Liverpool 18/19

#	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
2	38	30	7	1	89	22	77	97

# Champions League

Stadium: Anfield
Manager(s): Jürgen Klopp
Most Appearances: Alisson, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk (38 appearances)
Top Scorer: Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah (22 goals)
Top Assister: Trent Alexander-Arnold (12 assists)
Most Clean Sheets: Alisson (21 clean sheets)
Key Stats
Liverpool lost only 7 of their 53 matches this season, with two exits in their first matches in the respective domestic cups.
Liverpool's fullbacks combined for a staggering 23 assists this season

Hopes and Overall Grades

Hopes/Predictions at the start of the season?

Top 4, maybe challenge for the title if City faltered at all. Strong showing in Europe. Maybe win a trophy but the signs of progress last season and that carrying on into this would have been enough for me.
Win the league/fight City for the title. That was always the number one goal. Show that last season's CL run wasn't a fluke, was hoping for a QF/SF appearance.
A deep run into the UCL and a proper title charge seemed appropriate after heavy investment in the summer

Season Grade + Review

A++ Stunning season. Frustrating that 97 motherfucking points wasn't enough to win the league, but City was insane the second half of the season. So proud that they pushed City to the absolute limit and the boys will be back next season. Also brought the Champions League back to Anfield so what's not to love!*
10/10 Been absolutely fantastic all season bar a period of a few draws in the middle of the season, almost every player has given their all for the entire season and to lose the league on such a high points tally, whilst disappointing, makes me proud that we pushed such a strong City team all the way AND are European Champions.
A Many club records were broken and this team is without a doubt our best of the premier league era.

Manager Grade + Review

10/10 The only complaints to be had are when he makes silly excuses for when the team maybe hasn't played the best but at least he doesn't blame any of the team. Truly turned us into believers now and for the future.
A+ Best manager in the world, fight me. He tinkered a bit with the lineup, especially with Shaqiri on the right and Salah up top at the start of the season, to mixed results. When Bobby picked up some knocks second half though, I loved the Origi LW and Mane up top that we played. Great rotations, he's improved with substitutions, and most importantly Klopp has turned doubters into believers. Best. Manager. In. The. World.
10/10 In 3 short years Klopp has brought belief and hope back into the club. He really is one of those managers that you feel “gets” the club. His positivity emanates throughout the club and through the fanbase. Really have nothing but love and respect for the man

The XI

Best/Most Used XI + Tactics

 Alisson Alexander-Arnold Matip van Dijk Robertson Henderson Fabinho Wijnaldum Salah Firmino Mané

Instead of the gungho approach of past season we’ve changed to a more patient and possession based team this season. This begins with the passing ability of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson who set the tone that the rest of the team follows. Our midfield is based on hard work and winning the ball back quickly. This leads to most of the creativity coming from the fullbacks. Trent and Robertson are among the leading assist makers in the entire league and our forwards have benefitted greatly from their pinpoint crossing ability.

Best/Worst Match and Goal of the Season

Best Match of the Season: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona [UEFA Champions League Semfinal 2nd Leg]

We've had some magical nights at our ground but that is easily the best I've ever seen. There will never be a better example of the power of the crowd at Anfield, I don't think I'll ever feel the same as I did that night again.
It has to be the titanic comeback against Barcelona. Every single player put in a brilliant performance that day as Anfield pushed them to glory. Without Firmino and Salah the task seemed impossible but our makeshift attack put Barca to the sword in a night that will go down in history.
Honourable mention to the 1-0 victory over Everton for the insanity of it all.
Don't think I'd forget to add in yesterday's 2-0 win against Spurs in the UCL final , might have been a shit game, but it's a Champions League final win ffs

Worst Match of the Season: Red Star Belgrade 2-0 Liverpool

The 0-2 loss against Red Star in the UCL was a pretty dire game. It also really put the squeeze on us going into the final day of group stage play with a win against Napoli needed to progress.
Honourable mention to the 0-0 draw against Manchester United, as United came in in with a plethora of injuries, had more players injured in the game and played an injured Rashford for 3/4 of the match but we didn't even challenge them when we should have easily won.
Also the 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison, which was Such an unbelievably frustrating game, and that they will keep holding it over our head's that that 'cost us the league'.

Goal of the Season: M. Salah vs CHE 53'

Other mentions to

Season Awards

Goalkeeper of the Season: Alisson
Worth every single penny. His distribution, confidence, and shot stopping are incredible. Maybe our most consistent player all year too.
The few mistakes he’s made are overshadowed by how many times he has saved us.
Best keeper I can remember playing for Liverpool. Makes huge saves like against Napoli in the 1-0 win and the save against Jordi Alba in the Barca miracle game. Extremely solid all season bar 1 mistake against Leicester early on but I can have 0 complaints about our man in net.
Alisson got the Golden Glove for himself after Manchester City conceded on the final day at the AMEX.
Defender of the Season: Virgil van Dijk
Defense has been very strong this season with at least 3 players in with a shout but VVD has been one of the best defenders in the world this season and has steadied what was a very rocky ship.
Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have improved massively, Matip finally became the player we thought he could be from Schalke, and before he got hurt Gomez looked world class at CB - but that improvement comes in large part to big Virg. Massive, massive player, and a better leader. His confidence has been transformative to the club.
Coming from Southampton for a defender record of £75 million in January of 2018, van Dijk has more than justified his price, winning PFA Player of the Year and cementing himself as one of if not the best defender in the world. Along with his great defensive abilities, intelligence, and athleticism, van Dijk has also gotten himself 6 goals and 2 assists in 50 matches this season in the Premier League and Champions League, with the second most goals from centre half this season, only behind Brighton's Shane Duffy.
Midfielder of the Season: Fabinho
We’ve really lacked a player like Fabinho for years and although he had a slow start, he’s our most important midfielder now. Seems to be everywhere on the pitch/ Joel Matip said that “When he makes a tackle…his leg seems to get longer and longer, like a gadget.” Which perfectly describes what a brilliant tackler he is.
Very hard choice but Fabinho edges Gini out by just a little. Had a rocky start but brings balance to the midfield, allows Hendo and others to drive forward more.
Special mention to Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been arguably our most consistent midfielder. He's scored some absolutely massive goals, but a lot of the work he does with tracking back and linking the attack and defense has been really impressive. He even played at CB earlier this year. Hats off to Gini!
Forward of the Season: Sadio Mané
This was really tough, but I'll give it to Mane. Maybe my favorite player in the team, his form was so consistent, he played as a true winger, inside forward, striker, etc., and was world class at all of them. Salah is amazing obviously and* Firmino is the engine of the team, but when Sadio is in form (which he was basically all season, I can't really remember him having a poor game) we just feel unstoppable. I love him so much.
You could really flip a coin for him and Salah over who is our forward of the season but Mane edges it slightly for me. His performances in the big games against Bayern and Barcelona were amazing and he combines work ethic with ruthless finishing and the odd moment of magic.
Signing of the Season: Alisson (£63.60 million)
Been so good I almost forgot he's only been here for the season. Best goalie in the league in my completely unbiased opinion.
After Karius’ heartbreak in Kiev last year an upgrade in the goalkeeping department was necessary. And without Alisson,it’s safe to say we wouldn’t even be in the UCL final again, let alone winning it. Not only does he make brilliant saves but he commands his box with an authority that we’ve been lacking for years. His habit of attempting fakeshots and cruyff turns in the box may be unnecessary but he backs it up with brilliant shot stopping and distribution.
U-23 Player of the Season: Trent Alexander-Arnold
There's no competition, the future captain has been outstanding this season. Breaking records for assists as a defender and taking the initiative in big games like the assist for Origi's goal.
What a guy. Been with the team since he was six. When the sad day comes that Milner and Henderson are no longer with the club, he'll likely be made vice-captain or maybe captain (assuming it goes to Virgil). Him and Kimmich will fight for best RB in the world for the next decade.
His development the past 2 seasons has been a joy to behold. It’s hard to believe that he’s only 20 but his passing ability and maturity belie his years. He has the odd defensive mishap but the teams only scouser is a future captain.
Alexander-Arnold had the most assists in a season for a defender in Premier League history with 12.
Disappointment of the Season: Run of draws around the middle of the season
With a team as lethal as Manchester City, every point really does count. It really cost us in the long run. Especially the draw against an injury hit Man Utd where we were unable to find a killer goal
As far as players go I do think it has to be Naby Keïta, just because most predicted he'd hit the ground running but at first he struggled to adapt/picked up some nagging injuries. But I'm confident that the form of the last few months before Rakitić ended his season is the Keita we'll see in 2019-2020. He's phenomenal and has the potential to be one of the first names on the XI in the future.

Other

Shocking Moment of the Season: Stop savin' chat

Haha. No kink-shaming here though, get yours, but how that went down was hilarious.
Tweet in the post linked was deleted but you can find the snaps online pretty easy, and the comments describe most of it well enough
In terms of on the pitch, Both of Origi's winners against Everton and Barcelona

Heading into Next Season....

Need a new backup LB (bye Moreno, I'll miss your goofiness but not your horrible positioning)
Maybe some RB cover *as well so Gomez can play more centrally and give TAA a break.
Sturridge is likely gone, but Brewster will probably take his minutes, and I'd like to keep Origi for backup striker and winger if he's okay with that.
Still could use a young LW as well though.
Despite what some people say midfield isn't really a priortity, but if Lallana wants more gametime and leaves I'd love for us to go for Aouar.

The biggest hope is that we can keep up this momentum going in to the next league season and finally cross the finish line.

Previous Reviews

Liverpool FC vs. Manchester City F.C.
Competition : Champions League – Quarterfinal – Leg 1
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool UK
Date: Wednesday, 4 April
Kick-off : 19:45 BST | 20:45 CET | 14:45 Central USA
Referee : Felix Brych
Assistants : Mark Borsch, Stefan Lupp
Fourth official : Markus Häcker
Liverpool FC
Manager: Jürgen Klopp
Line Up - Ederson, Walker, Kompany (C), Otamendi, Laporte, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Sane, Jesus
Substitutes - Bravo, Danilo, Stones, Sterling, Delph, Bernardo, Zinchenko
Sidelined – Matip (thigh), Gomez (ankle), Lallana (hamstring), Klavan (knock), Woodburn (knock), Brewster (knee)
Form Guide -
All competitions - W D L W W
Champions League – W D W W D
Pre-Match Press Conference Statements
“ We want to go as far as possible in the competition, so we have to face the best teams in the world. City's confidence is probably at an outstandingly high level, but we're in a good moment as well. I like difficult tasks, I like difficult jobs. For a manager it's the most interesting – what to do and how to prepare your boys as best as possible. It's a big opportunity and we'll try everything to win.“

Jürgen Klopp*

Manchester City F.C.
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Line Up – Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Miller, Henderson, Oxlaide-Chamberlain, Mane, Salah, Firmino
Substitutes - Mignolet, Clyne, Wijnaldum, Moreno, Ings, Solanke, Masterson
Sidelined – Mendy (knee), Agüero (knee)
Form Guide
All competitions - W W L W W
Champions League - W W L W L
Pre-Match Press Conference Statements
"Everyone's talking about how tough Liverpool will be, but it would be the same for Barcelona, Bayern or Sevilla. In the quarter-finals, you have to expect your opponents to be one of the toughest teams in the world. The way we play is perfect for Liverpool. Of course we will try to do something [to stop them], but I feel the best way to win is to play how we've been doing as a group all season."
Pep Guardiola
HEAD-TO-HEAD

The clubs have never met in UEFA competition
Liverpool have the upper hand domestically: W87 D46 L45

ODDS

Book	Liverpool	DRAW	Man City
William Hill	3.00	3.50	2.40
Bet 365	3.00	2.60	2.40
Bwin	2.90	3.60	2.35
Tipico	2.90	3.50	2.40

Payout odds in multiples of 1, i.e. odds of 2.60 means a total payout of €2.60 if you place a winning bet of €1.
Odds at 11:00 GMT. Just a look at how the bookies rate this game, and not an endorsement for betting/gambling.
MATCH FACTS
Liverpool

Jordan Henderson and Alberto Moreno are a booking away from a ban.
Liverpool have failed to score in only two of their last 19 matches in all competitions, winning 2-1 at Crystal Palace FC on Saturday.
Liverpool have lost only one of their 23 games at Anfield in all competitions this season (W14 D8), although they have won only three of the last six (D2 L1). They have scored in all but three of those 23 fixtures.
The Reds have won seven of their last 12 matches in all competitions, losing three.
Liverpool's 2-0 win against Newcastle United FC on 3 March was their first clean sheet in their last seven home games; they subsequently kept clean sheets in the next two.
Mohamed Salah has scored 16 goals in his last 14 appearances for Liverpool, including the late winner at Palace at the weekend. The Egyptian has 29 Premier League goals in 31 appearances this season.
Nathaniel Clyne has not played for the first team this season due to a back injury – although he has been added to Liverpool's UEFA Champions League squad and was an unused substitute at Palace.
Joe Gomez had to be replaced early in England's 1-0 victory away to the Netherlands on 23 March with an ankle problem. Emre Can has been sidelined since 17 March with a back injury.
Salah was on target in Egypt's 2-1 defeat by Portugal on 23 March; new Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk scored in a 3-0 victory against the Portuguese three days later.
Dominic Solanke recovered from a toe injury to score a late winner for England Under-21s against Ukraine on 27 March.

