English Premier League Picks

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The Premier League's Underrated XI: Our writers pick their teams for 2024-25 – Apr 19th, 2025
There was one rule: the player cannot have been Premier League Player of the Month this season…
Why Van Dijk and Salah are as valuable off the field as on it for Liverpool – Apr 19th, 2025
The Premier League champions elect will benefit from the global appeal that goes hand in hand with their star players for the next two years
Premier League all sewn up? This is where to look for drama in the coming weeks… – Apr 19th, 2025
The title race might be all but done in England, but there is plenty of excitement to be had elsewhere in Europe
Premier League predicted line-ups: Who do our writers think will start in Gameweek 33? – Apr 18th, 2025
As we approach another weekend of action in the Premier League, our writers predict the line-ups for the upcoming games
How many Premier League sides can qualify for European football next season? – Apr 18th, 2025
All the permutations for qualifying for next season's competitions explained
Breaking down the 11 minutes of chaos at the end of Manchester United's 5-4 win over Lyon – Apr 18th, 2025
In a chaotic finale at Old Trafford, United threw caution to the wind and profited via Leny Yoro, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo's composure
TAFC: The craziest game of the season? Plus a 110-year-old match-fixing mystery – Apr 18th, 2025
Friday's The Athletic FC newsletter reflects on a night of chaos in the Europa League
The Athletic’s Friday football quiz question #51 – Apr 18th, 2025
Can you answer the weekly poser plucked from deep inside The Athletic's trivia vaults?
Why is Virgil van Dijk so difficult to dribble past? – Apr 18th, 2025
Strikers get spooked by the aura of world-class defenders and tend to avoid them altogether — especially Van Dijk
Manchester United and a portrait of pandemonium – Apr 18th, 2025
United's win over Lyon was a ridiculous football match engineered by a ridiculous football club. It was a night to savour than scrutinise
Football, fandom and friendships – and the day it went stratospheric for Arsenal – Apr 18th, 2025
You might not know their name, or what they do, or where they live. But for match days you live together, you are connected.
The mystery of Thomas Fairfoul, an unmarked grave and English football's biggest fixing scandal – Apr 18th, 2025
Four Liverpool players were involved in the 1915 betting scandal that rocked the sport but many questions remain unanswered
Premier League top-five race: Newcastle aim for second, a big week for Villa, and are Forest slipping? – Apr 18th, 2025
Updates and analysis from the race to to qualify for next season's Champions League
Yankuba Minteh interview: ‘I have nothing against Newcastle, but I have fallen in love with Brighton’ – Apr 18th, 2025
The Gambia winger was oblivious to the Profit and Sustainability Rules that forced his summer sale, but he is loving life on the south coast
Row Z: Chelsea and the notion of trust, ruffled Riza and Nuno’s succinct programme notes – Apr 18th, 2025
Our weekly look at the bonkers side of the game explores the relationships between clubs and their fans - and it goes horribly wrong
Fantasy Premier League: The Double Gameweek 33 debate – chips, captaincy and Jakub Kiwior – Apr 18th, 2025
Holly Shand and Abdul Rehman analyse all of the key talking points ahead of the biggest double gameweek of the season in FPL
Manchester United 5 Lyon 4 (7-6 agg) - United reach Europa League semi-finals… somehow! – Apr 17th, 2025
A remarkable comeback at Old Trafford has put Manchester United in the Europa League semi finals
Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Tottenham 1 (1-2 agg) - Was this vindication for Postecoglou? – Apr 17th, 2025
The major talking points analysed from the Europa League quarter-final second leg in Germany
Marcus Rashford's Manchester United future? Florian Wirtz to City? - Ask Ornstein – Apr 17th, 2025
Once a week, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask David Ornstein for his views on anything from the football world. Here are his answers
Ask Ornstein Q&A: Our football insider answers your questions – Apr 17th, 2025
Here is your opportunity to ask David Ornstein anything you want about the world of football
Declan Rice was cooking: How Arsenal's all-action midfielder dominated Real Madrid - twice – Apr 17th, 2025
On the biggest stage against Madrid, and up against his England team-mate Bellingham, Rice was outstanding to lead his team to the last four
Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool's defensive GOAT – but his legend extends beyond Merseyside – Apr 17th, 2025
The Dutchman is the complete package and his new two-year contract should not just be welcomed at Anfield
Liverpool confirm Virgil van Dijk's new two-year contract – Apr 17th, 2025
The centre-back's extension comes after Mohamed Salah also signed a new two-year contract at Anfield.
