stagnation. As GOAL put it, the stopper is likely to be “regretting his life choices” now.

Either way, City fans can take solace in having two highly talented goalkeepers on their books. But in the high-stakes world of Guardiola’s City, only one will truly be trusted to lead them back to the summit.

Better than Haaland: Man City must regret selling "the best player in PL"

Manchester City let this top talent slip through their fingers.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 3, 2025

Jadon Sancho and rapper and singer girlfriend Saweetie have been accused of owing money to her ex-manager. Maybach Mayy took to Instagram to call out Saweetie in a series of posts and has called for reimbursement. Sancho and Saweetie, whose real name is Diamonte Harper, appear to have been dating for some time now after she was spotted in attendance at a Chelsea game last season.

Getty Images SportSancho and partner accused on social media

Sancho spent last season on loan at Chelsea, who agreed to pay a penalty fee of £5m to Manchester United to get out of an obligation to make the move permanent. Sancho managed three goals and four assists for the Blues in the Premier League last season yet they were happy to pay to send the former Borussia Dortmund winger back to Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old started 19 league games for the west London side under Enzo Maresca, one of which was the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, where Sancho was seen running over to Saweetie and hugging her on the touchline during his warm-up. Mayy was also on the touchline for the stalemate with the Cherries, and also spotted hugging Sancho.

However, since then the relationship between Saweetie and Mayy has deteriorated. In a series of explosive social posts, Mayy has accused Saweetie of failing to pay for club hosting appearances during multiple international trips, which includes a visit to Africa earlier this year.

Advertisement'Instead of paying me she fell in love with the client'

Mayy even goes as far as labelling Sancho a 'client', initially stating: "I want to make one thing clear, I booker her for an appearance to visit the Chelsea stadium and support the soccer team (as my last post shows). Instead of paying me she fell in love with the client and told him not to pay me.

"I was a road manager with her getting her deal. I was solid to this girl. She got what she wanted and never paid me, simple. I want my money!"

Mayy then turned her attention to Sancho, adding: "Sancho you do not get to kick a ball in peace while owing me and still out there tricking, it's all your fault messy little fairy."

Both Saweetie and Sancho, who has the rapper's middle name tattooed under his left ear, have remained silent on the matter so far.

Getty Images SportSancho struggling to rediscover form

Sancho was linked with a move to Roma over the summer after it became clear he had no future at United. However, a switch to the Italian side fell through and just as it looked as though he'd be resigned to staying at Old Trafford until January at the earliest, he managed to secure a loan move to Aston Villa on deadline day.

The move was a welcome one for Sancho, who has struggled to rediscover his best form since leaving Borussia Dortmund for United in 2021. Even so, Sancho has found minutes hard to come by following his switch to Villa Park last month.

The England international has registered just eight minutes of Premier League action since his move to the Villans, while his only start resulted in an EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat to Brentford. That said, Villa boss Unai Emery has vowed to help Sancho regain his spot in the Three Lions squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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Sancho hoping to maintain decent form at Spurs

Sancho, who has been recovering from illness recently, will hope for more minutes when Villa travel to Tottenham on Sunday. Villa make the trip to the capital on a four-game winning streak following their 2-1 win over Burnley prior to the international. Donyell Malen bagged a brace in the home success, though a 78th-minute Lesley Ugochukwu strike set up a nervy finish at Villa Park.

Villa also have a solid record at Spurs having won three of the last five league meetings between the pair in north London. Sancho, too, often turns up when playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having scored on two of his last three visits to Tottenham.

Thomas Frank's side are unbeaten in seven ahead Sunday's welcome of Villa, though they have won just two of their last five, one of which was against lower league opposition Doncaster in the EFL Cup. Spurs have lost just one game inside 90 minutes in all competitions this season, a defeat that came at home to Bournemouth in August, and have won only three of their last 17 home league matches.

