Man City wrap up pre-season with win over Palermo

Manchester City ended their pre-season with a 3-0 victory against sister club Palermo in the first Anglo-Palermitan Trophy. Nearly 35,000 fans attended the match, which celebrated Palermo’s 125th anniversary. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the contest, providing a strong test for Pippo Inzaghi’s team despite the gulf in quality. Palermo will begin their Coppa Italia campaign away to Cremonese next Saturday.

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Gyokeres scores first Arsenal goal in friendly win

Viktor Gyokeres marked his first appearance for Arsenal with a goal in their 3-0 pre-season victory over Athletic Club. The 27-year-old celebrated with his trademark mask gesture after converting a cross from fellow summer signing Martin Zubimendi. The Sweden international will hope it is the first of many as Arsenal look to end a five-year trophy drought. Mikel Arteta’s side begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign away to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United on August 17.

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Reijnders ready to play any role for Guardiola

Manchester City’s summer signing Tijjani Reijnders says he is prepared to take on any midfield role under Pep Guardiola following another injury setback for Rodri. The 27-year-old joined from AC Milan for a reported £46.6m to boost City’s midfield depth. Last season, City endured their worst campaign under Guardiola after Rodri suffered an ACL injury, and the Spaniard is now out again until at least September. “In the Club World Cup, I played three different midfield roles and I want to be able to perform in all of them,” Reijnders told reporters. “I’ll play wherever the manager wants me and give my best.” He said the squad have been focusing on ball possession, breaking down low blocks, and quick ball recovery in training. “We’ve got to know each other better and I can see he has a lot of qualities, which makes it easier for us midfielders to play alongside him,” he added.

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Salah criticises UEFA over tribute to Palestinian legend

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has called out UEFA for omitting details about the death of former Palestine international Suleiman al-Obeid in its tribute post. Obeid, nicknamed the “Palestinian Pele,” died on Wednesday after being shot by Israeli forces in the southern Gaza Strip while people were waiting for humanitarian aid, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). He was 41. UEFA posted on X: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” In response, Salah wrote: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Obeid, born in Gaza City, was married with five children and made 24 appearances for the Palestinian national team.

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Ten Hag defends Ronaldo and criticises Man Utd

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo was “never the problem” during their time together at Old Trafford. Ten Hag and Ronaldo, 40, were reported to have clashed before the forward left for Saudi club Al-Nassr. Ronaldo has since kept up his scoring form, netting a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly win over Rio Ave. Speaking after Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Chelsea, Ten Hag said: “For me, it is no problem, he was never the problem. I think that’s the past, it is what happened, and after that we won two trophies at Manchester United, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

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West Ham sign Mads Hermansen on five-year deal

West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Danish international goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Leicester City. The 25-year-old Hermansen joins the Hammers on a five-year contract with a one-year option. “I’m happy to join West Ham United”, said Hermansen, who will wear the No. 1 shirt. “I’ve felt that West Ham would be a good fit for me and my style of play for a long time. It feels natural to be here – it was a straightforward decision.  “The fans can expect me to be brave and bring good energy to help the team in the best way I can. This is a great step in my career. I have huge ambitions and I can’t wait to get started”, said Hermansen to the club website. Head Coach Graham Potter is happy to have beaten off competition from several leading clubs to secure Hermansen’s services, and is looking forward to adding him to his squad.

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Soccer Prediction Today: Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC

Sunday’s MLS action sees Philadelphia Union host Toronto FC at Subaru Park in a matchup that heavily favors the home side. Read our preview for the Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC. With FC Cincinnati breathing down their necks in the standings, the Union will be eager to take full advantage against a struggling Reds team. Betting Preview for Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC Betting On Philadelphia Union The Union’s deep squad and strong conditioning often pay dividends late in matches. Philadelphia have dominated Toronto at this venue, keeping four clean sheets in their last five home meetings. That trend lines up perfectly with Toronto’s current attacking woes — the Reds haven’t scored more than once in a match since June and sit 12th in the Eastern Conference. Betting On Toronto FC The Union, meanwhile, remain unbeaten at home since March, combining defensive stability with late-game firepower that has seen them score 13 goals in the final 15 minutes this season. Toronto’s biggest weakness remains in the attack, with only D.C. United and Montreal scoring fewer goals in the East.  MatchPlug Prediction for Philadelphia vs Toronto FC Given Philadelphia’s home dominance, Toronto’s late-game struggles, and the series history of multi-goal margins, this is a spot where the hosts are strongly favored to cover the handicap. Expect the Union to apply pressure from the start and finish strong in the closing stages. Final Prediction: Philadelphia Union Moneyline

