Football news LIVE: Toney in match betting PROBE, Spurs want Gordon, Chelsea face Arsenal in HUGE clash – updates

Zinchenko is back

Oleksandr Zinchenko returns to the starting line-up for Arsenal this afternoon ahead of their clash with Chelsea.

The Gunners starting line-up: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus

Goal of the Day

Footie fans were treated to some stunning strikes in the Premier League yesterday.

Morgan Gibbs-White showed his quality to net his first Nottingham Forest goal yesterday. The 22-year-old danced through the Brentford defence and struck a wonderful effort into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

Equally impressive was Yoane Wissa's chip over Dean Henderson to put Brentford 2-1 up.

Sam Greenwood also got tongues wagging with his brilliant curling effort from the edge of the box to drag Leeds back into the game against Bournemouth yesterday.

But without doubt the goal of the day belonged to Youri Tielemans at Goodison Park. His outrageous, stunning volley left Jordan Pickford with no chance and left Leicester fans in the away end going absolutely crazy.

FA Cup Game Off

We were set to have four more FA Cup First Round ties today after yesterday's incredible drama.

But after heavy rain this morning, Woking v Oxford United has been postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

It means that there are only three games set to take place today: Wrexham v Oldham at 12.30pm, Curzon Ashton v Cambridge United at 2pm and Torquay United v Derby at 3pm.

Kal Him Up

Pep Guardiola believes England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is on course to make the World Cup.

Phillips will make his comeback for Manchester City after a shoulder injury this week.

And City boss Guardiola also gave a positive Qatar update on the fitness of Kyle Walker, with the defender making fast progress from groin surgery.

Guardiola said: “Kalvin is feeling really better. He trained with us yesterday for the second day, full session, full contact and will be involved for the Chelsea game in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

“Maybe on the bench, but he will be there.

"Kyle, too, is feeling much better. He had his surgery after Kalvin so maybe not so far ahead as Kalvin, but he is feeling fine."

Southgate will name his England squad on Thursday.

United defeat still hurts

Aaron Ramsdale has admitted that Arsenal's loss at Manchester United still hurts.

The Gunners have tasted defeat only once this season ahead of this afternoon's game at Stamford Bridge.

But the one major blemish on their record still annoys Arsenal's no.1 keeper.

He said: "Does the United defeat still rankle? A little bit. But it was also a good reset for us. It shows that we're not untouchable, we still have a lot of things to work on.

"It's good every now and then to be reminded of things. Of course, we didn't want to lose and it's definitely a crinkle in the sheets. But it came at a good time for us and was one which we really bounced back from well."

Premier League Preview

There's five games across the Premier League today with some huge ties to be settled.

There were 21 goals in yesterday's five games and expect to see more as Chelsea and Arsenal go head to head at Stamford Bridge at lunchtime. Mikel Arteta's side go back to the top with victory but the Blues can go level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle with a win.

It's not the only London derby today with Crystal Palace travelling to West Ham, while Newcastle look to continue their strong start of the season away at Southampton.

Meanwhile Unai Emery takes his place in the dugout for the first time today as his Aston Villa side look to topple Manchester United, who are unbeaten in nine in all competitions.

And finally Liverpool are looking to revive their top 4 hopes but face a tough test in a huge game at Tottenham.

Arsenal on the Road

The Gunners have had some good away day trips this season ahead of today's tough test at Stamford Bridge.

They began their campaign at Selhurst Park, a ground where they traditionally struggle, but Arsenal emerged with a comfortable win.

They followed that up with victory over Bournemouth before becoming unstuck at Old Trafford for their only defeat of the season.

Arsenal's best away performance was arguably at Brentford in September, but that's been followed up by two shaky away days at Leeds and Southampton, where they emerged with four points from six.

In total Arsenal have 13 points from a possible 18 this season, the best record in the league. At the same stage last season, Mikel Arteta's side only had seven points.

What The Fork?

Thomas Frank accused a Nottingham Forest groundsman of disrupting Brentford's warm-up and injuring his goalkeeping coach during a pre-match bust-up.

The Brentford boss claimed he had evidence of coach Manu Soleto having been left with a mark on his torso following the clash.

An initial investigation by Forest found that Brentford were at fault for breaching a Premier League rule on how long they can spend in the penalty box during the warm-up.

The groundsman, carrying a long fork, moved into the box during a drill to tell the visitors to move on and felt threatened by their response.

Asked if the coach was injured, Frank said: "Yes he got a mark. Something gave him a mark and I have even got a picture.

"I have a bit of a temper so I am not an angel all of the time and I try to be the best version but my goalkeeping coach is the most down to earth guy, there must be something really p****** him off."

Read all the details from the bizarre tale here.

A Lesson in Patience

Graham Potter claims that Mikel Arteta's success at Arsenal shows the benefit of giving managers time.

The Spaniard took over at the Emirates in December 2019 and has come under huge pressure on multiple occasion after downturns in form.

But now his side have won 10 games from 12 and will go back to the top with victory and Potter says even the best managers need time.