Rudiger on the rampage, rugby tackles, and Rice vs Bellingham – breaking down the chaos at the Bernabeu – Apr 17th, 2025
Analysing all the needle, scrapping and referee controversy from Arsenal's outstanding Champions League win against Real Madrid
Arsenal's systematic dismantling of Real Madrid showed a team that is coming of age – Apr 17th, 2025
Knocking out the Champions League holders is a major milestone in the club's upward trajectory
Arne Slot, Liverpool and a 'remarkable' - and very exclusive - managerial club – Apr 17th, 2025
The Dutchman is set to become only the ninth manager to win the title in their first season working in England's top flight
Dean Huijsen is a wanted man in the Premier League. But who would he suit best? – Apr 17th, 2025
The Bournemouth defender has a £50m release clause, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur all interested
The £85m Champions League payday Manchester United miss if they exit the Europa League – Apr 17th, 2025
"Champions League can change everything,” said Ruben Amorim of Manchester United's budget - this is how
TAFC: How Arsenal silenced the Bernabeu, Kevin De Bruyne future, best fit for Dean Huijsen – Apr 17th, 2025
The chaos and calm of a Champions League quarter-final, the list of MLS clubs in for De Bruyne and more injury woe for Neymar.
Chelsea await the bad boys of Europe: Why Legia Warsaw have become a headache for UEFA – Apr 17th, 2025
The Polish side travel to London with restricted ticket numbers. Here's why
Real Madrid 1 Arsenal 2 (1-5 agg) - Exceptional Arsenal, Saka strikes back and Madrid's 42 crosses – Apr 16th, 2025
Saka missed a Panenka penalty but scored a superb goal, and Martinelli was on target too as Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals to face PSG
Kevin De Bruyne: Inter Miami, Chicago, NYCFC, DC interested in Manchester City midfielder – Apr 16th, 2025
The chase to land De Bruyne appears to be heating up around Major League Soccer.
Everton issue 'indefinite ban' to man, 62, who stole food at first Bramley-Moore Dock test event – Apr 16th, 2025
A club spokesperson said the video on social media showed a "clear theft of food during the first test event at Everton Stadium."
FIFA eyes Las Vegas for 2026 World Cup draw – as it did for 1994 – Apr 16th, 2025
Las Vegas is FIFA's preferred destination – if a venue can be found among likely Mariah Carey concerts and the National Finals Rodeo
PSG need to hold their nerve when Champions League chaos strikes to be true contenders – Apr 16th, 2025
The French champions were firmly in control of their Champions League quarter-final against Villa until the game became chaotic
Real Madrid, Roma and 'La Remontada': European football's greatest comebacks – Apr 16th, 2025
Real Madrid need a 'remontada' - or comeback - if they are to advance in the Champions League. History shows it is possible
William Saliba and Real Madrid may have a ring to it, but it would be a war of attrition to try to sign him – Apr 16th, 2025
The Spanish club are long-term admirers of the centre-back, but he has unfinished business at Arsenal and an imminent move is unlikely
TAFC: Sin City and FIFA could join forces, 'Remontada' roulette and penalty antics gone wrong – Apr 16th, 2025
World Cup draw could get the Vegas treatment, when comebacks fall short, anthem issues and turning your back on a penalty taker.
