Real Madrid skipper Dani Carvajal faces around four weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury during Saturday’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. The 33-year-old right-back limped off after an hour and scans confirmed a soleus muscle issue in his right leg. Carvajal had only returned in July for the Club World Cup semi-finals following a nine-month ACL layoff. His absence leaves manager Xabi Alonso with a mounting defensive crisis, as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger are also out. Spanish outlet Marca reports Carvajal is set to miss the El Clásico clash against Barcelona on October 26. Real next face Kairat Almaty in Tuesday’s Champions League group-stage trip to Kazakhstan. He has played in seven of Real‘s eight games in all competitions this season but had to come off after an hour in Saturday’s 5-2 derby loss at Atletico Madrid in LaLiga. The 33-year-old had returned to action in July for the Club World Cup semi-finals after nine months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. “After the tests carried out today on our player Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the soleus muscle of his right leg,” Real said in a statement. The club did not say how long he would be out, but the newspaper Marca said Carvajal will be sidelined for around a month, meaning he is likely to miss Barcelona‘s visit on 26 October. Fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and centre-back Antonio Rudiger are also injured, leaving manager Xabi Alonso short of options in defence. Real next travel to Kazakhstan to take on Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Liverpool and Everton lock horns in the first Merseyside derby of the 2025/26 Premier League season at Anfield on Saturday. MatchPlug provides the latest odds, preview, and prediction for Liverpool vs Everton. The Reds sit top of the table with a perfect 12 points, while the Toffees are in seventh with seven points. Betting Preview for Liverpool vs Everton Betting on Liverpool Liverpool have started the season with four wins from four, but their performances haven’t always matched the results. Five of their goals this season have come at or beyond the 88th minute, showing late resilience but also hinting at defensive vulnerability. Arne Slot’s men remain strong at Anfield, where their attacking depth makes them overwhelming favourites, but their tendency to leave it late could again test the nerves of supporters. Betting on Everton Everton arrived at Anfield in a confident mood, having kept three clean sheets in their last four matches across competitions. Sean Dyche’s side have bounced back from an opening-day loss to Leeds, finding solidity at the back while also contributing goals at key moments. However, history is not on their side: the Toffees have rarely taken points at Anfield in recent years. Still, with form improving, they will believe they can make life difficult for their neighbours. MatchPlug Prediction for Liverpool vs Everton Liverpool may be flawless on paper but haven’t looked completely convincing. Everton’s solid form and clean sheets suggest they won’t be pushovers. With both teams capable of finding the net and Liverpool’s defence occasionally shaky, this derby looks primed for goals at both ends. Final Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

When Manchester United’s season ended in despair with defeat in the Europa League final in Bilbao, few would have been surprised if Casemiro had boarded the first flight to Saudi Arabia. The expectation was clear: another fading star would take the money, reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, and step away from the spotlight of elite football. But Casemiro didn’t. He turned down the riches and relative anonymity on offer, choosing instead to stay at Old Trafford.  This is a man who has lifted five Champions League trophies, conquered Europe alongside Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, and cemented his legacy at Real Madrid before joining United. He owes nothing to anyone. Yet at 33, Casemiro still dreams of testing himself at the highest level. That is what sets him apart. Criticism of his performances last season was not misplaced. He often looked a step too slow in a midfield, particularly in the premier league. Casemiro’s refusal to take the easy road speaks volumes about his mentality.

Nicolas Jackson says he is relishing the opportunity to play alongside Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. He described the England captain as one of the best strikers in the world. The 24-year-old forward endured a dramatic transfer deadline day. He flew to Bavaria to complete a move before Chelsea briefly pulled the plug. Ultimately, He joined Bayern on an initial loan worth £14.25 million, with a conditional obligation to buy set at £56.25 million. Speaking to Tuttosport, the Senegal international revealed his excitement at the move and his determination to learn from Kane. “He’s one of the best,” Jackson said. “To be able to share the pitch with him is something I’m really looking forward to.” Jackson arrives in Munich after a mixed spell at Chelsea, where flashes of his pace and finishing ability were tempered by inconsistency. At Bayern, he will compete for minutes but also benefit from working alongside Kane.

Ipswich are still searching for their first Championship victory after being held 1-1 by Southampton at Portman Road on Sunday in a clash of last season’s relegated sides. The hosts took the lead inside four minutes when George Hirst intercepted a stray pass and crossed for Jack Clarke, whose header deflected off Taylor Harwood-Bellis and into his own net. Southampton levelled through Jay Robinson and almost snatched victory, but the forward was denied a second goal by Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer. At the other end, Sam Szmodics struck the post in a frenetic second half. The result leaves Southampton on four points, while title favourites Ipswich have now drawn their opening two games, both by a 1-1 scoreline.

Fulham welcome Manchester United to Craven Cottage in the Premier League this Sunday. Read our preview for the Fulham vs Manchester United match. Kick-off is at 16:30 BST, with both sides looking to grab their first win of the season after a frustrating opening weekend. The Cottagers rescued a late point against Brighton, while United were edged out by Arsenal at Old Trafford. With memories of last season’s close encounters still fresh, this promises to be another tight contest. Betting Preview for Fulham vs Manchester United Betting On Fulham Fulham showed spirit on the opening weekend, equalising in the 97th minute through Rodrigo Muniz to earn a 1-1 draw with Brighton. That resilience under Marco Silva has become a trademark, especially at Craven Cottage. Although United edged them twice in the league last season, Fulham proved they could compete, even knocking the Red Devils out of the FA Cup on penalties. Their performances were solid, but a sharper attacking edge is needed to turn dominance into wins. This clash marks their first home game of the season, and Fulham will be eager to build on that late momentum against a side they know well. Betting On Manchester United Manchester United were unlucky in their opener, losing narrowly to Arsenal despite creating good chances. Ruben Amorim’s side showed promise in attack, but defensive gaps and midfield imbalance remain concerns. Last season, United edged Fulham in both league meetings by fine margins, but their overall performance suggested they weren’t always in control. Amorim will hope his summer tweaks show progress here, especially against a team that has caused them problems before. The Red Devils remain dangerous, but consistency and ruthlessness are still being built. MatchPlug Prediction For Fulham vs Manchester United Fulham will be buoyed by their late equaliser at Brighton and have proven they can go toe-to-toe with United. Meanwhile, Amorim’s side looked bright against Arsenal but remain a work in progress. This game has the makings of another close battle. United may just edge it, but Fulham’s resilience suggests a draw is the safer call. Final Prediction: Fulham