“The good thing for RCB is that they will play the last game and they will know exactly where they stand and what they need to do,” Anil Kumble says

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20251:01

Did RCB get their bowling tactics right?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) didn’t to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday night in Lucknow, but they would have wanted to: a win would have given them a great shot at finishing in the top two of the IPL 2025 league table. It didn’t happen. Now, Tom Moody wants them to “move on very quickly”, while Anil Kumble is still backing them to get there – after all, they will play the last game of the league phase and will know “what they need to do.””I think you need to move on very quickly. I think you’ve got to patch up your wounds – and they’ve got a few scars there – but I don’t think you dwell on it too much,” Moody said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show after RCB’s 42-run loss. “Because they have done a lot of good things this season, and that should be the focus, try to draw out some of the positives of this game – the opening partnership of 80, [Phil] Salt back in the side [and] finding some form – he hit five sixes. So try to keep it upbeat, try to keep it as positive as possible, because now is not the time for people to be second-guessing what they are doing or what their role is in the side.”Salt finding form was certainly one of the positives. His last appearance was back on April 24, almost exactly a month ago, before he fell ill. Then came the break because of the India-Pakistan border tensions. Then came RCB’s first match upon the IPL’s resumption, which was washed out. They have lost Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Hazlewood (though he might return) to injuries, and Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi are done for the season because of responsibilities with their national sides. And Tim David might have done his hamstring on Friday.Related

RCB need their share of luck now to find lost momentum

Kishan, SRH quicks dent RCB's chances of a top-two finish

Hazlewood expected to return to IPL for playoffs

The circumstances can get you down, but Kumble liked what he saw from RCB in their chase of SRH’s 231 for 6, especially the start of 80 runs in seven overs from Virat Kohli and Salt. Though he did point to the mistakes in that chase too.”The start was extremely good. Though Virat Kohli was the dominant partner in the opening stand with Phil Salt, who was playing after a month and looked rusty, but one of them needed to bat deep,” Kumble said. “If that had happened, we would be talking about an RCB win. I also think that the 25-odd balls that Mayank [Agarwal] and Rajat Patidar played together made it tough for RCB. But their game plan was right. The fall of wickets and Tim David’s injury didn’t help.”Agarwal, who has been brought in from the cold to replace Padikkal, scored 11 in ten balls, and Patidar, back from a hand injury and playing as a batter-only scored 18 in 16. Coming as their innings did after the frenetic start, it did peg RCB back.Jitesh Sharma, standing in for Patidar as captain, said after the game that he didn’t mind the result. “I think sometimes losing a game is a very good sign because you can check, analyse where we are lacking.” Kumble wasn’t buying it. But with RCB playing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to end the league phase on May 27, Kumble hasn’t given up on his old team making the top two.”You need to say these things. You shouldn’t be losing at this stage. You needed to win this to make it easier to finish in the top two. We know the importance of a top-two finish,” he said. “It can still happen. Mathematically, anything can happen on the table. But the pressure will be on RCB. The good thing for RCB is that they will play the last game and they will know exactly where they stand and what they need to do.”

It has been a slow start to the season for Leeds United’s new number nine, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The former Everton striker joined the club on a free transfer in the summer, after his contract on Merseyside expired.

The 28-year-old England international has been an important part of Daniel Farke’s side since his summer move to Elland Road, featuring in six games so far, starting the last four in the Premier League.

However, he’s only managed to bag one goal, with his strike coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 3-1 win at Molineux last month.

Farke will be hoping Calvert-Lewin can be a better option up front than Patrick Bamford was towards the end of his Leeds career.

Bamford's rocky time under Farke

For several years, former England international Bamford was the first-choice centre-forward at Elland Road. He notched up 205 appearances for the club, scoring 60 times and assisting a further 25 goals. He was a favourite disciple of the great Marcelo Bielsa. Sadly, all good things must come to an end.

His time at Leeds ended this summer, with the club agreeing to terminate his deal by mutual consent. His final two seasons at Elland Road were spent under the tutelage of Farke, although it wasn’t an easy couple of years.

