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Manchester United could be set for a huge Bruno Fernandes transfer decision in January with several clubs reportedly lining up to lure the struggling Red Devils captain away from Old Trafford. The timing couldn’t be worse for United, who are stumbling through a nightmare start to the season, leaving rivals circling like sharks around a sinking ship.

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  £100m summer rejection that shook United

  Back in the summer, Saudi giants Al-Hilal came knocking with a jaw-dropping £100 million bid for Fernandes. The proposal sent shockwaves through Old Trafford, but both the club and the Portuguese maestro turned it down. Fernandes made it clear at the time that while he remained loyal, he would not stand in the club’s way if United ever decided it was time to cash in. For now, he’s under contract until 2027, but that long deal might not be enough to fend off renewed interest when the transfer window reopens.

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• Saudi temptation: £700k-a-week deal on the table

  Reports suggest the Saudi Pro League isn’t giving up that easily. According to the , multiple clubs from the oil-rich league are ready to test United’s resolve again in January, with a staggering £700,000-a-week tax-free package lined up for Fernandes. That’s more than double his current earnings, a figure that could turn any head, no matter how loyal. The financial pull from the Middle East has already tempted several high-profile stars away from Europe, and the 31-year-old playmaker could soon be the next big name on their list.

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  Europe’s big guns on standby

  It’s not just the Saudis lurking. Top European clubs are also keeping a close eye on the situation. Fernandes remains an incredibly valuable asset, creative, influential, and, crucially, not cup-tied, thanks to United’s absence from European competition this season. For Champions League contenders looking to strengthen mid-season, he represents a golden opportunity: a world-class attacking midfielder ready to slot straight into continental battles without restriction.

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• Fernandes out of position and out of patience

  Part of the problem lies in Amorim’s tactical experiment. The Portuguese coach has insisted on deploying Fernandes in a deeper midfield role, one that shackles his natural attacking instincts and forces him into defensive duties. It’s a move that’s drawn heavy criticism, with many arguing that United’s most creative spark is being wasted in a role that doesn’t suit his strengths. Fernandes, known for his fiery competitiveness, has been spotted gesturing in frustration more than once this season, his body language betraying growing discontent.

Last weekend’s opening Premier League match of the season for Arsenal was a struggle.

Mikel Arteta’s men were hardly free-flowing in pre-season and that was in evidence at Old Trafford as they laboured to a 1-0 victory.

Alas, the Gunners did win and secured three points that built a platform for an incredible 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday evening.

Arsenal were perhaps a little slow to get going on the goals front but they eventually burst into life on a day of many positives for the north Londoners.

The biggest positives from Arsenal's win over Leeds

Let’s be honest, there was only going to be one result here this weekend. Before the game had got underway a certain Eberechi Eze was announced to the Emirates Stadium faithful as an Arsenal player.

The saga was remarkable. Eze was on the verge of signing for rivals Tottenham Hotspur only for a call between Arteta and the England international on Wednesday paved the way for an incredible hijack.

The Gunners board came together and within hours they had a deal agreed with Crystal Palace.

Once of Hale End, it marks a stunning return to the Arsenal and the thought of the 27-year-old playing in this attack is mouthwatering.

Speaking of which, it was a day of joy for Viktor Gyokeres. Last weekend, he was grilled, he was the scapegoat for an underwhelming performance away in Manchester.

In all honesty, it wasn’t his fault. Arsenal struggled to create and Gyokeres was left isolated. Well, he hit back at the critics superbly on Saturday, scoring twice.

While the Swede’s second was a well taken penalty, his first goal in a competitive match for the Gunners was an excellent one. Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up two assists on the day, pinged the ball in behind for the forward to run onto.

Gyokeres found possession in his favoured left channel, burst into the penalty area and then tucked the ball home at the near post.

For Arsenal’s big marquee signing, it was the perfect response to last weekend, but he wasn’t the only to find form.

Bukayo Saka found the net in explosive fashion while Jurrien Timber, making his first start of the campaign, bagged twice.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

So, it’s all rosy as far as the Gunners are concerned, but for a player who failed to get on the pitch, it was not an ideal day.

Arsenal star will suffer after Madueke and Eze arrivals

On Saturday, there weren’t too many surprises as far as the team sheet was concerned but it was eye-catching to see that Noni Madueke started on the left hand side of the pitch.

With Eze having also now signed, the competition for places in that area is likely to be fierce.

Madueke did not score or assist on his first start for the Gunners but it was a productive first outing, notably registering two key passes, attempting five crosses and winning half of his duels, via Sofascore.

