This seasons UEFA Champions League competition will conclude with a mini tournament consisting of the final 8 teams in Lisbon this August.
UEFA have also confirmed that the Champions League quarter final and semi final stages of this seasons competition will be single legged ties rather than the traditional home & away format.
Matches will take place from 12th August with the final concluding the competition on 23rd August in Lisbon. The competition will be held across two stadiums with Benfica’s Estadio do Sport Lisboa and Sporting’s Estadio Jose Alvalade.
A decision is pending on whether the four remaining round of 16 second legs will take place at the home team’s stadium or in Portugal.
The Estádio do Dragão in Porto and the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães will host the four outstanding round of 16 second legs if required.
2019/20 UEFA Champions League schedule
7-8 August: Round of 16 second legs (venues to be confirmed) 12-15 August: Quarter-finals (Lisbon) 18-19 August: Semi-finals (Lisbon) 23 August: Final (Lisbon)
All fixtures will kick off at 20:00 BST. The date for the quarter-final and semi-final draws will be communicated in due course; the exact match schedule will then follow.
When England were drawn against Wales in Group B of EURO 2016 it set mouths watering across the continent and it certainly didn’t disappoint with a match that had absolutely everything – Premier League pace, electric atmosphere & pure drama.
England were at their stuttering best qualifying for EURO 2016 winning all 10 of their qualifiers whilst only conceding 3 goals in the process. What’s more is Roy Hodgson was pretty much able to pick a 3 Lions squad from a pool of players with no major injury concerns – something unheard of for an England manager heading into a major competition. What could possibly go wrong…
Meanwhile, Chris Colemans Wales were riding an unbelievable wave which had carried them all the way to France with most notably an impressive victory over Belgium in Cardiff. There was a feel good factor around the Welsh team and with truly world class talent in their side you could see they weren’t simply there to make up the numbers at EURO 2016.
Wales got their campaign off to a flyer beating a decent Slovakia side 2-1 whilst England spluttered a draw against a mediocre Russia side in Marseille which was remembered for all the wrong reasons. The stage was set… the so called noisy neighbours & underdogs were topping Group B whilst once again England were under enormous pressure to get a result before their tournament had even begun.
The build up to the match was as intriguing as the match itself with Gareth Bale & gang clearly enjoying the media circus to pile on even more pressure & misery to the opposition by questioning their passion & talent. Meanwhile, on the other side of the fence Roy Hodgson & Wayne Rooney bumbled their way through press conferences desperately trying to divert pressure off the upcoming clash.
The atmosphere in Lens was of course at fever pitch with English and Welsh football fans enjoying their day out together in the sun and passionately getting behind their respective nations. As the players walked out on the turf in Lens both teams & supporters belted out their respective anthems and the game got underway.
It certainly didn’t disappoint…
Daniel Sturridge’s last minute toe poke sent pubs & bars across England into a mass state of delirium and quite simply a cry of lager fueled relief. Once again ‘Football Was Coming Home’ over the summer.
Meanwhile, across the Severn the scenes were that of heartbreak and despair but the loss was clearly something that brought that Welsh side & supporters even closer together to create what would be a special summer.
Despite, breaking the hearts of a nation the Welsh football fans had the last laugh with an incredible run to the semi-final losing to a Cristiano Ronaldo header whilst England… well we all know how that ended.
Wednesday 17th June, 6pm on Sky Sports Premier League
A momentous occasion as Premier League football kicks off again with all matches live on television. Both these sides came up from the Championship last season with very differing stories unfolding throughout the season with United amazingly battling for a European spot whilst Villa look to secure another season in the top flight.
Napoli vs Juventus
Wednesday 17th June, 8pm on BT Sport 2
The Coppa Italia Final takes place this week with 2 of Italy’s giants going head to head in the countries capital. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty Juventus booked their place in the final on Friday night with a bore draw against 10 man Milan in Turin. Meanwhile, Napoli went through on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Inter in Naples.
Man City vs Arsenal
Wednesday 17th June, 8:15pm on Sky Sports Premier League
The student takes on the master as Mikel Arteta takes his Arsenal side to take on former mentor and employer Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Arsenal have registered some horrible form against City in recent years conceding 14 goals in the last 5 Premier League meetings. Expect goals.
Spurs vs Man United
Friday 19th June, 8:15pm on Sky Sports Premier League
Jose welcomes his former employers Manchester United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for some tasty Friday Night Football. United who were hitting a bit of form before the pandemic suspension will be hoping to pick up where they left off but Jose seems to always have some surprise up his sleeves for fixtures of this nature.
Everton vs Liverpool
Sunday 21st June, 7pm on Sky Sports Premier League
One of the hottest fixtures of the English football calendar takes place this weekend with Liverpool visiting Goodison Park in the Merseyside Derby. This is made even tastier by the fact that depending on how other results go Liverpool could win the title in their neighbours back yard.