In total, Bamford played 54 times under the German, bagging nine goals and setting two up. The 2023/24 campaign was more than respectable, with the Grantham-born striker netting eight goals in 33 Championship matches.

It was the following term that proved to be problematic for Bamford. He couldn’t get into the side under Farke, and played just 17 games in the Championship, hindered further by a 14-game injury issue.

He didn’t score that campaign, and was later told by the Leeds boss that he is “not in my plans” for 2025/26. Thus, his deal was terminated.

Calvert-Lewin could certainly be seen as the new Bamford, given he is, in essence, a direct replacement.

Yet, there is another Leeds star who could be considered Farke’s new version of the England striker.

Leeds star in danger of being the new Bamford

Things certainly ended in a disappointing way for the Chelsea academy graduate, with the Leeds boss up front about the fact he would have no role to play in the Premier League this season.

Chalkboard

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

Well, just as Bamford struggled to get game time last season, another Leeds striker could be headed down a similar path.

It has been a tough campaign so far for Dutch striker Joel Piroe. The former Swansea City star has previously shone under Farke, making 97 appearances under the German, to great success, too.

In that time, the 26-year-old scored 33 goals and assisted a further ten. His Championship form was impressive, racking up 13 league goals in 2023/24, and 19 last term as the Whites won the title.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the boss hailed him as “the best finisher” he’s ever worked with only a few weeks ago.

The underlying stats from those two years, showed just how well he has done at Elland Road so far.

For example, two seasons ago, Piroe had a 22.22% conversion rate, and last term, he averaged 0.6 goals per game, an example of why former Swansea boss Russell Martin called him “clinical.”

Goals

0.5

0.6

Conversion rate

22.22%

26.76%

Chances created

1.2

1.1

Duels won

2.8

2.3

Ball recoveries

3.7

2.7

This term has been a completely different story for the Dutchman. The arrivals of Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have greatly restricted Prioe’s opportunities, and he’s only played three Premier League games, racking up 147 minutes.

It is easy to see how this situation compares to Bamford’s last season. The former Leeds striker had few opportunities to stake a claim under Farke, and the start to 2025/26 has been similar for Piroe.

He will be hoping that the opportunity arises in the coming weeks. The stats are certainly on his side, with the former PSV Eindhoven striker putting up some good numbers over the last couple of years with the German in charge.

If this continues, Piroe is certainly in danger of becoming the new Bamford at Elland Road.

Leeds have signed "explosive" ace who looks like a new Raphinha-type player

Leeds fans might finally get their dream Raphinha replacement

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 12, 2025

Attacking approach pays off for visitors despite Dawid Malan’s latest half-century

