Premier League news LIVE: Arsenal facing Brentford, Rashford heading for Man United exit, Liverpool reject Alexander-Arnold approach

Sunday, December 29

Monday, December 30

Wednesday, January 1

TEAM NEWS - Brentford vs Arsenal

Ethan Nwaneri is set to make his first Premier League start for Arsenal in a big day for the teenage midfielder.

Nwaneri made his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal against Brentford back in 2022 at the age of just 15.

Now, two years later, he's due to make his first start, again vs the Bees, as a 17-year-old.

Full team news below - kick-off: 5:30pm

Brentford starting XI: Flekken, Roerslev, Collins, van den Berg, Lewis-Potter, Janelt, Yarmolyuk, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Wissa,

Mbeumo.

Brentford subs: Valdimarsson, Schade, Jensen, Meghoma, Konak,

Maghoma, Kim, Yogane, Arthur.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Merino, Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli.

Arsenal subs: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Rice, Kabia, Lewis-Skelly.

Bowen blow - time to spend

West Ham have been rocked by news that Jarrod Bowen could be out for two months with a fractured foot

The Hammers captain and main man up front suffered the injury during Sunday's massive 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, and it could see him sidelined for up to eight weeks.

Former West Ham defender Alvin Martin reacted to the news on talkSPORT and said the club needs to spend in the January transfer window to replace their talisman.

"Absolutely, I think the needed to do that anyway but now that Jarrod is going to be out for weeks it puts even more pressure on that position," he told Adrian Durham.

"He's done absolutely brilliantly for West Ham this season. He's led from the front, captained the team, supplied goals and chances for teammates, he's led from the front in terms of closing down and his energy has been brilliant.

"It's a big, big loss for West Ham - it was a bad result against Liverpool but losing Bowen was more of a blow for the team.

"Getting him back fit is going to be critical, and who do they bring in? The January window is not a great time to shop, as we know, so it's a very difficult situation."

Don't see that every day

Cardiff vs Coventry has just entered the break after a lengthy first-half stoppage in play due to an enforced change in officials.

Referee Geoff Eltringham began the match with the whistle in hand while James Durkin took up fourth official duties.

However, Durkin was forced to take over when Eltringham pulled up with an injury.

With Durkin now in the middle - in his first game as the main referee at this level - there was nobody left to act as fourth official.

And so an announcement was heard over the stadium tannoy requesting for any fully qualified referees in the stands to volunteer and step up for the rest of the game.

Cardiff lead Frank Lampard's Cov men 1-0 at half-time, with Alex Robinson opening the scoring with just six minutes on the clock.

Game off

New Year's Day's 3pm action has kicked off up and down the country - apart from at Crawley Town.

The Red Devils were due to host Charlton at the Broadfield Stadium in West Sussex this afternoon.

But the game has become the second casualty of today's EFL schedule - with the game postponed just minutes before kick-off due to the wet weather.

Officials had concerns over the pitch and gave ground staff the chance to clear the water in certain areas of the ground at 1:50pm.

A pitch inspection followed at 2:15pm and the referee decided a second would follow closer to kick-off.

Unfortunately for supporters, the pitch did not pass the second inspection as the decision was taken to postpone the fixture due to a waterlogged surface.

The match was ultimately called off at 2:40pm, just 20 minutes before the match was due to commence.

Suits you, Sir!

Another deal done early, and this time in the Championship from promotion contenders Burnley - and he's got a bit of a back story.

The Clarets have announced the arrival of Danish-born Peru international right-back Oliver Sonne.

The versatile player is not only the nephew of world-famous supermodel Helena Christensen - he's a model himself and has worked with Gucci and Armani in the past.

He's also recently faced Lionel Messi against Argentina, and will be looking to boost Burnley's chances of returning to the Premier League as they gun for promotion in the second-half of the season.

ON AIR NOW: GameDay live

Join Adrian Durham as talkSPORT takes you around the grounds from today's action-packed full EFL schedule.

Adrian will have all the goals as they go in this afternoon as he presents live from Leeds vs Blackburn, including today's big games between Burnley and Stoke, plus West Brom vs Preston.

We'll then bring you all the classified results at 5pm, before LIVE and EXCLUSIVE commentary of Sunderland vs Sheffield United at 8pm!

Match off

Wigan and Huddersfield have confirmed their League One clash has been postponed.

Although the pitch was deemed to be in a playable condition despite heavy rain in the Wigan area, the game has been called off due to 'severe localised flooding'.

It means access to the The Brick Community Stadium has been left restricted with routes to the ground closed.

Fans have been warned not to travel for the fixture, which will be rearranged at a later date.

"Our New Year's Day clash against Huddersfield Town has been postponed due to severe localised flooding," read a Wigan statement.

"Heavy rainfall over Tuesday night has made roads treacherous in the area, although the playing surface at the Brick Community Stadium was deemed playable.

