Liam Lindsay scored a crucial late goal for Preston North End against Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers, propelling them to fourth place in the Championship. The defender found the back of the net after connecting with Ben Whiteman’s cross, ending Preston’s streak of three consecutive away defeats.

GoaL! | Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Preston | Liam Lindsay pic.twitter.com/FxJAMhntzq

— FootColic ?? (@FootColic) November 10, 2023

Sammie Szmodics had previously become the first Championship player this season to reach double figures with his 10th goal, which canceled out an impressive strike from Alan Browne that had given Preston a first-half lead.

Despite Blackburn hitting the crossbar twice in the first half, Preston remained a constant threat on the counter-attack and even struck the post themselves before Lindsay’s late header secured the win for the Lilywhites.

Unfortunately for Blackburn, their tendency to concede late goals continued as the clock ran down, with Whiteman delivering the decisive cross for Lindsay’s header. This marked the 11th time this season that Rovers had conceded in the final quarter of an hour.

After the game, Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson reflected on his team’s performance on BBC Radio Lancashire:

“We’re extremely disappointed to lose the game. I don’t think we deserved to lose the game, if you look at our overall performance.

 

“We were the better team and created more chances than the opponent. We were probably lacking clear chances in the final third and runs in behind – when we did that, we created chances immediately.

 

“We should have done that better in the first half, but we still hit the bar twice in that first half.”

This result now leaves Blackburn Rovers four points adrift of West Bromwich Albion, who enter the weekend sitting in sixth place.

Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe reacted to his side’s last gasp victory in the Lancashire derby:

“Credit goes to the players, the staff and the fans. We are trying to bring the good times back. We are not one of the big hitters. We have to do it wisely. When you have got that fanbase, it is really pleasing to see. My celebration at the end, that is relief from me,” he said live on Sky Sports.

The post Preston North End claim bragging rights against Blackburn Rovers after last minute winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea have doubled their lead against Blackburn during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup Fourth Round tie at Stamford Bridge.

Coming into tonight’s game off the back of a crushing Premier League defeat against Brentford, Chelsea would have known they had to bounce back with a win against Championship-level opposition.

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And so far, so good for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Beniot Badashile gave the home team the lead before Raheem Sterling scored an excellent second-half strike.

??| GOAL: Great goal from Sterling.

Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

pic.twitter.com/EuJ8UsxXEq

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 1, 2023

Pictures courtesy of BeIN Sports.

The post Chelsea 2 – 0 Blackburn: Raheem Sterling doubles Blues’ lead (video) appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea have taken a first-half lead against Blackburn during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup Fourth Round tie at Stamford Bridge.

Eager to secure his team’s place in the competition’s quarter-finals, Mauricio Pochettino would have been demanding to see an improved performance against tonight’s Championship-level opposition.

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And after opening the scoring after just 30 minutes thanks to a calmy placed volley by defender Benoit Badiashile, the Blues have taken a huge step toward progressing beyond tonight’s round.

Pictures courtesy of Carabao Cup.

??| GOAL: Badiashile scores for Chelsea.

Chelsea 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

pic.twitter.com/DtafQNe1f9

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 1, 2023

Pictures courtesy of BeIN Sports.

The post Chelsea 1 – 0 Blackburn: Benoit Badiashile opens scoring for Blues (video) appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Reece James is going to start during Wednesday night’s Fourth Round Carabao Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers.

James, 23, has struggled with injuries this season, and after picking up another hamstring injury, has already missed 10 competitive games.

However, now back to full fitness and eager to return to playing duties, as well as reclaim the side’s armband, the 23-year-old is in line to start later tonight against Championship opposition Blackburn.

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“I can confirm that he is going to start,” the Argentine told the press ahead of Wednesday’s cup game.

“I am going to confirm only one player [will start], but yes, the captain is ready.”

? "I can confirm that he is going to start."

Mauricio Pochettino discusses rotation ahead of Reece James' return against Blackburn in the EFL Cup ??pic.twitter.com/qkYHW9tuud

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 1, 2023

Tonight’s match at Stamford Bridge is scheduled to kick off at 7.45 p.m. (UK time) but the tie will not be broadcast live on television.

The post (Video) Mauricio Pochettino confirms Reece James will start against Blackburn appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea take on Blackburn in the Carabao Cup (Round of 16) on Wednesday, 1st of November, at Stamford Bridge, at 19:45 PM (GMT).

The last time these sides faced, Chelsea beat Blackburn 2-1 back in 2012. Goals from John Terry and Raul Meireles for Chelsea, and a goal from Yakubu for Blackburn.

Chelsea won their last Carabao Cup game, beating Brighton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to progress to the next round. The only goal being scored by Nicolas Jackson in the 50th minute to secure the victory.