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Soccer Prediction: New England Revolution vs DC United

Saturday night at Gillette Stadium sees two Eastern Conference teams face off as New England Revolution host DC United. Here’s our preview for the New England Revolution vs DC United match. Both teams have endured a rocky start to the 2025 season, and this fixture could be crucial in building some momentum. Betting Preview for NE Revolution vs DC United Betting On New England Revolution New England’s form has been erratic, but they’ve had some success at home. If they can tighten up defensively, they have enough attacking quality to cause DC problems. Betting On DC United DC United’s biggest issue this season has been defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Without a drastic improvement, taking points on the road will be a challenge. MatchPlug Prediction for NE Revolution vs DC United This is a matchup between two evenly matched but struggling sides. The Revs’ home advantage could be key, but DC will see this as a winnable fixture to stop their slump. Given both teams’ inconsistency, a draw looks the most likely outcome. Final Prediction: Draw & Both Teams to Score

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soccer predictions today: portland timbers vs fc dallas

Soccer Prediction Today: FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers

Sunday morning at Toyota Stadium sees two Western Conference sides with different trajectories face off as FC Dallas host Portland Timbers. Read our preview for the FC Dallas VS Portland Timbers match. MatchPlug has the best previews and tips for all MLS matches. Betting Preview for Dallas vs Portland Timbers Betting On FC Dallas Dallas are desperate to stop their slide down the table, while Portland are aiming to cement their place among the playoff contenders. Dallas will look to exploit home advantage and hope their attack can compensate for defensive gaps. Their matches have been high-scoring lately, with 11 goals across their last three fixtures. Betting On Portland Timbers The Timbers come into this match 5th in the West, showing strong form for much of the season. Portland have the squad depth and attacking quality to trouble Dallas’ back line. Felipe Mora, in particular, has been in fine form and will be key to breaking through. MatchPlug Prediction for FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers Portland’s superior balance between attack and defence should give them the edge. Dallas’ leaky defence is a real concern against a Timbers side that can finish chances efficiently. Expect a competitive first half, but Portland’s quality should shine through. Final Prediction: Portland Timbers to Win & Over 2.5 Goals

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Soccer Prediction Today: Chicago Fire vs LAFC

Sunday morning sees a return to MLS action as Soldier Field hosts a clash between Chicago Fire and Los Angeles FC. Read our preview for the Chicago Fire vs LAFC match. Both teams will be eager to secure three points, but the build-up to this match could play a big role in the outcome. Matchplug’s has the best prediction, tips for all MLS matches. Betting Preview for Chicago Fire vs LAFC Betting On Chicago Fire The Fire have momentum, with recent back-to-back wins and attacking threats in good form. Philip Zinckernagel, in particular, has been deadly in front of goal this season, scoring 10 times from midfield and consistently finding space against strong opponents. Betting On LAFC The Black and Gold will be confident after defeating Tigres midweek, but their heavy schedule and defensive lapses could be exploited by a clinical Chicago side. When we last saw Chicago, they were in good form, winning two straight games. LAFC, meanwhile, have shown vulnerability at the back recently, conceding in several of their latest outings. MatchPlug Prediction for Chicago Fire vs LAFC Zinckernagel’s scoring touch and LAFC’s leaky defence make this an appealing spot for a home breakthrough. The Dane’s knack for arriving late into the box could be decisive once again. While LAFC have quality going forward, Chicago’s rest and home advantage could give them the edge.

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