Darren Plant
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Senior Reporter for @SportsMole. Mainly cover Chelsea. Hednesford Town fan. Darts. Boxing. London Marathon finisher. Based in Staffordshire. Can't smell.
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Articles by Darren Plant
Liverpool vs. Chelsea team news: Florian Wirtz, Estevao Willian decisions made for EFL Cup tie
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has named Florian Wirtz on the substitutes' bench for Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea.
Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa team news: Alejandro Garnacho, Brian Madjo decisions made by Unai Emery for EFL Cup tie
By | Bournemouth XI: Subs: Aston Villa XI: Bizot; Bogarde, Harwood-Bellis, Mings, Maatsen; Goretzka, Gomes; Mbaye, Buendia, Hemmings; Madjo Subs: Suzuki, Cash, Barkley, McGinn, Kamara, Garnacho, Abraham, Alysson, Cisse Follow us on:
Liverpool news: Dirk Kuyt reunion pencilled in for Champions League
Liverpool are in line to have a reunion with Dirk Kuyt when they face Fenerbahce in the Champions League next week. Andoni Iraola has been preparing his squad for Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea as he bids to continue his fine start to life on Anfield. However, despite Arsenal also making the trip to Merseyside on Sunday, the Spaniard will have one eye on the game with Fenerbahce.
Arsenal team news: Max Dowman red card appeal ahead of Liverpool showdown
Arsenal have appealed the decision to hand Max Dowman a red card against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night. The Gunners were on the receiving end of one of the biggest EFL Cup upsets in history as they lost to the League Two outfit in a penalty shootout. While Bruno Guimaraes's miss from 12 yards ultimately proved to be the difference, it is the dismissal of Dowman that made the headlines.
Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'keen admirers' of England defender amid Xabi Alonso inconsistencies
Chelsea reportedly retain an interest in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Blues are currently preparing to square off against Liverpool in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday night. Xabi Alonso takes his team to Merseyside having kept just one Premier League clean sheet during 2026-27. Therefore, question marks remain over who will hold down long-term roles in the Chelsea defence, while Wesley Fofana is someone who has lost their place in the team in recent weeks.
Michael Carrick future: Man United boss, Bruno Fernandes 'hold talks' ahead of Chelsea fixture
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have allegedly held talks to resolve their ongoing issues. After Fernandes criticised Carrick's tactics during the 4-1 defeat to Como last week, the Portuguese was dropped for Sunday's Premier League fixture versus Bournemouth. The general consensus was that Carrick would leave his role at Old Trafford prior to the next game against Chelsea this weekend.
Barcelona news: Julian Alvarez approach leads to bizarre punishment for La Liga leaders
Barcelona have bizarrely handed a £503 fine for their approach of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window. The Argentina international was involved in a saga over his future, the player himself acknowledging that he wanted to explore a move away from Atletico. Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, admitted that at least formal offer had been made for Alvarez, despite Atletico releasing statements to mock their efforts to sign their star man.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Blues bidding to extend 19-year streak versus Merseyside giants that Xabi Alonso started
Chelsea will be looking to extend a 19-year streak when they face Liverpool in the EFL Cup fourth round. The Blues make the trip to Anfield for Wednesday's fixture looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Not only is Cole Palmer missing through suspension, Xabi Alonso provided a mixed injury update at his pre-match press conference. Liverpool welcome Chelsea to their home ground sitting two points clear of them in the Premier League table.
Aston Villa news: Man United-linked Unai Emery bidding to equal career record against Bournemouth in EFL Cup
Unai Emery can equal a career record when Aston Villa face Bournemouth in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday night. The Spaniard has been in the headline in recent days, a consequence of the speculation linking him with the Manchester United job. However, Emery sent a message to the Red Devils hierarchy while attending the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday evening.
Chelsea team news: Potential Emmanuel Emegha debut against Liverpool confirmed by Xabi Alonso
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Emmanuel Emegha could "maybe" make his debut against Liverpool on Wednesday night. The Blues travel to Anfield for the EFL Cup fourth round tie with one of their Premier League rivals looking to respond to Saturday's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Alonso confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that Joao Pedro would be sidelined for at least a few weeks.
