Champions Liverpool travel to Chelsea, West Ham v Spurs, and more – live

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It’s half-time in Empoli, where Lazio lead 1-0 and the home side are down to ten men after Lorenzo Colombo (whatanamethatisbytheway) was sent off.

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No goals yet at Ibrox, who will break the deadlock? Michael Butler with all the updates here:

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Big goal in the WSL, Everton have taken the lead at Anfield with a Katja Snoeijs strike.

Latest scores:

Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City

Liverpool 0-1 Everton

Follow all the updates here:

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The Liverpool debate rages on…

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Half an hour in at the Stadio Carlo Castellani and it’s Empoli 0-0 Lazio. Live scores here.

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The Old Firm game has also kicked off. Michael Butler has that one:

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We are undwerway in the WSL, follow along with Emillia Hawkins here:

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La Liga team news: Real Madrid v Celta Vigo

Real Madrid: Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Tschouameni, Asencio, Fran Garcia, Valverde, Ceballos, Arda Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe

Subs: Lunin, Vallejo, Sergio Mestre, Diaz, Modric, Youssef, Endrick, Jacabo.

Celta Vigo: Guaita, Javi Rodriguez, Lago, Alonso, Carreira, Fran Beltran, Sotelto, Mingueza, Fer Lopez, Iglesias, Alfon

Subs: Aspa, Cervi, Dominguez, Duran, Moriba, Losada, Jailson, Ristic, D Rodriguez, Swedberg, Villar, Alvarez.

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This is a nice conversation starter from below the line…

Who would make your Uefa v Conmebol teams?

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Updated at 12.57 CEST

This seems to be a hot topic of debate in the comments today and now we’ve had an email from Ian Copestake:

It’s a bit sad that any underappreciating of Liverpool’s achievement is, given the time of day. What Slot achieved was not meant to be possible, but he did it and every game was a battle. Not a single stroll in the park until Spurs turned up then gave up. That is at the very least what should be praised.

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Our first match of the day has kicked off in Italy. Lazio have made the trip north to Tuscany to take on Empoli. The Roman side are chasing the European places while the Azzurri Empolesi need three points to boost their survival chances. Live scores available here.

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Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg has checked in from the London Stadium, where he’ll be covering West Ham v Spurs:

It’s rare for there to be such a lack of excitement around a game between West Ham and Tottenham. Both have endured underwhelming league campaigns, leaving supporters totally underwhelmed. That said, progress in the Europa League still offers Spurs a chance to end the season on a high - they head to the Arctic Circle for the second leg of their semi final against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and have a 3-1 lead to protect, so don’t expect Ange Postecoglou to play his strongest team this afternoon. That makes it a much bigger game for West Ham. Winless in seven games, they’ve made a habit of conceding costly late goals, leaving Graham Potter very miffed. It’s not really worked for Potter yet. A big summer awaits. This is a squad that needs a massive overhaul. But Potter really could do with a win in this one. Handing Spurs their 20th league defeat of the campaign would provide a bit of cheer. More importantly, Potter is yet to oversee a memorable performance at home.

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WSL team news: Manchester United v Manchester City

Man Utd: Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier, Turner, George, Miyazawa, Toone, Ildhusoy, Clinton, Galton, Terland.

Subs: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Mannion, Sandberg, Awujo, Janssen, Naalsund, Griffiths, Malard.

Man City: Keating, Casparij, Prior, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Aleixandri, Park, Coombs, Hemp, Kerolin.

Subs: Layzell, Yamashita, Roord, Wienroither, Blindkilde, Fujino, Knaak, Oyama, Murphy.

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Updated at 12.23 CEST

WSL team news: Liverpool v Everton

Liverpool: Laws, Fisk, Clark, Bonner, Hinds (C), Kerr, Nagano, Höbinger, Holland, Román Haug, Smith.

Subs: Micah, Kirby, Evans, Fahey, Matthews, Kapocs, Enderby, Bartel, Daniels

Everton: Brosnan, Karen Holmgaard, Fernández, Stenevik, Sara Holmgaard; Vanhaevermaet, Olesen, Wheeler (C), Hayashi, Gago, Snoeijs.

Subs: Ramsey, Hobson, Payne, Watson, Sarri, Galli, Weir, Madsen, Thomas.

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Ewan Murray

Final question is from me (Tom Bassam) and it’s a simple one: what is your prediction for today’s Old Firm game?

I don’t think Celtic will lose here and Rangers tend to raise their level for big games. A 2-2 draw.

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Ewan Murray

Final email question is from Peter Franzen: is there a case that Scottish teams would benefit more from playing in the Europa Conference League, how can those outside the big two hope to qualify?