Why Premier League teams (yes, especially Liverpool) are so dangerous after defending corners – Apr 16th, 2025
Goals from corners are down and counter-attacks from corners are up
Why the successful activism of Manchester City supporters should inspire fans of all clubs – Apr 16th, 2025
Recent protests by City fans have made a tangible impact on the club's ticketing policies
Aston Villa 3 PSG 2 (4-5 agg) - Comeback win not quite enough for Emery's side in Champions League classic – Apr 15th, 2025
Analysis of Tuesday's dramatic Champions League quarter-final second leg at Villa Park
Premier League amends PSR rules amid Leicester City dispute – Apr 15th, 2025
The league's handbook was updated last week after the decision was made to tighten the language around PSR.
What now for Andre Onana and his Manchester United future? – Apr 15th, 2025
The 29-year-old was left out of the club's most recent game, and it raises the question of whether his future lies away from Old Trafford
How Raphinha became a world-beater for Barcelona – and how he compares to their Brazilian greats – Apr 15th, 2025
The forward has 28 goals and 20 assists in 2024-25 as Barcelona chase a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble
Why Liverpool - and their Premier League rivals - love hiring physicists – Apr 15th, 2025
The Anfield club's data department is crammed with analysts boasting a scientific background, and they are not alone
What every Premier League club spends on agent fees - and what it says of their transfers – Apr 15th, 2025
What each Premier League club spent on agent fees over the past three years, how it compares with EFL, and what it means
Champions League projections: How Arsenal steadily became 2024-25 tournament favourites – Apr 15th, 2025
How each of the eight quarter-finalists' chances have looked throughout 2024-25, based on The Athletic's Opta-powered projections
Unity, 'humility' and star dust: How to win a treble, European football's hardest feat – Apr 15th, 2025
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid can all land three trophies - we spoke to those who have done it before
TAFC: Body fat in soccer, Champions League prospects and unlucky Kasey Palmer – Apr 15th, 2025
Football fixation with body fat and the pressures on players, an accidental substitution and what the data says about the Champions League.
Behold, the French press: How Luis Enrique coached PSG into a regain machine – Apr 15th, 2025
PSG have the second-most final-third regains in the Champions League this season. They are stifling their opponents to great effect
How Ryan Sessegnon was substituted by mistake in Fulham's defeat to Bournemouth – Apr 15th, 2025
Sessegnon was substituted in the 57th minute with Fulham chasing the game – despite his coach Silva having no intention of taking him off...
Newcastle confirm Eddie Howe's pneumonia diagnosis, Jason Tindall to lead next two games – Apr 14th, 2025
Howe missed Sunday's win over Manchester United and will be absent when Newcastle face Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
Chelsea top spend on agent fees for 2024-25 Premier League season – Apr 14th, 2025
Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa round out the top four spenders for the period including the last two transfer windows.
Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi's new contracts and Kylian Mbappe's horror tackle – Apr 14th, 2025
Two of world football's biggest names are staying at their clubs - but which elite strikers could be on the move this summer?
The Briefing: Two seasons hang by a thread, Forest's top-five wobble, and a managerial masterstroke – Apr 14th, 2025
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are ever-more reliant on the Europa League, while Nottingham Forest are dropping valuable points
Forty years of dominance and a 55th title on ice, but Scottish football is more than just Rangers and Celtic – Apr 14th, 2025
Celtic will have to wait a little longer to draw level with Rangers on 55 league titles after late drama at Aberdeen delayed the inevitable
The day Manchester United 2024-25 were confirmed as the club's worst team of the Premier League era – Apr 14th, 2025
Ruben Amorim's side will finish with a lower Premier League points total than any Manchester United team
Virgil van Dijk's badge-kiss tells of a Liverpool love affair set to be continued – Apr 14th, 2025
The captain scored a late winner against West Ham but the expected announcement of his new contract could have even greater significance
Gyokeres, Delap, Sesko, Osimhen: Which clubs are the best fit for Europe's in-demand strikers? – Apr 14th, 2025
The identities of the forwards who will define this summer's transfer market are known - but where should they go?