Manchester City

Danilo, İlkay Gündoğan and Fernandinho will incur a suspension with their next yellow cards.
City have won all but four of their 31 Premier League games this season. They have lost just one of their last 39 league fixtures, winning 33 and drawing five. They were 3-1 winners at Everton FC on Saturday and will be crowned champions if they beat Manchester United at home on 7 April.
Josep Guardiola's side have won their last three away games in all competitions, and four of the last five – keeping clean sheets in but one of all those victories. Their overall record away from home this season is W19 D3 L3 with 12 clean sheets.
City have scored 58 goals away from home, conceding 20. Only Crystal Palace FC, in the Premier League on 31 December (0-0), and third tier Wigan Athletic FC in the last 16 of the FA Cup on 19 February (0-1) have stopped them scoring.
Sergio Agüero has 15 goals in 15 games in all competitions in 2018, and needs one more to become the first player to score 200 for City. His four-goal haul against Leicester City FC on 10 February was the third time he has managed four in a Premier League match; no other player can match that.
Raheem Sterling has 16 Premier League goals this season – seven more than his previous best total of nine, with Liverpool in 2013/14.
City claimed the first silverware of the English domestic season with a 3-0 victory against Arsenal in the League Cup final at Wembley on 25 February, thanks to goals from Agüero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva. It is the fifth time the Citizens have won the competition.
Gabriel Jesus scored the only goal as Brazil beat Germany on 27 March. The same day, Kevin De Bruyne found the net as Belgium beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 – his first goal in 20 internationals, since May 2016 – and Nicolás Otamendi was on target for Argentina, although they lost 6-1 to Spain in Madrid.
Kyle Walker, Sterling and John Stones were in the England team that beat a Netherlands side captained by Virgil van Dijk and also featuring Georginio Wijnaldum 1-0 in Amsterdam on 23 March. The same day, Bernardo Silva started for Portugal in a 2-1 win against Mohamed Salah's Egypt.
Benjamin Mendy has not played since a cruciate knee injury on 23 September. Fabian Delph suffered a muscle injury on 5 March and has not featured since; Agüero has been out since 10 March with a knee problem picked up in training while Stones missed the Everton game with concussion.
De Bruyne was included in the UEFA.com Fans' Team of the Year 2017. The Belgian handed over a cheque from for €100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before the second leg against Basel.

Will be updated as more information emerges

UEFA Champions League Semifinals, 2nd Leg
Wednesday May 8th, 2019
Kick Off: 20:00 (GMT), 3:00 PM (EST)
Venue: Johan Cruyff Arena
TV: BT Sport 2 (UK), TNT (US), DAZN (Canada)
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Evening Standard Preview
-"Tottenham know that a Champions League Final against Liverpool awaits if they can overturn a narrow deficit against Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday night. Tottenham are 1-0 down on aggregate as they head into the second leg of this semi-final after Donny van de Beek's 15th-minute goal saw a young, vibrant Ajax side leave Spurs' new stadium with a key win. However, Tottenham may be buoyed after watching Liverpool pull off one of the greatest ever European comebacks on Tuesday, as Jurgen Klopp's men beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield to reach the Final with a 4-3 aggregate victory." - Evening Standard
-Ajax are first in the Eredivisie with 80 points on the season. They lead PSV on goal difference. Their last match was a 4-0 win over Willem II to win the Dutch Cup on Sunday.
-Here's the match thread from the last time Spurs played Ajax, a 1-0 loss in the first leg of this tie, duh.
Team News
-Jan Vertonghen (nasal), Erik Lamela (hamstring), and Serge Aurier (hamstring) have all returned to training and are available for selection.
-Davinson Sanchez (thigh) picked up an injury against Bournemouth and is not available.
-Son Heung-Min is back after he was suspended on yellow cards for the first leg.
-Harry Kane (ankle) and Harry Winks (groin) remain out.
-David Neres and Lasse Schone both have minor injuries and are expected to be available for Ajax.
COYS

Group A

Egypt

Egypt head into the tournaments as one of the favourites, as it goes without saying being hosts helps a lot in continental competitions. And I'm not just referring to getting referee decisions more often than not, but also the crowd and the whole country backing you. Also they have a chip on their shoulder after their 2017 and a poor World Cup. Their old manager Hector Cuper left after a dismal World Cup campaign which consisted mostly of lumping it long to Salah and praying he deos something. Thankfully a new attacking manager was hired in the form of Mexican Javier Aguirre, and so far they've looked decent in AFCON Qualifying and their friendlies.

Mohamed Salah (RW)
I don't really think I have to go into much detail here tbf, when you have a star player like him, you always have a chance to win. With 27 goals and 13 assists in all comps. this season, Salah will look to bring (or keep?) the AFCON trophy in Cairo.
Trézéguet (LW)
Real name Mahmoud Hassan, and affectionately referred to as Trézéguet, has had a great two season so far with Kasımpaşa in Turkey, and this season got 9 goals and 9 assists in the league, and at 24 years of age is going to be one of Egypt's star players for years to come
Ahmed Hegazi (CB)
This 6'5" (194 cm) 210 lbs (95 kg) centre half signed for then EPL club West Brom last season, where he played every match for the relegated baggies. He stayed with the club in the Championship and despite him not being as good as in 17/18, he still helped them reach the Championship playoffs where they lost against Villa. Hegazi is an old school CB: blocks, headers, last ditch

"Why should I support them?": Who DOESN'T like it when the hosts win a competition on home soil. Imagine the parties on the streets afterwards!

DR Congo

The DR Congo have an interesting amagimation of players that some Premier League and Championship fans will be familiar with: Bolasie, Mbemba, Masuaku, Mulumbu etc. Some of their players are reaching the end of their peak, and in one of the more favourable groups, the Leopards will be looking to comfortably advance to the knockouts.

Christian Luyindama (CB)
The heart of the Congolese defence, Luyindama actually started his career off as a striker for TP Mazembe, but eventually transitioned further back the pitch to defensive midfield and now CB. On loan to Galatasaray from Standard Leige in Belgium, Luyindama is an all around centre back, though his most redeeming quality is his aerial prowess. Also, he has a fantastic set of dreads
Cédric Bakambu (ST)
Remember Bakambu? A steady goalscorer for Villarreal a couple of seasons ago, then moving to Beijing Guoan in February 2018 after the Chinese club paid his £35.4m release clause. Since, Bakambu has done well obviously, scoring 32 goals and getting 10 assists in 41 games for the club. He's one of the best strikers at the tournament and will look to continue his form into Egypt

"Why should I support them?": If you're a fan of former (and some current) average Premier League players and watching Yannick Bolasie do step overs, I guess the DR Congo is the team for you

Uganda

Uganda are quietly one of the most underrated teams in Africa, and stray from the stereotypical "African playstyle". They have arguably one of the best defences in the tournament, thanks in large part to their GK Denis Onyango. They will frustrate you to hell and capitalize on set pieces and on the counter. Their games are often low scoring, and I see a lot of Querioz Iran in their style of play. Also they're now in a group with Egypt for the third straight year, first in 2018 WCQ, then in 2017 AFCON and now in 2019 AFCON. Sort of becoming a little bit of a rivalry, with all three results between them since WCQ being 1-0 (two for Egypt, one for Uganada).

Denis Onyango (GK)
There's no one else that I should really be mentioning. Captain, leader, and the last line of defence, Onyango is the best goalkeeper that you've never heard of. On the 10 man shortlist of the 2018 CAF player of the year, Onyango is an all around solid goalkeeper who almost never makes mistakes, terrific on one on one situations and penalties, his calm presence helps the whole Ugandan defence out

"Why should I support them?:" If you're a footballing purist and love seeing fantastic defending and goalkeeping, Uganada are your team. If you love a good scrappy 1-0 win, Uganda will probably do just that. For reference, in the final round of WCQ, Uganda scored only 3 goals but only allowed 2 throughout their 6 games, giving them the third worst attack but the second best defence of all 20 teams that took part

Zimbabwe

Only their fourth ever appearance at AFCON, Zimbabwe will be looking to make the knockouts for the first time in their history, though their backs are against the wall in a very tough group. They've got a couple of players who play in Europe, like Tendayi Darikwa for Nottingham Forest and Marvelous Nakamba and Knowledge Musona who play in Belgium, though 14 of the 23 man squad play in South Africa, and will looking to play spoiler for one of the favourites.

Khama Billiat (RW)
Your prototypical African winger in all honesty, tricky winger, him and Musona on the wings should be a problem for Egypt's aging fullbacks. One of the best players in the South African League, Billiat is quite the goalscorer for the winger and despite his tricks and quickness, likes to move inside and have a shot from outside the box

"Why should I support them?": They have some of the best names in the whole tournament: Their manager Sunday Chidzambwa, midfielders Marvelous Nakamba and Knowledge Musona, defenders Teenage Hadebe and Divine Lunga and winger Talent Chawapiwa are the ones that stand out the most.

Group B

Nigeria

Always a big nation when it comes to African football, the young Nigeria team failed to advance to the knockouts of the 2018 WC after an 86' match winner from Marcos Rojo. Mananger Gernot Rohr was put under a lot of scrutiny after the campaign, yet the German is still taking charge for AFCON. With alllll kinds of attacking talent like Ighalo, Iwobi, Simon, Onyekuru, and Chukwueze, and a solid spine options in Ndidi, Etebo and John Obi Mikel, the Super Eagles are poised to make at least a QF run after not even making the final tournament in 2017.

Samuel Chukwueze (RW)
What? Nigeria have another u-23 winger making their place know? Not fair. After a sort of breakthrough season with Villarreal, Chukwueze will have plenty of competition on the wings, though if he doesn't start, expect the 20 year old to make his mark known off the bench
Ahmed Musa (ST)
Lately on the international stage, Musa may as well be Messi. He's scored two braces in the past two World Cups (vs Argentina 2014 and vs Iceland 2018) and whenever called upon he delivers. With a combined 14 goal involvement in 24 matches for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Musa will look to continue his form in AFCON, whether starting or coming off the bench for Ighalo
Henry Onyekuru (LW)
Again, honestly have no idea if he'll be starting, but he had a great season with Galatasaray where he got 14 goals and 3 assists on loan from Everton. A good tournament here could move up the pecking order in Marco Silva's ranks at Goodsion. Iwobi is probably gonna be playing down the middle while Onyekuru and Chukwueze play on the wings.

"Why should I support them?": It's Naija man, I don't think I need to provide much of a reason. Most people love Nigeria and Nigerians. They have ridiculous young attacking all over the pitch, so you should at the very least be entertained by them Also they still have those great kits from the World Cup and also London has a heavy Nigerian-born/related population. Also Burna Boy.

Guinea

Naby. Keïta. Despite not replicating his form at Leipzig with Liverpool, Keïta is the focal man. Stepping aside from him though, it's worth mentioning that Guinea went unbeaten in AFCON Qualifying, finishing first in their group above Ivory Coast and taking 4 points from them. They have decent quality in all positions, though Keïta has to be at the top of his game if Guinea want to anything more than just make the knockouts. Several players have been called up to squad who haven't even played say 5 games for the national team, including Brentford's Julian Jeanvier and Napoli's Amadou Diawara who only has 4 caps for the national team.