Absolutely. Exposure to European football is extremely useful for these clubs, both in financial terms and because it can help to raise standards. Scotland’s co-efficient had been at an all time high, allowing that participation, but is now dropping again. Celtic will require a Champions League playoff this summer, for example. But the Conference League has been an undoubted benefit to Scottish teams; they need more involvement there.

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In a day packed full of action, Emillia Hawkins is covering the early action in the WSL. Updates here:

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Our Old Firm derby live blog is now up and running, follow along with Michael Butler here:

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Ewan Murray

This question, as later clarified by Fearandloathingpart2, is about George Hirst

It’s very hard on the basis of Scotland appearances to judge Hirst, as you rightly acknowledge. What is clear is that a dearth of attacking options means he is likely to get extended opportunity, most likely in June’s friendly games. He makes intelligent runs, he has power. Steve Clarke pursued him for long enough for us to believe he rates him very highly but June will tell us a lot more.

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Team news: Rangers v Celtic

Rangers: Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Diomande, Raskin; Cerny, Dessers, Bajrami.

Subs: Butland, Cortes, Nsiala, Kasanwirjo, Igamane, Hagi, McCausland, Rice, Danilo.

Celtic: Sinisalo; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Forrest, Idah, Maeda.

Subs: Bain, Trusty, Yang, McCowan, Schlupp, Nawrocki, Kenny, Bernardo, McArdle.

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Ewan Murray

Another via email, this time from Keith Oh: outside of the Old Firm, what are the stories we should be taking notice of in Scottish football?

The fact no club outside the Old Firm teams have won the league for now 40 years! The Scottish Cup final offers typical intrigue but it is very difficult to see Aberdeen upsetting Celtic. Hearts need a new manager. Hibs have enjoyed a terrific turnaround under David Gray. Falkirk’s back-to-back promotions under John McGlynn is worthy of huge praise. Yet the basic reality is that with a one or two - at best - horse title race time and again, competitively Scottish football feels stale.

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Updated at 11.50 CEST

Ewan Murray

First question is via email from John W, who asks: how do Rangers close the gap on Celtic next season and is it bringing back Steven Gerrard?

The Gerrard suggestion will not go away and feels mutually useful. Where else does he get a prominent job? And this is a manager with recent experience of succeeding domestically at Rangers. Supporters would accept him. The gap to Celtic remains a huge one; Celtic’s on and off field position is streets ahead of Rangers. The gap is closed by Rangers spending their money in a smarter manner. An imminent takeover by American investors offers hope but Rangers need to dramatically improve their decision making.

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Ewan Murray will be with us very shortly to answer your Scottish football questions. Fire those over via matchday.live@theguardian.com or comment below the line.

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Ed Aarons was at the Emirates to see an afternoon of frustratation for Mikel Arteta

As his side chased an equaliser in the dying moments, Mikel Arteta stood with his arms folded on the touchline and shook his head in utter disbelief. Only the embrace of Andoni Iraola, his old friend from their days growing up at the local club Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea in San Sebastián, as the final whistle sounded broke the Arsenal manager’s stare as he contemplated another frustrating afternoon that summed up their disappointing Premier League campaign.

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Mikel Arteta is a funny man, but not deliberately. I woke up with a bad feeling in the tummy but that’s completely unrelated to conceding two goals at home against Bournemouth.

“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said post-match. “What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”

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Two entertaining teams with something to play for? I’d have to agree.

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On the point about Chiesa, see 9.20am, there still seems to be some hope he will work out at Anfield…

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Lost in the chat about Harry Kane’s inevitable Bundesliga title was some appreciation for another Premier League legend. Pascal Gross is sorely missed by Brighton fans, largely because he’s no longer creating goals like he did for Serhou Guirassy’s second yesterday. One turn, two defenders out of the game…

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But what would the kit look like?

Imagine the scene: the television is on, the screen showing images of a packed stadium. Rodri collects the ball in midfield and launches it down the wing to Lamine Yamal, who switches play to Kylian Mbappé; the Frenchman swivels past two defenders before crossing for Robert Lewandowski, who surges forward and finishes with precision past Ederson in goal. Europe are leading the Rest of the World 1-0.

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In about an hour’s time Ewan Murray will be doing a Scottish football Q&A, so please fire over your questions via matchday.live@theguardian.com.

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Quoting from Andy Hunter’s piece on Slot’s rotation plans for the rest of the season, this might be an answer…

Perhaps Chiesa could get his long-awaited opportunity in a central striking role? He made a goalscoring impact in that position when introduced against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool will target a new centre-forward this summer and there is uncertainty over the futures of both Núñez and Jota. Chiesa could also decide to leave after only one season unless he is able to provide effective cover in a second forward position.

