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Forty-five minutes before Chelsea hosts fifth-bottom Manchester United tonight, Villa hosts fourth-bottom Spurs. Given that Tottenham and United have only 38 and 39 points from their 36 games, respectively, it is likely for the best that the “all-important” 40-point milestone wasn’t required this season.
Before Everton bids Goodison farewell at midday on Saturday, the day is kept clear to guarantee that all eyes are on Wembley. However, it was disclosed this week that it is merely a farewell for the men’s squad. At West Ham, Forest will then attempt to regain their place in the Champions League. And can Newcastle go up to second place, surpassing Arsenal?
Premier League fixtures
Friday
Aston Villa v Tottenham (7.30 pm, all times BST)
Chelsea v Manchester United (8.15 pm)
Sunday
Everton v Southampton (noon)
West Ham v Nottingham Forest (2.15 pm)
Brentford v Fulham (3 pm)
Leicester v Ipswich (3 pm)
Arsenal v Newcastle (4.30 pm)
Monday
Brighton v Liverpool (8 pm)
Tuesday
Crystal Palace v Wolves (8 pm)
Manchester City v Bournemouth (8 pm)
Palace have it all to do at Wembley tomorrow
Despite their recent poor play, which included a 5-2 loss to tomorrow’s rivals, City, they will be feeling more upbeat after their 2-0 victory against Spurs last weekend when they arrive at Wembley.
Ed Aarons has been speaking with Papa Souaré, Alan Smith, and Geoff Thomas, three Palace players from previous finals.
Thomas, who was captain for the thrilling two-game 1990 final, warned him, “Please don’t ask me about our appearance on Sky to sing our version of Glad All Over.” “I recall Gary O’Reilly and John Salako giving it a go! Singing in front of a live TV audience felt awkward.
Chelsea are chasing a domestic clean sweep in the women’s game
It hasn’t been the easiest time or transition back into playing; after being out for so long, other things come up, different little niggles, and it’s hard to pick up form in general, especially in the middle of a season like this year. The Women’s FA Cup finals on Sunday come with Catarina Macario in form and having regained her elusive fitness after her injury-ravaged start to life at the club. Fortunately, I feel like I’ve finally been able to be on the field consistently since January or so, which has been a huge accomplishment.
Infantino prioritised ‘private interests’ on Trump’s tour, UEFA says
Infantino’s Trump trip causes FIFA FA Cup finals walkouts. First, those strange things that happened in Paraguay. After Gianni Infantino arrived hours late for the governing body’s annual conference, delegates, including European members of the Fifa Council and Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin, left. Members chose to depart at the appointed hour, even though the FIFA president apologized repeatedly after his eventual arrival. The president had been traveling with Donald Trump on a tour of Gulf states.
“To have the schedule altered at the last minute for what seems to be merely to accommodate private political interests does the game no service and appears to put its interests second,” read a particularly forceful statement from UEFA.
“From the streets to the podium, we are all here to serve football, and on this particular occasion, UEFA members of the FIFA council felt compelled to emphasize that the game comes first and that we should depart as planned.”
Preamble
It’s all getting started. Will Crystal Palace have better luck against Manchester City tomorrow at Wembley, where they are hoping to win the FA Cup finals for the third time in a row after being defeated by Manchester United in their last two final appearances?
Pep Guardiola’s team may feel a little down after their lackluster league and European campaigns, considering they were last year’s losing finalists.
Sunday is the Women’s FA Cup, where United will play Sonia Bompastor’s undefeated WSL champions Chelsea in an attempt to retain the trophy they won the previous season. This season, the Blues won both of their league games.
FA cup finals expect repercussions before then from the shocking events at yesterday’s Fifa congress in Paraguay, where Gianni Infantino witnessed several delegates revolt when the president of the governing organization arrived hours late after spending time with Donald Trump in the Middle East.
With a lot to gain from the Premier League and League Two playoff games, the weekend begins tonight. The final men’s game at Goodison and Jamie Vardy’s Foxes farewell follow. There will be a lot of news and hype.
Infantino’s Controversial Absence
The FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, was marred by Infantino’s late arrival—over three hours behind schedule—due to his participation in Trump’s tour of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This delay disrupted the event’s schedule and prompted walkouts by several high-ranking officials, including UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FA Chairwoman Debbie Hewitt, who accused Infantino of prioritizing personal political interests over football governance.
UEFA issued a strong statement condemning the delay, criticizing the change in the congress timetable as detrimental to the sport and its governance. Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness expressed disappointment over the lack of professionalism, emphasizing the need for transparent and respectful leadership. The Times
Infantino defended his actions, stating that his visit was necessary to represent football globally, particularly amid preparations for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup. FA Cup finals However, delegates from various regions expressed discontent, suggesting that his actions showed misplaced priorities and damaged his credibility within FIFA’s 211 member associations.
FA Cup Finals: Anticipation Builds
Amidst the administrative turmoil, attention turns to the pitch with the upcoming FA Cup finals. On Saturday, Infantino’s Trump trip causes FIFA walkouts. Crystal Palace will face Manchester City in the men’s final at Wembley Stadium, with Palace aiming for their first-ever FA Cup victory. Sunday will feature the women’s final between Chelsea and Manchester United, where Chelsea seeks to complete a domestic treble.
Crystal Palace’s journey to the final included a commanding 3–0 victory over Aston Villa in the semi-finals, while Manchester City secured their spot with a 2–0 win against Nottingham Forest. The women’s final promises excitement as well, with pre-match entertainment headlined by pop superstar Olly Murs, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
Looking Ahead
As the football world grapples with leadership controversies, the upcoming FA Cup finals offer a welcome respite, showcasing the sport’s enduring appeal and the passion of its supporters. However, the events surrounding Infantino’s trip underscore the need for accountability and a renewed focus on the sport’s integrity at the highest levels of governance.
