The EFL has released a statement revealing there was no consultation with the Football League before the decision to scrap FA Cup replays. An announcement was made this week to confirm the FA and Premier League had agreed to abolish FA Cup replays from next season, amid concerns over the congestion of the football calendar. The decision has been greeted with criticism in the lower leagues, who insist FA Cup replays provide teams down the pyramid with a chance to earn revenue through money-spinning ties.   The Premier League has agreed to greater funding for the lower tiers as a result, t ..read more

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Coventry counterpart Mark Robins have criticised the decision to scrap FA Cup replays, as the teams prepare to meet in the competition’s semi-finals this weekend. The FA and Premier League have reached an agreement to scrap FA Cup replays from next season, with England’s top flight instead agreeing to provide extra funding to the football pyramid. The decision comes amid concerns over the congested calendar, though Ten Hag said that while ‘inevitable’ the decision is ‘very sad for the British football culture’.   “It’s very sad for the British f ..read more

The weekend schedule brings a big double gameweek in the world of Fantasy Premier League. Seven teams are in action twice in Gameweek 34, including title-chasing Arsenal and Liverpool. This weekend will be a popular one for managers to use their remaining chips, so ensure your squad selection is on point. Ahead of a crucial round of Premier League football in the run-in, we’ve looked at four FPL assets you should be targeting ahead of the Gameweek 34 deadline. FPL GW34 Deadline: Saturday, April 20, 13:30 BST. Join our FPL league: xugc83 Fantasy Premier League: Four transfers to target ..read more

Arsenal want to sign a centre-forward and winger during the summer transfer window and have placed Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise on their list of targets. Arsenal’s lack of a reliable number nine has been a narrative of their season with Kai Havertz having deputised in the position for much of the campaign. Gabriel Jesus had struggled for form and fitness during the current campaign, while Eddie Nketiah is expected to move on at the end of the season after a peripheral role.   The Guardian are reporting that Arsenal have placed Newcastle forward Isak on th ..read more

Six talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring renewed focus for the title challengers, Everton’s defining week, and Aston Villa’s chance to up the pressure in the top-four race. All eyes on the Premier League for title contenders It was a disappointing week of European football for the Premier League. Four quarter-final exits mean no English teams are remaining in Europe’s top two club competitions, with Manchester City and Liverpool out despite starting the round as Champions League and Europa League favourites respectively. That each of the three title contenders, Arsena ..read more

FA Cup replays have been scrapped in changes to the competition’s format ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The news comes amid concerns over the congested nature of the football calendar, with all replays to be removed from the first round. Previously, there had been no replays from the fifth-round onwards. Football League sides had opposed the abolishment of FA Cup replays with the potential to miss out on high-revenue ties against clubs higher up the pyramid, though the chances come alongside an agreement between the FA and Premier League for greater support of the lower leagues.   Premie ..read more

Who is the most underrated player in the Premier League? The term underrated can be a point of contention, with multiple calls for one unsung hero perhaps contradictory to the point. However, there are a number of stars who continually fly under the radar, failing to receive the plaudits their performances deserve. The Football Faithful team took to the streets recently to ask the public their thoughts on a variety of Premier League topics, including who they believed was the most underrated player in the division. From fan favourites to calls for Arsenal to splash £100m on one under-appreciat ..read more

Release clauses are commonplace in football contracts, a pre-determined transfer fee that allows players to leave without having to kick up a fuss. Some hugely attractive release clauses will become active across Europe’s top five leagues in the summer and we’ve looked at five talents we believe will attract considerable interest. Five football release clauses we expect to be triggered this summer: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) Spanish football requires release clauses in contracts and that rule could see Real Sociedad stripped of their midfield metronome this summer. Martin Zubimendi has ..read more

Scandinavian strikers are making their mark in European football this season with several centre-forwards from the region in the goals. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have produced some brilliant goalscorers over the years and the current contingent are certainly impressing on the continent. We’ve looked at five Scandinavian strikers in fine form across Europe’s top leagues in 2023/24. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) The poster boy for Scandinavian football and centre-forwards in the game right now. Norway’s hopes of ending their major tournament drought will largely hinge on the performances o ..read more

Fantasy Premier League is throwing us a number of double gameweeks as the run-in really kicks into gear.  There are only five gameweeks left before the season concludes, but three of them will see teams play twice in the one week. This could be the most crucial stage of the campaign for many FPL managers, when every decision can have a big impact on your rank and where you end up in your mini-leagues.   That’s why it is essential to navigate these double gameweeks with proper planning as it gives players the opportunity to maximise their returns and potentially climb massively up th ..read more