"However, safety concerns regarding the public areas surrounding the ground and the strain on local emergency services dealing with a number of major incidents, which have been affected by severe flooding, led to the league fixture being called off.

"Access to the area is severely restricted with many access routes closed due to flooding, and the emergency services are unable to provide resources to support the matchday operation.

"The news is naturally disappointing as Shaun Maloney and his players were looking forward to the highly-anticipated New Year's Day fixture, but the safety of both sets of supporters is of paramount importance.

"An update on the fixture rearrangement will be announced in due course. All tickets from the New Year's Day clash will remain valid for the rearranged game."

Getting business done early

One Premier League club sealed a deal before the January transfer window even opened.

Bournemouth have agreed a £1million deal with DC United for highly-rated 18-year-old defender Matai Akinmboni - who was given his debut by Wayne Rooney during his spell in charge of the MLS side.

Akinmboni, who was just 15 when he was given his first-team breakthrough, is regarded as one of the MLS' leading young talents and has drawn interest from a host of European clubs after impressing in the States.

The imminent deal would likely make the US Under-19 star the Premier League's first done deal of the January window, with Bournemouth moving quickly to secure his services.

Seen as a player with a huge future, it is hoped that Akinmboni will be able to provide cover in the second half of the season, as the Cherries look to build on their strong start.

He is set to fly into the UK today to undergo a medical.

'In the gutter'

Manchester United are not in a good way.

Ruben Amorim has suggested the 20-times champions of England could be in a relegation battle after their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle - a game which showed how the Red Devils are unravelling on and off the pitch.

Fans who jeered Joshua Zirkzee's substitution after just 34 minutes against the Magpies have been slammed for their 'disgusting' behaviour, with the young striker said to have been in tears as he walked down the tunnel.

It was also claimed there were 'fisticuffs' in the stadium between home supporters during the game as frustration and unrest boiled over in the stands.

But many fans believe the real blame should be levelled at the very top - with serious questions over owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Besides the club's misfortunes on the pitch, Ratcliffe has caused widespread upset among supporters with numerous cost-cutting measures.

“All we’ve got is broken hearts,” said Alan, a Manchester United fan of 50 years who called into talkSPORT.

“People keep looking at the scores, they don’t realise how bad the club actually is.

“This club is in the gutter. I’ve been going since I was six, I’m 56 now. I’ve seen it all but in that last month, I’ve never ever seen it as bad.

“People who sit around me who I’ve known for a long time all say the same thing. We don’t look forward to coming anymore.”

EFL news

Mark Robins has this morning been named the new manager of Stoke City.

Robins was keen to make a swift return to the dugout after being sacked by Coventry City in November - but won't take charge of today's New Year's Day clash with Burnley.

That job will go to Potters legend Ryan Shawcross who helped them to a win over Sunderland in his previous game in interim control of the Potters.

Robins will then assume control for the clash against managerless Plymouth Argyle on Saturday - who recently sacked Wayne Rooney.

Paul Nevin and James Rowberry, who are currently England Under 20s and Wales senior team’s Assistant Coach, respectively, will be his Robins' assistant managers at the bet365 Stadium.

Stoke's sporting director, and former striker, Jon Walters said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark, Paul and James to the Stoke City family.

“At Coventry, Mark built something successful with a real identity and longevity and he left the Club in a significantly better place than he found it.

“That’s exactly what we want to achieve at Stoke City, and he has all the pedigree and experience to help us do that.

“With a record like that behind him, Mark was always going to be in great demand, so we’re delighted that he sees an exciting opportunity to build something special in the Potteries.

“Welcoming two Assistant Managers of such calibre and with such innovative and progressive mindsets in Paul and James is another important part of how we will seek to progress and grow.

“The immediate mission is to climb as high as we can up the Championship table during the second half of this season, whilst also laying foundations for a long-term successful future for our club.”

January transfer news

Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, talkSPORT understands.

The Reds have made it clear they are not willing to entertain losing Alexander-Arnold mid-season.

It's believed no figures were discussed but the move was still immediately rebuffed, with the player not keen on leaving immediately.

The right-back is out of contract at the end of the season but can sign a pre-contract agreement with Real if he desires given they are a foreign club.

Liverpool are still hoping to persuade Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal at Anfield.

Transfer news

Marcus Rashford has denied signing with a new agency to help him leave Manchester United.

The was believed the striker had enlisted the CAA Stellar agency to find him a new club after being frozen out at Old Trafford by new manager Ruben Amorim.

However, Rashford has himself shut down that claim.

He posted on Instagram: "Been a lot of false stories written over the past few weeks but this is getting ridiculous - never met with any agency and don't have any plans to..."

Fans have backed the manager's call to ditch the 27-year-old from the team in recent games, having been left at home for four straight matches at the end of 2024.

He returned to the matchday squad for Monday's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, but was left on the bench with the writing on the wall for the frontman's future.