Leicester score (twice!) to prove there is still hope to be found in desperate times – Apr 14th, 2025
Leicester's season is almost certain to end in the misery of relegation but they plundered two moments to cherish against Brighton
Newcastle 4 Man Utd 1: Hosts boost top-five hopes, Barnes stars and Amorim's big calls analysed – Apr 13th, 2025
Chris Waugh, Mark Critchley and Conor O'Neill analyse the main talking points from Newcastle's dominant win over Manchester United
Arsenal are becoming devastating in transition. It's a weapon they should embrace – Apr 13th, 2025
Mikel Arteta likes to play with control and to prevent opposition counter-attacks, but his own team can be a real threat on the break
Andre Onana rested for Manchester United game at Newcastle – Apr 13th, 2025
Onana has played every minute of United's 69 Premier League matches since joining from Inter in the summer of 2023.
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool career (so far) in extremely niche and obscure stats – Apr 13th, 2025
Mohamed Salah's new contract with Liverpool was announced on Friday, giving him the chance to add more niche stats to his resume
The Englishman who founded AC Milan and the people keeping his legacy alive – Apr 13th, 2025
Herbert Kilpin was a figure of relative obscurity but his legacy is now receiving the treatment it deserves
Pep Guardiola's long search to identify Manchester City's problems may finally be over – Apr 13th, 2025
The City manager spoke in detail about the issues affecting his side this season, tracing them all the way back to a game five months ago
Football, fat and 'a culture of fear': 'Some weigh themselves multiple times a day' – Apr 13th, 2025
Players being called "fat". Players being "spied on". Players cutting weight for holidays. Football's body issue explored
Arsenal 1 Brentford 1 - Partey scores but Arteta's side held to a fourth league draw in six – Apr 12th, 2025
Art de Roche and Liam Tharme analyse the main talking points from Arsenal's draw against Brentford
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe hospitalised; to miss Manchester United game – Apr 12th, 2025
Jason Tindall will be on the touchline for Newcastle on Sunday alongside fellow assistant head coach Graeme Jones.
The bizarre story of a football prodigy, a stolen Ming vase and a Japanese extradition row – Apr 12th, 2025
The life of Kaine Wright, once a promising player at West Ham, has the feel of a true crime documentary - this is his story
Mohamed Salah is already in the pantheon of Premier League greats - with more to come – Apr 12th, 2025
The bad news for Liverpool's opponents is that Salah has a legacy to cement and plenty more records to break
Rating the favourites to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or: Is Raphinha now in pole position? – Apr 12th, 2025
With six months to go until this year's award is given out, we assess the top 10 candidates as it stands in a new regular feature
How many games have Manchester United actually played? – Apr 12th, 2025
The 2-2 Europa League draw with Lyon was reported as being Manchester United's 6,000th game as a club - but was it actually?
Chelsea's holding company's £1bn-plus 'debt' - and why it's unlikely to cause problems – Apr 12th, 2025
Chelsea's owners have borrowed more than £1bn through a revolving credit facility and a redeemable preferred equity agreement
Former West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet accused of 'physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence' – Apr 11th, 2025
Larissa Natalya Ferrari told Brazilian outlet Globo that she has requested a protective measure from local police against Payet.
Premier League predicted line-ups: Who do our writers think will start in Gameweek 32? – Apr 11th, 2025
As we approach another weekend of action in the Premier League, our writers predict the line-ups for the upcoming games
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami close to agreement over contract extension – Apr 11th, 2025
The 37-year-old joined Miami in July 2023 on a deal that ran until the end of the 2025 MLS season.
Manchester United considering summer moves for Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap – Apr 11th, 2025
Delap is high in thoughts at United to come in as striker, while Cunha is seen as potentially a good fit for one of the No 10 positions.
Inside Mohamed Salah's contract saga: Lawyer's concerns, Saudi interest - and a deal that pleases everyone – Apr 11th, 2025
Agreeing a new deal with the Egyptian took almost a year and was not straightforward - this is how negotiations played out
The Athletic’s Friday football quiz question #50 – Apr 11th, 2025
Can you answer the weekly poser plucked from deep inside The Athletic's trivia vaults?