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jun-2025Allrounder Ed Barnard hit an excellent middle-order 67 and then helped close things out with the ball as Birmingham Bears defended a 206-target to claim a crucial Vitality Blast win over Yorkshire at Headingley.Barnard’s 40-ball knock was the centrepiece of a 205 for 8 total which also included a telling late assault of 76 runs in the last five overs from the lower order.Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali hit 22 not out off eight balls and later struck twice with the ball, sealing a third win in six in the North Group – this by 32 runs.Yorkshire, for whom New Zealand quick Will O’Rourke struck three times with the ball, looked well placed to reel in the target thanks to opener and captain Dawid Malan’s 65 off 34 balls. But his fourth successive fifty in this competition was not enough to prevent a fourth defeat in six, the hosts finishing on 173 for 5.Alex Davies, who elected to bat, guided George Hill’s seam to short third – 20 for 1 in the second over. Dom Bess, with his first ball, and O’Rourke then removed Dan Mousley bowled and Sam Hain caught at point as the Bears ended the powerplay at 51 for 3.Tom Latham and Barnard steadied through accumulation to reach halfway with the score on 85. However, the former fell on 24 at the start of the 12th when he top-edged England Lion Hill to long-leg.That was the first of three wickets in successive overs as the Bears slipped back into trouble at 123 for 6 in the 14th over. Moeen Ali was lbw to Jack White for 9 and Kai Smith caught behind off O’Rourke’s pace. But their batters refused to die wondering on a belter of a batting pitch.George Garton whacked two sixes over long-on as 21 came off Bess in the 16th before he skewed O’Rourke to deep cover in the 18th – 160 for 7. Sandwiched in between, Barnard reached a 32-ball fifty.Barnard fell caught in the deep off Jack White in the penultimate, which ended with two Hasan sixes to help the Bears get above 200.Will Luxton skewed Hassan’s pace high to mid-off in the second over of a chase which advanced at pace. Malan hit two slog-swept sixes over midwicket off Danny Briggs’ spin in the fifth over and the score reached 56 for 1 after six.Garton dropped Malan at deep midwicket on 29 off Briggs in the seventh over, though there was success for the Bears when Moeen’s second ball bowled Adam Lyth – 66 for 2 in the eighth.Malan aside, Yorkshire’s batting has been sketchy this campaign. So by now, it felt like Malan or bust for the hosts. By the time he reached his latest fifty, off 29 balls, the hosts were 100 for two early in the 12th over.James Wharton provided impressive third-wicket support in sharing 55 with his skipper, though left-armer Briggs struck a key blow in the 13th when he had Malan caught at short fine-leg off a skied top-edged sweep – 121 for 3.Yorkshire needed 65 off the last five overs before Mousley’s offspin removed powerful Australian Will Sutherland, the target becoming a stiffer 47 off three overs at 159 for 4. Wharton fell for 37 in the penultimate over before Barnard’s seam – nought for 18 from three overs – closed out the last, defending 39.

AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has opened up about his bold financial vision for the Rossoneri, revealing how he plans to make the club competitive with Premier League giants. The RedBird Capital founder has set an ambitious goal of transforming Serie A’s global standing as he insisted the Italian top-flight is "the most competitive league".

Cardinale’s bold Milan vision: competing with England’s elite

Milan's American owner Cardinale has laid bare his grand ambition to elevate the Rossoneri to the financial level of Premier League clubs. In a candid interview on podcast, the American investor described managing Milan as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” but confirmed that the project is beginning to yield results.

Since acquiring the club in 2022 through RedBird Capital & Partners, Cardinale has pushed for a model of reinvestment and sustainability rather than profit-making. “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “In three years of owning Milan, we’ve been positive in terms of cash flow for the first time in 17 years. And I don’t keep that money for myself, I reinvest it in the team.”

The owner also pointed to Milan’s strong summer transfer window as proof of his commitment. “We spent more than any other Serie A team in the last summer transfer window. We are building a new stadium, not to pocket money, but to transform Milan’s financial profile and bring it up to the level of Premier League teams.”

Cardinale’s message was clear that Milan are not content with being Italy’s biggest traditional powerhouse; they want to be a global economic force capable of competing with the cash-rich English league.

AdvertisementFinancial transformation and the new stadium project

Cardinale underlined that Milan’s ongoing stadium project is central to his long-term financial plan. The proposed new venue will replace the historic but aging San Siro, which Milan currently share with Inter. The move is expected to drastically increase matchday revenue, corporate partnerships, and global visibility.

“The new stadium will transform AC Milan's financial profile and bring it to the level of Premier League clubs,” he said. “Because for us, the real competition is there, in the English league.”

Cardinale’s focus on self-sufficiency echoes his earlier remarks about wanting to innovate like the late Silvio Berlusconi once did. “My PR has gone crazy, but I meant to say that I want to innovate, like he did and like [George] Steinbrenner did with the New York Yankees in their day. But today you can't do it the same way, everything is too expensive, there are billion-dollar funds. We need to find another way.”

The American executive’s approach marks a major cultural shift for Serie A, where clubs often rely on owner funding or player sales rather than sustainable business models. Milan’s steady financial recovery under RedBird is now being viewed as a model for the future.