Rashford has been linked with possible moves to Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

United job 'far bigger' than Amorim imagined

Gary Neville believes the challenge Ruben Amorim faces at Manchester United is 'far bigger' than he imagined.

The Portuguese has lost his last three Premier League matches.

It is United's worst run of league results for 45 years, dating back to 1979.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville admitted: "Worrying times for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.

"He came in as a young manager and knew it was going to be a big job, but it is far bigger than he could have ever imagined."

'Long way to go' for Newcastle

Joelinton is refusing to get carried away despite Newcastle's fourth consecutive Premier League win.

The midfielder told Sky Sports: "There is still a long way to go but the team is improving.

"A good performance away from home today, three points, two goals, clean sheet. Great mentality from the boys from start to finish to defend our goal and score two to win the game.

"We knew we were not playing in the way we wanted to play before, the intensity, the quality, scoring goals, but we just kept working hard every day on the training pitch with positivity. Then when you start to win and score goals the confidence comes back

"Belief is high. We started really well and scored the two goals, we could have scored more but didn't and then we lost a bit of control. At the end the most important is the three points and job done.

"[Alexander Isak] is amazing. It is so good to have him and to play alongside him because he is one of the best strikers in the world right now and I hope he continues scoring goals and playing amazing because it is good for us.

"I knew it was a goal, I headed the ball. Thank you God it was given. Very happy to score one more goal and help the team to win.

"Time will tell how good we are but we are enjoying football right now. We have to be humble and keep our feet on the ground because there is a long way to go."

Newcastle won game early - Neville

Newcastle had Manchester United beaten in the opening half an hour at Old Trafford, says Gary Neville.

Eddie Howe's side scored twice in the first 20 minutes as they cruised to a 2-0 victory on Monday night.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville explained: "It's a great night for Newcastle.

"The win is fully deserved. The first half an hour they were in blistering form.

"They have had some pain at Old Trafford in the past but those fans will travel back up north tonight really happy.

"They won the game in the first half hour and controlled it for the next 60 minutes."

FT - Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton

Aston Villa and Brighton both have to settle for a point at Villa Park.

The visitors had taken the lead through Simon Adringra before Ollie Watkins equalised from the penalty spot.

Villa completed their turnaround just moments into the second half thanks to Morgan Rogers.

However, Tariq Lamptey snatched a late equaliser to steal a point for Brighton.

FT - Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle

It's all over at Old Trafford and it's more unwanted history for Manchester United.

Their third consecutive league defeat matches a record dating back 45 years.

It is the first time since 1979 they have had such a run of results.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have won four in a row without conceding thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.

FT - Ipswich 2-0 Chelsea

Ipswich have their first home win of the season in their final match of 2024.

Goals from Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson were the difference at Portman Road.

It is their first victory over Chelsea since 1993.

Meanwhile, the Blues end the year with back-to-back defeats in a blow to their title hopes.

Man United 0-2 Newcastle

Still no return to action for Marcus Rashford.

Amorim makes another change with Antony introduced in place of Matthijs de Ligt.

However, Rashford remains amongst the substitutes on the bench on his return to the matchday squad.

GOAL - Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton

Brighton are level at Villa Park through Tariq Lamptey.

The visitors had been piling on the pressure after falling behind just moments into the second half.

Fabian Hurzeler's substitutions have paid off as his side looks on course to rescue a point as it stands.

Man United 0-2 Newcastle

United go close again as Leny Yoro rises highest from a corner.

The substitute's near post header flashes across the face of goal before going narrowly wide.

Newcastle have controlled the ball for large spells of the second half but the hosts remain dangerous in the final third.

Man United 0-2 Newcastle

More changes from Ruben Amorim as he searches for a way back into the match.

A double change sees Leny Yoro and Alejandro Garnacho have both been introduced.

The pair come on for Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro in Amorim's latest roll of the dice.

Just under 25 minutes are remaining at Old Trafford.

Man United 0-2 Newcastle

United strike the post as they come the closest to scoring in the second half.

The hosts have enjoyed plenty more of the ball since the restart.

Harry Maguire thinks he has scored with a diving header only for the ball to bounce back off the woodwork.

Matthijs de Ligt's follow up effort is then blocked by Lewis Hall.

Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier has gone off after feeling his hamstring, with Tino Livramento replacing him at right-back for Newcastle.

Man United 0-2 Newcastle

The action is back underway at Old Trafford but there are so far no more goals between Manchester United and Newcastle.

There has also been no half-time changes for either side.

As a result, Joshua Zirkzee's early withdrawal remains the only alteration.

The summer signing was cheered off by sections of the crowd as he was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.

GOAL - Aston Villa 2-1 Brighton

There has also been a fast start to the second half at Villa Park.

Morgan Rogers completes the Aston Villa turnaround having earlier won the penalty which drew the hosts level.

Ollie Watkins turns provider by sending Rogers through on goal.

The England international then clinically finishes past the onrushing Bart Verbruggen.