Blackburn beat Cardiff City 5-2 to progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup. Goals coming from Jake Garrett, Arnor Sigurdsson, Andrew Moran (x2) and Dilan Markanday for Blackburn, and goals from Callum Robinson and Kion Etete for Cardiff.

How to watch Chelsea vs Blackburn

• Date: Wednesday, November 1st, 2023
• Kickoff: 19:45 PM (GMT)
• TV Network: Not broadcast in UK
• Venue: Stamford Bridge

Team News:

Chelsea will remain without the likes of Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka through injury, whilst Benoit Badiashile could return for his first start since his injury.

Predicted XI:

Chelsea: Sanchez, Cucurella, Badiashile, Disasi, Gusto, Ugochukwu, Fernandez, Gallagher, Mudryk, Madueke, Jackson.

Blackburn: Wahlstedt, Pickering, Wharton, Carter, Hill, Tronstad, Sigurdsson, Szmodics, Rankin-Costello, Brittain, Dolan.

The post Chelsea team news vs Blackburn appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Blackburn (14th in the Championship) take on Leicester (1st in the Championship) on Sunday October 1st, at Ewood Park, at 12:00 PM (BST).

The last time the two sides faced, Blackburn managed to beat Leicester 2-1, knocking them out of the FA cup in February this year.

Blackburn lost their last Championship game, losing 4-3 to Ipswich in a seven goal thriller. Goals from Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead, George Hirst and Massimo Luongo for Ipswich, and goals from Arnor Sigurdsson, Sammie Szmodics and a Harry Clarke own goal for Blackburn.

Leicester won in their last Championship outing, beating Bristol City 1-0. The only goal of the game being scored by Jamie Vardy from the penalty spot in the 67th minute to secure the win.

How to watch Blackburn vs Leicester

• Date: Sunday, October 1st, 2023
• Kickoff: 12:00 PM (BST)
• TV Channel: Sky Sports
• Venue: Ewood Park

Team News:

Blackburn are only without the one player, Ryan Hedges who suffered a hamstring injury against Ipswich in their last Championship fixture. The rest of the squad seems to be fit and available for Sunday’s clash.

Leicester will be without Callum Doyle through injury, however apart from Doyle, they also have a fully fit squad available for Sunday’s fixture against Blackburn.

Predicted XI:

Blackburn: Pears, Pickering, Hyam, Carter, Brittain, Wharton, Travis, Sigurdsson, Szmodics, Moran, Leonard.

Leicester: Hermansen, Justin, Vestergaard, Faes, Pereira, Dewsbury-Hall, Winks, Ndidi, Mavididi, Vardy, McAteer.

The post Blackburn vs Leicester team news appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup fixtures had concluded, the draw was made for the Third Round, where the Premier League’s ‘big boys’ are also in the hat.

Holders, Man United, were drawn at home to Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace in a tie that the south Londoners will believe they can win, whilst last season’s runners-up, Newcastle, play the tie of the round at home to Man City.

Other fixtures to keep an eye on are Burnley’s trip to Salford City, Chelsea’s hosting of Brighton and Hove Albion and the lowest ranked team left in the competition – Sutton United – travelling to Port Vale.

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There’s something in the draw for everyone, and it’s entirely possible that there’ll be an upset or two from the 16 fixtures listed below, ties to be played w/c September 25.

Carabao Cup Third Round Draw

Ipswich Town v Wolves

Exeter v Luton Town

Aston Villa v Everton

Brentford v Arsenal

Chelsea v Brighton

Salford City v Burnley

Fulham v Norwich City

Blackburn Rovers v Cardiff City

Liverpool v Leicester City

Newcastle United v Man City

Mansfield v Peterborough United

The post Carabao Cup Third Round draw: Newcastle v Man City the pic of the ties appeared first on CaughtOffside.

There are several English clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton who could move to the Championship on loan for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, making 40 Championship appearances before picking up a foot injury in April. The Reds star recently returned to full training following surgery on that foot issue that cut short his 2022/23 season.

This is Anfield are now reporting that several clubs have already enquired about taking Morton on loan for the rest of the season and the Merseyside club are ready to sanction a deal as they chase another midfielder in the transfer market.

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Morton is a Liverpool academy graduate and his move to Blackburn was the only moment he has spent time away from the Merseyside club – a stint in which he impressed.

Another loan move would help the 20-year-old develop further as game time will be hard to come by at Anfield for the rest of the campaign.

Morton has made nine senior appearances for Liverpool, two of which came in the Premier League. His last outing in the English top-flight came in December 2021 as Jurgen Klopp threw him in to start in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the midst of a midfield injury crisis.

The post Several English clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder and Klopp is ready to sanction a move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Turkish teenager Arda Guler has been the talk of Europe for several weeks, with a number of clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old. In the last week, it became a political battle between the big two in Spain.