Premier League comparison and European imbalance

Cardinale also addressed the financial gap between Serie A and the Premier League, which he described as “the biggest challenge in European football today.” “The Premier League has almost four times the TV revenue of other European leagues, which is a problem,” he explained. “However, in Serie A, the last-placed team can beat the first, it's the most competitive league, but it's not paid for that. Distributors only want the best, which is why the idea of the Super League was created.”

His comments highlight a tension between sporting competitiveness and commercial appeal. Cardinale’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment across European football, that Italy’s domestic product is strong on the pitch but undervalued commercially.

By positioning Milan as the face of Serie A’s modernisation, Cardinale is not only aiming to close the gap with England but also to reshape the league’s global brand. The planned new stadium, coupled with a focus on digital innovation and fan engagement, could make Milan the Italian club to fully modernise its infrastructure in the 21st century.

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Getty Images SportWhat’s next for AC Milan?

The Rossoneri have started the Serie A campaign strongly, having lost just one of the 10 matches they have played so far. Milan’s squad, featuring key players like Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Luka Modric, who all hold the experience of the Premier League, embodies Cardinale’s goal of blending European heritage with international appeal. Off the pitch, plans for the new stadium continue to progress, with hopes to begin construction by 2026.

On the field, Milan will travel to Bergamo on Tuesday night to face an unbeaten Atalanta side in a highly anticipated Serie A clash. Milan are eager to return to winning ways after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Pisa that saw Zachary Athekame rescue a late point. With Massimiliano Allegri’s side unbeaten in their last eight matches and Loftus-Cheek back in contention, the Rossoneri will look to reclaim the Serie A top spot and strengthen their title credentials against a disciplined Atalanta outfit.

The San Francisco Giants (32-24) host the Houston Astros (34-36)  tonight at Oracle Park in one of seven games on a shortened Monday night slate.

Here are a couple of plus-money player props to target in tonight’s matchup.

MLB Best Bets TodayYordan Alvarez over 1.5 total bases (+115) at DraftKings

I love this prop in plus money for Yordan Alvarez who has been blistering the ball lately. 

Alvarez’s 116.8 max exit velocity ranks sixth in MLB, and he’s hitting .433 with four home runs, 11 RBI, and a 1.495 OPS in June.  

Another fun fact about Alvarez? Despite being a lefty himself, Alvarez hits lefties even better than righties. That should spell success for Alvarez vs. lefty Kyle Harrison, whose 34.9% hard-hit rate is the fifth-highest among qualified starters and whose max exit velocity allowed is in the bottom 6% of the league. 

Spencer Arighetti over 5.5 K (+115) at DraftKings

Spencer Arighetti’s ERA is not impressive, but his strikeout rate is. Arighetti is striking batters out at nearly 11 per nine innings this season.

Arrighetti was lifted from his last start due to being hit in the calf by a comebacker, but he is expected to be at full strength tonight.   

The Astros just used Ryan Pressly, Rafael Montero, and Bryan Abreu on consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday vs. the Angels), and manager Joe Espada will need his rookie to go as deep as possible into this game.  

Arrighetti has exceeded this prop in five of his 10 starts this year.  

High-flying Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is wanted by La Liga club Athletic Club, who are plotting a succession plan. Iraola, who moved to the Premier League from LaLiga, could return to his homeland after three years next season if he agrees to take charge at Athletic Club as their new manager to replace Ernesto Valverde at the helm.

Iraola's success as Bournemouth boss

After spending just two-and-a-half years in Bournemouth, Iraola has already become a crowd favourite for the success he has attained at the Cherries. His stock has only risen after the Cherries' consistent performances in his first two seasons, where they finished 12th and ninth in the Premier League.

After finishing among the top 10 teams in the Premier League last season, Bournemouth dealt with a setback as three out of their four first team defenders departed the club in the summer transfer window, including star centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and full-back Milos Kerkez to Liverpool. However, despite losing a host of their stars, Iraola has guided Bournemouth to a strong start in the 2025-26 campaign as they are occupying the second position in the league table with 18 points from the first nine matches, where they have won five and lost just one game.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesIraola could head back to Spain

According to , La Liga side Athletic Club are plotting a succession plan as veteran coach Ernesto Valverde is all set to exit the team next summer. Valverde, 61, is in the final year of his current contract and has yet to hold talks over a new deal with the club. Accordingly, the Basque club have started their search for Valverde's replacement and their sporting director is considering making a move for the Bournemouth head coach.