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This seems like a good jumping off point for a discussion around what happens next for Liverpool after securing the Premier League title. It seems as if Arne Slot wants to rotate his players in the final few games, but should they keep pushing to silence a few detractors? Email in matchday.live@theguardian.com or drop a comment below the line.

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The wait goes on for Harry Kane, who watched from the stands as Bayern conceded very late to draw with RB Leipzig, surely it’s only one more week until the England captain gets his hands on a first major honour

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It has been a frustrating season for City in the WSL, is a remarkable salvage job possible? Let us know your thoughts below the line or via matchday.live@theguardian.com.

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Chelsea wrapped up the WSL title, their sixth in a row, with a 1-0 win at Manchester United on Wednesday. Now United must bounce back to hold off local rivals Manchester City and secure European football next season. Tom Garry previews Sunday’s big WSL clash…

Skinner’s side also have a chance to do something United’s women have never done: complete a league double over City, having won 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium in January, and beat them at Old Trafford for the first time. A victory would mark the women’s team’s greatest Old Trafford moment. United’s record against City, though, leaves a lot to be desired. City have lost only two of 10 WSL Manchester derbies and they have been buoyed by the return in last Sunday’s 1-0 win at Leicester of England’s Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood for their first appearances of 2025.

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Updated at 09.50 CEST

Ahead of a Premier League clash which both Newcastle and Brighton need to win in order to further their European ambitions for next season, Eddie Howe has said that developing Sandro Tonali as a playmaker has been his ‘most important decision’

Joelinton, Guimarães and Tonali have always bonded well off the pitch but, until they swapped stations, it looked as if the latter pair might not be able to play together. Now their on-field chemistry is almost palpable. “The balance of the team is hugely important,” said Newcastle’s manager, whose side have won 20 of their past 26 matches in all competitions. “That helped us find a better balance.”

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Jonathan Wilson’s latest ‘Inside Football’ column is about how Real Madrid’s campaign against officials is tarnishing the club’s image

At the heart of it all, the ageing general in his labyrinth, sits Florentino Pérez, who has been Madrid president for all but three years of this century. He has been wildly successful, with seven Champions League titles and a revenue 25% higher than that of the next wealthiest club in the world and yet he is at war with everybody, a 78-year-old watching the world changing around him, insisting it is all fixed against him.

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Liverpool’s last four games can give Bradley, Endo, Elliott, Quansah and Chiesa the chance to shine in the Reds’ ‘certain rotation’, writes Andy Hunter

The celebrations have not finished yet and will crank back up when Liverpool are presented with and parade the Premier League trophy at the end of the month. However, Arne Slot’s thoughts are already turning towards next season’s title defence. “It’s the end of the season,” he said on Friday, “but we also have to look at this as the start of next season.”

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This morning's headlines

Evanilson crowns Bournemouth’s comeback win at Arsenal

Tielemans keeps Villa racing for Europe as Fulham falter

Hirst and Ipswich spoil Everton’s farewell party

Vardy lifts Leicester and keeps Saints on 11 points

Farke proud of Leeds but more pain for Luton after relegation

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Updated at 09.18 CEST

Preamble

Hello and welcome to live coverage of a Sunday packed with Big Timetm football, follow along for the latest news and previews ahead of today’s action. We get underway with the live action at midday, as Emillia Hawkins brings you a WSL clockwatch for the Manchster derby, which has serious implications for European qualification, with a side serving of Merseyside derby, which is more about civic pride, and runs through until the conclusion of Premier League champions Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea.

On the day of the latest Old Firm meeting in the Scottish Premiership, we also have a Scottish football Q&A with Ewan Murray, a doyen of all things north of the border, at 10.30am. So please come armed with questions for that via matchday.live@theguardian.com or dropping a comment below the line.

Before we get started, these are some of the key matches we’ll be following today.

WSL

Liverpool v Everton (midday)

Manchester United v Manchester City (midday)

Crystal Palace v Leicester City (2pm)

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea (2.15)

West Ham v Aston Villa (3pm)

Premier League

Brentford v Manchester United (2pm)

Brighton v Newcastle (2pm)

West Ham v Tottenham (2pm)

Chelsea v Liverpool (4.30pm)

Scottish Premiership

Rangers v Celtic (midday)

La Liga

Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (1pm)

Serie A

Empoli v Lazio (11.30)

Monza v Atalanta (2pm)

Roma v Fiorentina (5pm)

Bologna v Juventus (7.45pm)

You can peruse a fuller fixture list here.

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