Naby Keïta (CM)
The team's captain, penalty taker, and all around midfilder, as stated has to be at the top of his game in terms of defending AND attacking if Guinea want to do more than just advance past the groups. Despite not being able to replicate his form at Leipzig with Liverpool, he's still Guinea's best player. He did suffer an injury around May and hasn't played since, so his fitness could still definitely be a concern
Ibrahima Traoré (RM)
Okay yes, he's been slowly phased out of Borussia Monchengladbach's starting XI and no longer a starting player, the vice-captain still shoulders a large responsibility of the attacking output. He hasn't scored since 2015 for Guinea, so he'll hoping he can get on the sheet in Egypt.
François Kamano (LM)
Look I can't sit here and act like I watched every Bordeaux match, but Kamano got 10 goals and an assist this season, so he must be alright for CAF level at least.

"Why should I support them?": Every single one of the their players plays in Europe, and if things click, Guinea could genuinely be a dark horse. Also if fit, it should be interesting to see that midfield two of Diawara and Keïta works out. Also 14 of the 23 players have 6 caps or fewer, so inexperience I suppose? Not even young, they just didn't play for the national team much. So this could become a disaster waiting to happen

Madagascar

Madagascar are one of the teams that benefit from the expansion, and were the FIRST team to qualify for the final tournament, when they did back in October. The team with the longest names in the tournament and most players playing in France and north Africa, they'll probably be one of the darling underdogs of the tournament. Oh also Lyon's Jeremy Morel changed his nationality so now he plays for them.
Somewhat controversially, some foreign based players are now being introduced into the squad AFTER Madagascar qualified for the final tournament, including French based defenders Jérôme Mombris and Thomas Fontaine. Will these players be motivated for Madagascar, or are they just looking for a bit of limelight on Africa's biggest stage, some of them even taking spots from arguably more passionate players who fought tooth and nail during qualifying.

Faneva Imà Andriatsima (ST)
The 35 year old is going to captain Madagascar for their first ever major international competition, and with 3 goals in qualifying he'll be looking to bag some more goals. Albeit in Ligue 2 he only got one goal in 28 appearances..... but still, he's done alright for Madagascar

"Why should I support them?": Oh boy there's so many reasons as to why you should back the Malagasy!

They have an ox on their F.A. badge
They have some of the best kits at AFCON Just look at that design!
Obvious association to the famous cartoon film series, something something*"Smile and wave boys, smile and wave"
Who doesn't love backing a debutant at a tournament?
They have the longest names in the whole of the tournament, with names like

Jean Dieu-Donné Randrianasolo
Pascal Razakanantenaina
Gervais Randrianarisoa
Arohasina Andrianarimanana
Carolus Andriamatsinoro, and many others!

Burundi

Burundi could spring a surprise or two in the tournament. Only thing holding them back is their porous defence, as in attack they have more than enough quality playersfinishing 2nd in their qualifying group. Their only European based players are Hibs's Gaël Bigirimana, Saido Berhaino (yes THAT Berhaino), a defender who plays in the lower tiers of Portugal, and a teenager for NAC Breda.
They'll be hinging their hopes on their two star attackers in Fiston Abdul Razak and to a lesser extent Saido Berhaino

Fiston Abdul Razak (ST)
Burundi's star player, Berhaino may be the attractive name, but Razak has the actual talent, as he finished qualifying as the second top goalscorer with 6 goals, a bit diminutive at 5'8" (175 cm), Razak is a solid striker in the Algerian League.
Saido Berhaino (ST)
Oh boy how quickly Saido's career has gone down the drain. Just 5 years ago, Berahino was on the bench for England's EURO Qualifiers. Now 25, Berhaino has since has scored only TWELVE goals in 97 matches since the 2015/16 season. As a striker. Either way he bagged his first goal for Burundi in qualifying and could at least play a decent supporting role for Abdul Razak.

"Why should I support them?": If you're a massive Tony Pulis hater, root for Berahino and Burundi to score a couple goals and for Saido to rip his top off with the message "Fuck you ya Welsh dino"

Group C

Senegal

One of the other favourites of the tournament, just genuinely such a frightening side everywhere you look. Strength in the spine with Salif Sané and Koulibaly in the back, the workhorses in Gueye and Kouyaté, and another world class player in attack with their captain Sadio Mané. There just doesn't seem to be any glaring weakness in the squad, they have two solid options at keeper with Edouard Mendy, who's a starter for Stade de Reims, and two backups in Ligue 1 and Serie A in Abdoulaye Diallo and Alfred Gomis respectively. Fullbacks are set too with the versatile Youssouf Sabaly and youngster Moussa Wagué, the latter of which was bought by Barcelona after his performances in the World Cup
Then in attack you have options on options on options to go with Mané, you have Moussa Konaté who managed to get a goal contribution every 3 games in a relegating battling Amiens side, wing options like Ismaïla Sarr and Keita Baldé, the list goes on and on.
Couple that with the fact that they have a very smart and adaptable manager in Aliou Cissé, Senegal are poised to win their first ever AFCON is things go according to plan.

Sadio Mané (LW)
Cissé has played his star player all across the front line in qualifying. On the wing, through the middle and even up just under the main striker. I mean come on, you lot already know about Mané, no reason to explain much, 22 goals as a winger in the league this season says it all. Class player who given the opponents in the group, could bag some goals early.
Kalidou Koulibaly (CB)
Senegal's other world class player, Koulibaly has it all, the ability on the ball, the aerial ability, the athleticism, the inteligence, it goes on and on. He shut up shop in the 4 qualification matches that he played
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CM)
Okay, okay I know it's boring that I listed the three most prominent players, but Gueye is such a lovely player, has the tank to go the full 90' without seeming like he's tired, the ability to man mark players and just glide across the pitch when he is in possession.

"Why should I support them?": If you're a plastic and want to support the favourites then Senegal are your team.
But no seriously, Senegal have never won AFCON and in arguably their golden generation, this is going to be one of their best opportunities yet, with the other contenders either just being poorer than usual or in a transition period. Also after their heartbreaking WC exit in which they went out on fair play points, a lot of people will be supporting them to "redeem" themselves and win AFCON

Algeria

What a fucking shitstorm Algeria have been in since the 2014 World Cup. Went out in the quarters to the Ivory Coast in the 2015 AFCON, finished rock bottom in their 2018 WCQ group with only 4 points, and finished 3rd in their group in the 2017 AFCON with only two points They've had 7 managers in the past 5 years, and currently with 43 year old Djamel Belmadi. They're still showing signs of being that entertaining shitshow, as they sent home Haris Belkebla from their final squad after he exposed his bum live on a Fortnite stream.
With all that said, they're not just Mahrez or bust, they have one of the best goal-scorers you've never heard of in Baghdad Bounedjah, two other talented wingers in Brahimi (who can be a bit selfish at times) and Feghouli (who plays CM in the new Algerian system) who both had good seasons in Liga NOS and the Süper Lig respectively.
Unfortunately they have been seriously hit by injuries, Lekhal (Le Havre) was injured, so is Belfodil (who had 16 goals in the Bundesliga), Benrahma (one of the best players in the championship) and Ghoulam (ish), the ever-present M'bolhi and Abeid are both coming back from month-long injuries too.

Riyad Mahrez (RW)
Granted he has come under criticism from fans because he's had rather lacklustre performances for Algeria, he's still a good player. At Man City he had an average season, being benched for the undroppable Sterling.
Baghdad Bounedjah (ST)
Like I said, this man scores goals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He has 78 goals and 16 assists in 53 games for Al-Sadd in the Qatari League. Yes, yes, I know: It's the Qatari League, but he will be playing in Egypt, with similar weather, atmosphere, pitches, etc. to Qatar. So overall it should be familiar territory Also he already has 9 goals in 21 for Algeria, so not a bad return so far

"Why should I support them?": They're an entertaining shitshow with some quality players who can create something out of nothing, and even though Mahrez has been meh for the national team, he's still on his day one of the best in Africa and a joy to watch when cutting inside

Kenya

Kenya has the most interesting conglomerate of players of an team in the tournament, Players who play in. Kenya finished with the joint best defence in qualifying, conceding only 1 goal in 4 matches. Granted they can't really score, with only 4 goals in 4 matches, they'll probably really on their defence to try and nick that third spot

Victor Wanyama (DM)
Despite being limited to the number of games he played this season, Wanyama’s sheer physicality will be a problem for Algeria and Senegal's midfielders, also with the ability to spring an outball to the attackers, Wanyama will captain his side and their hopes rely on his experience in the midst of a group of players who either play in Africa or in the lower tiers of European football.

"Why should I support them?": If you're into seeing a well executed parked bus, cheer on Kenya as they try to nick a nil-nil win against either Algeria or Senegal as they sit 11 men and the whole of Nairobi behind the ball.
Albeit I could be wrong and they actually give a bit of a go but who knows. Decent kit too and they're called the "Harambee Stars"

Tanzania

Only their second ever AFCON, Tanzania aren't heading into the tournament without much expectation. They emphatically punched their ticket to Egypt on the final matchday as they thumped already then qualified Uganada 3-0, who up to then hadn't conceded a single goal. Their hopes will lie on striker Mbwana Samatta, the only player in a first tier team in Europe.

Mbwana Samatta (ST)
The top goal scorer in the Belgian Pro league this season with league winner Genk, Samatta scored 23 goals to go along with 8 assists in 38 matches this season. For Tanzania he's quite good too, with 17 goals in 49 games. He's their goal threat and teams will look to mark him out the game.

"Why should I support them?": Yes Tanzania have other players other than Samatta, but come on, he's the focal point. If you wanna watch a deadly striker which you likely rarely will see, support Tanzania.
Also they got great wildlife and animals

Group D

Morocco

Ever since the World Cup, where Morocco gave a respectable display though ultimately finished short, Herve Renard's men have been in a bit of a dip in form. They didn't win a single away game in qualifying in a group consisting of Cameroon, Comoros, and Malawi, required a 90'+7' penalty by Fajr to beat Comoros at home and drew 0-0 to Malawi. Their last three friendly results since March were a 0-1 losses to Argentina and the Gambia, and a 2-3 loss to Zambia. Couple this with a rift between Fajr and the Saudi League top goalscorer Abderrazak Hamdallah , as the french born midfielder who wouldn't let Hamdallah shoot the penalty in yesterday's match. Because of the dispute, Hamdallah withdrew himself from the squad, though the official reasoning is because of na "injury".
Morocco is now probably starting Khalid Boutaïb, -(Morocco's intl. Giroud except Giroud can actually play). Renard has already won two AFCON's with the Ivory Coast and Zambia, but can he bring it back to North Africa?

Hakim Ziyech (AM)
After another tremendous season with Ajax where he got 16 goals and 13 assists to go along with 5 goals in the Champions league. Watch out for his beautiful cross field lofted balls, as Morocco like to switch the play a lot. Ziyech is going to have to carry the creative and perhaps even goalscoring burden now that Hamdallah is out
Yousef En-Neysri (ST)
It's either between En-Nesyri and Boutaïb in regards who's going to start up top. The former of which contributed to 11 goals this season in a very defensive Leganes side in La Liga. At 6'4", he offers a similar aerial presence as Boutaïb, though Renard may opt to go with the age and experience of Boutaïb.
Achraf Hakimi (LB)
Primarily a RB, Renard likes to play Hakimi on the left because of the wealth of options Morocco have at that position in Dirar, Mazraoui, and sometimes even Amrabat. The Madrid born fullback transferred to BVB over the summer and has done well, even contributing to 2 goals and 4 assists as a defender
Also quick mention to captain Mehdi Benatia, who transferred to Al-Duhail in Qatar in January, which was met with some backlash. Despite moving to a much weaker league, Benatia has still got and will still remain integral for Morocco at the back

"Why should I support them?": If you're into high possession football, Morocco are your team, they're a well balanced team with experience in the spine, creativity out wide and with Ziyech, and a smart manager who's been there, done that, in the Jamie Lannister look-alike Herve Renard

Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast are a weirdddd team at the moment. They could come out and shock everyone, but honestly they're kind of a mess. They missed out on reaching the 2017 AFCON AND the 2018 WC. They have alright players on paper but it just doesn't click or they just haven't played much or well this season (Kodjia, Aurier, Seri, etc.). Zaha is fantastic but questions have been raised regarding his commitment for the Ivory Coast, still will be fun to watch him though. Also current manager Ibrahim Kamara came through the ranks, managing their u-17, u-20, AND u-23 teams.
Their issue comes down to inexperience. You can have all these youngsters like Kessié, Angban, Pépé, etc. , but no leaders in the team. Ismaël Traoré, Serey Dié, and Wilfried Bony are the only three outfield players who are 30 years old or older. Compared to all the other top teams, their spine is the weakest. They're sooo poor at CB, they'll probably have to resort to playing Gbamin at centre back, who's usually a defensive midfielder.

