Chelsea to face Ajax in Women’s Champions League quarter-finals

Simone Inzaghi has congratulated Milan and Napoli on joining Inter in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and says it is a huge step for Serie A.

Italy s top flight will have three representatives in the last eight of the competition for the first time since the 2005-06 campaign.

With Juventus and Roma also through in the Europa League and Fiorentina progressing in the Europa Conference League, six Italian clubs are through to the quarters of UEFA competitions for the third time ever after the 1998-99 and 1990-91 seasons.

Inzaghi, whose Inter side will face Benfica over two legs in the next round, believes it can only be a good thing for Italian football when their teams hold their own on the continent.

We all played great games, he said at a pres…

With all of Europe’s elite now at the heart of a stacked winter schedule, Sunday promises a host of heavyweight affairs from across the continent.

On a Sunday fixture list that is highlighted by Manchester United’s trip to historic rivals Liverpool, we have found a pair of intriguing betting markets that are worth keeping an eye out for.

16:30 Liverpool vs Manchester United

While Liverpool might have been left hugely frustrated last season as they missed out on claiming a crucial top-four finish, Jurgen Klopp’s side have come roaring back this time around. Enjoying what has been a major purple patch and firing on all cylinders, the former Borussia Dortmund boss will be smelling the chance for his squad to make another heavyweight statement on Sunday afte…

Roy Hodgson said Crystal Palace can help Michael Olise move to another level after the winger turned down the chance to join Chelsea to sign a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park.

Palace had looked set to lose the France Under-21 international when Mauricio Pochettino’s side activated a £35million release clause in his contract on Tuesday.

But in a surprise turnaround the 21-year-old has now committed his future to the club, spurning Chelsea in favour of continuing his development in south London.

It’s the best possible news we could have. His future here is very bright, and we can help him move very quickly on to another level.

The boss shares his thoughts on Michael Olise signing a new four-year deal

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC)

…

Bradford boss Mark Hughes insists his side are full of confidence and under no pressure as they prepare for their Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final second leg against Carlisle on Saturday.

The Bantams hold a 1-0 lead heading into the all-important deciding leg at Brunton Park thanks to Jamie Walker’s strike.

It is the first time Bradford have reached the play-offs since being relegated to the fourth tier in 2019 and is also Hughes’ first-time being involved in the post-season.

Hughes claims his side are in the preferred position and are confident based on form heading into the play-offs.

He told a press conference: “I would much rather be in our position than Carlisle’s.

“Going there with a win under our belt, not only the scoreline…

Prediction: Correct Score 1-1

Odds:

Bookmaker:

Manchester United will be aiming to do the double over their rivals Manchester City this weekend as they host the latest instalment of the derby of Sunday afternoon.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer s Red Devils are in relatively positive health heading into the match and will be aiming to earn another win to boost their hopes of UEFA Champions League football. Elsewhere, it has been business as usual at the Etihad Stadium despite their European ban, with a win at Old Trafford surely in their crosshairs.

Manchester United

Coming into the match, Manchester United are actually in very good form. The Red Devils have not lost in any competition since their defeat to Burnley in late January. In all, that is nine m…

Allan Saint-Maximin has confirmed he is to leave Newcastle this summer.

The French winger has been heavily linked with a £30million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

The 26-year-old has sat out much of the Magpies’ pre-season programme and has now posted a farewell message on his Instagram account.

In it he professes his love for the club and reflects on their journey from relegation strugglers to last season’s impressive fourth-placed Premier League finish.

He wrote: “I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me.

“Of course d…

Luis Enrique has vowed to get the best out of superstar Kylian Mbappe as he attempts to address Paris St Germain’s stuttering form.

The Ligue 1 champions return to domestic action at Rennes on Sunday still smarting from their 4-1 Champions League drubbing at Newcastle on Wednesday evening, during which Mbappe cut a frustrated figure.

However speaking at his pre-match press conference, PSG boss Enrique dismissed concerns over the striker’s fitness – he limped out of the 4-0 win over Marseille a fortnight ago with an ankle injury, but has started the two games since – and backed him to return to his best form.

He said: “Kylian is 100 per cent. Like all players, his fitness varies throughout the season. Not everything can be black and white.

“He�…

Anita Asante featured at three Women s European Championships, and big-stage experience makes the former England defender a shrewd judge of the teams that will go for glory this month.

The Euro 2022 finals kick off when England face Austria at a sold-out Old Trafford on Wednesday, with the tournament climaxing in the July 31 final at Wembley.

Spain start as many people s favourites, but defending champions the Netherlands, hosts England, France, Germany and Sweden are also firmly in the frame.

Stats Perform sat down with 71-cap star Asante ahead of the tournament getting under way.

The 37-year-old spoke of how a Dutch striker reminds her of the great Dennis Bergkamp, her hopes for England and belief in the Lionesses Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman, and why S…

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United.

Earps United future had been in doubt for some time as she ran down the final 12 months of her contract last season, having previously been linked with Arsenal and PSG.

On Saturday, the Euro 2022 winner confirmed she was leaving United after five years with the club, having made 125 appearances for them across all competitions.

On Monday, her anticipated move to France was finalised as she penned a two-year deal with Les Parisiennes, who finished as Premiere Ligue runners-up to Lyon last term.

The Lionesses shot-stopper said: Together, we’re going to give our all to help the club shine and make our fans proud.

I m determined to cont…

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Joao Palhinha from Fulham in a deal reportedly worth an initial €50million (£42m).

Bayern came close to signing Palhinha last September, only for Fulham to pull the plug on a deadline-day transfer when they failed to sign a replacement.

He has played a key role for Marco Silva s men since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2022, leading all players in the division for tackles won in 2022-23 (84) and ranking second by the same metric in 2023-24 (75).

The Portugal midfielder has penned a four-year deal with the Bundesliga giants, who he says were the only club he wished to sign for.

It s a dream come true for me and I m very proud of that, he told the club s website.

I m looking forward to…