Another Champions League season is upon us, with some interesting groups being drawn. But which teams will advance to the knockout stages from their respective groups and which teams will finish third and go on to play in the knockout stages of the Europa League? Here are my predictions…
Group A
Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco & Club Brugge
Europa League winners Atletico have had a rather awkward start to their domestic league season, but will still qualify from this group. They have added some good new signings to bolster their midfield …

England kick-off their UEFA Nations League campaign at Wembley on Saturday with a mouth-watering clash against Spain.
The Three Lions’ are assured of a positive reception after finishing fourth at the World Cup, but manager Gareth Southgate will be eager to build on the foundations his side laid this summer.
England are priced at 33/20 with Novibet sports betting to win the game, with Spain on offer at 7/4 and the draw available at 21/10.
Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and Liverpool midfielder forward Adam Lallana have withdrawn from the fixture, but Southgate …

Bournemouth star Nathan Ake has advised Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek to consider leaving Stamford Bridge. Loftus-Cheek was one of the breakout stars of the Premier League last season as he starred while helping Crystal Palace to avoid relegation while on loan with the Eagles.
The performances of Loftus-Cheek was so impressive that he earned a call-up to the England squad for the 2018 World Cup where he helped Gareth Southgate’s men to reach the semi-finals of the competition which was held in Russia.
Despite Palace boss Roy Hodgson making no secret of …

Tottenham continued their good start to the season with a 3-0 win against Manchester United on Monday.
The goals came through a goal from talisman Harry Kane and a brace from Lucas Moura.
Many doubted that Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will challenge for the Premier League this season after they failed to secure a single new recruit during the summer transfer window.
The North London club have however so far churned out three impressive performances and they are so far one of four clubs, along with Watford, Chelsea and Liverpool to have so far …

German coach Joachim Low is upset that Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil did not inform him personally about his decision to retire from international football.
Ozil struggled for form during the 2018 World Cup as Germany were eliminated from the group stage following losses against Mexico and South Korea.
Following the tournament, the 29-year-old decided to end his international career, citing racism.
Ozil attracted criticism prior to the tournament after posing with controversial Turkish President Erdogan.
This was not a good way for Ozil to end his international career. During his nine-year international career, he made …

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has effectively retired from international football. The 31-year-old Vardy was part of the England squad which reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and served as back-up to Harry Kane in the forwards department.
Vardy had notified Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate that he was considering retiring from international football and it now appears that he will not play during the UEFA Nation League games against Spain and Switzerland.
Vardy broke into the England team at the late age of 28 during the 2015-16 season. This …

Everton star Richarlison has issued an apology to his team-mates as well as fans of his new club.
The 21-year-old earned a red-card during the Toffees 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last weekend.
Referee Lee Probert handed the Brazilian his marching orders following an heated exchange with Adam Smith.
Both sides went on to end the game with ten men as Smith also went on to receive a red-card during the second period.
Everton looked like they were going to continue their promising form shown recently as they lead the game 2-0 through goals from …

Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Emmanuel Adebayor believes that Joe Hart’s move to Burnley can help the 31-year-old to return to his best.
Hart’s career hit a low following the arrival of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2016. After arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola deemed Hart surplus to requirements as he prefers ball playing goalkeepers. Hart subsequently went on to have loan spells with Torino in Italy and West Ham last season where he struggles to find consistency.
He however did remain first-choice goalkeeper for England till late last …

Newcastle United striker Yoshinori Muto has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to play for Premier League heavyweights Chelsea in the past.
The 26-year-old arrived at the Magpies from Mainz during the summer transfer window and is expected to be handed regular first-team opportunities by Rafa Benitez this season.
The Japan international is expected to make his full Premier League debut on Sunday when the Magpies face off against Chelsea.
Most players would not turn down the opportunity to play for a big club such as Chelsea.
However, it does happen that many …

West Ham captain Mark Noble believes that Arsenal were wrong to allow Jack Wilshere to leave them this summer. At the same time, he is glad to have the 26-year-old as a team-mate.
Wilshere left his boyhood club during the summer and joined West Ham on a free transfer. The Englishman had been hoping to stay on with the Gunners due to his love for the club, however he eventually had no choice but to leave after manager Unai Emery did not provide him with assurances over first-team football.
Wilshere is hoping …