Nicolas Pépé (RW)
The topic of many transfer rumours right now, Pépé scored an astonishing 22 goals and 11 assists for second place Lille in Ligue 1 this year. At only 24 years old, him and Zaha are going to need to carry on his form
Wilfried Zaha (LW)
Zaha only played one match in qualifying, and he got an assist against Central African Republic in a 4-0 win. For the first time in his career getting double digit goals, Zaha will need to prove the naysayers wrong regarding his commitment to the national team.

"Why should I support them?": They have one of, if not the best FA logo in CAF, and their wing play with Zaha and Pépé is one of the best in the region. So if you like wingplay and possible poor defending, go with Ivory Coast

South Africa

Bafana Bafana are slowly but surely rising back up to be included a part of the discussion with the elites in Africa. Things could have been so different in their WCQ campaign if their 2-1 win over Senegal wasn't annulled, because after it was, they just shit the bed and proceeded to finish rock bottom of their group. Mainstays that some of you may be familiar with like GK and captain Itumeleng Khune and Siphwie Tshabala are out to due a shoulder injury and the latter who's been out of favour since 2013. With a balanced blend of youngsters and experienced heads, South Africa will look to spring a surprise in this group.

Percy Tau (LW/RW)
Tau, the Brighton attacker on loan to a second tier Belgian side was always a star in the PSL before his move, with his prominent coming in 17/18 where he got 11 goals and 15 assists. He plays all across the front line in a number of formations so who knows where he's going to play
Kamohelo Mokotjo (CM)
From what I heard, Mokotjo was Brentford's best midfielder in the Championship this season, and at 28 years old is at his peak years. If Bongani Zungu plays, the two can form a workman-like midfield duo

"Why should I support them?": If you're Dutch, support them for...reasons you can probably gather. Other than that, if you're nationalistic and appreciate the fact that most of their players play domestically in RSA (17/23 players), then hop on the Bafana Bafana ride

Namibia

Gonna be honest, this one is going to be a short, Namibia are at only their third ever AFCON, and still looking to get their first win, and arguably in the group of death, that doesn't look likely to change soon. Only two of their players play in Europe, and they have a combined 3 caps between them for Namibia. I don't want to be harsh but genuinely if they get even a point this tournament has to be seen as a success.

Benson Shilongo (ST)
Honestly, it kind of says something when your best plays up top for a struggling Ismaily side in Egypt. He's going to be up top on his own for large amounts of these games. He's canny at getting in behind though so let's see if he makes the most of his opportunities

"Why should I support them?": I can't really think of anything so sorry. Obvious answer is that their the ultimate underdog, coming up against three teams who are more than 41 places above them in the FIFA rankings.

Group E

Tunisia

Tunisia are always very solid team, hate to use the cliche but they really are better than the sum of their parts. They have three solid keepers to select from, their midfield and defence is nothing to slouch at (especially Dylan Bronn), and they have one of the better attacking players in Africa with Msakni. They should through the group with 5 or 7 points and get the quarters. They are lacking in some areas of the pitch and could crumble when facing bigger opponents though.

Youssef Msakni (LW)
Brilliant on the ball and silky with his dribbling, and also always scoring against Algeria, Tunisia were without their star man during the World Cup, who could have made a big difference
Ferjani Sassi (CM)
Sassi is one of the more underrated players at this tournament, and Zamalek fans will know what I mean when I say he has the ability to pick up ANYONE on the pitch. A joy to watch
Wahbi Khazri (AM)
Khazri was spectacular at the World Cup, getting himself 2 goals and 2 assists despite getting eliminated in the groups. For Saint-Étienne this season he got a very impressive 13 goals and 6 assists, seemingly picking his career back up.

"Why should I support them?": Their nicknames are the Eagles of Carthage, pretty badass name tbf. Also if you don't like the glitz and glamour of the stars of the other teams, go for the organised Tunisia, who don't have a highly known "star" player like Senegal, Egypt, etc, Morocco, etc.

Mali

With the joint best defence in qualifying conceding only 1 goal, Mali are always an AFCON regular. With some genuine units all over the pitch in Marega, Molla Wagué, Khalifa Coulibaly, Mali's size and strength will be an issue. But that's not all they have to offer:

Moussa Marega (ST)
The people's balon d'or winner, Marega transformed himself from a meme in Portuguese football to a genuine consistent goalscorer for a Champions League side in Porto. For Mali he's only scored twice, but he's still an assest. He's pretty poor with the ball at his feet, but works his arse off better than any other forward, bullies defenders with his 6'1" (186 cm) 183 lbs (83 kg) frame and the broadest set of shoulders in football.
Diadie Samassékou (DM)
Look I'm not going to act like I watched the Austrian league, but Samassékou is touted as another talented African midfielder to come through the Red Bull setup and was apart of the XI for yet another Red Bull Salzburg title.

"Why should I support them?": If you don't appreciate Moussa Marega do you even love the sport? Also if you wanna be hipster you can go for them as your dark horse to maybe even win it all.

Mauritania

Another debutant at AFCON, manager Corentin Martins brought a young team, with only 4 players over 30 years old. They shocked Africa when they managed to top Burkina Faso in their qualifying group, as a 0-0 draw against bottom Botswana was Burkina Faso's downfall in the end. Mauritania's best players lie in defence with Ba and Abeid, who play in the second divisions of France and Spain respectively. In attack they have Hacen, who plays for Valladolid, but not really (he doesn't get much game time)

Abdoul Ba (CB)
The biggest player at the tournament at a behemoth 6'8" (203 cm), 207 lbs (94 kg), Ba will captain Mauritania and head anyway anything that comes his way. He hasn't played for Auxerre since OCTOBER. Still, he's an alright defender who gets the job done. He turns like an army tank, but is still relatively quick on his feet and obviously a danger on set pieces

"Why should I support them?": They're another debutant, and this time of the North African variety. Also if you like watching big fucking centre halves head balls anyway and jostle in the box on corners, Mauritania and Ba are your team

Angola

Remember Angola at the 2006 World Cup, Manucho isn't playing anymore but the Antelopes are still an intriguing side. Interestingly, they brought only five midfielders with them, and brought a depth of wingers and strikers, and rightfully so, as that's where their strength lies

Bastos Quissanga (CB)
A backup CB for Lazio, he is Angola's best all around player. I can't really comment on how good he actually is in specific situations, but he's a consistent starter for the Antelopes and played 18 matches this season for Lazio.
Gelson Dala
Dala can play on the wing, as an attacking midfielder, a secondary striker or up top on his lonesome. At 22 and playing for Sporting CP and on loan to Rio Ave, he's Angola's most talented young player.

"Why should I support them?": If you're Portuguese, back the better of the two Portuguese speaking countries at this tournament.

Group F

Cameroon

The holders of AFCON, they've improved on paper since 2017, but that squad was an combination of players who would die for the shirt. Since then, Clarence Seedorf was hired as manager,, Choupo-Mouting has been brought back into the fold after a dispute with the earlier coach, Onana is a starting GK for a UCL semifinalist, defenders who have improved since like Ngadeu-Ngadjui and Oyongo. Unfortunately star striker Vincent Aboubakar got injured and will miss the tournament.

André Onana (GK)
Really coming into himself since moving to Ajax from Barcelona's youth system, Onana is a very complete keeper bar the odd misshape. Good with the ball at his feet, strong wrists and hands and quick reflexes coupled with great size, at 23 Onana is one of the best young keepers in the world let alone Africa
Christian Bassagog (ST/RW)
The man who claims he's 23 but looks near retirement, Bassagog was voted the player of the tournament for the 2017 AFCON. He sort of halted his career after he moved to China after the tournament, but still he's done well for Cameroon
Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui (CB)
Cameroon's best centre back and starts for Slavia Praha in the the Czech league, rumoured with a move and IIRC one EPL club was interested.

"Why should I support them?": Great kits and FA logo. The Indomitable Lions is just a great name as well.

Ghana

Another interesting team, Ghana have one of their weaker overall squads for a while. They do have a strong midfield with Partey, Wakaso, and Asamoah, but up top they're still relying on Asamoah Gyan to score the goals, who retired from National duty after he lost captaincy to Andre Ayew, but then came back after the Ghanaian president "intervened". Who knows what they're expectations are this time around

Asamoah Gyan (ST)
Jesus he's still only 33 years old, 51 goals in 106 games, Gyan is Ghana's top all time appearance maker and all time top goal scorer. Truly a Ghana legend despite the occasional controversy (see above)
Thomas Partey (CM)
The most high profile Ghanaian at the moment, playing for Atletico Madrid, Partey is a do it all midfielder, I don't have to explain his qualities. He's playing as an AM, CM, and DM for Ghana

"Why should I support them?": Wanna see Ghana and Gyan redeem themselves for that heartbreaking 2010 WC quarterfinal exit? AFCON is that chance.

Benin

Benin having three AFCON outings under their belt already, and they come into this tournament as an under-dogs on paper but have a huge potential of making it out of a group if the favourites get complacent
Benin rely on their strength and agility their major weapons and play with energy for 90 minutes. Aerial threats like Steve Mounié and Stéphane Sessègnon still kicking about give them a chance at being one of the best third place teams

Steve Mounié (ST)
Since coming to Huddersfield and scoring an opening day brace on his debut, Mounié hasn't really found his shooting boots, with 11 goals in his 63 games for Town. He's always a threat in the air, which is a plus. With Huddersfield likely to be shipping him off, this could be an opportunity for Mounié to raise his stock
Stéphane Sessègnon (AM)
Well known by Premier League fans, Sessègnon will captain Benin at 35. He played in the Turkish second tier last season and got 4 goals and 4 assists, likely his last tournament, he'll be looking to go out with a bang.

"Why should I support them?": They're called The Squirrels.