Chelsea injury news: Joao Pedro blow confirmed by Xabi Alonso ahead of Liverpool EFL Cup tie
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Joao Pedro will be sidelined until after the November international break. On Saturday evening, Pedro - the Blues top goalscorer - was a surprise absentee from the team that went on to lose 2-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Alonso suggested at the weekend that Chelsea needed to wait to discover the severity of the injury suffered by the Brazil international, who has already missed a number of weeks of 2026-27 with a knee injury.
Aston Villa transfer news: 'Delegation sent' to watch 16-cap international liked by Unai Emery
Aston Villa have reportedly upped their efforts to sign Fenerbahce winger Oguz Aydin. The uncertainty over Michael Carrick's position at Manchester United has led to speculation involving Unai Emery. However, when attending the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday evening, the Spaniard gave every indication that he was committed to life at Villa Park. Therefore, Villa chiefs can start collaborating with their long-serving boss over potential targets for the winter transfer window.
Michael Carrick Man United future: Aston Villa boss Unai Emery sends clear message amid Old Trafford speculation
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has given every indication that he has no interest in becoming the next Manchester United manager. Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth has left Michael Carrick on the brink of being removed from his role at Old Trafford. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann - most recently of Newcastle United and Germany - are viewed as the top two contenders to replace the Englishman. However, a report emerged on Monday which claimed that Emery was the 'dream target' of the United board.
Michael Carrick Manchester United future: 'Dream target' to replace Englishman revealed
Manchester United reportedly view Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as their 'dream' managerial target. Sunday's 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth has seemingly left Michael Carrick on the brink of being sacked. Despite the majority of the Old Trafford crowd backing the Englishman at the full-time whistle, the club's hierarchy are naturally considering alternatives. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are viewed as the two favourites to replace Emery in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams.
Spurs transfer news: Bayern Munich 'work to remove clause' in Harry Kane's contract
Bayern Munich are allegedly keen to remove any Tottenham Hotspur clauses in a new contract for Harry Kane. The England international is currently preparing to discover whether he will become the winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Sports Mole's reporters have given their take ahead of the awards ceremony in London on Monday evening. However, the 33-year-old has more to consider than the Ballon d'Or, with Bayern eager to tie him down to fresh terms.
Man United transfer news: Andre Onana receiving 'strong interest' from surprise admirer
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Galatasaray. The current focus of the Red Devils hierarchy is the future of Michael Carrick, who oversaw a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon. However, regardless of whether the Englishman is replaced by one of a number of contenders, United's board will have decisions to make in the winter transfer market.
Chelsea news: Legend Ashley Cole 'opens talks' over EFL manager's job
Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has reportedly opened talks regarding the vacant managerial position at Bromley. Last week, Andy Woodman dropped out of the five longest-serving managers list in the top four divisions of English football when he departed the League One club by mutual consent. Bromley responded by earning a 1-1 draw against Peterborough United at the weekend, leaving the team in 22nd position in the League One table.
Wolves transfer news: Ajax 'make decision' over Tolu Arokodare deal
Ajax have reportedly told Wolverhampton Wanderers that they want to sign Tolu Arokodare on a permanent basis. Having failed to impress in his first season at Molineux and allegedly being involved in a bust-up with new head coach Cesar Peixoto. Arokodare left for the Dutch giants in the summer. With Wolves paying £24m for the Nigeria international less than 12 months earlier, they could only agree a loan deal with their Ajax counterparts.
Chelsea transfer news: Kendry Paez latest as 'new destination' considered for Ecuadorian starlet
Chelsea are allegedly considering whether to facilitate the sale of Kendry Paez in 2027. On the back of Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Xabi Alonso's immediate focus is to find a positive response for Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round tie against Liverpool. Theoretically speaking, Paez is available to feature in the contest. However, Alonso indicated in September that the 19-year-old would not be considered for first-team selection.
