MC El Bayadh Overview

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has opened up on the psychological impact of the club's recent winning streak as they prepare for a high-stakes Carabao Cup encounter. The Reds boss believes that the feeling of securing three points has become a habit his squad is desperate to maintain.

Tottenham Hotspur have joined a quartet of Premier League heavyweights monitoring breakout Villarreal full-back Alex Freeman following his rapid rise in Spanish football this year. The north Londoners are actively scouting long-term right-back options amid growing uncertainty over first-choice defender Pedro Porro's future beyond this campaign.

Xabi Alonso has insisted he will celebrate if Chelsea score against his former club Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Anfield. The Blues must do it without star Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, who faces weeks on the sidelines with a thigh problem picked up in training on the eve of Saturday's dismal 2-0 derby defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are weighing up a move for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari after talks over a new contract stalled. The Sweden international's deal expires at the end of the season, while Xabi Alonso is still looking to add a midfielder to his squad following the deadline-day sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City over the summer. Galatasaray and AC Milan are also keeping tabs on him.