Amorim Faces Pivotal Clash, English Top Flight Lead-Up and More

Paris FC are doing quite impressively in Ligue 1. The newcomers on the block in the highest division of French football defeated their opponents 2-0 last night… they might not yet be ready to compete with their high-profile neighbors, but they’re likely avoid relegation – as three wins from their initial seven matches after being promoted indicates.

Across European leagues yesterday there were narrow away victories for the Italian side at Verona and the German club at Hoffenheim. Osasuna secured a late 2-1 victory over their rivals in Spain's premier division.

I found particularly engaging this piece from a noted journalist, who raises an intriguing question: how much is truly known about Florian Wirtz. The eighth highest-priced footballer of all time has got off to an unimpressive start at the Merseyside club but should we be surprised considering his massive transfer fee?

It's important to consider the major games outside the English league today. Manchester City v Arsenal at noon (BST) takes centre stage in the WSL; neither side has been at their best since the season started and that appears a difficult match to call. Hearts v Hibernian is consistently significant in Scottish football but today’s Edinburgh derby (5.45pm) takes on increased significance since that the home side are top of the Scottish top flight. The Glasgow giants don’t play until tomorrow.

Over in Spain, Los Blancos host the Yellow Submarine at 8pm with early campaign leaders Barcelona taking on Sevilla tomorrow. Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig and Frankfurt against Bayern are key encounters in the German league. Serie A’s headline fixture arrives tomorrow evening with the massive showdown between the Old Lady and AC Milan at one of the continent's numerous Allianz Stadiums.

Supporters of Hearts, get in touch: you could see your side go five points clear at the summit with victory today!

A morning message has landed in my inbox via Krishnamoorthy:

“Hello Dominic. Has Pope Leo communicated with Amorim? Do we expect a competitive performance or another shoddy performance?

“That leads me to ask – who will be dismissed first Ange or Ruben?”

I would have thought Postecoglou will get some time to bed in his ideas at Nottingham Forest, whereas defeat to the Black Cats today could spell serious trouble for the manager.

Last night wasn't only about the Bournemouth forward scoring twice to boost all FPL teams (except my own). The ‘Hollywood derby’ in the Championship ended 1-1 between the Welsh side and Birmingham while in-form Manchester United halted Chelsea’s 100% start to the Women’s Super League season as they tied 1-1 at Leigh. Marc Skinner’s side are now just two points off the WSL summit having started the season strongly.

The Cottagers will be questioning what on earth happened to them at the Bournemouth's ground yesterday. When Ryan Sessegnon fired them into the lead a fifth of the game from time, Marco Silva’s team were in a commanding spot, only to be beaten by a late Bournemouth onslaught, which featured Semenyo’s double and a Justin Kluivert scorcher from 25 yards.

The Crystal Palace striker has described his maiden selection to the French national team as “a dream come true” after the Palace striker was selected by Didier Deschamps for the qualifying matches against their opponents and the Nordic side.

The 28-year-old was one of the French overage players at the previous Olympic Games and netted a handful of strikes as Thierry Henry’s team won a silver medal. Mateta, who featured the opening period of Palace’s win over the Ukrainian side on Thursday night in Poland, has also represented The French team at multiple youth levels.

He disclosed that he had viewed the squad announcement with his compatriot Maxence Lacroix’s in his accommodation in Lublin after the Palace defender had a feeling that the ex-Ligue 1 player's time had come.

“I feel extremely pleased; it feels like a fantasy realized,” said the striker. “I wish to remain a long time with the national side and help them to win. I saw it on television. Lacroix remarked: ‘Today you'll be selected.’ He came to my room and we viewed simultaneously the list. The coach was speaking and he uttered the player's name. He consistently advised me to put in effort and you will get your call. I kept working hard and I received my call.”

Inquired whether experiencing national team duty could benefit his performance at his club, he said: “If I play, I anticipate to contribute to the team with the national side to triumph. Of course, I will come back self-assured. I always have confidence. I think it'll provide me additional assurance.”

Hello all! The Premier League schedule never stops and the Cherries' stylish win over their London rivals yesterday got another weekend with a riproaring start. The forward, eh… an exceptional talent.

Anyway, we’re building up to Saturday’s fixtures, as usual, on the live blog, the countdown/news/interactive sports coverage where we invite you to get in touch with your thoughts, comments, forecasts and any other you're anticipating for this soccer weekend.

In terms of matches, Leeds v Tottenham is the first Premier League game, plus several fixtures in the second division, while Arsenal v West Ham and Manchester United v Sunderland are the afternoon games. Can Nuno Espírito Santo revive the London club at the their stadium? And will there be further difficulties for the manager against the high-flying Sunderland? The late fixture of Chelsea v Liverpool should be equally intriguing, with Arne Slot hoping to avoid a third successive loss and the Blues' manager looking to avoid a third successive Premier League setback. Thus, there's current performance.

As our writers dropping in insights and updates from various locations, there's plenty to stay tuned for. Let's begin…