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South Wales Argus
13 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Lescott backing Manchester City to win the Premier League title
The 42-year-old backed his former club to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League and Champions League campaign under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, suggesting they would have benefitted from the mental break last season provided. Guardiola has been active in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Sverre Nypan Manchester City won an unprecedented four Premier League titles in a row between 2021 and 2024 but were unable to sustain that as they finished trophyless in 2025. The former Manchester City star was in attendance for the launch of the Topps Premier League 2026 collection at the Fanatics flagship London store on Regent Street on Thursday. (Image: Topps) Lescott, however, places them right back among the top pack as they head into a new season. 'Regardless of how last season panned out, they are definitely going to be one of the favourites. It's Pep Guardiola, it's Man City with some of the world's best players,' he said. 'It would be foolish to not see them as favourites in every competition they're enter. 'That doesn't mean they're going to win everything, but they're definitely one of the favourites.' City finished 13 points behind champions Liverpool in third place last season but Lescott put their drop off down to a fatigue from winning. 'It was obviously an unprecedented season for them last year, but they've achieved something no one in the history of English football has achieved so it's always going to take its toll,' he explained. 'It did that last year. Not only a physical toll, but a mental toll to stay focussed for that long and to have to win games for that period of time. 'When they recognised that they weren't going to win the title, whether it was subconsciously or not, they were able to switch off a little bit. 'Physically the demand was still there but hopefully they've had a break mentally, not to have to go out there and concentrate points wise, hopefully that now means they'll come back ready to go.' Lescott was speaking at the new Topps Premier League 2026 trading card launch in London, which features players from all 20 clubs in the league in their 2025/26 kits at the Fanatics flagship store on Thursday. He was joined by other legends such as Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand to celebrate the new stand-alone range that features legends and current stars, with an extensive parallel programme and more autographs than ever before. The showcase of Premier League talent among the collectibles also gave Lescott reason to be excited about his former club as he enthused over City's signing of 21-year-old Cherki. 'He's very exciting, for the Premier League as well. He plays with a lot of flair, a lot of quality. I'm anticipating a good start for him and a good season,' he said. 'But again, we can't get carried away and make judgements too soon, whether it's good or bad, there needs to be a bedding-in period.' And despite the excitement, Lescott also issued caution about expectations on the youngster who joined from Lyon this summer. 'It's a big change for him, coming from the French league, it's going to be a different demand, physically, mentally, and also a tension. I think we only see foreign players in different leagues when they do well. 'Now we see him in the tough times and the scrutiny comes when you're not doing so well. So it's how they manage those periods and understand that people are going to be watching every game, every moment.' Marking the launch of the Topps Premier League 2025-26 collection were football icons Alan Shearer, Steven Gerrard, and Rio Ferdinand, joined by Jermaine Defoe, Joleon Lescott, Theo Walcott and Tosin Adarabioyo, alongside Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin in a star-studded celebration.
