Leeds Go Top of Championship After Crucial Win at Middlesbrough

There was a major shake-up at the top of the Championship on Tuesday as Leeds United jumped from third to first place with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough. Burnley slipped to second after a goalless draw with Derby County , while Sheffield United fell to third following a 1-0 home defeat against Millwall. With only five games remaining, the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League is heating up. Only the top two teams are guaranteed promotion, while the third promotion spot will be decided through play-offs involving the teams placed third to sixth. Leeds secured their vital win thanks to former Manchester United forward Daniel James, who struck just two minutes into the match at the Riverside Stadium. The Welsh international’s close-range finish marked his 12th goal of the Championship season.

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Manchester United Join Arsenal in Race for Matheus Cunha

Manchester United have expressed interest in signing Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, according to talkSPORT. Arsenal are also targeting the Brazil international as part of their plans for the summer transfer window. However, United are reportedly ready to rival the Gunners for Cunha’s signature at the end of the season. Despite signing a new contract with Wolves in February, the 24-year-old is open to considering offers this summer. His agent is expected in London soon for talks with interested clubs, with a meeting already scheduled with Manchester United. Cunha has enjoyed a strong season, scoring 15 goals for Wolves so far.

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Postecoglou Focused on Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has discussed the importance of their upcoming Europa League clash with Frankfurt, with the competition now central to the club’s hopes for silverware this season. After being eliminated from the EFL Cup by Liverpool, knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa, and falling out of the Premier League title race, Spurs’ focus has shifted to Europe to salvage their campaign. Postecoglou, who has previously spoken about delivering a trophy within a two-year window, believes that even if Spurs win the Europa League, many will remain skeptical about the club’s future. *”I just think we’re in that position now where even the good stuff we do is going to be turned into a glass half-empty rhetoric,”* he said.   “I came to this club with a clear purpose of rejuvenating a squad that was coming to the end of a cycle. Whatever noise there is, now or in the future, that shouldn’t diminish that desire. Everything in my professional life has come through a struggle.” The Australian manager also stressed the importance of home support as Tottenham aim to secure a place in the Europa League semi-finals.

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Juric Blames Physicality Gap as Southampton Suffer Historic Relegation

Southampton manager Ivan Juric has pointed to a gap in physicality between the Premier League and the Championship as a key reason newly promoted teams struggle in England’s top flight. His comments came after Southampton’s 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, a result that confirmed their relegation with seven games remaining — the earliest in Premier League history. Ipswich Town and Leicester City, the other clubs promoted alongside Southampton, are also in danger of going straight back down. Both remain deep in the relegation zone, with 17th-placed Wolves currently holding a 12-point cushion above the bottom three.

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Manchester United Cautious Over Kobbie Mainoo Return from Injury

Manchester United will carefully manage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo return from a muscle injury after he took part in training ahead of Thursday’s Europa League first leg against Olympique Lyonnais, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed. The 19-year-old England international has not played since United‘s FA Cup fourth-round win over Leicester City on February 7, missing 10 games across all competitions. Kobbie Mainoo return is a welcome boost for United, who face French side Lyon at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Europa League tie, while also aiming to improve their position in the Premier League, where they are 13th with seven matches remaining. “He had some games out, so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really pleased with him but we have to be careful with him,”* Amorim told reporters on Wednesday when asked about Mainoo’s potential involvement against Lyon.   “We are really happy to have more options and an option like Kobbie, with the quality that he has – he has played as a six, as an eight, and as a 10 – we are really pleased to have Kobbie but we have to be careful; we need Kobbie fit and fresh.”

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Football Prediction Today: Como vs Torino Sure Tips

Como and Torino face off in a Serie A clash on Sunday, April 13th, 2025. Read Matchplug’s preview for Como VS Torino. The match kicks off at 17:00 WAT at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Como are looking to stay clear of the relegation zone, while Torino aim to keep their push for a top-half finish alive. Matchplug breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Como VS Torino. Betting Preview for Como VS Torino Betting On Como Como are 13th in the table and still not completely safe from the drop. They come into this game after a solid 3-1 win away at Monza and will be hopeful of carrying that momentum into this fixture. While they haven’t lost in their last two home games, both matches ended in draws. Como have drawn more than they’ve won recently. This will be their first time hosting Torino since 2003, and they’ll want revenge for their 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture. Betting On Torino Torino are unbeaten in six matches and sit three spots ahead of Como in the table. However, like Como, they’ve had trouble turning draws into wins. Three of their last six games have ended level. They won the first meeting between these sides this season and will aim to complete the double. But their away form raises concerns. Their 13 draws overall are the second-highest in Serie A this season. MatchPlug Prediction Como VS Torino Both teams are difficult to beat but struggle to find winning consistency. Como have improved at home, while Torino’s away record continues to be underwhelming. This looks likely to be a close and cautious game between two sides that draw often. Final Prediction: Draw

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Football Prediction Today: Liverpool VS West Ham United