With the remainder of the 2019/20 season confirmed to resume at long last, we can definitely take some interesting learnings from each team. With the title all but sealed by Liverpool this year, we look ahead to next season.
Incredibly, aside from Manchester City up in 3rd place and Chelsea at 4th, we see a few of the traditional ‘big boys’ of the premier league in Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United dwindling down at 8th, 7th and 5th places respectively. To take nothing away from the likes of Leicester, Wolves and Sheffield United, this Premier League clearly looks differently to the one we’ve grown used to seeing over the last decade.
Within this article We Love Sport‘s Jonathan Fone looks at Chelsea in particular. Whilst having clinched a top four spot and securing Champions League football for next season (in whatever shape or form that will look like!) – it’s clear that they’re in a transition period after being hampered by a transfer ban last summer. A blessing in disguise to many fans of promoting youth in the squad, Chelsea are clearly looking to spend the big bucks to bring in some big names this summer. Let’s take a look at how Chelsea’s starting XI could look next season. For this we will be sticking to Frank Lampard’s favoured formation of a 4-2-3-1.
*Disclaimer – this starting line up is based on opinion and transfer rumour only!*
Goalkeeper: André Onana
With Kepa Arrizabalaga seemingly deemed ‘not up to scratch’ by Frank Lampard at various points this season, rumours surround a potential departure to the likes of Valencia. Whether this is on loan or a full transfer, remains to be seen. An amazing development considering he is not only the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, but also Chelsea’s record signing.
It has been suggested for a while that 24 year old Cameroonian shot stopper André Onana could be on the verge of a move to Chelsea to join team-mate on the move, Hakim Ziyech, and has publicly stated that his time has ‘come to take a step’.
With Willy Caballero also signing a year extension on his contract, he could continue as a solid backup goalkeeper for next season.
Left Back: Ben Chilwell
According to various sources, Leicester City are becoming increasingly resigned to the 23 year old leaving the club as they step up their search for a replacement left back. Ben Chilwell the England full back has been continuously linked to Chelsea since the start of the season, with Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri potentially on the way out.
Centre Backs: Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rüdiger
Whilst it’s clear that defence has been shaky at times in the 19/20 season, anyone following Chelsea’s development this season can see that Lampard is a big fan of promoting youth players whilst being keen to promote some form of stability in the squad. By sticking with the current defensive line-up, this can provide a massive boost to the confidence of these players, especially relatively younger and rotation defenders on the bench such as Andreas Christensen and the highly praised Fikayo Tomori.
Right Back: César Azpilicueta
Known affectionately to Chelsea fans as ‘Dave’; it’s unlikely we will see a move away from the bridge from newly promoted ‘skipper’ César Azpilicueta. After 8 years of service at the club the 30 year old remains a versatile rock in Chelsea’s defence, whilst also often providing an imporant attacking threat up front from a wing back position.
It would also be foolish to overlook the highly rated 20 year old Reece James. Lampard must surely be looking to offer game time wherever possible for the England right back to showcase his ability and talent, as many tout him to become the No.1 right back for England in years to come.
Central Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić
Central midfield is clearly Chelsea’s strongest position. It is incredibly difficult to pick only two players to make the cut! Kanté probably being first name on the team sheet of course; arguably the best defensive midfielder in Europe, World Cup and two time Premier League winner for Leicester CIty and Chelsea, how couldn’t we. Alongside him we have picked Croatian maestro Kovačić, who really has emerged as a stand out midfielder this season and has achieved the best dribble success rate of any player in the Premier League to have attempted over 30 take-ons (79.31%).
In reserves we have the likes of Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Billy Gilmour and Ross Barkley – squad depth not to be sniffed at.
Right Wing: Kai Havertz
The young German Kai Havertz who has been on fire in the Bundesliga this season would be a massive signing for the blues, who are reportedly optimistic about fending off interest from other clubs such as Real Madrid. Chelsea fans are hailing ‘Agent Rüdiger’ as the potential catalyst to see this transfer through!
Kai Havertz would be a superb addition to Chelsea’s forward threat and would help to ease the rumoured upcoming departure of Willian and Pedro.
Attacking Midfield: Hakim Ziyech
A signing confirmed in early 2020 for a total of £38m, the Ajax winger officially joins Chelsea from 1st July. Ziyech has been backed to thrive with the Stamford Bridge outfit and can be deployed in several positions, whether in the centre of the attacking midfield or out on the wing.
Mason Mount sits comfortably ready to take over in the case that Lampard prefers Ziyech out wide after an impressive 19/20 campaign in the number 8 position.
Left Wing: Christian Pulisic
Before his injury this season on New Year’s day, the young American had been arguably one of Chelsea’s most potent forwards and had given the blues a real cutting edge. They’ll certainly be looking forward to having him back at full fitness next season and unleashed alongside the new signings expected this summer. Pulisic bagged an impressive hat-trick against Burnley which is just a flavour of what he has to offer next season.