Preview: Bournemouth vs Aston Villa - prediction, team news, lineups
Bournemouth play host to Aston Villa in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday evening, with the pair having toppled the two Manchester clubs over the weekend. The Cherries and Villans now sit in 13th and ninth position in the Premier League table respectively. Match preview When Bournemouth lost 5-1 at Chelsea after the international break, Marco Rose may have started to have concerns over how the squad could cope with the continued absences of Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi.
Aston Villa transfer news: Bayern Munich take new Johan Manzambi 'stance' amid strong form
Aston Villa reportedly receive a boost in their efforts to retain the services of Johan Manzambi. The 21-year-old passed a fitness test to help Villa record a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon. Manzambi, a summer signing from Freiburg, has proven to be a revelation with three goals and three assists from his seven appearances.
Aston Villa news: Six stats prove Nicolas Jackson is out of Ollie Watkins shadow, over Enzo Maresca snub
Saturday afternoon must have felt particularly sweet to Nicolas Jackson. Not only did he help Aston Villa supporters move on from Ollie Watkins, he served a reminder to Enzo Maresca that he was wrong to end his career at Chelsea. His second goal in front of a dishevelled and deserted North Stand made the difference at Villa Park as Unai Emery's side inflicted Manchester City's first Premier League defeat of the season.
Cole Palmer red card: Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso admits disappointment over Blues star's dismissal against Spurs
Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that Cole Palmer must "learn" from his red card during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening. A Mike Penders own goal and a Mathys Tel strike earned Spurs a deserved victory at Stamford Bridge. However, as well as the North Londoners receiving widespread credit for their performance, there will be scrutiny over Chelsea's display and Palmer's petulance.
Man United vs. Bournemouth: Senne Lammens gives take on Bruno Fernandes outburst over Michael Carrick tactics
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has suggested that he understands the 'frustrations' of teammate Bruno Fernandes. The Red Devils play host to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon with Michael Carrick under pressure to keep his job at Old Trafford. Carrick gave a six-minute speech on United's struggles at his pre-match press conference, the Englishman seemingly wanting to respond after recent criticism from Fernandes.
Man United transfer news: Could Rayan Ait-Nouri interest be renewed in winter window?
Manchester United are allegedly considering whether to make a fresh attempt to sign Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Red Devils play host to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon with Michael Carrick's future very much in doubt. Although the Englishman gave a six-minute speech on United's current struggles at his pre-match press conference, the Englishman is aware that only wins will strengthen his chances of remaining at Old Trafford.
Liverpool vs. Brighton: Met Office statement puts Premier League fixture in doubt
The Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion may potentially be in doubt. Starting the weekend in fifth and third place in the Premier League table respectively, the game at Anfield is highly-anticipated. While matches in England's top flight are rarely postponed for the condition of the pitch, they have been cancelled in the past for health and safety reasons.
Aston Villa vs. Man City team news: Johan Manzambi, Erling Haaland decisions made as starting lineups confirmed
Johan Manzambi has passed a fitness test to feature in Aston Villa's starting lineup for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
Preview: Genoa vs Venezia - prediction, team news, lineups
Genoa play host to Venezia on Sunday with both teams looking to move away from the relegation zone. Although Genoa sit in 17th position in the Serie A table, they are just one point ahead of their bottom-placed opponents. Match preview After finishing in 16th spot last season, Daniele de Rossi knew that he had work ahead to return Genoa to the mid-table spots in Serie A as a bare minimum.
Aston Villa injury news: Johan Manzambi update ahead of Man City game as Unai Emery admits some players have "some pain"
Unai Emery has suggested that a number of his Aston Villa players are injury doubts ahead of Saturday's fixture against Manchester City. The West Midlands outfit square off against the Premier League leaders having put together a seven-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. However, not only do Villa face a quick turnaround after Wednesday's win over Viking FK in the Champions League, Emery has a number of injury concerns.