Ahead of Chelsea v Arsenal at lunchtime, the Blues boss said: "People think it's just going to happen for you, it's incredible.

"Sir Alex Ferguson took his time if I remember rightly and did quite well.

"Pep Guardiola is a genius and he didn't just walk in and everything is fine. Jurgen Klopp took some time.

"These guys are top, top people but even they don't just walk in, click their fingers and everything's just perfect."

Team Effort

Erik ten Hag said it will be up to the entire team to replace Bruno Fernandes for today’s match at Aston Villa.

The midfielder is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card in his last game.

But ten Hag insists it’s up to the whole team to fill the void rather than one individual player.

He told the club website: “Bruno is so important for us. In every match, he plays really good. I think also yesterday, he was playing from the right, he made an impact there as well.

“You see, for instance, with the goal and also some other actions. As a no.10, he’s playing really good games and we have to replace him, that’s the squad.

“Therefore, you need a squad, it’s not about 11 players, you need a squad to win in a season and now we have to replace him and we will do.”

Capital Gains

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang takes on his former team-mates - just nine months after his acrimonious Arsenal exit.

And oh how the striker will be desperate to get one over on his former employers at Stamford Bridge this lunchtime.

But even the Gabon international would surely admit three points is far more important than adding another to his own personal goal tally to inflict another dent in Arsenal's title ambitions.

For defeat in another league clash against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge would make it three in a row, something not experienced since 1974.

And it would extend the gap between top-of-the-table Arsenal and Chelsea to 13 points after 13 games in a further dent to their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Read SunSport's full preview of Chelsea v Arsenal here.

Good morning football fans

Tottenham are weighing up a January move for Everton winger Anthony Gordon.

Spurs were keen in the summer but the Toffees brushed away their interest — as well as a £40million bid from Chelsea.

Everton boss Frank Lampard is a huge fan of Gordon, 21, who has three goals this season.

And Lamps remains desperate to keep the England Under-21 international at Goodison Park long term.

Yet there are concerns at the club that the summer interest may have proved a distraction.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte is considering testing Everton’s resolve in January and early enquiries have already been made over a move.

Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.

The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.

Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.

Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.

The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.

“The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”

Thomas Frank accused a Nottingham Forest groundsman of disrupting Brentford’s warm-up and injuring his goalkeeping coach during a pre-match bust-up.

The Brentford boss claimed he had evidence of coach Manu Soleto having been left with a mark on his torso following the clash.

An initial investigation by Forest found that Brentford were at fault for breaching a Premier League rule on how long they can spend in the penalty box during the warm-up.

The groundsman moved into the box during a drill to tell the visitors to move on and felt threatened by their response.

Asked if the coach was injured, Frank said: “Yes he got a mark.

“Something gave him a mark and I have even got a picture.

“I have a bit of a temper so I am not an angel all of the time and I try to be the best version but my goalkeeping coach is the most down to earth guy, there must be something really pissing him off.

“I just hope like everyone is looking into it.

“There must be cameras.”

Gordon eyed by Spurs

Tottenham are weighing up a January move for Everton winger Anthony Gordon.

Spurs were keen in the summer but the Toffees brushed away their interest — as well as a £40million bid from Chelsea.

Everton boss Frank Lampard is a huge fan of Gordon, 21, who has three goals this season.

And Lamps remains desperate to keep the England Under-21 international at Goodison Park long term.

Yet there are concerns at the club that the summer interest may have proved a distraction.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte is considering testing Everton’s resolve in January and early enquiries have already been made over a move.

Wan-Bissaka loan

Man Utd will let Aaron Wan-Bissaka go ‘home’ to Crystal Palace if the clubs can agree a loan deal.

Wan-Bissaka is well out of favour under Erik ten Hag — playing just four minutes for the first team as a substitute back in August and only getting a brief look at the bench in recent weeks.

Palace boss Patrick Vieira would take their former defender back but a loan move is the only way he can afford him — and that will take some negotiating.

Wan-Bissaka, 24, needs a fresh start after his Old Trafford move turned into a nightmare.

United paid £45million for the right-back in the summer of 2019.

But their chances of getting decent money from selling are limited because of his fall from grace and the fact he has less than two years left on a five-year deal.

Toney betting probe

Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.

The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.

Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.

Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.

The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.

“The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”

Chelsea tipped to win

Ex-Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf is tipping his former club to beat Arsenal on Sunday.

He told ESPN: “I still believe, individually, Chelsea players are better than Arsenal players. As I said before, I know Arsenal are going to come full of confidence and they are the favourites,

“But it’s so much an important game for Chelsea, I don’t see them missing the point, so it’s why I see them winning 3-2.”

Jumpers for goalposts

A Rotherham fan has gone viral for allowing a player to dry the ball for a thrown-in using his jumper.

The Millers were up against Norwich in the Championship and defender Wes Harding wanted to launch a long throw-in into a crowded penalty area.

The defender wanted to dry the ball for improved grip and was seen wiping it on his shirt before looking around for a towel.