The club also have Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez and Elche’s Eder Sarabia on their shortlist, although Perez is likely to put pen to paper on a new Vallecano contract and stay back at the club on a long-term basis. 

Iraola's managerial journey so far

Iraola, who graduated from Athletic Club's youth academy in 2000, spent 12 seasons as a player with the club's senior side from 2003 to 2015, where he finished runners-up in the Copa del Rey thrice and once in the Europa League during the 2011-12 campaign. In the final two years of his stay at San Mames, he played under Valverde's tutelage, a manager he could replace next year. 

The Spaniard began his managerial career at the age of just 36 after retiring from professional football, as he took charge of top division Cypriot side AEK Larnaca and guided them to the league title in his maiden season as a senior head coach. He moved back to Spain a year later, in 2019 and briefly managed Mirandes before joining Rayo Vallecano. Since his move to England in 2023, Iraola has won the Premier League Manager of the Month award twice, in March 2024 and January 2025.

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Iraola was linked with Spurs job

After Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou in the summer following their Europa League triumph last season, Iraola was strongly linked with the head coach's job. In the last two season's Iraola's Bournemouth have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the Premier League, which is also down to his well-thought-out transfer choices. The likes of Evanilson, Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Milos Kerkez have all been hit signings at the Vitality Stadium, and Iraola's knack for spotting talent held him in good stead to succeed where Postecoglou failed at Spurs.

However, Iraola stayed back at Bournemouth over the summer, while Spurs went ahead and signed Thomas Frank from Bournemouth as their next manager. 

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has been left unimpressed by one of the players he inherited, and may look to replace him in the January transfer window.

Spurs move up to third after victory at the Hill Dickinson

With Tottenham finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, Frank was always going to have a tough job on his hands trying to turn the north London club back into contenders at the top end of the table, but the Dane has made a solid start.

Courtesy of the 3-0 victory against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, Spurs are now up to third in the Premier League table, with the manager taking the time to praise his side’s performance after the match.

Micky van de Ven secured the first brace of his career in the 3-0 victory, meaning the centre-back is now tied with Richarlison as the Lilywhites’ top goalscorer in all competitions this season, with the Brazilian also on three goals.

However, two of the Brazilian’s goals came on the opening day of the campaign against Burnley, with the 28-year-old failing to find the back of the net on a regular basis, while Dominic Solanke has had a different problem since moving to the capital.

The striker has suffered consistent injury issues since arriving in north London, making just two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, and Frank is now unimpressed by the former AFC Bournemouth man.

That is according to a report from Football Insider, which claims the Tottenham boss doesn’t fancy Solanke, with the manager now deciding he wants to sign a new striker, and the Englishman could be replaced in the January transfer window.

Having suffered an ankle injury, the 28-year-old is set to spend a prolonged period on the sidelines, which could be an issue, given that Mathys Tel isn’t exactly flourishing, having scored just one Premier League goal in seven appearances.

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ByDominic Lund Oct 26, 2025 "Fantastic" Solanke needs to put injury problems behind him

If Frank is questioning the three-time England international due to his injury record, he may have a point, given that he has spent a lot of time on the treatment table over the course of the past two seasons.

Season

Games missed due to injury

2024-25

14

2025-26

12

However, should the centre-forward be able to overcome his issues, he could be a better option than the likes of Tel and Richarlison, having amassed 21 goal contributions in all competitions last term, in what was an impressive debut campaign.

Once described as a “fantastic footballer” by Ange Postecoglou, Solanke, who rakes in £140k-a-week, could re-emerge as an important player for Tottenham, and it would be a little hasty for Frank to sanction a departure in the January transfer window.