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Paul Dickov has explained to GOAL why there is a “brilliant love-hate relationship” between Rayan Cherki and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The “cheeky” France international playmaker has become a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium, but some antics do not sit well with his demanding manager. There is, however, plenty of mutual respect between the pair and Cherki is considered to boast “scary” potential.

Baller League is a mix of amateur players, former professionals and famous faces - with some of those calling shots as celebrity managers. The likes of Alisha Lehmann, Maya Jama, Idris Elba, Ian Wright, KSI and Angry Ginge have all passed through the Copper Box Arena. What do these A-list stars offer to the collective cause? Former Tottenham academy graduate and current Yanited star Paul-Jose M’Poku has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.

"Gaspar joins Ghana's coaching staff at the 2026 World Cup"

Arsenal hoped that Viktor Gyokeres would be the final piece in their Premier League title-winning puzzle, but Paul Dickov has told GOAL why the Gunners are still in need of an Erling Haaland-esque No.9. A player of that ilk has been sought at Emirates Stadium for some time, with the lack of a prolific striker considered to have contributed significantly to near misses on the domestic coronation front.

Erling Haaland is being backed to smash another record, one held by Arsenal and Liverpool legends Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah, as the Manchester City striker closes in on his third Premier League Golden Boot. Only two men have ever collected four of those prizes, but Paul Dickov has told GOAL why an unstoppable Norwegian phenomenon will go on to rewrite the history books.

Paul Dickov has told GOAL that despite being unable to see Arsenal “sacking” Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard could still leave Emirates Stadium if another Premier League title falls agonisingly out of reach. Some uncomfortable questions are being asked in north London, following another collapse of sorts, with Dickov offering his take on the long-running “bottle” debate.

Southampton could boast a secret weapon in the FA Cup semi-finals, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis having the ear of Roy Keane - a man that loved to slay Manchester City in his playing days. The United legend is on hand to offer words of wisdom if required, although Saints icon Shane Long has told GOAL why asking questions of the enigmatic Irishman is not always the best of ideas.

Harry Kane once wrote a list of career goals that left Tottenham team-mates “laughing at him”, with fellow Spurs academy graduate Paul-Jose M’Poku telling GOAL who the “only person” that believed in the record-breaking striker was. In his younger years, few could have predicted what the current England captain would become. He has, however, had the last laugh and proved any doubters wrong.

Morgan Rogers has been told that he can “go higher”, amid renewed transfer talk at Aston Villa, with Henri Lansbury telling GOAL why the classy England international playmaker is capable of “stepping on again”. Rogers has proved himself in the Premier League, while also gracing European competition, and could take on a new challenge outside of his homeland at some stage.

Two reasons why there is “no point” in Cristiano Ronaldo returning to European football from the Saudi Pro League have been explained to GOAL by Paul-Jose M’Poku - a man who has spent time in the Middle East himself. CR7-themed transfer predictions have also been made when it comes to Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi, with plenty of gossip and rumour to be found.

Oriol Romeu’s return to Southampton has not played out as planned, but Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate - with two spells at Camp Nou on his CV - can still play an important role in dashing Manchester City’s domestic treble dreams of 2025-26. Saints legend Shane Long has explained to GOAL, ahead of the FA Cup semi-finals, why that is the case.

KAF spokesperson: We have not opened the discussion about the base yet

Cristiano Ronaldo brought the Saudi Pro League to the attention of a global audience, but would the division’s bubble burst without him? Former Tottenham academy graduate and current Baller League star Paul-Jose M’Poku, who spent time in the Middle East during his playing days, has explained to GOAL why a “strategy” is in place that means the departure of CR7 would not be catastrophic.

Declan Rice is considered to be “a bit like Roy Keane of Manchester United”, but has Arsenal’s England international become the best midfielder in the world? Former Gunners star Henri Lansbury has provided an answer to that “big statement” during an exclusive interview with GOAL, with captaincy advice being offered to those at Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham thought they had bottomed out when finishing 17th in the Premier League, but now find themselves languishing in the relegation zone. What has gone wrong and in which direction should the finger of blame point? Former Spurs academy graduate and current Baller League star Paul-Jose M’Poku has used north London neighbours Arsenal as part of his explanation during an exclusive interview with GOAL.