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau qualified for their first ever AFCON in 2017 and bowed out with 1 point after an opening tournament draw with hosts Gabon. Looking to build upon that performance, the Djurtus are a fearless team. They're also a very inexperienced side, with only 2 players having more than 16 caps for the national team. Also 11 of their 23 play in Portugal

Zezinho Djafal (AM)
Not going to lie, Guinea-Bissau was the hardest to find information for, but Djafal is their captain, currently playing club football in Slovenia. He'll probably be their creative outlet
Pelé (DM)
The Nottingham Forest midfielder is a stereotypical, old fashioned DM: aggressive and determinant in the tackle, and strong holding up the ball to lay it off to the more creative players

"Why should I support them?": If you didn't take my advice on Angola and want to be a hipster and just the worse Portuguese speaking team, then go for Guinea-Bissau

July 8

Watford 1-1 Woking MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Alex Jakubiak (Brandon Mason)

July 10

Stoke City 1-0 Neuchatel Xamax MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): own goal (Thibaud Verlinden)

July 12

West Brom 1-2 Slavia Praga MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): James McClean (Matt Phillips)
Huddersfield 1-0 Accrington MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Tom Ince
Stoke City 2-2 Young Boys (4-3 pen) MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Charlie Adam (pen, Peter Crouch), Marc Muniesa (Charlie Adam)
Liverpool 4-0 Tranmere MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): James Milner (pen, Sheyi Ojo), Marco Grujic (Sheyi Ojo), Pedro Chirivella (Dominik Solanke), Ben Woodburn (pen)
Swansea 0-1 Barnet MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -

July 13

Arsenal 2-0 Sydney FC MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Per Mertesacker, Alexandre Lacazette (Alex Iwobi)
Everton 2-1 Gor Mahia MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Wayne Rooney (Ademola Lookman), Kieron Dowell (Tom Davies)

July 14

Brighton 2-0 Fortuna Dusseldorf MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jamie Murphy, Tomer Hemed (Oliver Norwood)
Burnley 4-0 Shamrock Rovers MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jonathan Walters (Jack Cork), Ashley Barnes (Freddie Ulvestad), Robbie Brady (Stephen Ward), Sam Vokes (Jeff Hendrick)
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Mohamed Salah (Roberto Firmino)
Newcastle 2-1 Hearts MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Dwight Gayle (Siem de Jong), Dwight Gayle (Jonjo Shelvey)

July 15

Arsenal 3-1 WS Wanderers MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Olivier Giroud (Nacho Monreal), Aaron Ramsey (Nacho Monreal), Mohamed Elneny (Alex Iwobi)
Crystal Palace 3-1 Maidstone Utd MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jordon Mutch, Jordon Mutch (Taylor Brown), Jacob Berkeley
Watford 2-3 Wimbledon MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Ben Watson (Jose Holebas), Steven Berghuis (Brice Dja Djedje)
Stoke City 2-4 AS Monaco MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Saido Berahino, Mame Diouf (Geoff Cameron)
Southampton 0-0 St. Gallen MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Bournemouth 2-1 Estoril MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jordon Ibe (Max Gradel), Max Gradel (Sam Surridge)
Chelsea 8-2 Fulham MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Willian (Michy Batshuayi), Willian (Michy Batshuayi), Michy Batshuayi, Michy Batshuayi (Cesc Fabregas), Willian, Loic Remy (Kenedy), Cesar Azpilicueta (Fikayo Tomori), Loic Remy
Swansea 2-2 Philadelphia Union MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Kyle Bartley, Jordan Ayew (Kyle Bartley) ALL GOALS
Manchester United 5-2 LA Galaxy MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Marcus Rashford (Jesse Lingard), Marcus Rashford (Juan Mata), Marouane Fellaini (Jesse Lingard), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Anthony Martial), Anthony Martial (Timothy Fosu-Mensah)

July 16

Huddersfield 3-1 Bury MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Steve Mounie (Kasey Palmer), Tom Ince (Collin Quaner), Elias Kachunga (Scott Malone) ALL GOALS

July 17

West Ham 0-0 Sturm Graz MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Manchester United 2-1 Real Salt Lake MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Jesse Lingard), Romelu Lukaku (Henrikh Mkhitaryan)

July 18

Watford 1-0 Viktoria Plzen MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Stefano Okaka (Will Hughes)
Huddersfield 2-3 SV Sandhausen MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Tom Ince (Rajiv Van La Parra), Steve Mounie (Rajiv Van La Parra) ALL GOALS

July 19

West Brom 1-1 (6-7 pen) Leicester MATCH REPORT WBA / MATCH REPORT LEI
Goal (assist): Jay Rodriguez (Jack Livermore) / Riyad Mahrez Bonus: PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Arsenal 1-1 (3-2 pen) Bayern MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Alex Iwobi (Aaron Ramsey) Bonus: PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace MATCH REPORT LIV / MATCH REPORT CRY
Goal (assist): Dominic Solanke (Divock Origi), Divock Origi
Everton 3-0 Twente MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Kevin Mirallas (Leighton Baines), Aaron Lennon, Kieran Dowel (Idrissa Gana Gueye)
Swansea 2-1 Richmond Kickers MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Oliver McBurnie (pen, Kyle Bartley), Tammy Abraham (Martin Olsson)

July 20

West Ham 2-1 Fulham MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Manuel Lanzini (Ashley Fletcher), Ashley Fletcher
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City MATCH REPORT MUN / MATCH REPORT MCI
Goal (assist): Romelu Lukaku (Paul Pogba), Marcus Rashford (Henrikh Mkhitaryan)

July 22

West Brom 0-2 Crystal Palace MATCH REPORT WBA / MATCH REPORT CYP
Goal (assist): Luka Milivojevic (Wilfried Zaha), Bakary Sako (Luka Milivojevic)
Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea MATCH REPORT ARS / MATCH REPORT CHE
Goal (assist): Willian (Michy Batshuayi), Michy Batshuayi (N'Golo Kante), Michy Batshuayi (Marcos Alonso)
Leicester 1-2 Liverpool MATCH REPORT LEI / MATCH REPORT LIV
Goal (assist): Islam Slimani (Christian Fuchs) / Mohamed Salah (Philippe Coutinho), Philippe Coutinho (Robert Frimino)
Bournemouth 2-1 Portsmouth MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Lys Mousset (Benik Afobe), Benik Afobe (Ryan Fraser)
Brighton 6-0 Crawley Town MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Solly March (Beram Kayal), Pascal Gross (Markus Suttner), Tomer Hemed (Solly March), Jamie Murphy (Lewis Dunk), Connor Goldson (Jiri Skalak), Glenn Murray (pen)
Burnley 3-2 Alfreton Town MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Andre Gray (Jon Walters), Andre Gray (pen), Andre Gray (Jack Cork)
Burnley 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Robbie Brady
Everton 1-1 Genk MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Wayne Rooney (Sandro Ramirez)
Newcastle 1-1 Preston North End MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Aleksandar Mitrovic (Paul Dummett)
Southampton 2-2 Brentford MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Charlie Austin, Charlie Austin (Sam McQueen)
Watford 1-0 Eibar MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Etienne Capoue (Isaac Success)
Huddersfield 1-0 Barnsley MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Steve Mounie (Jonas Lossl)
Stoke City 1-0 Amiens MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Mame Diouf
Swansea 0-0 North Carolina MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Tottenham 4-2 PSG MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Christian Eriksen (Georges N'Koudou), Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld (Victor Wanyama), Harry Kane (pen, Kieran Trippier)

July 23

Manchester United 1-1 (2-1 pen) Real Madrid MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jesse Lingard (Anthony Martial) Bonus: PENALTY SHOOTOUT

July 25

Chelsea 2-3 Bayern MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Marcos Alonso (Victor Moses), Michy Batshuayi (Alvaro Morata)
Brighton 3-0 Southend MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Solly March (Liam Rosenior), Solly March, Glenn Murray (Markus Suttner)
Burnley 2-1 Preston North End MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jon Walters (Tom Anderson), Sam Vokes (Kevin Long)
Stoke City 1-2 Sheffield United MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Xherdan Shaqiri (Ramadan Sobhi)
Tottenham 2-3 Roma MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Harry Winks, Vincent Janssen (Georges N'Koudou)

July 26

Huddersfield 1-2 Udinese MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Tom Ince (Danny Williams)
Newcastle 4-0 Bradford MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Dwight Gayle (Christian Atsu), Jacob Murphy (Dwight Gayle), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Rolando Aarons), Jacob Murphy (Rolando Aarons)
Leicester 1-0 Luton MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Riyad Mahrez (Ahmed Musa)
West Brom 1-0 Burton MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jay Rodriguez (Matt Phillips)
West Brom 2-1 Walsall MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Shaun Donnellan, Hal Robson-Kanu (Jonathan Leko)
Manchester United 0-1 Barcelona MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Manchester City 4-1 Real Madrid MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Nicolas Otamendi, Raheem Sterling (Kevin De Bruyne), John Stones (Kevin De Bruyne), Brahim Diaz (Patrick Roberts)

July 28

West Ham 0-1 Werder Bremen MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Leicester 0-0 MK Dons MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -

July 29

Chelsea 1-2 Inter Milan MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): own goal
Crystal Palace 1-1 Metz MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Wilfried Zaha (Andros Townsend)
West Ham 2-2 Werder Bremen MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Marko Arnautovic (Arthur Masuaku), Toni Martinez (Andre Ayew)
Bournemouth 1-0 QPR MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jordon Ibe (Max Gradel)
Brighton 1-1 Norwich MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Pascal Gross (Bruno Saltor)
Burnley 1-1 Nottingham Forest MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Andre Gray (Matthew Lowton)
Leicester 0-1 Wolverhampton MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Newcastle 1-2 Mainz 05 MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jesus Gamez
Stoke City 2-1 Bolton MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Joselu (Bojan Krkic), Joselu (Mame Diouf)
Swansea 2-0 Birmingham City MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Tammy Abraham (Leroy Fer), Leroy Fer (Wayne Routledge)
Watford 0-0 Aston Villa MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
West Brom 1-2 Bristol Rovers MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Craig Dawson (Nacer Chadli)
Arsenal 5-2 Benfica MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Theo Walcott (Sead Kolasinac), Theo Walcott (Francis Coquelin), own goal (Theo Walcott), Olivier Giroud (Reiss Nelson), Alex Iwobi (Olivier Giroud)
Liverpool 3-0 Hertha Berlin MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Dominic Solanke (Adam Lallana), Georginio Wijnaldum (Sadio Mane), Mohamed Salah (Philippe Coutinho)
Southampton 3-0 Saint-Etienne MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Manolo Gabbiadini (Matt Targett), James Ward-Prowse (Matt Target), Maya Yoshida (James Ward-Prowse)
Manchester City 3-0 Tottenham MATCH REPORT MCI/MATCH REPORT TOT
Goal (assist): John Stones (Kevin De Bruyne), Raheem Sterling (Samir Nasri), Brahim Diaz

July 30

Bournemouth 0-1 Valencia MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Arsenal 1-2 Sevilla MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Alexandre Lacazette (Danny Welbeck)
Manchester United 3-0 Valerenga MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Marouane Fellaini (Henrikh Mkhitaryan), Romelu Lukaku (Andreas Pereira), Scott McTominay (Anthony Martial)

August 1

Huddersfield 3-3 Stuttgart MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Rajiv Van La Parra (Joe Lolley), Collin Quaner (Rajiv Van La Parra), Sean Scannell (Collin Quaner)
Stoke City 2-4 St. Pauli MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Joselu, Joselu (Mame Diouf)
West Ham 3-3 Altona MATCH REPORT
*Goal (assist): Toni Martinez (Winston Reid), Andre Ayew (Pedro Obiang), own goal
Brighton 0-0 Girona MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Liverpool 3-0 Bayern MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Sadio Mane (Roberto Firmino), Mohamed Salah (Alberto Moreno), Daniel Sturridge (Ben Woodburn)
West Brom 1-1 Port Vale MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Hal Robson-Kanu
Leicester 1-2 Burton MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Harry Maguire
Burnley 2-2 Celta Vigo MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Robbie Brady (Jeff Hendrick), Jeff Hendrick (Robbie Brady)

August 2

Newcastle 3-1 Wolfsburg MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Aleksandar Mitrovic (Christian Atsu), Matt Ritchie (Christian Atsu), Christian Atsu (Jonjo Shelvey)
Liverpool 1-1 (4-5 pen) Atletico Madrid MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Roberto Firmino (pen, Divock Origi) Bonus: PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Bournemouth 3-1 Yeovil MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Lys Mousset (Ryan Fraser), Benik Afobe, Benik Afobe (Marc Pugh)
Manchester United 2-1 Sampdoria MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Matteo Darmian), Juan Mata (Anthony Martial)
Southampton 0-4 Augsburg MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -

August 4

Huddersfield 2-2 Torino MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Elias Kachunga (Rajiv Van La Parra), Steve Mounie (Chris Löwe) ALL GOALS
Manchester City 3-0 West Ham MATCH REPORT MCI/MATCH REPORT WHU
Goal (assist): Gabriel Jesus (Kevin De Bruyne), Kun Aguero (David Silva), Raheem Sterling (Phil Foden)
Leicester 2-1 Borussia M. MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jaime Vardy (Matty James), Jaime Vardy (Kelechi Iheanacho)

