Sport
Jamie Carragher Tips Chelsea to Finish Above Manchester City This Season
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has boldly predicted that Chelsea will finish ahead of defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea’s impressive campaign continued with a dominant 5-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday night, further solidifying their status as genuine title contenders.
Enzo Maresca’s team now occupies second place on the league table after 14 matches, justifying the growing belief that they are serious challengers.
The Blues have been in scintillating form, losing only twice in the league so far and boasting an impressive tally of 31 goals—more than any other team in the division.
Their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity have turned them into a formidable force under Maresca’s management.
Speaking on The Overlap watchalong, Carragher expressed his confidence in Chelsea’s ability to outperform Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season.
He said, “I’m telling you, Chelsea are going to finish above Man City. They’re winning games with ease.
Look at the way they played against Arsenal and Liverpool—it was outstanding.”
The former Liverpool defender went on to analyze Chelsea’s strengths and how they compare to other top teams.
“As a Liverpool fan, I’m more worried about Arsenal than Chelsea,” he admitted.
“Arsenal has a more machine-like consistency. But Chelsea’s performances this season have been exceptional.”
Barcelona is reportedly weighing up the possibility of cutting short Marcus Rashford’s loan spell just weeks after bringing him in from Manchester United, according to El Nacional.
Rashford, who made the switch to Spain in July after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has found life at Camp Nou difficult to adapt to. The England international had already been sidelined from first-team training at United alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia before sealing the move.
However, his early days in LaLiga have not gone as hoped. Barca chiefs are said to be unimpressed with his form and are now considering sending him back to Manchester. Rashford has featured in their opening three league matches but was hauled off at halftime in the clash against Levante, where Barcelona trailed 2-0 before pulling off a stunning 3-2 comeback.
Rashford was expected to inject fresh energy into Barcelona’s attack, but the pressure is already mounting as the club questions whether the loan was the right call.
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has made a bold call ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, leaving out skipper William Troost-Ekong from the starting lineup.
Youngster Benjamin Fredericks will line up alongside Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi taking up the full-back positions.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is set to wear the armband and anchor the team, working alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Up front, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, flanked by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman on the wings. The clash started at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo by 5:00 pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, calling him the best player in Africa as the team prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo. Chelle defended his decision to bring Lookman into the squad despite his lack of recent game time, stressing that the Atalanta star’s quality and influence cannot be overlooked.
“Talking about Lookman, honestly, how do you make a squad list without the best player in Africa?” Chelle told reporters at his pre-match briefing. “It’s my responsibility to decide how much he can play, whether it’s five minutes or sixty. But leaving him out isn’t an option. I have full confidence in him.”
Lookman, who was crowned African Footballer of the Year and came close to a move to Inter Milan during the summer, has not featured for club or country since May 25. He had been working on his own fitness before linking up with the Super Eagles in camp. Nigeria will be counting on his spark and experience as they face Rwanda in a match that could decide their World Cup hopes.
