Celtic manager Martin O’Neill insists his side must defeat Rangers in Sunday’s final Old Firm derby of the season to keep their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.
The Bhoys currently trail league leaders Hearts by three points with only three matches remaining.
Defeat to their fiercest rivals at Parkhead would effectively end any realistic chance of retaining the championship.
Rangers saw their own title aspirations extinguished following consecutive defeats to Motherwell and Hearts.
However, the visitors still have plenty to play for as they chase a second-place finish and a coveted Champions League qualifying spot.
O’Neill prepares for potential farewell
The upcoming fixture is widely expected to be the Northern Irishman’s final Glasgow derby.
He is determined to end his third managerial spell at the club on a triumphant note.
“At home, we have to try and get on the front foot as early as possible and try and win the game.”
The veteran coach believes his squad still has the momentum needed to catch the pacesetters.
“We still feel the title is in our own grasp at this minute. We’ve got some goals to try and make up, but that’s a long way off.”
He also acknowledged that the away side will be desperate to bounce back from recent disappointments.
“I’ll expect a strong, strong reaction from Rangers. We’ve got to be strong ourselves and hopefully we can do that.”
Röhl demands pride and passion
Danny Röhl has yet to defeat his Celtic counterpart in league action this season.
Despite drawing their previous Premiership encounter and suffering two cup exits, the German tactician remains optimistic.
He recently dismissed speculation linking him with a move to the Bundesliga, reiterating his absolute commitment to the Ibrox club.
“Nobody needs extra motivation to go in this game.”
“We want to make our supporters and fans proud and that means we have to deliver on Sunday.”
The Gers did emerge victorious during their last visit to Glasgow’s East End, recovering from a first-half deficit to secure a vital 3-1 win.
Röhl highlighted that impressive comeback as proof of his squad’s resilience when faced with severe adversity.
“We showed we can do that. That’s when we really felt the belief that even when things don’t go right in a game we can turn them in the right direction.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admits that finishing the campaign with three consecutive victories will not alter the overwhelmingly negative perception of their disappointing Premier League title defence.
The reigning champions experienced a severe mid-season collapse that abruptly ended their hopes of retaining the domestic trophy.
Despite a recent stumble against Manchester United, the Merseyside club remains on course to secure vital Champions League qualification.
They face a challenging run-in against three top-half teams, beginning with a crucial fixture against out-of-form Chelsea.
Focusing on a positive finish
The Dutchman acknowledges that a strong finish will do little to silence the mounting criticism surrounding his second year in charge.
“This season has been gone in a way that even if we have three wins and positive performances, I don’t think anyone will be positive about the season,” said Slot.
The head coach is relying on the impending return of several key personnel to boost squad morale in the final weeks.
“We are trying to do it in the best possible way, performance-wise,” he added.
“Three wins won’t silence the criticism. Therefore we need to have a much longer run of result and performances.”
Transfer struggles and summer plans
The Anfield outfit invested heavily following their title victory, securing high-profile targets including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for over £400m.
However, several of these marquee arrivals have struggled significantly with both form and fitness throughout a grueling campaign.
The former Feyenoord boss maintains that his team’s underlying performances warranted a much higher points tally than they ultimately achieved.
“We haven’t had a very good season in the Premier League but we’ve played better and not got the points we should have,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the upcoming window, the 46-year-old confirmed that further modifications are inevitable to rebuild the squad.
“There will be a bit of transition this summer but not as drastic as last summer.”
Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes in a deal worth approximately £39m.
The Spanish giants are closing in on an agreement for the 23-year-old ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Discussions between the two clubs have progressed significantly, with the proposed fee expected to quickly secure the Brazilian’s signature.
Gomes transfer impacts Manchester United
This impending move to the Spanish capital could have a significant ripple effect across the wider European market.
Diego Simeone’s side had previously agreed verbal terms with Atalanta standout Ederson, a player also heavily monitored by Manchester United.
However, acquiring the Wolves enforcer means Los Rojiblancos are highly unlikely to pursue the Serie A star any further.
This sudden shift clears a potential path for the Old Trafford hierarchy to intensify their pursuit of the coveted midfielder.
Wolves face urgent midfield rebuild
Losing the combative South American will leave a noticeable tactical void at Molineux next season.
Manager Gary O’Neil will need to identify suitable reinforcements rapidly to maintain his team’s competitiveness in the Premier League.
The substantial financial package will at least provide the West Midlands outfit with crucial funds to reinvest directly into their squad.
Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has praised Luis Diaz following the winger’s spectacular debut season at Bayern Munich.
The Colombian international has been a revelation since swapping Anfield for the Bundesliga last summer.
The 29-year-old has amassed a staggering 26 goals and 21 assists in just 48 appearances for the German giants this campaign.
This prolific return represents a significant step up from his goalscoring rate on Merseyside, prompting questions over Liverpool’s decision to sanction the sale.
Thiago backs Bayern swoop
Thiago shared a dressing room with the lightning-fast forward between January 2022 and his own retirement in the summer of 2024.
The current Barcelona assistant manager believes the Bavarians made a shrewd investment in his former colleague.
“They’re having a spectacular season. I think they made the right call signing Luis,” Thiago told Sky Sport Deutschland.
“I know him from Liverpool. He’s a fantastic player and person. And Vinnie [Kompany] is doing a great job as coach.”
Slot defends sustainability model
Diaz previously won the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups during a three-and-a-half-year stint in England.
He was also a pivotal figure in Arne Slot’s title-winning squad in 2025 before the lucrative transfer was completed.
Speaking earlier this year, the Dutch manager defended the club’s pragmatic approach to offloading prime assets.