Metro
13 minutes ago
- Metro
Jamie Carragher says Chelsea transfer decision will cost them shot at title
Jamie Carragher says Chelsea will never win the Premier League until they sign a new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez. A number of pundits have named Chelsea as dark horses to win the title next season after the Blues' encouraging form over the past six months. Chelsea qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the season while winning the Conference League. During the off-season, Chelsea won the controversial Club World Cup. The big-spending west Londoners have bolstered Enzo Maresca's squad this summer with a number of new signings, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato. Chelsea look set to complete more business before the transfer deadline as they pursue RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it's an open goal. Carragher doubts Chelsea's heavy spending will result in a Premier League trophy until they sign a new goalkeeper to replace error-prone Sanchez. Chelsea were in talks to sign France No. 1 Mike Maignan earlier in the summer but talks with AC Milan broke down. Speaking on The Overlap, ex-Liverpool and England defender Carragher said: 'Man United started winning league titles after they signed Peter Schmeichel. 'I think of Everton as a kid and Neville Southall. Man City changed the keeper and started winning the league. We brought in Alisson and started winning the league. Chelsea started winning the league when they signed Petr Cech. 'That's why Chelsea can't win the league. No matter what Chelsea do or how much they spend, they can't win the league because they haven't got a goalkeeper to win the league.' Discussing the importance of goalkeepers, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes added: 'I don't think enough is mentioned about goalkeepers. 'Look at the best team last year, they had the best goalkeeper in the world. Ederson worries me for Man City and I'm not sure James Trafford is the answer. 'Ball-playing is a big part of it these days but I think it's still secondary, you still need to be a presence in the goal. 'I look at Alisson and I'm not sure how to score past him, I don't think that with any other goalkeeper in the Premier League.' Jamie Gittens – £48m from Borussia Dortmund Joao Pedro – £55m from Brighton Liam Delap – £30m from Ipswich Town Mamadou Sarr – £12m from Lyon Dario Essugo – £18m from Sporting CP Estevao Willian – £29m from Palmeiras Kendry Paez – £17m from Independiente del Valle Jorrol Hato – £37m from Ajax While questioning Chelsea's No. 1, Carragher also raised doubts over the club's summer signings. 'When I look at Chelsea, I think about what you did in the Club World Cup – everyone wanted to win it,' he said. 'Real Madrid really wanted to win, PSG did, and so did Manchester City, all those that we class as the best teams. 'So I do think it's a big thing and it will help build a connection between Enzo Maresca and the supporters, which wasn't really there last season. More Trending 'I'm not sure it'll push Chelsea any closer to the title though. When Chelsea do business, over the last couple of years, it feels like a lot of players are changing without anyone really lifting the level. 'I know Cole Palmer has been amazing, but all your wingers feel the same. 'A perfect example is [Jamie] Gittens coming in and Madueke leaving – there is no elevation, and I see that with a lot of positions at Chelsea.' Chelsea play pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan this weekend before the Premier League starts next weekend. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Chelsea told to sign 'brilliant' £40m star after Levi Colwill injury blow MORE: Paul Scholes tells Manchester United star to change his position MORE: Manchester United approve deal for Rasmus Hojlund transfer
-Kyogo-Furuhashi-(left)-and-George-Hall-after-the-pre-season.jpeg%3Ftrim%3D1%2C0%2C1%2C0%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
13 minutes ago
- The Independent
Is Birmingham City v Ipswich Town on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Championship opener tonight
Ipswich Town travel to Birmingham City in the Championship opener tonight as both sides compete for promotion to the Premier League this season. Kieran McKenna 's side are the favourites to win the Championship and go straight back up after suffering relegation last term. But Blues, with Tom Brady part of the ownership group, are tipped by many to go up after promotion from League 1, with their new documentary 'Built in Birmingham' detailing their ambitious project. Both sides should reveal their promotion credentials early in what promises to be a lively atmosphere at St Andrew's, with the likes of Southampton, Sheffield United, Coventry, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Norwich and newcomers Wrexham all competing to go up this term. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the match. When is Birmingham City v Ipswich Town? The match will take place on Friday, 8 August at St. Andrew's in Birmingham, with kick-off set for 8pm BST. How can I watch it? The match will be shown on Sky Sports Football in the UK, with coverage starting at 7pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via Now TV or the Sky Go app on mobile devices. Team news Scott Wright is out for Blues, while Kanya Fujimoto is still nursing a knee problem and Tyler Roberts is another doubt. Summer signings Bright Osayi-Samuel, Phil Neumann, Tommy Doyle and Demarai Gray could all start. Town will be without Conor Townsend after a crushing blow, with the left-back sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the friendly against Auxerre. Harry Clarke and Wes Burns are also out. Leif Davis and Jaden Philogene are 'struggling,' and Omari Hutchinson is also doubtful with a knock, though McKenna remains'hopeful' after 'a medical issue in the last two days' meant the winger 'hasn't been with the group'. Ipswich Town potential XI: Palmer; Johnson, O'Shea, Greaves, Young; Matusiwa, Taylor; Philogene, Szmodics, Clarke; Hirst Odds Birmingham 7/5 Draw 23/10 Ipswich 19/10