But one fan came to the rescue quickly stripping off and chucking his brown jumper at him.

Harding wiped the ball on his clothes before passing it back with a small smile on his face.

The clip has gone viral on social media amassing over one million views in a matter of hours.

Brentford groundsman scuffle

Thomas Frank accused a Nottingham Forest groundsman of disrupting Brentford's warm-up and injuring his goalkeeping coach during a pre-match bust-up.

The Brentford boss claimed he had evidence of coach Manu Soleto having been left with a mark on his torso following the clash.

An initial investigation by Forest found that Brentford were at fault for breaching a Premier League rule on how long they can spend in the penalty box during the warm-up.

The groundsman moved into the box during a drill to tell the visitors to move on and felt threatened by their response.

Asked if the coach was injured, Frank said: "Yes he got a mark.

"Something gave him a mark and I have even got a picture.

"I have a bit of a temper so I am not an angel all of the time and I try to be the best version but my goalkeeping coach is the most down to earth guy, there must be something really pissing him off.

"I just hope like everyone is looking into it.

"There must be cameras."

Everton 0-2 Leicester

Another brilliant result from Leicester.

The Foxes took the lead through a Youri Tielemans stunner.

Harvey Barnes added gloss to proceedings with the second in the 86th minute.

They are now up to 13th.

Garnacho lifeline

Alejandro Garnacho almost blew his Manchester United career after turning up late for team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour.

The 18-year-old hit the headlines on Thursday with the winner in the Red Devils Europa League victory over Real Sociedad in only his second start for the club.

But after his full debut against FC Sheriff the previous week manager Erik ten Hag referenced problems with the player in pre-season.

And captain on the night Bruno Fernandes did likewise after the game in San Sebastian on Thursday.

They were referring to his behaviour as part of the squad on the summer tour of Bangkok and Australia.

He finally did play in pre-season in the club’s final game before the Premier League season kicked in a match against against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.

His goal against Sociedad on Thursday made him the youngest non-English scorer in Europe for the club.

But after the game Fernandes referenced his attitude on pre-season.

Fernandes said: "He knows we expect a lot from him. He wasn’t at his best at the beginning of the season.

"On the tour he didn't have the best attitude that he should have, but now he's training better and getting his chances. He's deserving of his chances.”

While Garnacho was taken on the tour, he did not play after twice turning up late for team meetings.

Brown Crawley snub

Fans have been left split after Sidemen star Tobi Brown was denied the opportunity to make his pro debut by Crawley Town.

It comes after Tobi, also known as "TBJZL", was given a trial by the League Two club earlier this week with a view to playing in today's FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley.

The YouTube star was offered the opportunity alongside his brothers Manny and Jed Brown.

Tobi and Manny combined for three of the eight goals team Sidemen scored during the Sidemen Charity Match in September, which had a peak viewing audience of 2.5million on YouTube.

Crawley announced their line up ahead of their first round clash with anticipation from many regarding the potential involvement of the Sidemen star.

But with none of the trio given a trial even making the subs bench, fans were left split on the call.

Pep squeek

Pep Guardiola left fans in hysterics with his reaction to Erling Haaland's winner for Manchester City against Fulham.

The Norwegian superstar, 22, scored a stoppage-time penalty to hand the champions a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Cottagers at the Etihad.

And as the Man City players celebrated Haaland's spot kick, the camera cut to Guardiola on the touchline.

The Spaniard, who caught the eye earlier on when he appeared to have a heated exchange with Joao Cancelo following his sending off, could be seen passionately lapping up the jubilant scenes in front of the City supporters.

But he then uncharacteristically looked straight down the barrel of the camera and pumped his fist while holding a water bottle.

Walking onto the pitch after the final whistle, he then pushed the camera away in another comical moment.

Tielemans request

Mikel Arteta has requested Arsenal sign Youri Tielemans in January, according to reports.

And they could try and tempt Leicester to cash in on their £40million Belgian midfielder.

Tielemans, 25, is out of contract at the King Power at the end of the season and has rejected the offer of an extension.

SunSport revealed the Arsenal board will back Arteta in the January transfer window to bolster the squad and continue their surprise title challenge.

And according to Rudy Galetti reporter Manuel Maraia, he is finally going to push for a move for Tielemans.

Full-times

This Saturday's Premier League results as follows:

Leeds 4-3 Bournemouth

Notts Forest 2-2 Brentford

Man City 2-1 Fulham

Wolves 2-3 Brighton

Son's surgery success

Son Heung-Min has been handed a boost for his World Cup dream after undergoing successful eye surgery.

The Tottenham ace underwent a procedure earlier this week in order to stabilise a fracture in his left eye socket that he received during the 2-1 victory over Marseille.

While competing for a header against Chancel Mbemba, Son was outleaped and saw his face brutally clash with the former Newcastle man's shoulder.

He was then forced off amid fears of a concussion, before it was later revealed he would need surgery.

And according to the Telegraph, the South Korean's surgery was a success.

The outlook for him is said to be positive, and he is now expected to be able to play some part in his nation's World Cup campaign.