Chelsea injury news: Xabi Alonso delivers double blow ahead of Spurs London derby showdown
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Pep Chavarria and Emmanuel Emegha remain unavailable for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues play host to one of their fierce rivals sitting in fourth position in the Premier League table. Successive wins over Bournemouth and Everton have provided a welcome boost to Alonso after an inconsistent start to life at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Carrick Manchester United future: Why Bruno Fernandes role must change for Englishman to save Old Trafford job
Bruno Fernandes's criticism of Manchester United manager Michael Carrick earlier this week was always going to attract scrutiny. Having been part of a team that was comprehensively outplayed by Como in the Champions League, trying to "out" the Englishman was never going to sit well. That all felt fair game.
Andy Woodman leaves Bromley: Who are top five longest-serving managers in Premier League, EFL?
With only seven clubs in the Premier League and EFL having kept their current managers in the dugout for longer than four years, changes to the longest-serving managers list for those four divisions is a rarity. However, on Thursday, League One club Bromley announced that Andy Woodman - who was appointed in March 2021 - had left his role by mutual consent.
Newcastle injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Crystal Palace: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey latest
Newcastle United are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they square off against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Having lost three of their last four matches in England's top flight, Matthias Jaissle has come in for criticism from the club's supporters. Nevertheless, the Magpies remain in 11th position in the Premier League table, albeit just one point above their 14th-placed hosts.
Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs Wrexham - prediction, team news, lineups
Blackburn Rovers square off against Wrexham on Saturday afternoon looking to record the win that would keep them in the top 10 of the Championship table. However, 14th-placed Wrexham make the trip to Ewood Park sitting just one point adrift of their opponents. Match preview Being regarded as one of the pre-season favourites for relegation has motivated Tony Mowbray and his Blackburn squad to emerge as a dark horse for the playoffs.
Preview: Lincoln City vs Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups
Lincoln City play host to Burnley on Saturday afternoon with both teams looking to record what could prove to be a pivotal victory in the context of their season. While the Imps sit in 18th position in the Championship table, they are just four points ahead of the Clarets, who sit in 22nd place. Match preview When taking over Burnley in the summer, Nicky Hayen would not have envisaged sitting in the relegation zone after 11 matches.
Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Watford - prediction, team news, lineups
Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to Watford on Saturday afternoon looking to stay in the top seven of the Championship table. Meanwhile, the Hornets make the trip to Molineux sitting in 20th place, just three points above the relegation zone. Match preview Sitting just five points adrift of leaders Swansea City ahead of two more home matches in a row, Cesar Peixoto will be relatively content with Wolves' start to the season.
Preview: Charlton Athletic vs Norwich City - prediction, team news, lineups
Charlton Athletic and Norwich City will be looking to end prolonged winless streaks when they square off at The Valley on Saturday afternoon. While the Addicks still sit in 17th position in the Championship table, the Canaries are down in 21st place. Match preview Although Nathan Jones will feel content that Charlton sit six points above the relegation zone at this stage of the season, there will be frustration that his side have not built on their strong start.
Severe Weather Threatens Como Champions League Clash Against Manchester United
Manchester United’s Champions League match against Como faces severe postponement threats as an orange weather alert brings heavy rain and lightning to northern Italy. SN How Streamline reports this story Build your reading streak0/3 today·Counts at 25% No sign-in required. Choose up to two. This captures your response to the story—it is not a vote on whether the reporting is true. 3 source references Sources linked in this article’s evidence ledger.
Aston Villa vs. Viking FK team news: Unai Emery goes with baffling formation for Champions League game
Aston Villa Unai Emery has seemingly changed formation for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Viking FK. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri having picked up injuries, the Spaniard has opted against selecting a recognised full-back. Three centre-backs - Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings - have been named, with there being a clear possibility that Emery will switch to a back three.
Nottingham Forest injury news: Morgan Gibbs-White update as Oliver Glasner reveals mixed team news for Ipswich Town game
Oliver Glasner has revealed that Morgan Gibbs-White will return to the Nottingham Forest squad for Friday's Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town. Gibbs-White was a surprise absentee as Forest succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend. Another setback for the East Midlands outfit has left them in 19th position in the Premier League table with just five goals to their name.