Salah's new Liverpool contract, PSR ploys at Chelsea and Real Madrid's shopping list – Apr 11th, 2025
Plus: Why European league games might finally be landing in the United States
Mohamed Salah signs new two-year Liverpool contract – Apr 11th, 2025
Salah, 32, had entered the final months of his contract but a breakthrough in negotiations was reached and he has now signed through to 2027
Premier League's failure to prevent Chelsea's latest accounting tricks shows it can't regulate its clubs – Apr 11th, 2025
In an ideal world, self-regulation would preclude self-interest. But the interests of the game have been overtaken by owners' objectives
Mohamed Salah's new deal is signed - now to get him scoring again – Apr 11th, 2025
Circumstances on and off the field have contributed to Egyptian's dip in form in recent weeks
The best front threes in Champions League history: From MSN to Robben, Ribery and Lewandowski – Apr 11th, 2025
There's MSN, BBC and other memorable trios that weren't easily abbreviated
Premier League top-five race: Why it's important and which teams can make the Champions League – Apr 11th, 2025
Analysis of Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa as they battle to qualify for the Champions League
Overanalysing the 348 teams to have appeared in the European Cup after Real Madrid's 500th game – Apr 11th, 2025
Which countries have been represented? Which haven't? Who made the final in their only appearance? Why are Arges Pitesti special?
Row Z: Grumpy Ange cries conspiracy, ref body cams and the Juric is out... again – Apr 11th, 2025
Our weekly roundup of football's bonkers side also takes in a Vietnamese Energy Drinks Partner and Crystal Palace's pursuit of 12th place
A celebration of Kevin De Bruyne's (supposedly) weaker left foot – Apr 11th, 2025
The Belgian is predominantly right-footed but that hasn't prevented him causing havoc with the other one
Tottenham 1 Eintracht Frankfurt 1 - Was this a good result for Postecoglou? – Apr 10th, 2025
The big talking points analysed from the Europa League quarter-final first leg
Dean Huijsen interest? Liam Delap's clause? – Ask Ornstein – Apr 10th, 2025
David has pulled together some of his favourite questions and answers from his weekly Q&A
Prince William's soccer punditry assessed: 'High press' chat and earnest nodding, but a way-off prediction – Apr 10th, 2025
The future king of the UK tried his hand at sports commentary as his team played in Europe
Ask Ornstein Q&A: Our football insider answers your questions – Apr 10th, 2025
Here is your opportunity to ask David Ornstein anything you want about the world of football
Andre Onana, Nemanja Matic and why assessing goalkeepers with statistics is difficult – Apr 10th, 2025
Why a focus on goals conceded and clean sheets alone is not a sensible way to assess a goalkeeper's ability
Explained: How Bournemouth avoided a PSR breach and what it means for other clubs – Apr 10th, 2025
Bournemouth managed to avoid breaching PSR rules after having a £71.4m shareholder loan write-off approved by the Premier League
PSG and Barca living the Champions League dream, Delap race hots up and a pyro party in Iran – Apr 10th, 2025
Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund swatted aside as Manchester United jostle for position in bid to sign Ipswich Town striker
Why Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk had to be considered special cases by FSG – Apr 10th, 2025
Don't expect Liverpool's owners to make a habit of it, but retaining two of the club's greatest players is the smart move
The Liam Delap transfer auction - featuring Chelsea, Man Utd and half the Premier League – Apr 10th, 2025
The Old Trafford club will be just one of a host of suitors for Ipswich's highly-rated striker this summer
'It's not done yet': Why Unai Emery and his Aston Villa players still believe they can see off PSG – Apr 10th, 2025
A third Parisian goal in stoppage time was a cruel blow but Villa's manager is confident his team can turn it around next week
Rayan Cherki has always been special. Now there are goals and assists, too – Apr 10th, 2025
The Lyon and France Under-21 playmaker is a mercurial genius who could torment Man United. There is far more to him than meets the eye