There will be better performances to come from the summer arrival but it was perhaps a landmark day for Gabriel Martinelli.

A week ago, the £48m-rated Brazilian was given the nod and like Gyokeres, became a scapegoat for the sluggish performance that played out.

Fans have seemingly run out of patience and on today’s evidence, you’d now be hard pressed to consider Martinelli a regular starter again.

In 2024/25, he started 25 of the 33 Premier League games he featured in, scoring eight times in the process. That’s a handy tally but it’s not the elite level Arteta requires to win the league.

Leandro Trossard received a pay increase in midweek but the Belgian is in a similar boat. He’s a tremendous squad player but you are unlikely to get an elite level of performance out of him on a consistent basis.

Madueke is still getting up to speed but on a day where he made his first start and Eze signed, it was damning that firstly, Martinelli wasn’t selected to start, and secondly, that he didn’t feature off the bench.

What’s more damning is that Arsenal picked up injuries too. Yet, with Martin Odegaard and Saka going off, the Brazil international was nowhere to be seen. Ethan Nwaneri and the remarkably talented 15-year-old that is Max Dowman were both preferred.

A great day for Arsenal it certainly was, but Martinelli should be fearing for his place in the side now moving forward.

Thomas Muller continued his sensational start to life in MLS with a dramatic 97th-minute winner to defeat Orlando City. His incredible goal contribution keeps the Vancouver Whitecaps top of the Western Conference and puts them in pole position for the top seed heading into Decision Day, with his manager hailing his 'magical' impact on the title contenders.

• Muller's dramatic late intervention secures vital win

  Muller scored a sensational winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time to give Whitecaps a 2-1 victory over Orlando City, sending his side to the top of the Western Conference standings. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, the German legend controlled the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a low, deflected strike past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to snatch all three points. The goal came moments after a controversial incident where a Sebastian Berhalter shot appeared to cross the line, but with no Goal Line Technology in MLS, play continued, setting the stage for Muller's heroics. Vancouver had fallen behind to a 24th-minute Dagur Thorhallsson strike before MLS Next Pro call-up Nelson Pierre netted his first goal for the club to equalise in the 81st minute.

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  Sorensen hails Muller's 'magic' and seamless integration

  Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen lauded the impact of his star signing, attributing the late winner to a special quality. 

  “He struck it well, and maybe it’s just a little bit of magic,” Sorensen said post-match. “We're in magic land, so it was a little bit from the magic kingdom.” 

  The coach also praised how quickly Muller has become a pivotal figure, not just for his goals but for his overall contribution to the team's system. “What he’s shown since he’s come here, with the way he presents himself, with the quality he adds to the team, with how much he’s involved in what chances we create… in the build up and also in the pressing, I think he’s been even more than we could even have hoped for when he came.

  “He has had a very fast, very strong impression, and it will also add to his teammates, because they also have a strong belief that we can do something like this.”

• Raumdeuter's remarkable MLS impact by the numbers

  Since arriving from Bayern Munich in August, Muller has had a transformative effect on the Whitecaps. The 97th-minute goal was his seventh in just eight MLS appearances, to go along with four assists. His 11 goal contributions have been central to Vancouver's 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions (7W,4D) and have drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba's explosive start with Montreal in 2012. The winning goal against Orlando was assisted by club captain Ryan Gauld, who is working his way back to full fitness after a long-term injury, hinting at a formidable partnership developing between the two.

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• What the result means for MLS title race

  The victory propels the Whitecaps into first place in the Western Conference on 63 points with one match remaining. They are now in a strong position to secure the number one seed for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, the race for pole position is not over. LAFC can reach a maximum of 65 points with their two remaining matches, while second-placed San Diego FC can equal Vancouver's current tally of 63 if they win their final fixture. 

West Ham United have now made firm contact over a late swoop for an “incredible” defender, with Nayef Aguerd seemingly heading for the exit door.

West Ham eyeing replacements for Marseille-bound Aguerd

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, there were rumours that Aguerd and Lucas Paqueta wouldn’t be travelling to the City Ground, with both players looking for the exit door on transfer deadline day.

However, Paqueta re-affirmed his commitment to the club after scoring the second goal in the shock 3-0 triumph, with his celebration indicating the Brazilian has no plans to leave anytime soon.

Aguerd, on the other hand, was not involved, with the Moroccan now on the brink of completing a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Consequently, the Hammers will have to bring in a replacement today, and they have now made a late swoop to sign Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, according to a report from The Sun.