Liverpool are expected to be active in the summer transfer window, with attacking reinforcements required at Anfield, and Michael Owen has told GOAL why “brilliant player” Anthony Gordon could be a shrewd investment. The England international, who is currently on Newcastle’s books, came through the ranks at Everton but grew up as a Reds supporter.

Paul Parker has told GOAL that “UEFA want Manchester United in the Champions League final”, but will the Red Devils hit that target across the next 10 seasons after enduring a 15-year barren run? One of the biggest clubs in world football have not graced the grandest showpiece in European competition since 2011, with a humbling fall from grace being suffered.

Southampton have seen the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk pass through St Mary’s, but could Shea Charles - who has already been compared to Jude Bellingham while heading down a similar career path to Morgan Rogers - become their latest superstar? Saints legend Shane Long has attempted to answer that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.

African Union media official: The tournament is an exciting opportunity to expand in the east of the continent

Chelsea stand accused of “building a very ugly house” on the back of their surprising decision to sack Enzo Maresca, with Paul Parker admitting to GOAL that said call may represent the Blues’ biggest mistake. Two major honours were delivered to Stamford Bridge in 2025, but they are now in danger of going trophyless in 2026 and missing out on Champions League qualification.

Kyogo Furuhashi looked to be a shrewd signing for Birmingham when moving to St Andrew’s in 2025, but the former Celtic star has become a £10 million ($14m) flop for the Blues. Don Goodman has explained to GOAL why the Japan international’s struggles have come as a surprise, with a big-money return to British football going “horribly wrong” for the three-goal forward.

Chelsea have been told that they should be worried about the transfer talk that continues to rage around Cole Palmer, with the Manchester United-linked playmaker considered to have “lost” his spark and adopted the “face of a card shark”. Ex-Blues defender Paul Parker has told GOAL why exit rumours at Stamford Bridge come as no surprise due to the way Todd Boehly and Co are running the club.

Vinicius Junior continues to generate plenty of lively discussion at Real Madrid, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Brazilian superstar is “so big and so good” that only “two teams” could afford to put a transfer deal in place. The South American forward has become a divisive character in world football, but Owen doubts that he will trade Santiago Bernabeu for another landing spot in Europe or the Saudi Pro League.

Michael Carrick is in line to land Manchester United’s managerial job on a permanent basis, with Paul Parker informing GOAL of the key decision that has allowed the Red Devils’ interim boss to put himself in that position. Reins were handed to Carrick in mid-January, with the expectation being that Champions League qualification will earn him a full-time contract.

Newcastle have been warned off taking a huge gamble on Jose Mourinho, with Michael Owen explaining to GOAL why Eddie Howe sack talk at St James’ Park has left him baffled. The Magpies are, in the midst of a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, reported to be considering a change in their dugout. Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho has seen a Premier League return speculated on.

Liverpool have lost Hugo Ekitike to injury, Mohamed Salah is preparing to depart and Alexander Isak has endured fitness issues, but Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why Robert Lewandowski should not be a short-term fix at Anfield. The prolific Polish striker is preparing to sever ties with Barcelona as a free agent, and has never graced the Premier League, but the Reds are considered to have more pressing issues to address.

Alex Iwobi has explained what it is like to face all-time greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the former having an “aura” while the latter boasts a “force field”. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, former Arsenal midfielder Iwobi - who is now on the books of Fulham - has lifted the lid on how he became the unfortunate star of a Messi-themed compilation reel.

Alex Iwobi has explained what makes Nigeria international team-mate Victor Osimhen special, with the Galatasaray striker so determined to be a world-class operator that he is “cheating just to win” in training. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, Fulham playmaker Iwobi has also revealed what it is like having legendary ex-Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton and Super Eagles star Jay-Jay Okocha as an uncle.

Abebayo Akinfenwa is joined by Alex Iwobi on the Beast Mode On Podcast as the Fulham winger discusses his journey from the Arsenal academy to becoming a regular in the Premier League and making his mark on the international stage with Nigeria. The 29-year-old also talks about his duels with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a host of other compelling topics.