“If this club gets an offer like that for a 28-year-old, then this club, because it is built on sustainability, chooses to sell a player.”
Arne Slot
Slot added that the attacker’s success in Germany was “not a surprise” to him or the Merseyside hierarchy.
Contrasting fortunes on the pitch
Vincent Kompany’s side have already wrapped up the Bundesliga title with matches to spare.
The Munich outfit will also face Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final, though they suffered elimination in the Champions League semi-finals.
Back in England, the Reds are expected to enter the market for wide players during the upcoming transfer window.
With Mohamed Salah poised to depart Anfield at the end of the current campaign, finding reinforcements down the flanks will be a key priority.
Crystal Palace have approached Frank Lampard about becoming their new manager just days after the 47-year-old led Coventry City to the Championship title.
The south London club are actively searching for a replacement for outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner.
Lampard successfully ended a 25-year top-flight absence for the Sky Blues this season.
However, the former Chelsea and Everton boss is now seriously considering his managerial options following the Selhurst Park approach.
Uncertainty at Coventry
Despite securing automatic promotion, doubts persist over Coventry’s ability to retain their title-winning manager.
Owner Doug King has openly acknowledged the club may struggle to compete financially against established elite teams.
The former England midfielder has exactly 12 months remaining on his current contract in the Midlands.
While an improved deal will be offered, King is reportedly unwilling to block a move if a Premier League rival swoops.
Rival interest and Palace rebuild
Fulham are also monitoring the situation as they await a decision on Marco Silva’s contract extension.
A switch to the capital would offer the opportunity to inherit a highly successful squad from the departing Austrian tactician.
Palace lifted the FA Cup last season and face Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League final later this month.
The Eagles spent £78m in January to secure Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, reinvesting funds after losing star duo Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will assess the fitness of midfielder Rodri ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brentford following a recent groin injury.
Guardiola plays down midfield absence
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was forced off with a groin problem during an April victory over Arsenal and subsequently missed Monday’s chaotic 3-3 draw against Everton.
That result on Merseyside leaves the reigning champions trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points with a vital game in hand.
However, the manager insisted the defensive collapse at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was not entirely due to missing his talismanic anchor.
“It doesn’t depend on him. We gave the goals away but not because Rodri was not there.”
Pep Guardiola
A season disrupted by setbacks
The Spain captain has endured a frustrating campaign, initially missing significant time with a severe knee injury before suffering subsequent hamstring and groin issues.
Despite returning to make 35 appearances for club and country, the former Atletico Madrid man remains less than fully match sharp.
“We have survived without him for many, many months. He still doesn’t feel completely comfortable. He will be ready when he is fit – we will see on Friday afternoon or on Saturday.”
Pep Guardiola
Data highlights undeniable influence
Despite the manager’s public stance, statistics clearly demonstrate the profound impact the 29-year-old has on his team’s success.
Since arriving in Manchester in August 2019, the club boasts a significantly higher win percentage and dictates greater possession when their midfield maestro is deployed.
His commanding presence provides vital defensive protection, a structural quality that was sorely lacking during the recent second-half capitulation against the Toffees.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry has criticised Arsenal’s players for excessively celebrating their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive first-half goal at Emirates Stadium to secure a 2-1 aggregate win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The result guarantees the north London club their first appearance in European football’s premier showpiece since 2006.
However, the post-match scenes did not impress a prominent rival from their London derby history.
Terry questions post-match reaction
Speaking on social media, the former England international claimed the home side’s jubilant reaction was unnecessary.
“By the way, Arsenal way over-celebrated,” stated Terry.
“Far too much for me. Yeah, you’re excited because you make the Champions League final, but over-celebrated a little bit too much for me.”
History of celebration scrutiny
This is not the first time the current crop of Emirates stars have faced scrutiny regarding their on-pitch conduct following major victories.
Pundits and former professionals have frequently targeted the Premier League contenders for displaying overt emotion during their pursuit of honours.
Terry himself previously condemned the same opponents after they defeated his former employers to reach the Carabao Cup final.
Double pursuit continues
Despite the external noise, Arteta’s squad remain focused on ending a six-year trophy drought in spectacular fashion.
They are currently balancing their historic continental run with a fierce domestic battle for the league crown.
The decisive strike from their lightning-fast winger ensures these unprecedented double aspirations remain firmly intact.
Maldon and Tiptree FC owners Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow have been charged with multiple offences including rape and human trafficking for sexual exploitation following their arrest in Essex.
The 57-year-old property developer and his 32-year-old husband were taken into custody by authorities on Wednesday.
Forensic officers have since conducted extensive searches across several locations connected to the couple.
These inquiries included the non-league side’s stadium, the pair’s home in Danbury, and a Braintree public house owned by the senior partner.
Both men are scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday to face the allegations.
Police seize evidence from club grounds
During the ongoing investigation, authorities gathered a significant haul of evidence from the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium.
A Rolls Royce belonging to the 57-year-old was loaded onto a trailer and removed for forensic examination.
The couple only recently cemented their influence in local football, having finalised a multi-million pound takeover of the Essex club in 2025.
High-profile takeover and television fame
Under their stewardship, the step seven outfit experienced immediate success and secured promotion within the English football pyramid.
The ambitious owners attracted notable former professionals to the club, appointing former Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock as manager.
Ex-West Ham United striker Freddie Sears was also brought in as the club sought to rapidly climb the non-league ranks.
Following the takeover, the primary owner renamed the club’s home ground after himself and claimed average matchday attendances had surged from 70 to 800 fans.
Before entering the sports industry, the television personality first gained national attention in 1999 alongside a former partner as Britain’s first gay fathers via a surrogate.