Liverpool and West Ham United clash in a key Premier League match on Sunday, April 13th, 2025. Read Matchplug’s preview for Liverpool VS West Ham United.The game kicks off at 14:00 WAT at Anfield in Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side are top of the table and aiming to extend their lead in the title race. West Ham, meanwhile, are battling to avoid getting dragged deeper into the relegation fight.Matchplug has a full preview of the Liverpool VS West Ham United game. Keep reading for all the key betting insights and predictions. Betting Preview for Liverpool VS West Ham United Betting On Liverpool Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League standings and have been one of the most consistent teams this season under Arne Slot. Despite their 3-2 defeat to Fulham last weekend, the Reds remain a dominant force at home. Players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz have been central to their attacking success, and with the title race heating up, they’ll be fired up to get back to winning ways at Anfield. Liverpool have also won each of their last five home matches against West Ham. Betting On West Ham United West Ham are sitting 16th and are dangerously close to the relegation zone. They were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Bournemouth last time out, a result that continued their poor run of form. David Moyes’ team has shown flashes of attacking quality through Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse, but their defence has been unreliable all season. They’ve also struggled badly in this fixture, losing each of their last four visits to Anfield. MatchPlug Prediction Liverpool VS West Ham United Liverpool will be determined to bounce back after their loss to Fulham and stay on top of the table. West Ham have attacking threats but continue to struggle defensively, especially away from home. With their strong home form and superior quality, Liverpool should be too much for the Hammers to handle. Final Prediction: Liverpool

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Football Prediction Today: Newcastle United VS Manchester United

Newcastle United and Manchester United square off in a high-stakes Premier League clash on Sunday, April 13th, 2025. Read Matchplug’s preview for Newcastle United VS Manchester United.The game kicks off at 16:30 WAT at St. James’ Park in Newcastle. The Magpies are chasing a top-four finish, while Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, are hoping to end their inconsistent run.Matchplug has a full breakdown of the Newcastle United VS Manchester United match. Read on for all the key insights. Betting Preview for Newcastle United VS Manchester United Betting On Newcastle United Newcastle are currently in fifth place and have impressed at home this season. They returned to form last weekend with a 3-0 win over Leicester City and will be confident coming into this one. Eddie Howe’s side have been strong going forward, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon providing regular goal threats. They’ve also won their last two home games against Manchester United in all competitions. With the home crowd behind them and better form, Newcastle will back themselves to get another result. Betting On Manchester United Manchester United are down in 13th and have been inconsistent all season. Their 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League midweek showed both their attacking potential and defensive flaws. Ruben Amorim is still trying to get the best out of his squad, and while Joshua Zirkzee has looked promising, United’s backline continues to leak goals. They’ve struggled away from home in recent weeks and face another difficult task here. United need a big performance, but they remain unpredictable. MatchPlug Prediction Newcastle United VS Man United Newcastle have been the more consistent team this season and have a strong record at home. Manchester United still look shaky defensively and could be exposed by Newcastle’s pace and pressing. Expect the Magpies to edge this one.Final Prediction: Newcastle United

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Football Prediction Today: Deportivo Alaves VS Real Madrid

La Liga returns this weekend as Deportivo Alaves face off against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on Sunday, April 13th, 2025. Read Matchplug’s preview for Deportivo Alaves VS Real Madrid. The match kicks off at 15:15 at the Estadio Mendizorroza. Real Madrid are aiming to maintain their challenge for the La Liga title, while Alaves, struggling near the bottom, are desperate for points to avoid relegation.Matchplug provides all the key insights ahead of the Deportivo Alaves VS Real Madrid game. Betting Preview for Deportivo Alaves VS Real Madrid Betting On Deportivo Alaves Deportivo Alaves are 17th in the La Liga standings and have struggled all season. However, they managed a narrow 1-0 win over Girona last week and will head into this game with some confidence. Alaves will need to be at their best to get a result here, especially against a Real Madrid team with far more quality. They have been tough to break down at home recently, but their overall form remains a concern. Betting On Real Madrid Real Madrid are currently second in the La Liga table, but they’ve been inconsistent. Their 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League showed vulnerabilities that they’ll need to address. With a squad packed with talent like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Karim Benzema, Los Blancos have the quality to dominate this match. Despite their slip-ups, they remain the stronger side and will be eager to bounce back from their midweek loss. MatchPlug Prediction Deportivo Alavés VS Real Madrid Real Madrid have had their share of struggles this season but should have more than enough to beat a struggling Alaves side. While the home team may pose some challenges, their lack of consistency makes them unlikely to keep up with the firepower of Madrid. Final Prediction: Real Madrid

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Football Prediction Today: Chelsea VS Ipswich

Chelsea and Ipswich Town meet in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday, April 14th, 2025. Read Matchplug’s preview for Chelsea VS Ipswich. The game kicks off at 14:00 WAT at Stamford Bridge in London. Chelsea are pushing for a top-four finish, with the possibility of Champions League qualification if they stay inside the top five. Ipswich, on the other hand, are fighting for survival near the bottom of the table.Matchplug has a full preview of the Chelsea VS Ipswich match. Read on to learn more. Betting Preview for Chelsea VS Ipswich Betting On Chelsea Chelsea are in fourth place and will see this as a must-win game in their race for a Champions League spot. Their recent form has been solid, especially at home, and they’ve become harder to break down defensively. While they lost to Ipswich earlier this season, a repeat of that result feels unlikely. Players like Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling have been creating chances regularly, and with more attacking options available, Chelsea should be confident of getting the job done. They have everything to play for and will expect to take all three points. Betting On Ipswich Ipswich are down in 18th place and are in serious danger of relegation. Their recent defeat to Wolves hurt their momentum, and the pressure is mounting with only a few games left. Liam Delap is their biggest goal threat, but Ipswich have struggled to keep teams out, especially away from home. They’ll need to be at their very best to get something at Stamford Bridge, and even that might not be enough. Avoiding defeat would be a big result, but this looks like a tough task. MatchPlug Prediction Chelsea VS Ipswich Chelsea are the stronger side and have home advantage. Ipswich are desperate, but their form and squad depth don’t compare. Chelsea should win this comfortably to stay in the top four race.Final Prediction: Chelsea

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