The report states West Ham have now made firm inquiries over a deal for Cresswell, who is now more likely to join than Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, given that the Saints are set to hold out for over £20m for the Englishman.

The Toulouse centre-back, on the other hand, is valued at £13m plus bonuses, and the Irons may choose to cough up that amount for his services before the transfer window closes at 7pm this evening.

£42m West Ham star just showed why he's their next Rice & Paqueta

West Ham United bounced back from a terrible start in the Premier League with a last-ditch 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 31, 2025

"Incredible" Cresswell could be ideal Aguerd replacement

Lauded as “incredible” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year old has performed remarkably well for Toulouse over the past year, most importantly impressing from a defensive point of view, while also proving himself as a real threat at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Englishman has outperformed Aguerd across all of those metrics, with the Morocco international averaging 1.21 blocks per 90, 4.66 clearances, 2.87 aerials won and failing to score a single goal.

As such, the Preston-born defender could be a real upgrade on the 29-year-old in the heart of the West Ham defence, and a £13m transfer fee seems reasonable, given the level of his recent performances.

The only concern over signing Cresswell will be the fact he failed to make the cut at Leeds United, making just 14 senior appearances for the club, but the centre-back has clearly grown as a player since then, having made 31 outings for Toulouse in Ligue 1 last term.

Looking to follow up their recent deal to sign Emanuel Emegha in 2026, Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign a teenage gem ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Chelsea agree deal to sign Emegha

Once again using BlueCo’s connection to Strasbourg – another club that they own – Chelsea have officially announced a deal to sign Emegha. The talented striker will join the club in 2026 after one more season in France and represents the fifth player to move to either Chelsea or Strasbourg in the last 12 months.

Emegha’s pending arrival will lead to questions about Nicolas Jackson’s future once again. The forward is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, but even though that deal has an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, Bayern chief Uli Hoeneß recently made it clear that it is unlikely that he reaches those conditions.

He told reporters: “It’s not a €16.5m loan fee, because the player and his agent are contributing €3m, so that leaves €13.5m. And there will definitely not be a permanent contract. That only happens if he plays 40 games from the start. He will never do that.”

Outscoring Palmer: Chelsea sold the "closest thing" to Hazard for just £18m

A former Chelsea attacker who was tipped to be the next Eden Hazard has now been outscoring Cole Palmer in 2025.

By
Ben Gray

Sep 12, 2025

If that proves to be the case, Chelsea will have as many as four strikers at their disposal in 2026 with Jackson’s sale still on their list of priorities. That’s not to say their spending is about to end, however.

The Blues have now reportedly turned their focus towards Enzo Maresca’s midfield, joining the race to sign a teenage sensation ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Chelsea racing to sign Jorthy Mokio

According to TeamTalk, Chelsea are now racing to sign Jorthy Mokio from Ajax after sending scouts to watch the 17-year-old midfielder. Compared to Declan Rice and former Stamford Bridge star N’Golo Kante, the Belgian is certainly one to watch in the next 12 months. As ever, Ajax have helped develop an incredibly impressive talent after securing his signature from KAA Gent last summer.

Compared to Kante by TeamTalk thanks to his exceptional recovery ability and positioning during transitions, Mokio could yet follow Jorrel Hato’s path by swapping Ajax for Chelsea as a rising star.

Described as “quick & agile” as well as “intelligent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last May, Mokio has only improved ever since. Now, as several Premier League sides chase his signature, the midfielder, who can also play centre-back, has a decision to make.

A former Premier League legend has urged Steven Gerrard to ignore an old football cliche after the Liverpool icon re-emerged as the favourite candidate to land the Rangers job. The club's hierarchy are in the market for a new head coach after they parted ways with Russell Martin earlier this month. Martin oversaw a nightmare start for the Gers in the 2025-26 campaign in the Scottish Premiership.

• Gerrard pulled out of race to become Rangers boss after advanced talks

  Rangers parted ways with Martin just a few months after the former MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton manager took charge at Ibrox. Gers got off to a nightmare start as they managed to register just one win in their first seven league matches. Martin also faced opposition from the fans, who went public with their anger during a Scottish League Cup clash, where they arrived at Ibrox with banners reading, "Russell out – worst manager in history." They also hurled balls onto the pitch, which led to a delay in the start of the game. A week before the international break, Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership. The result proved to be the last straw for the top brass, as the club announced the departure of the manager.