August 5

Burnley 1-0 Hannover (only 45 mins played) MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Ben Mee (Robbie Brady)
Crystal Palace 1-1 Schalke MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Christian Benteke
Southampton 2-0 Sevilla MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Jack Stephens (Manolo Gabbiadini), Manolo Gabbiadini (Steven Davies)
Watford 0-0 Real Sociedad MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -
Stoke City 2-1 RB Leipzig MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Mame Diouf (Xherdan Shaqiri), own goal (Xherdan Shaqiri)
Liverpool 3-1 Athletic Bilbao MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Roberto Firmino (pen), Ben Woodburn (Dominic Solanke), Dominic Solanke (Ragnar Klavan)
Swansea 4-0 Sampdoria MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Leroy Fer (Tom Carroll), own goal, Tammy Abraham (Tom Carroll), Federico Fernandez (Tom Carroll)
Tottenham 2-0 Juventus MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Harry Kane (Kieran Trippier), Christian Eriksen (Dele Alli)
West Brom 0-2 Deportivo La Coruna MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): -

August 6

Everton 2-2 Sevilla MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Sandro Ramirez (Tom Davies), Kevin Mirallas (pen)
Newcastle 2-0 Verona MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Ayoze Perez (Javier Manquillo), Christian Atsu
Brighton 2-3 Atletico Madrid MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Pascal Gross (Tomer Hemed), Steve Sidwell (Solly March)
Bournemouth 2-2 Napoli MATCH REPORT
Goal (assist): Benik Afobe (Max Gradel), Simon Francis

Last preseason match line-ups (credit: powersurge28)

Club	Starting XI	Subs
Arsenal	Cech, Holding, Mertesacker, Monreal, Bellerin, Elneny, Xhaka, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck, Iwobi, Lacazette	Ospina, Kolasinac, Willock, Nelson, maitland-Niles, Walcott, Giroud
Bournemouth	Begovic, Francis, Cook, Mings, Daniels, Gosling, Cook, Ibe, Gradel, King, Afobe	Boruc, Butcher, Ndjoli, Holmes, Worthington, Harfield, Mahoney, Dobre, Simpson
Brighton	Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Suttner; Murphy, Stephens, Kayal, Brown; Gross, Hemed	Maenpaa (GK), Rosenior, Bong, Huenemeier, Goldson, Sidwell, Knockaert, March, LuaLua, Skalak
Burney	Heaton, Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Ward, Cork, Westwood, Brady, Arfield, Gray, Walters	Pope, Mitchell, Bardsley, Anderson, Long, Taylor, Ulvestad, Gudmundsson, Defour, Hendrick, Vokes, Agyei
Chelsea	Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Pedro	Caballero, Rudiger, Christensen, Scott, Boga, Musonda, Morata
Crystal Palace	Speroni, Milivojevic, Dann, Riedewald, van Aanholt, Townsend, Loftus-Cheek, Puncheon, Zaha, Lokilo, Benteke	Hennessey, Ward, Tomkins, Lee, Schlupp, Ladapo, Husin, Wan-Bissaka
Everton	Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Jagielka, Baines, Schneiderlin, Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Klaassen, Rooney, Sandro	Stekelenburg, Robles, Williams, Mirallas, Martina, Gueye, Barry, Lookman, Kenny, Besic
Huddersfield	Lossl, Smith, Schindler, Zanka, Lowe, Kachunga, Billing, Mooy, van la Parra, Ince, Mounie	Coleman, Schofield, Malone, Whitehead, Hudson, Scannell, Lolley, Williams, Depoitre, Quaner, Hefele, Palmer, Edmonds-Green
Leicester	Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Albrighton, James, Ndidi, Gray; Vardy, Okazaki	Hamer, Jakupović, Chilwell, Benalouane, Amartey, King, Iborra, Mahrez, Lawrence, Musa, Ulloa, Iheanacho
Liverpool	Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Can, Milner, Grujic, Salah, Firmino, Origi	Karius, Ward, Wijnaldum, Gomez, Klavan, Mane, Robertson, Solanke, Flanagan, Kent, Ejaria, Woodburn
Manchester City	Ederson; Kompany, Stones, Otamendi; Danilo, Yaya Toure, De Bruyne, Sane; Silva; Jesus, Aguero	Muric, Grimshaw, Walker, Sterling, Mangala, Bernardo, Fernandinho, Roberts, Zinchenko, Adarabioyo, Diaz, Foden
Manchester United	Super Cup Aug 8th	Super Cup Aug 8th
Newcastle	Elliot, Manquillo, Lejeune, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie, Shelvey, Hayden, Atsu, Pérez, Mitrović	Darlow, Gámez, Lascelles, Mbemba, Aarons, De Jong, Diamé, Merino, Murphy
Southampton	Forster; Cedric, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand; Davis, Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Tadic, Gabbiadini, Redmond	Taylor, Clasie, Long, Austin, Boufal, Gardos, Gallagher, Targett, Flannigan, Bednarek, McQueen, Højbjerg
Stoke City	Butland; Zouma, Shawcross, Cameron; Diouf, Fletcher, Allen, Pieters; Bojan, Berahino; Shaqiri	Grant, Haugaard, Johnson, Wollscheid, Muniesa, Adam, Ramadan, Crouch, Joselu
Swansea	Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson, Britton, Fer, Carroll, Routledge, Ayew, Abraham	Nordfeldt, Mulder, van der Hoorn, Bartley, Rangel, Kingsley, Roque Mesa, Grimes, Fulton, Narsingh, McBurnie
Tottenham	Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele; Sissoko, Eriksen, Dele; Kane	Vorm, Whiteman, Carter-Vickers, Dinzeyi, Walker-Peters, Wimmer, Georgiou, Miller, Oakley-Boothe, Winks, Janssen
Watford	Gomes; Janmaat, Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Doucouré, Chalobah; Amrabat, Cleverley, Pereyra; Sinclair	Pantilimon, Bachmann, Femenia, Mason, Prödl, Mariappa, Watson, Hughes, Capoue, Success, Okaka
West Brom	Foster, Dawson, Evans (C), Hegazi, Nyom, Livermore, Yacob, McClean, Rodriguez, Phillips, Rondon	Myhill, Palmer, Howkins, Wilson, Field, Robson-Kanu, Harper, Roberts, Leko, O'Shea
West Ham	Hart, Zabaleta, Fonte, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Noble, Obiang, Fernandes, Arnautovic, Ayew, Martinez	Adrian, Collins, Byram, Rice, Makasi, Holland, Snodgrass, Chicharito

Pre-season goalscorers

Name	Team	Goals
Batshuayi	CHE	5
Afobe	BOU	4
Gray	BUR	4
Willian	CHE	4
Mounie	HUD	4
Ince	HUD	4
Salah	LIV	4
Joselu	STK	4
Gross	BHA	3
March	BHA	3
Brady	BUR	3
Solanke	LIV	3
Sterling	MCI	3
Lukaku	MUN	3
Rashford	MUN	3
Mkhitaryan	MUN	3
Gayle	NEW	3
Mitrovic	NEW	3
Diouf	STK	3
Abraham	SWA	3
Lacazette	ARS	2
Giroud	ARS	2
Iwobi	ARS	2
Walcott	ARS	2
Murray	BHA	2
Murphy	BHA	2
Hemed	BHA	2
Ibe	BOU	2
Mousset	BOU	2
Walters	BUR	2
Vokes	BUR	2
Remy	CHE	2
Mutch	CRY	2
Rooney	EVE	2
Mirallas	EVE	2
Dowell	EVE	2
Kachunga	HUD	2
Mahrez	LEI	2
Vardy	LEI	2
Firmino	LIV	2
Woodburn	LIV	2
Stones	MCI	2
Diaz	MCI	2
Fellaini	MUN	2
Atsu	NEW	2
Murphy	NEW	2
Austin	SOU	2
Gabbiadini	SOU	2
Fer	SWA	2
Kane	TOT	2
Eriksen	TOT	2
Rodriguez	WBA	2
Robson-Kanu	WBA	2
Martinez	WHU	2
Ramsey	ARS	1
Elneny	ARS	1
Mertesacker	ARS	1
Goldson	BHA	1
Sidwell	BHA	1
Gradel	BOU	1
Francis	BOU	1
Barnes	BUR	1
Hendrick	BUR	1
Mee	BUR	1
Alonso	CHE	1
Azpilicueta	CHE	1
Benteke	CRY	1
Zaha	CRY	1
Milivojevic	CRY	1
Sako	CRY	1
Berkeley	CRY	1
Sandro	EVE	1
Lennon	EVE	1
Van La Parra	HUD	1
Quaner	HUD	1
Scannell	HUD	1
Slimani	LEI	1
Maguire	LEI	1
Coutinho	LIV	1
Mane	LIV	1
Wijnaldum	LIV	1
Milner	LIV	1
Sturridge	LIV	1
Origi	LIV	1
Grujic	LIV	1
Chirivella	LIV	1
Aguero	MCI	1
Jesus	MCI	1
Otamendi	MCI	1
Martial	MUN	1
Mata	MUN	1
Lingard	MUN	1
McTominay	MUN	1
Ritchie	NEW	1
Perez	NEW	1
Gamez	NEW	1
Shaqiri	STK	1
Berahino	STK	1
Adam	STK	1
Muniesa	STK	1
Fernandez	SWA	1
McBurnie	SWA	1
Bartley	SWA	1
Ayew	SWA	1
Stephens	SOU	1
Ward-Prowse	SOU	1
Yoshida	SOU	1
Janssen	TOT	1
Alderweireld	TOT	1
Dier	TOT	1
Winks	TOT	1
Capoue	WAT	1
Okaka	WAT	1
Jakubiak	WAT	1
Watson	WAT	1
Berghuis	WAT	1
Dawson	WBA	1
McClean	WBA	1
Donnellan	WBA	1
Arnautovic	WHU	1
Lanzini	WHU	1
Ayew	WHU	1
Fletcher	WHU	1

Pre-season assists

Name	Team	Assists
Van La Parra	HUD	4
De Bruyne	MCI	4
Martial	MUN	4
Gradel	BOU	3
Batshuayi	CHE	3
Firmino	LIV	3
Mkhitaryan	MUN	3
Lingard	MUN	3
Atsu	NEW	3
Carroll	SWA	3
Iwobi	ARS	2
Monreal	ARS	2
Suttner	BHA	2
March	BHA	2
Fraser	BOU	2
Brady	BUR	2
Hendrick	BUR	2
Cork	BUR	2
Davies	EVE	2
Quaner	HUD	2
Coutinho	LIV	2
Origi	LIV	2
Solanke	LIV	2
Ojo	LIV	2
Shelvey	NEW	2
Aarons	NEW	2
Targett	SOU	2
Shaqiri	STK	2
Diouf	STK	2
Bartley	SWA	2
Trippier	TOT	2
N'Koudou	TOT	2
Phillips	WBA	2
Giroud	ARS	1
Welbeck	ARS	1
Ramsey	ARS	1
Walcott	ARS	1
Kolasinac	ARS	1
Coquelin	ARS	1
Nelson	ARS	1
Kayal	BHA	1
Hemed	BHA	1
Dunk	BHA	1
Bruno	BHA	1
Skalak	BHA	1
Norwood	BHA	1
Rosenior	BHA	1
Afobe	BOU	1
Pugh	BOU	1
Surridge	BOU	1
Walters	BUR	1
Lowton	BUR	1
Ulvestad	BUR	1
Ward	BUR	1
Anderson	BUR	1
Long	BUR	1
Morata	CHE	1
Moses	CHE	1
Alonso	CHE	1
Kante	CHE	1
Fabregas	CHE	1
Kenedy	CHE	1
Tomori	CHE	1
Zaha	CRY	1
Townsend	CRY	1
Milivojevic	CRY	1
Brown	CRY	1
Sandro	EVE	1
Baines	EVE	1
Gueye	EVE	1
Lookman	EVE	1
Williams	HUD	1
Palmer	HUD	1
Löwe	HUD	1
Malone	HUD	1
Lossl	HUD	1
Lolley	HUD	1
Iheanacho	LEI	1
James	LEI	1
Fuchs	LEI	1
Musa	LEI	1
Mane	LIV	1
Lallana	LIV	1
Moreno	LIV	1
Klavan	LIV	1
Woodburn	LIV	1
Silva	MCI	1
Nasri	MCI	1
Foden	MCI	1
Diaz	MCI	1
Pogba	MUN	1
Mata	MUN	1
Darmian	MUN	1
Pereira	MUN	1
Fosu-Mensah	MUN	1
de Jong	NEW	1
Dummett	NEW	1
Gayle	NEW	1
Manquillo	NEW	1
Ward-Prowse	SOU	1
Gabbiadini	SOU	1
Davies	SOU	1
McQueen	SOU	1
Cameron	STK	1
Bojan	STK	1
Sobhi	STK	1
Adam	STK	1
Crouch	STK	1
Verlinden	STK	1
Alli	TOT	1
Wanyama	TOT	1
Fer	SWA	1
Olsson	SWA	1
Routledge	SWA	1
Hughes	WAT	1
Success	WAT	1
Mason	WAT	1
Holebas	WAT	1
Dja Djedje	WAT	1
Chadli	WBA	1
Livermore	WBA	1
Leko	WBA	1
Ayew	WHU	1
Masuaku	WHU	1
Fletcher	WHU	1
Obiang	WHU	1
Reid	WHU	1

