Key events
England are also in action today, taking on China in the first of two friendlies for the final international window of the year. The match has been billed as two continental heavyweights going head-to-head and, as Sophie Downey writes in her preview, Sarina Wiegman’s side will learn a lot against a side they last played in 2023.
Traditionally, China have set up in a strong structure, operating in a mid-defensive block. They have not always looked to dominate the ball and instead have tried to exploit transitions. The Lionesses have struggled in recent years against counterattacking teams and in breaking down compact opponents, so this will be a test of how they have developed in this area.
The talk has a roundup of the best lines from Premier League managers ahead of the weekend. Enzo Maresca has teased a Cole Palmer cameo against Arsenal after a broken toe delayed his return, David Moyes lamented Everton’s rejected appeal after Idrissa Gueye saw red for slapping his own teammate and Oliver Glasner is optimistic despite Crystal Palace’s poor showing in Europe. All that and more below.
Spurs need to adopt a “front-footed” approach in their games, said Thomas Frank, even if it ends in a loss.
Frank was heavily criticised for fielding a back five for a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal and his side responded with a more ambitious display against PSG. Spurs led twice before being overwhelmed by Vitinha’s hat-trick,
Over all the years I’ve been in charge, no matter if it was when I was with my under-eights team in Frederiksværk 30 years ago to now, I want to play offensive front-footed football. But probably also in those 30 years they could pick games from the under-eights at Frederiksværk to Brentford where it didn’t work for whatever reason.
It didn’t work Sunday against Arsenal. The plan was to be front foot-footed. We weren’t. After Sunday I was angry, painful, hurt. [After PSG] I was irritated, but the feeling in the body was better because we really, really, really competed. There was more of the identity I want to show.
Frank’s side will host an inconsistent Fulham in tonight’s Premier League London derby.
Leeds hope to also find some form at the Etihad Stadium with Daniel Farke’s position is slight jeopardy. His side are 18th in the table, and after Manchester City, a pivotal week looms for the German who, only last spring, celebrated promotion from the Championship. Will the Leeds hierarchy back him or sack him?
I’ll be honest, it’s not very enjoyable at the moment; we’re getting a lot of stick. But I don’t need to hide. I was aware of how passionate this club is from the first day here. If you can’t handle the heat don’t become manager of Leeds United. I never expected this season to be an easy ride.
Read Louise Taylor’s full feature below.
Guardiola accuses City of playing with fear in Leverkusen loss
Manchester City will hope to bounce back when they host Leeds later today after losing back-to-back matches against Newcastle (Premier League) and Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League).
Here is what Pep Guardiola had to say about the defeat in Europe:
Maybe I think higher of them than they think about themselves. It was a good lesson for me, as experienced as I am as a manager it was a good lesson for me for the future.
The Manchester City manager is likely to recall those he rested against the German team against Daniel Farke’s side.
Premier League: Matchday 13 … where has the time gone? Can Manchester City get their title tilt back on track? How bleak will Rob Edwards’s winter be at Wolves? And has Estêvão put himself in starting contention against Arsenal?
Our writers ponder all these talking points and more in our 10 things to look out for this weekend.
Preamble
Hello, football. A jam packed day awaits. Readers, any football plans for the day? What ground are you heading off to? How optimistic are you that your team will get the win this weekend? Let me know in the comments below the line or via our dedicated matchday live email.
Join me as we get stuck in with the buildup to today’s matches and as we go through any breaking news and big stories.