  Following Martin's exit, the Gers began their hunt for a new coach and were reportedly in advanced talks with Reds icon Gerrard at one point, but the former England midfielder eventually withdrew his name from the race, although both parties kept the door open for future negotiations, and his name is now back in the headlines as one of the favourites to take the role.

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  Gerrard told to ignore football cliche

  Premier League and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has opened up on the Rangers' situation as he addressed Gerrard pulling out of contention for becoming the Scottish giants' next head coach.

  Speaking to , Shearer said: "I don't know Steven's tax situation with him being back in the UK and he can only answer that. There is that 'never go back' saying but if he wants to get back to management, he knows what it's like up there, he's done it and been successful before. He's a huge name in football. I don't think Celtic are that great either. Hearts are top of the SPFL at the moment so that tells you that Celtic aren't a great team either. Steven, or whoever goes into that role may fancy their chances and say it's worth the opportunity and worth going up there to compete. Rangers are miles off it at the minute and it's no surprise that Russell lost his job. The fans were going mad up there and it's not nice to see because of the human behind it and at the end of it. That's what you have to think of but you also know the score when you go into management – if you don't win games, you'll get sacked. The Rangers job will be a brilliant one for whoever takes over."

• Was Gerrard afraid of becoming a 'laughing stock'?

  Former Scotland star Pat Nevin backed Gerrard's decision to pull out of the running for the coaching role as he felt it would have been difficult for the 45-year-old to manage a team that had made a disastrous start in the new season. 

  Speaking to , Nevin said: “Steven Gerrard's the last one that won a title and it stopped Celtic doing the ten titles in a row. So he's literally as good as anyone else and he's certainly got a tune out of that team that season. I feel sorry for the board because when you look elsewhere it's tough. It's really, really tough to get a top manager because when you come into Rangers, it's not just Russell Martin. You're behind the eight ball already. When you walk in, they're so far behind the league just now. The expectation is, if you got second this season, even from so far behind, people will still be a bit grumpy with you. I understand that, they've got high standards. But the amount of managers that have gone in there and come out and been trashed, absolutely trashed. And there's no win for it. Celtic typically have so much more money. Celtic have got a base there. Celtic can go and blow Rangers out of the water with money just now if they want, (but) they're not. They've got plenty in the bank they can use. There's all sorts of stuff that Celtic have got in place. Rangers have got this team that's been built by a whole bunch of different managers. And I go to see Celtic-Rangers games a lot and you think, so who's playing for Rangers now? And that's not what you want.“

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  Man Utd coaches in contention to become new Rangers boss

  Ex-Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his former assistant coach at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick, are linked with the Rangers job. Both managers are currently out of work after getting sacked by Besiktas and Middlesbrough, respectively, earlier this year. Rangers are also looking at options like Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, although he may be difficult to prise away from the Suffolk side.

Manchester United have problems to deal with on the field, but they could now be about to announce a new signing after he was spotted at Old Trafford.

Manchester United performances called out by Wayne Rooney

Since the time that Wayne Rooney played for Manchester United, anyone connected with the Premier League will tell you that the Red Devils have struggled to replicate the consistency of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Years have gone by and trophies have been won along the way, though Ruben Amorim’s club have never got close to reclaiming the top prize, and they are in a gradual decline that INEOS haven’t been able to alter since becoming involved at Old Trafford.

After a defeat against Brentford left Manchester United sitting 14th in the table with two wins from six, Rooney has called out the Red Devils and has ‘no faith’ in Amorim to turn around a wretched run of results.

He said: “I just don’t know what’s going on. I have tried my hand in management and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd. I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But…after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

Ultimately, the Portuguese boss is here to stay for now and Manchester United need to keep fighting, starting with a pivotal fixture on home soil against Sunderland this Saturday.

Ten Hag sold Man Utd talent for just £10m, now he's outperforming Bruno

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 29, 2025

Supporters will hope a victory can kickstart a turnaround, and in the meantime, fans will also be intrigued to see that their club are closing in on a seemingly imminent deal.

Manchester United target Mouhamed Dabo spotted at Old Trafford

Earlier this week, it was reported that Manchester United are closing in on Barcelona target Mouhamed Dabo, who is currently on the books of Be Sport Academy and has spent the last few weeks on trial bidding to win a deal.

Now, he has been spotted at Old Trafford and has even trained at Carrington, indicating that an official announcement may not be too far away as INEOS close in on a sought after young player.