Pre-season clean sheets

Team	Clean sheets	Matches
Brighton	4	6
Watford	4	6
Liverpool	4	8
Southampton	3	5
Swansea	3	6
Burnley	3	7
Manchester City	2	4
Newcastle	2	6
Huddersfield	2	7
Leicester	2	7
Manchester Utd.	2	7
Stoke City	2	8
Chelsea	1	4
Everton	1	4
Tottenham	1	4
Crystal Palace	1	5
Arsenal	1	6
Bournemouth	1	6
West Ham	1	6
WBA	1	8

Pre-season form

Team	Matches	Win	Draw	Loss	GF	GA
Liverpool	8	6	2	0	19	4
Burnley	7	5	2	0	14	6
Manchester United	7	5	1	1	15	6
Newcastle	6	4	1	1	13	5
Bournemouth	6	4	1	1	10	6
Stoke City	8	4	1	3	13	14
Brighton	6	3	2	1	14	4
Swansea	6	3	2	1	10	4
Huddersfield	7	3	2	2	13	11
Arsenal	6	3	1	2	12	9
Manchester City	4	3	0	1	10	3
Watford	6	2	3	1	5	4
Everton	4	2	2	0	8	4
Crystal Palace	5	2	2	1	7	5
Southampton	5	2	2	1	7	6
Leicester	7	2	2	3	6	7
WBA	8	2	2	4	7	11
Chelsea	4	2	0	2	14	7
Tottenham	4	2	0	2	8	8
West Ham	6	1	3	2	7	10

General comments: It's one of my odd pleasures to try to keep myself updated with all PL pre-season before FPL starts. I'll try to make it here in this thread. I'll try to add the most relevant information, make some stats based on pre-season matches & other stuff I can think of as I go along. If if you have any suggestions, feel free to send me a PM.

Manchester City F.C. vs Real Madrid C.F.
Competition : Champions League – Semi Final – Leg 1
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK
Date: Tuesday, 26 April
Kick-off : 19:45 BST | 20:45 CET | 13:45 Central USA
Referee : C. Çakιr
Assistants : C. Satman, T. Ongun
Fourth official : S. Ok
Manchester City F.C.
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Line Up – Hart, Sagna, Kompany (C), Otamendi, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva, De Bruyne, Aguero
Substitutes - Caballero, Mangala, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Delph, Sterling, Iheanacho
Sidelined – Touré, Nasri (unregistered)
Form Guide
All competitions - W W W D W
Champions League - W W D D W
Pre-Match Press Conference Statements
It's very important to enjoy the semi-final as it's not something we achieve every year. The players know that. It's important not to be comfortable because we're at this stage. Everyone wants to continue, to play the final. We'll see a City team that will play to win.
We won't just try to defend to reach the final. I have always tried to have a team who play good football, play well. We need a hot heart and a cold mind ... We need our emotions under control.
Manuel Pellegrini
Real Madrid C.F.
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Line Up - Keylor Navas, Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Bale, Lucas Vázquez, Benzema
Substitutes - Casilla, Varane, James, Kovacic, Jesé, Isco, Danilo
Sidelined – Ronaldo, Lazo (suspended)
Form Guide -
All competitions - W W W W W
Champions League - W W W L W
Pre-Match Press Conference Statements
We are in a decent vein of form, probably the best of the season. We are going to do the best we possibly can to score and try not to concede. It's a game and tie that is 50/50. You can prepare all you want for a big game but then the game can turn out totally different to how you envisaged it. The important thing is to give 150%.
Our opponents are a great side. If you give them space they can hurt you. The players get between the lines and cause problems. When we've not got the ball we must keep it tight and defend; when we have the ball we'll try and hurt them. The players are really focused. In 2014, there was a similar atmosphere in the dressing room.
Zinedine Zidane
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The clubs' only competitive fixtures came in the 2012/13 group stage, when Madrid twice came from behind to win 3-2 in Spain on matchday one. City led twice courtesy of Edin Džeko (68) and Aleksandar Kolarov (85) but Madrid responded through Marcelo (76) and Karim Benzema (87) before Cristiano Ronaldo snatched a 90th-minute victory.
The teams at the Santiago Bernabéu on 18 September 2012 were:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Khedira (Modrić 73), Xabi Alonso; Di María, Essien (Özil 65), Ronaldo; Higuaín (Benzema 73).
Manchester City: Hart; Maicon (Zabaleta 74), Kompany, Nastasić, Clichy; Javi García; Silva (Džeko 63), Y Touré, Barry, Nasri (Kolarov 37); Tévez.
It was 1-1 in Manchester, Sergio Agüero's penalty cancelling out Benzema's tenth-minute strike. Madrid ended with ten men as Álvaro Arbeloa collected a second yellow card in fouling Agüero to concede that spot kick.
The sides at the City of Manchester Stadium on 21 November 2012 were:
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasić; Maicon, Y Touré, Silva, Nasri (Tévez 60), Kolarov (Javi García 46); Agüero (Milner 88), Džeko.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrão; Khedira, Xabi Alonso; Di María (Albiol 87), Modrić (Callejón 68), Ronaldo; Benzema (Varane 75).
Those four points helped José Mourinho's Madrid finish second in Group D, behind Borussia Dortmund; City, then managed by Roberto Mancini, ended bottom with three points having not won a game.
ODDS

Book	Man City	DRAW	Real Madrid
William Hill	3.00	3.20	2.45
Bet 365	3.00	3.50	2.45
Bwin	3.00	3.50	2.40
Tipico	3.00	3.50	2.40

Payout odds in multiples of 1, i.e. odds of 2.60 means a total payout of €2.60 if you place a winning bet of €1.
Odds at 12:00 GMT
MATCH FACTS
Manchester City

City's last two UEFA Champions League campaigns ended in round of 16 defeat by Barcelona, in2013/14 and 2014/15.
The 3-1 aggregate win against Dynamo Kyiv in this season's round of 16 – 3-1 away, 0-0 home – was City's first European Cup knockout victory. Aside from those Barcelona defeats, their only previous tie was a 2-1 aggregate loss to Fenerbahçe SK in the 1968/69 first round.
City claimed their second knockout win with a 1-0 home defeat of Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final second leg, completing a 3-2 aggregate success.
Manuel Pellegrini's side have won three and drawn one of their five home UEFA Champions League games this season, although they did suffer a 2-1 loss to Juventus on matchday one.
The Manchester club have already met Spanish opposition in this season's competition, beating Sevilla FC 2-1 at home and 3-1 away in the group stage.
City's home record against Spanish sides is W3 D2 L2, both defeats coming against Barcelona. Overall it is W5 D3 L7.
Their record in two-legged ties with Spanish sides is W1 L3.
City may have never been in the semi-finals before, but Pellegrini's Villarreal CF team got this far in 2005/06, losing 1-0 to Arsenal FC over two legs

Real Madrid

While Madrid are in the last four for the sixth season running, they have lost five of their last six UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Of those ties, they suffered four defeats and picked up one draw away from home, the sole exception the 4-0 victory at FC Bayern München in the 2013/14 second leg.
Madrid lost their last away game in the UEFA Champions League, going down 2-0 at VfL Wolfsburg in the quarter-final first leg – they won the return 3-0 to progress. They had previously collected three wins and a draw away from home this campaign.
The 2-1 loss at Juventus in last season's semi-final first leg is the other of only two defeats in Madrid's last 12 European away games, with eight victories in that time.
Madrid have won on their last three visits to England, against Tottenham Hotspur FC (1-0, 2010/11), Manchester United FC (2-1, 2012/13) and Liverpool FC (3-0, 2014/15).
The Merengues are unbeaten in their last eight games against English clubs (W6 D2) since a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in the 2008/09 round of 16 second leg – their heaviest UEFA Champions League loss.
Madrid's record in two-legged ties against English opponents is W7 L4.
The Spanish side's record in England is W6 D3 L5; overall it is W13 D9 L10.

I will update the line-ups as the information emerges.

Paris Saint-Germain F.C. vs Manchester City F.C.
Competition : Champions League – Quarter Final – Leg 1
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
Date: Wednesday, 06 April
Kick-off : 19:45 GMT | 20:45 CET | 13:45 Central USA
Referee :
Assistants :
Fourth official :
Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
Manager: Laurent Blanc
Line Up -
Substitutes - TBA
Sidelined – Pastore, Verrati
Misses next match if booked - Aurier, Ibrahimović, Matuidi, David Luiz
Form Guide -
All competitions - D W W L W
Champions League - L W W W W
Pre-Match Press Conference Statements
I have excellent memories of Manchester from when I was playing for Manchester United. We used to drive by the City training ground on the way to ours, but I think it's no longer there.
The city itself has transformed a lot. It used to be very post-industrial, but it has flourished into quite a charming place now. On the sporting front, City are reducing their deficit to United and becoming a great club again – let's not forget they were strong in the 1970s.
They say experience can make the difference in ties such as this and that every detail counts. After the draw, some were relieved and said it was a good one for us as we avoided the two giants, Barcelona and Bayern. I strongly warned my players not to listen to that. Those who say that don't understand anything about football.
We'll be up against a team with quality and quality in depth – their squad overall has much more quality than ours. These will be two difficult and delicate games.
Laurent Blanc
Manchester City F.C.
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Line Up – Hart, Sagna, Otamendi, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva, De Bruyne, Agüero
Substitutes - Caballero, Demichelis, Zabaleta, Bony, Delph, Iheanacho
Sidelined –Kompany, Sterling, Touré
Misses next match if booked - Otamendi
Form Guide
All competitions - W D D L W
Champions League - W L W W D
Pre-Match Press Conference Statements
It'll be difficult but I believe we have a chance. Paris are a very good team, with a project similar to Manchester City in a sense, trying to grow year by year. Both teams have an opportunity to push on. I don't think there's a clear favourite in this tie.
It was important this season for us to win our group for the first time, and then we won in the round of 16 for the first time. We will see what happens against Paris.
Joe Hart has worked without any problem for the last few days and we tested him today. There's always a risk when a player returns from injury, but I don't think there's a problem with him playing.
Manuel Pellegrini
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Paul Le Guen's Paris earned a goalless draw against a Manchester City side managed by Mark Hughes at the City of Manchester Stadium in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group stage – their only previous meeting. Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Vincent Kompany were in the City team.
The teams in Manchester on 3 December 2008 were:
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Kompany, Ireland, Elano (Benjani 49’), Vassell (Hamann 76’), Sturridge, Jô (C Evans 65’).
Paris: Landreau, S Traoré, Sakho, Z Camara, Bourillon, Makélélé (Armand 59’), Clément, Rothen, Pancrate (Giuly 69’), Luyindula, Kežman (Hoarau 69’).
ODDS

Book	PSG	DRAW	Man City
William Hill	1.73	3.60	5.00
Bet 365	1.70	4.00	5.25
Bwin	1.70	3.80	5.00
Tipico	1.72	3.80	5.00

Payout odds in multiples of 1, i.e. odds of 2.60 means a total payout of €2.60 if you place a winning bet of €1.
Odds at 10:00 GMT
MATCH FACTS
Paris Saint-Germain

In their first match since winning the Ligue 1 title in record time, Paris lost 2-0 to AS Monaco FC on 20 March – their first home league defeat since 7 May 2014.
Paris retained the championship with an unprecedented eight games to spare, wrapping up their fourth consecutive title with a 9-0 success at ES Troyes AC on 13 March, Ibrahimović scoring four times.
The triumph was Paris's biggest ever win in Ligue 1 and the largest margin of victory for an away side in France's top flight.
Ibrahimović scored his first home hat-trick of the season in Saturday's 4-1 defeat of OGC Nice. Paris are 25 points clear of Monaco; the Ligue 1 record is 17.
Edinson Cavani scored Uruguay's first goal as they recovered from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with a Brazil side featuring City midfielder Fernandinho in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on 25 March.
Marco Verratti (groin) has not played since 20 February.
Winners of the last two editions, Paris face LOSC in the French League Cup final on 23 April.