Late last Thursday night Barcelona President Joan Laporta said they were confident of signing one of the best creative talents in Europe, and were very much the favourites come Monday morning. But if there is one thing Real Madrid, and particularly Florentino Perez enjoy just as much as beating Barcelona on the pitch, it’s outdoing them off it.

Perez supposedly called Guler in order to convince him, and it is little wonder he was keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The deal Real Madrid are reportedly offering him could go over €50m, without including his salary, despite the fact his release clause is only €17.5m. Perez was reportedly furious when Barcelona beat Los Blancos to Neymar Junior’s signature over a decade ago, and since they have won the race for Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Endrick Felipe – Guler is set to be the latest.

Meanwhile Fede Valverde looked like he was set to watch Guler from the stands at the start of the season – and that may well still be the case, if his suspension holds. However he will not face legal action for allegedly punching Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena after a match in April. The case was dropped at Baena’s recollection of the events didn’t add up.

Otherwise Villarreal have been winning. Pau Torres and Nicolas Jackson look set to bring in at least €70m in from their moves, while they have already made five signings for €2.5m, all of which look like smart additions – the latest is Ben Brereton Diaz.

Atletico Madrid are set to sign Cesar Azpilicueta on a permanent deal, after announcing Caglar Soyuncu on Wednesday, while Barcelona also confirmed the signing of Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez on a free. Barcelona aren’t done there, at least if Xavi Hernandez has his way, he has demanded more business from the club before the window shuts.

Image via OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

The post Inside Spain: Real Madrid and Barcelona go to battle over starlet, Fede Valverde doesn’t go to court appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday’s Daily Briefing – thanks for reading and click here to subscribe for this and more exclusive content straight to your inbox!

Arsenal

Bayer Leverkusen are set to renew their interest in Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer (Mirror)

Aston Villa

Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi could leave Marseille in the summer, it’s concrete possibility as he’s attracting interest in Premier League.

Aston Villa have been tracking him for a long time — there are also other clubs keen on signing Guendouzi.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone on his future: “I have another year of contract with Atletico Madrid — we’ll see what will happens. There are always incentives because in a club like this, new players, change the system and more.”

Barcelona

Barcelona want Lionel Messi and they are trying to make it work with Financial Fair Play. The main way to do this will be to reduce the salaries of stars like Sergio Busquets, but they could also sell players like Raphinha. None of this will be easy, but they are working on it, they are talking to La Liga, and Messi’s situation is open. Al-Hilal’s offer is also there, and there’s also interest from Inter Miami in the MLS, but Messi’s priority remains European football.

Xavi is happy with Raphinha, but Barca feel there is an opportunity to make big money from his sale. There is nothing concrete on his future, and it will depend on Messi, but there has been long-term interest from Chelsea and Newcastle, so it’s an option for the club to consider.

Fabricio Diaz on potential Barca move: “It’s a dream that a top club as big as Barcelona is eyeing me, it’s fantastic. I am calm, my agent will find the best option for me.”

Bayern Munich

Noussair Mazraoui: “If you look at the whole second half of the season, I’m playing in the team because of injuries. I’m telling everyone at the club, including the coaches: when I’m needed, I’m ready.”

The former Ajax right-back wants to play more after a difficult season at Bayern, a decision on his future will be made soon.

Blackburn Rovers

Ben Brereton Diaz has just confirmed his plan to leave Blackburn on free transfer: “I won’t continue here next year.”

The Chile international is joining Villarreal on four year deal as free agent.

Chelsea

Chelsea could use Napoli’s interest in Christian Pulisic to their advantage as they target a move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen (Mail)

Leeds United

Joel Robles future will be decided at the end of the season — he’s expected to play the final games of the season after his good performance vs Man City. Robles’ contract expires in June, more than two European clubs are informed on the situation also waiting on Leeds.

More Stories / Latest News

Opinion: Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale needs to give Arteta a taste of his own medicine

Nov 24 2023, 9:20

“Can’t say no to you” – Former Man City star unveils what Guardiola said to him before leaving

Nov 24 2023, 9:11

Man United scouting 23-year-old with Barcelona past ahead of transfer window

Nov 24 2023, 8:53

Liverpool

Arthur has confirmed that he will be leaving Liverpool when his loan comes to an end: “I’m ready for a new challenge. I hope to say goodbye to Liverpool by playing some minutes. I want to say thanks to fans, club and Klopp who always treated me well. I feel very good now. La Liga could be an option for me now.”

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola on Ilkay Gundogan: “He’s so smart, so clever, so competitive. Trust me, he’s one of the best players I ever trained in my career as a whole package. He’s top class.”

Gundogan, out of contract this summer, will decide his future in the next weeks; as Barca want him but City will insist on keeping him too.

The post Transfer news: Lionel Messi future impacts Chelsea target, doubts over Arsenal & Man City stars + more appeared first on CaughtOffside.