Chelsea also have exciting backup on the wings in the shape of Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Forward: Timo Werner
Anyone who has been following the Bundesliga this season will know just how effective the 24 year old German at RB Liepzig can be in attack; fast, strong, and with excellent goalscoring ability, Timo Werner is definitely one to keep an eye on, assuming Chelsea can finalise the transfer.
Chelsea fans will be licking their lips to see him in action, with Tammy Abraham, 22, ready to continue the fantastic effort of the 19/20 season when required after scoring 13 goals in 25 league appearances. Alternatively, Lampard may decide to play the two together as a strike partnership which could provide an attacking threat to intimidate any defensive line in Europe.
Ahead of the return of the Premier League we look at the 7 best number 7’s to grace the Premier League since its inception in 1992.
Is there a better number to wear on the football pitch then the number 7? Not only is the number 7 considered lucky across western culture but 7 is down right sexy and it requires a very special player to wear it on the back of their shirt.
For those of you that don’t know about life before the Premier League (yes, top flight football started well before 1992!) some of the greatest players to grace the hallowed turf have worn 7 on their back. Think of greats like George Best, Kenny Dalglish, Luis Figo & Raúl but who are the greatest players to wear the iconic 7 in the Premier League?
Eric Cantona – Manchester United
Is there a player that wore the shirt as well as Eric Cantona? He had all the ingredients that a world class number 7 needs… nicknamed ‘The King’ he also possessed swagger, wore his collar like a boss, was completely & utterly unpredictable and brought a state of nonchalance to English football that we probably haven’t seen since. He wasn’t too shabby with the ball at his feet either.
Obviously there were some black marks to his career with lowlights including the Kung-Fu kick incident at Crystal Palace & that bizarre press conference about Seagulls.
Robert Pires – Arsenal
The French winger was the replacement for Marc Overmars at The Gunners after his £25million departure to Barcelona. Admittedly he struggled to get going in English football with many saying his slight build was not fit for the Premier League physicality. However, things eventually clicked for the French man scoring 62 goals in 198 appearances from the flank.
Like all great number 7’s he was exceptionally arrogant & possessed delicate trickery with a pinch of elegance whilst playing in what was already a superb Arsenal team. Football fans will remember him for egotistically trying to walk a penalty into the net against Man City whilst Gooners will remember him for his 8 goals against arch rivals Spurs.
David Beckham – Manchester United
Becks was a true footballing icon and is arguably the scorer of the Premier League’s most iconic goal – his halfway line finish against Wimbledon on the opening day of 1996/97 season. It had everything – the majestic Beckham technique, the ball hanging in the air for what seemed like eternity, Neil Sullivan scrambling back to his goal line, John Motson on the commentary, limbs behind the goal and a smug young David Beckham announcing himself to the world of football.
Becks won’t go down as one of the all time greats but he was the first mega football celebrity combining the world of sport with the world of fashion and pop culture. The number 7 is part of David Beckham’s DNA and for that reason alone he makes the list.
Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
Took on the number 7 shirt at Manchester City following his controversial £44million move across the Pennines from rivals Liverpool. It’s fair to say his career didn’t reach the expected heights at City until the rival of Pep Guardiola who seems to have transformed Raheem Sterling into a truly world class English talent.
Unfairly targeted in the earlier stages of his career by the British media Sterling has since used his profile & celebrity status to help break down racial prejudices within the UK and is now listed as one of the most influential Black Britons in the annual Powerlist.
Luis Suarez – Liverpool
Luis Suarez’s time at Liverpool wasn’t quiet to say the least. Putting aside the racism bans and casual cannibalism he scored 69 goals in 110 Premier League appearances whilst at Anfield. If you consider he did this whilst playing up front with Andy Carroll it’s even more impressive!
In his time at Anfield he regularly destroyed opposition defences on his own… just ask Norwich City fans.
Matt Le Tissier – Southampton
A true one man club man playing for the Saints on 270 occasions in the Premier League scoring 100 goals and bagging 64 assists. Top flight teams would quiver in their boots visiting The Dell and finding Le Tissier up for the occasion. He had flare, silky skills, scored screamers and even carried a fancy name… all the ingredients for a great number 7.
His ended his career in true mic-drop fashion by scoring a last minute screamer to beat Arsenal in the last ever game at the legendary Dell.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
Probably the greatest number 7 of all time but how good was Ronny in his time in the Premier League? Well in the early days he took a bit of a battering from Premier League defenders as he danced down the wing but as he bulked out he took the Premier League by storm.
In one season Cristiano Ronaldo scored a staggering 41 goals in English football which is a Manchester United record and formed a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney. He won everything in his time at Manchester United and we all know what happened following his move to Real Madrid.
So, there you have it the 7 best number 7’s in Premier League history. Do you agree or is there someone missing?