Manchester City

City have won only three of their last ten matches in all competitions (counting the shoot-out success against Liverpool FC in the League Cup final as a draw) and were without a goal in three before their 4-0 win at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
Sterling was ruled out for six to eight weeks after suffering a groin injury in the 1-0 home loss to Manchester United on 20 March. Hart sustained a calf problem in the same game.
Kompany hobbled off early on against Dynamo on 15 March with a recurrence of a calf injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

I will be updating the information regarding line ups etc. as it emerges

Greetings Gooners! How was your international break? As an Irishman, I can only say that mine didn't quite end up being the happy distraction I wanted it to be. Anyway, welcome to another Premier League preview.
Here's the last post, ahead of the 3-1 defeat to West Brom.
This week, Man City come to town.
The Managers
Arsenal

Here's Arsene Wenger's press conference from this morning.
On the West Brom defeat: "It was the type of game you can get in England. We had blind possession. We had not enough goal chances. Two shots on goal when you have 70% of the ball is not good enough."
On his future: "Not today. But I am very clear in my mind. Do I stay two more years? My commitment is the same. It does not influence my attitude. I've always been clear in my mind. It's a subject that is not completely sorted."
On the City match: "It promises to be an attacking game. They go for it, we go for it. It should be a promising game."

Man City

Pep Guardiola has faced Arsene Wenger nine times before and the Spaniard has the advantage with five wins to Wengers two. But Guardiola has only won once in four away games against Arsenal - that was a 2-0 Bayern Munich win in the Champions League last 16 in 2014.
Both of Arsene's wins over Pep came at the Emirates. The first of these was the famous night of ARSHAVIIIIIINNNNN. The other victory was against Bayern in the group stage of the Champions League last season. The Gunners won it 2-0, thanks to Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil.
The first time the two managers met was back in the CL quarter final stage in 2009-10. Arsenal fought back to secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Emirates. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice for Barcelona, who had 21 shots in the game - Arsenal had a grand total of 5. A late Fabregas penalty levelled it for the Gunners. Thierry Henry made a late substitute appearance for Barcelona.

How's your form?
Arsenal

Pretty bad. The Gunners have won just four of their last ten matches - and three of those wins were in the FA Cup. Our last victory was the Cup thumping of non-league Lincoln. We've lost four times at home this season - Liverpool, Watford (both in the League), Southampton (EFL Cup) and Bayern (UCL) have all left the Emirates victoriously.
Last 5 (all comps): WLLWL
P: 27 W: 15 D: 5 L: 7 F: 56 A: 34 Pts: 50 Pos: 6th

Man City

City's last game was a draw with Liverpool at the Etihad. They've won two of their last five matches and went out of the Champions League on away goals after a 6-6 aggregate tie with Monaco. City have lost at Spurs, Liverpool and Everton this season - a bit of hope, perhaps, in that they're away form against the top sides isn't great.
Last 5: WDWLD
P: 28 W: 17 D: 6 L: 5 F: 54 A: 30 Pts: 57 Pos: 3rd

Team News
Arsenal

Arsenal lost Petr Cech through injury during the defeat to West Brom. The keeper will be definitely be out for the City match. According to Wenger, he may not be available until after the West Ham game on Wednesday.
Lucas is also out. He has a thigh injury. Santi Cazorla is the only other definite absentee. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez should both be fine.

Man City

Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan are both sidelined long-term for the visitors. Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt with a groin strain.
Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta are both likely to be out for City. Raheem Sterling has a good chance of returning from a back injury this weekend.

Head-to-Head

Arsenal have faced Man City 189 times before. The Gunners have won 95 and lost 50 times against the Citizens. There have been 44 draws.
Their first ever meeting resulted in a 1-0 win for Woolwich Arsenal against Ardwick (City's name at the time) at the Manor Ground in Plumstead.
They first met at Highbury in January 1920, when they played out a 2-2 draw. The first game between the two sides at the Emirates finished in a 3-1 Arsenal win.
Arsenal have faced Man City 19 times in home games in the Premier League. The Gunners have won 12 and lost just once at home against City.
City have won just twice at the Emirates, including cup games. A solitary Sergio Aguero goal won a League Cup tie in 2011. Then in January 2013, City won 2-0 at Arsenal. Laurent Koscielny was sent off after just 10 minutes in that one. Vincent Kompany also saw red in the second half.
That January 2013 win was City's first in the League at Arsenal in a little over 37 years. The previous win was in October 1975, when Arsenal were beaten 3-2 at Highbury.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 3 home games against Man City (W 1, D 2) but haven't kept a clean sheet in this fixture since April 2012 (1-0 win).
There have been just four goalless draws between these sides in the Premier League. Three of them occurred at Arsenal. The most recent was in January 2011. Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta were both sent off late on in that game too.
City have never done the double over Arsenal in the Premier League. In fact, you'd have to go back as far as the 1975-76 season to find the last time City won both matches against Arsenal in a single campaign. The Gunners haven't beaten City home and away since 2007-08.

That's Interesting

The highest scoring match between Arsenal and City took place at Highbury in October 1956. The Gunners won it 7-3. Cliff Holton scored four of Arsenal's goals that day. In total, he scored 88 times for Arsenal and helped them to the 1952-53 First Division title. He went on to play for several other clubs after Arsenal, including making the unusual move of leaving top flight Arsenal for Fourth Division side Watford. Holton also achieved a distinctive feat in holding the all-time goals in a season record at two different clubs – 42 goals for Watford in 1959-60 and 36 for Northampton in 1961-62.
Arsenal have a decent home record against Man City in the Premier League and it started with a 1-0 win at Highbury in September 1992. City only scored once in their first five Premier League games at Arsenal. Gerry Creaney got their goal in a 3-1 Arsenal win in 1996.
Our biggest PL win over City came at Highbury in October 2000. The visitors were back in the top flight after a four year absence and the Gunners showed no mercy in handing out a 5-0 drubbing. Arsenal were big winners at Maine Road that season too, beating City 4-0 on their own patch.
That 5-0 win was the first time Arsene Wenger faced Man City. He won all but one of his first eleven games against them. Defeat in Manchester in August 2006 was a first for Wenger against City. It ended a 15 year win-less run for City against Arsenal.
Another high scoring game between Arsenal and City was a 5-4 Gunners win at Highbury in 1961. One of the scorers that day was Danny Clapton. He and his brother Dennis are one of just three sets of brothers to appear on the pitch at the same time for Arsenal. Danny played just once for England, against Wales at Villa Park. Later that very same day, he lined up for Arsenal in a friendly against Juventus at Highbury. Two games, 100+ miles apart, on the same day! And some players today get tired after three games in a week! Jeez...
There have been nine red cards in this fixture in the Premier League. Koscielny and Sagna are the only two Arsenal players to have been sent off at home against City. The City red card roll of honour includes Uwe Rosler, Danny Tiatto, Ali Benarbia, Nicolas Anelka, Pablo Zabaleta, Mario Balotelli and Vincent Kompany. Though both Zabaleta and Kompany saw their red cards rescinded after appeals.
Looking for good omens? Arsenal are unbeaten in Premier League matches against Man City that have taken place in the month of April. Five games, four wins and a draw. Arsenal were the home side in all but one of these games and the aggregate score over these five matches is 10-1 to the Gunners. I don't know about you, but I think that means we're gonna win the League!
This fixture was also the site of the infamous Robert Pires penalty mishap in 2005. Pires had scored a penalty earlier in the game but the second spot-kick is the more memorable one. The Frenchman was trying to roll the ball to Thierry Henry in an attempt to recreate the "Cruyff penalty", but it didn't quite go to plan. Here's what it can look like when done to perfection - Messi and Suarez vs Celta Vigo.

How about some goals??

We've gotten plenty against City over the years and some were absolute belters!
September 1992 - Premier League: Ian Wright heads in the only goal in the first Premier League match against Man City. After a poor start to the season, this game kicked off a six-match winning streak for Arsenal. But they would go on to win just six of the remaining 27 after that run and ultimately finish 10th in the inaugural Premier League campaign.
August 1994 - Premier League: Ian Wright scores again in this 3-0 opening day victory over City. Kevin Campbell and Alan Smith were also on the mark in this game. It would be another frustrating season for the Gunners - they ended up finishing in 12th place.
October 2000 - Premier League: Thierry Henry scores twice in this 5-0 hammering of City. Ashley Cole, Sylvain Wiltord and Dennis Bergkamp also contributed to our biggest PL win over Man City. (I don't know why, but that clip left out Henry's first and our fourth goal. This one has much more highlights and the goal happens around the 19-minute mark.)
January 2004 - Premier League: An Henry screamer wins this one 2-1 in the Invincibles season. Jose Reyes made his Arsenal debut in this game. Nicolas Anelka was sent off after the melee that followed his late goal.
December 2015 - Premier League: Arsenal win the most recent Emirates clash 2-1. Theo Walcott opened the scoring before Olivier Giroud added a second before half time.
September 2014 - Premier League: A couple of beautiful Arsenal goals in this 2-2 from a couple of years ago. Jack Wilshere had levelled it at 1-1. A brilliant Alexis Sanchez strike put us 2-1 up but City equalised late on through Demichelis.
April 2012 - Premier League: Mikel Arteta with the great strike to beat City late on. Arteta will be in the City dugout this weekend but hopefully he won't have much to celebrate after the game. Apologies for the Dailymotion and shitty quality but I couldn't find a gif...

And that's that...
So there it is, everything you needed to know ahead of the match this weekend. Kick-off is 4pm (GMT) on Sunday. We desperately need a win to stop the rot more than anything else. Pretty much every year we get that late surge for the top 4. A win on Sunday would do a great deal in that regard.
I'll be back in a couple of days to preview our mid-week clash at home to West Ham.
Thanks for reading!

Best Liverpool Odds 2021 Bet on Liverpool

odds on liverpool winning 4-0 vs barcelona

odds on liverpool winning 4-0 vs barcelona - win

2018/19 Premier League Season in Review: Liverpool [2nd]

Liverpool 18/19

# Champions League

Hopes and Overall Grades

Hopes/Predictions at the start of the season?

Season Grade + Review

Manager Grade + Review

The XI

Best/Most Used XI + Tactics

Best/Worst Match and Goal of the Season

Best Match of the Season: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona [UEFA Champions League Semfinal 2nd Leg]

Worst Match of the Season: Red Star Belgrade 2-0 Liverpool

Goal of the Season: M. Salah vs CHE 53'

Season Awards

Other

Shocking Moment of the Season: Stop savin' chat

Heading into Next Season....

The biggest hope is that we can keep up this momentum going in to the next league season and finally cross the finish line.

Previous Reviews

[Pre Match Thread] Liverpool vs Manchester City [Champions League - Quarter Finals - Leg 1]

Pre-Match Thread: Ajax vs Spurs (8 May 2019)

A Comprehensive Guide to All the Teams at the 2019 AFCON

Group A

Egypt

DR Congo

Uganda

Zimbabwe

Group B

Nigeria

Guinea

Madagascar

Burundi

Group C

Senegal

Algeria

Kenya

Tanzania

Group D

Morocco

Côte d'Ivoire

South Africa

Namibia

Group E

Tunisia

Mali

Mauritania

Angola

Group F

Cameroon

Ghana

Benin

Guinea-Bissau

PRE-SEASON MEGATHREAD

July 8

July 10

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 22

July 23

July 25

July 26

July 28

July 29

July 30

August 1

August 2

August 4

August 5

August 6

Last preseason match line-ups (credit: powersurge28)