Football
Rio Ferdinand changes Premier League title prediction as Arsenal lead Man City and Aston Villa
Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand has revised his Premier League title prediction as the battle intensifies between Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Arsenal, who have not lifted the league crown since 2004, have led the way for much of the campaign after an outstanding start to the season. The north London side have finished second in each of the past three years and, following an impressive summer of recruitment, are widely viewed as having one of the strongest and most balanced squads in the division.
Despite suffering a series of injuries to key players across the core of the team, Mikel Arteta’s men showed resilience with a hard-earned victory over Brighton, a result that ensured they would enter the New Year sitting at the top of the table.
However, their advantage remains slim, with Manchester City only two points behind and Aston Villa just three adrift.

Villa, managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, have been in outstanding form, winning 11 consecutive matches across all competitions. They now have the chance to completely close the gap when they travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night to face the league leaders.
If Villa manage to take points from that encounter, the door could open for City to leapfrog both sides when Pep Guardiola’s team head to Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
City endured a frustrating title defence last season, but they have looked revitalised following significant investment during last January’s window and again in the summer.
With eight straight wins in all competitions, Ferdinand believes the momentum is beginning to tilt towards the reigning champions, prompting him to rethink his earlier stance that Arsenal would go all the way.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former defender admitted that while he backed Arsenal before the season began, his view has shifted, suggesting City now look the likelier winners based on current form. He added that although he would like to see Arsenal lift the trophy, the way the season is unfolding points towards Guardiola’s side having the edge.
Arsenal now face a demanding run of fixtures in January, with league clashes against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United set to test their credentials. According to Ferdinand, how Arteta’s team handle this stretch could determine whether their title push succeeds or falls short once again.
He feels Arsenal had built a healthy cushion earlier in the campaign but have allowed rivals to close in. Drawing on their recent near-misses, Ferdinand stressed that this is the stage where true contenders must be ruthless, recognising the opportunity and pushing decisively when rivals show vulnerability.
He believes the squad now has enough experience of falling short to understand what is required and that it is the manager’s responsibility to ensure that message is driven home.
Ferdinand also pointed to consistency against lesser opposition as a crucial factor. In his view, title-winning sides dominate teams in the bottom and middle of the table with relentless efficiency, while tightening up in direct contests against fellow challengers.
He suggested that Arsenal have too often stumbled in matches they were expected to win, particularly at decisive moments in the season, and warned that overcoming this pattern is essential if they are to finally turn promise into silverware.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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