Building for the future is a necessary step for Manchester United to breed stars of the future, with Chido Obi-Martin, Diego Leon and Sekou Kone among their most exciting hopes, and Dabo may be another to add to their talent conveyor belt as INEOS look to the long-term.

After years of courtroom clashes and failed negotiations, Real Madrid and A22 Sports Management, the company behind the European Super League, are preparing to sue UEFA for an astonishing €4.5 billion. The lawsuit, rooted in the EU’s landmark antitrust ruling, accuses UEFA of abusing its dominance and stifling fair competition.

• Real Madrid’s €4.5 billion claim against UEFA

  The European Super League, once hailed as the most controversial project in football history is back in the headlines, and this time the stakes are even higher. Madrid and A22 Sports Management, the company that promoted the ill-fated breakaway competition, have announced plans to sue UEFA for a staggering €4.5 billion in damages.

  According to , the figure represents lost profits, reputational harm and competitive damage caused by UEFA’s alleged monopoly. Lawyers for both Madrid and A22 are already drafting the claim, marking a decisive shift in strategy. After months of failed discussions and nearly a dozen unproductive meetings, the parties have decided to go on the offensive.

  This comes in the wake of a Madrid court ruling that sided with Los Blancos and A22, dismissing UEFA’s appeals and confirming that the governing body had “seriously infringed European Union free competition rules”. For club president Florentino Perez, it was the green light he had long been waiting for. The club feels that with the Madrid ruling in their favour they can seek justice and reclaim billions they believe were lost to UEFA’s unlawful obstruction.

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  UEFA vs. the Super League

  The roots of this legal war stretch back to April 2021, when 12 of Europe’s elite clubs, including Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Juventus, announced the creation of the Super League. Designed as a rival to the UEFA Champions League, it promised higher revenues and a new model for elite competition, featuring both men’s and women’s tiers.

  But within 48 hours, the project collapsed under immense public pressure. Fans protested in the streets, governments condemned the plan, and UEFA, backed by FIFA, threatened harsh sanctions. England’s “Big Six” clubs swiftly withdrew, leaving Madrid and Barcelona to fight alone.

  Undeterred, Perez continued to argue that UEFA’s structure represented a “monopoly that kills innovation and fair competition.” Supported by A22’s CEO Bernd Reichart, the clubs pursued legal action. Their persistence paid off when, in December 2023, the CJEU ruled that UEFA’s approval requirements for new competitions violated EU law.

  The CJEU’s verdict was later reinforced by Spain’s Audiencia Provincial, which declared that UEFA had abused its dominant position by blocking the Super League. The ruling not only validated Real Madrid’s long-standing arguments but also opened the door to what could become the most expensive lawsuit in football history.

• Inside the negotiations that failed

  Following the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling, UEFA and A22 attempted to find common ground. Meetings were held between A22’s Bernd Reichart, UEFA’s Teodoro Teodoridis, and representatives from both Madrid (Anas Laghrari) and Barcelona (Fernando Ledesma). At first, progress seemed possible with discussions reportedly advanced on broadcasting rights and the management structure of future competitions.

  However, talks broke down when the sides failed to agree on the format. According to insiders, UEFA was accused of “stalling to buy time” and had no real intention of reaching an accord. The stalemate frustrated Madrid and A22, who began to see litigation as their only path forward.

  While Barcelona president Joan Laporta appeared to soften his stance and align more with UEFA’s European Football Clubs (EFC, formerly European Club Association), Perez remained unwavering. In the recent weeks, Laporta has been adamant in mending ties and 'building bridges' with UEFA and was also attended a meeting in Rome Organised by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi where UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin was also present. "By coming here, we want to build rapport and for this agreement to be reached," Laporta said while attending the meeting.

  However, Perez, saw the ruling as vindication and an opportunity to challenge UEFA’s control over European football. The upcoming lawsuit, potentially spanning several jurisdictions, represents the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes conflict, one that could redefine how football’s financial and governance models operate.

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  A battle for football’s future

  Madrid’s €4.5 billion claim is more than just about money, it’s about principle and power. The club argues that UEFA’s dominance has limited clubs’ freedom to innovate, expand revenues, and shape their own futures. The damages sought include compensation for the loss of commercial opportunities, broadcasting rights, and brand damage caused by UEFA’s actions since 2021.

  Meanwhile, UEFA has vowed to fight back, insisting that the recent court rulings do not validate the Super League concept. In a statement, the organisation emphasised that its “current authorization rules, adopted in 2022 and updated in 2024, remain fully in force.” UEFA is exploring fresh appeals while attempting to reinforce its governance model through the ECA.

