Manchester City, the dominant force in English football for over a decade, finds itself once again under the Premier League's microscope. This time, however, the allegations are not about intricate financial dealings or sponsorship controversies, but something seemingly more mundane: breaches of kick-off timing regulations. Recent reports confirm that City has been hit with a substantial fine of £1.08 million for delaying kick-offs and re-starts on nine separate occasions during the 2024/25 season. While a million-pound fine might seem like a drop in the ocean for a club of City's financial might, these sanctions underscore a deeper tension within the Premier League – a battle between sporting integrity, commercial interests, and the relentless demands of a global broadcasting behemoth. This isn't merely a trivial matter of punctuality. It speaks to the meticulous choreography of modern football, where every second is accounted for, and every deviation from the schedule has...
After the away victory, the Hammers will probably feel more secure, but they now have a significant test when Liverpool visits them this weekend.
With eight points from their past four league games, West Ham has made great progress in recent weeks.
To win anything against the Reds, who have been unbeatable this season, they will need to put on a spectacular display.
Team Lopetegui will pick vs Liverpool
In midweek, West Ham defeated Southampton, but it cost them dearly. After suffering a severe head injury in a collision with Nathan Wood, Lukasz Fabianski was taken away on a stretcher.
Prior to the second half, Carlos Soler and Max Kilman were both hurt, and it is uncertain if they will be able to return in time to play the Reds.
In the meantime, Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will serve suspensions following their fifth yellow cards of the season.
Following his involvement in a horrific vehicle accident earlier this month, Michail Antonio has been sidelined for at least a year.
Lucas Paqueta will join Lopetegui, though, following his suspension against Southampton.
With Emerson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing on the flanks, the Spanish manager is anticipated to start Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean Clair-Todibo in the center of defense.
It's likely that Edson Alvarez will play defensive midfield. The attack should be led by Niclas Fullkrug, with Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen acting as wide attackers.
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Emerson, Alvarez, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Summerville, and Fullkrug are the predicted starting lineup.
The 39-year-old was later verified by Lopetegui to be awake and conscious in the locker room, but it seems improbable that he will play in Sunday's home match.
Alphonse Areola will move back to the side to fill in between the sticks while Fabianski is away.
Alphonse Areola will move back to the side to fill in between the sticks while Fabianski is away.
Prior to the second half, Carlos Soler and Max Kilman were both hurt, and it is uncertain if they will be able to return in time to play the Reds.
In the meantime, Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will serve suspensions following their fifth yellow cards of the season.
Following his involvement in a horrific vehicle accident earlier this month, Michail Antonio has been sidelined for at least a year.
Lucas Paqueta will join Lopetegui, though, following his suspension against Southampton.
With Emerson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing on the flanks, the Spanish manager is anticipated to start Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean Clair-Todibo in the center of defense.
It's likely that Edson Alvarez will play defensive midfield. The attack should be led by Niclas Fullkrug, with Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen acting as wide attackers.
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Emerson, Alvarez, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Summerville, and Fullkrug are the predicted starting lineup.
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