Aston Villa transfer news: Alejandro Garnacho latest as Chelsea left with 'headache' over Argentine
Chelsea have reportedly been left increasingly concerned with Alejandro Garnacho's situation at Aston Villa. The winger is currently hoping to be selected for the Champions League fixture against Viking FK on Wednesday night. Unai Emery revealed at his pre-match press conference that one of his key attackers was among three players to suffer injury blows ahead of the contest in the West Midlands.
Will Como vs. Man United be postponed? Weather update ahead of Champions League game amid 'orange alert'
Como are allegedly confident that their Champions League match with Manchester United on Wednesday evening will go ahead as planned. Michael Carrick has travelled to Italy to face the competition debutants with a depleted squad as he bids to ease pressure on his role in the Old Trafford dugout. However, there have been concerns over the past 48 hours that the match could be postponed or delayed due to weather.
Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta keeping 'close eye' on in-form Serie A striker
Arsenal have reportedly identified Monza forward Gustavo Varela as a potential transfer target. The Gunners are currently preparing for a mammoth Champions League showdown versus Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta must decide whether to keep with Kai Havertz in his attack or hand a start to Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea transfer news: Blues join race for one of Brighton and Hove Albion's 'most important' stars
Chelsea allegedly hold an interest in signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari. Having missed out on adding Monaco's Lamine Camara to their engine room ranks during the closing hours of the summer transfer window, the Blues are expected to be active in the winter market. That is despite Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson quickly striking up an encouraging relationship in midfield since the international break.
Man City injury news: Erling Haaland update provided by Enzo Maresca ahead of Aston Villa Premier League game
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that Erling Haaland will start against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. Haaland remained as an unused substitute as the Premier League leaders recorded a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League. Phil Foden starred in the Norwegian's place, with Maresca seemingly erring on the side of caution after his leading marksman sustained a knock versus Ipswich Town three days earlier.
Jablonec vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: How to watch, date, time, live stream and TV channel for Conference League clash
Brighton & Hove Albion are back in action on Thursday night when they square off against FK Baumit Jablonec in the Conference League. The Seagulls, who sit in third position in the Premier League table, kicked off their league phase campaign with a 4-0 victory over FK Kauno Zalgiris last week. Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into the contest. What time does Jablonec vs. Brighton kick off? The Conference League match will kick off at 5.45pm, UK time, on Thursday. Where is Jablonec vs.
Aston Villa team news: Unai Emery adds player to Champions League squad ahead of Viking FK game
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been added to Aston Villa's Champions League squad. Unai Emery's side are currently preparing to face Viking FK in their third game of the League Phase on Wednesday night. At his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard revealed a triple injury blow, one of them being Matteo Ruggeri. The Italian has been ruled out in the long term with the hamstring injury that he sustained against Brentford after the international break.
Aston Villa injury news: Johan Manzambi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Matteo Ruggeri blows delivered by Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that Johan Manzambi will miss Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Viking FK. After three goals and three assists from six matches, the 21-year-old is seemingly attracting admirers from around Europe. However, after scoring the decisive goal at Newcastle United on Saturday evening, the Switzerland international picked up an injury, one which he hinted would not keep him out of Villa's next game.
Aston Villa vs. Viking FK: Can Norwegian minnows repeat Chelsea, Frank Lampard upset from 2002?
Aston Villa square off against Viking FK in the Champions League on Wednesday night with the expectation of making light work of their opponents. That perception is justified. After all, the Norwegian club have played just 32 European fixtures - including qualifying games - since the last time that they made the trip for a competitive match in England in 2002.
Aston Villa vs. Viking FK: The three stats that will concern Unai Emery ahead of Champions League game with Norwegian minnows
Aston Villa play host to Viking FK in the Champions League on Wednesday night as the heavy favourites to record another eye-catching victory. Nine goals - including six in a demolition job on Fenerbahce last week - have left Unai Emery's side one of nine teams who possess a 100% record after two matches of the League Phase. Not only are Villa now on a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, they also find themselves on several incredible runs in Europe, a number of them making history.
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