  If the lawsuit succeeds, it could open the floodgates for other clubs and entities to file similar claims, potentially costing UEFA billions more and weakening its control over European competitions.

There’s nothing better than a full day of Sunday baseball, and I have a pair of bets – on some road teams – to consider on June 16.

We’re starting in New York with the San Diego Padres taking on the New York Mets, but I’m also fading one of the better teams in baseball today based on a key difference in the starting pitching matchup. 

Let’s dive into this MLB slate and how to back these squads.

MLB Best Bets Today for Sunday, June 16

• San Diego Padres Moneyline (-130) vs. New York Mets
• Tampa Bay Rays Moneyline (-102) vs. Atlanta Braves

San Diego Padres Moneyline (-130) vs. New York Mets

Dylan Cease is on the mound for the Padres on Sunday, and he’s been solid for San Diego this season, posting a 3.36 ERA, a 3.02 Fielding Independent Pitching and leading the Padres to a 8-6 record in his 14 starts. 

The Padres are looking to salvage a game against the New York Mets, who have won four in a row, on Sunday.

Tylor Megill (1-3, 3.51 ERA) is on the mound for New York, and I’m looking to fade him and the Mets since New York is just 1-4 straight up in his five outings. 

Megill has given up eight runs and 12 hits in just 9.2 innings of work this month, most recently losing to the Miami Marlins. 

Even with the struggles the Padres have had in 2024, I think Cease is a little undervalued at this number – even on the road. 

Tampa Bay Rays Moneyline (-102) vs. Atlanta Braves

I'm fading Atlanta Braves rookie Hurston Waldrep in this one, as he was rocked in his season debut, allowing seven runs in 3.2 innings in a loss to the Washington Nationals.

The Braves are still favored – but they haven’t been nearly as dominant as we may have expected coming into this season, and Ronald Acuna Jr. is done for the year. 

Meanwhile, Zach Eflin (3.61 Fielding Independent Pitching) gets the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays, and they've been solid in his outings, going 7-5 straight up.

Waldrep certainly could have a bounce-back outing, but Eflin is the much more proven starter entering this matchup as an underdog. 

I expect Tampa Bay to get off to a strong start on Sunday.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now under mounting pressure, with two of his key players’ frustrations reaching boiling point.

Emery under pressure after very poor start

Having reached Europe in consecutive seasons, Villa were expected to be challenging near the top of the Premier League table once again, but they have fallen way below their usual standards, failing to win any of their opening five games.

Perhaps most concerningly, Emery’s side are the lowest scorers in the top flight, having found the back of the net just once, which came through defender Matty Cash, in the disappointing 1-1 draw against Sunderland last weekend.

Troy Deeney has since slammed Ollie Watkins for the start the striker has made to the season, saying: “At the moment in time, he just looks off it, he looks comfortable.”

To add to Emery’s woes, it appears as though all is not well behind the scenes, with Monchi leaving his role as sporting director, and it has since been revealed that Roberto Olabe, formerly of Real Sociedad, is set to replace the 57-year-old.

Monchi’s departure is not the only issue at hand either, with a report from Aston Villa News recently revealing that Emery is under mounting pressure, given that four key first-team players are now unhappy with the manager.

Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Martinez, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins have all lost faith in the 53-year-old, following Villa only being able to collect three points from their opening five Premier League games.

Aston Villa now in talks to sign 48-cap international in 2026 free transfer

The Villans are ready to pounce ahead of their Premier League rivals.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 22, 2025

Frustrations have reached boiling point for two players in particular, namely Martinez and Watkins, with the latter’s reservations about Emery stemming from the decision to drop him for both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Martinez, on the other hand, was keen to leave in the summer, pushing for a deadline day move to Manchester United, which has caused tension, and the two first-team stars’ frustrations have now ‘come to a head’.

Emery deserves more time at Aston Villa

It has been far from an ideal start for Villa this season, but the manager definitely still has plenty of credit in the bank, given that he led them to Europe two seasons on the spin, transforming the club after taking over when they were just three points clear of the drop.

That’s not to say the former Arsenal boss is faultless, with Shay Given recently questioning the manager’s decision to publicly brand his players as “lazy”.

However, even the best managers go through bad patches, with Pep Guardiola’s previously all-conquering Manchester City side going on a run of just one win in eight Premier League games last season.

City have since managed to get back on track, securing a Champions League place last season, and Emery should also be given the opportunity to turn things around.